MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 46: Duen’s Harem

[Duenhaw]

“Duen!” The person I called out to exclaimed loudly, jumping in surprise, and today he’s wearing an apron, which is unusual. I haven’t seen him in so long, his face still looks the same with those wrinkles and lines…I’m lying. He’s just as handsome as always.

“Why are you so startled? I’ve gotten more handsome, right, Phii Duen?” I picked up the gas tank and leaned down to tease the fat cat. He was heavy before, but now he’s even heavier. Is Phii Fang planning to make him into a tank or what…Do you know Mai? Which Mai? Mai the Thonburi Tank, with more destructive power than Soviet missiles, just walking by and meowing ‘meow’ could kill you!!!

Leave me alone…

“You damn narcissist, haha.” he chuckled, crossing his arms. He doesn’t look as sad as the last time we met; maybe he’s moved on. Good, don’t tie your heart to someone’s feet…no need to get emotional. I’m just borrowing the phrase.

“So, you’re here to buy flowers too, Phii Yim?”

“No, not to buy.”

“Not to buy…then you’re here to rob?”

“What do you take me for? I’m a merchant, you know.”

“Oh, so you’re Phii Fang’s little brother then.”

“Yeah, the world is so small.” Phii Yim looks good with flowers. When he smiles, the world seems brighter, and with flowers as an additional option like this…he’s like a divine being, it’s blinding.

“Fang, Frong, Yim?” They don’t really match, do they? Wait, is ‘Yim’ not his real name?

“Haven’t I told you my real name yet?”…Did you tell me? You did, but I didn’t hear it back then.

“Uh huh.” I nodded while looking at Bohn, who went to sit on a chair. He’s so bad, he took my new kitten with him. No! New one, come back to daddy! Jump down from that rogue’s lap quickly, I’m waiting to catch you!! New is looking at me, huh…Wait. Are you smirking, you gas tank? Maybe I’ve been with Bohn so much that I’m getting confused.

“So, what’s your name?”

“Frang.” The person with the name didn’t answer himself, but the voice came from the guy playing with the cat over there.

“Frang…why is your name so cool!” I said with envy, his name is so cool, have you ever felt jealous when you see people with cool names, and they’re handsome? Frong, Phii Fang’s other younger brother, is also handsome, still in high school but already this good-looking. If he goes to university, he’ll be stunningly handsome, right? What do his parents feed him, huh?

“Of course!” Phii Frang said confidently while gently stroking his chin, this teaches us that…everyone on earth is self-absorbed, to varying degrees based on how much they dare to show it.

“It’s good to meet you then. I’ll treat you to ice cream tomorrow, are you free?” Actually, I was going to call after getting home, but meeting in person is just as good, saves on call charges, he he.

“Tomorrow huh…I’m free, where?”

“Hmm, I haven’t thought about that yet.”

“Where should we go…where do you want to go?”

“Up to you?”

“Yeah. I’m too lazy to think, just let me know when you decide, let me choose flowers first.” After saying that, I immediately walked over to the rose shelf. What color should I get today? I won’t ask Bohn because he never helps with decisions.

Thud

“Ah.” I let out a small sound when I felt something heavy on my shoulder. Without looking, I knew who it was. Look at him, who else would dare to lean on my shoulder in public?

“…”

“You’re so clingy, have you taken after the gas tank?” I asked jokingly, before noticing the fat cat walking up to my feet, looking up with eyes that say, ‘Pick me up, human!’. No need, damn, I told you to jump to me earlier but you didn’t, New, it’s over between us, I have Rogue now.

“Uh, are we not sleeping together tonight?” He looked up at me with a pleading look, damn Bohn…you’ve become so clingy lately, I’ll just throw you to Ting for her to deal with.

“No way, I’m going back to sleep at home.” I said while scanning the flower shelves with interest. There are so many new colors today. You might wonder why I’m not cursing or complaining about him sticking to me like this. Let me ask you back…has doing that ever worked?

“Don’t you miss me?”

“No.”

“But I miss you.”

“I know, Bohn, let go.” I moved around to get him to stand properly. It’s good that there’s no one else in the shop except for us three. Otherwise, it would be quite a sight for them to see two guys built like buffaloes hugging amidst a sea of flowers, hahaha…

“Hey, don’t fall for Frong, okay?” Oh, so this is jealousy? But it’s strange today; he’s not getting all red-faced with jealousy like before.

“I like…ouch, Bohn!” I groaned, not even finishing my sentence. Why do we have to fight? His hands are so heavy; you’re not holding back at all, are you!

“Wait a minute, you.” He looked at me accusingly.

“Listen first.”

“Go on. If the answer doesn’t please me, I’ll be mad at you.”

“I like…like as a brother, he’s fun, I want a brother like that.”

“And then…he’s fierce.”

Ouch!

“Ouch, Bohn, that hurts!” Bohn bit my shoulder. Even if it’s not hard, it still hurts. I wouldn’t mind you leaning on me, but why bite? I’ll slap you with the back of my hand!

“You are fierce, can I bite again?”

“Stop! Go away, you sadist, aren’t you ashamed in front of Phii Frang?” I invoked the shop owner’s brother. Even if he seems uninterested, I know you’re watching, you shameless Bohn, others might think we’re exhibitionists now.

“Do whatever you want, sir.”

“Alright, remember this, Phii Yim!” I tried to send him a look asking for help, like, ‘Help me out here,’ but no! Ugh, how can you treat a cute creature like Phii Duen this way?

“Why do you call him Yim?”

“It’s my business, don’t be nosy!”

“Answer or die.”

“…It’s a long story, how should I tell it?” Where should I start from, “I wandered into the Faculty of Management. He came to see me off but when he said his name, I didn’t hear it. When we met the second time, I wanted to tease him by calling him ‘Smile’ because I was annoyed, but Daonuea misheard it as ‘Yim’ and since then, she’s been calling him that.” right? Is the story too long?

“Forget it…the mark is still there, huh.” Bohn said, as his long finger poked at the mark on my neck. It’s still there, damn it! When will it go away? Looks like I’ll need to buy some plasters tomorrow.

Phew

“When will it go away?” Will my parents ask about it? In this case, I’ll need to put on some makeup…Kodomo powder! …Oh. Won’t that work? Why not?

“I don’t know. Never paid attention.”

“Pay attention to what…Oh. When you do it to others?”

“Jealous?” Why do you look so pleased with those twinkling eyes?

“Ha.” I’ve never been jealous of him. It’s not that I don’t feel anything for him, but I’m a reasonable person, and Bohn has never flirted with anyone else, so why would I throw a fit?

“Why don’t you get jealous of me?”

“Want me to be jealous?” Why, every time I see you jealous, it’s always trouble, do you want me to do that too? No way, Phii Duen is reasonable enough.

“Yeah, a lot.”

“Why do you want me to be jealous?”

“I don’t know, just want to see what it’s like.”

“That’s not a good enough reason…Hey, you jealous type, someone else is coming tomorrow.” I’ll call Phii Thara later, will he be free? I forgot to think about this. Should I Line him to ask first?

“Who?”

“Phii Thara.”

“What?” I looked at him when I noticed he went quiet, only to see Bohn with his arms crossed, looking down at his feet in deep thought. What’s with you? Does the idea of bringing someone else along for ice cream require this much thinking?

“Four people going, me, you, the doctor, and Frang?”

“Yes.”

“Are you trying to build a harem or something?”

“Mmh harem? Who’s that, a Korean singer? I don’t know him.” Earlier, Bohn was saying something I couldn’t hear clearly, just the first part and something about a harem.

“Come on…let’s sleep together tonight, I bought a whole pack of your favorite strawberries.” You dare to curse me and then lure me to sleep with you, you duck bastard! Do you think one pack of strawberries will make me agree to sleep with you? Strawberries won’t buy me!!…Unless there’s enough. Fortunately for me, one pack isn’t enough.

“Dream on, tonight I’ll sleep with my daughter.”

“Whatever, you’ve been sleeping with your daughter for so long, sleep with your husband for a change, come on, come on, come on.”

“I won’t! I’ll choose this flower, go sit at the usual spot!” I turned my head towards the same chair he used to sit on. Bohn looked a bit annoyed but walked over to sit down properly, not forgetting to take Mai with him. Hey! Gas tank, are you trying to steal my boyfriend?! I’ve been so kind to you, you’re the worst!!

This time I chose daisies. Actually, I like them a lot, but I never bought them because the petals fall off easily. I’m afraid if I take them to the savage by bike, I’ll be left with just stems and leaves…

“I’ll take these flowers.”

“Just one bunch? Do you want me to arrange them for you, sir?”

“No, thanks, I’ll take them like this, and where do you want to go, sir?” The more I look at the person in front of me, the more he reminds me of Phii Thara. Not in looks, but in personality and demeanor. My brother is like this, easy to smile, polite, friendly, and most importantly, a bit mischievous. I really want them to meet, a divine duo?.. Annoying.

“It’s up to yo, Bohn.” The shop owner’s brother answered with a smile. Trust me, Phii Fang probably made a good profit from Phii Yim’s smiles today. Girls love guys who smile easily.

“Hmm? Alright then…Bohn, where do you want to go?” I went to ask him. Bohn must be a cat slave like me, he’s petting and tickling Mai’s belly, and she’s letting him. Are you really trying to steal Phii Duen’s boyfriend, Mai? “Anywhere you are.” Wow, did you hear that, gas canister? Bohn loves me, not you.

Damn, I’m arguing with a cat.

“You flirt, how about…the new ice cream shop near the BTS station?” I heard Tang say it’s amazing…I mean the staff, not the ice cream.

“Oh, something bunny-related, right?” I can’t remember either, I think it might be called Little Buhnny? Maybe that’s right, I remember the logo was a rabbit holding a mortar and pestle.

“Yeah, see you tomorrow at noon, sir.” It’s Saturday, please let me sleep in a bit.

“Yeah, bye.”

“You’re really not going to sleep with me?” My personal driver asked after we had settled into the car. The AC in Bohn’s car is so cold, the atmosphere is perfect for sleeping.

“Uh huh.” Bohn didn’t pester further after hearing my answer; he must know that if I say no, it means no…Better to LINE Phii Thara instead.

Duennhaw: Phii Thara, are you free tomorrow? I’ll treat you to ice cream. Father of Cupcake: Tomorrow? I’m free.

He replies so fast, what is he doing? Normally, if I message him today, he would reply tomorrow or the day after. Once I asked, ‘Are you hungry?’ because my mom had cooked a lot of food, and I wanted to invite him over…he did reply…but it was a month later, by then the food was long gone.

Duennhaw: Meet at Little Buhnny at 12:00, please, Father of Cupcake.

Father of Cupcake: Little Buhnny? Sounds good, there’s a store next door that sells lizard clothes. I’ve been wanting to buy a new outfit for Cupcake.

Duennhaw: Huh! They sell those?

Are they into the lizard market now…Have I missed something, or is my brother just crazy? Cupcake really does have clothes, doesn’t he? Phii Thara didn’t buy them; he made them for his son. You read that right, Dr.

Thara makes clothes for Cupcake to wear! Damn…I don’t know what to say, ‘Duen, come look at this, I made a fluffy, sparkling outfit for my son to wear,’ and that’s when I found out Cupcake was male. Why call it Cupcake, and why make it wear such a fluffy, sparkly outfit when it has scales?

Father of Cupcake: Just kidding, lol.

“I knew it…” I, Bohn, mumbled softly. Even if the world has advanced, the idea of a store selling lizard clothes…ha ha.

Duennhaw: –

Father of Cupcake: See you tomorrow, I’ll give Cupcake a bath first.

“Crazy…” Taking a lizard for a bath! How does that work!? Won’t it drown or something…or maybe he uses wet wipes to clean it…either way, it’s creepy, brrr.

“Talking to whom?” Oh my. If you’re going to ask in such a cold voice, Bohn.

“Phii Thara.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Read it?” I said jokingly, before handing him my phone. Bohn won’t read it; he’s not that jealous. Even if he appears very jealous, but…

“Don’t read it…just screenshot and send it to me.”

“…”

“Quickly.”

“Are you serious?” I asked, surprised. I’ve praised you, you savage. You’re the ultimate jealous flirt, a real piece of work!! Wow, you’re not even sparing my brother?

“Yeah, screenshot every message.”

“Hey, no need to screenshot.” Isn’t it easier for you to just read it? I only talked to my doctor brother for four or five sentences, you’ll accuse me of deleting messages next.

“Why, let me see.”

“Damn! Here you go.”

I handed him the phone reluctantly. I told you to read it from the start, but you didn’t want to. Now that I’m about to put it away, you suddenly want to read it, huh?

Rrrr

‘Damn, Bohn.’

Bohn…we just parted ways thirty minutes ago, you know.

“Hello.” I answered the phone and walked over to lie next to Daonuea. She’s playing with Isabella, my first kiss. As soon as he dropped me off at home, I rushed to lie down with Daonuea. Dao didn’t say anything, but my mom teased that I’m attached to my little sister. Not at all…

(Miss you) I knew you’d say that.

“Yeah.”

(Who are you with?)

“Daonuea…and Isabella, haha.”

(I’ll break its neck.) Bohn said coldly. He must be bitter about my first kiss. I know he doesn’t count it, but I wanted to tease Bohn. I didn’t think he’d take it so seriously.

“Cool it, you brute, try it, and your daughter will cry for sure.”

(Want to talk to Daonuea)

“Daonuea, Dad Bohn wants to talk to you.”

“Father dear.” Daonuea, why do you have to speak in such a soft, sweet voice to him, and why do you have to look so happy…

I reached out to grab a pillow to hug, letting the father and daughter talk. Right now, I’m stressed; the exam season is coming up, but I haven’t prepared at all. I’m thinking about which day I should go to Tang’s house to study since he said he would tutor me…I feel a bit sorry to burden him, though.

Actually, I’m not stupid. I just don’t understand what the teachers teach, ha ha.

Should I get Phii Thara to teach me? Maybe not…I tried having him teach me once, but whatever he was teaching, it confused me even more. He uses language I don’t quite understand, speaks in long sentences, and then asks if I understand. No! I didn’t understand at all, huh…

I’m sleepy.

I tried blinking rapidly to fight off sleepiness, but my eyelids were slowly closing.

“Mom, dad wants to talk to you.” The room’s owner nudged me awake. I wasn’t asleep yet, just almost there. Daonuea’s AC is insanely cold; how many degrees did she set it to? I feel like I’ve become an Eskimo.

“Uh huh…sleep now.”

(Flirting?)

“Damn…I’m sleepy.” I answered softly, without strength, probably because I played too much with that gas tank.

(Really? You won’t let me flirt tomorrow?)

“Hmm…”

(Why? Don’t you like it?)

“…Heh, I do like it.” When Bohn says these cute little things, it’s kind of nice, strange, like seeing a buffalo in a Hello Kitty outfit.

(Heh)

Kiss

“That’s it, I’m going to sleep.” I’m so sleepy, Bohn, please understand me. I really can’t keep going now, my eyelids are telling me, ‘Sleep, damn it, you look pitiful.’

(Not yet, if you like it, why won’t you let me flirt?)

“Ho…I am sleepy, Bohn.”

(Don’t sleep yet, you stubborn one, talk to me first.)

“No way…” I said lazily, the sound came out like a mumble…meow?

(you sounds like Mai, huh.)

“Yeah…”

(Hey, don’t fall asleep yet.)

“You’ve flirted enough. Just one day…stay quiet, can’t you let me flirt for just one day…good night, Phii Bohn.” Click!

Bon Ss: I’m at your front door.

“Wow, that was fast.” I muttered to myself when I saw the message notification on my phone. I was sitting with Daonuea watching cartoons, and he said he would be a bit late…

“Are you leaving already?” Daonuea asked when she saw me stand up. I nodded and leaned down to give her a soft kiss on the cheek. Yesterday, my mom bought her a new outfit, it’s the only one I find cute, guess what it is…a mischievous banana costume. It’s not a printed shirt, but an actual banana mascot outfit. When she walks around, it makes her look so adorable, making my heart melt.

“Did Bohn come to pick you up, son?” Even though my mom only talked to Bohn once, she seems particularly interested in him for some reason…is she going to cheat on Dad and become Bohn’s side chick?

“Yes.” I said hi to my mom before running to the front door. Dad just left for work a while ago because of another urgent matter. Poor him. When the soldiers came to take him away, he made a big fuss, shouting, “Let me go! I want to stay with my wife and child! You bastards, how dare you separate father and son!!! I’m tired, you leeches.” trying to hold onto Mom’s leg but couldn’t resist four soldiers built like bears. I’ll miss Dad…

“Hey.” I greeted the car owner, curious about what he would say next. It felt a bit strange to initiate the conversation, because usually, Bohn starts the talk first, not with greetings, but with something like, “Miss you.” “Love you.” “Like you.” or similar lines.

“Yeah.” he just responded and drove off immediately. Wow, it didn’t feel like the Bohn I know. I smiled amusingly at his behavior. This! Bohn in silent mode, like a dead leech, haha.

“Bohn.” I called out to him. Since getting in the car, I haven’t stopped smiling, probably catching Phii Yim’s smile virus when I touched him. The virus must have infiltrated through my pores, expanded by the hot weather, virus YimYim, NhongMai, no.001, or what Thais call the “Yim smile new mode.” (YYNM001).

“Huh.” Bohn made a sound in his throat. You’re really quiet, huh? I’m starting to remember what he was like before he started flirting with me, quiet, silent, with a mischievous calm face.

“Miss you.”

After I said that, I covered my face with both hands. Instead of the person being flirted with feeling embarrassed, why am I the one feeling embarrassed! It’s not like that at all! By all accounts, Bohn should be blushing and saying, ‘You’re crazy!’, right? What’s with him looking back at me so calmly like that? Maybe Phu didn’t teach me well enough. In this case, I should sit and learn from someone who’s a master of flirting…would my Thai language teacher be good, or should I let Phii Boss teach everything – Thai language (the department of inventing new words), flirting, and being a nuisance.

“Why aren’t you embarrassed?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion. Bohn only glanced at me for a moment before looking back at the road. You…looking at your boyfriend with the corner of your eye? Just watch, you’ll definitely be embarrassed by my antics!!!

Rrrr

‘Phii Yim’

He shouldn’t take calls while driving…but I’m not the one driving, am I? Phii Yim called this morning once. He called to ask if Daonuea was going out, probably wanting to meet my sister, but sadly, today Dao has to go with mom to buy new kitchenware.

Yesterday, she was upset at mom and didn’t want to eat dinner, but got hungry in the middle of the night and came down to cook instant noodles. I don’t know how she cooked them, but the bottom of the pot was burnt through. Her cooking skills are negative…just like Bohn’s…

“Hello, Phii Yim.”

(I’ve arrived at the shop.) Did you teleport? Just a few minutes ago, you said you were at home. I guess your house must be close to the shop.

“I’m almost there too. Wait there, be careful not to get dragged away by some woman.”

(That would be nice, ha ha ha.) He probably wants to be carried away. I was about to continue the conversation but had to shut up when I felt a malevolent aura from the person next to me…if you’re going to radiate this much, Bohn…

“Uh…that’s all for now.”

(Okay, Bohn is jealous, ha ha.)

“How did you know?” I mumbled softly before hanging up. Wait, it seems like I forgot something…

I didn’t tell him that Phii Thara would be eating with us…but it probably doesn’t matter.

 

[Bohn]

Taking so long to hang up, laughing and giggling with another guy while your boyfriend is sitting right next to you, how can you do that? Just because I’m quiet, you think you can get away with it.

Today I won’t flirt with him…so I decided to tease him a little, to show him how scary I can be when I’m calm.

When he said, “Miss you.” my heart beat so hard, I had to bite my lip to keep from smiling. How cute can you get? Last night, when he told me to stay quiet, saying he’d flirt with me today and good night with ‘good night, Phii Bohn,’ oh, man. I was almost ready to go to his house with a dowry.

I guess you might wonder why I wasn’t jealous of him with Frang when we went to buy flowers. It’s not anything special. I just felt a little guilty, so I let him be, but he surprised me. He didn’t seem to care much about Duen.

