WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 45: A Night of Forever Love

   Daotok

   The last image I remember is his arms wrapped around me, the sweet taste of his kiss, the touch full of love, and the warmth of our bodies, before I lost consciousness from exhaustion.

I opened my eyes in the familiar embrace, him already awake, holding me. The first sensation after moving my body was a sharp pain running throughout, especially in my hips, spreading to my lower back.

“How do you feel?” the person in front of me asked gently, brushing the hair from my face.

“…It hurts.”

“Well, after last night.”

“Uh.”

I answered softly, finding myself wearing only a large white shirt. He must have cleaned me up last night. The dirty bed sheet had been changed too.

“What time is it?”

“Afternoon.” His answer made me raise my eyebrows; did I sleep that long…Hmm, but thinking about last night, it wasn’t surprising, and remembering the events, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, inadvertently bowing my head in bashfulness.

…It was such a good first time that I couldn’t even describe it.

   I could only say that I was very happy it was with him and glad to have given everything to him.

   “What’s wrong, why are you bowing your head?”

“…Last night, …was it okay?” I asked in a whisper, embarrassed, wanting to know if the sex had satisfied him.    “If I said it wasn’t okay, huh?”

“I…I’ll do better next time.”

I heard him chuckle a bit, mood light, hugging me tighter before pressing his lips firmly against mine, lingering for a moment before pulling away.

“It was great, I was so happy, so happy I didn’t know what to do with it.” His eyes shone brightly with a beautiful smile. I smiled back and raised my hand to stroke his cheek.

“I was very happy too.”

“You’re so adorable it’s unbelievable, how am I so lucky?” He murmured as if talking to himself, taking my hand from his cheek and kissing it. “Want to shower?”

“…I don’t think I can stand up.”

“Let’s shower together then.”

“No. Not that.”

“Why?”

“…” I didn’t answer immediately because I didn’t know how to say it. If we showered together and he got aroused again, in my current state, I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“I won’t do anything, let’s rest first.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, then let’s go take a shower.”

“Sure.” He answered cheerfully, lifting me up and walking into the bathroom, setting me down on the counter next to the sink. Arthit was shirtless, only in pants, which brought back memories from last night. I inadvertently bit my lip; he turned to grab a toothbrush, squeezed toothpaste onto it, and filled a glass with water for me. I looked at him, puzzled, for a moment before I understood, rinsed my mouth, spat into the sink, and took the toothbrush.

“…” I looked at him, confused again when he didn’t hand me the toothbrush.

“Open your mouth.”

“I can brush my teeth myself.”

“Open your mouth, quick.”

I opened my mouth as Arthit instructed, letting him brush my teeth for me. It was the first time someone had done something like this for me, feeling strange and embarrassingly delightful.

“Uh!” I let out a small sound.

“Sorry, did I poke your gums?”

“Yeah.”

Although he seemed a bit awkward, he was very attentive. Once done, I rinsed again before he took off my oversized shirt. I raised my arms, doing my duty; as soon as I was completely naked, his eyes began to roam over me, making me try to cover up with my hands and legs, but I couldn’t move much due to back pain.

Looking down, I saw that my chest was covered in red kiss marks.

“What are you doing?” I asked, startled when he suddenly spread my legs.

“Cleaning off the medicine.”

“Medicine?”

“Yeah, you bled last night, so I put medicine on it. But before you soak in water, we need to clean off the remaining medicine.”

I didn’t respond because I was speechless. I wasn’t sure whether to be shocked by the mention of bleeding or by him about to clean the medicine off. Before I knew it, he was using a damp cloth to wipe the area behind. I raised my hand to cover my face to escape the embarrassment; as soon as the cool cloth touched me, I flinched, but he continued wiping for a bit before stopping. I lowered my hand from my face, taking a deep breath to compose myself.

He quickly took off his pants, his large erection standing up just like last night, making me turn away instinctively, my face heating up and my heart beating faster without control.

He reached out to scoop me up again before we both got into the bath that had just been filled halfway with warm water still flowing in. I leaned back against his strong chest, the tub was wide enough for both of us to be comfortable.

“This way, you could call yourself my wife.”

“…Huh, really?”

“Yeah, wife.”

“Hmm?”

“Say you accept it.”

“Why…wouldn’t I accept it? So last night was just a one-night stand then?”

“Cruel, you’d sleep with me and then leave?”

“If I said it was like that, really, then I’d be very cruel.” I turned to squint at him; he was smiling cheerfully, his arms loosely wrapped around my waist.

“Oh, then I’ll make it so you can’t get enough of me.”    I didn’t respond, just playfully pinched his arm.

“Don’t do this with anyone else, okay?”

“Huh? You think I would do this with someone else?”

“I’m just saying, no cheating because if you do, I really won’t stand for it.”    “Ever since I first liked you, I haven’t been with anyone else.” His voice came from beside my ear, his chin resting on my shoulder in a coaxing manner, “I love you so much I can’t even think straight, why would I have anyone else? I can’t even get hard watching porn anymore.”

“…”

“Why the pinch?” He complained after I pinched him harder.

“Because you’re being annoying.”

“Well, it’s true, but sometimes, just holding you makes me hard, the proof is pressing against your back right now.” He spoke, which made me feel even more embarrassed and my heart beat even faster. Truthfully, I had felt for a while now that something was hardening, pressing against my back.”

“Make it go down already.”

“It’s difficult. You’re completely naked.”

“But don’t do anything, okay?”

“I know, I’m not that heartless, considering your condition.” He said. At this point, the warm water had reached about half the bathtub, and soaking in it made me feel much more relaxed, “And do you feel uncomfortable? Headache, fever?”

“No. Just pain.”

“Good, because your body isn’t hot. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought you here to soak.” He said. We sat in the tub until it was full, he reached over to turn off the faucet, then leaned back to relax again, one hand holding mine, caressing it on the water’s surface.

“Was last night too rough?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah, you were moaning so hoarsely.”

“…”

“But you can’t avoid it. You’re my wife now, you were prepared for this, right?”    “Uh.” I nodded slightly, moving a bit so my chin and mouth dipped under the water. The warm temperature, his body, our skins touching, and then there was that part of him, it couldn’t help but make me feel nervous.

“How prepared were you?”

“I…I know what kind of person you are.”

“What kind?”

“Lustful.”

He burst into loud laughter.

“Yeah. If you don’t adapt quickly, you’ll be in trouble.”

“Will…um, will you do it like last night often?”

“Let’s say every night.”

“Are you crazy?” I said immediately without thinking. Even if I said I was prepared, everything that happened last night far exceeded my expectations. If it happened every day, my body definitely wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“It’s okay, your body will gradually get used to it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“Ah…um.”

“What’s with the um?”

“I…I’ll try harder.” I mumbled, he turned my face towards him, pressing his lips against mine, his hot tongue quickly invading, swirling around. I opened my eyes wide in surprise before closing them, kissing him back instantly, our tongues entwining, the intense kiss making me feel like I was drowning again.

It was a while before he pulled away from the kiss, my tongue still yearning for the taste of his, inadvertently following his movement. The wet trail of saliva showed how passionately we kissed, my whole body felt hotter than the warm water in the tub.

“You’re teasing me again.”

“We just kissed.”

“Do you like it?”

“Uh.”

“Like this, I won’t be able to hold back.”

“No, you have to hold back.”

“Understood, so, are we getting out?”

“Uh.” I nodded, slowly moving away to let him get out of the tub first. He put on his pants, then came back to lift me out of the bath, helping me stand in front of the bathroom mirror to dry off and put on a fresh shirt.

He carried me to sit on the bed before turning to walk out.

“Where are you going?”

“Just need to take care of myself a bit.” He answered, my eyes glanced down to see something still hard under his pants, not calming down. I bit my lip tight, averted my gaze, my face and ears turning red, raising my hand to grab his wrist.

“Uh…do you want me to help?”

“Huh? Help how?” He asked with interest, turning back to me on the bed.    “I…well.” I didn’t answer because it was too embarrassing to say, scratching my cheek in embarrassment, looking up at him standing there. He smirked mischievously.

“Do you know how?”

“Uh, uh, I thought…”

“Yeah, go ahead.” He permitted, moving closer. I took a deep breath, raising both hands to the waistband of his long pants, slowly pulling them down. His large, erect member sprang out immediately. I was slightly taken aback by how close it was to my face.

Even though I was the one who asked, it didn’t mean I wasn’t embarrassed. I had to gather a lot of courage; after all, I was the one who made him like this. Plus, with me here, he didn’t need to take care of it himself anymore.

When I said I was prepared, it wasn’t just words. I truly studied, including how to use my mouth to please him, and of course, I had zero experience, but I would do my best to satisfy him.

But seeing its size and length, I was pretty sure I couldn’t take it all into my mouth. I started to feel a bit hesitant.

I slowly extended my tongue to touch its tip, using one hand to hold the base. This was the first time I had touched it, and it was much more than what I had seen. My hand couldn’t fully wrap around it due to its size. I licked it slowly all over, opened my mouth, taking the tip in, moving up and down with my hand at the base. The thought of his member in my mouth made me even more embarrassed, my stomach churning. I opened my mouth as wide as I could to avoid my teeth touching his sensitive area, flicking my tongue around the head and shaft, sucking with a rhythm.

I pushed as deep as I could until it hit my throat, moving in and out quickly with my hand, pulling back to lick from the base, covering it with my saliva, licking up and down as if thirsty. He made a small hissing sound, which encouraged me further.

His personal scent wafted into my nose. At that moment, I could barely think; my mind was going blank, following my own rhythm until my focus was shattered when he used his hand to push my head to move faster. His force made it hit deep into my throat, nearly making me choke.

“Uh, uh…uh.” tears flowed without me realizing it, probably because I almost choked several times. Its length inevitably went down my throat. I glanced up to meet his sharp gaze.

“…Mm.” His face was slightly flushed, probably because he was feeling good, his breathing was rapid, and he let out a low moan, letting me know that what I was doing wasn’t bad at all.

He took over controlling the pace. I didn’t resist and tried not to choke, my mouth was getting very tired from being careful with my teeth.

“Mm…ah, good, lick it more.”

I licked the tip as he instructed, sucking with force until it made an embarrassing sound, with fluid leaking out. I took it all in, he moved his hips quickly, opposite to the rhythm of the hand pushing my head, the force from his thrusts making me choke even more.

“Ah, uh.” My breathing quickened, feeling myself getting aroused along with him. It had been nearly fifteen minutes since I used my mouth on him, when he quickly pulled out and white, cloudy fluid spurted onto my face. He looked startled before rushing to grab a cloth to wipe it off.

Some of it got on the corner of my mouth. I licked it off.

“Why did you swallow it?”

“Why not, Arthit you swallowed mine too.”

“…”

He furrowed his brows without answering, cleaning up the white, cloudy residue on himself. His face turned slightly red, seeming unsure of what to do, which made me laugh.

“What are you smiling at?”

“It’s sweet.”

“…Fuck.” He covered his mouth with his hand, laughing heartily, “Want to taste it again?”

“Would you let me?”

“You, you…aren’t you going too far? I asked first.”

“Ha ha.” I laughed at his reaction. He pulled his pants back on, gently stroking my head.

“Thank you, you tried hard.”

“If Arthit is happy, that’s good.”

He bent down to kiss my left and then right cheek before turning to walk into the bathroom. I watched him go, puzzled.

“…Oh. Did I do it badly?” I asked worriedly, just noticing something hardening under his pants again.

“No, it’s just that I can’t calm down in just one round.”

“I can do it again.” I said, frowning. He smiled indulgently.

“No need, don’t force yourself.”

“I’m not forcing myself at all. I want to.”

“I was meaning you’ve never done it before, let’s leave it for now. This is good enough.”

“Uh.” I nodded. He disappeared into the bathroom for a while. I slowly moved back to lie down on the bed, reached out to grab some water to drink, feeling my mouth and throat sore, not to mention the aches all over my body. Even the slightest movement hurts.

The smell of the new bedsheet was clean and fresh. I lay down, picking up my phone for a quick check, something I do every morning when I wake up. We became official on social media from the very first day we agreed to date, and it certainly made my social media notifications chaotic. People I didn’t know before kept sending friend requests, some were his friends, others were strangers, but I didn’t like having unknown people on my profile, so I decided not to accept any.    His Instagram was starting to fill up with pictures of me, clearly indicating our relationship status. North told me that many of his friends who had tried to flirt with me were grumbling about it. He also mentioned that whenever we went out, more people were looking at me.

I had already told my family about us. My grandparents knew he was courting me because my dad had told them. When we officially started dating, my Papa and Grandma Puangthong said that if there was a chance, they’d like to meet him; no one objected to our relationship. Moreover, Grandma Puangthong even looked at our horoscopes and said our stars matched very well.

He came out of the bathroom after nearly half an hour, got onto the bed, and immediately pulled me into a hug, glancing at the screen of my phone which I was staring at.

“What are you doing?”

“Checking work.”

“How’s it going?”

“The last job went through, there should be no issues.”

“Good, are you hungry?”

“Yeah.”

“What should we order?”

“Up to you.”

“Deciding ‘up to you’ is hard.” He said while picking up his own phone to browse, opening the food delivery app to scroll through the restaurants. I slowly turned to lean against his arm and helped look for a place to order from.

“Would a hamburger be good? There’s a deal with a free Coke.”

“That’s fine.”

“Then let’s go with this.”

“Uh.”

“What do you want?”

“Pork burger.”

“Okay.”

“Can I order without the crispy bread?”

“Why?”

“I don’t like crispy hamburger buns.”

“You’re crazy, they just toast them to make them crispy, that’s all.”

“I like them soft.”

“Damn. Ever since the fried chicken movie, you don’t like anything crispy?” “Yeah, it hurts my gums, and my gums are pretty sensitive.”

“Poor you.” He chuckled slightly, “Then try typing to tell them no crispy bread.”    “Uh.”

“Okay, order now.”

“Okay.”

“Oh, wait.” He said, suddenly remembering, slowly helping me sit up on the bed before going to fetch the laptop from the table.

“What is it?”

“My song, the one I said I’d let you listen to once we were officially dating.”    “Oh.” I answered, recalling. His song had been finished for a while, but he said he wanted us to be dating before he would let me hear it. So I had been eagerly waiting, and now I couldn’t help but feel excited. In just a moment, the beat of the song started to play.

The genre was EDM. No, lighter and not as heavy as EDM, more like House, with a groove that was quite pleasant to listen to, the melody being quite catchy, I thought.

“Tropical house?” I raised my eyebrows in question, he smiled with satisfaction and nodded before his voice came through. I listened intently, his deep, low voice perfectly fitting the song. From the first time I heard him, I knew he was one of the best singers, and now, with his voice in this perfectly tailored song, it was even more complete.

Realizing this was a song he made for me made me feel indescribably happy.    The lyrics spoke of a man wandering lost until he came across a group of stars shining brightly. He looked up at them for a long time until those stars fell upon him.

“All those stars fell down on me, this is the second time I knew love.

   I saw you standing in front of me, not too far to hold your hand.

   Your eyes bring me back to December, moonlight, warm fire, night of forever love.

   And wherever with you, I’m home.

   The stars fell upon me; this is the second time I’ve known love.

   I saw you standing in front of me. Not too far to hold your hand.

   Your eyes took me back to December, the moon’s light, the warm fire, a night of eternal love.

   And being with you…no matter where…I feel like I’m coming home.”    These lyrics made me smile broadly without realizing it, the second time feeling love because the first love was between my father and mother. December was when I lost my mother, that night when my family gathered around the fire, making that night his eternal love night, and as the song suggests, my eyes must have made him feel the same way.

“How was it?” He asked when the song finished.

“Uh, good, beautiful, very beautiful, and the meaning of the song is great.”

“Yeah? But I haven’t named the song yet.”

“Huh?”

“It might be your name then, shooting star, or falling star, something like that.”    “Oh, um…but there are already a lot of songs with those titles.” I offered my opinion, and he nodded in agreement, “I like ‘Night of Forever Love,’ in Thai, it’s

‘Khamkheun Haeng Rak Nirandon,’ which sounds beautiful when translated.”

“Yeah? Okay then.”

“It’s not up to me, Arthit you is the one who made it.”

“I don’t care about the song title, we’ll go with this.”

“Okay.” I nodded, “What are you going to do next?”

“Upload it to YouTube, have to make all friends share it too. No turning back now, I’m about to become famous.”

“Uh. I’ll help share too.” I said excitedly, watching his every move as he logged into YouTube and uploaded the song, “What about the music video?”

“For now, audio is enough.”

“And what picture will you use?”

“Your picture.” He said, opening up the photo. It was a Polaroid placed on a guitar, then re-photographed with a digital camera. In the Polaroid, there was a picture of me looking sideways, and another where I was smiling at the camera. In both photos, we were holding hands and showing them to the camera.

“Are you serious?”

“Serious.”

“What about the album cover?”

“Don’t think too far ahead, we just have one song.”

“Oh, uh.”

“Is it okay to use your picture?”

“Uh, sure, but I’m worried people won’t click to listen because it’s my picture.”    “No way, people will see how cute my wife is, rush to listen, and can only be jealous of me because my wife is so adorable.”

“Aren’t you jealous?”

“I am, but I also want to show off. At the end of the day, all they can do is look, right?”

“Uh.” I nodded with a smile, he returned the smile. We leaned in close for a gentle kiss before pulling apart. I saw his video uploading, and soon enough, the song was uploaded. I looked at it, smiling broadly with pride and utmost joy.

Dylan Castillo – A Night of Forever Love

   “Okay.” I nodded, “What’s next?”

“Upload it to YouTube, have to make all my friends share it too. No going back now, I’m about to become famous.”

“Uh, I’ll help share too.” I said, slightly excited, watching his every move as he logged into YouTube and uploaded the song. “What about the music video?”

“For now, just audio will do.”

“And what picture will you use?”

“Your picture.” He said, opening up the photo. It was a Polaroid placed on a guitar, then re-photographed with a digital camera. In the Polaroid, there was a picture of me looking sideways, and another where I was smiling at the camera. In both photos, we were holding hands and showing them to the camera.

“Are you serious?”

“Serious.”

“And what about the album cover?”

“Man, don’t think too far ahead, we just got one song.”

“Oh, right.”

“Can I use your picture?”

“Uh, sure, but I’m worried people won’t click to listen because it’s my picture.”    “No way, people will see that my wife is so cute, they’ll rush to listen and can only be jealous of me because I have such an adorable wife.”

“Aren’t you protective?”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 44: Tasted You

   Daotok

   After the affirmative answer. I, standing beside the hospital bed, didn’t know what to do, only bowing my head, my hands fidgeting lightly, before the person on the bed lifted my chin, leaning in close and pressing his lips to mine.

I opened my eyes wide in surprise before slowly closing them, moving closer to him, slightly parting my lips in permission for him to advance. The warm tongue moved slowly, turning into a tender kiss.

I gently pushed him away, breaking the kiss, wiping my lips lightly, only to see his face filled with dissatisfaction.

I pulled away from the kiss because I remembered we were still in the hospital.

“…Not here.”

“Not even just a kiss?”

“It won’t just be a kiss.” I said, thinking that if it starts with a kiss, it wouldn’t stop there with someone like him.

“Just a kiss.”

“…”

“Really, come up on this bed.”

“…”

“Quick, my boyfriend.”

I couldn’t help but frown, defeatedly sitting on the bed, moving closer to the person waiting, stretching up a bit, placing both hands on his shoulders, leaning my face closer to his and slowly closing my eyes again. Our lips met, he reached to hold my waist, pulling me closer.

Warm breath caressed my cheeks and ears, his tongue invaded once more, this time more forcefully than before. I responded to the touch awkwardly, my heart beating faster immediately, our tongues entwined, making wet, embarrassing sounds across our lips.

Tilting his head slightly, his thick lips moved more passionately until I could hardly keep up, my heart beating so fast it threw off my breathing, feeling a hot flush across my face and chest. He bit and sucked on my lips, his tongue exploring my mouth as if he was thirsty.

“Hmm.” I involuntarily let out a low moan.

Sweet…so sweet all over my mouth.

We kissed for a long time until I got used to the intensity of it. Yet, my heart still pounded hard, and the heat enveloping my body didn’t subside. I don’t know how much time passed until my lips felt numb.

He slowly pulled away, his face showing utmost satisfaction, licking his lips which were wet and red. I avoided his gaze before wiping my own mouth.

“Can we leave the hospital now?” He asked.

“Why?”

“I want to do more than just kiss.”

“Th…then get better quickly.”

“Yeah.” He raised an eyebrow, then stole another kiss on my cheek, moving down to my neck to leave a mark.

“Ouch.” I cried out as the sharp pain made me tense my shoulders.

“I’m hard now, what to do?”

“I don’t know.” I responded immediately before stepping off the hospital bed. It seemed like he wasn’t too keen, but he let me get up.

At the hospital…just kissing was already a lot.

   Really, it shouldn’t be much, let’s say, this time is enough.

   “Shit, so annoying, I’ve waited for a month, those damn bastards messing things up.” He cursed in frustration before stepping off the bed and walking to the bathroom.

At first, I thought he just wanted to use the bathroom, but thinking about it, that probably wasn’t the case.

“You have to blush that much just because I’m going to the bathroom?”

“Just to the bathroom?”

“You know it’s not just kissing, how am I supposed to hold back?”

“…Ah, uh, as you wish.”

“My words made him burst out laughing.

“Uh.”

“Oh. I need to go back to my room to get something.”

“Oh, uh, I’ll have someone take you there.”

“Hmm.”

Then someone came to take me back to my room, and that person said he would wait downstairs to take me back to the hospital. Even though I would rather go back on my motorcycle alone, Phii Arthit probably wouldn’t allow it. I quickly went upstairs, took a shower, changed clothes, packed the essentials into a bag, and returned to the hospital.

I’ve never had the experience of riding in a car with a man in a black suit who looked dangerous driving, like something out of a mafia movie.

I returned to the patient’s room and saw Phii Arthit lying on the bed. I went in and put my bag down on the sofa, as he had instructed a few days ago when he was the one staying by my side in the hospital. This time, it was my turn to stay by his side.

While unpacking, I glanced at him watching TV and my mind wandered aimlessly. The only thing that has changed from then to now is that we are now dating.

Him and me…we are now a couple.

“Arthit.”I called.

“Huh?”

“What about your phone? You didn’t reply to my messages.”

“Oh, it’s gone. They probably threw it away.”

“Oh.”

“What did you call me earlier?”

“Arthit.”

“Come on, where did the ‘Phii’ go? Don’t tell me you’re not respectful anymore.’

“I don’t call my boyfriend ‘Phii’.”

“Huh? I think we should leave the hospital, it’s not doing us any good.” He said seriously. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.

“Let’s go to sleep.”

“You come to sleep with me.”

“I can’t, this is a patient’s bed.”

“And why is that?”

“It’s narrow.”

“It’s not a problem, I don’t mind.”

“No, you should rest.” I walked over, grabbed a blanket to cover him, and took the remote to turn off the TV.

“Then you sleep on the sofa.”

“Yeah.”

“No way, I won’t let you sleep on the sofa.”

“Sigh, be a good boy and rest so you can recover quickly.” I said. This time, I walked over to turn off the light in the room, leaving only the faint light from outside.

“Good night, kiss.”

I didn’t say anything, just walked over, leaned down to kiss his forehead gently, but before I could react, he pulled me closer and kissed me on the lips. Our lips just stayed there for a moment before he let go.

“I love you.” He said amidst the light from the window, his familiar warm expression softening my heart, gently holding his thick hand.

“I love Arthit too.”

“…” He was quiet for a moment, not showing as much embarrassment as the first time. Just a bit nervous, “Heh. When I’m fully recovered, I’ll make you say it every ten minutes.”

“Sure.” I let go of his hand and went to sit on the large sofa, lying down. It took a while before I dozed off.

I slowly opened my eyes to find myself being hugged from behind, the warm, steady breath, the familiar scent. Squinting a little as the bright sunlight came through the window, I tried to turn around to look at the patient who should have been in bed.

When I moved, he stirred, making a slight noise of displeasure in his throat. I shook him gently to wake him up.

“Go sleep on the bed, or your wound might open up.” I said, glancing at his arm wrapped in bandages, which was loosely hugging me. It was good that he was lying on his side, not putting pressure on the wound.

“…”

“Wake up already.”

“Hmm.”

He opened his eyes, immediately pressing a kiss on my forehead.

“Why are you up so early?”

“And why are you sleeping here?” I asked back.

“Last night, I was scared by a ghost.”

“Really?”

“Really, I was so scared that I came to sleep with you.”

“That’s not true, someone like Arthit isn’t afraid.”

“Yeah, but I was really scared, it was just standing there staring at me, maybe it’s my fan.”

“Should I talk to it?”

“No need, otherwise, you might faint like you did at the graveyard.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Forget it.” He said before tightening his hug, glancing at the clock showing six in the morning, “It’s too early, let’s sleep some more.”

“Yeah, let’s sleep.” I said, then just let him continue to hold me while I, fully awake, could only watch him. His face, once smooth, was now marked with wounds from yesterday’s fight. I gently touched the wound at the corner of his mouth, then playfully squeezed his nose.

Hmm…he’s really good, too good to be careful, huh?

I lay in his warm embrace for another hour before waking him up again to move back to the patient’s bed because I didn’t know what time the nurse would bring breakfast, at least when the nurse came in, we shouldn’t be cuddling on the sofa like this.

He willingly moved back to lie on the patient’s bed, then the nurse brought breakfast and medication.

“Feed me, please.”

“You weren’t shot in your dominant hand.”

“So feed me, I’m your boyfriend.’“

“Yeah.” I reluctantly agreed, scooping food onto a spoon and feeding it to the person waiting with an open mouth on the bed. He immediately made a face when he started chewing, “Not tasty?”

“Yeah.”

“Just bear with it.”

“I want to get out of the hospital already.”

“Learn to be patient.”

“Isn’t a month of endurance enough?”

“Who told you to get your neck chopped in the bathroom?”

“Come on. Can’t I even go for a pee without this?”

“Yeah. Next time, bring a bedpan.”

“That’s pathetic, man, afraid of getting kidnapped so you carry a bedpan?” He chuckled a bit. After feeding him the meal and medicine, it was time for a sponge bath, which he wanted me to do, but I refused. One of his arms was still functional, so it wasn’t that hard for him to do it himself, right?

I was just worried about his intentions, afraid he might pull my hand towards something weird, that’s all.

I went to close the curtains, letting him clean himself and change his clothes.

Once he was done, I opened the curtains back up.

Today was Saturday, so I didn’t have to go to school. I brought my laptop to work, and around mid-morning, Ter and his partner came to visit. They stayed for a while before leaving, and in the afternoon, Cat and his partner visited.    Everyone congratulated us and teased us after finding out we were dating, especially North, who visited in the evening. Time passed quickly, and I thought that just sitting and lying in the patient’s room must be very boring for him.    That night, I intentionally woke up in the middle of the night to check if there was really a ghost in the room. I found a male ghost standing, staring at the person lying on the bed, his gaze fixed and unwavering. He even seemed like he was about to climb onto the bed.