“Hey, Bohn.”

“Huh.” I responded softly, pretending not to care. Today, I’m going to be as silent as I can.

“I think it’s wrong for us to meet…”

“Wrong how?” Did he hear something from someone? He never used to say anything so dramatic before. I scanned for a place to park so we could talk properly; talking while driving is dangerous.

“Wrong…wrong timing.” I’ll give you this one, come to my bedroom to receive your prize.

“…huh.”

“Damn…I’m embarrassed.” Duen covered his face with both hands before lightly banging his head against the window, several times. Wow, careful, that’s my boyfriend’s head, and he’s just getting more and more embarrassed…

Are you trying to make me feel embarrassed by saying that?

You don’t need to do anything for me to feel embarrassed by your cuteness, Duenhaw, how cute can you be? Are you from Mars? No way. Even if she’s an alien, I’d still be jealous.

 

[Duenhaw]

“Hello, Phii Yim.” I greeted, raising my hand. Phii Yim chose a seat far from the crowd, probably to check out the girls in the shop. There are a lot of women here, like millions of chickens. He must have come for the staff, just like Tang said.

“Oh, you’re late…did you sneak off to do something?”

“You rascal.” The whole time in the car, Bohn did nothing but look at me quietly, sometimes smiling when I made a silly pun. I didn’t come up with the puns myself, I got them from the hashtag #SillyPunsToFlirtWithGuys on Twitter.

“You didn’t even tell me what it is, haha.”

“Order whatever you want, go all out, today I will pay for it.” I sat down, trying to change the subject to food. It seemed like Phii Yim understood, but he was willing to look at the ice cream menu instead. Good, because I felt like my face was about to explode.

“You’ll run out of money for sure.” No way, today I broke my savings jar for this.

Click!

Father of Cupcake: Duen, which table are you at?

Oh, he must have arrived. I looked up to the shop’s entrance and indeed, he had arrived. I hate his shirt so much. Even though he looks good in anything…why does he have to wear a shirt with Cupcake on it!! Phii Thara is crazy. If I wore that, people would only think it’s strange, but the world is never fair, because when he wears it, people only compliment, “You love animals so much” or “You look so handsome in it.”

Duennhaw: At the end of the walkway, next to the buffalo.

Next to my table, there’s a buffalo statue…The shop is called Little Buhnny, but everything inside is buffalo-related – statues, dolls, stickers, plates, cups, and more. Only the shop’s logo is a rabbit. They should change the name to “Little Buffalo” if the name and theme are going to be this mismatched.

Father of Cupcake: I see you.

“I forgot to tell you, someone else will be joining us.” I turned to tell Phii

Yim that I was meaning to say it when we met, but I forgot every time. Oh, I’ve put a plaster on my neck. Today, Bohn chose a flesh-colored one that blends with my skin…Phii Duen isn’t happy about it at all.

“Huh? Uh huh. Who?”

“My brother.”

“You have a brother? I thought you only had a sister.”

“We’re cousins, actually, here he comes just in time.” I looked towards my brother, who was walking towards us, even though he was wearing a gecko-patterned shirt, people were still looking at him in awe…what! Doesn’t the Cupcake face on his shirt affect anything?

“You’re late.”

“Cupcake seemed sick, so I took him to the vet.” Huh? Can Cupcake get sick? And how can you tell if it’s sick? I’m not a vet…but aren’t people surprised when you take a gecko to the doctor?

“You’re a doctor, why didn’t you treat him yourself?”

“I’m a human doctor, you idiot.”

“Ha ha ha.”

“Please sit down, Doctor. I’ll introduce you. This is Bohn, you must know him already. And this person…”

“Oh, the relative of the patient from room 203.”

“Doctor?”

“You know each other?”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 45: Fang, Frong…

   [Bohn]

Duen: Yes!!! Here! Her name is Isabella, your daughter just bought her and touched her to my lips! Isn’t she beautiful? I like her too, he he, sends a picture of Isabella

“Damn you, Duen, you played me…” …oh, mom. Are you messing with me or are you an idiot, Duen? I was thinking so far ahead, ‘beautiful famous girl.

You must know her’, yeah!! I know her! But like…is this even called a kiss? Isabella is a Barbie doll…

No mistake, it really is a Barbie doll. Blonde hair, blue eyes, pink lips, hourglass figure.

Bon Ss: Duen! Are you messing with me?!

Duen: Hah! You’re my boyfriend, why would I mess with you? You won’t get anything, but…

Tomorrow, you are not allowed to flirt with me.

“Ugh…is this even allowed?” Duen muttered, cursing internally, but the corner of his mouth couldn’t help but smile, I knew it would be like this. You wouldn’t dare to kiss anyone else.

Bon Ss: If you weren’t my boyfriend…I would have kicked you in the neck by now.

Duen: Good thing I’m your boyfriend, hehe [attaches a photo of himself making a kissing face]

“What has Boss taught you?” From what I’ve seen, there are…new words coined by Boss for daily entertainment, and cute poses. When Duen does them, they’re cute, unlike when Boss does them, which makes you want to kick him…or maybe it depends on who’s looking.

Bon Ss: Want a kiss? Should we go find one?

Duen: My heel, [attaches a photo of his foot] Bon Ss: Want me to kiss your foot? Okay.

Duen: Do you dare? Aren’t you disgusted?

Bon Ss: Anything that’s yours, I can accept.

Duen: Okay then, spill all your flirty lines because tomorrow you won’t be able to flirt. LOL.

Bon Ss: Won’t it be void?

Duen: Nope.

Bon Ss: Argh! You’ll regret it.

Duen: No way!

And you’ll see what it’s like when I don’t flirt. I’ll be so quiet that you’ll be the one begging me, saying shit like ‘Phii Bohn, please go back to flirting with Duen like before,’ heh.

 

[Duenhaw]

“Wow, Bohn got played by me. Hahaha.” I covered my mouth to stifle my laughter. I didn’t think he’d agree to this extent, but that’s good, it’s clearly a win for me. I’m so curious to see what it’ll be like when he doesn’t flirt. Before, when we first met, he didn’t flirt either…but I can’t remember how that felt anymore, I just remember it was annoying.

“What’s up?” Tang asked when he saw me laughing to myself. The teacher was lecturing, but I wasn’t listening. Bohn is making me a bad student.

“Tomorrow, Bohn won’t flirt with me for a whole day, heh heh.”

“Uh…is that something to be happy about?”

“It’s definitely something to be happy about!”

“Why? You don’t like him flirting with you? …I’d die to have him flirt with me, I get goosebumps when I see Phii Bohn flirt! That guy is so damn cute when he refers to himself as ‘phii’, you know! I’d practically give myself away for free, my heart beats erratically when I hear it, the deep, smooth voice from his thin lips is so captivating, uh! Phii Bohn, break up with that Duen and date Tingting instead. No need to court me, I’ve been ready for you for ages!” Ting rambled on, clutching his hands as if in a dream. Bohn…do you know how many girls you’ve affected like this?

“Yeah, I can’t help but smile hearing that. Do you know how cute he is with you?”

“I know…it’s not that I don’t like it. I just want to know what it would be like if he talked to me nicely, without flirting.”

“I’m annoyed! Don’t slip up, you!!…I’ll rally all the imaginary wives of Phii

Bohn to drag him away from you! After that, I’ll call a shaman from Myanmar to curse you!!! Make him fall in love with us so deeply that his head is buried in the ground, huh!”

“Uh…what should I call you, Ting?” I want to call you ‘delusional’, but that’s beyond the limit of what we call imagination.

“No husband and you’re making a fuss?” Tang flicked his forehead so hard he nearly fell backward, his destructive power is immense, and that was just a flick. What if he punches?

I’ve seen Tang punch someone before. Back when we were in high school, there were these flashy biker kids (not the pattern on their pants, they wore shorts when they went biking…so their legs got tanned and striped). Getting to the point, they were hitting on Tang. I was about to help because they started getting too forward with my friend, (even though I can’t fight), but Tang sorted everything out in just one minute. The sound of his fist hitting flesh still echoes in my head… ‘Pfft’

Brrr, so scary.

“Tang! I thought you were on our side…huh, I forgot you’re one of those guys with the same male-attracting hormones! Ugh, that’s why no guy pays attention to me when I’m with you guys, ho.” After saying this, Ting buried her face in his arms, poor beautiful lady…your life is so pitiful, oh dear.

“Ha ha…huh, what happened to your neck, Duen?”

Gulp

“Last night, I got scalded by a light bulb on my neck.” Wow! Duen! That’s cold!

What should I call you? You have some kind of disease where you speak without thinking, your mouth is so fast, it’s terrible! It really deserves a kick…I bow to you, pretend to believe me for a bit, Tang.

“Oh…is that so, huh?”

“Come on, let me take a look at the wound. I’m going to be a doctor, maybe I can help you.”

“I’m going to be a doctor too! No need to look, it’s just a pinprick.” I shook my head, rejecting them. Did they know or not…nah, I’m pretty sneaky.

“A pinprick or what kind of prick, huh?” What does that mean…no way, they definitely don’t know, trust me.

“Did you climb up to chat with a gecko or something? The light bulb is on the ceiling. Can you lie a bit more convincingly, Kritsada?” Ting gave a sly smile while trying to pull off the plaster, but I was too quick for her. You won’t get me, you tough bastard like a wild buffalo.

“Well, cupcake wanted some friends, so I went to find it some new ones.” I continued my excuse. Remember the cupcake? That’s the gecko that Phii Thara keeps just to prank me.

“Haha, such a lie.”

“You think we don’t know that Phii Bohn left a mark on your neck?” Hey!

“How did you know?” I blurted out, forgetting myself. They smirked slyly and took advantage of my moment of distraction to pull off the plaster.

“Ouch, damn…my skin came off with it, I think.” I mumbled before leaning over to look at the plaster in his hand. Ugh…my precious little hairs are gone, I took such good care of them!

“Shredded, very noticeable.”

“Yeah…did Phii Bohn use his mouth or a vacuum cleaner? It’s super red.”

“The more I see it, the more I want Phii Bohn…don’t let your guard down,

Duen, I’ll really steal him away.”

“Enough! Give me the plaster back!” I said irritably. I wasn’t irritated with them, I was irritated with the person who left the mark. While I was worried, he was laughing and humming all the time, so happy, isn’t he?

“The glue isn’t sticking anymore. Just leave it like this.” …because of you guys! You pulled so hard!

“If you leave it like that, won’t everyone in the faculty be looking at me?” I complained. I don’t know why, but it felt like people were staring at me since I got off Bohn’s car. It’s not because they think I’m handsome…because their eyes were looking down at my neck.

“No need to cover it. You look sexy with a mark on your neck.

Besides…covering it or not, it’s the same, trust me.”

“Why?” In movies, when the hero does this, the heroine always uses a plaster or a scarf to cover it up. No one ever seems to suspect or stare.

“Look at the plaster, man! What were you thinking choosing an Ultraman underwear pattern!” Oh, what’s wrong with that? Why blame me too…

In 7-Eleven, they only had the same old patterns. Not satisfied, I went to ask the employee if there were any other designs. They gave me this one. When I saw it for the first time, I could say with full conviction that it was something valuable, but Bohn didn’t seem to like it much; he even scolded me, ‘Ben hasn’t bought one yet, Duen’, damn…that hurt to the very core. If you’re going to insult me like this, why don’t you just fight me, Bohn?!

“I like it. Plus, it’s the last one, a super limited edition!” I said with the utmost excitement; the fact that only one was left meant it was a bestseller, right?

“Sigh!”

Why the sigh? Do you want it or not?

“The three medical students at the back…are you going to study or not? If not, please leave the classroom.”

We must have been a bit too loud. Me, Tang, and Ting could only laugh awkwardly and apologize to the professor. Normally, he doesn’t scold much, but this morning, he got called by the rector, which probably wasn’t good news; he looked quite troubled when he came out.

Bon Ss: Wait for me at the faculty entrance, I’ll come pick you up.

Wow…time flies like a fart, in just a blink, classes are already over. Today, I was tired from having to cover my neck, it was so exhausting, but showing the mark to others isn’t an option, my hand might cramp up.

Cramp…

Duennhaw: I told you I wanted you to drop me off.

Bon Ss: No need, I’ll pick you up myself. Since I won’t be flirting with you tomorrow, I’ll flirt with you until midnight today.

Duennhaw: Do as you please ‘–’

Although I added ‘–’ which might seem like I’m annoyed, I’m actually laughing inside.

“What did Phii Bohn say?”

“He’s coming to pick me up, told me to wait at the faculty entrance.” I turned to answer Ting’s question. His house is near the condo of that rogue; he wants to drop me off…but in reality, he doesn’t really want to drop off his friend, he said, ‘Know yourself, know your enemy, win a hundred battles. I need to check out where he lives first, so when you’re not there, I can go wrestle with him, he he’, he he, damn…

Ah, here comes the rogue.

“I’m off now, bye.”

“Uh-huh. Call me when you get home.”

“Okay, see you.”

“Hello, Phii Bohn.” Even Tang raised his hands in respect when he saw that the savage was standing in front of us. Bohn nodded and smiled, then he walked up to me and grabbed my hand. Aren’t you embarrassed in front of others, man…

“Why hold my hand? Need some warmth?” I asked teasingly.

“Yeah, I missed you so much, we haven’t seen each other for six hours, thirty-two minutes, and forty-five seconds.” After saying that, he smiled, oh, fuck…didn’t think I’d be embarrassed, you bastard, you catfish-eyed, coinslot gecko!

“…”

“…”

“Am I wrong for being jealous of Duen? Is it wrong to want a boyfriend like that? Can I possess Duen right now? Would it be wrong for me to want Phii Bohn to say that to me, Tang?” If you’re going to mumble, but do it so loudly that passersby can hear, Tingting.

“Are you tired today?” Bohn asked me after we got into the car, where he’s now driving a Mercedes instead of the Porsche. He said, ‘It drinks too much gas, plus, you and the baby can sit more comfortably,’ it’s your deal, Bohn.

“Not much, just a bit.” Today was relatively light. After Phii Thara told me what I’d have to deal with in the coming years, I could only brace myself and accept what I’d face in the future.

“I’m tired too.”

“From studying?”

“I’m tired from missing you.”

“Whose line did you steal?” I asked, annoyed.

“I saw Boss flirting with the rice vendor, so I thought I’d try it out.” Wow, my Thai teacher, even the rice vendor isn’t spared, huh? That’s harsh, I admit.

“Wow. So, you didn’t really miss me?”

“I did.”

“Wasnt it you-”

As I was about to say, ‘Wasn’t it you who memorized it from Phii Boss,’ I had to snap my mouth shut and swallow my words when he interjected…

“I did…miss you.”

Boom!!!

Fuck, my face just exploded.

“Why aren’t you talking to me?” Bohn asked jokingly as we were almost at the front of Phii Fang’s shop. Since we got out of the car, I hadn’t said a word to him. Not that I was annoyed, just didn’t want to lose my composure.

“No.”

“Why? I won’t be flirting with you tomorrow.” he said, coming closer in a coaxing manner.

“!”

“Stop.”

Hmm…stop what?

“Hello, Phii Fang.” I and Bohn raised our hands to greet Phii Fang, the shop owner. Since the first day I met her, I’ve been buying flowers from her shop all the time. Phii Fang is incredibly kind, always giving discounts and extras. I’m quite fond of him.

“Oh, Nong Duen, here to buy flowers?” Phii Fang smiled at me after speaking. This is the coolest and most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. As I thought, she does have a boyfriend, and I’ve seen her picking him up at the shop; he’s very cute, thousands of times cuter than anyone.

“Yes, are you going out to do something?” Should I go buy flowers with someone else or should I quickly grab some from the shelf and pay so he doesn’t have to bother?

“Yes, but don’t worry, my younger brother is helping out at the shop today.”

“Is it Frong?” And what’s with the person next to me…just mentioning another guy’s name and he’s looking at me like this?

“No, no, it’s my other younger brother.”

“Oh, then I won’t disturb you.” Phii Fang nodded and quickly ran out of the shop. She seemed to be in a hurry; must be something important.

Meowwwwwwwwwwww

“Oh, the gas tank.”

I ran over to the fat cat as soon as I saw it coming towards me, walking lazily, damn! It’s gotten a lot fatter recently…I’m confused how it can get even fatter, is this a cat or a wild boar? You’re scaring me, you gas tank.

Meow, meow, meow

“It’s so fat! Are you a cat or a pig, huh? So cute.” I rolled it gently on the floor, teasing it. It meowed in protest, ha ha ha.

“Don’t tease him.” Bohn warned, “I see you trying to take him from me! …Dream on, Mai loves me! He doesn’t love you, you savage! Your efforts are in vain, hah!”

“I’m not teasing, I’m playing with him.”

“Sure, sure.”

I was playing with the gas tank so much that I forgot I came here to buy flowers for Bohn. Wait a bit, Bohn. Now I have a new kid. He’s much better than you, chubby and lively, not like your shriveled self, I’m not interested.

And then…

Huh?

Isn’t that…

“Oh, are you here to buy flowers too?”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 44: Duenhaw’s First Kiss

[Duenhaw]

“I’m going to take a shower first.” Now, Bohn has finished dinner, but he says his stomach hurts, I might have made too much. I told him that eating until you’re full is enough, not to eat everything, but he answered:

“I don’t want to leave any leftovers…my boyfriend made it.”

Oh, alright then. If I knew this, I should have made even more food, to the point of bursting his stomach, damn, always making my heart race, and my face red, you buffalo…

“Yeah, the clothes are in the closet, pick whatever you want.” His wardrobe isn’t as grand as mine at home, but there’s still a decent amount of clothes. Why do you have to buy so much, both my mom and you…you could wear PJ pants and free shirts, honestly.

“Uh-huh.”

I went to choose an outfit when he gave permission. I don’t know if it’s his taste or what, but his closet has a lot of pajamas, millions of them, with patterns like bears, cats, rabbits, and plain stripes too. There’s everything, maybe even more than regular clothes…wow, this one is very interesting, I’ll take this one. After choosing, I hurried to the bathroom to shower and get to bed quickly, in case Bohn decides to get back at me…it seems like he’s forgotten about that now, hehe.

“Lal, lal, la…oh my!” I exclaimed in surprise when I got close to the mirror. I’ve only seen this in movies, never in real life…so prominent, why do I feel this strange embarrassment? I forgot he left a mark on my neck. No wonder when I went downstairs to buy stuff, everyone was staring.

“Duen, are you okay?” Bohn knocked on the door, asking with concern…am I okay?

No, I’m not!

“I’m not okay! I’m very not okay, your mark is so damn visible, I have to go to class tomorrow! What am I supposed to do about this!!” I opened the door, ranting while pointing at the mark on my neck in frustration.

“It’s good. Now everyone will know you’re taken.”

“He’s known for a long time!”

“Some people might not know yet…the kiss mark is beautiful, I’m pretty good, huh?” He traced the mark on my neck gently before making a smug face. Huh, I don’t see the beauty in it; it looks more like a rash you’ve scratched too hard.

“You’re so self-absorbed. It’s not beautiful at all.” I pouted and brushed his hand away. Don’t touch me, you bastard Bohn, you annoying person, you gorilla wife, you crazy five hundred, you duck-mouthed guy.

“How would you know? You’ve never even had your first kiss.” Hah…you look down on me, you brute! You don’t know anything. The old Phii Duen might not have had one…but recently, I have.

“I have!” I shouted back confidently, stunning him. I didn’t cheat on you; I kissed him two days before we started dating.

“…”

Wow, he’s stunned!

“But you said you hadn’t kiss anyone when I asked…that means you kissed this person after I asked, who is he!?” I knew you’d fuss like this, huh. You looked down on me first!

“It’s none of your business, I’m going to take a shower.” I said teasingly.

“Tell me first!” He grabbed my shoulder before I could close the door. Are you jealous? It’s okay; even though I kissed him, my heart is with you…just kidding, I mean I didn’t cheat on you.

“Why would you need to know? I kissed him before we started dating.”

“I still want to know!”

“I won’t tell you, I’m going to shower.”