I went over to talk to him, listened to his troubles for nearly half an hour, trying to explain why this wasn’t his room. Just because he died here didn’t mean he owned it. Once we understood each other, we agreed to stay out of each other’s way, and Arthit could finally sleep soundly, the look of a nightmare gone.

I guess I’m like a dream catcher meant to deal with nightmares.

But when I woke up the next morning, I found him lying next to me on the sofa, and this went on for several days until he was finally allowed to go home. His wound healed incredibly fast, and the scars on his body and face had significantly improved.

“Uncle Direk had someone bring the car, and I ended up driving instead of the one who just got discharged from the hospital. Even though he said he could drive, I wouldn’t allow it.

Soon, I drove him back to his condo where he hadn’t been for a long time, and opened the door to his room. I put down the large bag of medication before glancing at the room’s owner who sat down on the bed.

“How’s the wound?” I asked. He waved his right arm back and forth until I quickly stepped in to stop him, “Stop, what if the wound opens up?”

“It’s healed, I’m fine.”

“How can it heal so quickly? Are you not human anymore?”

“Didn’t you know I’m a modified human?”

“Oh, uh, then I’ll go get my stuff from the car.” I said, because some of my things were still in the car, but before I could turn around to leave, a strong arm pulled me back. I fell onto his lap.

“Wait, do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this?”

“Huh?”

“You forgot?”

“…Oh.” I nodded slightly, just realizing it, immediately bowing my head in embarrassment. These past few days in the hospital, nothing had happened. I was just there to watch over him, busy with work I brought along.

“I’m curious how ready you are for this.”

“…I think I’m ready, uh!” His thick lips pressed down on mine suddenly, lifting me onto the bed. He moved closer, spreading my legs, making our bodies press closely together. His hot tongue aggressively invaded, making my breath quicken with the rhythm of my heart, our tongues intertwining, creating an embarrassingly wet sound.

I raised my hands to encircle his neck, my trembling hands gently stroking his throat, closing my eyes to let the passionate kiss proceed, his lips sucking on both my upper and lower lips as if thirsting, his hands that were loosely around my waist now began to stroke my waist and lift my shirt.

“Ah!” One hand slipped under my shirt, touching the tip of my nipple gently before starting to caress it. He pulled back from the kiss and took off my shirt. I turned my gaze away when he removed his own shirt. It wasn’t the first time seeing him, but the thought that this would be the first time we have sex made it feel like my whole body was about to be consumed by fire.

He pressed his lips to mine in another deep, consuming kiss, trailing down to my ear and neck, his warm breath making me feel dizzy. I tensed my shoulders, he licked down from my collarbone to my chest before his lips engulfed my nipple.    “Mmm.” I let out a soft moan as the hot tongue licked me, he sucked and flicked his tongue back and forth. I felt shivers all over my body, everything was hot, my stomach started to churn, and I arched my back without realizing it. When I looked down to see what he was doing, I felt even more embarrassed, as if he was particularly fond of my chest, sucking until it turned red.

He used both his mouth and one hand, making me feel indescribably good. My legs started to twist involuntarily as I felt a dull ache under my pants.

“Sweet.” His deep voice said as he pulled his lips away, giving me another sweet kiss, his thick hand unzipping my pants.

“Uh…uh…”

As soon as my pants were off, my hardened member stood erect. His thick hand gently touched it, then caressed and massaged the tip. I let out a lost moan; it was a very strange sensation, the first time someone else had touched me there, making me quite sensitive.

We kept kissing, exchanging tongues, my mouth started to go numb and I couldn’t catch my breath, like I was drowning, my mind going blank. He slowly pulled away from the kiss before backing off a little. I looked at him, puzzled about what he was going to do next.

“Nice angle.” Arthit said, giving a sly smile that made my heart skip a beat. I widened my eyes in shock as he bent down, opened his mouth, and took all of my sensitive part into his mouth.

“Uh…no! Uh!” My whole body tensed when I realized that part was in his mouth. He glanced up slightly, his sharp eyes looking wicked. He started licking the tip with his tongue, driving me almost insane.

Using his mouth to move up and down, sucking hard at the tip, licking all around from the base. My body was hot all over, feeling wet from his saliva but it…felt so good.

“Ah! Uh!”

My hands gripped the bedsheet tightly, my body writhing with pleasure, he used his other hand to stroke me. His mouth kept sucking, and the other hand began to massage my hips.

“Uh! I…I’m going to…”

It didn’t take long because of the unfamiliar sensations. I couldn’t hold back and released the white liquid shooting into his mouth. I was flustered, breathing hard until my chest heaved. He smiled, swallowed my release, then spat some onto his hand and touched my back hole.

“Ah! Ah!” His slender finger circled around, he reached for some water to take a big gulp, then leaned in close and kissed me again.

“Uh…uh.” I moaned loudly. Even though I tried to relax as much as possible, my heart was still pounding, before the slender fingertip slowly pushed inside me. The first sensation was very uncomfortable, but as the finger went deeper, it turned into pain.

I kissed him back, trying to relax as much as possible to avoid the pain, my eyes wide as the finger went in all the way.

“Uh!”

“He pulled back from the kiss, licking my nipple again. The tingling sensation on my chest helped ease the pain in my hips a bit. His slender fingers inserted, withdrew, and inserted again, repeating this to get my body accustomed to it.    “Ugh, ah!” He added another finger, pushing in forcefully, making my body jerk with the impact. The movement of his fingers in and out quickened without warning.

Oh…it’s tingling, so tingling.

   I want more.

   “E…enough.”

“Huh?”

“Fingers…enough.”

“…”

He didn’t reply, just got up, his bright eyes making me feel like I was under his control. Those eyes roamed over my naked body with satisfaction. I finally got to look at him clearly; his tanned skin, tattoos on his chest, shoulders, and arms, his beautiful muscles from all the exercise, broad shoulders and chest, he looked incredibly sexy.

He undid his pants and then his underwear, his hardened cock standing erect. I looked at it in shock, my heart skipping a beat.

“Why that look?”

“It’s just…uh.”

I averted my gaze. He climbed onto the bed, straddling me, then kissed my cheek, nuzzled my neck, leaving red marks.

“Didn’t you say you were ready?”

“I…wasn’t prepared for this.”

“Why?”

“I…can’t.”

“Meaning?”

“It won’t fit.” I admitted honestly, feeling embarrassed because its size and length were much more than I had anticipated. Just his fingers hurt, I definitely couldn’t handle his thing.

“Ah, oh!’“

“Ah, ah!”

He held his large member, rubbing the tip against my back passage, my legs spread apart by his hands. I closed my eyes tightly out of fear, my heart racing, feeling him push inside.

“Uh, it hurts, it hurts.” I moaned in pain as he tried to push in, feeling like he could only get the tip in, but it hurt so much. My stomach felt cramped. I heard his rapid breathing, slowly opened my eyes to see his face slightly flushed.

He pushed in deeper.

“Uh!” I groaned hoarsely, tears flowing without me realizing it due to the pain shooting up to my back. I frowned, “No…it won’t work, uh, it hurts, it hurts.”    “Just a bit more…we’re halfway there.”

“Uh!!”

And then he pushed all the way in. I hurt so much it felt like my body was going to shatter into pieces because of its size. He leaned in close, kissing away my tears.    “It’s so tight.” He said through gritted teeth, his deep voice trembling, making me feel nervous, “Try to relax a bit.”

“Uh…uh, it hurts.”

“It’s okay, I won’t move yet.”

“Uh.”

“Uh.”

He kissed me gently to soothe me, his lower part still lodged inside, not moving, allowing my body to get used to this unfamiliar intrusion. He reached out to stroke my hardened cock, and suddenly, the tingling sensation in the front intensified.

“Uh, uh.”

Before he started to move his hips gently. I clenched my teeth, the pain had lessened somewhat but was still there. I breathed in and out slowly.

“Ugh, ahh.” I could feel him still inside me, he moved faster, faster. I felt the friction between our bodies, the skin around was burning, he thrust in and pulled out before thrusting in again.

“Uh, ah! ahh.” He increased his speed until my mind scattered, gulping air into my lungs because I could hardly breathe, my heart racing wildly. The image I saw now was Arthit moving in and out rapidly, he bit his own lip slightly, breathing heavily, moaning softly in his throat, clearly feeling just as good.

The pain began to turn into tingling pleasure as he hit the spot, our bodies slapping together making noise, he pulled out and thrust back in forcefully, the rapid rhythm making me tingle to the point of near fainting.

“Ahh, ahh, ah! uh.”

His warm hands caressed my hips and waist. I felt a churning in my stomach and a tingling all over my body, writhing with pleasure, crying out incoherently.    He leaned in close, resting his face on the pillow beside me, his lips to my ear while his hips kept moving. His voice was deep and rough, his hot breath tickling my ear. Slowly, I let go of the bedsheet I was clutching and wrapped my arms around his neck, turning to kiss his cheek softly before he turned to face me. We kissed again.

“Mmm, uh.’“

I ran my hands over him in a daze, stroking up to the back of his neck, through his soft hair, then moving back down his back, accidentally digging my nails in to release the overwhelming pleasure.

“Ah, uh, ah, mmm.”

He rose up, thrusting forcefully again, speeding up until I couldn’t keep up, using both hands to lift my hips slightly, gripping my waist to pull back in sync with his thrusts.

“Ah!”

“Ah! Uh, ah!”

“How do you feel?” He asked in a hoarse voice. With my hips raised, it felt slightly different from before, as if the angle had changed, like he knew exactly where to hit to make me feel good, so he kept thrusting there.

“Uh, it…it’s good, uh, it’s really good.” I answered in a faint voice, lacking strength. He gave a triumphant smile, “Ah…Arthit, uh?”

“It’s good…feels insanely good.”

“Ah!”

Finally, I reached my climax, releasing more white, cloudy fluid that splattered everywhere. I clenched my lips in embarrassment; he didn’t say anything, just smiled contentedly and continued, because my mind was completely blown, making me unaware of how long it lasted. I guess it must have been nearly half an hour that we were having sex, my voice was hoarse to the point of being sore.

   “Uh, ah, ah.”

This time, he thrust all the way in, my body twitched slightly, holding there for a moment, feeling the warm fluid being injected into me. He slowly withdrew. I could feel the white, cloudy fluid leaking out from behind.

I lay there panting, my chest heaving, about to close my eyes from exhaustion, but he used his slender finger to enter and swirl around to scoop out the fluid.

I glanced at him, the image in front of me slightly blurring, he gave a sly smile.

“I’m not done yet.”

“!!”

Suddenly, he flipped me over to face down, positioning me on all fours, pulling my hips up, and thrust his large member in again. I widened my eyes in shock.

Without giving me time to think, he started moving again.

“Ah, uh, ah! Ah!”

I slumped down, resting my forehead on the pillow, utterly drained, my hips still held up by him. He controlled the rhythm, thrusting my hips back to meet his movements. I moaned in my throat, my whole body trembling from the intensity.    He kissed all over my back, the sharp pain telling me he was leaving red marks everywhere.

We had sex in that position for nearly ten minutes before he switched, having me straddle him instead, my eyes only half-open.

“You look so tempting like that.” He whispered in my ear before using both hands to lift my hips and thrust down hard.

“Ah!” Because I was on top, he could go in deeper, much deeper than before, making my stomach clench. Then he started moving both my hips and his.    He leaned in to bite my shoulder. I tensed my shoulders, crying out each time his cock thrust deeply, hitting the spot that sent waves of pleasure through me.    I came again, unable to help it, but he showed no signs of finishing easily, my fluid making us both messy.

“I love you so much.” He whispered hoarsely in my ear again, gritting his teeth slightly.

“Lo…love, ah! uh, love, too, like…each other, ahh.”

I replied in a faint, trembling voice. Even I could barely understand myself, trying to keep my sanity as much as possible, inadvertently digging my nails into his skin again to vent the overwhelming pleasure.

He lifted his head to kiss away my tears, his flushed face still making my heart skip a beat no matter how many times I looked at it. He groaned in a low voice.

“You’re squeezing me too tight now.”

“Uh, ah! ah!”

“Can you take it?”

“Uh…ah, yeah…I can.”

“Really? Then don’t pass out on me yet.” With those words, he lifted me up, flipped me to lie on my side, lifted my top leg over his shoulder, and entered me again. This time, the sensation was entirely different, a kind of pleasure that was overwhelmingly irresistible.

His hips didn’t slow down at all, even though we had been going at it for nearly an hour. My whole body shook with each thrust, my consciousness starting to fade, I glanced over at Arthit.

He was looking back at me too. We locked eyes before I averted my gaze; his lustful look hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

“Ah! uh, ah! ah!’“

The side-lying position made me release once more, but this time, there was hardly any fluid left because I had never released so many times before.    He flipped me onto my back, lifting both my legs until my hips arched up, draping my legs over his shoulders, and thrust in again quickly. My vision began to blur completely; I glanced at him, seeing him smile and lean in to kiss my ankle, his eyes full of affection.

One of our hands was tightly clasped together. Both his body and mine were hot. When my hair fell forward, he brushed it back slightly, probably because it was in the way. These small actions were all in my sight, and I found every move he made utterly captivating.

Before I knew it, I felt warm fluid being injected into me again after his body twitched slightly. He slowly withdrew, the warm fluid streaming down my thighs.

The last image before I lost consciousness was him leaning in close.

“Thank you, I’m so happy.”

“…Uh, you’ll be this happy for the rest of your life.”

“Sweet talker.”

“Sweet, indeed. Want to taste?”

“Mm.”

And we kissed again. This time, his kiss was tender, warming my heart completely, and then I realized:

   I love this man so much.

  

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 43: The Sun

   Arthit

   I opened my eyes with difficulty, feeling my eyelids heavy and annoying, especially after being woken up by cold water, which made me even more irritated. Once I regained consciousness, I realized I was tied to a chair with my arms bound tightly to the armrests.

It was a bit surprising that my legs weren’t tied. Did they run out of rope or what?

I looked around, seeing only darkness. As my eyes adjusted, I found myself in some abandoned warehouse. The person in front of me was the one who had just lost to me in the car race, holding an empty bucket. Why pour water on me? I’m all cold now, you bastard, wake me up properly, or with a kick to the heel at least.

I scanned the room to assess the situation. No need for much thought to realize this was a kidnapping, no doubt about it. Because this bastard lost the race and feared losing a billion dollars, he kidnapped me to threaten.

How did they kidnap me? Hmm…oh, I was taking a piss and got hit on the neck. Damn it, no mercy even to someone taking a leak. Good thing I was zipping up my pants. Otherwise, it would have been more embarrassing, not even sparing someone in that state. You guys are too brutal, taking advantage of my moment of distraction, you bastard, how can someone just finished peeing be on guard!    Doesn’t anyone teach you not to ambush Jo when he’s taking a leak? That’s when someone’s at their weakest, damn it, I’ve escaped so many situations, only to get caught like this, so frustrating.

Well, at least they didn’t slit my throat while I was peeing. That would have been messy, and little Arthit would have been introduced to the world, thank God for sparing me some dignity, giving me the chance to shake and zip up first.

“Awake now?”

“Not yet, I am still dreaming.”

And with that, my mouth, which always gets me into trouble, got me a punch to the corner of my lips.

I didn’t feel excited or alarmed at all. I wasn’t scared either. I’ve been in this situation once before in high school because Direk had so many enemies, his business is always making others go bankrupt, and as a result, I got the brunt of it.    Maybe they thought his only son was his weakness, which was true. Direk might act all laid-back, but if I was injured or in danger, he would lose his composure instantly. Being important to him is inevitable.

More than that, I was just annoyed. What’s this? I finally won a race, about to ask Dao to be my boyfriend. Don’t they know how long I’ve been waiting for this day, you damn unlucky bastards.

“Sigh.” I exhaled in frustration. Why did I get kidnapped? Was I too careless or what, but when you’re taking a shit, how can you be cautious? Just trying not to get shit on yourself takes enough concentration, doesn’t it? Sigh, it’s really pitiful, I can’t even go to the bathroom in peace.

“Why sigh? You can still act cool, huh? You don’t even know what’s coming.”    “What do you want? Is there anything more you want than money?” I turned to ask; he clenched his teeth, not saying anything. I can’t even remember this fucker’s name, damn it, “Or you want me?”

“…”

“I didn’t think you’d have that kind of taste, but I’m about to have a wife.”    “What the fuck are you talking about!” He shouted loudly. I saw about ten guards; there might be more outside.

“Does your dad know about this?”

“!!”

“Oh, as I thought, because you’re afraid of getting scolded by your dad for losing the race, you came up with this plan in a hurry. Even with all these people, you probably won’t get away with it.” I probed, because if he had planned this beforehand, he wouldn’t have escaped Direk’s notice. It must be a plan hastily thought up on the spot. And not a smart one at that.

“Shut up!!”

“Wow, you! Are you trying to fight with someone tied up? You’re good at beating up bound people, huh!” I shouted back in anger, he paused for a moment. I looked at him with disdain, “You’ve never done this before, have you?”    “Shut up, I’m calling your dad now.” He said.

Calling Direk…Seriously?

   After a while, he actually talked to Direk, but he looked scared, his face visibly pale. Direk, when angry, is really terrifying, especially when it comes to me, it’s the scariest. There’s no way they’ll get away now; Direk will definitely have them all killed.

Suddenly, he handed me the phone to my ear.

“What’s up, Direk?”

(How are you?)

   “I got my next chopped while peeing, it’s good I zipped up.”

(Uh-huh, I’m on my way.)

   “Seriously, you don’t have to.”

(Not possible)

   “And what about Dao?”

(Worry about yourself first, he’s safe over there.)

   “Don’t let him come here, no matter what.”

(Hmm)

   “See you.”

(Yeah)

   That was all we said before he took the phone to talk to someone else. After a while, he hung up and turned to punch me again. Though it didn’t hurt much, I was starting to get angry.

When I thought that Dao might be worried, I decided I should escape as soon as possible. I shouldn’t just sit here daydreaming.

Damn it. What if he starts crying, what will I do?

   Aargh! You’re a sinful man, Arthit, you can’t make Dao cry! No good, better hurry up and get out.

   I looked around and saw them discussing something. I overheard that many disagreed with this plan, but they had to follow orders because it was the boss’s command. Having a stupid boss is just bad luck.

Suddenly, the sound of cars was getting closer, judging by the noise, there must be a lot coming. Direk is always this overly worried.

“How many of you are there!” one of the guards shouted, holding a knife to my throat.

“Thud!!” I used that moment to headbutt him, kicked him down, got up, turned around, and used the chair, still tied to me, to hit another person rushing at me. I smashed the wooden chair against a pillar so hard it broke, freeing myself from the bindings, grabbed a chair leg, and hit another person with it, then snatched a gun and shot him without hesitation.

Just sitting there, letting myself be a hostage, who would agree to that? What if they went berserk and shot me dead in one go, then what? I won’t be a burden on Direk, fighting back and escaping is the best choice!

I ducked behind the nearest pile of wood debris while they started shooting back.

Gunfire echoed throughout the warehouse, I gripped the gun tighter.

“Shoot him! Shoot him!”

The leader started shouting orders to keep shooting.

Damn it, let them have it like this!

Checking the bullets in the chamber, there weren’t enough to spray or even to shoot as a warning; I had to aim well.

“They’re outside now, what should we do? Go get him! Otherwise, what will we use to negotiate?”

“He’s got a gun, we can’t go in! We should be able to handle those outside; I told you this plan had too many flaws.”

“Shut up, just follow orders!”

I decided to shoot back from a blind spot. The bullet hit one of the guards in the shoulder, causing him to drop his gun. Without waiting for an opening, I aimed and shot again with precision. The sound of gunfire echoed back and forth as we exchanged shots fiercely. I moved from cover to cover, getting closer to them.    “Damn it.” I cursed when I ran out of bullets, panting from exhaustion, my heart pounding as if all the blood in my body was pumping furiously.

I heard gunfire from outside; it must be because they refused to come out to negotiate, so Direk had started to act.

“Hey, everyone outside must be dead by now.”

“Shut up! Shoot him! Shoot, you idiots! You can’t even deal with one guy, and I hired you for what!!”

“We are out of bullets!!” another voice shouted, as I had intentionally closed the distance because, in a prolonged shootout, I would run out of bullets first. So, it was better to fight at close quarters.

I pushed over the large table I was using as cover towards them, giving me enough time to deal with one person and steal his gun, then shot him immediately. Just one shot from this gun and it was useless, damn it! I managed to get it, but it only had one bullet.

I charged at the closest person, dodged a punch, using him as a shield for another bullet aimed at me, then pushed the body towards the shooter, knocking him down and grabbing his gun again.

The fight and shootout ended with me holding the last gun, pointing it at the forehead of the troublemaker. I stood there, panting from exhaustion, so tired I felt like I might collapse, the person on the ground begging for his life. I glanced at the more than ten guards I had just dealt with, bodies scattered, blood splattered all over the floor, the smell of blood and gunpowder thick in the air.

Why, when I was just racing, do I have to risk life and death like this?

“Please…please spare my life…please, sob, huh.”

I dropped the gun, kicked him hard in the stomach until he curled up and coughed blood, grabbed his hair, and dragged him across the floor to the front door.

I opened the door and threw out the guy I had just beaten to near death.    “It’s me.” I said when nearly twenty guns were pointed my way. Seeing it was me, everyone lowered their weapons immediately.

“Young master! How are you?”

“Finished inside, how about outside?”

“We’ve got about twenty under control. We’ve dealt with them all.”    “Hmm.” I nodded in understanding, seeing their people lying motionless all around the front of the warehouse, those still moving were shot again without mercy. I was sure that was Direk’s order to kill them all.

“Arthit!” Direk’s voice rang out before he rushed over, “You bastard, I was so worried about you, you idiot, you fool, you buffalo, why didn’t you look after yourself, you heel, you dog, you son of a bitch, are you trying to give your father a heart attack and die?”

“Calm down, Direk. I’m okay now.” I said, Direk exhaled with relief, his face visibly relaxing, “And what about Dao?”

“He’s safe, but you should worry about yourself first. You were the one in the most danger, but he seemed very worried about you.”

“Did he cry?”

“I don’t know, I rushed out first.” Direk said, “I was shocked to hear gunshots inside, I wanted to rush in but couldn’t, there were too many outside.”

“Why be shocked, Direk, have some faith in me. Wow, you had a lot of people prepared, huh, thought it was a rushed plan.”

“Yes, trust is one thing, I know you’re capable, you can survive, but as a father, my heart…” Direk said with a big sigh, “It was a rushed plan, very sloppy. They just had a lot of people. I contacted his father, and he really didn’t know about it, it was his own decision because he lost the race and was afraid.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. If there was a plan beforehand, it wouldn’t have escaped Direk’s notice.”

“There’s a lot of blood, were you shot? Is the bullet still in there?”    “It just grazed me.” I said, touching my right upper arm, “The rest is their blood.”

“Let’s go to the hospital to get that wound treated.”

“And what are we doing next?” I said, stomping hard on the back of the one we just dragged out, making him scream until his voice was hoarse.

“I’ll handle it.”

“Kill them all, they’re a pain in the butt, it was supposed to be a good day, damn it.” I cursed in frustration.

“Yeah, I know, they dared to disrespect me like this, how can I let them go?”    When we arrived at the hospital, it caused a big commotion because of all the blood, they thought I was seriously injured, and I was rushed to the emergency bed for treatment.

“That’s not just a graze, this is what you call a through-and-through.”

“Oh.” I nodded slightly to indicate I understood, while the doctor was stitching up a wound on my arm, “How’s my tattoo, doc?”

“You’ll probably need to find a skilled tattoo artist to fix it.”

“Sigh, I’m so annoyed.”

I grumbled a bit, but the doctor didn’t say anything, just kept stitching until it was neatly done, then a nurse came in to tend to other wounds. It seemed Direk had contacted Jo; he should be here soon.

I tried to imagine how Dao would react when he found out I had been kidnapped.

Of course, I didn’t want him to cry, just hoping he’d be worried.

My body was covered with bandages due to cuts, the rest were bruises. The doctor recommended staying in the hospital, Direk agreed, but I didn’t. I’ve never liked staying in hospitals no matter where I got injured from. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like it, especially now that I’m studying to be a doctor. I’m even more sick of hospitals and the smell of medicine.

I was inevitably moved to sit in a large private patient room, sitting on the bed for just a short time before the door burst open, revealing the person I was thinking about, with a flushed face and teary eyes, sobbing slightly. I widened my eyes in shock; Dao ran towards me and hugged me tightly.

“Sorry…does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt, just hug me.”

“Hic.”

Damn it, he’s really crying.

   I raised my left arm, which hadn’t been shot, to hug him back, gently stroking the head of the smaller person in my arms, trying to comfort him. Hearing the sobbing and crying louder made me feel even worse. Fuck…my heart’s going to give out.

   “Don’t cry. No, I’m fine.”

“Hic…hic, wounds, you’re covered in wounds.” Dao broke from the hug to stand by the bed, tears streaming again, biting his lip as he looked at me over. Seeing the tears, I was even more flustered, not knowing what to do.

“Hey, don’t cry, I’m worried now.”

“…Didn’t you say you’d come find me?”

“Sorry, I got distracted, but I’m back now. I didn’t risk life and death just to see you cry.”

“Hic…uh, don’t…don’t leave me, okay?”

…Oh, I didn’t die from getting shot or stabbed, but I might die right now.

   “I won’t leave, I promise.” I said softly, reaching out to hold the small hand that was rubbing its eyes and wiping away tears, “No more crying, come on, look, you’re brave.”

“Not brave. Don’t say that.” He said quietly, still hiccupping a bit but the tears had stopped, which made me feel relieved. Even though the traces of tears still pained my heart.

Seeing you cry is really dangerous for my heart, seriously.

No more, I promise, no matter what it takes, in this life, I don’t want to see you cry again.

“And where does it hurt?”

“Just a bullet through the arm, some knife cuts, and the rest is just bruises.”

“Hmm.”

“Don’t make that sad face.”

“If it were me getting hurt, wouldn’t you be sad?”

“Okay, I admit it. Even though I don’t want to see you cry, I’m secretly glad. I didn’t think you’d worry this much, hey, why hit me?” I protested a little when he hit my arm.

“You still have the nerve to say you’re glad, you’re cruel.”

“Sorry.”

“You didn’t even make a sound when they were stitching you up. But one hit from him, and you start complaining.” Direk teased as he entered, followed by Jo and North.

“Your Phipungto came to see you quickly. You didn’t even wait for us.” North said, looking shocked at my condition, “Damn, you’re all banged up. Heard you got shot too?”    “Yeah.”

“Damn, tell me the details, my friend here has cried his eyes out, twice now, you’ve made my friend cry twice.” North said, coming over to stand by the bed next to Dao, while Jo and Direk sat on the big sofa.

“How twice?”

“The first time was when he read your feelings.”

“Was that my fault too?”

“Yeah…normally, you’re like a dead-faced robot, when you cry, I don’t know what to do, why can you cry so pitifully like that?” North muttered, “Tell the story.”

“Well, nothing much, I finished racing, then felt my bladder full so I stopped to take a leak, after zipping up someone did a neck chop on me, ‘ugh’, I passed out, woke up in a warehouse, there was a fight for the gun, I dealt with them and got out by myself, one more step and I’d be John Wick.”

“I hate your habit of passing out.” Jo said, making a face of disgust, “I was thinking how someone like you could get caught, damn, it’s pitiful.”    “Yeah, true.” I agreed.

“Why did you get the urge to pee in the first place, you shouldn’t get something like, it’s the cause of all this.”

“Everyone has to pee or get the bladder might burst, holding it in isn’t good for health.” I argued with North.

“How many of them were there, bro?”

“Didn’t count, but there were a lot. How many, Direk, have you counted?” I turned to ask Direk who was sitting there.

“Fifteen.”

“Wow, fifteen armed guards, damn cool. How did you manage that, bro? I wanted to tease you when you got kidnapped, but because of how cool you were after dealing with all those guards, I’ll forgive you. That was hardcore, shooting like that, have you trained before? How are you that good?”

“I’ve trained, probably been a sniper in the army in my past life. I’m really good with guns, that’s all I’ll say. Earlier, I was shooting with my eyes closed.”    “You’re exaggerating, bro, but…I knew you were good at fighting, but I didn’t think you’d be this good.”

“Your husband is good at shooting too.”

“Really? Why didn’t you ever tell me, Phii Jo!”

“Hmm? Never did?”

“North wants to shoot accurately too, take me to a shooting range sometime.”

“Sure. If I have time, I’ll take you.”

“Yay!” North seemed very excited and happy, “Next time you go pee, be careful, bro.”

“Even peeing isn’t safe for me, damn, God must hate me for something.” I complained, annoyed.

“And what are you going to do with these injuries?” Dao asked with a worried look. Damn, I hate seeing that look.

“I’ll rest, can’t go to the ward rounds, right, Jo? Tell Fah to handle the leave for me.”

“Irritating, can I shoot you again?”

“Hey, calm down, I’m always getting attacked.”

After talking for a while, Jo and North excused themselves, leaving just three of us in the room.

“Then let’s go back.” I said.

“Go back to what, you’re staying here.”

“No, I’m not staying in the hospital, Direk knows.”

“Stay, don’t be stubborn, what if your wound gets infected?”

“It won’t.”

“Please stay.” Dao said. I turned to look at him immediately.

“Okay.” I replied.

“Wow, you’re more obedient to your wife than I; the one I’ve raised you my whole life.”

“I’ll stay with him, Uncle should go rest.”

“Hmm, he probably wants you to stay more than me anyway. I have more things to deal with, be good, Arthit.” Direk said before leaving, leaving just me and Dao in the room.

“Before, I was the one staying with you. Now we’re switching.” I started talking, but the person sitting next to me just kept his head down, not saying anything, gripping his hands tightly. I looked at him, confused.

“Something wrong?”

He shook his head gently.

“Come on, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you talking? Are you angry?”

He shook his head again, and there was a long silence before the person who had been looking down spoke.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“…I couldn’t do anything.”

“…”

“I’ve never been like this before, maybe because I’ve never been in this kind of situation, but I was scared…really scared. And I was angry at myself for only being able to wait for you to come back, when you were the one in trouble, yet I couldn’t do anything at all.”

“…”

I looked at the smaller person with a feeling as if a knife was stabbing my heart, with those words. I could only stay silent, unable to speak, my heart aching, I reached out to pull him into a gentle hug.

“I’m not someone who cries easily, but I cried. I’ve never felt this weak before, it’s because of you. Suddenly, you came out of nowhere, said you liked me, followed me, took care of me, gave me importance, and now you’ve made me worry to death like this.”

“…Sorry.”

“No…don’t apologize.”

“Then what should I do?”

The person beside me looked up, biting his lip tightly, his sweet face flushed red to his ears. I immediately understood the meaning behind those words, a smile creeping at the corner of my mouth, the other person seemed embarrassed, his voice stuttering.

“Take responsibility.”

“How should I take responsibility?” I teased, making Dao say it out loud. Seeing his reaction, I couldn’t help but tease him. How could I not understand what he meant by taking responsibility? Because it’s the most important thing today, isn’t it?

“Be!”

“Be what? I haven’t even asked anything yet.” I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling affection for the person trying to endure my teasing, as if he needed to gather the courage to speak up.

“I will be! Be, be everything, ask me!”    Wow…damn!! He’s so fucking cute!!

   “Ask, ask, ask me!” The smaller person started to whine, grabbing at my shirt and gently tapping my chest.

“Ask what?”

“Don’t tease.”

“Really be everything?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Be my little nong?”

“Uh-huh. No way. Not anymore.”

Ahhhhh!! I’m going to die, I’m going to die!!

   “Come on, you said you’d be everything.”

“I can be.”

“The sky-headed kid next door.”

“I am!”

“The robot with low battery.”

“I am!”

“Someone who will stay by my side, won’t go anywhere, no matter what happens.”

“I am!”

“And be the one who loves me the most.”

“Be!”

“Then…be my boyfriend.”

“Be! I will be, let me be.”

“Yeah, be for a lifetime.”

“Uh-huh, for a lifetime.”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 42: Shooting Star

   Daotok

   I put my phone down after finishing the chat on LINE, unable to hold back a smile as I imagined the other person’s reaction from the rapid messages sent. I could picture how he would look.

“…” I looked up to see everyone in the room staring at me. I tilted my head in confusion, asking what was going on.

“Talking to Phii Arthit?” Ter was the first to speak up. I nodded in response.

“Why?”

“Nothing. We’re just surprised. We’ve never seen you this happy before.”

“Oh…Really?”

“Yeah, you’re smiling so much you don’t look like the old Daotok at all.”

“I used to smile too.”

“But not like this.” Ter said, giving me a slight smile, “We should thank Khun

Phii Arthit for making our friend this happy.”

“I think we should thank the little fighter for putting up with someone like Phii Arthit.” North added, which made me smile at him, and North paused.

“Don’t smile at everything, I’m not used to it.”    “Really?” I smiled even broader.

“Getting goosebumps, it’s not natural at all, you jerk.”

“Just teasing.”

“The atmosphere around Dao has changed.” Said Cat from the sofa, turning his back to rest his chin on the backrest, supporting it with both arms, looking like a

Cat cub staring intently at something, “It’s warmer.”

“Is it that noticeable?” North asked.

“You’re not sensitive, so you wouldn’t feel it.”

“It’s not true, I think you guys are just imagining it.”

“I’m not imagining it at all.”

“You don’t need to argue with him, Phoon. North is just one of those who opposes everything. Sometimes he doesn’t even disagree, he just likes to argue for the sake of arguing. Ah! You, I told you not to take Dao’s things!” Ter turned to scold quietly.

“You’re the good one, Ter, arguing with North there.” Cat said.

“Yeah. Since we’ve been living together, have you had many issues with me,

Ter?”

“You’ve caused me more trouble. We must argue, just arguing is enough, at least once a day to feel at peace.”

“I don’t know. I just feel like I can’t stand you because I see your face every day, it’s like I’m sick of it.”

“But you call me back to sleep every night.” Ter raised an eyebrow.

“Why do you make it sound like I’m clingy?”    “Can’t you sleep alone?” I asked.

“Not exactly. At home, I can sleep alone, but when it’s unfamiliar, I can’t sleep at all.”

“Why are you so afraid of ghosts?” Cat asked.

“They’re scary, aren’t you scared?”

“Not really. I’m more afraid of the dark, but Dao isn’t scared at all, right?” I nodded in response, “What about you, Ter?”

“I’m scared, but not as much as North, to the point of being scared out of my wits.”

“You exaggerate.”

“Which are you more afraid of, cockroaches or ghosts?”

“Cockroaches.” Ter answered immediately, “No way, I’d rather deal with ghosts than cockroaches, I’m telling you. And back then, damn North used to prank me with them, it was so annoying.”

“What are you scared of? They’re kind of cute.”

“They’re disgusting.”

“Come on, why can’t you call them cute? They’re small.”

“You call what’s cute and adorable, size isn’t the point.” Ter argued before offering me an apple. I opened my mouth to take a bite, “So, do you have anything you are afraid of?”

“Exactly, you don’t seem afraid of anything.” Cat added.

“Exactly.” I said.

“Oh, what’s that about? You still don’t know what you’re afraid of, do you?”    “I don’t know either.” I said honestly, because since I was born, I can’t recall ever being afraid of anything.

“That’s nice, being someone who isn’t afraid of anything.” Cat said, and then we continued chatting until dinner time. I ate dinner along with my medication and drifted off to sleep due to the effect of the drugs while everyone was still in the room.

I slowly opened my eyes, feeling much clearer. The heaviness in my head from earlier in the day was gone. Looking around, there was no sign of anyone else, but I heard sounds as if someone was in the bathroom. Looking at the sofa where some items were left, I immediately knew who was in the bathroom.

It was dark outside, and the room lights were bright. I saw that it was now halfpast nine. After a while, Phii Arthit, dressed in a white T-shirt and long pajama pants, came out.

“Oh, you’re awake already?”

“Uh-huh.”

“How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“Oh, good.” He said, coming to sit beside me.

“You came to watch over me?”

“Yeah, I changed into these clothes ready to sleep.”

“Oh…What about Mr. Jeon? When will I get out of the hospital?”

“I left the chubby one with Fah. As for when you can leave the hospital…I don’t know, maybe we’ll have to wait and see how you feel for a bit longer.”

“…You don’t have to stay here.”

“Are you kicking me out? I’m not leaving.”

“No, not kicking you out…I just thought you have many things to do, like racing, making music, studying.”

“I can study here. As for racing and making music, it’s not necessary right now.”

“Oh…Uh-huh.”

“And about Gard…well, you don’t seem too interested, so forget about it.” He said casually, playing with my hand.

“You can tell if you want to.”

“It’s not much. I went to check in the evening, and when Direk found out he had hurt his future daughter-in-law, he wouldn’t negotiate anymore. He said to deal with it fully.”

“Oh.”

“As for Ging, Meen took care of her so badly she’s almost unrecognizable.

Those siblings will remember this for a long time. Do you think it’s enough?”

“It should be enough. I’m not holding a grudge.”

“Really? But I think it’s not enough.”

“…”

“It’d be better to keep them around for some more playful torment before letting them go.”

“Hmm, as you wish.”

“Aren’t you scared of me?”

“Are you going to hurt me?”

“That’s a stupid question. If I had to hurt you, it would hurt me more.”    “Hmm.” I nodded slightly, “Then there’s no reason to be scared. Plus, I’m not scared when someone wants to hurt me either.”

“What are you scared of?”

“You’re asking like Ter did.”

“Really? And what was your answer?”

“I don’t know, bro.”

“You mean what I’m afraid of?”

“Yes.”

“Afraid you won’t love me, afraid of losing you.”

“Hmm? It’s all about me.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Hmm, then there’s nothing to be scared of.”

“You’re teasing me again. What’s going on, Daotok, I’m asking seriously. Ever since we started chatting, my heart feels like it’s going to kill me. Did someone hire you? I’m starting to feel uneasy.”

“Exactly, someone did hire me.”

“What did they hire you for?”

“Maybe they hired me to make you like me and then leave.” I teased, the person next to me sighed.

“That’s cruel.”

“You mean the one who hired me?”

“You, actually.”

“Ha ha.” I laughed a bit at his dissatisfaction.

“How much did they pay you?”

“Hmm…” I was silent for a moment, contemplating, “One million.”

“Is that all my feelings are worth? Then I’ll give you a hundred million.”

“Why give it to me?”

“To hire you to love me back.”

“No.”

“Why not? Isn’t it enough?”

“You don’t need to.” I smiled, “I already love you.”

“…”

I laughed again at his reaction; he was so shocked he couldn’t speak, his sharp face slightly turning red. He reached out to cover my eyes with his rough hand.

“Oh, you’re cheating. When I’m embarrassed, you still like to watch.”

“Don’t look.” He protested, “Oh, shit…you jerk.”

“Let me see.”

“No.” He said firmly. I used both hands to try to pry his hand away, and after a while, he let go, his face back to normal.

“You recovered fast.”

“Nothing happened. Everything was fine.”

“Oh, is everything normal?”

“Yeah. Totally normal.”

“Then say it again.”

“No! Not yet!” He protested before quickly covering my mouth with his hand, looking flustered, which made me laugh out loud. Why is this big dog so cute? He tells me he loves me almost every hour, but when I want to say it, he stops me,

“No, keep it for later.”

“Uh…” I made a sound in my throat since I couldn’t move my mouth, he removed his hand again, “Don’t you want to hear it?”

“No! I do want to hear it, but…damn, my heart beats so hard, shit, I might die, whether you’re saying love or committing murder.”

“Ha ha.”

“You seem in a good mood.”

“I guess so.”

“It’s fun, isn’t it, to tease me.”

“You can say it all the time, but when I want to say it, I can’t.”

“But you do love me, right?” He asked as if he couldn’t believe his ears. I nodded in response, he averted his gaze, stood with his hands on his hips, one hand covering his mouth, but his cheeks were visibly red.

“Damn, oh wow, I want to bang my head against the wall, the world must know this for real, the bro zone must be trembling, you bastard!”

“Calm down.”

“You go take a shower!”

“Okay.”

“Hey, no way, just wipe yourself off, you might faint or slip again.” He said before going to grab wet wipes, prepare a cloth with water and a change of clothes for me.

“Close the curtains.”

“Yeah, yeah.” before the curtains around the bed were drawn. I took off my old clothes, cleaned myself, changed into new clothes, and spoke to the person behind the curtain.

“Done.”

He slid the curtain back into place.

“Here.”

“What?”

“How’s your racing practice going?”

“Why ask suddenly? Are you afraid I’ll lose and we won’t become a couple?” He teased, raising an eyebrow, sitting back down on the chair by the bed, and picking up his iPad to read something.

“North told me.” I said. During our conversation earlier in the day, North mentioned that because his boyfriend had helped Phii Arthit practice, North got to watch, and he said Phii Arthit was really good. The reason I didn’t go to watch the practice was because Phii Arthit himself forbade it, saying he wanted to show off his coolness during the actual race.

“Oh, what did he say?”

“Just praised you.”

“I paid him to praise me, to make me look cool in your eyes, so you’d fall for me.”

“Exactly.”

“…Ah, oh, sigh! You’ve surrendered, huh? I’m not playing anymore, damn it! I’m the one who’s going to die, why do you counter with such a strong punch, like this, I can’t tease you anymore, what’s this?” He pretended to clutch his chest as if he was having a heart attack.

“This is retaliation, wasn’t it you who was good at teasing?”

“Too strong, damn it, too strong, don’t do anything to me.”

“Ha ha, you give up already?”

“Yeah, I give up, I give up, you go to sleep.”

“I just woke up.”

“Sick people need a lot of rest, sleep, sleep.” He gently pushed me to lie down, sat with his chin resting on his hand by the bed, making a grumpy face, looking somewhat annoyed. When he noticed I was watching him, he pulled the blanket over me, “What are you looking at? Sleep!”

“You’re cheating, you can still look at me.”

“Just go to sleep.”

“Have you never been this embarrassed before?”

“Still asking about that, huh?” He said. I laughed again, peeking out from under the blanket. I saw him sigh and sit back down, “I’ve never been this happy since I was born, sigh, finally, there’s today. Damn it, I’m proud of myself.”

“Hmm.”

“And do you need to tell your family that you’re in the hospital?” He changed the subject.

“It’s fine, I’ll be discharged soon.”

“Usually, no one comes to visit anyway.”

“Yeah, just friends come by sometimes.”

“Ha, I’m the first to stay with you then.”

“Yes.”

“Having a doctor stay with you, you’ve got some special privileges.”

“Here.”

“What?”

“Hmm, speaking of being the first…don’t you want to ask?”

“Ask what?”

“Like…about the first kiss or something like that. Don’t you want to know if you were the first?” I asked quietly. I was just curious why he never asked; usually, I think most people would want to know if they were someone’s first kiss or first in something with someone they like.

“Oh, like if I was your first kiss or the first time for something like that?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve told you before, I don’t care about your past. If I got to be your first kiss, I’d be happy, but does that mean I wouldn’t be happy if I was the second, third, fourth, or fifth? That’s not true. As long as you trust me and allow it, I’m already very happy. Plus, being the last one is what’s more important. So, that’s why I don’t ask about your past.”

“…”

“I don’t believe in saving the first time for someone special. When you love, you give it your all. You think the person in front of you is important. Who knows how the future will end, right? You’ve been deceived before. My job is to help you forget the past, isn’t it? So why would I ask, right?”

“Hmm, that’s right, you put it well.”

“Of course, what crazy person is this handsome?” He shrugged casually. I looked at him and couldn’t help but smile; he might be right about that. Who cares about the first one? It’s the last one that matters, “And why ask suddenly?”

“Just talking about the first one.”

“The first one who got to stay overnight in the hospital with the first kiss, how does that relate?”

“It doesn’t relate. Just made me think of it, I wanted to ask but never got around

to it.”

“Oh, and you made me think too far ahead, I’m getting obsessed.”

“Think what…Oh, sigh, you’re really obsessed too.” I sighed at him. He couldn’t act cool for even ten minutes, this guy, “Then I’ll sleep now.”

“Okay, sweet dreams.”

“Uh-huh, same to you, don’t do anything weird, okay?”

“Yeah, I know, when have I ever disobeyed what you’ve forbidden?”

“Good, be a good boy.”

“Can I have a kiss on the cheek?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You’re so kind.” He said before leaning down to softly kiss my cheek, ruffling my hair a bit before walking to turn off the main light, leaving only a small one on.

I took a while to fall asleep, with someone reading beside me.

I was discharged from the hospital after three days; my body wounds were healing gradually, and I no longer had headaches or dizziness. I could return to daily life as if nothing had happened. I completely forgot about Gard and his sister.

I didn’t ask or care about their situation anymore.

SomSri’s Cat kittens found new homes with the help of the clinic’s vet. As for SomSri, Phii Meen fully adopted her, and Phii Meen often brought SomSri to play with Mr. Jeon; they got along quite well. There’s no worry about them having kittens since both have been spayed/neutered.

Phii Arthit still revolved around me as usual. He still brought breakfast every morning, ate dinner with me every evening, and sometimes slept on the sofa in my room. After understanding that he needed to be patient and wait for me to be ready, he never did anything beyond what I allowed again.

This made me think that because he was experiencing love for the first time, he was more like a child who didn’t know how to express himself. He’s not one to listen to others much, but at least, he listens to me; he doesn’t do what I forbid, though he might pout a bit when scolded, ears drooping, tail between his legs.

North said I might be the only one in the world who finds him cute.

But I think…I’m the only one in the world who finds him cute.

Time passed quickly, and when the day of the real competition arrived, I was indescribably excited. Even though I didn’t show it outwardly, thinking about the agreement we made last month made my heart race.

I remember I didn’t set the condition that he had to win for me to agree to be his boyfriend. I just said that winning would be nice. I set the condition to give my answer after the competition because I wanted time to prepare myself, so no matter the outcome of tonight’s race, my answer would remain the same.

The person who seemed the most excited and in the best mood was definitely the one competing today. He brought me soy milk in the morning like usual, with the brightest, most cheerful demeanor, saying that North and his boyfriend would come too because his boyfriend wanted to see the result of the competition after helping with training for so long.

He said he would pick me up around nine in the evening, so I should get ready.

I got back to my room around five in the evening, showered, and got dressed. Today, I wore the shirt he bought for me. I played with Mr. Jeon until nine, and he came right on time.

“Hey, are you ready?”

“Yeah.”

“The shirt I bought you, it really suits you.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Let’s go.” He took my hand and led me down to the parking lot below.    “Are you excited about the race?” I asked while in the car. It seemed like the car for the race was already at the venue, so the car I was in now was a different one.

“I’m more looking forward to what happens after the race, there won’t be any

‘no’ anymore, right?”

“Hmm.”

“Damn, I’m excited, like…is there going to be a surprise or something?”

“Why ask me?”

“Well. I don’t know who else to ask, I asked Direk, and he said it’s up to you, I asked Jo, and he also said it’s up to you.”

“How would it be a surprise if you tell me?”

“Right, forget it, how can it be a surprise if we already know, right?”

“Hmm.”

“Being a senior you know ends here, those bastards, no one will mock me anymore.” and then he burst out laughing loudly with satisfaction. I furrowed my brows slightly, looking at the person next to me.

Hmm…it’s strange, but what can I do? There’s no surprise since we already knew, and besides, our feelings have gone too far. Even so, he still patiently waited as we agreed.

   I’ve…decided to choose him too.

   A luxurious car pulled up and parked outside the race track. I looked around with interest because I had never been to a race track before. The inside was very lively; as we walked in, many people noticed, and he became the center of attention again, but he didn’t care at all. He took my hand and led me in another direction.

   We went up the stairs to the upper level, stopping in front of a large black glass door. Inside, there were several men in suits standing guard. I guessed they were bodyguards. Uncle Direk turned to look and walked over to us immediately.

   “Hello.”

“Uh-huh, hello.”

“Finally here, little fighter.” North’s voice rang out. I turned to see North and his boyfriend sitting on a large, plush sofa. Phii Arthit led me towards them. I sat down next to North; in front of us was a large glass partition, with seating outside. If Uncle Direk was here, I guessed this room must be the best spot to watch the race.

After a while, someone brought water to serve us. I nodded slightly in thanks.

“What time do I need to get ready?” He asked Uncle.

“In another half hour.”

“Can we go out to see?” I turned to ask North.

“Sure.” North invited, and we walked outside. Just as I thought, we were on the top floor, with a panoramic view of the track. Simply put, this must be the VIP area, “Wow, there are so many people, damn.”

“Yeah.” I agreed; people were gradually taking their seats in the stands.    “I should bet on this. No matter what, Phii Arthit should win, it’s a good investment…isn’t it?”

“Why are you so sure he’ll win?”

“He looks so serious about it.” North said, turning to look at the person inside the room. Phii Arthit was talking to North’s boyfriend with a slightly more serious demeanor than usual, “The only thing I’m worried about is if the other side plays dirty.”

“Hmm? Why? Is there something suspicious?”

“The race is on their turf. It’s not our side’s field; they might have set traps on the ground.”

“That would be too obvious.” I said, scanning the field with my eyes. It was around half past nine, the surroundings were dark, so the field lights were turned on, making the atmosphere even more exciting, “Do you know anything about the opponent?”

“I asked around a bit, his name should be Fight, same age as Phii Arthit, son of a big company, just like Phii Arthit. Not really a good guy, involved in fights, woman troubles, stuff like that.”

“Oh.” I nodded, feeling a slight chill from the cool breeze, rubbing my arms lightly. Suddenly, someone covered me with a jacket.

“I should have told you to bring a jacket, it’s cold around here.”

“Wow, taking off your jacket for a romance scene.” North teased.

“Shut up.”

“Oh.”

I turned to see North’s girlfriend, who was already sitting on the outside sofa.

North made a face at Phii Arthit before sitting next to his girlfriend.

“How’s the atmosphere?”

“Hmm, it’s crowded.”

“It’s peaceful here. No need to squeeze with others, and you can see my car clearly.”

“And with such a big field, they’re only racing two cars?”

“No way. When I race against him, there are other cars too. The agreement is whoever crosses the finish line first wins, but no matter how you look at it, I’ll come in first. Being too good, I don’t know what to do.”

“And where do you prepare?”

“Down below, I’ll go in a bit. Do you remember my car?”

“Yeah.”

We stood by the balcony rail for a while to take in the racing field’s atmosphere before Uncle Direk came to tell us it was time to get ready.

“Go, watch my victory, and be ready to say yes.”

“Hmm.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his confident demeanor and words; he left the room, leaving just me, North, his boyfriend, and Uncle Direk to watch from here.

“Doesn’t Uncle need to go with him?” North asked.

“Hmm, the racers’ prep area doesn’t allow outsiders, they’re afraid someone might do something harmful.”

“Oh, right, imagine if someone slipped in some laxatives or something, that would be bad.” North nodded in agreement. After a while, the crowd cheered as the first car moved onto the track. North and I stood up, gripping the balcony rail with excitement, looking at the cars modified beyond their original design.

“Hmm…you can modify the cars however you want, right?” I said.

“Yeah, it’s not an official race, you know.”

“Oh.” I nodded slightly, feeling a flutter in my chest when I saw the familiar black car drive onto the track, “What about the car of the person he’s racing against?”

“It’s probably red, that guy, right, Phii Jo?” North turned to ask.

“Uh-huh.”

“That’s right, the one on the right.”

“Oh.”

Once the cars were lined up, the starting signal sounded. I watched the race intently. As expected, the black car took off quickly, leading the others, before being caught up by the red one. The cheering was so loud it made me feel nervous for him.

“…Wow.”

I gasped when I saw the cornering at full speed without slowing down at all. The red car slowed down a bit, falling behind, and once overtaken, it was hard to catch up again.

“How can they drift at that speed?” North said in awe. I was no different, speechless, having heard about how good he was at racing but not understanding until I saw it with my own eyes.

My heart beat a bit faster, my hands clenched in anticipation.

“North.”

“Huh?”

“He’s really good.”

“Impressed, huh?”

“Hmm, he’s always impressive.”

I was even more surprised when the black car picked up speed. I started to feel anxious, fearing it might be dangerous, but he handled that speed very well, this time leaving the other cars far behind, almost determining the result.

“Damn, come on, bro, well done!” North cheered excitedly. I was just as excited, the cheers from the spectators were thunderous, and as the gap widened, the cheering grew even louder. Amidst the spotlight shining down, on the field where cars were racing at high speed, that sleek black car captured everyone’s attention.    “Won!!!” the person next to me shouted with joy, North grabbed both my hands and shook them up and down, the roar of the crowd echoing around.

“He…he won!” I turned to look at North after standing there in shock for a while, smiling broadly without realizing, then I shook his hand back with enthusiasm.

“Yeah! He won, yay!!”

“Uh-huh, uh-huh, he won.”

I looked over at the two people sitting on the sofa; Uncle Direk also looked pleased, more than that, he looked proud of his son.

“Phii Jo!! He won!” North let go of my hand to shake his girlfriend’s arm instead, who gave a slight smile.

“He was bound to win.”

“Isn’t that right? It wasn’t a waste to come cheer, nor was it a waste for Phii Jo to help with the practice.” North said enthusiastically, “And now, my senior and my friend will have a boyfriend too.”