Click

Heh-heh…I won’t tell you guys who my first kiss was with, or you’ll go tell that brute. I’ll just say…she was a very beautiful foreigner, with a great figure, skin smoother than a baby’s bottom, and very famous. You know her, trust me. We kissed under the moonlight and stars, it was insanely romantic. Even if I was forced, I still count it as a kiss.

“Where should I sleep?” I asked the room owner, seeing that he was already in his pajamas. I noticed he showered in the smaller bathroom. Are you serious? The guest uses the main bathroom, and the host uses the smaller one, oh…forget it. It’s late, I should sleep.

“Sleep with me in this room.” Can you act decently, Bohn? I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to play on your phone while lying down, but why do you have to put your foot up on your knee and wiggle it? You’re acting like Phu.

“Okay.” I nodded, looking at him with disdain.

“Not fussing?”

“No.”

“Why? Before, you wouldn’t sleep with me.”

“Back then, I didn’t have feelings…but now I do.”

“…”

“So, you’re embarrassed now, huh? Hehe.” I teased. You’re good at flirting with me, but when I flirt back, you’re stunned, huh? I’m not here to play around, I graduated with first-class honors in the Faculty of Teasing, majoring in Flirty Puns.

The rough guy from University, Phu, has gone far, even got the title of “Dogtor.”

“Duen, you really have to live with me.” Bohn said after I flopped onto the bed, which was very wide and soft.

“I’ll definitely live with you, but not anytime soon.” I yawned, I’m sleepy…

“Why? I’m going to ask on Saturday.”

“We’ve only been dating for less than a month.” I didn’t really want to discuss this, but I think it’s too soon to meet the parents. Even though I don’t care that we’re both guys…it doesn’t mean our parents wouldn’t care at all.

“It’s not related.” Bohn tossed the pillow aside and moved closer to lie next to me. His brows were still furrowed, you’re about to be a grandpa, you rough guy.

“It’s related, it’s too soon, Bohn, it won’t happen.”

“How is it too soon? We’ve been dating for almost a month. Thai literary heroes meet their heroines in one day and they’re off to get married, why can’t I do the same?”

 

[Bohn]

Ina met Jintara in one day, and they were together. No one said that was too soon, right? And Ina was only fifteen, now that’s what you call quick. Compared to me wanting to introduce Duen to my parents after we’ve been dating for a while, how is that too soon? I’m just introducing him, not doing anything else. Whether it’s early or late, the person I’ll take to meet my parents is still you.

“It’s…not the same.” How so? Is it because I don’t I have a beard like the heroes in Thai literature? Do you want me to grow a beard? I’ll grow one so thick it’ll scratch people from a hundred meters away.

“How?” I raised my chin in curiosity. Duen looked thoughtful before raising his chin to look back at me…don’t look too much, or you might end up with a husband without realizing it.

“I don’t know…I saw they’ve been dating for a year.” You’re like me when I went to consult King.

“It’s not about time…it’s about sincerity and seriousness.”

“…”

“I’ve told you before, haven’t I? Since I was born…you’re the one I’ve been most serious about. I don’t know how it happened, but I’ve never fallen in love this quickly before. So, you can say I’m easy to win over, but I feel like when we’re together, it feels like a long time. If you didn’t say we’ve been dating for less than a year, I’d think we’ve been together for almost a year…are you playing with my feelings, Duen?” I took his hand and pressed it against my cheek, looking into his eyes to show I wasn’t lying, that what I said came from the heart.

“Pfft.”

“But even if you are playing with my feelings, don’t stop…because the result would be the same.”

“…”

“I still love you.”

After saying that, I leaned in to gently kiss his palm. Duen isn’t playing with me; he’s too naive to even think of such things, it’s strange…

Even though he hasn’t done anything, I find myself liking him more every day until it turned into love. Did he do some charm in his past life? It’s possible, I see both girls and guys flocking to him…but he must have done some bad deeds as well, balancing out the good.

So sweet..

“One year.”

“Hmm?” I raised my eyebrows when I heard him say something, but I was trying to recall his past life so I didn’t catch it. Duen isn’t resting his chin on his hand looking at me like before. Now he’s turned his back to me as if he doesn’t want to show his face; is he embarrassed?

“Wait for one year, then I’ll move in with you.” Pfft!!

“Duen, that’s too long. Do you want me to die from missing you?” I hugged him from behind; he doesn’t fuss when I overstep anymore. I guess he’s given up.

“You exaggerate; you managed before.” The person I was hugging turned to pout. Don’t pout like that, or I’ll bite it off, I’m annoyed.

“It’s different now; we weren’t dating before, but now we are. I want to live with my boyfriend; why don’t you understand these romantic things?” “Come on. It’s just one year.” You say ‘just’ like it’s nothing, Duen. Try not watering a plant for a year; how wilted it gets is how my heart would be without you. I might survive, but it’s not the same.

You are the color in my life…

“Is there any other way to make you agree to move in with me?” I looked up at Duen’s face, only to see him burying his face in the pillow…not wanting me to see how red his face was. Too late.

“Without having to wait a year?” “Uh-huh.” I nodded.

“…When I think the time is right.”

“And when will that be? Do I have to wait until the world turns purple or until I die first?” I asked sarcastically, wondering if he realized he was the first boyfriend I wanted to live with.

“I don’t know, just go to sleep.”

“Duen!” I stretched out my jaw, shaking his shoulder to wake him up and talk, but in truth, he wasn’t asleep. He was just closing his eyes, hugging the pillow tightly.

“Snore, Duen is already asleep…I am Mom Luang Radeen Milo, Duen told me to tell you, ‘Don’t cross the line of the pillow, or I’ll slap you down,’ just letting you know.” Your mom, Luang Milo! That’s clearly you, you bastard, Duen.

“Duen, I’m your boyfriend.”

“Don’t know, don’t care, I’m going to sleep, don’t bother me.”

“Duen, get up and talk to me first.”

“No, oh, I forgot to tell you…sweet dreams, you savage.” Oh…fine, I give up!

“Okay.” I opened my eyes groggily, feeling some movement beside me.

The first thing I saw was this idiot trying to gently free my hand, as if afraid

I would wake up. Last night, I didn’t cross the pillow line or hug him…I just held his hand all night.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?” Someone once told me that a boyfriend looks the cutest when he wakes up…it seems to be true.

“It’s okay…where are you going, yawn?”

“I have to go to university, I have morning classes.” Duen said while looking at our clasped hands, probably wanting me to let go…no, I don’t want to let go yet.

“Really…can you not go just yet? Stay and sleep with me a bit longer.” I said, giving him a pleading look. I don’t usually do this because it feels cheesy, but when I do, Duen seems to like it.

“No, I’ll be late, and I need to buy some plasters too.”

“Why buy it?” Is it a wound? I checked my body after sitting up, and I didn’t see anything unusual, or maybe it’s under the cloth.

“To cover the hickie.” He said. Oh…the marks I made yesterday, right?

“…heh heh.” I looked at Duen with a smirk. I didn’t think he’d care about this.

“Why are you laughing, you crazy?” he said.

“The more you cover it, the more noticeable it becomes.” I said with a sly smile, pulling him down to lie with me. “No need to rush; we still have hours.”

“And you expect me to study like this?” Bohn grumbled, showing his irritation. I grabbed him and hugged him, rubbing my nose against his cheek in a teasing manner.

“Uh…it looks good, I should leave another hickie.” My eyes scanned his neck, still plenty of space left. If you don’t want to wear a necklace or jewelry…then let my kisses adorn you.

“Ugh, I’ll kick you off the bed.”

Rrrrr

Before Duen could push me off the bed, his phone vibrated. I reached out to grab it since it was on the headboard.

‘Ting’

“Let go, Ting is calling.” Duen answered the call and turned to speak to me, but I didn’t let go as requested; I just looked away as if I wasn’t interested.

“Go ahead and talk. I’m not bothering you at all.” Upon hearing that, Duen glared at me but reluctantly accepted the call from his friend.

“Hello.”

(Hello, are you coming to class today?) Was I too close to the phone, or was she speaking loudly? But whatever, it’s good to hear, just in case Duen tries to sneak off…well, if this caveman decides to escape…

“Go on, why are you asking that?”

(Afraid you won’t be able to walk after last night with Phii Bohn, was he rough?)

“Damn, Ting, is that something a lady would say?” When Duen furrows his brows, he looks like an angry cat. I couldn’t help but poke between his eyebrows to ease the tension.

(Yeah, and…was Phii Bohn’s equipment big?) Wow…didn’t expect the little one to dare ask that. Although Ting seems rough, she never talks about this when she’s with us.

“How would I know, but from what I’ve seen…it’s probably not that big, huh?” This idiot turned to me, raising his eyebrows teasingly, his eyes looking down at my pants with disdain.

“Want to find out? You can touch it if you want…just a gentle touch, no squeezing, Duen, heh heh.” Did he think I’d let him mock me? No way. The moment I finished speaking, I took his hand and placed it on my little brother. It was morning now, after all…heh heh.

“Bohn! Ew!” He quickly pulled his hand away, making a disgusted face. What’s with that, man? If you’re embarrassed, just say so, don’t think I didn’t notice your ears turning red. Mine is big, isn’t it?

(Phii Bohn is nearby, huh…damn, I’m so jealous of you, just touch, don’t squirm. If Phii Bohn were my boyfriend…I’d be touching him morning and night.)

Ugh…

“Ugh, Ting, you shameless woman…you won’t be touching him.”

(Why? Doesn’t Phii Bohn like being touched?)

“Well, you said, ‘If Bohn were your boyfriend,’ but he’s not…he’s mine.” I smiled when I heard him say that, then gently tightened my arm around his waist.

“You’re cute even in the morning, be careful or you won’t make it to class.” I teased him gently.

“No, Bohn, I need to go to class.” Duen said in a whiny voice.

“Let me hug you for just a little longer…then I’ll drive you to university.” I said pleadingly. At first, Duen seemed reluctant, but after a while, he sighed as if giving in.

“Just for a little bit…” That’s more like it, heh.

(Duenhaw!! I’m your friend, a single lady, how can you do this to me…ugh, I’ve been watching Phii Bohn all year and haven’t even touched his eyelashes, but you!! How did you do it? Skipping on one leg and waving, huh? You lucky break! He started chasing you within days of meeting you. What kind of good deeds did you do!! Hmph, I tried not to be jealous because we’re friends…but how could you do this to me! You’re all sweet with him right in front of me!!)

Ting’s voice was so loud…loud enough that I thought Duen had put it on speaker.

“Haha…”

(I’m hanging up! I’m sulking, make it up to me, bring me a copy of Phii

Bohn! I want a boyfriend like that!)

Beep

Click

“…Bohn, can I borrow you to make some photocopies?”

“You’re crazy, all you’ll get are pictures, or if you could actually photocopy me into a person, I wouldn’t be alive.” I pinched his nose playfully, so cute.

“Just put your heart in it then, hahaha.” He lightly tapped my left chest.

“My heart isn’t with me…I’ve given it to you.”

“You flirt, you’re hopeless.”

“Ha ha.” I laughed out loud when I saw how funny his face looked. Lately, he’s been hanging out with Boss and Phu a lot, must have picked up some humor from them.

“You’ve been laughing a lot lately.”

“Because I have you by my side, that’s why.”

“Damn! I’m going to take a shower!” He dashed into the bathroom right after saying that. Oh, he’s got a lot of energy, doesn’t he? Even though I was holding him tight, maybe I haven’t been exercising enough lately.

 

[Duenhaw]

“I’ll pick you up this evening.” the personal driver said as he parked the car in front of my faculty, even though I told him to change clothes first. But he wouldn’t listen, he came to see me off while still in his pajamas, thinking he’s handsome or what? Yeah, right!

“Don’t pretend, I’m going back to sleep at home.” One day is enough. Even if I’m annoyed that you don’t keep me here, I still want to go back to Daonuea, haven’t picked her up lately, feeling a bit restless.

“Then go to sleep, I’ll come to pick you up to get your car at the condo, I’m cool with that.” Click!

…Your face just broke, damn it.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll call you when I’m done.” I said dismissively before running straight to the classroom. No camera can capture Phii Duen’s speed…Phii Duen feels embarrassed, Phii Duen’s face broke.

“Did your husband drop you off today?” As soon as I sat down, Ting the faculty star, came over and nudged my shoulder. I hate your face so much, why do you have to act so irritating…I’m confused. I learned this phrase from Phii Boss, he let me borrow it, ‘irritatingly annoying,’ derived from ‘annoying’ + ‘kickable’, this is the best phrase I’ve ever heard…

“Your husband is the one who dropped you off.”

“Don’t try to cover up by making a fuss. So, did Phii Bohn drop you off?” You know already, why ask? Don’t think I didn’t see you, you pretty boy, the only banana fiber around…I saw you standing by the pole, glaring at me enviously when Bohn dropped me off. If you were going to scream like that, why did you have to rally everyone to beat him up back then…

“Yeah.”

“Check out Tang, he’s so mean, he called me this morning but let me hear him being sweet with Phii Bohn.” I didn’t do that…Bohn did that on his own. Why did you call at that time, anyway?

“Come on, new rice with fresh fish is like this, Phu has been through this kind of situation before.”

“Really? Did you flirt with Phii Bohn in front of him?”

“It wasn’t flirting, it was studying!” I separated them and sat between them. The teacher’s here, see? Good students should focus on their studies, kids. Don’t take these two as examples, and don’t use your phones…

Oh…just a quick look at LINE, it should be fine, I guess.

Bon Ss: Focus on studying.

I knew it had to be you. I smiled immediately after reading the message on my phone, catching Phu looking at me with the most mocking eyes from the corner of my eye. Oh well, I’m very strong these days, must be thanks to a good trainer. Thanks to Phii Boss for making today possible for me.

Duennhaw: Yeah, I left some porridge in the pot. Heat it up if you’re hungry.

I’m not sitting here chewing rice grain by grain like in old Thai movies, okay? Last night, I used instant porridge I bought from the supermarket below the condo. Bohn…well, I’m just lazy.

Bon Ss: Yeah, always cute.

Duennhaw: That’s called handsome, dude.

Bohn is the only one who thinks I’m cute. Maybe he fell down a drain and hit his head on a coconut, poor thing, his brain might have been affected…

Bon Ss: Cute to me, then.

Duennhaw: Sure, after class, I will go buy some flowers too.

Bon Ss: Oh, can you also buy a gift for my older brother?

Older brother? The one he called Buhn? What kind of person is he? Bihn seems a bit off, not quite full…maybe his brother is normal…perhaps.

Duennhaw: Sure.

Bon Ss: And…who was your first kiss?

Duennhaw: I can tell you, but there must be an exchange.

No way, to know Phii Duen’s ultimate secret, there has to be something in return, heh heh.

Bon Ss: Now we’re negotiating? Say it.

Duennhaw: Tomorrow, I’ll treat you to ice cream, but what I want is…you can’t flirt all day.

I’ll take Phii Yim and Phii Thara with me. I’ll forget about the promise for now, let’s treat all three together. It should be fine; Phii Yim already knows Bohn, and as for Phii Thara…I’ll introduce him there. Phii Yim and my brother have similar personalities, they should get along.

Bon Ss: Just one day, okay?

Kiss

Duennhaw: You want to know that badly?

Bon Ss: Yeah, I want to know who the hell stole my stuff.

Duennhaw: Damn it, my first kiss isn’t an object.

Bon Ss: It’s not, but I claimed it.

Duennhaw: You’re delusional!!

This is another thing I learned from Phii Boss; he said, ‘Just imagine, it’s not just annoying, you have to add some character to upgrade the annoyance!’. What “samaewtaew” means, I don’t know…I’ll ask later.

Bon Ss: Tell me quickly, don’t change the subject.

Duennhaw: I’ll send you a picture. You must know that person she’s known worldwide.

Bon Ss: Show me! Is she famous? Did you kiss a celebrity?

Duennhaw: Yes!!! Here! Her name is Isabella, your daughter just bought her and touched her to my lips! Isn’t she beautiful? I like her too, he he, sends a picture of Isabella

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 43: It’s About Who Does It

[Duenhaw]

“You can let go now.” You’ve already gained too much from me, Bohn. I pushed his face away to create some distance, but he didn’t budge and instead hugged me even tighter.

“Can’t you give me just a little more time?” Don’t make that face!

“Aren’t you hungry?” I’m not hungry because I just ate, but Bohn, when I met him, the table was full of food, but his plate was empty, he hadn’t eaten yet.

“I’m hungry.”

“There you go, I’ll go make something for you to eat.”

“I’m hungry…I want to eat you, Duen.”

“…”

“Gggr.”

“Do you want to? You said you weren’t hungry…but you’re actually hungry too, huh?”

“Let go or you won’t eat…”

With that, the arms that were holding me immediately loosened. Just so you know, if you hadn’t let go just now, I would have really kicked you.

I walked to the kitchen, opened the fridge which was still empty as usual. Bohn said he doesn’t stay at the condo much; he mostly stays at home…then why buy a condo? I can’t handle it; the fridge only has liquor and beer, not even a bottle of water!! If you die, I’d bet it’s from liver cirrhosis.

“Bohn, I’ll go downstairs to buy some fresh stuff first.” There’s a supermarket downstairs; I’ve been there before. I saw they have a fresh food section. What should I cook? I want to make something simple since Bohn is eating alone; I don’t need to cook much.

“Go with you.” The room owner ran over to me, with bread in his mouth making his speech unclear. Does he think it’s cute?

“I’ll be back in a bit, just wait in the room.”

“Let me help carry things.” I didn’t argue further, might as well let him. It’s good; I won’t get tired.

“What do you want to eat?” I handed Bohn the basket. I didn’t want to use a shopping cart since we wouldn’t need much. There were quite a few people shopping, mostly women…it feels familiar, why don’t I ever see househusbands shopping like this? Don’t they know Phii Duen feels uncomfortable being stared at!

“Let me think.” He walked close to me, picked up a tomato, and made a face of disgust. He probably doesn’t like tomatoes…but I like them. I didn’t like them before, but my mom forced me to eat them, saying, ‘Your skin will be beautiful if you eat this…swallow!! If you spit it out, you’ll have to eat it every day,’ and in the end, I couldn’t stand the texture and spat it out…and my fate after that was to eat them every day, both in juice and solid form. I feel so sorry for myself.

“You don’t like tomatoes?” I asked before Bohn nodded slightly while his eyes stopped at the meat section. Does he want chicken drumsticks?

Should I make something simple like fried chicken or maybe a clear soup?

“I know what I want to eat now…I want to eat what you want to eat.”

I stopped my hand holding broccoli immediately upon hearing that…Recently, Bohn has had such an influence on my heart, some words, even if they’re short or just ordinary, when spoken by Bohn, make my heart beat faster. Did you drug me?

“…The one eating is you. What if I suddenly want to eat tomatoes?”

“I’ll eat them.” He answered while making a disgusted face, which made me smile a little before nodding in understanding and heading to the meat section…Today, I’ll want to eat whatever you want to eat.

“Would ginger stir-fry be good…” Bohn mumbled to himself upon seeing the ginger. Although I’m allergic to ginger, it’s not a severe allergy; it only affects me when I swallow it…swallow, uh, eat it.

“Aren’t you allergic?”

“I am allergic, but you like it.”

“…”

“Shy, huh? Your face is red, Nong Bohn, let Phii Duen take a look, are you feeling hot, good sir?” I teased while gently pinching his cheek, Bohn’s face slightly flushed, not too red, but definitely red.

“Damn, Duen, are you learning to flirt now?” Bohn gently brushed my hand away and folded his arms, trying to act tough to cover up his embarrassment, frowning and crossing his arms.

“People need to develop, how can I just be the one getting teased by you?” I answered with a smug look. Tang told me to develop my flirting and teasing skills with Phu. I went to watch him tease the accounting girls in front of the faculty while waiting for Bohn. I want to say it was very flirty, ‘Watch out for slipping…my heart is melting around here,’ yeah…

I picked up a few more things before heading back to Bohn’s room. In the end, Bohn would have his usual fried chicken for this meal, but with the addition of ginger stir-fry. He said there was no need to make a lot since he’d be eating alone. Damn, Bohn kept flirting with me while we were shopping; he must have gone mad. Even the aunts in the supermarket were suppressing smiles. I don’t mind, it’s kind of funny. Just when I told him to update his flirting skills, he really did, checking out flirty hashtags on Twitter to try out on me.