North’s words made me purse my lips slightly to hide my embarrassment, turning back to look at the field where the other cars were crossing the finish line one by one. Once all were in, it was time to announce the winner. Even though from here it was a bit far, I could see Phii Arthit getting out of that black car.

And when his name was announced as the winner of this race, he turned this way, seemingly sending a smile in our direction.

I smiled back at him.

Congratulations…you’re the best.

After that, all the cars moved off the field. I stood there watching with a feeling of pride in my heart, then suddenly, Uncle Direk stood up beside me. I turned to look at him.

“He’ll be back soon.”

“Yes.”

“I know the terms both of you agreed upon. It might seem strange for me to say this, but you must know how my son is. He might be troublesome for you, he’s stubborn, crazy, and annoying every day. I myself sometimes get headaches because of him, but he’s my only son, he’s my whole life. This is the first time he’s told anyone he loves them.”

Uncle spoke softly with a smile and warm eyes.

“He’s never loved anyone before, except for his mother, me, and himself, despite his rough and tough exterior. But if he loves someone, he gives his whole life. As an ordinary father, I want my son to be happy. Since he loves you, I love you too.

So if you also have feelings for him, don’t leave him, okay?”

“Yes. I promise.”

“You’re really cute.” Uncle gently patted my head. I gave him a sincere smile. We talked and waited for him to return, but after a considerable amount of time had passed, there was still no sign of the person who should have come back.

“It’s taking so long.”

“Indeed, what is he doing? Or did he get diarrhea?” Uncle showed a sign of impatience before picking up his phone to call, “He’s not answering.”

“What about the people who went to check on him?” North’s boyfriend asked immediately.

“Uh, let me go check first.” Uncle walked to slide open the large glass door to go back inside, and everyone followed. Before long, two guards came in, panting.

“Sir…the young master is gone!”

“What did you say!!”

“At first, someone said they saw the young master go to the bathroom. We’ve looked everywhere, but he’s not there.” one of them explained.

“But we found an emergency exit that was supposed to be locked, with signs of being forced open.”

My heart sank upon hearing that; the room fell into a brief silence. Me, Uncle, and North were all stunned until Uncle’s phone rang; he answered it immediately.    The middle-aged man’s kind and warm face turned into one of anger, the atmosphere around him growing cold and intimidating. He gripped the phone tightly, his hand trembling.

   “…So, it’s going to be like this, huh?”

“Let me talk to my son…now.”

A deep, intimidating voice rose. Even though no one in the room showed any reaction, the room was filled with tension.

I couldn’t hear the voice from the other end of the line; Uncle’s demeanor was terrifyingly calm, speaking only a few sentences into the phone.

“You won’t die well.”

His voice lowered even further. I was sure this wasn’t just a threat. Uncle lowered his phone before stepping out.

“Orders, sir?”

“Everyone to the abandoned warehouse up north, prepare weapons and money. They said they want to negotiate first, after the negotiation and we get Arthit back…kill them all.”

With the command given, everyone started moving immediately.

“Jeff!”

“Yes, sir!”

The man who seemed like the head of the bodyguards ran over.

“Divide the team to go behind the warehouse too, this isn’t the plan we had. There are definitely only a few of them, but don’t be careless, you know what’s most important.”

“Sir’s safety!”

“Good.”

Then that man quickly walked out. Uncle turned to look at me.

“Kid, stay here, there’s a small emergency. Don’t be afraid, Johan, take care of my future daughter-in-law for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

And then Uncle ran out. I watched him go, not saying anything because I was afraid it would delay him. The room was left with just the three of us; North came over and gently touched my shoulder.

“…North.”

I called out to the person beside me, my voice trembling, my hands icy cold, as if my heart was being torn apart. No words could be said at this moment; my mind imagined various scenarios of what might happen next.

And then tears flowed without me realizing it.

“Why…why is it like this?”

“You’ll be fine, calm down first.”

“North…North, huh, he’s in danger. We…what can I do, North? What can I do?

What should I do, North, huh…if he, huh, if he…”

I let myself cry for the first time in a long while; tears flowed relentlessly down my face. I started sobbing so hard my body shook, the fear I had never felt before was gnawing at my heart intensely, leaving me completely drained. North pulled me into a comforting hug.

“Calm down, buddy. It’ll be fine, trust me, Arthit is tough to kill, he might even deal with those guys before Uncle even gets there. Right, Phii Jo, isn’t that right?

Phii Arthit will be fine.”

“Uh-huh, he’s told me this isn’t the first time he’s faced something like this.”    “Hic, hic…but…but that doesn’t mean this time won’t be…different, he told me to wait for the victory and be ready to say yes, so…why isn’t he coming back?”    “I understand you’re worried, what can we do, Phii Jo? Can’t we do anything?” North asked with concern and panic in his voice.

“There are enough people already. If we go, we’ll just get in the way.”

“Uh…then can we just sneak a peek at the situation?” I pleaded, my face still wet with tears.

“Try to think from Arthit’s perspective, what would he want you to do more?”

“…”

“I know you’re worried, but if it were me, even if I were to die, I wouldn’t want the person I love to be in danger. I think Arthit feels the same. Plus, Uncle asked me to look after you, if we go there, Arthit definitely wouldn’t agree.”

“Uh-huh, you’re right, calm down first, don’t cry. I’ve never seen you cry before, it breaks my heart. Don’t cry, it’ll be fine, trust me, he’s been waiting for you to say yes for so long, with that kind of determination, he won’t die.”

“Hic…uh…thank you.” I pulled myself out of North’s embrace, wiping my tears away, trying to regain my composure as much as I could, telling myself to trust him.

He said he would be by my side forever.

   He wouldn’t lie, he promised.

   “Come, come, sit down, have some water first.” North led me back to the same sofa, pouring water into a glass for me.

“North.”

“Hmm?”

“Remember when you asked if I’ve ever been afraid of anything?”

“I understand now…I’m afraid of losing him. I’m afraid…I…I can’t lose him. I really can’t lose him.”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 41: Dreamcatcher

   Daotok

   “I really couldn’t match his strength.” I said truthfully. Every time I tried to push him away, I used all my strength, but I just couldn’t match his. Imagine if he were in my place today, he would have helped Phii Meen, Somsri, and the kittens much better than I did.

“Yeah, he’s like a bear or a buffalo, I can’t match his strength either. But why not do something else, like set him on fire?”

“Wow, you’re so cruel, I’ve never thought badly of you, not even once.”    “…Yeah.” I nodded slightly because he’s never had bad intentions or evil thoughts towards me like Gard did. Plus, with this big, cute kid who keeps doting on me, there’s no way I would ever harm him.

I let Phii Arthit continue to tend to my wounds. Even though his hands were a bit heavy, it was bearable. Meanwhile, Phii Meen had to tend to her own wounds.    “I’m so lonely. Without a senior like yours, Nong Dao, I have to bandage my own wounds like this.”

“Senior? I am his husband, not his brother. You should get a husband too, like

Kim.”

“About Kim, please, I beg you, and Nong Dao doesn’t reject Arthit’s ‘wife, wife, wife’ calls, him trying to push me to Kim is making me so annoyed.”

“Oh…I didn’t notice.”

“I say it very naturally, don’t I?”    “It’s not like that at all.” I said.

“Come on, don’t overthink it. What are you going to do, huh? Can’t you just let it go?”

“No! I’m the mother, if you want to be my son-in-law, you need to behave well, then I might give my child to you!”

“Did you give birth to him yourself, then?”

“Yeah, I did, all by myself.”

“Aren’t you scared during childbirth? If it were me, I would have died.” He turned to ask me with a serious look, which earned him a hard hit from Phii Meen.

“Ouch! That hurts my wound!”

“Damn, you hit me and hurt yourself, what’s that?”

“You fucking jerk, my arm is all bruised now!”

I sat listening to the two of them bicker back and forth, feeling more and more weighed down by the pain throughout my body. In truth, I felt heavy all over since we got into the car to go to the vet clinic, but I thought it might be because of the injuries. Now, my head was starting to feel heavy too.

“I think we should get an X-ray. Hey! Dao!!”

He looked extremely alarmed, hearing the familiar deep voice calling my name loudly before he rushed to support me, and then everything went black.

I opened my eyes to the pain all over my body, one hand with an IV drip in it. I was in a hospital room, wearing a patient’s gown, not an unfamiliar sight for me. The only thing different was there was someone slumped asleep by the bed, holding my other hand tightly.

The morning sunlight shone through the window, making the sharp features of the sleeping person even more radiant in my eyes, causing me to smile without realizing it.

Looking at the clock, I saw it was already six in the morning. I guessed he must have been there watching over me since I passed out last evening.

I guess I passed out because I overexerted myself; if it were like before, this wouldn’t have happened. But as I’ve said, I haven’t been in many fights for a while. I haven’t really taken care of my health either, so when my body reached its limit, it just couldn’t take it anymore, and I fainted.

If I want to be like I used to be, I’ll need to exercise a lot more.

Even though he was fast asleep, he looked like he was having a nightmare, his thick eyebrows furrowed, his face slightly pale, biting his teeth as if in pain. I gently stroked his head, trying to comfort him.

“May the bad dreams go away.”

After a while, his expression relaxed a bit, but he still wouldn’t let go of my other hand. That hand felt hot and numb. I heard the phone vibrating, reaching under the blanket where it was hidden, and picked it up to see that it was Uncle Direk calling him.

“Hey, you have a call.” I said, gently shaking him to wake up. He opened his eyes, looking confused and somewhat displeased. When he saw that I had regained consciousness, his eyes widened in shock before he quickly hugged me, making me wince a bit from the pain.

“Ow, it hurts.”

“Sorry, sorry.” He loosened his grip, “How do you feel?” He asked immediately, looking alarmed.

“Well…okay.”

“Really? Sigh.” He exhaled in relief, as if dropping all the burdens he was carrying. He gently stroked my cheek, “Do you have a headache?”

“A little.”

“Really? What about the wound?”

“Hmm. It hurts.”

“Didn’t you say it was just your sides and back? You’re bruised all over.” He said, frowning with concern.

“How did you know?”

“I peeked. See, once I tell you, it’s not peeking anymore, is it?” I looked at him with disgust, sighing, “What? I was worried. What if the nurse secretly pinched you?”

“Why would she pinch me?”

“Who knows? Maybe she’s jealous and secretly pinched you.”

“…No one would do that.” I said, “Oh, there’s an incoming call.”

“Is it for me?”

“Uh-huh.” He took the phone and went outside to talk. I, sitting on the bed, shifted slightly to get more comfortable, gently touching the hand he had been holding, feeling the warmth. About five minutes later, he came back inside.

“It’s like this.” He sat down, letting out a big sigh, looking tired and frustrated,

“Listen to me vent for a moment. I was so worried about you, you know that, but you put yourself in danger like that. I understand you love cats, I do, I told you I understand!”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded, listening, he ran his hand through his hair.

“I want to be mad at you, but I can’t stay angry. You’re so cute, and I love you so much. Just seeing your face and I can’t be angry anymore, but when I see your injuries, it hurts me, more than when I get into trouble myself. I was so pissed last night, I ordered people to go after that bastard Gard, but I couldn’t beat him up because I wanted to be with you more. I just ordered people to handle it first. I was so angry I wanted to kill someone, but with my wife in the hospital, I still had to study. Last night there was a race, but I didn’t go. You…someone’s life, sigh, damn it, it’s so annoying.”

“…”

“I was so worried, stayed up all night watching over you, and dozed off like this.

My back hurts like hell, and I had nightmares too.”

He rambled on until I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked at me with surprise, eyebrows furrowed.

“You’re laughing?”

“It’s funny, you’re good at complaining.”

“Funny, huh? I’m like a dog to you.”

“Are you feeling hurt?”

“Yeah.”

“Big body, small heart.”

“Yeah, my heart is only this big. Try to think about my feelings sometimes.” He said, clearly not in a good mood, which didn’t match his usual tough exterior, tattoos, and muscles. Seeing him like this made me feel even more affectionate, wanting to pinch his cheeks until he stopped sulking, “Am I not important at all?”

“Hmm, why ask that?”

“I’m just one step away from being Cerberus.”

“A three-headed dog?”

“Yeah, I just told you to take care of yourself. It’s only been a moment, and you’re back all bruised. I know you’re capable, but I’m not that strong-hearted to see you hurt.”

“Oh…I really underestimated this time. At first, I was just observing the situation, but when I saw Phii Meen about to get hurt, my body just reacted.”

“Next time, let her die.”

“If Phii Meen heard that, she’d definitely hit you.” I said, “It’s my fault, sorry for making you worry. Next time, I’ll think more.”

“Then why don’t you think more from the start? Honestly, I think you don’t value yourself enough. Many times, when you’re sick, you keep pushing yourself, overworking like this. When you helped me at the cemetery and got messed with by ghosts, it was the same. Why?”

“Hmm.” I was silent for a moment, “Maybe because I’m not that important.”

“Why think like that?”

“I don’t know, like when I work hard, it’s because I think work is more important than myself, isn’t it?”

“Isn’t it what? Why are you asking me that?”

“Just asking for an opinion. I’m not sure either, but I see myself as dedicated.”

“Dedicated to the point of overworking yourself, isn’t it?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You probably don’t love yourself enough.”

“Probably so.”

“Then I’ll love you for you.”

“Hmm?”

“Even if you don’t value yourself, you’re the most important to me, that’s enough.” He said firmly. We locked eyes for a moment. I smiled.

“Ha ha, thank you.”

“Why thank me again?”

“Not many people have been good to me.”

“…”

“So, I’m happy. I’ve been alone for a long time, and people who are truly good and trustworthy are few. I’ve been hurt a lot, which is why I like kind-hearted people like Ter, Cat, and North.”

“And you too, Phii.”

“I thought you’d forgotten about me.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” I smiled, “And also, I think this is the perfect moment to say it.”

“What?”

“Earlier when North asked if I had a heart. I answered that I do, because of you. So, you’re very important to me.”

“…”

“Also, about the nightmares. They won’t happen anymore. I’ll be your dreamcatcher.”

“…Be my boyfriend for real. No more waiting for another two weeks.”

“Don’t be impatient.”

“Hey…is this a hospital? Don’t make me take off my shirt here.”

“Not allowed at all.”

“Damn!” He grabbed his head hard, “You always say things like this. I’ll remember this until you become my boyfriend. Oh, I’m going to die, I’ve got the strength to go on ward rounds now!”

I smiled slightly at the person who seemed more heated than usual, grumbling a bit, then jumped up from the chair and walked towards the bathroom. After a while, he came out wearing his gown.

“Hey.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you want to get back at Gard? I’ve got him and his sister. Direk is negotiating with their father.”

“Negotiating?”

“Yeah, he’s the school principal, there’s some bargaining involved, trading his son for something. Direk loves this kind of intimidation stuff.” He said while packing his bag, “Direk called to ask what you want to do.”

“Oh. I don’t want anything.”

“Okay.”

“And what are you going to do?”

“What he intended to do to you. Negotiate for his own kid. When his kid hurt you, he didn’t do anything, it’s really irritating to think about.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s good that you’re not holding a grudge.” He slung his backpack over his shoulder, “I don’t want you to overthink, but the one holding a grudge seems to be Meen. Direk said she’s enjoying getting back…what’s her name again?”

“Ging.”

“Yeah, that’s it. Well, I’m off then. I’ve told North; he should come visit you.”

“Oh, tell North?”

“Why? Can’t I tell him?”

“Not exactly. I don’t want to be nagged.”

“Yeah, get nagged a bit, so you won’t put yourself in danger again. I’ll go now, reply to the chat, I’ll come back later tonight.”

“Uh-huh.”

And then he walked out of the patient’s room, and silence immediately enveloped the space. I looked around and found that this room was larger than the one I usually stay in; he must have arranged a special room for me. I lay back down, feeling the pain spread throughout my body.

   Thinking about what he said earlier, I couldn’t help but smile.

   He’ll love me for me, huh…

   He can say such romantic things, can’t he?

   After a while, a nurse came in with breakfast and my medication. Due to the effects of the medicine, I easily drifted off to sleep in the morning. Before the nurse came in again with lunch and the same medication, while I was eating, North and Cat arrived.

   “Hello.” I greeted, and Cat looked at me with concern. North, on the other hand, looked irritated, “Ouch, that hurts.” I said softly after North pinched my cheek hard.

“Hah, heard you got into a fight? You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”

“A little.”

“And humble too.”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.”

“Okay, my foot, you look like a mess.” North said with annoyance, “I was shocked when Phii Arthit told me last night, it was terrifying. I still can’t believe I saw someone that angry.”

“Did North come last night?”

“Yeah, I asked Phii Jo to drop me off.”

“Oh, you knew about it since last night? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Cat said.

“Eh, I told Ter and you first, but I thought you guys would worry too much, so I decided to tell you in the morning.” North explained, “I’d believe Phii Arthit could kill someone, or maybe he already did, damn it.”

“He didn’t kill anyone, but I probably did something.”

“What did you do?”

“Hmm, didn’t he tell you everything?”

“No, he just said you got into a fight with about seven or eight people with Phii Meen, and they caught the leader. The story is about you saving a cat and her kittens from getting caught in the crossfire.”

“Oh…hmm, well, actually, it’s…a little more than that with the leader.”

“Really?”

“If I tell you, North and Cat, you might look at me differently.”

“Why? Is the story that dramatic?”

“Do you want to tell us?” Cat asked with a gentle voice…and a face that really looked like Cat…seriously. I looked at him and thought, why does someone have to look like Cat, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was just thinking that you really do look like a cat…something like that.”

“…”

“What’s up with you?” North held his forehead, “Get back to the story, stop staring at Cat’s face.”

“Oh…I can tell if you want to know. It’s not a big deal.”

“I want to know, I’m a curious kid by nature.” When North said that, I started telling them about my past with Gard. After listening, both of them were silent for a moment, “Wow, that’s so cool, damn, why is my friend this awesome, it’s not fair, Phoon, why is Dao cooler than me, this is the guy who spits fire, no wonder he’s my friend, he has to be like this.”

“Hmm. He’s really skilled, that’s for sure.” Cat agreed, his big, round eyes sparkling, “Very decisive and very composed. I don’t look at Dao any differently. I just think Dao is stronger than he appears on the outside. You can’t judge someone just by their exterior, really.”

“Hmm.”

“North, have you ever had an experience like this?”

“Huh? Like being threatened with harm? Yeah, I got hit in the stomach with a pipe once, and I went down immediately, damn it.”

“Oh, that time Phii Jo managed to save you just in time, right?”

“Yeah, damn dog, it was so annoying, even after surviving so many battles. I shouldn’t have underestimated it; I’m still pissed thinking about it.” North made a face of frustration.

“And what about your experience with brawls?”

“Wow. You shouldn’t ask, Phoon. Do you think someone like me would survive? But you, you little fighter, I’ve been going back to boxing lately.

Interested in joining me?”

“I’m not really into that kind of physical stuff.” I replied.

“North’s been boxing until he got six-pack abs, he’s been showing them off every day.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, do you want to see?”

“Will North’s boyfriend poke my eyes out?”

“Crazy. No, we’re friends.”

“It’s alright, keep them to yourself.”

“Why? Are you saying you only want to see Phii Arthit’s?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Hah, so annoying.”

We chatted for a while, North came to sit beside me, stealing my food to eat, only to be scolded by Cat for taking a sick person’s food, so he eventually gave up. About half an hour later, Ter came to visit with fruits and flowers. North moved to lie on the sofa and ate the fruits that Ter brought.

“Hey, North, don’t steal from Dao.”

“Steal what? He’s still eating, isn’t he? And you’re peeling shrimps for him.”

“Oh, you, then you accuse me of taking food from Dao.”

“I had a tough study day today and haven’t eaten anything yet. I’m hungry, the body needs energy, isn’t that a basic human need? Why would you stop someone from eating when it’s a fundamental necessity for life?”

“Annoying.” Ter said with annoyance, turning his attention back to peeling the apple. Cat was sitting on the small sofa, watching TV.

“Ter, you don’t have to peel it.”

“Are you going to eat the skin too?”

“I usually eat the skin.”

“It’s fine, but it’s kind of…rough on the throat.” Ter said, making a face and shaking his head slightly.

“That’s Phii Arthit’s future boyfriend, why would he eat shrimp with the shell on?” North said.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, Phii Arthit eats shrimp, shell and all, didn’t you know?”

“Huh? What kind of crazy person eats shrimp with the shell?” Ter immediately turned to ask.

“That crazy person, I saw it when we went to eat hot pot together, remember? While Phii Fah and Phoon were peeling shrimp for each other, cut to Phii Arthit chewing away.”

“He’s gone mad, damn. That’s not right, you can’t eat shrimp with the shell.” “He’s probably too lazy to peel them, I think.” North turned to say, “What kind of person eats shrimp with the shell? I’m still wondering about it to this day. Can’t you peel them, it’s not that hard. If he can chew crab, he probably wouldn’t peel it either.”

“Can Phii Arthit eat anything? Like, really simple living, simple eating?” Cat asked.

“I thought I lived simply, but not as much as Dao’s husband.”    “Not at all.” I said quietly.

“If he ate a cat, would you accept that?”

“And why would he eat Cat?” I asked back.

“Who knows, maybe he’s traveled to some country where eating a cat is normal.

You never know, whatever humans can eat, Phii Arthit will eat it all.”

“…I doubt it, I mean, are there countries that eat cats?”

“The world is vast, you know.”

“Well…hmm, it must be their culture.”

“See, someone who understands the world.” North stood up, slapping his knee, then stood up to grab an apple from the bowl and got his hand slapped, “Ouch!

This guy, what’s with being so protective of an apple?”

“Let the sick person get full first.”

I let North and Ter argue while I picked up my phone to open the Line chat.

SS:    

   ☀︎:??

   ☀︎: What the hell is this shit-face thing?

   SS: Cat is cute, isn’t he?

   SS: sends a photo

   ☀︎: What’s with suddenly sending a picture of that chubby one, lol.

SS: Have you ever eaten a cat?

☀︎: Hah, lol.

   ☀︎: Why am I being asked if I’ve ever eaten Cat?

   ☀︎: Do I look like someone who would eat Cat?

   SS: You’ve sucked Mr. Jeon’s head.

   SS:    

   ☀︎: Where did you get that from?

   ☀︎: If I say I have, lol.

   SS:        

   ☀︎: And you have to use a cat’s face, lol.

   ☀︎:. If I’ve eaten your cat, would you hate me?

   SS: No, but in Thailand…

   SS: Cats…are protected by law.

   SS: You can’t eat them in Thailand.

   SS:          

   ☀︎: Yeah. Never.

   ☀︎: Never abroad either.

   SS:    

   ☀︎: Where did you get this story about eating cats?

   SS: North said.

   SS: You might have eaten him.

   ☀︎: Damn, this little shit too

   ☀︎: Did your friend go looking for it?

   SS: Yes

☀︎: Okay then

☀︎: I’m leaving

   SS: Okay

   SS: …

   SS:    

   ☀︎: What, are you sulking?

   SS: Yeah, a little

   SS:. No

   ☀︎: Nothing

   SS:. Normally, I would ask

   SS: But it’s fine    SS: I can give it myself    SS:    

   SS:        

   ☀︎: … 

   …

   J.Han: Arthit, what the hell are you shouting about in the bathroom!!

   J.Han: It’s loud enough to hear from outside!

   ☀︎: Jo, I think I’m having a heart attack

   ☀︎: So cute, so damn cute, cute like not even human anymore

   ☀︎: What was God thinking when he created this person, did the cuteness serum spill or what, you bastard

   ☀︎: I, my nipples are sore all over    ☀︎: I never thought this shit-face could be!

   ☀︎: He can be cute!

J.Han: What the fuck are you whining about?

J.Han: Hurry up and get out.

  

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 40: Cats Protection

   Daotok

   I looked down at the person who had fallen asleep using my lap as a pillow, stopping my hand that was stroking his black hair when I saw his condition had improved. Before, he seemed to be having a nightmare. Since he was forbidden from sleeping on the bed, he asked to sleep on my sofa tonight, and of course, I couldn’t refuse.

Once I was sure he was sound asleep, I slowly moved away from the sofa, replacing my lap with a pillow for him to rest on. I went out to the balcony to breathe in the night air and gazed at the sky where not a single star was visible, only the lonely moon floating.

My heart softened completely, succumbing to his pleading demeanor. He, who is usually strong and rough, showed his vulnerable side to me just half an hour ago, his voice pleading and begging as if he had surrendered to everything he had said.    His strong arms, trembling with fear, his heart beating harder than ever before, it was a feeling hard to describe. At that moment, all I could think about was wanting to embrace both his body and his heart, to watch over them so they wouldn’t shatter again.

I believe I’m the only one who truly understands how he feels on painful days, on days when we share the same feelings. Because I can read his emotions, and I cried for the deep wounds hidden inside.

For someone who never thought of loving anyone, the day he chose me to be like another heart…

I could never be more special to anyone else.

Because he said he couldn’t lose me, it’s no wonder he’s afraid, but what I told him wasn’t just comforting words.

When I said I wasn’t that weak or fragile.

In reality, when that woman called me outside, I willingly followed her. To be honest, I wasn’t happy with her either.

At first, when I saw her approach him, I was stunned, and then the irritation came flooding in. That’s why I chose to leave and go somewhere else. I didn’t expect that afterward, she would come looking for trouble with me.

I’m not someone who lets others hurt me without fighting back, which is why after being pushed, I grabbed her arm and maneuvered it behind her back. If Phii Arthit hadn’t intervened, I wouldn’t have been the one in danger.

I didn’t think I was the jealous type until the evening’s incident made me want to pull that hand away from what’s mine.

If it’s just looking, that’s fine, but don’t mess with…absolutely not.

I’m not scared of being picked on, but when Phii Arthit ran towards me with such a worried look, it made me feel indescribably happy. I quickly took him away because I was more afraid of things escalating.

“Why are you here?”

“Hmm? Why are you awake?” I turned to ask the person I had just put to bed, who looked slightly dazed, lightly rubbing his head before coming out to lean against the balcony beside me.

“You weren’t there.”

“So you want me to sit there all night?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m so sore.”

“I’m not that heavy.”

“Really?”

“What are you thinking about? You seemed lost in thought.”

“Just random stuff.”

“About today?”

“Not really. Just that it’s been a while since I’ve been bothered.”

“You said you’ve been picked on often?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me about it, I want to know the details. Did you ever become a gang leader?”

“No, it’s the opposite.”

“Targeted?”

“Yeah.”

“The story isn’t just about letting him be bullied until he graduates, right?” He asked, raising his eyebrows.

“If it were like that.”

“No way.”

“Why?”

“Remember when you cussed out Khram until he cried like a dog? Plus, you said you weren’t that weak, so now I want to know how it was.”

“Oh.” I nodded again, “Well, there’s nothing much to it. Probably because I was smaller than my peers back then, they thought it would be easy to bully me, that I couldn’t fight back. Hurting someone who can’t fight back might make them feel strong.”

“Really?” He raised his eyebrow, “I never thought like that.”

“Have you ever bullied someone?”

“Yeah, I used to lift girls’ skirts in kindergarten.”

“…Really? Was it fun?”

“Not really, what’s fun about seeing underwear?”

“So you pulled down their underwear too?”

“Yeah, damn. That was bad. So I stopped lifting skirts and started pulling down boys’ pants instead.”

“Whose pants, your friends’ or yours?”

“…Mine, what’s that, why are you asking this?” He pushed my head lightly, annoyed.

“Good thing I wasn’t in that class.”

“I was just kidding, but don’t you want to see? You were still touching it last evening.”

“…You were the one who pulled my hand there.”

“If you want to touch, just say so, you can touch, but it’s hard to beat my hand.”

“Sigh.” I let out an accidental sigh at him, “But…”

“But what?”

“I don’t need protection.”

“…”

“I mean…I’m not weak enough to need someone to protect me.”

“Yeah, I’m not saying I want to protect you because you’re weak, I’m the weak one here.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t live without you.”

“Uh-huh.” I answered softly, “I understand.”

“Good that you understand. Take good care of yourself, you’re the only one in the world for me.”

“Same for you, there’s probably only one person like you in the world.”

“There might be others like me, but no one will love you as much as I do.”    “You’re really good at sweet talk.” I teased, showing a slight smile, lifting my hand to brush the hair off my face as the wind blew, “You can go to sleep now.”

“You watch over me a bit.”

“Why? Are you a little kid who needs watching while sleeping?”    “Just for today, it’s fine for the one who got picked on, but the one who’s paranoid is me.”

“Oh, Little Arthit.”

“Just a little, please, I was born first.”

“Being born first is your only advantage, you big child, I’ll go spank you to sleep.”

“…Damn it. You really won’t agree if it’s not you.”

And that night, if I wasn’t by his side, he wouldn’t have been able to sleep no matter what, so I had to let him sleep with me on the bed. Even though I said not to come up on the bed, tonight was an exception. He had been gone since morning, leaving Chinese donuts and soy milk on the table. We chatted a bit during the day, he said he’d be practicing for a car race tonight.

After that, we met less often, probably because our free time didn’t match up much. He seemed busy, with both car racing practice and making music at night. If I wasn’t asleep, he would drop by on some nights, sleeping on the sofa and disappearing by morning as usual.

As for me, I study and work. In the evening, I go to the gym with him if he has free time because he won’t let me go alone.

My daily routine has changed a little; there’s someone to miss, someone I have to wait for to have free time so we can talk or meet.

A few days ago, Phii Meen told me she had dealt with the person who caused trouble for me at the gym. Even though I thought it wasn’t necessary, it was what Meen wanted, and she did it out of kindness towards me. So, I thanked her sincerely.

I returned to the condo after a full day of studying, with food for my cat in my bag. A few days ago, I found a kitten mother, who had just given birth, behind the condo in a somewhat hidden area, you have to walk a bit further to reach it. If it weren’t for the kitten’s mother begging for food and following me there, I wouldn’t have known about it.

While I was heading to where the cat and her kittens were, I heard sounds like people arguing. If it weren’t for the cat and her kittens being there, I would have walked away. I’m the type to avoid trouble, so I put on a mask since there was only dust around. Initially, I wanted to move the kittens to another place, but since they had just been born, the mother was very protective.

I hoped their argument wouldn’t result in any harm to the cat or her kittens.    I cautiously moved closer to peek, and seeing that they were arguing near some old wood where the cat kittens were, I became even more worried. Even though I had arranged the wood securely, if anything hit it hard, it would definitely fall on the cat.

I didn’t want to get involved in trouble, but I couldn’t abandon the cats either. While I was figuring out what to do, I saw a familiar, larger cat come out to hiss at those approaching her kittens, only to be kicked away.

I clenched my fists in shock, realizing it wasn’t just an argument; it was one person being ganged up on. And the person being ganged up on was…

Phii Meen…

   Phii Meen was fiercely swinging a steel pipe against about four or five men. What kind of situation was this? Why were so many men attacking one woman…no, it was more like one woman attacking a group of men. From the way they were barely able to fight back against Phii Meen, it seemed more fitting.    “Behind you!” I shouted loudly, rushing out before my brain could even react. I blocked a piece of wood aimed at the back of Meen with my arm. Phii Meen turned to look at me, confused. I gritted my teeth, holding my arm steady, then swung the wood away, punching the face of the person holding it with all my might, making him stagger back.    “Kid! How did you get here!”

I didn’t even have time to respond before I had to deal with another person charging at me. I ducked under the punch, grabbed his arm, and slammed him to the ground with force, the sound echoing around the area.

“Get out of here first, it’s dangerous!”

“No. I have cats to protect.”

“Huh? Cats? Isn’t it me? Oh, you little pest!” Phii Meen grumbled and turned to fight someone else instead. I looked over and saw two people not far from us, one sitting and one standing, quietly observing the situation like a boss overseeing their underlings.

I grabbed the nearest piece of wood to defend myself from the relentless attack. I’ve mentioned before that I was often bullied back in the day, so this situation isn’t that strange. It’s just been a while since I’ve encountered something like this, and it brings back memories of the past.

At first, I thought there were only four or five of them, but upon closer look, I saw there were actually eight. They had us surrounded. I scanned the situation.    My body started to heat up, movements guided by instinct. I let violence take over, swinging the stick with force, the smell of blood filling my nose, breathing heavily from exhaustion, pain coursing through me, the tension and pressure of the situation. I remembered these feelings.

Before I knew it, all of them were on the ground.

“You’ve got some skills.” Phii Meen said.

“Somsri!” I called out to the cat’s mother immediately and rushed to where the cat was under the pile of debris, but I found that it had disappeared, my heart dropped.

“Where did it go?”

“Here?”

One of the people I thought was the leader held up the cat by the scruff of its neck, not cradling it but gripping its skin. This made me even more upset. I stood up straight and walked over to him, with my brother following.

“Give it back.”

“Hmm? Is it that important?”

“Yes.”

“It’s just a dirty cat, killing one or two won’t matter.” He said, “I heard you were looking for it, so I caught it when it was trying to escape with its cub. You really messed up my underlings.”

“…”

“Come closer, take off your mask.”

“…”

I walked closer, my eyes widening when I clearly saw the face of the person holding the cat, beside her was the woman who had confronted me that day at the gym.

“Phii! This is the one who got me slapped by that person at the gym!”    “Disturbing is one thing, you started it by bothering my kid. You, Ging, are hiding behind others.” Phii Meen said with a hard voice, pointing and scolding with displeasure, “Ha, can’t handle it by yourself, so you bring your brother and underlings? Pathetic. Look at your underlings, real men, beaten to the ground by me and my kid, crying like dogs.”

“You bitch! You can’t beat my brother! Phii! She cussed me again!” The person named Ging shook the man sitting there hard. I think I could now assess the situation.

After Phii Meen retaliated for me, Ging, unwilling to accept it, brought her brother and his cronies to get revenge on one woman. But talking is one thing, since it was Phii Meen, there wasn’t much of a problem. From the way she was swinging the steel pipe at them.

“Yeah, I understand…if we just go back like this, we’ll lose face. And if this cat is so important to you, try to take it back.”

“Dao, step back…I’ll handle this.” Phii Meen said, raising her arm to shield me.

“You! How can a woman think she can fight my brother!?”

“Besides in bed, it’s when they get beaten by me that guys usually scream.” Phii Meen said, raising her eyebrows, provocatively smiling, “You’ll get more from me, Ging.”

“It’s okay, Phii Meen.” I said softly, walking closer to the other side, slowly removing my mask and sending a mocking smile to the person sitting there, who immediately looked shocked.

“!!!”

He released the cat to the ground, setting her free. I quickly picked up the cat. Fortunately, it seemed unharmed. I handed the kitten to Phii Meen and turned to talk to the person in front of me.

“What’s up? We haven’t seen each other in a while, have we, Phii?”

“You…you! Why is it you! Why are you here!!” He yelled loudly, panic-stricken, his face which was once full of confidence now turning pale with fear. The person named Ging was equally flustered.

“Why, Phii? Do you know him? Why do you have to act scared of him!”    “Get out! You’re a psycho! Don’t come near me!” He screamed, pointing at me with trembling hands. I walked closer and gave a sarcastic half-smile.

“Do you still want to hug me?” I mockingly opened my arms as if to hug him, but he quickly backed away, even trying to push me, “Eh? Why? Haven’t seen each other in so long, have you forgotten?”

I pretended to make a cooing sound, which made the security guard go pale. Seeing him scared like that filled me with an indescribable satisfaction. He started sweating profusely, looking flustered.

“Don’t come near me!! Get out!”

“Phii! Calm down, what’s wrong with you? Don’t tell me it’s because of this!”

“Ging, Ging, take it away from me!”

“Don’t you dare come near my brother!” The one named Ging stepped in front of me, embracing her poor brother. She clenched her lips tightly, clearly distressed, “It’s you, isn’t it? You’re evil! Do you know how much harm you’ve caused my brother!”

“Hmm? Really? I thought he might actually like it.” I said with a smile.

“You psycho! You pervert!”

“Are you talking about my child?”

“Enough! Enough already! We won’t mess with you anymore! Don’t you mess with us either!” She said, her voice filled with anger and fear, “Phii, it’s okay now. Let’s go home.”

“…”

I watched the sister help her brother escape, feeling a mix of pity and satisfaction that we didn’t have to deal with more trouble. I immediately went to check on the Cat cub in Phii Meen’s arms.

“The little one doesn’t look good. Should we take it to the vet?”

“Yes.”

“Is that the cat’s mother?”

“Yes.” I answered, turning to see the mother cat caring for her cubs in a cardboard box, “Maybe we should get them all checked out.”

“Okay, I’ll take them.”

“Thanks.”

I left the people lying on the ground as they were and, along with Phii Meen, headed to the clinic, even though we were both injured. It wasn’t like we were unscathed; Phii Meen had several bruises, and I was no different, with a split lip and a slight nosebleed, along with bruises all over.

“…”

The examination results showed that some cats were malnourished and had complications from living in dirty conditions, and since we weren’t in a position to take them back with us, we had to leave them at the clinic for now.

Phii Meen and I split the medical costs because she said she wanted to keep one of the kittens after they were treated. We returned to the condo by car and went to my room to tend to the wounds.

“So, what’s up with us? I was so surprised when you suddenly appeared.” Phii Meen said while cleaning my wounds.

“At first, I just wanted to check on Cat.”

“Oh.”

“But I saw you about to get hit from behind, so my body just reacted.”

“Ha ha, thank you, you’re the cutest.” Phii Meen smiled broadly, happy. “I knew it, even if you seem cold, you’re actually very kind.”

“Really?”

“Hmm, and you’re good at fighting too. Look at this. If it weren’t for you, I would have had a much harder time, I was out of breath.”

“But Phii Meen you was really impressive.”

“Of course, they couldn’t take me down that easily. At first, I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. I just went to deal with that Ging for causing trouble for you, but I didn’t think she would retaliate by bringing a bunch of guys to gang up on me, damn.”

“…Yeah, really.” I said in a softer tone, “I’m sorry.”

“Why apologize to me?”

“If you hadn’t gone to retaliate for me in the first place, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Oh, don’t overthink it. I did it because I wanted to, and also, I found out that Ging has a gangster brother, but who cares, getting some exercise like this helps me relieve stress and tension.”

“It relieves the pain but causes injury instead.”

“Normally, it’s worse in prison.”

“Oh.”

“Because you helped me get out of there, I wanted to help you too. But in the end, you ended up helping me again, sigh. Looks like I’m pretty pathetic, huh?”    “Not at all, you were already fighting them before I even stepped in to help.”    “Well, there you go.” Phii Meenn shrugged slightly, “But I didn’t think you’d be that good at fighting.”

“Don’t just look at the surface.”

“Exactly, so what should we do? If Arthit sees me like this, he might go crazy.

Last time, when I just got into trouble, he was almost beside himself with worry.”    “Oh…” I went quiet; I was thinking the same thing. I really didn’t want him to see me in this condition. If I were a quick-healing cyborg, that would be great.

“Thinking about it gives me goosebumps.” Phii Meen said, looking distressed,

“If he finds out who did this to me, those people would definitely not get away.”

“…”

“Just beating them might not be enough.”

“Shorty! I’m back!” While we were talking, the door suddenly opened with a familiar voice. The person who had just entered stopped in his tracks when he saw Phii Meen bandaging my wounds, his face showing shock before he rushed over, “What the hell is this! What happened? Who did this to you! Meen! Are you involved too? What have you done with my wife!”

“Calm down.” Phii Meen, still startled, spoke up, “Sit down first, calm down, and then we’ll explain.”

“Explain now!”

“Yeah! You idiot, you come in shouting like that, am I not hurt too?” Phii Meen complained irritably. Phii Arthit immediately turned his attention to me, his brows furrowed with deep concern.

“Are you hurt badly? Where else does it hurt?” His anger subsided, his voice trembling, which made me feel a bit sad.

“My arm is bruised.” I showed him the arm that had taken the hit from the stick, “And probably around my ribs and back.” I mentioned where it hurt, recalling getting struck there too.

“Damn it.” He gritted his teeth as if trying to control his emotions, “Explain it, you idiot.”

“It’s that Ging I had to deal with before because she was messing with my child, she brought her brother and her underlings. Today, I was just walking back to the condo when suddenly, I was dragged away, tied up. Luckily, I managed to escape, but I couldn’t just run away; I had to fight back. Then Nong Dao came to help me. At first, I thought he was worried about me, huh. No, he was worried about the cat.”

“…”

“Just kidding, he was worried about me too, took the hits for me. See, he’s such a good kid.”

“Why did he take the hits for you ? Meen you are tough as nails, you can handle it.”

“Well, you see…I’m one woman surrounded by seven or eight guys. I might be chill, but I’m not that chill. My child is incredibly skilled; in no time, we took down those guys, making them scream in defeat.”

“Huh? You were involved too?”

“Yes.” Phii Meen answered, “he is really good, not just playing around. At first, I was stunned, like someone who’s been in many fights, very experienced.”

“So, when you told me you were often picked on, it was like this, huh?”    “Hmm.” I nodded slightly.

“Yeah, there was one incident. At first, that leader guy was super scary, I thought it would be tough, but then he saw Nong Dao’s face and turned pale, backing away like he saw a ghost. What’s up with that, Dao?” Phii Meen turned to ask me with a curious expression.

“Really?”

“Yeah, he’s probably Ging’s brother, it seems like they know each other. I saw

Nong Dao call him by name, what was it…Gard?”

“Yes.”

“So, how do you know him? And why is he so scared of you?”

“Oh, well…”

…

I looked at the unfamiliar square box on my study table, it was emanating a foul, rotting smell that filled the room, making no one want to enter. There was no need to open it to see what was inside. I picked up that box and buried it behind the school.

   “Don’t you want my gift anymore? That’s a pity, it was hard to find, you know.”

   “…”

   I didn’t respond, intentionally ignoring him and walking away, but he grabbed my arm first.

   “Hey, how long are you going to ignore me? Being too proud isn’t cute.”

   “…Annoying.”

   “What did you say?”

   “Annoying.”

   “You’re getting too mouthy!” ‘Phii Gard’ raised his hand, intending to slap me, but the whistle blew before he could.

   “Hey, what’s going on over there! Aren’t you supposed to be lining up!” the janitor uncle shouted from another direction. I shook off his hand and walked away immediately, hearing Phii Gard shout after me, “I’ll let you go this time. If you throw away my gift again, I won’t let you off.”    Annoying…

   What kind of gift is this? It’s just a dead piece of shit.

   The incident happened about a month ago when I had to transfer schools because of a fight at my old school. It wasn’t because I started the fight, but because I fought back, making it a big deal. I had endured bullying, mocking, and belittling throughout almost the whole term, but my patience snapped when they started targeting my parents.

   The reason I was often bullied was probably because of the idiots who thought that picking on someone who couldn’t fight back made them superior, giving them a feeling of strength. That evening, I sent three of them to the hospital.

   Because their parents had considerable influence and it was deemed that I went too far, I was transferred. Here, it wasn’t much different from my old school because I’m not very good at talking, so I preferred to be alone, which wasn’t a problem until last month.

   Phii Gard, quite famous in school, was the leader of a group of rather aggressive boys. They spent their days doing meaningless things like fighting, beating up people, stealing girls, and claiming territories. He had a reputation for getting whatever he wanted, which explained why he changed girlfriends daily without shame.

   I don’t know why I became his target, but he started by asking me out in the middle of the cafeteria, ignoring everyone else’s stares. My rejection must have…

   He began to harass me until my classmates were afraid to get close because Phii Gard threatened anyone who tried to approach me. Within days, my situation became well-known in school. At first, I thought he was just playing around and would soon get bored, but that wasn’t the case; it had been a month already.    Because of him, I was ostracized by the whole class, and sometimes, my things were thrown into the lotus pond, my books and notebooks were torn, or my belongings were destroyed. I knew it was his doing because each time, there would be a message threatening that if I didn’t agree to be his, he wouldn’t stop.    I tried to endure because I didn’t want to be transferred again. Plus, the bad news was that Phii Gard’s father was the school principal, and every teacher was intimidated by him. I had once brought evidence to the teachers, but it didn’t help at all.

   Forget about love or liking him, he just enjoyed seeing me struggle to endure. He took pleasure in not seeing me cry or give up in front of him like others did. For him, I was probably just a new toy. He continued to change girls while tormenting me at the same time.

   The crazy bullying, like placing dead animals on my desk, started about five days ago. He really put effort into finding these things, whether it was dead mice or birds. I wasn’t even afraid of him; what I felt was only annoyance and anger…to the point where I could hardly bear it.

   I hated how he acted as if he could do anything to me, like I was just a plaything he could manipulate any way he wanted, which was incredibly frustrating.

   In the evening, after I hid in the library to avoid Phii Gard since he couldn’t cause trouble there, he would have to wait until the library closed to approach me, which he certainly wouldn’t bother to do.

   When the library closed, I walked outside, and suddenly, someone grabbed me forcefully to follow them. I found out it was three of Phii Gard’s underlings. Unable to resist, I had to follow them reluctantly. They dragged me to the storage area behind the school, which was a blind spot. Not many people came here; it was known to be Phii Gard’s territory. They often gathered there.

   The smell of cigarette smoke was so thick it made me wrinkle my nose. I had a bad feeling because he had never brought me here in the evening when there were hardly any other students like this before. Of course, who would feel good about this? Surrounded by his underlings, he sat in the middle, smoking and casting glances my way. I could sense that this time, he wouldn’t let me go easily.

   There were more than ten people here; there was no way I could escape…

   “So, you finally came.”

   “…”

   “Thinking about running? You won’t get away. Sigh, Daotok, do you not know how much I want you? I’ve never wanted anyone this much before. I’ve been chasing you for a month, and you still play hard to get.”

   “…” I didn’t respond, he just stood up and walked towards me. I looked up at him without any fear.

   “What’s with those defiant eyes?” He said, displeased, “Don’t look at me with such a hard stare.”

   “Ugh.” I clenched my teeth when he suddenly grabbed my hair from behind, pulling hard, his face coming close to mine.

   “Look at your husband with sweet eyes.”

   “…”

   “Oh, because besides me, these guys have been trying to give you gifts for the past month, so you might as well become their wife too.” After that distasteful remark, the others cheered as if they were rooting for something.

   …I narrowed my eyes slightly as I understood the whole situation.

   This wasn’t just a game; he intended to force me and let the others have their turn.

   “Phii…” I called him by name for the first time in a soft voice, he raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Phii Gard. Don’t do this to me.”

   “Hah, trying to trick me now?”

   “Not at all.” I gently stroked his hand that was pulling my hair; he let go. I moved closer, hugging him, “I’m scared. I give up, I really do. Please don’t do anything to me…please.”

   “That’s how you need to be dealt with.” He put his arm around my shoulders, satisfied to see that I had truly given in, looking at my tear-stained face, “Be mine nicely from the start, and it would have been over.”

   “Uh-huh.” I nodded slightly, biting my lip, then covering my mouth with my hand as he tried to kiss me, his eyes immediately showing irritation, “I…I’m shy. Can’t we go somewhere where it’s just the two of us?” I pretended to be embarrassed, but not too much, or it would seem unbelievable.

   “Sure, how about the storage room?”

   “Hmm, yes.”

   Then he took me to the storage room, ordered everyone to wait outside, locked the door securely, and immediately pushed me down to the ground.

   “Ha, I’ve wanted to hug you like this for a long time.”

   “Hmm.” I raised both arms to hug his neck, letting him nuzzle into my neck with a sense of disgust. At the moment when I thought he was completely absorbed, I reached into my pocket for a lighter, removed the cap, and poured the oil over the back of the person on top of me.

   “!!” He was shocked as something was suddenly poured over his back, but it was too late. I took out another lighter, lit it, and dropped it onto the oil,

“Aaaahhhh!!!”

   He screamed loudly; his back was engulfed in flames. He tried to wriggle free from my arms, but I used all my strength to hold him down, even though one of my arms was also getting burnt.

   “Let go!! Let go! Let me go, you bastard, let me go! I told you to let me go!”    “You wanted to hug me, didn’t you?” I whispered coldly into his ear. His face turned pale before tears started to flow pathetically, “Why ask me to let go when I begged you so many times, and you never let me go?”

   “You bastard! You! You sick fuck! Let go! Let me go now! Aaahhh, hot, hot, hot!!

Anyone, anyone, help me!!”

   “Shh. Don’t scream, no one will hear you anyway, with doors this thick. Even if they do, no one can help you. Who was the one who locked the door?”

   “Aaaah, hot!!! Aaaah, let me go!!!”

   “You thought I couldn’t fight back, huh? Do you still think that now, huh?” I deliberately whispered to embed my voice, my presence, and my actions deep into his mind. Did he think he could rape me and have his underlings take turns? This revenge, mixed with a month’s worth of torment, I’ll settle it all at once, “I don’t want to hurt anyone. Unless they hurt me first. I just want to be left alone, can you understand that?”

   “Aaaahhh!!”

   “No more strength to struggle? Beg me, speak nicely, maybe I’ll want to let you go.”

   “No…no way!! Ugh, you, you, I’ll kill you!” He tried to reach for my throat, but he didn’t have the strength to fight back anymore, “Murderer! You won’t let go; if

I die, you’ll go to prison, you bastard!”

   “Think so…huh? I’m pretty good at surviving, you know. I’ve recorded the sound where you threatened to rape me. How loyal do you think your underlings are? Are you sure they won’t be scared enough to spill everything to the police? Plus, I’ve been bullied for a month, everyone in school has seen it. And I have several letters you wrote yourself as threats. Just lighting a lighter and pouring it over someone who tried to assault me. I’m just defending myself.”

   “…You! You’re a psychopath! Ahhh!!”

   “It’s hot, isn’t it? Can you smell your own skin burning?” I whispered calmly, letting go of his hand because he didn’t even have the strength to move anymore. I stood up, glancing at the person suffering from the heat, “Apologize to me, beg me to help you.”

   “I…I’m sorry, sob, hic, sorry for hurting you all this time, sob, I’m sorry, please help me, help me, please, I beg you.”

   “…” I didn’t respond, just opened the door and left. The people waiting outside were shocked when they saw the condition inside. No one paid attention to me. I ran out to find the teacher who was still on duty in the evening, my appearance startling the teacher. I recounted everything that happened, saying he tried to rape me and threatened that his underlings would do the same. I tricked him into letting his guard down before using a lighter to defend myself by setting him on fire.    This case was quickly investigated. I had plenty of evidence against him, including audio clips, my destroyed belongings, threatening letters, and testimonies from people at school. The conclusion was that it was self-defense because in that situation, I couldn’t have fought back. My family decided I should transfer schools to protect my mental health.

   I heard that Phii Gard was sent to juvenile detention after recovering from his injuries, and there were rumors he developed a severe fear of fire and heat after the incident.

   From my heart, I felt no pity or sympathy for him because he started it all, and people like that deserved what they got.

   I myself…am not so kind-hearted as to let myself be bullied without fighting back.    “Serves him right, that bastard, trying to rape my child, if it were me, I would’ve cut his balls off, fucking deserved it, coming out and still acting all high and mighty.”

“Were you very scared?” Phii Arthit gently stroked my cheek, his voice full of concern.

“Not at all. I wasn’t scared.” I shook my head.

“You did great, my child. Don’t be scared of him. Seriously, trying to rape someone and then passing them around to his underlings is the lowest of the low, it makes me so angry, I shouldn’t have let him escape.” Phii Meen said irritably, “But it’s right for him to be scared of you. No wonder, when he sees you, it’s like seeing a ghost, must have left quite an impression, well done.”

“Am I scary?”

“Hmm. Well, to me, it’s more like you’re amazing, amazing for enduring it for almost a month without responding because you didn’t want to worry your family, amazing for handling such a scary situation, that guard is truly a piece of shit, huh?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh, why aren’t you enjoying this at all?”

“I’m thinking about how to deal with him.” Phii Arthit said calmly.

“It’s okay. I’ve already dealt with him; the person named Ging said they are not going to mess with me.”

“That’s your agreement, not mine.”

“Ha, with someone as stubborn as you…”

“Should I let go of the person who did this to my wife?”    “Yeah, I knew you wouldn’t let it go. But, Nong Dao…”

“Yes?”

“When you didn’t let go of Gard, didn’t you get burned by the fire?”

“I did, on my arm.”

“Really?” Phii Arthit asked immediately. I nodded before pulling up my sleeve to show him.

“So, I got tattoos over all the scars.”

“Wow, you’re so strong, let me kiss your head, come here.”

“Meen! Don’t mess with my wife!”

“Why don’t you fight back against Arthit? He messes with you, doesn’t he?”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 39: Promise

   Arthit

   I was in the bathroom, hastily attending to my needs, my breathing as fast as the movements of my right hand gripping my hard part, imagining the small person moaning sweetly and writhing on the bed, the scent and taste of him lingering on my tongue, the smooth white skin I touched, leaving marks to claim ownership, the tips of his nipples standing firm when I licked and sucked them until they were red and tender, his delicate body with its hot temperature and so sensitive to touch.    “…Mmm.” I bit my lower lip as I reached my release, inadvertently licking my lips, still unable to remove the image of Dao from my mind, but at least, I felt a bit more at peace now, letting warm water cleanse my body.

Last night, I couldn’t stop myself from climbing into bed and harassing him. The fragrance, the body temperature, the soft skin all made me lose my mind. The more I touched and the more he responded unconsciously, the harder it was for me to control myself.

Last night, after he fell asleep, I dealt with the throbbing part under my pants. It took three rounds for it to calm down. When I woke up in the morning to go to the ward, thoughts of Dao came back, and I had to do it another two times.