It’s pretty cute.

“Duen, do you need any help?” Bohn came to stand beside me while I was washing vegetables. The produce here is so fresh and cheap. If I lived near my house…I’d go shopping every day; near my place, there’s only expensive, not-so-fresh stuff. Damn, nothing good at all. I need pork that bounces back when pressed, like Dao on Tuesday!! Not meat that sinks into a crater when you touch it! Damn, even with a light touch. What would happen if you poked it?

“Can you cook or not?” I asked the person beside me while my eyes were still happily fixed on the vegetables in the basket. This is how it should be!

Beautiful shape, white skin, firm texture, fresh, beautiful, new. Never been touched by anyone before…I mean, the vegetables.

“Then teach me.” Bohn hugged me from behind and gently swayed back and forth. Damn, I’m admiring the veggies in the basket! Our love is old, Bohn! I have a new love with these veggies!…since when?

“Do you want to learn to cook?” I imagined it. If Bohn wore that cute apron his mom bought, standing at the kitchen counter chopping vegetables…it would be quite a sight.

“No…I just want to be close.”

Okay, I give in, your flirting skills and your cheesy lines are so advanced, with a hidden power beyond measure, perhaps even greater than Dao in the sky and the space junk in the Milky Way galaxy.

“Your face is red now, huh?” He said in a teasing tone while poking my cheek repeatedly, look at me when you do something! See, I’m frowning, my mouth pouting! See that?

“…It’s not red because I’m embarrassed by you, the steam from the rice cooker blew on my face.”

“Can we try again? The last one doesn’t count…”

“Sure, but can you tell now that I was lying?” If you knew, then be quiet. I made a face of annoyance; every time I’m with you, I turn into a Bohn hater, you brute.

“Alright, alright.” I waved him away. He’s not really annoying when he’s around, but he likes to flirt so much that I don’t know how to react. I remember last time, I almost poured dish soap into the pan thinking it was oil, we almost died.

“Oh, I really want to learn to cook.” He swayed me back and forth. I like doing this when Daonuea is sulking; every time I do this to appease her, she always ends up laughing.

“Okay, when you’re alone with Ben, you’ll be able to cook something for him to eat. Eating instant noodles all the time isn’t good for your health.” If I can’t cook, what I would do is go out and buy food from outside. Not sit and eat instant noodles like him, or he’ll die of malnutrition.

“Just for you to eat…I want you to know you’re more special than anyone.” Damn…do you want my face to explode and die? What should I do, huh?

“Pfft…don’t you want to cook for your parents?” Bohn is so petty, looking up at me peeling carrots. To be honest, you can eat them with the skin, but I just wanted to do something…

“No way, my parents might die. Suppose I cook and it tastes terrible or is poisonous…you’ll die alone.”

“Damn, Bohn, so that’s how it is…I won’t teach you then.”

“Just kidding.” He dragged out the word, can you stop hugging me now, sir!

I haven’t given him flowers today yet. I didn’t forget, mind you. At first, I planned to buy them on the way back from eating, but things turned out like this because of you, you jerk, Bohn.

But don’t worry. I bought them a while ago.

[Bohn]

“Cut the carrot into squares.”

“Isn’t that called dicing?” I followed what Duen said. After I pestered him to teach me how to cook for a while, he finally gave in. Duen is very softhearted; a little coaxing and he’ll do what you ask. It’s this kind of personality that I like.

“Oh yeah, how did you know?”

“I like watching cooking shows…usually for ginger stir-fry, they cut the chicken normally, don’t they?”

“I just wanted it to be in squares. Got a problem with that?” Oh, he’s looking for trouble, huh?

“No, sir, no problem, Phii Duen.” I bowed my head and pretended to look scared. Duen likes to do things that go against his character, which is quite cute. It’s like he’s trying to be tough, but he’s still…cute. How many times have I complimented him on being cute since we met?

“Good, if you do, I’ll kill you with this toothpick.” After saying that, Duen waved a toothpick in the air as a gesture. Wow, I might die from something like this…poking might be okay, but smashing?

So brutal, whose boyfriend is this?

“Alright…all the ingredients are ready, just need to stir-fry now.” I looked at the ingredients prepared on the table; it wasn’t much since I’m eating alone, but when I invited Duen to eat with me, he said he wasn’t hungry.

“Put oil in the pan, once it’s hot, add the garlic and stir-fry.” I followed each step Duen said as he stood beside me, giving instructions. Like this, I felt like the food would turn out delicious.

“Uh-huh.” Duen said that when the garlic starts to turn yellow, add the chicken, stir-fry until it’s almost cooked, then start adding the seasonings…this is where the problem starts.

“What should I add?”

“Fish sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce.”

“This much…is it enough?”

“Hey! That’s too much! Do you want kidney disease or what?”

“Really, then what should I do?” I asked without rushing, why be scared? I have a chef right here who can help me, believe me. Duen sighed softly before pointing at the sugar jar.

“You can add sugar, it will…hey!” I scooped sugar from the jar and threw it into the pan immediately. I added too much fish sauce earlier, one spoonful of sugar won’t make it less salty…it needs four heaping spoons.

“?” I looked at Duen with raised eyebrows when he grabbed my hand. I was about to add the fifth spoonful…or does he want me to switch to brown sugar? That would be good too, for a variety of flavors, for umami.

“You’ve already added too much, Bohn!” Oh. Isn’t that right?

“Really…I want it to be sweet like the love I have for you.” I’m lying…I just don’t know how to fix it, so I made up something to cover my mistake.

“…”

“Embarrassed, huh?”

“Yeah, now that you know, stop flirting, you bastard.”

“No way.”

“What’s that burning smell?” I sniffed when I caught a strange odor. It wasn’t just a smell, smoke was coming from somewhere…or maybe…!!

“Bohn! The pan!!”

“I think…let’s do the teaching another day, today I’ll cook for you.”

“That’s good…I’m hungry.” I answered dismissively, burying my face in my arms. In the end, I burnt the chicken to the pan, blacker than charcoal and hard as a rock…I didn’t even get to add the vegetables yet. I guess I really don’t have a talent for this.

“Yeah…go watch TV, I’ll call you when it’s done.” Duen said while patting my shoulder lightly, as if to comfort me. I’m not that stressed, just a little fail…

I looked down at my phone…I’ll upload the picture to troll myself; I took a photo of that thing earlier. I take pictures every time I cook because it’s rare…usually, it looks good but tastes bad, but today it looked bad…and the taste must be a hundred times worse.

Bon Ss: I guess I really can’t cook for anyone.

Can cook, but the taste is bad, sorry, you fool.

This time, I chose not to tag Duen. Shortly after posting, there were likes coming in; people, huh…even posting something nonsensical like this, I get hundreds of likes in ten seconds. I’m not kidding when I say I’m hot, Duen should be happy to have me as a boyfriend.

Boss Thanarit: We’re rich, man!! Just buy food! I’ll call an Italian chef to deliver right to you! We’re rich! Use money to slap them in the face and make them all our slaves…

Thanthep King: Ha! Don’t exhaust yourself, save your energy for your wife!!

Even though it’s annoying…you guys are trying to cheer me up, right? I’m not that stressed. I typed back:

Bon Ss: Yeah, thanks, lol.

After a while, my friends started talking about random stuff, including Tee, Bom, and Merk. Although Merk doesn’t type much, I know he cares about me just as much as the others…damn Boss, your husband is flirting with me.

I was reading some funny stuff when someone commented…I wouldn’t have cared if it wasn’t my boyfriend commenting, “Are you slacking off, you bastard Duen? The pan’s going to burn soon.” I wanted to type that, but after reading it, I didn’t feel like doing anything anymore.

Krisda Duennhaw: Just tell me what you want to eat, I’ll cook it for you.

Aren’t I your ‘private’ chef?

He attached a photo too, in the picture there was a plate of ginger stirfry…if I’m not imagining it. I could smell it for real. The plate of food took up about seventy percent of the image, but…the focus wasn’t on the plate of food, it was on the back of a man.

Which was me.

According to protocol, friends, I did my job well…

Boss Thanarit: Oh, I forgot he has his own chef.

Thanthep King: I think it’s his heart too!!!

Tee Pattharawin: Oh, oh my, I’m so jealous of people with boyfriends!!!

Tang Nakrad: Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Bom, Boomm: Yessssssssssss!!!

Megha Setthakit: Hmm…

Are you joining in on the teasing too, Merk? But whatever, tease more, I like it, heh. Speaking of which, has Duen finished cooking? I think he has. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken a photo with my back in it.

Just as I was about to move, something green with a slender stem and white flowers was extended over my shoulder from behind.

“Ah, I haven’t given you flowers today yet. I didn’t forget, I planned to buy them after eating but you dragged me here first. This isn’t exactly flowers. It doesn’t have a meaning either, but it does have flowers. Don’t mind.”

“Chive flowers?” I turned to ask Duen. He hadn’t taken off his apron yet, probably waiting for me to do it…no, stay focused, you jerk.

“Yeah, I saw them when I went down to buy fresh stuff. Do you want roses or something better? I’ll go buy them.”

“Do you have your bike?” I asked teasingly. I don’t really want him to go buy new ones; the flowers in his hand are nice. Even if they’re nice…believe me, only Duen would give his boyfriend chive flowers.

“Hmph. No, we can walk.”

“No need, I’ve told you before, haven’t I? For me…what’s important is the person giving them.”

“Same.”

“?”

“For me…the taste doesn’t matter, what’s important is who made it.”

“…” Wow, your face is red again, Nong Bohn, are you embarrassed by Phii Duen?” Duen walked around to sit next to me, then poked my cheek deeply. I don’t know where he learned to say things like that, but it’s okay.

…I like everything he does.

“What, why didn’t you deny it?” He looked annoyed.

“I’m not as saucy as you.” I rested my chin on my hand, looking at him. Duen pouted and hit me with the chive flowers, hey! My flowers will bruise…it’s not even a flower, but whatever, don’t hit me!

“I’m not saucy! It’s called…considering how to answer questions logically based on scientific principles and probability.” Oh, I see…

“…Who taught you to lie like that? I’ll go drown them.” I mean it. I’ve never met anyone who can lie so smoothly before. Whoever taught Duen must be quite something, if we leave them be, they’ll produce bad influences for the country…we need to eliminate them!

“What if I said I learned it from you?”

“That’s not true, I’m really good at lying.”

“Then, would you know if I’m lying to you?”

“You don’t need to know.”

“Huh, you-”

“Because I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“Oh, alright, do whatever you want, want to make my face red? It’s already red, why make it redder, and do you want my heart to explode or something?” Duen forcefully placed the chives on my lap and walked away immediately. Even though he walked far, I could still hear him muttering “Bohn this, Bohn that.”

Is it me or you who’s called Bohn?

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 42: It’s up to you

[Bohn]

Duennhaw: Oh, come on, why do you have to threaten me? Don’t you trust me?

Bon Ss: Heh.

“Heh.” I chuckled softly after reading Duen’s message. Trust you? I trust you won’t be unfaithful, but for running away? No, I’ve never trusted you on that.

You’re in for it today, Duen, I’ll get my revenge!

…Even though I say that, honestly, I still can’t think of what to do to him. Does Duen have anything he loves very much? Anything, not something material but like a body part, just like what he did to my little hairs. I believe him…he even sent me a picture of his masterpiece, my hair coming off in sheets. I feel so sorry for myself, but I won’t pull his hair back. Duen doesn’t have much hair…in reality. He does have some, but it’s sparse, short, and thin, so let’s say he doesn’t have any.

I don’t want to do anything too harsh; he might get angry. Even though I’ve never seen him angry, Tang once said, ‘Duen doesn’t get angry often because he’s cool-headed, but if he does get angry…I don’t know what could happen.’

“What’s wrong with you, damn Bohn?”

“What else could it be if not about Nong Duen?” I really hate your knowing tone, Tang…

“I’m tired of you, you brute.” Boss looked up with annoyance. I feel like you’ve been acting more like a ‘daddy’ lately, Boss. I’m confused about what ‘daddy’ means. I don’t know either; I got it from Boss…

“Damn, Boss, what does ‘daddy’ mean?” It must be a bad word, believe me, or he wouldn’t use it to insult others, it must be some kind of curse word.

“I’ll guess.”

“I think…’daddy’ might mean to mimic the father’s behavior…right?” Tang guessed, but I doubt it.

“No, it’s much grander than that.”

“What is it then? But the word sounds as bad as ‘staggering’.” Staggering means dancing, I thought far too much when King sent me that voice clip.

“Merk, you try guessing, he’s your husband. You might guess his heart correctly.” He nudged Merk’s shoulder while resting his chin, looking at

Boss. The one being looked at blinked and blew a kiss, before Merk smiled.

“…Mimicking behavior + being vulgar + being absurd.”

“…” Yeah, right, Merk, you’re very husband-like, come give me a kiss!” The creator of the word ‘daddy’ climbed onto Merk’s lap and pouted his lips towards him.

Let’s leave them be…

I’d better think about Duen. Actually, I’m not that angry at him to the point of not forgiving him. Just a little annoyed. If it were you, wouldn’t you be angry if someone killed something you’ve been nurturing for a long time? I took good care of my little hairs, kept them out of the sun, never wore shorts, cleaned them better than a spa, damn Duen…maybe I should pretend to be angry and make him my lifelong slave.

‘I will whip you, you slave!’ That might not work.

“What’s wrong? Why the stressed look?” Merk raised his chin to look at me. Now everyone has gone back to their own business, and today our professor was sick but didn’t forget to leave us some worksheets.

“What do you think…I should do to Duen?”

“Do as in what sense?”

“To get back at him for waxing my hair.” I turned to answer the questioner. Duen said he’d open a gallery called ‘Rough Bastard Hair’ with my hair. Is this how you treat your own boyfriend?

“Fuck him.”

“That’s a good idea, but…I want him to consent on his own. I don’t want to force him.” Duen has never done it, with either men or women. If I do anything with him, I’d be his first, and I want it to be a memorable first time. I don’t want to hurt him…I’m embarrassed.

“You’re such a hero.”

“Haha.” I shrugged like Phu would. Since I was born…Duen is the one I’ve been most serious about.

“Aren’t you going to pick up Duen after class?”

“No, Duen is going to buy plants with a friend.” He said it was to buy a birthday gift for his friend’s dad. He probably likes stuff like that. I like it too; at home, we have a lot of plants and many pets. Ben’s siblings love to hang out with different species; the other day, I saw Diana talking to a lizard. I guess I’ll have to handle it myself…damn Bihn is useless, I gave him a chance to get rid of them, and he failed. Looks like a big boss like me will have to deal with it personally.

“Really? Want to go eat? I’m hungry.” Tang said, rubbing his stomach gently.

“Let’s go.”

“Does Buhn come home often these days?” Merk covered his yawn. We chose a restaurant near Ting’s hotel. At first, I didn’t know it was her family’s, but Duen had told me.

“Buhn? Yeah, sometimes, but mostly he stays at Phii Te’s place.” Phii Te is Buhn’s friend; they’ve been close since they were kids. Our parents are friends too. Phii Te and Buhn are always together, even chose the same major. Phii Te is like Buhn’s dad, not in the bossy or harsh way, quite the opposite, he spoils Buhn rotten. My brother has turned out this way because of Phii Te.

“Really?”

“Why?”

“Nothing, just haven’t seen him in a while so I asked.” Not just him, even I, his real brother, hardly see him. When was the last time I saw him…probably before Duen. Does Phii Te take better care of you than our parents, Buhn? You little heartbreaker, running off after a guy.

Speaking of Buhn…his birthday is in two days, I’ll invite Duen to choose a gift today. My brother likes things that are artificially natural, confusing, right? That means things made from non-natural materials but shaped and styled like nature, like the fake plant Bihn was watering that day. His room is full of such things: fake plants, fake animals, fake Dao, fake fish, and all sorts of fake items. I once asked why he doesn’t buy real ones, and he said:

‘Real things don’t last long, they die, but if it’s these fakes…even if they’re not real, they’ll stay with me forever.’ Great…

“Hey, isn’t that your nong-doctor?” I turned to look in the direction which Boss was pointing at a restaurant across from where I was eating. Damn, good thing you noticed, Boss, your eyes are better than mine, but how can you see so far? When I squinted to look into the restaurant, I saw it was indeed Duen, with Ting, Tang, and… [1] There are two Tangs one who is

   Bohn friend and the other is Duenhaw’s friend… both are Tang

   “Phii Thara…”

“Trouble’s brewing.” Tang muttered softly. They know my nature well. I’m very jealous, I like to protect what’s mine and don’t like others touching my things. Even though Duen isn’t an object, he’s…

My boyfriend.

Blink

“Bohn, calm down. Watch first.” Merk pressed my shoulder to make me sit down again. If this had happened before with Frong coming to my faculty, I might have stayed calm because back then, I wasn’t involved with Duen, but now, our status has changed.

I’m his boyfriend.

“How can I be calm? Someone is flirting with my boyfriend.” I frowned, watching Duen who was laughing with the doctor.

“If he were really flirting, Tang and Ting wouldn’t just sit there.”

“…”

“Just watch, I don’t want you two to fight.”

I sat watching the four of them talk for a while. The reason I say ‘watching’ is because we couldn’t hear them; they were across the street. I was almost tempted to use a telescope (a regular binocular wouldn’t be enough). They talked, smiled, laughed, and sometimes looked serious. What are they talking about that seems so stressful?

“Looks like they’re done.” True to what Tang said, Duen and his friends left the restaurant. Phii Thara said something to Duen, even flicking his forehead. And Duen didn’t say anything back, just pouted. How can you let someone other than me do that to you…

Bon Ss: Do you want to die doing things like this…

 

[Duenhaw]

“Damn…” I looked down at the message Bohn sent, shocked. Why would he send a message like this? Is he mad at me for going to the condo, or is it something else?

“What’s up, Duen?”

“Look.” I held out the screen for them to see. I was so confused, damn, the old issue isn’t even resolved and a new one pops up faster than mushrooms.

“Oh…”

“What does that mean? Does this mean he’s really angry at me?”

“I think so.”

“But what is he angry about? I haven’t done anything yet.” Or is he angry because I went to the condo late? I already told you I was buying plants with Tang, why are you so quick to get jealous, Bohn?

“If you didn’t do anything, then there’s only one reason…” Tang looked left and right before his gaze stopped at the opposite side.

“He must be jealous because we’re around here…there he is, across the street.”

It’s really Bohn, with his friends. Today, Phii King, Phii Bom, and Senior Tee aren’t here, he must have seen it…and he’s really jealous. Even from here, I can feel the murderous aura radiating from him, you brute.

Duennhaw: Jealous?

I didn’t wait for him to type a reply; both my legs took me to Bohn, who was across the street. My friends followed, knowing what to do. When I got there, I greeted the seniors sitting with him with a wai.

“Bohn, just now-”

Blink

“Back to the condo.” Before I could do anything, the brute stood up and grabbed my hand to follow him, but we didn’t get far because Tang was standing in the way.

“I don’t like it when you take your emotions out on my friend.” Tang and Ting crossed their arms, staring at Bohn with a calm gaze.

“…”

“My friend is reasonable, why don’t you ask him first what’s going on. If one person is silent and the other is naive and doesn’t understand the other’s thoughts…it won’t work out. One day, you’ll break up because of misunderstandings, but if you talk it out, he’ll understand what you’re thinking. When he understands, he can fix and explain things…and the story will have a happy ending.”

I should either compliment and be happy that you love me this much…or should I scold you, Tang? It feels like I’m being insulted in a strange way.

“Yeah, we’ll talk, but I want to talk to him alone.” Bohn said without looking away from Senior, holding my wrist not too tightly, just loosely.

“How can I know you won’t do anything to my friend?”