Damn…this might be too much, I mean, I might be too much, falling in love with him to this extent. I only hope that if we become a couple, he can handle me because even without being official, I’m already this intense.

After finishing my shower, I hurried out of the bathroom, changed clothes, and went straight to the hospital to start my ward rounds. This is why I had to rush. If the attending doctor asked why I was late, I definitely couldn’t say I was messing around, damn it.

You might think I’m horny, which is correct, that’s pretty obvious, especially at this age when hormones are all about reproduction. But my horniness doubles when I’m in front of Dao.

It’s not like this is new. After hugging, kissing, or anything like that, I need to find a moment to deal with the little Arthit that’s hard and painful in my pants. If you’re a guy, you know how painful it can be when you’re hard in tight underwear.    How can I not be this intense when Dao is that cute? His face when he woke up to find me doing that was shocked and turned bright red, so cute that I’d take a chair to the face if only he wouldn’t get mad at me. I even let him pull my ear. No one has ever done anything like this to me before, and I willingly let him. When he pushed me away, I backed off because I started to regain my senses, especially when he said he was preparing for sex, it was a big deal.

I was ready to wrestle and make him strip right there because he’s so damn cute, but because of what he said, I managed to control myself and decided not to do anything like that until he’s truly ready. I’m not sure if I can be patient, but I’ll try.    My patience is limited; the only time I can hold out is when I’m on the bed.    Hill, who was waiting, looked at me with a scolding expression when he saw me running up, panting. I rushed like my life depended on it, and luckily, I made it in time.

“Did you wake up late?”

“No, I woke up early.”

“Then why are you late?”

“I was rubbing one off.”

“…”

“Hill, do you understand that I’m someone who lasts long, so it took a bit of time? I rushed here, my hand was exhausted, and almost got burned.”

“You don’t have to explain in such detail, I don’t want to know that much.” Hill turned away and sighed in exasperation. I picked up my phone when I got a message notification and saw it was from Dao.

SS: *sends picture    SS: What is this?

   ☀︎: It’s a photo of me.

   I typed an explanation after he sent me a screenshot of his phone, where I had sneakily changed his wallpaper to a picture of myself so he would always see me when we’re not together.

☀︎: Don’t ever change it.

   SS: …

   ☀︎: I miss you.

   SS: Uh-huh.

   ☀︎: What are you doing?

   SS: I’m heading to the faculty.    ☀︎: I’m going to the ward now.

   ☀︎:    

   SS:    

   ☀︎: Not this, I want your heart.

   ☀︎: Quickly, quickly.

   ☀︎: I’m going to the ward soon.

   SS: …

   SS:   

   5555555555

   ☀︎: Now I have the energy to go to the ward.

   ☀︎:

I dragged myself back from the ward, feeling utterly bored. Doing things you don’t like really drains your energy so easily. I tapped the key card for the room next door, and I saw the room’s owner packing his bag. He looked at me in confusion, and before he could react, I rushed in to hug him.

He seemed a bit startled before reaching out to hug me back, patting my back gently as if to console me, which made me feel very warm. I hugged him tighter, for a long time until I was satisfied, then released him but not before stealing a kiss on his cheek with cheekiness.

“You hugged me back, that’s so cute. You wouldn’t even let me hug you before.”

“Where are you going?”

“To exercise.”

“Huh? Exercise, where?”

“At the gym.”

“Hmm?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise, looking closely, he was already in workout gear, with a backpack on his shoulder, then he looked back at me, “Let me go with you.”

He shook his head. I frowned, not understanding.

“Why?”

“I want to go alone.”

“I exercise often, I can help train you.”

“No.”

“I’m going with you whether you like it or not.” I said stubbornly, “I won’t let anyone else train you, what if they try to molest you?”

“No one will molest me except you.”

“That’s for sure, just imagine if someone else tried to molest you.”

“…”

“Wait a sec, I’ll change my clothes, don’t even think about sneaking out before I come back.”

“Uh.”

I quickly went back to my room to change into workout clothes. Initially, I planned to spend some time hanging out with him before going back to work on my music, but seeing him about to go outside like this, I knew what I would choose without needing to be told. Of course, I had to go with him.

When I came out of my room, I found him leaning against the door waiting. Seeing him in workout gear was a different kind of eye-catching, I went over to put my arm around his shoulder and we walked out together.

“What made you want to exercise?”

“Otherwise, where would I get the strength to deal with you?”

“So, you’re getting fit to fight me?” I couldn’t help but laugh at that, how could I not fall for someone so cute like this, he nodded slightly before speaking in a flat voice.

“If not, you wouldn’t be able to hit me hard enough.”

“Oh, your heart is something, huh? Exercise to gain strength, then come hit me.”    “Exactly.”

“That’s a good thing. When you’re ready, you’ll be able to keep up with me until the end without passing out first.” I said cheerfully. The person next to me looked slightly confused before frowning, as we were alone in the elevator, which allowed me to lean down and steal a kiss on his cheek, “Whose bike are we taking?”

“We can go separately.”

“No good, then let’s take your Phatcharamon. I want to ride with you again.”

“No, the tires are all flat.”

“Then you drive my bike.”

“I can’t handle a big bike.”

“Shh, that’s annoying. Then you hug my waist.”

“…” He didn’t reply, just waited for me to mount the motorcycle, then started the engine with difficulty. I revved the bike hard, speeding forward, making him have no choice but to hug my waist. It didn’t take long before we arrived at my regular gym.

We went inside, stored our stuff, then came out.

“Have you been here before?”

He shook his head instead of answering.

“Do you want to try any specific machine? I can teach you.”

“It’s my first day here. I just want to try running first.”

“Alright, then I’ll stay around here. Call me if you need anything.”    “Uh-huh.” He agreed and headed towards the treadmill. I went to the weight machines, did some stretching before moving to the weight bench, adding weights until I was satisfied, then sat down. I worked out with concentration, occasionally glancing at Dao during breaks.

“Arthit.”

“…” I turned towards the voice calling me, seeing a woman who seemed familiar but whose name I couldn’t remember. She sat down next to me, smiling happily, wearing a tight-fitting workout outfit that showed off her good figure, her pretty face slightly flushed, probably from exercising.

If it were before, I would have just stared straight at it.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, did you change your LINE?” “No, this is it.”

“Then did you block my LINE? Why?”

She started to pout in dissatisfaction, which would probably look cute to others. If it were me before, I’d probably think it was tempting too. The other person moved closer until we were touching, clearly flirting, “Do you have a girlfriend now?”

“Well…not yet.”

A small hand gently touched mine. I didn’t feel much, just worried someone might see, I looked around but Dao didn’t even glance this way, making me sigh in frustration, sigh, I’m being flirted with like this, and you still don’t pay attention to me.

“Then, after this, shall we go eat together?”

“…”

“Please. I’ve missed you so much.” She moved even closer, and I could smell her perfume. Normally, I’m not affected by women’s perfume, but now it feels overwhelming. I immediately frowned when something soft pressed against my arm, what the hell, she’s pressing her chest against me, “No one satisfies me like you do. I miss the passion we had in bed.”

“…”

“Hey, don’t ignore me. I’m not being unreasonable or demanding anything. Just let’s have fun again…please.” Her coaxing whisper near my ear made my hair stand on end, not out of pleasure, but fear that Dao might misunderstand. Yet, part of me wanted Dao to show some jealousy, so I tried to stay still.

I turned to look but Dao had disappeared, damn, where did he go, to the bathroom or what?

“You never used to refuse before, what’s wrong with you?”

I let out a big sigh, moving my arm away helplessly, she’s really trying to charm me, while the person I want to charm me is nowhere to be seen, sigh, damn frustrating.

“Don’t bother me.” I said to cut her off before getting up to leave, walking to the bathroom to find Dao washing his face, “Hey.”

“Hmm?”

“Did you see what happened earlier?”

“That woman coming up to you?”

“Yeah, and aren’t you jealous? She even pressed her chest against my arm, see how hot I am, you should be jealous.”

“…”

“Why didn’t you say anything? I’m starting to feel jealous.”

“Jealous.”

“Really?”

“I wasn’t too happy about it, so I didn’t want to look. That’s why I went to the bathroom.” He said in a flat tone, looking up at me with an expressionless face, “Is this what you call jealousy?”

“Yeah, then why didn’t you come to me?”

“I don’t know, I felt awkward, I guess.”

The smaller person came closer, reaching out to hug my arm, leaning his cheek against it, which made me freeze for a moment.

   “I can do that too, hug your arm.”    Wow…damn, that’s so cute!!!

   I immediately hugged him back, pushing him against the bathroom wall.    I bent down to sniff the pleasant scent from his white neck, different from the previous perfume’s smell. He was stunned for a moment before showing an uncomfortable expression, which softened my heart. I gently stroked his white cheek, blaming myself for not shaking off that hand from the start. Why did I want Dao to feel jealous?

“Who is she?”

“I don’t know, I can’t even remember her name.”

“Just had a temporary relationship, right?”

“Yeah, sorry, my fault. I just wanted to see if you’d be jealous of me.” I said softly, feeling uneasy, “Don’t make that face.”

“Can I be jealous?”

“Of course, you can, I’m jealous of you, you can be jealous of me too, you can be jealous of everything.”

“Uh-huh.” Dao answered softly, then reached out to hug me. Just this, just this is enough for me to agree to everything. Oh, my heart is floating away, “Do you still think about her?”

“No. No thoughts. Never thought about her, only about you.”

“Really?”

“If you don’t believe me, try this.” I took the small hand and placed it on my groin, where I was hard from our embrace and touch. Dao quickly pulled his hand back, his face turning bright red as he looked down, avoiding eye contact.

“Uh…I understand now.”

I leaned down to whisper:

“This is just from hugging, you don’t know how much you drive me crazy. I’ve never been like this with anyone else but you.”

“Ah…uh, let’s go back.”

“Okay.”

I smiled, taking a deep breath to calm the throbbing part of me, knowing it wouldn’t be good to go outside in this condition. I washed my face to calm my mind, but when I came out, the person who should have been waiting wasn’t there.

I asked a trainer if he had seen the small guy who came with me, and he said he saw him go outside with someone.

Instantly, I knew something bad was about to happen. I felt a sudden urgency and concern like never before, rushing outside to look for him, scanning the area anxiously. Hearing someone scream, I ran towards the sound.

The sight I saw was the woman having her arm twisted behind her back by Dao. She was crying out in pain before Dao let go. She turned around, raising her hand to strike, but I intercepted her in time, gripping her wrist hard until she screamed.    “What the hell is this!” I shouted in anger, her face turning pale with shock, “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” I turned to ask the small guy with concern, scanning his body, turning him around to make sure he was unharmed.

“I was just curious if you were dating him. you came together, I just wanted to talk.”

“Talk like this, what the hell!”

“Ugh…don’t shout at me. I’m scared, he assaulted me, twisted my arm. You saw it, why do you have to be so angry? You’re not usually like this.”

“He was going to slap me first.”

“You little shit, you’re slandering me!”

“Who are you calling a little shit!” I yelled, my face flushed with anger, tears starting to well up in her eyes from the hurt, her fragile body trembling with fear before she collapsed to the ground.

“I’m a woman, you can see I can’t even fight back!”

“Let’s switch places.” I paused when Dao hugged my arm again, his small hands holding mine, which made all my anger vanish in an instant. However, I was still unhappy that someone had cursed out my wife, “Please.”

“Uh-huh, I understand.” but in the end, I followed Dao willingly, gathered all our things, and prepared to leave, “I’m sorry.”

“Why apologize? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You almost got hurt.”

“I can defend myself.”

“Really? Did she do anything else?”

“Well…I was pushed.”

“Did it hurt?”

“A little, but it’s fine now.”

“That’s it, you’re really good.” I said, smiling at the corner of my mouth, looking into those round eyes I adored, reaching out to hold his slender hand and gently kissing the back of it, “This won’t happen again, I promise.”

“Okay.”

I kept thinking about what happened earlier in the evening. Even if Dao said I wasn’t at fault, it was my mistake. It made me think back to when North got into trouble because of Jo’s ex-girlfriend. Why, why didn’t I meet you before? If I had met you first, I wouldn’t have gotten involved with anyone else.

   I dropped my bag on the sofa in frustration. Regardless, the fact that Dao got hurt is true. If that woman had touched Dao even a bit, I would have ended up punching a woman for real this time.

   I heard a knock at the door. Even though I wasn’t in the mood to answer, the knocking didn’t stop, so I went to open the door and found the person who had just left a few minutes ago standing there, panting with drawing equipment, not saying a word, just walking in to place the items on the table.

   “Why did you come back to stay with me?”

“I thought it might cheer you up.”

“Sigh, you’re so cute, just a little bit, please, I’m going crazy over here.” I walked over to hug the smaller person from behind, “Were you scared today?”

“Not at all.”

“Why not?”

“I get into trouble quite often too.”

“Really?” I asked, almost not believing what I heard.

“Yeah, there are plenty of people who don’t like me.” He said in his usual calm voice, gently squeezing my hand as if to comfort me.

“…You’re too good to me.”

“Hmm.”

“I love you.”

“Hmm.”

“I love you so much that my heart feels like it’s going to explode.” I said, following the myriad of feelings that were overwhelming me, resting my head on his slender shoulder which was small but strong inside, unlike what it seemed. I felt incredibly lucky to have fallen in love with this person.

The person in my embrace responded before gently stroking my head, and I let him do so without protest. We stayed like that, hugging until we were content, then he slowly released from the hug.

   “Sleep with me tonight.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I’m going back at nine. Just staying here for now.”

“Sigh, I understand, I’ll take a shower first, I’m hot, have you showered?”

“Already did.”

“So quick, oh, you came to see me, huh?”

“…” He didn’t reply, just turned his face away, which gave me my answer. Unable to resist, I stole a big kiss on his cheek before going into the shower in good spirits. After showering, I came out to sit on the chair beside him, just like we used to when we were in this room together.

I leaned back, resting my chin in my hand while looking at him, focused on his work, then reached out to touch his cheek which had turned a soft pink.

“You’re staring too much.”

“I always stare like this.”

“…”

“Why? Are you embarrassed?”

“Uh-huh.”

I couldn’t help but smile broadly when I heard that.

   I walked Dao back to his room when it was 11 PM as he had instructed. I felt regretful that we couldn’t sleep together, but what could I do when Dao had said so. Plus, I felt guilty for messing around early in the morning.

   I knocked on Meen’s door, intending to have some beer with her. Even though being with Dao had calmed me down a bit, I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened this evening.    “What’s up?”

“Let’s have some beer.”

“What mood are you in? Come in.” She made way for me to enter her room, walked to get some beer cans, and put them on the coffee table in front of the sofa,

“What’s going on with you?”

“Let me get my thoughts together.” I sighed before opening a beer can and taking a sip, “Someone picked on Dao today.”

“Huh? Who? Who dared to mess with my son?”

“Your son?”

“I’ve appointed myself as his mom after seeing how cute and adorable he is. Plus, he’s one of the people who helped me get out of jail, so I like him even more.”

“Give it a rest, I; his husband is sitting right here.”

“You give it a rest, what’s with the big brother act?”

“Damn.” I cursed, taking another sip of beer, “But Dao got jealous of me.”

“Jealous of you?”

“Yeah.” and then I briefly told Meen what happened at the gym. She listened intently before getting angry upon hearing the whole story.

“That cow, that bitch, how dare she curse out my child like that? My kid is so cute and kind.” She said angrily, accurately tossing the empty beer can into the trash, “So, you’re still not over it?”

“I’m not happy with myself either.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged, “Even if Dao says the past is the past and it’s not my fault, it’s because of what I did before. Dao had to face the consequences of my actions. Jo went through something similar, I saw how guilty he felt when his wife got into trouble. Back then, I thought Jo was overthinking it like crazy, but now,

I’m no different from him.”

“Did he say it wasn’t his fault?”

“Yeah.”

“Then why blame yourself?”

“I don’t know, Meen, you know I never cared about anything, but with this person, I do care. Just one person, just this one person, I don’t want anything to happen to him.” I said, leaning back against the sofa with a flood of emotions in my chest, “But today, Dao nearly got hurt because of me. If that person who came to cause trouble had really intended to harm him, what if they had a knife or a gun? If I hadn’t arrived in time, what should I have done? I can’t lose Dao, do you understand?”

“Arthit, you’re thinking too much.”

“Yeah, I think, I think way too much.”

“I’ve never seen you like this before.” Meen said, gently squeezing my shoulder, “You really love this person, I believe it now.”

“…”

“Have you told him how much you worry?”    I shook my head.

“I don’t want to make Dao worry too, so I didn’t say much. Dao probably thinks

I’ve stopped worrying.”

“You should talk to him.”

“…”

“You’ve decided to make him your life partner, haven’t you? Do you understand what that means? A life partner is someone who will be by your side through everything.”

“Hmm…sigh. If something happens to Dao, how could I forgive myself?”

“Then don’t let anything happen to him.” Meen said with a serious expression, “You might seem like an asshole. No, you are an asshole, but you have someone important now, and I believe you can protect him.”

“Can you not call me an asshole in that comforting tone?”

“You asshole.” Meen cursed with a soft voice and a slight smile, so different from the words she used.

“Sigh. If I could just know a bit of the future, that would be nice, I wouldn’t mess with anyone.”

“Who knows the future anyway? Don’t say stupid things.” He sighed, opening a new can of beer and taking a drink, “Let me speak as someone who’s been picked on by your women about three or four times.”    “You’ve been?” I turned to ask in surprise.

“Yeah, probably because they see us together a lot, they think we’re husband and wife.”

“Ugh, I’m going to throw up for real.”

“Fuck, what I mean to say is, even if you think you’ve made it clear with everyone that, yeah, our relationship is just physical, not everyone understands. Some people who like you a lot might secretly hope for something more serious, at least to have your body. Is it your fault then?”

“…”

“Some people act like they own you behind your back, like picking on me.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“Why would I tell you? Those people licked my feet.” Meen said, “You, Arthit, if you could get rid of your dog-like behavior, you’d be perfect in every way, looking back there’s only money and gold.”

“But that’s my dad’s money.”

“Who cares? They all want to get in the rice pot. Whether it’s your dad or you who’s rich, it’s the same when everything will eventually be yours. The car you drive is so luxurious, who wouldn’t want to ride in it?”

“…”

“You’re handsome, which you boast about all the time, so I won’t say more. Just being handsome is enough for people to like you, it’s your first impression, get it? Plus, you take good care of yourself. Who wouldn’t fall for that? You’re good at almost every sport, you’re kind-hearted, otherwise, you wouldn’t have so many friends. Do you understand that everyone who looks at you wants you?”

“Yeah.”

“Fuck, you admit it too.”

“Well, it’s true, isn’t it? But why are you suddenly praising me like this?”    “Just praising, that’s all. The only flaw is your damn behavior, but honestly, many people like a rough character like yours. When lots of people come to you for love, all you give them is your body.”

“I’ve never thought about loving anyone.”

“That’s it, that’s why you have so many monkeys following you.”

“…”

“…”

“Let’s say it’s not your fault that he was targeted. He’s not angry at you at all.

Try talking to him again, and also…”

“What?”

“As a mother, I won’t let anyone mess with my child, so tell me who that person is, I’ll teach her a lesson! You’re a guy, it wouldn’t look good if you hit a woman, but if you give me her name, I’ll handle it myself. That bitch, I’m getting angry just talking about it, this mother is stepping in now.”

“I think, no, I can’t do that.”

“Oh, you!” Meen grabbed her head in frustration, “If anything happens to her, she might become even more relentless. She might be angry because she tried to flirt with me but failed, which made her embarrassed, so when she got confronted like that, it might have made her even angrier.”

“…Damn.”

“Tell me her name, let the monkey handle the monkey business.”

“Ging.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure, I remember now.”

“OK, I’ll look into it myself. That Ging will meet me, messing with my kid, you evil one.”

After finishing our beer and venting with Meen, I found myself standing in front of room 702, deciding to knock gently. Not long after, the room’s owner opened the door.

“Have you been drinking?”

“Can you smell it?”

“Hmm.”

“Hmm, but I’m not drunk.”

“…” The room owner led me to sit on the sofa and then went to fetch a glass of water for me. I looked at it before taking a sip to quench my thirst.

“What’s wrong? Why were you drinking?”

“I…I’m not at ease.”

“About what happened at the gym?”

“Uh.” I sighed, leaning back against the sofa, glancing at the small person whose face was full of concern. Seeing that made me smile, “I look bad, even though you’re the one who got into trouble, yet I’m the one who’s worried sick.”

“…Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked, not understanding.

“For worrying about me more than I worry about myself.”

“Oh…Have you ever regretted choosing me?”

“No.” He shook his head, “If I was going to regret it, why would I have chosen you in the first place? I made the right decision.”

“You’re so good, but even so, I don’t want to let you go to someone better. No way. Absolutely not, is that selfish of me?”

“You’re drunk.” He said softly, moving to sit beside me.

“I’m not drunk.”

“Which drunk person would say they’re drunk?”

“Even if I am drunk, I’d still think about you even if I drank water.”

“…”

I pulled him to sit on my lap, loosely holding his small waist, looking up at the person just an inch away.

“I love you, you know.”

“Uh-huh, I know.”

“I love you so much, I can’t lose you. It might seem foolish to worry beforehand, but when I thought you might get hurt, I was so scared.” I rested my head on his small shoulder, feeling weary, “I can’t lose you. You and my dad are the only ones I won’t allow to be taken from me. Never again.” I spoke with the pain of losing my mother resurfacing.

“I’m here now.” His sweet voice said soothingly, gently stroking my head again.

“Sigh, why am I so weak like this?”

“You’re not weak, everyone has their vulnerabilities.”

“Maybe so.” I said, “It’s my fault, I’m sorry, don’t be mad at me.”

“You don’t need to apologize. It’s not your fault at all.” the person in my arms said slowly, “I’m not that fragile. See, I’m fine, there’s no need to worry anymore.

I’m actually very strong, you know.”

“…You have to come comfort me.” I said, feeling weary of myself. Hearing those comforting words along with the warm touch made me feel somewhat better.    “That’s good. You didn’t say anything when you were in my room. I didn’t know you were still upset about this.”

“Hmm, nothing will happen to you again, I’ll protect you myself. With you, I’ll do anything, so don’t go anywhere, okay?”

“…”

“Stay with me.” I said with a soft voice, my eyes pleading. The person in my embrace took my hand, placed it on his cheek, and looked at me with a warm, slight smile.

“Okay. I won’t go anywhere, I promise.”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 38: Your Touch

   Arthit

   “Do it again, please, one round isn’t enough to stop being upset.”

“…” His sweet face pouted before he leaned up to kiss my cheek again, causing me to break into a wide, uncontrollable smile. That gentle touch of his lips made my heart warm, before I used both hands to pull him into an embrace and lift him up. Dao let out a surprised, high-pitched sound, “Le…let go.” I looked up at the person I was holding in my arms.

“I meant another kiss.”

“One inch, you take a mile.”

“Of course, you kissed my cheek, what did you expect my reaction to be?” I said confidently, looking at his embarrassed frown.

If you call me greedy, then yes, I’m extremely greedy, especially with this person.    “I can’t handle it.” He said softly before burying his face into my shoulder. The faint, familiar scent and the warmth from his body made my heart melt entirely. I tightened my arms around him, tilting my face to rest on his, savoring that warmth for as long as I was satisfied before releasing him.

“I understand.”

“Uh.”

Damn, can a person be this happy?

   I gently placed the smaller person back on the sofa. Initially, I intended to sleep here too, but seeing him this cute, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself, so I decided to go back to my room to calm down.

I said goodbye to him, feeling quite regretful, picked up the gown I had tossed aside, draped it over my shoulder, and walked back to my room. I took a warm bath, feeling happy and humming a song, completely forgetting who Kim was. From being extremely annoyed at first, I had now calmed down as if nothing had happened.

Leaning back against the bathtub, relaxing, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about what had just happened. I used to criticize my friends, but now it all applies to me, damn it, I’m so smitten I can’t even see my own shadow.

While I was relaxing, I heard a LINE call notification. It was Direk’s video calling me, right when I was in the bath.

“What’s up?”

(Are you bathing?)

   “Yes, was it by chance or did you time it? Want to see me naked but didn’t say?”    (…) Direk was speechless, looking utterly exhausted before he took off his tie, looking like he was just getting off work.

“Why are you taking off your tie, damn? Don’t, Direk. We can’t have phone sex, it’s against morals.”

(I’m just taking off my tie!) Direk exclaimed in exasperation, which made me burst out laughing, (I came home tired from work, wanted to talk to my son for a bit, why do I have to deal with this, sigh).

   “Ha ha, how was work?”

(It was good. How was your study?)

   “Ugh, damn exhausting.” I said, feeling annoyed, “But now I have someone to cheer me up, heh, Direk doesn’t have that like I do.” I raised my eyebrows at the phone screen, feeling superior, while he looked at me with confusion.

(NongDao, right?)

   “Right, oh, Direk, I wanted to tell you about this but never got around to it.”

(What’s wrong? Go ahead. I was wondering why you looked so happy, who smiles in the bath like that, you can’t stop smiling, huh.)

   “Well, it’s like this.” and I told Direk everything about Dao, everything that happened. Direk sat down at his desk in his bedroom and propped up his phone, resting his chin on his hand while listening to my story, “How’s that? This kind of progress, not just anyone can do it like Arthit, right? It’s so cool.”

(Will you become his boyfriend after you win the competition?)

   “Uh-huh.”

(That’s good. You’ll have extra motivation for the competition.)    “Definitely.” I shrugged, “I’m not thinking about Direk’s billions, just about having a boyfriend. Billions are just crap, forget it.”

(Then I won’t share the ten percent with you.)

   “Share it.” I responded immediately, “How can you not share? I’m the one who did all the work, can’t I get twenty percent?”

(You always ask me for money, and now you’re still negotiating?) Direk said with irritation. I hoisted myself out of the bathtub, careful not to get my phone wet, wrapped a towel around my lower half, and walked out. (Dry yourself before coming out, you’ll get the floor all wet.)

   “It’ll dry soon.”

(Sigh, have you hired someone to clean your room yet? The condo offers that service, doesn’t it?)

   “No, I’m lazy.”

(Just turn the camera around.)

   “What, always wanting to see other people’s stuff?”

(I mean, turn the camera so I can see around your room, I don’t want to see your stuff, why would I want to see it, I’ve seen it since you were a kid) Direk sighed, (Who did you get so vain from when you were young, I wasn’t this vain.)

   “Oh.” and I turned the camera for Direk to see.

(Well, your room isn’t that messy.)

   “Just cleaned it. That day, I let the short guy sleep over, and he tripped over a pile of books, spraining his ankle. So, I tidied up a bit.”

(…Shit, how can someone like you think like that? Love is getting too scary) Direk said, stunned. I turned the camera back to my face. I placed the camera on the side table and continued drying myself. (Can you cover up a bit? Damn, I feel like gouging my eyes out.)