“I won’t promise not to do anything…but I won’t hurt him.”

“…I’ll believe you then, heh-heh.”

After Tang finished speaking, he made way for us to walk, whispering to me that he’d drive my car back home so I didn’t have to worry. Hearing that, I nodded and thanked him.

Bang

If you’re going to slam the car door like that, Bohn, it wasn’t like last time; this time he just sighed softly before casting a sharp look at me. Oh my! Phii Duen’s hair stood on end, sir.

“Do you know why I’m angry?” he asked, his eyes looking out the car window. Why does the atmosphere feel so suffocating?

“Yeah, about Phii Thara.”

“Good that you know.”

Brrrrr

Bohn said that before accelerating the car. You told Tang you wouldn’t get emotional, didn’t you! Although in my head I wanted to shout, “What’s the hurry, damn it!”, or “Are you scared no one knows how powerful your car is?”, but when I saw his stern face, I had to swallow my words.

“Are you going to explain…or let me stay angry like this?”

Bohn started talking again when we entered his bedroom. Why does it have to be the bedroom, couldn’t it be the living room? Bohn, that’s just in my head because what I showed was…I looked down.

“I’m not involved with him…at all.” I couldn’t say we were involved because Phii Thara is my cousin…or should I say, my brother? But he is my cousin…a real cousin from my mothers sister, not just a senior whom I know.

“Hey!”

I was shocked when Bohn pushed me down onto the bed and quickly straddled me. His face was just an inch away from mine. I’ve never been this close to anyone before…

“What are you talking about?! Are you cheating, Duen!” I jumped when Bohn shouted loudly, damn, I was startled.

“No, just you.”

“Then what’s going on! It’s more than just a senior-junior relationship, with him flicking your forehead and touching you like that…I’ve never even done that, huh.” But you do more than that! When have you ever just held hands without stroking, touching, or resting your chin on my shoulder?

My thoughts had to stop abruptly; my heart started racing when Bohn bent down to nuzzle my neck, lifting my student shirt high. Although I don’t quite understand this…I knew what he was about to do.

“Bohn!” I exclaimed in shock, pushing against his strong chest to get him off, but it seemed his strength was greater because no matter how hard I pushed, he didn’t budge at all.

“…” He didn’t care about my cries at all, as if my voice didn’t even reach his ears, not even a bit. The person above me traced my warm lips with his, the touch growing more intense as I resisted again.

“Bohn, don’t do this, I’m scared…”

I turned my face away, not wanting him to see the tears welling up at the corners of my eyes, my heart still beating erratically. I’m scared…very scared. I don’t like it when it’s like this.

“Sorry…I’m sorry.” He collapsed onto the bed and wrapped me in a tight embrace, burying his face in the crook of my neck. His breath was hot, making me want to pull away, but I chose to stay still, letting him do that.

“…Yeah.” I raised my arm to circle around his neck. Bohn gently ran his fingers through my soft hair as if to soothe me…it’s you who should relax, you madman.

“Sorry…I did this because my feelings aren’t just liking you, I can’t let you go anymore, Duen…I want you to stay with me here…next to me, but I don’t know how to keep you from leaving. I get jealous when I see you talking to someone else. Just you looking at someone else makes me think you like them. I’ve never overthought like this before, do you realize that makes me an overthinker?” Bohn forced a smile, his eyes starting to redden. It’s a sight I hate; I don’t like seeing anyone look like this, especially…if that person is my boyfriend.

“Have I ever told you that you think too much like an old man who’s easily offended?” I said and then flicked his prominent nose, making him yelp.

“Ouch, damn, Duen, you can flick like that?”

“It’s because you deserve it!”

“…Damn, will it bleed?” He made a face. There’s no blood, I flicked gently. It didn’t even scratch your skin, you brute!

“You exaggerate.”

“No.”

“Don’t do anything.”

“What?”

“You don’t have to do anything; I’ll stay right here, not going anywhere.” “…”

“Why are you quiet? Or do you not want me to stay?” I pretended to frown, pinching his cheek playfully, overthinking like crazy.

“I want you to.” He smiled before pulling me closer by the waist. I didn’t say anything, let’s just let it go for today. It seems like Bohn’s mood isn’t very stable today; he was angry at me this morning, and now he’s jealous in the evening.

And more…

“So, what’s going on…”

“Boyfriend, ouch! What’s wrong with you?” It was me who screamed in a high-pitched voice, damn you. What kind of person are you to dare to spank me?

“Your boyfriend!”

“Yeah, then. What are you angry about?”

“Just now, when I asked what was going on, you said boyfriend.”

“Yeah, boyf…wait. Who are you talking about?” I stopped myself before continuing because I saw his eyes. What are you suddenly talking about? No introduction, nothing? Say something so I know what we’re discussing.

“You and the doctor.” He pressed his face harder against my shoulder. I wanted to curse…but this is better than biting.

“Phii Thara is my brother.”

“Don’t lie, Duen. You only have a younger sister.”

“He’s my cousin, whom I respect like a brother…confused? Not confused, huh?” I smiled and gently pinched his cheek. Wow, so soft, I thought it would be tough. It’s like he uses makeup too. I don’t mind him being jealous; I admit I like how much he cares and is possessive of me.

“Tell me everything, why are you so close?” Are you in the interrogation unit or something, sir…

“His house is right in front of mine. When I first moved schools, I didn’t have any friends, so Phii Thara became my only friend, but there’s nothing between us. We don’t do incest.”

“Try it, I’ll kill both of you.”

“Brutal, killing Phii Thara might be understandable…but why kill me too?”

“If you’re still alive, someone else will come to flirt with you again, die already, you fool.” What a ridiculous reason. Is that why you’d kill your own boyfriend?

“Damn, Bohn!”

“I’m kidding. I can kill others…but not you.”

“You think too much, Bohn. Even if someone likes me, I don’t feel anything for them, can’t you trust me a bit?” I furrowed my brows; can someone really worry this much? I haven’t even thought much about it.

“I trust you…but I still worry a lot.” Oh! Where’s the trust in that, you noodle?

“What should I do for you to stop worrying?” I slipped my arms around him loosely. I’ll only do this today, damn it!

“Can I leave a mark?”

“Huh, what kind of mark?” I looked up, puzzled, a footprint? No way, Bohn chuckled and then poked at my neck.

“A kiss mark.”

“…”

My face flushed immediately after he finished speaking. Even though I’ve never done it, I’ve seen it in Western movies; on the internet, they say if someone does this, it means they want to show possession.

“Can’t I?” He asked while gently nudging my cheek.

“…”

“Will this stop you from overthinking?” Bohn is so petty. How does such a small mark give you that much confidence?

“Uh…maybe a little.”

“But I…ouch.” I let out a soft yelp when I felt a sharp pain in my neck. Bohn held his lips there for a moment before pulling back to look, then he bent down to lick the same spot with his warm tongue.

“It’s pretty.”

He admired his work for a while before smiling. Why ask me when you don’t care about my permission anyway! …Even if this mark makes you smile, it’s embarrassing for me!! Why not do it somewhere covered, why the neck! It’s so noticeable. I buried my face in his shoulder, feeling embarrassed.

“Stay with me all the time, come live at the condo with me. I’ll take you in the morning, pick you up in the evening, and we’ll sleep together at night.”

“Do you really want that?” I asked while still hiding my face in his broad shoulder. Why do you want me to live with you? You can see my face through video calls…but I also want to see you.

“Can you? …Can you stay with me?” Gulp…

“Don’t act cute.” I turned my back to him. I don’t want him to know how fast my heart is beating, but it seems he doesn’t get it. Bohn hugged me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder.

“Duen…don’t you want to stay with me?” He asked with a sad tone, his prominent nose close to my ear, his strong arms tightening around me as if he didn’t want to let me go.

“Bohn, I told you not to act cute.” Or I’ll soften up…he must know that doing this will make me soften.

“Don’t you want to live together…I want to be with you, Duen.”

Kiss-kiss

The person behind me propped himself up on his right elbow against the bed and gently pressed his warm lips to my ear, his large hand brushing against my cheek which was starting to turn red.

“Bohn…don’t do this, my heart is racing…” I decided to bury my face in the pillow to hide my flushed face. I don’t want him to see it!!

“Stay with me.” He lay down again, then interlaced his slender fingers with mine, squeezing our hands together, tightening his embrace even more. Isn’t it tight enough already!

“Ask my parents first.” I said softly…I guess I’m softening up.

“I’ll go ask them myself.”

“Don’t be crazy.” I said that because I thought he was joking.

“I’m serious, this Saturday I’ll go ask, and I’ll bring my parents too.”

“Bohn…I think it’s still…” I turned to look at him, seeing Bohn’s serious face and determined gaze…are you really serious?

“I love you, you know.” He withdrew his hand to gently stroke my face.

“I really love you, Duen, I want to be with you. In the morning, I want to see your face first, before bed, I want to see your face last, I want to eat food you cook, talk with you, say goodnight, good morning, say I love you, compliment how cute you are, do everything with you, have you by my side, be there when you’re sad, see your happy face, and I want to be the one who makes you happy.”

“Is that not possible…” Bohn asked softly, guiding my hand to his face. “It’s up to you…”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 41: Siblings

[Duenhaw]

“What should I do…help me think of something, you guys.”

Damn it. If I knew it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have done anything to his beloved hair last night. Why get so angry over just waxing some hair? If it were someone else, I’d probably go sleep over…but this is Bohn. I don’t think he’d just let me sleep peacefully; he must be planning to prank me or something. Will he wax my hair in return? …No, I don’t have much hair to wax, just short, thin strands that are barely visible.

“What?”

“Bohn wants me to sleep over at his condo.” I’m scared out of my wits.

“It’s nothing. You guys are dating.”

“Yeah, but…I think it won’t just be sleeping.” He’s definitely looking for revenge, I’m sure of it, one hundred percent…are we lovers or enemies?

“Of course, when a boyfriend invites you to sleep over, it won’t just be staring into each other’s eyes, heh.”

“Right, he must be looking for a way to get back at me for waxing his hair.” Bohn is so petty, his eyebrows are all furrowed. What should I do? Should I run, or should I say my grandpa is close to dying and I need to visit him…I’m sorry, Grandpa, you came home last night looking exhausted, I thought it was work, but no, ‘Drank too much with the night guard yesterday, eek, hee-hee,’ um.

“Yeah, heh-heh.” Why does your voice sound so weird, Tang? But whatever. I lowered my head, thinking of ways to escape not going to his condo…I need to appease him first, what should I do? He seemed quite angry when we talked; he even showed me his legs, they were so red…I didn’t expect it to be this bad, I feel guilty.

“And why did you wax his hair?” …If I’m being honest, out of spite, but if I want to make myself look good, it’s ‘I wanted my boyfriend to be like me.’ Which one should I choose…let’s go with the truth.

“I was annoyed.”

“His hair? I thought you were joking about wanting to have leg hair.” I told my friends that I wanted leg hair to look manlier.

“I want to, it’s so cool. You see university athletes have it, and the girls go wild.”

“He didn’t scream about his leg hair!”

“No, no, I came to class.” “Sigh.” Oh well, just sigh. “What should I do then, help me think of something.” I raised my hand to massage my temple, not knowing what to do, even though I’ve stayed over at Bohn’s condo before, but last time, Ben and Daonuea were there too.

“Don’t you want to go sleep at his condo?” Ting asked in a high-pitched voice as if surprised. Why are you so shocked? Don’t you care about your friend? I’m about to get into some trouble here!

“Yeah.”

“Why? If I were you…wherever Phii Bohn invites me, I’d go. Do you know how jealous others are of you, Duen? If he weren’t your boyfriend, I’d knock him out and drag him to my cave.”

“You damn, Ting…”

“Just apologize to him, maybe it will get better.” He’s right, Tang.

If I call now, he’s probably in class, so I’ll send a message instead. What should I write…let’s keep it basic, no need to be too dramatic, otherwise, he might think I’m faking it.

Duennhaw: Bohn, sorry, [crying axolotl sticker]

Within a minute it showed he read it, but Bohn didn’t reply. What, I even sent an axolotl to coax him.

Duennhaw: Bohnnnnn, sorryyyyyyyy

Still silent as before, read but no reply, are you being arrogant?

Duennhaw: Bohn sorryyyy, okay, I admit I did it out of jealousy and envy for your leg hair, but I regret it now, I’ll treat you to a meal, but I’m not going to sleep at your condo.

Bon Ss: You have to.

Duennhaw: But I don’t want to go.

Bon Ss: Why?

I don’t want to go means I don’t want to go! …If I answer like that, he’ll definitely kill me. What should I say…

Duennhaw: My dad’s back. He won’t let me go.

I’m lying! He wants me to go sleep at someone else’s house, my heart nearly breaks, but what can I do? I don’t want to go to Bohn’s condo; I don’t know what he might do to me!

Bon Ss: He definitely wants you to come, trust me.

Duennhaw: How do you know?

Bon Ss: The fact that he’s telling you to go out and drink with women means…your dad is worried that you don’t go out much or you act too naive, which I’m guessing and betting it’s the latter, so…you going to sleep somewhere other than your own home would make him the happiest.

You’re so smart again, you bastard!! Who do you think you are?! Some kind of miniature Detective Conan?!

Duennhaw: Okay, okay, I give up! Dad won’t scold me, but I don’t want to go to the condo. You, man.

Bon Ss: Don’t be stubborn, I’m going to class.

“Damn…” I muttered before putting my phone back in my pocket. Do I really have to go? I don’t want to at all; why does he have to force me?

“He’s still not over being angry?”

“Yeah, what should I do?”

“I think if he’s still this mad at you…going to the condo, you’ll be in for it.”

“Exactly, go make him less angry or at least not as angry.”

“How?”

“Normally, what do you do when he’s mad at you?” When he’s normally mad? I thought for a while, suddenly feeling my face getting hot.

“What, why is your face red? Do you usually appease him that way?” King asked with a sly tone. Even if I used to be naive, now I’ve leveled up!! I know what you’re implying.

“Pfft…”

Or should I ask Dad? Maybe he won’t let me go! That would be great; then I could screenshot and send it to him.

Duenhaw the coolest, richest, and most stylish in the universe: Dad, I won’t sleeping at home tonight.

Come on, Dad, say…’No way! I won’t let you sleep at anyone else’s house; the world is dangerous these days, you can’t trust anyone. You don’t have to go!’, like this!!

Direk The Coolest, Richest, and Most Stylish Dad in the Three Worlds: Sure, it’s good to sleep somewhere else once in a while, about once a year. I’ll send you some money.

Hey…doesn’t a dad care about his son at all?

DuenhawHandsomeCoolAndSillyButTrulyinLove: Dad!!! Why do you agree so easily? Duen is your son, hold him back a bit, come on!!!

The most handsome, rich, and cool slider dad in the three worlds: Brat, why should I stop you? You’re grown up, you can go out and live away from home. I’ll spend some quality time with your mom.

DuenhawHandsomeCoolAndSillyButTrulyinLove: Come on, I am your son!

The most handsome, rich, and cool slider dad in the three worlds: Yeah, right. If not my son, then whose son would he be?

DuenhawHandsomeCoolAndSillyButTrulyinLove: Wow! Just watch, I won’t come home then.

I’m joking.

Throughout today’s classes, I made a world-weary face thinking about staying over at Bohn’s condo this time. He definitely won’t let me sleep in the small room. If we sleep together, he probably won’t let me sleep well either.

“Don’t make that grumpy face, come with me to buy some plants.” I raised my eyebrows in surprise. How could I not be surprised? Normally, Tang doesn’t care about the world, he can’t even keep a cactus alive.

“Which shop?”

“A famous one, behind your hotel.” Tang’s family is in the hotel and resort business. I don’t know much about that, let’s just say they’re rich.

“Sure, I could use some relaxation for my brain, but let me tell Bohn first.” Plants should be relaxing. I like plants, but I can’t grow them to save my life, my plant-care skills are as negative as Tang’s.

Vibrate

Bon Ss: Are you done with class?

“Damn…it’s like he has a whispering fairy.” I muttered. Lately, whenever I finish class or do something, Bohn messages me right away. I don’t know if he’s got a camera on me or if he has spies. When I turned to look at my close friend, I saw King sitting there smiling…he must be the whispering fairy.

Duennhaw: Class is over but I’m going to buy plants with Tang.

Bon Ss: How are you getting there, do you want me to give you a ride?

Does this mean he’s starting to cool down…or not?

Duennhaw: No, thanks. You go back to your condo first, I’ll ride there myself.

Bon Ss: Alright then. If you speed…you’ll be in big trouble, you fool.

Duennhaw: Oh, come on, why do you have to threaten me? Don’t you trust me? Bon Ss: Heh Damn…

“What plant are you going to buy?” Tang asked while scanning the plants around the shop. Just standing and looking at these green things…feels insanely good. I used to have a small plant next to my computer…now it’s dead, probably because it felt unloved. Phii Duen apologizes.

“Anything weird, my dad likes that.” After saying that, Tang walked around looking at plants in different sections of the store. This is a big store, with a wide space, lots of beautiful plants, and I heard they’re sold at reasonable prices without markup, great.

“Ask him?” I suggested when I saw a chubby guy, likely older than us, sleeping in the corner chair. If you’re going to sleep like that…are you the shop owner’s son or something? Seems like you have nothing to do.

“That’s fine…Sir, do you have any unusual plants?”

“Huh…unusual, huh, Phii? …How about the Parrot’s Beak?” The chubby guy woke up startled by Tang’s voice. Even though he looks lazy, he seems reliable, judging by how he could answer immediately.

“Let’s see.”

The chubby guy, nicknamed “Kung.” led us to see the plant called Parrot’s Beak. Did your parents name you this hoping you’d slim down or were you small before, and they didn’t expect you to grow this big? …Let’s forget about that topic.

“It really looks like a bird.”

The Parrot’s Beak is a perennial plant, about thirty centimeters tall, with a smooth stem without thorns, and small thorny hairs at the base of the stem. The flower looks like a bird…of course, I got this information from the internet.

“Good, good, we’ll take this one.”

“Sure.” Phii Kung carried the pot, wrapped it, and bagged it for us. Meanwhile, we continued looking at more plants. I want to buy one or two for his dad, but I don’t want to get the same as Tang, so something else might be better.

“What should I buy for your dad?” If I can’t think of anything, I’ll just ask the son, who should know his father’s taste. Even though they don’t seem to get along much, they love each other…I guess. Tang’s dad once left him on a mountain and made him walk back to his grandma’s by himself. I was so shocked he made it back safely. If it were me, I wouldn’t have returned.

“Cheap liquor…my dad’s craving it.” Pfft…even if your dad wants it, this isn’t good for his health, man.

“They say giving liquor is like cursing someone.”

“My dad doesn’t care, he drinks with your dad all the time.” My dad and

Tang’s dad like to go out drinking together; our moms call them the

‘Cirrhosis Club.’

“Okay, I’ll go buy some later, but for now, I’m hungry. Let’s go eat something.” I suggested. I’m starving, my stomach is growling like I haven’t eaten in ten years.

“Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

“Hey, Duen, can I ask you something?” Tang spoke up after we had been sitting silently for a while, waiting for our food. We chose a nearby restaurant; we didn’t want to go far, but we had to eat something.

“Huh?”

“Have you ever been stressed about having Phii Bohn as your boyfriend?” Today he’s acting strange. Normally, he’s all about teasing, why is he in this mode today?

“Bohn…not really.” Although I don’t like to admit it, when I’m with him…it’s pretty enjoyable. I’m not stressed about anything, he flirts with me every three seconds, when would I have time to be stressed?

“Really…”

“Why are you asking? Are you going to get a boyfriend?” I smirked cunningly. Damn, being with Bohn has really rubbed off on me. At the same time, he seems to be picking up some of my silly habits. You can tell because he’s starting to not get Phii Boss’s humor anymore. But this is good…it means I can tease him, heh heh.

“Heh, just asking, I was worried you might be overthinking the rumors about Phii Bohn.”