   “Why, you said you’ve seen it since I was a kid. Now, little Arthit has grown up, say hello to grandpa quickly.” I teased Direk. The person on the phone held his forehead.

(Hey! My migraines are getting worse, you bastard, put some pants on!!)

   “I’ve got pants on.”

(Yeah, you probably don’t act like this around him, right?)

   “More or less, but I don’t do this often, he’s too cute.”

(Yeah, you’re whipped, I’m still surprised he agreed to be with someone like you.)

   I put my pants on and walked over to grab my phone, then sat on the sofa.    “I was just joking, Direk always takes things too seriously. When we were kids, you could still play around.”

(And you’re not wearing a shirt?)

   “I didn’t wash the one I was going to sleep in.”

(I hope you catch a cold. Oh, I forgot, crazy people don’t catch colds.)

   “Hey Direk, I can even wiggle my pecs now, want to see?”

(I don’t want to see!) Direk said firmly, which secretly annoyed me. Not everyone can wiggle their pecs, you need to have strong enough muscles like I do,

(But about what you said, you talked to his dad, is that true?)

   “It’s true.”

(Damn, I thought you were joking. The first time we talked, you said you wanted his son as your wife, that’s not possible, damn it. Maybe it’s my fault for not teaching you to take things slowly. Who would have thought someone like you could fall in love!)

   “Why? If I want his son, I’ll say it straight. His dad seems to like me a lot, he’s a

Manchester United fan too.”

(Really? Damn, then he would fit right into our family.)

   “Right? So, Direk, get ready for the dowry to propose.”

(I’m always ready. Anyone who can take my son, I’m ready. I can even give a billion.)

   “That’s how you should be, Direk. Then, let’s wait for him to agree to be my boyfriend, and we’ll bring the dowry to his doorstep.”

(That would be too hasty. Let’s do this: if he agrees to be your boyfriend, take me to have dinner with his family. Oh, I’ve met countless people, but never my son’s boyfriend’s family. Just saying it makes me excited, what should I prepare?)

   “I don’t know either.”

(I better order a new suit, it should be ready just in time.)

   “You need to wear a suit for this?” I said, laughing at Direk’s exaggerated gestures.

(Just in case he’s not okay with you, at least he’ll be okay with your dad.)

   “Hey, Direk.”

(What?)

   “I forgot to mention something. Do you think I’m hot-headed?”

(Oh, you shouldn’t ask that. I’ve been cleaning up after you for so long.)    “If I say that just holding Dao’s hand calms me down like nothing happened, would you believe it?”

(Hmph. I don’t believe it.)

   “But it’s true, like, oh shit, it’s already happened. There was this customer who liked him, what does Direk think?”

(With someone as possessive as you, you probably beat that person up, huh?)

   “He’s still safe and sound.”

(Really?) Direk raised his eyebrows in disbelief, (Come on, Arthit, I’ve raised you since you were as small as a seashell and now you’re as big as a foot, I’ve never seen you control yourself once, not even three guards could hold you back. I don’t know where you got that strength from.)

   “I am not a seashell.”

(If you’ve calmed down because of him, it’s a good thing for me, so I can finally stop worrying. I was even concerned about how you’d react if someone messed with him, so it’s good news.)

   “Hold on, Direk, someone’s at the door.” I said after hearing a knock, got up to open it, and found the guy standing there with my car keys in hand. We chatted briefly before he went back to his room. I returned to talking with Direk as before, we talked for a while before hanging up.

After hanging up from Direk, I lay on the bed playing with my phone and reading some sheets. Nearly an hour passed, and I realized I couldn’t concentrate at all; my mind was full of that cute face, the way he blushed, smiled, his sweet voice when talking or laughing.

   You’re haunting me too much!

   Damn, I really want to hug him!

   I let out a small sigh and went to grab a can of beer from the fridge to drink. Going to his room at this hour probably wouldn’t be good. Controlling myself is the hardest thing for me, especially when I’m with him.

   I didn’t feel like reading books or playing games, so what should I do?

   I picked up my guitar and sat on the floor, playing to kill time. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head, and I quickly grabbed a notebook and pen to write it down.    I’m not sure how long I spent writing the song, but when I realized, the once blank paper was now full of scribbles, lyrics, and some chord progressions. I picked it up and looked at it in surprise.

   I couldn’t help but smile broadly; shit, how did I compose this song? I didn’t even intend to, but it just came to me, and it’s a love song too, damn, it’s so sweet, I think.

   No, I have to show this off, and who else would I show it to but the person I wrote this song for!

   I rushed out to knock on the door of the next room without checking the time, which was well past midnight. The short guy came out to open the door, looking confused when he saw me with a guitar, and he wasn’t even wearing a shirt.    “You have to take a look at this!” I spoke English without realizing it because my head was full of English lyrics for songwriting over the last few hours. This made him look even more confused before he let me into the room. I sat down on the floor, and he sat down too, his round eyes watching me intently as if waiting to see what I would do next. I thought it was incredibly cute, and it made my heart itch with excitement.

I started strumming the guitar and played the song I had written without any explanation until it was finished. It wasn’t perfect yet since it was only the first draft, there was still a lot to do, but I wanted to show off.

“…Did you write this yourself?”

“Yeah, I just came up with it a while ago.”

“Wow, that’s impressive. The song is really good.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that, right?”    He shook his head, giving a slight smile.

“Why would I flatter? The song is genuinely nice.”    “But it’s not complete yet.” I said proudly.

“Can I take a look?”

“Sure.”

He took my notebook to look at it.

“At first, I was just playing guitar to kill time, but when I started thinking about you, suddenly, the song just came to me.”

“…So this song is…”

“Written for you.”

“Oh, thank you, I’m so happy.” He said with a sweet smile, his eyes clearly showing his joy, which made me pause for a moment. I wanted to grab him and kiss him right there but held back, “You’ve taken one step towards your dream.”    “Exactly. No need to wait until I finish my studies. If I take my time, I will do it bit by bit in my free time.” I said, suddenly thinking, “Then I deserve a kiss on the cheek as a reward!”

“That doesn’t make sense.” He said softly, “What do we do next then?”    “We have to…what’s it called, arrange it? Just guitar isn’t enough. I’ll record it first, then go to the studio later. Can you play the keyboard? Help me out with that?”

“Are you going to sing it yourself?”

“I don’t know.”

“I think your voice is pretty good.”

“Oh, if you’re going to compliment me like that, then kiss my cheek.”

“It’s not related at all.”

“Forget about the singing for now, I’ll sing roughly first, let’s get through the beat.” I said excitedly before realizing something, “Then I’ll go to the studio instead, I won’t be able to sleep like this anyway, do you want to come?”    He shook his head slightly.

“I have to study; there’s a quiz tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay, then. If it weren’t for the quiz, I would drag you along.” I told him, and he nodded slightly. I quickly stood up, and he followed suit, “Then I’ll go.”

“Yeah, drive safely.”

I leaned in to steal a kiss on his cheek, which slightly surprised him, before I rushed out of the room without giving him a chance to say anything. I changed my clothes and headed straight to the recording studio. It was a studio Direk had set up in case I ever wanted to make music again, a medium-sized room in Direk’s house. I hardly ever used it, leaving all the equipment dormant, but Direk probably had someone clean and maintain it regularly.

Whose dad is so thoughtful? He always anticipates things in advance.

I called Direk beforehand so he could come down to open the house for me. Direk, in a white T-shirt and long pants, with a sleepy demeanor, indicated he was comfortably asleep. Normally, the butler would open the door, but since everyone was asleep now, it fell to Direk. Actually, he could have had the butler open it for me, but in the end, he came down to do it himself.

“Why are you coming here so late? Don’t show me anything else, I almost can’t sleep, you bastard.”

“See, you didn’t say you were hooked.”

“It’s more like I’m stuck.”

“Direk, you will be stunned, I want you to see this.” I said excitedly again, quickly handing him the notebook. Direk took it, looking confused, rubbing his eyes gently and scanning the notebook in his hand.

“What is this?”

“It’s a song. I’m back to making music.”

“How could that be? Just a few hours ago, you were showing me something weird. Don’t tell me that was your inspiration. No way, I don’t want to see that every time you write a song.”

“Why are you so hung up on that? I had nothing to do. I didn’t want to read or play games, so I just picked up the guitar and started playing. Then, out of nowhere, I got an idea and wrote a song. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s a start, right?

That’s why I came to the studio.”

“Wow, the moment you write a song, you rush to the studio, you really go from thought to action, huh? My abandoned studio will finally get some use.” Direk said, handing back the notebook. “The lyrics are pretty good, does the person you wrote the song for know yet?”

“He knows, he was the first to know.”

“And what did he say?”

“He said he was happy and thanked me.”

“I bet he likes you even more now.”    “Really?” I asked, feeling pleased.

“Who wouldn’t like someone writing a song for them? You’ve done something special.” Direk complimented before giving my shoulder a light pat. He walked into the house with me following, unlocking the studio door, “Ah. I had someone check the equipment about a month ago, there shouldn’t be any problems. Give it a try.”

“Hmm. At first, I didn’t understand why you needed to build a music studio, but now it’s perfect.”

“I just did it. I told you your music is good, just in case one day you wanted to come back to it. Besides, I have plenty of money, so using some to make this room for you isn’t much better than having an empty space. The house is pretty big too.”    “Wow, you found a way to praise yourself.” I teased.

“Do you have any ward rounds tomorrow?”

“I do, but it’s early.”

“Don’t get so absorbed that you forget the time. Whenever you start doing what you love, you get lost in it and won’t move. Set an alarm, it would be good.”

“You know me too well.”

“I’ve been with you the longest in your life.” Direk said, yawning, “Want to start now? I’ll go make something to eat.”

“Damn, come on, is the chairman going to cook for me?”

“Such grand talk, I’ll make sandwiches then, I’ll be right back.”

“Alright.” I replied cheerfully before walking into my studio, sitting in front of the dual-screen computer set up by Ter, looking at all the equipment lined up before starting to turn everything on, recalling how to make music and slowly getting to work.

…

Daotok

   I received a message from Uncle Direk with a picture of Phii Arthit focusing on making music in the studio, and I couldn’t help but smile. About half an hour ago, he showed up unannounced and started playing guitar for me.

It was a melody I hadn’t heard before, and I was sure I’d never listened to it. Before he revealed that it was a song he composed himself, and for me. I was stunned for a moment upon hearing that, then happiness filled my heart completely. I was indescribably happy that he wrote a song for me.

I looked at the song he had sketched in the notebook and found it to be a really good love song. The catchy tune along with his singing voice easily swept me away. If it weren’t for the quiz tomorrow, I would have followed him to the studio because I wanted to see the process of making music.

I exchanged LINE contacts with Uncle Direk when we talked via email. Uncle Direk said not to tell Phii Arthit that we were talking, and we didn’t talk much anyway, so I forgot about it. It was only when Uncle sent the picture that I remembered.

His deep voice was still ringing in my ears. Even though he said the song wasn’t complete yet, I thought it was already very good.

I was so happy I couldn’t express my feelings; I never thought anyone would write a song for me like this. Moreover, I was happy because he had once said it was his dream, and now he had taken another step towards that dream, which made me feel joyful for him.

I stared at his picture for a while before setting my phone down. In the photo, he looked so focused and lively, he seemed excited and happy with what he was doing, even though it was just a few still images, but I found the person in the photo very captivating.

I never thought I could like someone this much before.

Just seeing his picture made me happy.

Although I couldn’t shake his image from my mind, I still tried to force myself to study, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion. The next time I became aware, I found myself lying on the bed in the darkness, making it hard to see.    I could see the silhouette of someone above me, then felt a sharp pain in my chest. I felt heat and wetness, a familiar hand gently caressing my stomach before moving up to touch my nipple.

“Uh.” I inadvertently let out a sound from my throat as my chest was touched, feeling a strange sensation since I’d never experienced this before, which then turned into a tingling pleasure making me arch my chest towards it, “Uh, stop.”

“Do you really want me to stop?” He asked softly with a hoarse, seductive voice. Hearing that made my heart race immediately. Although I wanted to push him away, I had no strength because of the intense heat from his touch. He moved to lick my nipple, licking and sucking hard until I felt a shiver all over, the sensation spreading across my chest and stomach.

The other hand was touching me back and forth, and it felt embarrassingly good. My breathing started to quicken slightly, and I mustered all my strength to push him away. He didn’t budge but willingly moved back. I pulled my shirt down and stood up to look at him.

“Bad manners!” I said, grabbing a pillow to hit him hard. He didn’t even try to dodge or defend himself. He was sitting on his knees, hands on his thighs, arms spread out, head bowed for me to hit him with the pillow. After I was satisfied with hitting him, I stopped, panting, “Apologize now.”

“Sorry, I was out of my mind! I knew I might not be able to control myself, but in the end, I still wanted to sleep and cuddle with you.”

“Still…”

“I couldn’t help myself. Next time, don’t sleep with your shirt riding up, you know how crazy I can be.”

“Don’t blame me, get out.”

“No, let me sleep and cuddle, please.”

“You’re still asking?”

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“Are you crazy?” I said, frowning in displeasure, my heart still pounding, the sensation of his touch lingering, making my face flush uncontrollably, “I didn’t give you the room key card for this.”

“Don’t take it back.” He pleaded, furrowing his brows, “Hit me then, hit me with that soft pillow!”

“If I hit you with a chair, don’t scream.” I threatened. He looked down, like a big dog being scolded by its owner.

“Hit me if it’ll make you less angry.” He said with a serious tone and look that softened my heart.

“Don’t do it again.”

“No! Because you smell so good!”

“…”

“Ouch!” He cried out when I pulled his ear hard, tilting his head with the force.

“Don’t do it again.”

“No, ouch.”

“Don’t do it again…until we’re officially dating, okay?”

“…”

“I’m trying to make myself ready, you know.”

“Does that include boyfriend-only privileges?”

“…Yeah, that’s right, so don’t do this again.” I said, gritting my teeth, not really wanting to say it. I understand what kind of person he is, even though I’ve never been interested in sex before, but I’ve been trying to prepare myself. So, don’t rush things.

“I understand, why are you so cute like this?”

“Good that you understand.” I sighed before letting go of his ear, which was slightly red on the right side. Since he had so many piercings, I had to be extra careful when pulling him. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was past five in the morning, “Just got here?”

“Yeah, I just finished the song. Well, not really finished, but I was too sleepy, so

I came back to sleep first, and I really felt like hugging, so I came here.”    And then decided to molest me while I was sleeping, huh?

   I wanted to be angry but couldn’t really be, sigh, damn…

   It’s not that I hate it or don’t like it. It’s just not the right time. If I hadn’t prepared myself, my heart might have given out.

   “If the song is ready, I’ll let you listen to it first because it’s a song I wrote for you.”

“Hmm, I’ll wait to hear it.”

I said with a smile, and he just stared at me with those beautiful eyes. I was puzzled by what he was looking at.

“But you’re really sweet, you know? Can’t I do it one more time?”

“No!”

I sent him to sleep on the sofa, and from now on, if he’s going to stay in my room, he’s not allowed on the bed at all; that’s our agreement. At first, he was pretty upset about it, but no matter what, I didn’t budge, and he had to give in. In the morning, half-asleep, I felt light kisses on my forehead and cheek with words like, “I didn’t get on the bed.” before hearing the door open and close.

I woke up around eight-thirty to find only myself and Mr. Jeon in the room. When I went to take a shower, I encountered Phii Cream who suddenly appeared from behind the wall.

“Wow, what did you guys do last night? The ghosts are all embarrassed.”

   “…”

“Those two come to gossip, huh. Wow, it’s really something. Last night, when he came to use the bathroom, I peeked. He’s really handsome, the guy next door, but I didn’t watch while he was doing his business, or you would be jealous. I made myself disappear when he came in. Sigh, he’s handsome no matter how many times I look, even when he’s all sleepy and dazed. And his physique is great, tanned skin, muscles, and tattoos too.”

   “…”

“Wow, I’m so jealous of you that someone cool like this is chasing after him. And it looks like he’s even more in love with you than anything.”

   “…”

I didn’t turn to look at Phii Cream. At first, I didn’t think much of her words, but my face turned red anyway.

“Your face is red too, are you embarrassed?”

   “…” I didn’t respond, quickly walking out of the bathroom. Only now did I feel uncomfortable with having a ghost in the room. I got dressed in my student uniform before standing in front of the bathroom door, “Phii Cream.”

“What?”

   “No more peeking, no more listening, nothing. Tell the other two as well.

Otherwise, I’ll bring Grandma to chase all of you out for real.”

“…Oh, I understand. You don’t have to look so serious, it’s more cute than scary. Plus, your cheeks are red.”

   “…”

 

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 37: One More Time   

Daotok

   (THE NIGHT BEFORE)

   I tossed and turned on the bed for almost half an hour because I couldn’t fall asleep. I spent a long time soaking in warm water, hoping it would help me relax a bit. Phii Cream, who was in the bathroom, tried to chat with me as usual. She said she heard some noise near the door when I came back, but she couldn’t go out to see what it was.

It was good that she didn’t see it; the more she asked, the more I thought about what happened, involuntarily biting my lip every time I remembered it.

When I say it was bad, I mean it. From now on, it’s definitely going to be worse.

My heart, which was already starting to flutter repeatedly, now felt even more so.    Because I’m someone who is generally indifferent to everything, my face and personality have become like that too. People say it’s quite rare for me to smile, but I think it’s even rarer for me to get embarrassed enough to lose composure.

And it’s happened because of him, over and over.

It seems like he enjoys it when it’s like this, looking happy every time he can make me blush. No matter how much I try to hide my expressions, I can’t stop my cheeks and ears from turning red.

I intended to punish him for the kiss by not talking to him, for as long as I’m not satisfied. The first reason is to punish him, the second is because I probably can’t face him or talk to him yet.

I didn’t know I was this easily embarrassed. No, it’s only with him. Is this what they call easily embarrassed? Lately, it’s become like this uncontrollably.    If my friends found out, they would tease me a lot, especially North who’s ready to mock me almost every second.

After taking a shower, I glanced at the bag of things we bought today, opened it to put everything away, including clothes, shoes, and hats. Seeing these items made me inadvertently smile; this guy just does what he wants, even when it comes to buying stuff for me.

After finishing all my tasks, I collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. At that moment, I thought I would easily fall asleep, but it didn’t happen. I curled up in the blanket even though the room wasn’t that cold.

I felt like the bed was too big…

This is what’s scary. In just a few days of sleeping with him, I’ve become accustomed to his touch.

I closed my eyes trying not to think about it, and it took almost half an hour before I decided to get up and use my phone to kill time.

I found that my senior, who had just left a few hours ago, had sent a flurry of messages. I smiled again. I saw all the notifications but didn’t actually read the messages.

☀︎: Have you showered yet?

   ☀︎: What are you doing? Working?

   ☀︎: Why aren’t you reading, is your internet down or something?

   ☀︎: I’m playing a game.

   ☀︎: I’m done playing, but you still haven’t read.

   ☀︎: Are you working or sleeping?

   ☀︎: What time is your class tomorrow? But I have rounds at work in the morning, so I can’t take you.

   ☀︎: Spend a little time to reply, it’s not a big deal.

   ☀︎: Are you mad about the kiss?

   ☀︎: Don’t be mad. I’ve been trying to hold back, you know.

   ☀︎: What’s this? Embarrassed? You’re definitely embarrassed.

   ☀︎: K, I saw you were embarrassed, so I won’t call yet. I’ll give you until tomorrow to be embarrassed!

   ☀︎: I’ll play one more game then sleep, you should sleep too.

   * : Goodnight

   Someone who can ask and answer themselves completely.

Uh…good night to you too.

I put my phone back in its place and lay down to sleep again. This time, it only took me a few minutes to fall asleep. Waking up in the morning, I went to class as usual. There were plenty of messages from the same chat, not any different from yesterday; reading through them, I could summarize that he had a morning ward round and was complaining about not getting enough sleep. Plus, he didn’t want to do the ward round. The rest of the messages were just complaints.

During the lunch break, KhunKim sent a message saying he was around here. If it’s convenient, could we meet? I remembered that Phii Arthit told me to finish KhunKim’s work quickly, so I arranged to meet him to discuss the work right away.

And if I met KhunKim without telling him, I would definitely get scolded. So, I sent him a message first. He told me to go to a certain coffee shop, and I went, not really understanding why. When I saw Phii Meen working there as a server, I understood immediately.

Because there were no other customers in the shop except me. So, I got to talk with Phii Meen for a while before KhunKim arrived. Phii Meen said she wanted to keep busy so she wouldn’t have time to think about Phii Donat.

Phii Arthit was watching KhunKim a bit. I guessed Phii Arthit had Phii Meen keep an eye on him, but I didn’t mind. Today, KhunKim seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. We ordered coffee and started discussing work.    Initially, it shouldn’t have taken that long, but KhunKim insisted on seeing the current drafts so we could work on improving them to meet his requirements. The work he ordered was three illustrations for his horror novel, including the cover.    He explained the story to me and briefed me on the images. I always carry pencils and paper with me, so I could sketch for him. As we talked about the work and I drew, KhunKim began to chat about various things unrelated to work.    He told me about his travels with enthusiasm and even invited me to go with him, before circling back to ask about me.

“Really, since the first time I met you. I think you’re very talented.” He said with conviction while I was bent over sketching, “You have a lot of charm, do you realize that?”

“Uh…no.”

“Sometimes you should smile more, you know. I’ve never seen you smile.”

“…”

“You’re not good at talking either, huh? Maybe that’s another charm of yours.

Do a lot of people hit on you?”

“No, KhunKim, can you help me check this background over here?” I answered before asking about work and handing him a piece of paper. He took it, looked at it for a while, then handed it back.

“I think changing it to a scene in front of a large door might be better, you know, for the scene I described.”

“…” I didn’t respond, just picked up another sheet of paper and started sketching.

“If you have some time, would you like to go look for inspiration together?”

“I don’t have much time; I’m also studying.”

“Oh, I see. How about on weekends then? There are some interesting places not far from here, you know? Come with me. Having someone like you, Yu-Seong, with me would make me feel much better.”

“I’ll have to decline, sorry.”

“Why? Or are you afraid Tae-Yang will get upset? You’re not even dating, right? Besides, you didn’t seem too happy at the restaurant either.”

“…”

“Uh, sorry for being so blunt, but watching him bother you, I feel…quite uncomfortable for you. Why don’t you just reject him outright?”

“I’m not uncomfortable.”

“If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know, or is he forcing you?” KhunKim furrowed his brows, looking concerned. I looked up at him, puzzled about what he wanted, pulling my hand back when he tried to touch it lightly. He seemed a bit taken aback when I pulled my hand away, giving me a slight smile. “Because I travel a lot for work, I’ve met many people, but I’ve never met anyone as interesting as you. You caught my attention from the very first time we met.”

“…”

“At first, I didn’t realize how long I’ve liked you. Maybe it was from the very first time we met, but after seeing you with him yesterday, I’ve thought about it.” KhunKim spoke earnestly, “Would you give me a chance? I’m sure I can take better care of you than he can.”

“No.” I replied immediately with my usual calm tone, “I’m sorry, KhunKim, but you shouldn’t think like that. I’m worried it might affect our work.”

“Why, Yuseong?” the other person’s voice got slightly louder. I let out a small sigh of boredom, “Because of him?”

“Yes.”

“But I won’t give up.”

“Give up.” I said with a calm but firm tone, my face devoid of any emotion, which made KhunKim look disappointed, “I’ve never seen you in that way and I never will, so let’s just work together as we used to.”

The other party was stunned for a moment before frowning and pursing his lips tightly.

“I really don’t understand why you would choose a man who seems so indecisive and insincere. Plus, he looks rough and vulgar.”

“Does this have anything to do with our work? Also, you’re speaking badly of him. I’d like you to apologize.” I said with a firm tone. He paused, his face paled before he sincerely apologized.

“I’m sorry. I was wrong. I won’t think like that again.” He sighed again, “Even if

I try to buy your affection, it would be pointless, right?”

“Yes.”

“Do you like him that much, Yuseong?”

“Yes.”

KhunKim let out a small laugh. I looked up at him, not understanding.

“I guess I realized it too late, even though I thought I met you before him.”    “No, even if you had realized it sooner, my answer would be the same.” I said in a flat voice, “It has to be him.”

“I’m so jealous of him.” KhunKim smiled, “We can still work together as before, right?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t feel uncomfortable around him, do you?”

“Definitely not.”

“Then it must be me thinking too much, I’m sorry, please don’t think badly of me. I was just worried about you.”

“No need to apologize, let’s forget about it. Let’s go back to talking about work like before.” I said to cut the conversation short, bringing our discussion back to just the work. KhunKim nodded slightly before following what I suggested.

…

(PRESENT)

   “Huh?”    “Yes?”

I quickly glanced at him without realizing it, and he burst out laughing loudly.

“Why do you look so shocked?”

“Just surprised.” I said softly, then turned my face away again, “Why did you suddenly say ‘yes’?”

“Hmm? I don’t know, why? Don’t you like it?”

“No.” I shook my head, “Just not used to it.”

“That’s right, I’m not used to it either. Come to think of it, I’ve never asked you if you wanted me to speak nicely to you.” He said, “But I thought you probably wouldn’t want me to force it.”

“Force what?”

“Speak more politely.”

“No need.” I replied, “Just be yourself.”

“I thought so.” He gently squeezed my shoulder, looking quite pleased, “But that

‘yes’ wasn’t so bad, you looked cute being all surprised by it.”

“…” I stayed silent, not responding until we walked out in front of the store. After a while, Phii Meen followed us out.

“Arthit, you forgot your car keys.”

“Oh, thanks.” He answered, taking the keys. Phii Meen turned to give me a sweet smile when she saw that the person next to me had his arm around my shoulder,

“And did you bring your motorcycle?” He asked me. I nodded slightly in response,

“And you, are you dazed?”

“I came by car.”

“Could you take my motorcycle back for me?” He said, tossing the car keys to Phii Meen, who caught them in confusion.

“Your big bike? You want me to drive it back?”

“Yeah.”

“And you?”

“Going back with my wife, isn’t that right, you’re coming back with me.” He said.

“Huh?” I looked at him immediately, equally confused. What does he mean by going back with me on Phatcharamon? “Why don’t you take your own motorcycle back?”

“I want to ride on the back and hug your waist.”

“No way, Pacharamon will get a flat tire.”

“I’m not that heavy.” He said stubbornly, while Phii Meen stood there holding back laughter. I looked back and forth between the two of them and let out a big sigh, “Where’s your motorcycle? I’ve never even seen it.”

“That one.” I pointed to the Pacharmon parked in front of the shop.

“Huh, you ride a Scoopy, nong? You really want to ride with him?” Phii Meen asked while laughing, “And you, Arthit, are like a buffalo. It won’t work.”    “It will work, okay, I’m ready to ride on the back, I’m excited. I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle like this before.” He said with a broad smile. I looked at the tall man in the gown, not feeling too comfortable. I couldn’t understand why he would want to ride on my motorcycle, especially since he initially said he would come to pick me up, and now I have to take him back somehow.

“I feel sorry for your motorcycle, Phii. Go back and ride your cool big bike, I beg you.”

“I’m just caring for a friend, worried that she’ll have to struggle to take the bus back. Please keep my big bike parked where it was.”

“Screw you, caring about me? That’s a clear excuse. And how would I know where ‘where it was’ is?”

“The very end, don’t scratch my bike anywhere.”

“Ugh, are you serious?” Phii Meen furrowed her brows, looking disgusted, “I feel sorry for Nong Dao, why do you have to deal with a crazy person like him ? he said you’d come to pick you up.”

“Come on, can we go back now?”

“Will you drive? I’m afraid the bike will fall.”

“No, I want to ride on the back.” He insisted firmly. I let out a resigned sigh, got on the Pacharamon, put the kickstand up, and turned the key to start the engine.

After a while, someone heavily got on the back, nearly causing the bike to fall; thankfully, he held it steady, “Take it easy, or the bike will fall.”

“You’re heavy, Phii.” I said with annoyance, hoping only that Pacharamon’s tires wouldn’t go flat. I sighed again, feeling down, in contrast to the person behind me who seemed to be in a good mood for some reason.

“Sorry, may I interrupt?” Phii Meen said. I turned to look at Phii Meen, who was covering her mouth, trying not to laugh, almost crying from laughter, “It’s just…you have to see the picture I’m seeing now, the brother is tiny but you, riding behind him, are like a bear or a buffalo. It’s really a pitiful sight, I can’t even watch.”

“You really get on my nerves, don’t mind her, let’s go, hurry up.”

“…You are heavy.”

“Ugh, I’m annoyed. Your face isn’t cute at all. Nong Dao you face is so annoying, I don’t even know how to describe how much I hate it.”

“Huh? Why? What do you mean by hating me?”

“You dare to ask again? You look like shit right now, dude, driving with a buffalo on the back.” Said Phii Meen, “Oh, little me, I’m just so small, and now

I’ve been pranked by that jerk Arthit again.”

“Do you want me to elbow you in the face, you idiot? Coming to annoy my wife, look at me instead.”

“You jerk.”

“Here, take a photo for us.” He said, handing his phone to Phii Meen. She took it, held it up in front of us, and he made me look at the camera. I looked at it with an expression of annoyance, contrasting with his happy smile.

“And put on the gown, you jerk. Oh, I want to gouge my own eyes out.” She sighed, handing the phone back, “I’m happy if my friend is happy.”

“Yeah, right, stop being a pain and support me for once. But just now, I thought I heard you call something, the name of the motorcycle?”

“Uh, Phatcharamon.”

“Go, Phatcharmon! Hurry up, I want to get back to the room.”

“Uh.” I slowly revved the engine to move the bike out. Honestly, I felt terrible. I had to tense my arms to keep the bike steady with such a heavy passenger. The sight of us must have looked as bad as Phii Meen described.

“Be careful not to fall.” I heard him shout from behind, but I had no focus to pay attention. I was concentrating hard on keeping the bike upright. Even though we were moving, it was still swaying.

I was startled when suddenly the person behind me tightly hugged my waist, resting his face on my shoulder.

I sighed again, helplessly. Never in my life had I found riding a motorcycle this difficult.

   “Here.” He spoke, and because his face was so close, I heard him clearly, “What did you talk about with Kim?”

“Work.”

“Why did you talk for so long?”

“He also talked about other things.”

“What did he talk about?”

“Can I answer later? I’m trying to focus on driving.”

“Haha, okay, okay, sure. Keep your hands steady, will you? You’re swerving like a reckless kid.”

“You are heavy.” I said with some annoyance, not only was he heavy, but he was complaining too, “Don’t hug my waist.”

“No way, I came here to ride with you because I wanted to know how it feels to be the one riding on the back and hugging someone.” He said cheerfully, resting his face on me again, “You smell nice.”

“Let’s just go.”

“Don’t chase me away, do you know how much this is opening up my experiences? I’ve never ridden like this before.”

“Sigh.”

“Does it feel bad when I hug you?”

“No.” I answered. I didn’t feel bad about him hugging me; I felt bad that he was riding on Pacharamon. If the tire burst, it would definitely be a big hassle, but there was no need to think about that now. Just this moment was troublesome enough.    “Hey, let me drive for fun.”

“No way.”

“You’re so stingy, I’ve let you drive my car before.”

“…”

“Just ride around, I’ll be your pillion!”

“Sigh.”

“Turn here.” He said, pointing in another direction, “There’s not much traffic, it’s a slight detour, but it’s like going for a ride.”

“Sigh.” I reluctantly turned where he indicated. At first, it was just supposed to be a work meeting with KhunKim, but why did the return trip turn into this?    In the end, we made it back to the condo. I got off Pachar looking exhausted, only now realizing how cold it felt once he let go of the hug. All the way, I was focused on driving and didn’t have time to pay attention to anything else.

   Now, there’s still a faint pleasant scent of him lingering.

   “Why do you look so tired?”

“…” I stayed silent, not responding, just walking into the condo with him following. Earlier, I checked both the front and back tires of Pacharamon, and found they weren’t flat, just the air was starting to get low.

“Being the one riding on the back feels good.”

“Why?”

“You didn’t even notice, I was messing with you a lot.”

“Sigh.”

“And why didn’t you reply to my messages all day?” He asked while we were in the elevator. I stayed silent because just thinking about the kiss from yesterday made me feel confused. I glanced at him slightly and saw him smirking, pleased with himself. I immediately looked away, and silence filled the elevator.    Before we reached my room, I reached out my hand, indicating for him to give back the things he was holding, but he didn’t return them and even raised an eyebrow at me.

“Stay with me.”

“No.” I answered immediately.

“I won’t do what I did yesterday.”

“Still no.”

“Why?”

“No. I don’t want to stay.”

He picked up my room key card and opened the door. I was pulled inside, confused, he closed the door, walked over to sit on the sofa, and pulled me down to sit. Before I could react, I was startled and let out a soft cry, realizing I was sitting on his lap on the sofa.

He lifted both of my arms around his neck. I tried to resist and stand up, but he held my waist firmly. With our bodies so close, my heart started beating fast again.

I turned my face away, but he grabbed my chin to make me look into his eyes.

When our eyes met, those deep black eyes looking at me with such intensity, it felt like I was being drawn in again.

“Mad about yesterday?” He tightened his embrace, pressing our bodies even closer, our faces closer because I was sitting on his lap, our eyes at the same level. He buried his face in my shoulder, moving up to my neck and ear, planting light kisses that made me tense up without realizing it. His hair tickled me a bit, but more than that, it was the touch and his warm breath that enveloped me.

“No…not really.”

“Then why won’t you let me stay?”

“…” I pressed my lips together, still avoiding his gaze, feeling my face and ears growing hot uncontrollably…Oh, damn it. What’s wrong with me? Why am I blushing?

   “Hmm?” His deep voice spoke near my ear as if he was teasing on purpose. I tried to push him away, but it didn’t work.

“You said you wouldn’t do it like yesterday.”

“I’m not doing it at all, and what’s wrong with you that you have to hide your face?”

“Then move back.”

“Why?”

“…” I frowned in dissatisfaction, he let out a soft, amused laugh.

“Okay, let’s talk face to face first.”

“Can’t we talk normally?”

“And this isn’t normal?”

“It…it’s like this.” I said with furrowed brows, trying to stand up again but failing, because sitting like this was quite embarrassing, it was too close.

“Why?”

“…” I didn’t respond but decided to lower my head, burying my face into his thick shoulder, sliding both hands to grip his gown tightly at the chest. I could feel my heart beating hard right now and hoped he wouldn’t hear it. He paused, looking surprised at my sudden action, “Uh, Phii.”

“…”

“Let me go for a moment.”

“Are you teasing me or what?”

“No, I’m just being cute.”

“Alright, you look this cute, but I’m not letting you go anywhere, we’ll talk like this.”

“…”

I let out a hidden sigh when he said that. Burying my face like this wasn’t just because I wanted to try being cute, but if we didn’t make eye contact, it would be better for my heart. He tightened his hug as if pleased with me being like this.

“Tell me what you talked about with Kim.”

“At first, we talked about work.”

“Hmm.”

“And then…uh, he said he liked me.”

“What?” He asked with a displeased tone that made me feel inexplicably uneasy, causing me to hold my breath without realizing it.

“KhunKim said he’s probably liked me for a long time.” I explained further, “Since last year, but he didn’t realize it.”

!!

He lifted me off his lap and pushed me down onto the sofa, then flipped over to straddle me. I opened my eyes wide in shock at this sudden change. When he leaned his face down, I quickly raised my hand to block him.

“Calm…calm down.” I said hoarsely, breathing heavily, “You said you wouldn’t do what you did yesterday, didn’t you?” Even though I was losing my composure, I still tried to negotiate with him.

He bit my wrist lightly. Though it didn’t hurt, it gave me a strange sensation in my heart before his deep voice spoke.

“And what did you say back?”

“I already rejected him.” I answered softly but firmly.

“Rejected how?”

“I told him I already like you, and it has to be you.”

My response made him smile broadly with satisfaction before he leaned down to kiss my cheek, then moved to nuzzle my neck, making me try to move away, but the sofa wasn’t wide enough for me to escape.

“Did he see this mark?”

“Huh?”

“The mark that says you’re mine.”

“Ugh.” I let out a small sound when I felt a sharp pain on my neck, reminding me of last night after the kiss when he left a red bruise.

Last night, I couldn’t sleep well because I kept thinking about that kiss. In the morning, I was distracted and forgot to cover the red mark. Oh…damn, everyone must have seen it by now.

“Just thinking about how he was staring at you in the coffee shop earlier made me so annoyed.”

He bent down to kiss my collarbone, then trailed down slightly below my shirt collar, leaving another red bruise.

I clenched my teeth against the pain, pushed him away with all my strength, and he let go willingly.

He frowned, not looking too pleased, before leaning down to gently kiss my forehead.

“Don’t make that face.”

I pulled up my collar to cover the red mark, not even sure why I was doing it, then moved to sit on the edge of the sofa, knees up. He stood up and took off his gown, leaving just a plain white T-shirt underneath.

“Give me your hand.”

“Why?”

“I’m not in a good mood.”

“Uh.” I extended my hand to him. His thick hand gently held mine before lifting it to his lips for a kiss. My heart skipped a beat seeing that. He then placed my hand on his lap but didn’t let go.

“And did he understand when you refused?”

“Hmm. Seems like he did.”

“It won’t affect your work, right?”

“Hmm.”

“Will he give up on you?”

“Hmm.” I nodded because after refusing and talking for a while, I told KhunKim to give up since it was impossible, and he agreed, “There’s nothing more.”

“Hah, I should’ve not let you go then.”

“Impossible, it’s work.”

“Yeah, I’m trying to understand.” He said, clearly annoyed, looking at our hands still clasped together. I couldn’t help but smile, “So, how was the work?”

“Just drawing illustrations for a novel, as usual.”

“Hah, just for that work, but he dragged it out so long.” He said with a grimace,

“But it’s good that you’re not mad about yesterday.”

“I…I’m not mad or anything.”

“So, you were just embarrassed, right?”

“Uh…yeah.”

“You’re cute.” He said, pinching my cheek playfully, “So, when you said you didn’t want to be with me, it was just because you were embarrassed, right?”    “Ugh…I, I don’t know what to do.” I frowned slightly, speaking just as my heart was beating too fast, making me feel lost. Seeing that, he slowly moved closer and pulled me into a loose embrace.

“You don’t need to do anything, I’ll handle it.”

“…” Hearing that, I instinctively raised my hand to lightly hit his arm.

“Oh, hitting me now?”

“Irritating.”

“Then hit me harder.”

“Really hit you?”

“Go ahead, how hard are you going to hit?”

“I’ll hit you with a chair, wait here.” I said, pretending to get up, but he held me back.

“How irritating am I that you want to hit me with a chair?” He laughed, and then we sat there chatting. No, it was more like he was telling me stories, which I was happy to listen to, unlike a few hours ago.

When we were at the coffee shop, KhunKim was also telling me about himself, which is why our work conversation took so long. But of course, I barely listened to what KhunKim was saying, just heard the gist of it – something about what he did during the year we didn’t see each other.

“And then…damn it, I don’t want to do rounds tomorrow, I’m exhausted as hell.”    “Uh-huh.”

“What’s that? Not going to comfort me?”

“Either way, you’ll have to do ward rounds.”

“I know, but I want some encouragement.”

“Want me to pat your head again?”

“No, I want a kiss.”

“Can’t do that.”

“Oh, come on.” He immediately looked disappointed, getting up from the sofa, “I’ll go back to my room with a heavy heart, like this. After a tiring day of studying, I have to watch you with another guy. Plus, that guy likes you, he couldn’t take his eyes off you, when it should have been me there. This dog has to go lick its wounds now.”

Hearing him talk with such a dejected expression, I couldn’t help but shake my head slightly.

“Bend down a bit.”

I straightened up, grabbed his shirt with both hands, and pulled him down, pressing my lips lightly on his cheek before slowly pulling back, my heart pounding as if it would burst.    He stared at me, stunned.

“Are you no longer upset?”

“Not yet! Do it again!”

“…”

WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR CHAPTERS HOME

   WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 36: Impatient

   Arthit

   He paused for a moment as if about to say something but didn’t, just pushed my head gently and then let go, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, frowning and letting out a soft sigh. After that, we didn’t talk until we reached the stationery store.    He followed me quietly. I secretly observed him, puzzled. Normally, he would at least say something.

   “I’ll wait here, a lot to buy?”

“Not a lot, it’ll be quick.”

“Hm.”

He sat down on a bench in front of the store. I went to the section with the items I wanted, picked them up and put them in the basket, paid, and then came out to find him waiting.

   “That was fast.” He looked up from his phone, took the bag from my hand, and we headed back to the car.

   The same car moved out of the stationery store’s parking lot and headed back to the condo quickly. He carried all the items we bought today to the elevator together, since he was holding some of my things, we had to put them in my room first.

   I opened my room door and as I was about to reach for the light switch, I told him…

   I was genuinely happy that he said he would try for us. At that moment, I was stunned, glad I didn’t die from the shock. That made me think if I should try to be more patient for him too, but then again, I’ve been trying to be patient all along. And I haven’t been very successful at it, so I guess I’ll have to make it a bit harder for him.

   He still doesn’t seem quite ready, but what can we do?

   He said next month, after my race, he would agree to be my boyfriend. I think that’s good because it gives the one waiting a goal. Even if I say I could wait a lifetime, like I mentioned before, with someone you love, you want to have a status, don’t you?

   I wish next month would come quickly. When will it be next month? I want to race already, I want to get the race over with.

   And I got his room keycard too.

   Damn.

   Who would be as important to him as I am? Who else would care for that short guy as much as I do?!

   “Do you have good news?”

“Finally, you ask!” I said cheerfully when Hill finally asked, because today I was really happy, because of what happened yesterday, making me smile from ear to ear since morning, even though the short guy didn’t respond to my chats.

“What’s the news?”

“Do you really want to know? You’re my true friend.”

“Then tell me already, if you want to talk about it that much, there’s no need to keep it to yourself.”

“I was waiting for you to want to know.”

“Okay, I want to know now, hurry up and tell.”

“Alright.” and then I told Hill roughly about what happened yesterday, skipping the kissing part. This kind of thing, you have to brag about it, how could you keep it to yourself? It’s a pity Direk isn’t free yet. And right now, the only one in the ward with me is Hill.

“Uh…hmm, congratulations.”

“Hill, you…sigh, you’re proud of me, right? Very proud of me?” I raised my eyebrows at him, feeling good about myself. Hill looked up from his book to meet my gaze, “Even when eating, you’re still reading?”

“I was reading while waiting for you, hurry up and eat, you’ve been playing with your phone.”

“Yeah, yeah, so are you proud of me?”

“Hm.” He nodded, “Why do you look so proud?”

“I told you, you’re my best friend. Besides you, no one else says they’re proud of me.” I said seriously, feigning a serious expression, “If anyone does anything to you, tell me, I’ll handle it myself.”

“Just messing around, hurry up and eat.”

“Okay.” I agreed and bent down to continue eating. The short guy hadn’t replied to my messages since last night, not even seen them, which made me sure he was shy and didn’t want to respond.

Last night, I couldn’t sleep well because it was unfamiliar, the warm body in my embrace was gone, making me think why the bed in his room felt so big. Even though I wanted to use the key card he gave me to open his door and go to him, I tried to resist. I thought he probably wasn’t ready to face me yet, because when we parted yesterday, his face was very red, even his ears were red, like they had been boiled in hot water.

   After I finished eating, we prepared for the afternoon ward round. While walking up the building, I kept teasing Hill without stopping, not knowing if the listener was actually listening, but I didn’t care. I’ve always been a one-way messenger.    “What do you think about the key card? Seriously, if you don’t trust someone a lot, even if you give them a key card, you wouldn’t, right? To trust someone, you need trust and heart.” while I was going on with my rant, my phone vibrated slightly. I picked it up to see that it was the short guy who sent me a Line message.

   I opened it eagerly, but the content inside made my smile fade.

   SS: I have a meeting with KhunKim this afternoon.

   ☀︎: What!?

   ☀︎: Why

   ☀︎: Why meet with him!

   SS: You said you wanted me to hurry, didn’t you?

   SS: Khun Kim said he happens to be free.

   ☀︎:. No

   ☀︎: You have to meet him when you’re with me!

   ☀︎: You can’t go alone with him!

   ☀︎: Absolutely not!

   SS: Aren’t you usually busy?

   ☀︎: Damn.

   I gritted my teeth when I thought the short guy might really go out with KhunKim. It’s fine if they just meet, but being alone together without me? No way! No! No! No! That bastard, I’ll skip out! I won’t stay in this damn ward.

“I’m skipping out this afternoon.”

“No, you can’t.”

“This is serious! I can’t let him be alone with Kim!”

“Who’s Kim?”

“I forgot to tell you, Kim is the client who hired the short guy, and he likes shorty too.”

“He really likes him?”

“Yes, really. Of course, I know by instinct, I met him when we went to eat at the mall yesterday.” I said with conviction. Hill still looked at me with an expressionless, unperturbed face.

“Don’t you trust your brother? Didn’t he say he wouldn’t open his heart to anyone? Don’t worry.”

“It’s different, like how you wouldn’t want anyone else looking at your wife.”    “Right, it’s different. I can be jealous over my boyfriend, but can you be jealous over your brother?”

“….” Hill’s words made me pause, squinting at him with a frown, letting out a heavy sigh, “Damn, I’ll pinch you.”

“He’s a client, be patient. Wait until the work is over.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“What’s he like, this Kim?”

“He’s not much, I’m better looking, even my heels look better than his.”

“And his personality?”

“Polite, easygoing. Like Fah, but the version that wants to steal my wife.”

“Really? So, between Fah and you, who would a normal person choose?”

“…Hill, why are you messing with me? Shouldn’t you be on my side?”

“Hm? No, I was just asking.” Hill gave a small, victorious smile. This damn guy must have deep grudges, he must remember and wait for the day to get back at me for messing with him before. But messing with him isn’t always successful, Fah and I, he has to choose me, where else would you find someone like me!

“Then I’ll skip the afternoon.”

“No way.”

“Damn, what should I do?” While I was pondering, an idea suddenly popped into my head. Earlier, while enjoying Instagram, I saw Meen’s IG story where she checked in at the coffee shop where she works as a server.

☀︎: Go to Coffee-Mate, behind the university.

   ☀︎: This place, right?

   *Sending location    SS: Why?

   ☀︎: Just go there.

   ☀︎: Go to this shop. Otherwise, I’ll skip the ward rounds and rush over there right now!

   SS:    

   And then I immediately called Meen.

(What do you want?)

   “Are you working at your coffee shop?”

(I am, but there are no customers right now so I’m free to answer your call.

What’s up?)

   “The short guy is going to your shop, meeting a client named Kim. Keep a close eye on him, don’t let him do anything to the short guy at all. If he looks too much, pour hot coffee on him.”

(Are you crazy, telling me to pour coffee on a customer? And who’s the short guy? Why are you calling out of the blue to tell me this?)

   “The short guy is Dao.”

(Oh, Nong Daotok, yeah, and why? Why should I keep an eye on my customer? But what customer?)

   “The one who commissions artwork.”

(And this customer likes Nong Daotok?)

   “Yeah.”

(Oh, you’re jealous, so you want me to keep an eye on them, huh?)

   “Yes.”

(Yes, you damn thing. I didn’t expect you to be so straightforward about it. This is, damn, really embarrassing. Alright, I’ll watch them and report back to you, right?)

   “Yeah, you know it.”

(Yeah, yeah, okay.)

   And then I hung up. At least having someone to watch over them is good. Before I could think further, it was time for the afternoon ward round. No matter how anxious I was, I couldn’t touch my phone, and by the time it was almost four, I was lucky the session ended early. I immediately called Miss Meen to ask how it was going, and she said the two were still at the shop.

I rushed to the shop right away, walked in, and tried to spot where they were sitting but didn’t see them until Meen nudged me first.

“Come here, you.”

Meen led me to a secluded table where the two wouldn’t notice, the short guy in his student uniform sitting across from Kim, talking with stacks of paper on their table.

“They’ve been talking since this afternoon until four, what are they talking about?” Meen whispered. I nodded in agreement while my eyes were still fixed on that small back.

“What the hell are they talking about? I want to know.” I said, frowning with curiosity.

“I messaged you, but you didn’t read it. I even eavesdropped.”

“You sneaky bastard, I was busy. I couldn’t even touch my phone.” I said, “So, what were they talking about?”

“I heard Kim invited him to go to Korea.”

“Huh!?”

“Shh, keep your voice down, or they’ll all turn around.” She said, putting her finger to her lips to signal me to be quiet, “The one you said was a client, I think he is strange. And from what I’ve observed, he’s looking at him with such sweet, gooey eyes.”

“Sweet and gooey!?”

“Yeah, but to be fair, he’s quite handsome. Seeing him makes me want a Korean husband.”

“Go for it then.” I said immediately, and Meen looked at me in surprise, “You take him as your husband, you get a husband, and I get to protect my wife. It’s a win-win.”

“Damn, I don’t want a new husband yet.”

“Close your eyes and your ears, forget about Donat in a snap, trust me.”    “You bastard. No way, everyone says I have a dog’s heart, my husband just died and you want me to get a new one.”

“Listen to me, it’s not about the time, it’s about what you want in your heart.

Donat has been dead for a long time, he’d want you to move on.”

“Damn, why are you pushing me to get a new husband?”    “You need to find a real husband now.” I said seriously.

“Why are you so insistent on this? No way.”

“One-night stands then.”

“Arthit,you are so gentlemanly, I’d choose him if I were NongDao. If you’re going to be that damn annoying.”

“You should take my side, aren’t you my friend?”

“Yes, I’m your friend, so what are we going to do? From what I see, that guy probably likes the younger one. Otherwise, he wouldn’t stare like that. And you,

Arthit, what do you have to compete with him?”

“You don’t understand how I’m above him, I’ve already won the heart of the short guy.”

“Have you really?”

“I even got his room key card, you know. Someone without feelings wouldn’t give you a key card.”

“Not strange at all, friends give them out, he sees you as a senior, doesn’t he?” “Damn, senior again? Don’t say that word where I can hear it.” I raised my middle finger at him. She laughed out loud, “Senior, my ass, I’ve done so much for him, senior and junior don’t kiss like that, damn it, I love him to death and you dare call me senior?”

“Poor you, but pitiful at the same time. Anyway, is the client named Kim?”

“Yeah.”

“What’s Kim’s full name?”

“I don’t know, can’t remember, Kim…Tae-Yang.”

“Tae-Yang?”

“Maybe.”

“Tae-Yang, meaning ‘sun’?”

“Damn, it’s not me, TaeYang is my name, that one…might be Tae Min.”    “Oh, you little brain.” Meen sighed subtly, “He’s good, you know, handsome, polite, and the fact that he’s here as a client means he has a job, while you’re still living off your father.”

“But my dad’s super rich, is his dad as rich as mine?”

“Damn, don’t compare your dad to his.”

“If he’s so great, then you take him. Don’t make me force you.”

“Damn, you can’t force me, can you?”

“Go flirt with him, get him drunk.”

“Bleh. I told you I’m not interested, stop trying to push me on him, see if he wants me first.”

“Have you tried yet, you nut, try flirting first. If it doesn’t work, then ask how much.”

“Do you understand that I’m not ready for a relationship?”

“The short one used to say that too, until he met me.”

“You’re so great that I want you in my life.”

“Hmph. No, I just forced myself on him.” I said quietly, constantly watching the two of them. It was probably time to leave, I couldn’t stand their…what was it, overly sweet gaze, like what Meen described.

“Where are you going?” Meen yanked my arm to make me sit down.

“I was just going to sit with the short one.”

“Isn’t it better to watch secretly like this? How else will you know what he’s like when you’re not around?”

“Yeah, that’s interesting, but…”

“Come on, bear with it a bit. If you go now, do you think someone as hot-headed as you can control your temper? You know how hot-headed you are, even needles would melt if they drew your blood.”

“But if I hold Dao’s hand, I’ll calm down.”

“Crazy. I don’t believe it. I remember when you went wild in the pub. No one could handle you, don’t cause a scene in my shop, please, I’ve only been working here for a few days, I don’t want to get fired.”

“Believe me, it’s true, I’m still amazed at myself.”

“Really? Alright, let’s wait and see, huh. Looks like it’s almost done.” Meen said. I turned to look and saw that the short guy was packing up. It seemed like Kim was trying to help him pack, but the short guy wouldn’t let him. “You’re weak, Kim, I’ve packed for him so many times. Can’t even pack for him, go die!”    I quickly got up from the table and walked over to them.

When he saw me, the short guy made a big surprised face. I reached out to help him pack while Kim looked confused.

After we finished packing, I put my arm around the short guy’s shoulder, then gave Kim a triumphant smile. The person in front of me slightly furrowed his brows.

The short guy said a brief goodbye to Kim before willingly walking away with me.

“Why did you talk to him for so long?” I asked, but didn’t get an answer, so I looked at the person next to me. I saw he was turning his face away, his small ears bright red. He raised his hand to cover his ear as if to hide it.

What’s this? Just because I came over, you’re already embarrassed?

   All that stiffness and coldness he had with Kim earlier was gone.

   Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but smile broadly, leaning in to press my lips hard against his cheek. He was startled and quickly turned to look at me, his cheeks flushing red.

   “Wha…what are you doing?”

“Just came to pick you up.”

 

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