“Oh, those rumors…I’ve never seen him get into a fight with anyone. And I haven’t seen him with any women either.” After hearing my response, Tang nodded. I don’t know if Bohn is like what people say, but personally, I don’t think so. When he was courting me, he seemed serious…but whether it was sincere, I don’t know.

He’s my boyfriend, and I trust him, that’s enough.

“Duen, Tang.”

Huh…sounds like a boy band. Oh, damn, Ting is a woman…whatever. I turned towards the voice. It’s been a while since I last heard from him; I remember it was at the hospital with Bohn.

“Phii Thara, hello.”

We raised our hands to greet the newcomer. He was still in his student uniform, so neat even though we’re outside the university. Seeing his handsome aura, I didn’t want to look; why don’t I have an aura like that? I’d like to wear a student uniform and look dazzling too.

“Hello, can I sit with you?”

“Sure, sure.”

“What’s up, you forgot about our ice cream treat, huh?” Almost, sir…I almost forgot if you hadn’t asked. Remember the first day I met Bohn? I promised to treat him to ice cream because I saw him get scolded by a patient’s relative.

“Wait. I remember.” I pretended to answer in a high-pitched voice. I do remember, man! Really…but I didn’t invite because I haven’t had much time, most of my time goes to studying…and the rest to Bohn.

“You forgetful kid!” The doctor reached out to ruffle my hair playfully. He’s so friendly because we’re cousins; my mom and Phii Thara’s mom are sisters. We’ve known each other since we were kids.

And

When I was new to school and didn’t have any friends, it was only Phii Thara who came to play with me. He’s the best brother in the world. Even though he likes to prank me by showing me lizards…I’m scared of lizards, and the doctor knows this well; he even keeps a lizard named Cupcake. Of course, he keeps it just to prank me; he’s good-looking but why does he like doing such things?

“Phii Thara! I will tell Auntie Fah!” Auntie Fah is my actual aunt and Phii Thara’s mom too. She loves me and Daonuea more than her own child…well, that’s what Phii Thara complains about often. So I tease him with it, ha-ha.

“You tattletale, here’s your thumb.” My brother gave me a thumbs-up and made a funny face like a child. Phii Thara looks mature on the outside, but inside…he’s three years old.

“I am not appeasing you tall self.” I looked away nonchalantly until the guy next to me pouted in annoyance. They’re used to me and Phii Thara playing like this.

“Duen, you crazy little brother, I’ll release Cupcake in your room.” “No way, I’m not scared.” I lied…I’m scared, please don’t do it.

“Doctor, is fifth year tiring?”

“It’s tiring, Tingting, both physically and mentally.” When it comes to talking to girls, he’s all polite, this jerk, the epitome of double standards.

“Tell us more, both about your year and the second year. Is it hard, Senior? So I can prepare myself mentally. It’s so hard right now, is the first year the hardest?”

“Tsk. No…I think our year is actually the easiest. The content is quite similar to high school, you just need to study a bit more, but you can still live a normal life like other faculties, still have time for fun and relaxation.” Oh, come on!

“Wow, is this what you call relaxing?” Bohn muttered, but I think…it might be true. Except for the first year, I’ve never seen any year go out much outside the faculty.

“And how is the second year, Senior?”

“When you get to the second year, you’ll see it’s much harder. You guys have to adapt; it’s a completely different mood from the first year. The content is visibly more extensive, you start learning anatomy, physiology…you have to memorize and understand because you’ll use it in the following years. This year, you’ll study by topics, finish one and then have an exam, exams are frequent, like a million times.”

“Can I resign now…” I raised my hand to ask, tomorrow I’ll have Dad resign since there’s an interesting faculty, and Dad is okay with this faculty…the Faculty of Dust Investigation.

“Hold on, Meng. No way, ha ha ha.” Why do you have to hit your forehead? He didn’t call me Meng. He called me someone with beautiful proportions and the rich man’s physiognomy!!!

“It’s tough, hearing that makes me discouraged. Phii Thara, did you ever have problems with studying?” The only girl at the table asked. From someone else’s perspective…Ting would be very enviable. I’m jealous that she gets to sit with someone as handsome as Phii Thara.

“Yes.”

“Really, someone like you?” Tang asked in surprise. If it were anyone else, they’d think there were no problems, but if you were in my shoes. I’ve seen him since we were kids; Phii Thara always smiles like he has no worries on the outside…but inside, it’s the opposite. I don’t know what stresses him out either. I just know it’s a lot.

“Yeah, someone like me.” Even now, he’s still smiling. I might have picked up the habit of hiding sadness from him, but if I’m honest. Our personalities are so similar it’s like we’re the same person…except for the silly part.

“What kind of problems? Can you tell us?”

“I was stupid.”

“Crazy, you’re just teasing us.” My friends pouted in disbelief. He’s not stupid…in any other faculty, he’d be considered normal, or even smart, but he studies medicine.

“Really. In my first year, I was the dumbest in my class.” “Really? Tell me more.” Tang insisted.

“When I graduated high school, I had a GPA of 3.12, pretty low, right? My friends had GPAs over 3.8, all of them. I learned very slowly; I had to read and review many times before understanding, unlike my friends who learned everything in class.” I can say he’s the hardest-working and most determined person I’ve ever seen. Every day after class, I’d see him sitting on the marble bench in front of his house, studying late into the night. Our houses are close, just a little distance apart…right in front of my house.

“Didn’t you get discouraged?”

“Of course, I did. But when I felt discouraged, I’d think back on what I was doing…and the answer would be, ‘I’m doing what I love.’ After that, I’d find the motivation…I’m embarrassed, ha ha ha.” After saying that, Phii Thara rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. How can someone be that handsome? With just this, half the women in the hospital would be looking at him. Damn, I’m envious.

“Is the fifth year hard, Phii Thara?” Are we in some show called ‘Insight into Medical Students’ with you as the host, Ting…but it’s good, I want to know too.

“Fifth year, huh…you have to go to the ward, be on duty. Take care of patients, write reports. We learn from the patients but also have to study outside of our duty hours to prepare for exams, sleep late, wake up early, eat irregularly…it’s insanely exhausting and hard.”

“Damn, I’m dead, is there anything harder than this, Senior?” Tang asked sarcastically, but turns out there is.

“There is. Fourth year was insanely hard, both physically and mentally exhausting, like super exhausting. I never thought I’d be that tired. When we first go to the ward, we need to use all the knowledge from previous years…to be honest, there were things I’d forgotten. We learn from the ward, study by topics, rotate in small groups, and have practical sessions. When it’s practical, it’s super exciting…I think this year was the hardest and required the most adaptation.”

“…”

Kill me, kill me, it’s better to die.

“Oh…let’s talk about something else, Senior, this is so stressful, why are we even talking about this?” I complained, resting my chin on my hand while looking outside the shop. The food isn’t here yet!! I’m stressed, you know?

“Hey, you asked me yourself, hahaha.” Can people laugh this brightly? Looking at him…Phii Thara is like Phii Yim, with a popular personality. I ban both of you, go be together!

“With this much studying, do you have a girlfriend, Senior?” Damn, Ting…

“Where would I find the time for that…”

“Really…what they say, is it true?”

“Why? Do I look like someone who has a girlfriend?” Heh-heh…more than looking like.

“Yeah.” All three of us nodded in unison. I don’t know, he has this romantic, fluttery aura like someone in love. When I ask, he always says, ‘I’m happy when my patients are happy,’ oh, Father of the People, a person with a heart as warm and beautiful as the setting sun. I’m not jealous, really.

“Hey, Tang still doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

“I’ll marry myself because there’s no one in this world worthy of me.”

“…”

Okay, my friend…

“And you’re not on duty today, Senior?” Normally, Phii Thara would be at the hospital today, being a good doctor for his patients, and there would be nurses flirting with him, as they say, about the passionate young doctor.

“Hmph, my friend asked to switch shifts today.”

“Oh.”

“So, what are you three doing here? It can’t just be that we were hungry and came to eat, right?”

“We came to buy a gift for Tang’s dad.”

We talked for a while until the food we ordered arrived, and it was pretty good. If it wasn’t good, I was planning to sneak in and pluck the restaurant owner’s hair at night, damn, waited so long, it wasn’t even that crowded…don’t mind me, it’s just hot today and I’m a bit cranky.

“Phii Thara, we’re heading home now.” We gathered our things and raised our hands to pay respects to our host for this meal. The doctor treated us, thank you, I’m full, Tang! You provided knowledge, shared experiences, and even treated us, that’s what makes you a good senior.

“Alright, don’t forget about our ice cream treat, brat.” The doctor said as he walked over and flicked my forehead. I told you not to flick! Watch out, or I’ll bite your finger off.

“Can I bring two more friends?” I asked, remembering I promised Phii Yim and Bohn I’d treat them to ice cream too, let’s do it all at once to avoid multiple trips since Bohn gets jealous easily.

“?”

“I promised them I’d treat them to ice cream too.”

“Sure, I need to go study now.” After saying that, the doctor got into his car. We waved again before heading back to our own vehicles. Today, I drove my Supachai again as usual; it seemed a bit sick, I don’t know how, this morning it was coughing and making strange noises, I might have to take it to the doctor…(to the garage).

“Where are we going next-” Vibrate!

Bon Ss: Do you want to die doing things like this…

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 40: The Story Goes

[Bohn]

Room XX

I’m standing outside Duen’s classroom. Right now, I’m waiting for him to finish class. Tang said he’d make sure he doesn’t escape. I’m sure my juniors will help too, that’s good, we’ll have many people to assist. The wound he left still hurts; when I didn’t know, it didn’t hurt, but once Merk told me what he did…it hurt like hell, making it hard to walk. No wonder it stung oddly when I showered.

Ah!

“What’s the next class?”

“Half-hour break then histology.”

“Sorry for forgetting your birthday yesterday, Sin, I love you, man…”

The medical student who just opened the door fell silent when he saw me standing there. I must have looked pretty scary. When you’re angry with someone, do you smile? Of course not. Neither do I.

I quickly hid in a corner out of sight when I saw Duen approaching. He was looking down at his phone, scrolling and tapping as if he was doing something. Is he cheating or what? Just wait, you…even Tang saw me. “Tang, let’s go-”

Bang

When I saw him getting closer, I automatically grabbed his arm. He jumped, almost dropping his phone. At first, he frowned as if he was going to look up and curse, but then he was stunned when he saw who was holding his arm.

“Bohn…” Tang told me you’ve been smiling all day, very happy, huh? Want me to do the same to you?

“Yeah, it’s me. We need to talk, Duen.” I said in a cold voice, my eyes catching sight of Tang and King following but not interfering, good.

“Ha…Ha, what do you want to talk about? I need to go to class.” He stuttered, please, I just heard your medical student friends saying there’s a half-hour break before the next class.

“Isn’t it a half-hour break?” He went quiet when I said that, huh…

“Let me borrow him for a bit, I’ll return him.”

“Bring back his soul too, please, Senior.” My junior only said that before they both walked down the stairs. When the coast was clear, I forcefully dragged Duen to follow me. I wanted to talk to him somewhere quiet, without people. I don’t want anyone to know about this; it’s too embarrassing.

“B…Bohn, where are we going?”

“Somewhere where it’s just the two of us.” I said that, but I couldn’t think of where to go. Not around here, it’s too crowded. How about a café…but they’re crowded too. Going to my house would be too far, and it would take too long; he might not make it back to class on time…Even after he did something like that to me, I’m still worried about him. I’m such a good person…

“I…I think we can talk around here.”

“Why do we have to talk in the car?”

“Because it’s just us here.” I turned to look at him, his face was innocent, why would you do something like that?

“…What’s up?”

“What did you do last night?” I crossed my arms, glaring at him with a sulky look, don’t even think about playing innocent. This kind of thing is unforgivable. I’ve been saving it since birth; it’s like the pride of every man, similar to a woman’s virginity…and look at what you did to my precious possession, damn, there are still stains on the bed from that.

“You know about it, huh, heh-heh?”

“I didn’t know! It hurts like hell!” I don’t know how much it hurt last night, but it hurts a lot now. Should I go buy some ointment? Friends who have been through this said I need to apply some, or it’ll take longer to heal.

“It’s your fault for teasing me first.” He looked away nonchalantly, do you have no remorse at all!

“Tease my ass! Why did you do that?”

“I wanted you to be happy.” He forced a smile, happy my foot! There’s not a single memory in my mind that says I was happy; all I saw was you, grinning evilly and laughing happily.

“You were the happy one, I’m the one in pain!”

“Come on, let Phii Duen comfort you.” Duen tried to come comfort me. Normally, I would be happy to run into his arms, but this isn’t the time for that.

“No need! I’m very angry with you right now, Duen.” I made a serious face. Anyone who wouldn’t be mad after this, I’d give them durian to mash on Tee’s head.

“Bohn…we’re dating.”

“Even if we are dating, shouldn’t you have asked for my consent first?” I’ve done it too, but I always asked first, ‘Can I really do this?’ or ‘Are you ready?’ but look at what you did!!!

“I…you were teasing me.”

“You can stop making excuses! Tell me how I teased you!” I sat down cross-legged, not caring how expensive the bench was.

“The story goes…”

 

Last night’s event…

[Duenhaw]

“Bohn, walk properly, will you?” I told Bohn, trying to support him so he wouldn’t fall. Damn, Bohn is so heavy, and when drunk, he refuses to walk on his own. And Phii Boss, why did you drug him? Don’t you know it’s me who suffers?

“Who are you?” He squinted at me, his face so funny, all red, eyes red, lips red. Plus, Bohn behaved like a bear after eating honey, now I know why your parents named you Bohn, must have thought, ‘What are you doing, you doctor? I want that sexy belly button,’ or something like that.

“I’m a student, a degree hunter…no, wrong.” Let me try a little humor, but I guess readers might not get it…never heard of Uncle Pu’s song, huh?

“Not a student. You’re my boyfriend…and cute, come here for a kiss.” After saying that, he reached out to pull my face closer. Damn, Bohn! Are you getting leprosy from being drunk?

“No, no! Phii King, Phii Merk, help me!” I used both hands to cover his mouth. At the same time, the drunk tried to push his face forward until now, only my hands were between our mouths, too much effort.

“No, no, it’s a husband-wife matter.” Phii Merk and Phii King shrugged as if they didn’t want to get involved, and they even had a smirk at the corner of their mouths. Just wait, I’ll catch you all and tie you up, starting from the one messing with me.

I exerted all my strength to help Bohn into Phii Merk’s car, why can’t he be still when drunk, like Phii Bom, who’s very still but his mouth…Bohn immediately stretched out as if he was sleepy, good, go to sleep, better than getting up and harassing me.

When we reached the seat…

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Phii King asked Phii Merk. Phii King was so tough; I saw him throw Phii Bom into the car so hard, there was a loud thud. Swear to God, that’s your friend. I’ve never been that rough with a friend before.

“Uh-huh, Boss, walk straight, man.” Phii Merk turned to speak to Phii Boss, who was now trying to stagger to the ground. I have no idea what ‘staggering’ means; I just remembered it from what he said.

“Honey, carry me.”

“Carry your own self, you’re heavier than a woman who is nine to ten months pregnant.”

“What? Am I pregnant? That’s funny, heh-heh.” Let’s leave the husband-wife stuff aside…

“Then I’ll take Bom home first, drive carefully. If you can’t, stop and call me.” Phii King tapped on the window to say, Phii King is so manly, he seems kind, I like him. Even if he looks a bit artistic at times.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.”

After that, Phii Merk drove off. He said he’d drop Bohn off first. He once told me that his family used to be five: father, mother, older brother, Bohn, and younger brother…but now it’s six because Ben moved in. At first, I thought him and Ben were real siblings, but it turns out they’re just cousins.

I’m really curious about what his house is like. The last time we went to eat snacks near the university, I thought he was telling the truth about his family being so rich that they couldn’t spend all their money. But after we started dating, he told me, ‘I’m not that rich, why are you so naive?’

“Merk, hey!” Phii Boss spoke with a slurred voice, reaching out to grab Phii Merk’s arm. Hey, Phii Boss, don’t do anything crazy, I’m in the car. If we crash, I’ll really beat you up!

“Boss, don’t grab, I’m driving.” Phii Merk gently shook off his own wife’s arm. Looking at him, Phii Merk has the look of a half-breed. I really like his eyebrows, they’re so sharp, they pierce my heart, Phii Duen. Oh, maybe tomorrow I’ll use charcoal to draw my eyebrows for university…not good? Why not?

“I need to pee…”

“Hey, hey, don’t you dare, my car’s expensive!”

“But I really need to pee!” Phii Boss grimaced while reaching for the zipper of his jeans, trying to pull it down. Hey! Phii Boss, don’t do it!

“Wait a bit, we’re almost at Bohn’s house.”

“Ugh, I need to pee!” O_O!!!

After that, I entered a new dimension of car riding, my God. I saw every car as long streaks of light, only red and white. Phii Merk was driving incredibly fast, overtaking every car in his way, swerving left and right until my head hit the car window, but Bohn was sleeping like he was on a fluffy cloud floating in the sky. You could’ve already left. But, Phii Merk…have you been a stuntman in “Fast and Furious” or something?

Still dazed.

“I’ll take him in first, Duen, you can drag Bohn into his room.” Phii Merk supported Phii Boss to open the door, having called someone in the house to unlock it, probably the maid. I nodded weakly, just stay, it’s like my head hitting the window was a melody, quite pleasant actually…no, not really.

“Oh…whatever you’re going to do, do it quickly, I’ll be waiting, heh.” Damn…

I cursed him in my mind for a while before deciding to wake Bohn up, but no matter how I tried, he wouldn’t wake up. I hit, slapped, even smacked him with a water bottle, and he still slept like nothing happened…I could carry him!

“Duen, can I have a little kiss on the cheek, please?”

“Hey, hey, watch out for falling!” I shouted when Bohn tried to collapse onto the floor, almost dragging me down with him by the neck. What are you doing? Was I like this when drunk?

“Do you need help?”

“Uh…yeah.” I nodded lightly, staring at the guy in front of me. He’s handsome, stunningly so…his pajamas are shocking…’If I miss out on you, I’ll try being with a ladyboy.’ Plus, it’s a red silk outfit.

“I’m Bihn, the little brother of this drunkard.” After saying that, he came over to carry Bohn, literally carrying him; I didn’t have to do anything. Damn, you’re so strong. How do you do that, have you been working out, or is your parttime job racing with buffaloes…that’s so cool.

“Oh. I’m Duen.”

“Are you his boyfriend?”

“…”

“Or did he imagine it? He likes to boss around, so I wasn’t sure if you were really his boyfriend.”

“Huh, I’m his boyfriend…really. You can use ‘ku’ and ‘mung’ if you’re uncomfortable.” From the looks of it, Bohn’s little brother probably wouldn’t dare use ‘ku’ and ‘mung’ with me because I’m his older brother’s boyfriend…or maybe because I look refined, so he thinks I don’t use crude language. You’re wrong, I’ve got a bucket full of ‘ku’, ‘mung’, ‘eng’, and ‘kha’.

“You use ‘ku’ and ‘mung’ too?”

“Of course I can.” I answered the question while Bohn’s younger brother opened the door to what I assumed was his older brother’s room.

Is this really his room?

I looked at the spacious room painted in sea blue. Inside, it was decorated with modern furniture, not much different from my own bedroom, except my bookshelf is much fuller because I love reading. Bohn, on the other hand, had fewer than ten books. Oh, your asshole. If you have so few, why buy a bookshelf at all, huh?

“Keh, then I’m off. Take good care of my brother, lock the door before you do anything.”

Damn, Bihn…

I watched Bihn’s back as he left the room before I walked over to Bohn, who was lying on his bed. His bed is insanely large. Are you planning to run a buffalo race here or what? Why buy something so extravagant? But then, I guess I should wipe him down…That’s the right thing to do, but if I take too long, will Phii Merk have to wait long?

Ding

Megha: Take your time, I can wait 🙂

Oh my, he talks like me and Bohn are going to have sex.

“Sigh…” I sighed before heading into his bathroom. There was a small towel and a bucket inside. Can I use these? They’re not for soaking feet, are they…even if they are, it doesn’t matter.

“What’s next…I need to take off your shirt, right?” I nodded to myself, reaching to lift his shirt. Is the shirt too tight or are you just fat, Bohn! It’s stuck on something, and there’s no belly.

“Ugh!” He groaned annoyingly and turned to the other side. Hey, you bastard! I’m trying to be nice here, wanting you to sleep comfortably. If you weren’t my boyfriend, I wouldn’t do this!

“Bohn, lift your arm a bit, I’m going to take off your shirt.” I nudged him gently, and he opened his eyes, looked up at me for a moment, then smiled.

“Hey!!”

I shouted in surprise when the drunkard grabbed me, pulling me to lie on top of him before wrapping his arms around me tightly. Isn’t this heavy? Are you really drunk or just pretending…

“Give me a cheek kiss…” He said with glossy eyes, lifting his right hand to pull my face closer, but I resisted with all my strength. Damn…this is a dangerous situation, clearly at risk of losing myself. I don’t want you as my wife yet, Bohn.

“Ugh! No, I’m going to wipe you down.” I tried to pull away while also pushing his face back. It didn’t seem to be very effective.

“Cool. No need to wipe.” After saying that, he locked my neck, forcing me to bend down. His sharp nose lightly tickled my neck, making me flinch to escape, but Bohn didn’t stop. He used his other hand to gently touch my ear, telling me not to play there!

“You…you need to wipe, or you’ll feel uncomfortable, Bohn, let go first, lift your arms so I can take off your shirt.” I stuttered, trying to pry his hand away, my heart racing as he gently caressed my neck.

“If you take it off, will you give me a kiss?”

“?”

“Answer me.”

“Uh…okay.”

I’d agree to anything right now, just stop doing that!!

Blink

I opened my eyes wide in shock when Bohn sat up, causing me to fall back onto the bed unprepared. He lifted his arms and took off his shirt in 0.0001 seconds, damn…you want me to kiss your cheek that badly?

“Duen, kiss, kiss, please.” The drunkard said with a smile, pointing his finger to his cheek a couple of times as a gesture, thinking he’s cute or what. Not cute at all…

Why do I have to feel this hot!

My eyes stared at Bohn’s white cheeks. If you’re going to look at me like that, why not just eat me? What should I do, punch him and run away…oh, damn, just kiss him.

“Just once, okay?”

Kiss-kiss

I leaned in, touching my lips and nose to his cheek before pulling back and clearing my throat. The good guy smiled broadly…and then just flopped back to sleep.

“Refreshing, good night, sweet dreams.” Oh hey! What about the pants!

Since he was already asleep, I had to struggle to clean him up. Bohn is so troublesome, not only did he not help, he made it even harder for me. And he kept flipping over every three seconds.

“Phew, so exhausting, just the lower half left, huh?”

I lifted my arm to wipe the sweat running down, feeling like I had run ten kilometers, while the drunk slept soundly, unaware of anything. Look at that steady breathing, damn! I muttered under my breath while reaching to slowly pull down his pants. Good thing he was wearing boxers, otherwise, I would have seen…

Wait.

“Bohn…why yours is like this, it’s not like mine.” I touched it curiously, mine doesn’t look like this at all. Bohn groaned before lifting his head to look, then burst into a smile when he saw what I was fiddling with.

“Guys are like this.”

“Mine isn’t like this at all…” I looked down at my own part under my pants, but it wasn’t similar at all to his. I touched mine lightly, then touched Bohn’s again. Damn, why is mine so soft while Bohn’s is so long and thick?

“Duen, stop touching or it’ll get hard…if it’s not the same, it means you’re not a guy, huh?”

Damn, Bohn.

Are you trying to make me angry?

“This is my pride, you know? Are you jealous?” He sat up, gently stroking himself. I’m not jealous! When we were kids learning to swim, I noticed it wasn’t like my friends’. When I asked dad about it, he said, ‘When you grow up, it’ll be the same.’ So I believed him, but now I’m almost twenty, why is it still not like other guys’!

Suddenly, my eyes caught sight of something by the bed. Should I do this? Maybe not, or he might get mad.

“But I’ve thought about it…”

“Thought that yours must be different from mine…heh-heh.”

“…” Okay. I think being a couple shouldn’t be a problem. Even if it looks a bit off to Bohn.

“Really…I’ll destroy your pride myself, heh.”

I reached over and grabbed that thing, holding it in my hand while looking back at the unsuspecting person sleeping on the bed. I’m your boyfriend…you won’t get mad at this, right, Bohn? I walked to stand beside the bed before stepping up, spreading his legs wide open to see clearly. Without delay, I moved between his legs.

“Duen…what are you doing?” Bohn asked without opening his eyes, which was good…I didn’t want him to see what I was doing to his pride.

“Making you happy.” Yes. You’ll definitely be happy. Even if I’ve never done this to anyone before, you’re the first one I’m doing this for, be happy, won’t you?

“Hmm, what?” He asked in a sleepy voice, like someone about to fall asleep. Go back to sleep…you’ll wake up soon enough.

“Stay still, Bohn…it’ll just hurt a little…even if it’s big and long, it shouldn’t hurt that much…I guess.” I looked down at the thing in my hand, it was insanely big and long too. It shouldn’t hurt, right? But I’m a guy, with this much force, will Bohn feel pain?

“What are you doing…something feels tight…” He mumbled again, but his eyes were still tightly shut.

“Tight is good, heh heh.” It will hurt just once…

Alright then, Bohn.

Three

Two

One

“What-, ah!!”

“Hush, gently, Bohn.” I puckered my lips and whispered softly. Even though I was trying not to laugh, damn, so much hair came off. There are still so many strips left. I won’t let him be patchy in just one spot, imagine if he went out in shorts like this, wouldn’t people laugh at him…will he be mad at me when he wakes up? But it should be fine, I’m his boyfriend, after all.

Just waxing leg hair, he won’t scold me for that.

“But it hurts, damn…” He moaned but his eyes remained closed, after all I’ve done, aren’t you going to wake up and see, Bohn? If I knew this, I should have just burned it off, then there wouldn’t be any stubble left, wait, that would burn the skin too.

“Just a moment, heh heh.” I laughed wickedly, like he often does, just a bit more, Bohn, only two more strips. Why do you even have wax strips in your room…if you have them here, it means you planned to wax anyway, right?

I’m being so nice to do it for you, hehe.

I continued pulling off the wax strips, damn, Bohn has so much hair. And it’s long too, I wish I had some hair to look manly. If I don’t have hair, you shouldn’t either, as my friend! I’m your boyfriend! My command is final, no objections!

“It hurts!” He cried out when I pulled off the last strip.

Ha…hey!!!

Boom!!

“Bohn!!” I called out loudly and rushed to the floor where he was, he had grabbed his leg and rolled off the bed, not landing very gracefully since he landed on his butt…oh my, the floor is marble and the bed is high, does it hurt, you?

“Bohn, are you okay?” I asked with concern. Bohn wasn’t moving at all, but his breathing was steady, which meant he was already asleep. Can you still sleep after all that?

Forget it. I’m satisfied, might as well go home.

I helped him lie back on the bed and arranged him in a comfortable position. He was still frowning like when I was waxing his hair. What’s so stressful? It must hurt, I guess. Let’s give him a reward then.

Kiss-kiss

“I did this because I want you to be like me, sweet dreams, you brute…you can dream about me tonight if you want.”

After planting a kiss on his cheek, I shifted into dog gear and left the room without forgetting to take my masterpiece with me. I’ll keep your hair just in case you miss it one day, I’m lying, I’ll put it in a frame and write, ‘Rough Bastard Hair’. I’ll wait for your new hair to grow out and wax it again to keep as a record of your hair evolution, I’ll open a hair gallery!!

“Done?” Phii Merk asked when he saw me walking downstairs happily. In Phii Merk’s hand was a magazine, with Phii Boss lying on his lap, asleep, looking quite peaceful.

“Yeah.” I walked over to Phii Merk in a good mood. Although I felt a bit guilty, I was also happy. Now when we walk together, I won’t be jealous of his hair anymore. Tang once said, ‘Are you crazy? Girls don’t like guys with hair, man! Guys without hair like you and me are the ones who win the girls’ hearts!!’ but from what I’ve seen…no girls have hit on either of us, Tang.

“Why was it Bohn who was screaming in pain?” Wow, his voice reached down here? Bohn’s voice quality is up to opera singer standards, great, just as one would expect from a rough guy like you.

“I was the one who did it.” I said, raising what I had in my hand to show Phii Merk my work. He raised his eyebrows, looking at what was in my hand for a moment before breaking into an amused smile; he probably didn’t think I would do something like this…I kind of laugh at myself too.

“Let’s go, let’s go home.”

“Alright.”

I hope you won’t be mad at me, you rough guy, hehe.

 

[Bohn]

“The teasing you’re talking about…is it teasing my anger?”

I asked, from what he told me, I didn’t see any fault in myself, only annoyance.

“Yeah.” He nodded confidently.

“Are you crazy? Haven’t you heard, don’t mess with a madman or scold a drunk!” Damn. Just because I said Phu was jealous of your hair, you had to brutally murder the hair I’ve been tenderly growing? The wax strips in my room belong to Bihn, he used them and forgot them there. I don’t understand why he didn’t do it in his own room; he said, ‘When I’m in pain…I want to see my brother’s face to see his reaction.’ Of course, I looked at him with disgust…

“Well…” Well, what! Didn’t you know it would sting? It’s hard to walk, my pants are too tight, and when I walk past a fan, my skin gets caught by the breeze. Bihn’s damn product is good, it probably peeled off some of my skin too, bastard…there’s still yellow wax residue on the bed, yuck! I’ll throw it away.

“I don’t care, I’m mad at you, tonight you’re sleeping at my condo.” I said firmly. Anyway, you’ve cost me something I cherished…I won’t let that payback go to waste.

“Hey, no way.” He protested, does he think I care? Heh.

“I don’t care! I’ll pick you up after class.”

“Hey!”

“The break is over now. You can go down.” After saying that, I opened the door and pushed him out.

“Huh-”

Dare to hurt me? We’ll see who comes out on top.

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 39. You Are Going to Get it From, Duen

[Bohn]

“Umm…”

I slowly opened my eyes, but the light piercing through made me close them tighter, damn…my eyes hurt. I didn’t keep them closed for long before deciding to open them again. The first thing I saw was the end of my bed. Who brought me home? I remember last night I took Duen out for drinks and then got drugged by Boss, the bastard. Even when drunk, he could do this; if he wasn’t drunk, what would he be capable of? I guess his husband needs to give him a lesson.

I sat thinking about last night for a while before deciding to get up from bed. But before I could take a step, I felt a sharp pain and an ache in my lower body, this is…

“…Damn.”

I looked down to check myself. No shirt, just wearing the boxers from last night. My heart started beating faster as I pieced everything together, looking left and right to see if there was anyone else in bed with me.

It was empty.

And what about this pain in my lower body, and my missing clothes? It can’t be someone I don’t know because if it was a stranger, they wouldn’t know where I live. If I gave directions myself, my parents wouldn’t allow anyone to do something like this in my room. That leaves only my friends and Duen.

The suspects are everyone at the drinking party…nearly thirty people.

If I narrow it down, it leaves Merk, Bom, Boss, King, and Duen…Tang left with a woman at half past eight. Now it’s down to five. Boss and Bom were too drunk to do something like this…but you never know. Anyway, I’ll rule out Bom and King first; they’re too small to match my strength. That leaves three…Merk probably wouldn’t do something like this even if he’s bi. As for the playful wife…he’s too playful, I doubt it’s him…

I tried to remember what happened last night, but damn, I drank so much, my head is killing me. I should take a shower to sober up. With that thought, I got up and walked to the bathroom. My lower body really hurts, and my butt hurts the most. It’s painful too. I’m not sure if what I’m thinking is true because I’ve never done anything with a guy before. A friend once told me that after the act, the receiving party would feel pain in their lower body. He didn’t explain the symptoms in detail, and back then, I wasn’t interested, so I didn’t ask more.

But now I really want to know if what I’m experiencing is that. Damn…if it is, what should I do? Right now, I’m only thinking about one person…Duen, but would he do that? He’s quite naive…Suddenly, I remembered a conversation I had with King back in our first year.

One year ago

“Hey, King, where did Bom go?” I put my book down on the marble bench while looking around for my small friend. Not only was he small, but Darin also had a sweet face. I think he looks more like a cool tomboy than anything.

Me, Merk, Boss, Bom, Tang, King, Tee, we became friends because we were in the same group during the freshman orientation. After that, we’ve been close friends, but we don’t see each other often because we’re in different faculties.

“He went with someone.”

“Huh? Which kid? With a face this sweet, does he have girls flirting with him, King?” I couldn’t imagine Bom walking with a girl; wouldn’t that be a complex for his girlfriend, since the guy with her is cuter than she is?

“Crazy. No girl would dare walk with him, hahaha.”

“So, it’s a guy then? Ugh, Bom is so bad, having a boyfriend and not telling his friends.”

“Boyfriend where?” King said jokingly while picking up some pickled mango from Tee to bite. I don’t know where Tee gets his snacks from, but they’re always weird. The other day, I borrowed a pencil from him, and he told me to get it from his bag. When I opened it…oh God. I found a halfeaten pickled durian. Damn, Tee…how could you do that?

“Huh? You said the kid isn’t a girl, so it must be a guy.”

“It’s a guy, but the kid is the bottom.”

I was stunned. Okay, okay, let’s rephrase this. I said that someone with a face like Bom probably wouldn’t have a girlfriend, and then King said something like, ‘Right, Bom’s fling isn’t a girl.’ Now, the deity also said Bom isn’t the bottom…therefore, that means…

Bom is the top!!!

“Motherf…I was surprised.” I put my hand on my chest, genuinely shocked. Not faking it, damn, Bom is a top…I want to see the kid’s face.

“Don’t you know? He’s been with New for longer than a month.” Okay, I can accept this a bit more, New is a friend from another department, quite cute, almost like a girl.

“Damn, is there anything else I missed? Bom being a top…it shakes the whole scene, I thought he would be a bottom.” Thanarit is calm…isn’t he? At least calmer than Tee; whenever we have a fight, he’s always the one to step in. He’s not very good at fighting but always tries to stop it, making him one of the best friends, but if it’s not someone Bom knows, he won’t get involved. That’s good, I don’t want my friends to get hurt.

“Wow. You don’t know anything; height, looks, personality, these things don’t matter in bed…it’s all about the moves, heh.”

“Wow, so Bom isn’t just ordinary, huh?”

“Yeah, maybe. If you listen to what New told his friend, and then his friend told others, and then those others told me.” It’s been through quite a few people.

“Damn, Bom is a stealth tiger.”

“Ha ha ha.”

“Wow. You don’t know anything; height, looks, personality, these things don’t matter in bed…it’s all about the moves, bitch.”

Even someone small and cute like Bom can overpower others, so why couldn’t Duen? But would it be him? Would Duen be the one to overpower me? Okay, he might be able to, but why would he? He never showed any expression like, ‘I’m going to have you,’ or anything like what I’ve done to him. The more I think, the more my head hurts, but wait, I think I remember something…

“Duen…what did you do?”

“I wanted to make you happy, heh heh.”

“Hmm…what did you do?”

“Just stay still, Bohn…it’ll just hurt a little…even if it’s big and long, it shouldn’t hurt too much…I guess.”

“What are you doing…something feels tight…”

“Tight, good color, heh heh.”

“What are-…ah!!”

“Hush, gently, Bohn.”

“But it hurts, damn…”

“Just a moment, heh heh.”

“Ouch!”

Cheesy…

I ran downstairs the moment those thoughts intruded into my head, but Duen has an early class today. I need to talk to him about this. Even though we’re dating, I want to be the top!

“Oh, Bohn, where are you going?”

When I got downstairs, I encountered Bihn, who was eating sticky rice with pork floss, and next to him was my son, eating chocolate cereal. Their appearances were as different as heaven and earth; Bihn was dressed in his usual outrageous style, today not with his hair in a bun but with a headband…a headband that was as grotesque as the rubber duck from that day, Bihn, it was a banana…a big banana…while Bihn was being wild, Ben was dressed in branded items worth tens of thousands from head to toe.

God, what is this stark difference between them…please tell me.

“To the uni.” I paused to look at the scene before me. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if Buhn was also at home. Why doesn’t anyone in my house look normal? Can’t we have someone ordinary…like me? This is giving me a headache!

“Huh? Don’t you have class later?”

“Duen has an early class.”

“Oh, I saw that. Last night he dropped you off at your room, so handsome…I heard you crying out in pain last night. So, is he your husband?” Damn!! So, it was Duen for sure, wasn’t it?

“Oh, then I should call you mom, huh?” So, Ben is my younger brother who followed me around. As for Bihn, my mom saw him crying by the fresh trash can at the detention center and took him in out of pity…

“Shut up!!”

I shouted loudly, then quickly grabbed my car keys from the counter and ran to my car, driving to the university at light speed.

What exactly happened? My butt still hurts.

Medical Faculty Building

“…” What should I do next? Walk up to him in the classroom and say, ‘Did you wrestle me!?’…That would be so embarrassing. Should I make sure what Duen did first?

Bon Ss: Who dropped me off last night?

I typed and sent the message quickly. Not long after, Merk replied. Now, three people have read my message, probably King, Boss, and Merk. These guys never miss out.

Megha: Me and Duen, why?

I knew it had to be you; King took Bom home because Bom’s house is way too far. At first, I was going to type, ‘Who did something to me?’ but it sounded too girly. My friends wouldn’t just drunkenly do something like that with me. Plus, if you add what Bihn heard, my screams of pain, to what I remember…I thought it was Duen. So, I chose to type the softest message I could think of…

Bon Ss: What did Duen do to me?

I was embarrassed even typing it out, God…I never thought I’d have another day where I couldn’t speak, but this time it’s different from all others…it’s worse than the first day when Ben said, “I’m going to take the kids to sleep in my room, Diana, Dylan, and David need warmth from me, Bohn.” It’s worse than when Bihn came to tell me in the kitchen, “I bought cat-print thongs, they fit my butt nice and tight, I like them, and when I fart, it sounds loud too, you should know, damn good stuff.”

And even worse than when Buhn ran to hug my shoulder, panting, “Damn, Bohn, just now, gasp…I saw lizards mating, I’m about to achieve enlightenment! I saw the gape and the cloaca of a gecko!” …God…I really don’t know what to say…

Thanthep King: Damn, you talk like he had his way with you.

I’m kind of scared of that too, King…

Bon Ss: Come on, what did he do to me?

Megha: Well…heh.

Damn, Merk and his moves, just you wait! Do they know how fast my heart is beating right now?

Thanthep King: Oh. So, did the junior do it? That means Duen is a-top then.

Bon Ss: Fuck you King, King, I’m the top! So, what’s up, Merk, don’t play around, or I’ll lose it.

I typed that to give myself some courage…

Phii Boss Same Person With An Upgraded Profile: No, no, don’t hurt my husband.

Thanthep King: How come this couple always protects each other?

Phii Boss Same Person With An Upgraded Profile: Of course.

Is this really the time for this!

Bon Ss: Don’t interrupt, let Merk speak.

Megha: sends voice clip

I didn’t hesitate; I immediately clicked to listen to the voice clip he sent. ‘Your…junior, heh-heh.’ Ah…

After hearing that, I quickly called Tang. You’re going to get it from me, Duenhaw. How could you do this to me? I’ve been saving it my whole life, never letting anyone touch it before. And you just come and destroy it like this, do you think I wouldn’t be angry!!!

I chose to call Tang because if I called Duen, he definitely wouldn’t answer. Tang is smart; he would probably know that if I called him instead of my close friend Duen, it must mean there’s something going on that would make Duen not want to answer my call.

And indeed, after hanging up, he sent a message a little later.

Tang: Did you guys fight? Why didn’t you call Duen’s number?

Bon Ss: We didn’t fight, but I’m mad at him. Don’t tell him we’re talking.

Tang: Uh-huh, so what’s up?

Bon Ss: Where is he now?

Tang: In class, xxx, with me. Class will end in less than ten minutes.

I know this room; it’s not far from where I’m standing. If I walk over, it wouldn’t take long.

Bon Ss: I’ll be waiting at the door. Don’t let him escape.

Tang: If you hurt Duen, I won’t allow it.

Bon Ss: He’s the one who is the wrong one.

Tang: ?

I didn’t type any more but chose to send a voice clip instead, too lazy to type. This kind of sad story should be told with voice; the tone just doesn’t come through in text.

“Last night, he…me.”

After the chat showed that Tang had read it, he was silent for a while. Of course, who wouldn’t be stunned by something like this? I wouldn’t dare do that to someone unless they agreed. Damn, Duen…

Tang: I need a moment to process this…didn’t think he’d dare do that. Duen is quite something, huh? Are you hurt?

Hey, instead of scolding his friend for doing something like that, what kind of person is Tang?

Bon Ss: Yes, it hurts like hell.

Tang: No wonder you looked so cheerful this morning when I entered the room, okay, my friend is wrong, I’ll make sure he doesn’t go anywhere.

Bon Ss: Good job, I’ll treat you to snacks later.

You are going to get it, Duen…how dare you do this!!!

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 38: Forever

[Duenhaw]

“Daonuea, do you have homework?”

“Yes.”

“Want me to teach you?” I leaned down to look at the little one’s homework. I used to help her with her homework regularly, but I never did it for her because I knew it would make her dependent. I’m such a good brother.

Hehe.

“It’s okay, Mom, I can do it.” After saying that, Daonuea ran to do her homework on the sofa. Recently, she doesn’t let me help at all. She just asks me to check if it’s correct or asks questions when she’s genuinely confused.

And then…there’s one thing I must report, Daonuea has been seriously calling me ‘Mom’, and it’s not going away. But I don’t think much of it anymore, I’ve accepted it because of that one bastard.

Not only has he made her call me ‘Mom’, but he’s also taken my favorite person position from me. But I can’t help it if she sees him as a hero because Daonuea really adores him after he saved her life. Damn, I’ve become the bad dog, sigh.

“Why has Daonuea been calling you ‘Mom’ lately?” My mom came over and asked.

“Heh heh, because of Bohn, that’s why.”

“Was it the senior who you stayed over at his condo?”

“Yes.”

“What did he do?”

“He made Daonuea call me that. And he wanted her to call him ‘dad’, which is annoying, right, Mom?”

“Really, hahaha.” Mom covered her mouth, laughing.

Rrrr

“Speak of the devil…he’s really persistent. I’m going to be in my room, Mom.” The name of the person we were just talking about appeared on my phone screen. I turned to tell Mom before the former famous model nodded in acknowledgment and headed back to the kitchen.

“Hello.” I answered the call after sitting on the edge of my bed.

(Why did you take so long to answer?)

“I was with Mom.”

(Oh, I miss you.) Congratulations, you’ve won the award for the ultimate flirt.

“Yeah, yeah.”

(Don’t you miss me?)

“Tsk. No.” I shook my head to deny it, even though a smile adorned my face, contradicting my words.

(Why not?)

“We just parted less than an hour ago, you crazy.” Before heading home, I did my duty as a good brother by picking up Daonuea as usual. Bohn also went to pick up Ben. Of course, he was whining to drop me off like he always does, and little Ben was helping his dad to the fullest.

Honestly, since we’ve been dating, my routine hasn’t changed at all. The only difference is that every day, Bohn whines for me to leave my bike at the university so he can drop me off, but I always refuse and ride off before he can catch me. I’m amazed at myself for managing to escape without him catching me even once until today when he nearly got me.

(But I still miss you.)

“Miss me so much, did I put a spell on you?”

(Exactly, I’ve been wanting to ask for a while if you’re playing with me because my mind is all about you, can’t think of anyone else.)

“I’m tired of flirts like you.” I said with a smile. If this were a video call, I wouldn’t be smiling like this; I’d be afraid he would see it.

(Heh heh)

“And where are you now?” I asked, even though I already knew, but…well, I wanted to chat a bit. I don’t want him to hang up.

(At home)

“Really, is Ben there too?” Today, I saw him at school like every day, but what was new was that he was carrying a box that looked like a bug container. When I asked, Ben said, ‘I brought my siblings to study, so they can have a good future.’ I was confused about which siblings, and who could be so small to fit in a box. When I looked inside the box…I was stunned.

There were three cockroach babies…

…dressed up.

Dressed up, no less!!!!

(Yeah, does Mom want to talk to her child?)

“Heh. No.”

(Duh, Duen, do you want me to cancel our agreement?)

“Huh? What agreement?”

(The one where you have to bring me flowers.)

“Oh, why? Don’t you want them anymore?” He’s a guy after all; he probably doesn’t want this kind of sweet, corny thing every day.

(I do want them, but I don’t want you to go through the trouble.)

“…It’s not a trouble, besides, it’s only for a few more days.”

(Tell me if you want me, heh heh)

“Well, you’re my boyfriend. If I don’t want you, who would I want…a dog?”

(…)

“I’m stunned, Dee, hehe.” I laughed when I saw Bohn go silent. Tang told me to try flirting with Bohn to see something new, but I don’t see anything now. Can he come over now?

(Now you’re trying to flirt?)

“I just wanted to try. Are you embarrassed?”

(Yeah, I’m embarrassed.)

“Really?”

(Yeah, you could turn on the camera so I can see.)

“No, you’ll see that I’m blushing too.”

(Duen, one of my friends got his heart broken today, so he invited me to drink at the pub near the hospital…no, this bastard has been drinking for several days now.) The last sentence was said quietly, as if Bohn was talking to himself.

“Were you going to ask if you could go?”

(No, I was going to ask if you want to go together.)

“Crazy, why would I go?”

(To keep an eye on my behavior.) Huh? Are you a high school kid with negative points or something?

“No need.”

(Are you not afraid I’ll take someone else to a hotel?)

“I trust you.”

(…)

“Left you speechless, huh, hahaha.”

(Are you trying to make me blush?)

“Yeah, hahaha.”

(Shh, I thought that…)

“I mean it’s about trusting you.”

(…I’m in front of your house now, I am giving you ten minutes to get ready.)

“Hey, hey.”

(Quickly, I miss you.)

“I’m not ready.”

Click

Before I could even refuse, the call ended. Damn you, brute! Even though I was cursing him, for some reason, my legs quickly ran to the bathroom, and I chose the clothes closest at hand. Once everything was ready, I ran downstairs to tell my mom I’d be home late. She was a bit surprised but didn’t say anything. Why don’t my parents worry about me?

“It’s been two minutes already.”

“You’re insane!” I furrowed my brows. Shh, this bastard, this is as fast as I can be.

I looked down to check myself over carefully; a long-sleeved V-neck black T-shirt with jeans…still looks decent. Last time I grabbed stuff randomly, I ended up with a Teletubbies shirt and PJ pants. I thought it was okay, but King probably didn’t like it much, sigh.

“Why do you want to take me there? I don’t want to go to places like that.” Ever since that time I drank alcohol, I haven’t asked to drink again because I woke up with such a headache I felt like my head was going to explode.

“I want you to see that I’m a good boyfriend.”

“Wow, is that all?” Just for that, you have to drag me there to check your behavior? Couldn’t you just call and tell me, you bastard.

“Come on.”

“Who else is going?” Damn it, didn’t I say I’ve only been to places like that twice…three times, counting the last one, and every time I had friends with me.

“Friends, about ten of us.” Oh my! Why do you want to take me there? If it were someone else, I wouldn’t mind, look at how dog-like the speaking skills of your friends are; Phii Duen will faint.

“Too many people. I don’t want to go.” “Oh, come on. Boss and his group are going.” These are the ones I don’t want to go with!

“If someone comes to flirt with you again today, I’ll lock you up in the condo. You won’t be allowed to see anyone.”

“Do you think I’m that charming?” I pouted, asking with irritation.

“Yeah.”

It’s true that lately, a lot of people have been hitting on me…but they’re all guys, your damn guys! Why don’t they go flirt with someone beautiful like Ting? She’s so jealous she might go get her uterus removed out of spite. Why flirt with me, making things awkward? I’m a guy…no way, I have a boyfriend already, damn it.

Oh my, excuse me, is this a pub or a detention center?

Why are your friends so rough? Each face looks like they’re on drugs or just escaped from prison…I followed Bohn’s drag like a child. Wherever he dragged, I followed; the deeper we went, the more I realized, hey, damn Bohn, are you going to sell me?

“Damn it!”

I jumped when I heard Phii Boss’s voice, damn, he doesn’t care about anyone, huh? Oh…looking at his red face and his slurring…Phii Boss must be drunk already. How long have you guys been drinking? I surveyed the people at the table; I only knew Phii Bom, Phii Boss, Phii Merk, and Phii King, the rest were about ten more guys and three women.

“…”

Just one friend with a broken heart, and everyone comes out in full force?

“Here!” The cute senior, who didn’t sit very manlike, shouted back to Phii Boss before pulling up her skirt to sit cross-legged like a chief in a drama. No need to investigate; she’s definitely drunk.

“You actually agreed to this? If it were me…I wouldn’t agree!”

“What?”

“Damn, Bohn brought his doctor’s wife along. And he’s even hotter than your ex! This is clearly a taunt. Do you agree to this, you bastard!!”…Phii Boss, is this coming from the heart?

“Damn, Boss, you’re such a stirrer.” Bohn looked annoyed, and the one being cursed smiled back before going to hug Phii Merk, who was sitting quietly next to him.

“Please sit here, invite Nong Duen to sit here.” Someone, probably a friend of Bohn, spoke, but instead of pointing to the empty sofa, he pointed to his own chest.

“Where on you?” Senior asked cunningly; it was clearly planned.

“Right in my heart, heh-heh.”

“You’ll meet my foot soon.” Bohn said coldly, lifting his foot as a gesture.

“Hahaha.”

We sat down in the available spot before the seniors introduced themselves one by one, but everyone seemed not quite sober, except for Phii Bom and Senior Phii King, who I thought were still somewhat coherent. The rest…

“Is it hard to get into medical school, Nong Duen?”

“Medical school? Super hard.” Saying that made me remember the time I studied until my eyes were black-ringed; I looked like a real student back then. I didn’t think I could do it either. The way he asked, it seems like he wanted to be a doctor before. I think-

“And how hard is it to become a doctor’s boyfriend?” Ugh…help, teleport me out of here.

“Why ask Duen, ask me, I’m his boyfriend.”

“Really?????!!”

“Bohn, you bastard, you rotten custard, you really brought your wife to taunt me, didn’t you?!” Where did your slurred speech go, Senior?

“I didn’t bring him to taunt, just to see how loyal my boyfriend is.” After he finished speaking, he gave me a sweet smile. You smile too much. I don’t pass, I’m suffering!! My heart is working overtime!!!

“Oh, I won’t tease anymore, it’s exhausting.”

“Damn, you’re so dumb, you shrunken dck!” and a bunch of other curses that the friends came up with to insult Bohn, wow. I’ll remember to use some of those insults.

“Duen.”

“Yes?” I turned to look at the person who tapped my shoulder, and it was Phii King. He looked incredibly handsome today, even just in a black tank top and ripped jeans, I’m so jealous.

“Does Ram have any siblings?” After Phii King’s question, my eyebrows automatically raised. Since lunch, he hasn’t stopped being interested in my friend, huh?

“Yes, he has a younger brother named Rut and an older sister named Ramil.” His younger brother is in his grade 4 high school, and his older sister has graduated and is married.

“Really…where’s his family house?”

“His real home is in England. The house in Thailand is around XX. Why are you asking?” Or is Phii King planning to rob Ram!

“No, just saw him walking back and was curious if his house is far from the university.”

“Oh.”

“Does he like dogs?” Why does it seem like you’re asking a lot about Ram…

“Yes, his family has three dogs.” All three are huge Alaskan Giants. The first time Ram took me to his house, I was so scared of the dogs…are they dogs or lions?

“Rory, Sara, Momo?”

“How do you know that?”

“I looked at his Facebook.”

My friend’s Facebook name is ‘Ram, Vera’. He likes to post family photos (including the dogs) and scenery. He doesn’t like taking selfies or having others take pictures of him.

“Vera, what’s after the nickname, his last name?” Isn’t he done asking questions yet…but I can answer since I don’t have anyone else to talk to, sigh.

“Vera is his real name.” When I first met him, I read it as ‘Vira’, which was a bit surprising, but when I found out it was ‘Vera’…it’s not that different.

“It sounds like a girl’s name.” Phii King smiled while looking at the amber liquid in his glass.

“But I think it’s cool. His mom once said ‘Vera’ means truth and faith.” Ram’s mom is a foreigner but speaks Thai very clearly, and she’s nice even though she seems strict.

“Damn, that’s so cool…does he reply when you message him on LINE or on Facebook?”

“He replies, Phii.”

“Really…I read it but he didn’t reply, but whatever, I can talk to myself, hehheh.” After saying that, he mumbled to himself and started typing something on his phone, probably chatting with someone, but judging by the number of blue messages…it’s one-sided, Phii. It means the person on the other end isn’t replying at all, poor guy.

After a while, everyone was drunk except for Phii King and Phii Merk. Bohn was a bit tipsy too, with a slightly red face. Initially, he said he wouldn’t drink much, but Phii Boss got him drunk. You’re so weak, Bohn, how could you get drunk by someone who’s already drunk?

“Aren’t you drinking?”

…Why is my heart beating so fast?

I looked at the tall figure who had his chin resting on the back of the chair while looking at me. His gaze was different from usual. I don’t know how it changed, but I felt like it was making my heart beat irregularly.

“Um…no, I told you if I get drunk, I’ll act crazy.” I averted my gaze and cleared my throat to hide the strange feeling, what’s wrong with me, Phii Duen?

“No, you’re quite cute.”

The deep voice whispered close to my ear, his slender fingers brushed the hair falling by my cheek. We made eye contact for only a moment before I looked away first, feeling all the blood rush to my face.

…Bohn’s gaze was more than I could handle.

“…No.”

His slender fingers were still lingering near my ear, making me gently push them away. I don’t like people playing with my ears; it feels weird when touched.

“As you wish.”

“Why did you give in so easily?” Normally, he would keep insisting until I gave in or even force me…Is it because he’s drunk that he’s yielding so easily?

“I don’t want others to see you drunk.”

“Why?”

“You’re sexy.”

“I live in an era where ‘sexy’ is a compliment for men…” Senior looked at us, holding a glass of alcohol in her hand. She tried blinking rapidly to shake off the drunkenness. Um…just go to sleep.

“Duen”

“Huh?” I made a throaty noise. Today, Bohn was wearing a gray t-shirt with regular jeans, but on him, it looked damn good, like it could tug at your heartstrings.

“What will you do if I get drunk?”

“Don’t get drunk; I can’t drive.” I used my finger to poke his forehead and pushed it back a bit.

“Really…want me to teach you?” I understand what you’re asking…but why are you stroking my hand?

“Nah, I don’t want to learn to drive yet.” I pouted before pulling my hand away. Do you think I don’t know you’re trying to butter me up, you jerk, heh heh.

“I see.”

“I’m scared I’ll hit someone.” The first time my dad tried to teach me to drive, I shifted into the wrong gear and reversed into an old lady’s car. Even though she was fine, I felt so guilty.

“It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”

“Hmph. No thanks, why rush to learn?” Phii Duen is still around for a while, no need to hurry, Nong Bohn, you can practice next year. Right now, Phii Duen loves Supachai.

“So you can drive my car.”

“Why do I need to drive your car?” Don’t tell me you’re planning to blow up my car, don’t do that.

“I want you to use it.” What did the bartender mix for you that you’re smiling like that all the time?

“No thanks, I’d feel bad.”

“Again, I’ll slap you, I’m your boyfriend, why should you feel bad?” Bohn raised his hand as if he was going to slap my mouth for real. Seeing that, I pouted and didn’t say anything more. He wouldn’t dare, trust me. I’m his boyfriend, heh heh.

After our conversation ended weirdly, I looked around aimlessly. Wow, that girl has stunning legs. I’d give her an S grade…oh, she’s with her husband, but I figured as much, someone that pretty not having a boyfriend would be strange. I shifted my gaze to the guy she’s with, oh my, he looks like he stepped out of a home and garden magazine…wrong magazine? Sorry about that.

“Duen, I told you not to look at other guys except for me.”

“I was just looking.” I answered honestly, but my answer probably didn’t sit well with him because his big hand grabbed my face to look at him instead.

“Why look at him?” Bohn asked, his brows still furrowed. What are you so stressed about?

“He’s good-looking.”

Beep

“Hey, where are you going, Bohn!” I exclaimed in surprise when suddenly Bohn got up and made a move to walk somewhere. I sensed trouble and held him back; are you too strong, you wild buffalo with a hundred percent alcohol in you!

“I’m going to kill him!” He answered me while still looking at the person I had complimented, as if he sensed the murderous vibe too, what a nuisance.

“You’re crazy, why would you do that?” I asked while pulling his arm back with all my strength. The seniors at the table wanted to help, but they didn’t have the energy to stand up. Help me!

“Because you complimented him!” Just because I complimented him, you have to get this annoyed?

“That’s all it was.”

“Yeah, I don’t like it!” After saying that, he tried to walk away again, but I dragged him back to sit down, even if it was a struggle.

“I won’t compliment anymore, just sit back down.”

Now I’m certain that Bohn is drunk, and quite heavily at that. Even if he isn’t showing any signs of being unruly.

“Bohn, are you angry?” I asked when I noticed the tall figure was unusually silent. Look at him, crossing his legs one moment, then folding his arms and looking away the next.

“…”

“Hey. It was just a compliment.” I spoke more softly, worried when he didn’t respond and seemed even more silent, why are you so jealous and sulky?

“Well, I don’t like it!”

“What’s wrong with Bohn?” Phii King turned to ask because Bohn was quite loud earlier, even the table next to us turned to look. I bowed my head to apologize to the table next to us before answering Phii King.

“I’ll handle it, Phii.”

“You’re frowning a lot, watch out for crows, man.” I teased while poking between his eyebrows, just like Bohn does when I frown.

“Bohn, I was just complimenting, nothing more.” “I still don’t like it.” Your behavior is so childish.

“Okay, okay, Phii Duen apologizes, let’s make up.” I extended my pinky finger near him, but instead of accepting my silly peace offering and getting over his anger, Bohn became even quieter.

“…”

“Bohn.”

“…”

“How can I make you stop being sulky?” I really tried to act stupid, damn.

“…What will you do?” Why do I feel a strange chill? He must want me to do something weird.

“…If you can do it.”

“I can do it…come sit here.”

“Hey! No way!” I shook my head in refusal. Even if we’re dating, I can still feel embarrassed, you know. If I sit there, won’t everyone in the pub look? I’m not some petite girl, damn.

“…” Are you pressuring me, you jerk Bohn?

“Bohn…I’m embarrassed in front of others.”

“Am I less important than others?”

“Well…no.” I was a bit stunned by that question. Are you feeling jealous too?

“Then come sit.” The former moon of the university slapped his thigh, indicating the space between his legs as if saying, ‘Come to daddy, little one,’ or am I just imagining it…

“I…”

“…”

Bang!

“Damn you, Bohn!” I cursed at him immediately. Look what he did, he just pulled me down to sit there without even waiting for my agreement. Where did you get all that strength from!

“Don’t be embarrassed. My friends don’t care.” Bohn buried his face into my shoulder and spoke in a mumbling, sleepy voice, always managing to butter me up.

“Exactly, just be comfortable.”

“Yeah, like you’re at home, burp, go ahead.” Oh…

“Duen.”

“Huh?”

“You’re not allowed to look at anyone but me.” Bohn said in a muffled voice because his face was pressed against my shoulder. I smiled when I heard him say that; outwardly, this jerk seems like he doesn’t care about small things, but in reality, he overthinks, imagines, and worries about everything.

“I know.” I replied before playfully shaking my shoulder to make him let out a playful grunt.

“And don’t compliment anyone else for being handsome, you can only compliment me.” Should I scold him or laugh?

“You’re such a dictator, yeah, yeah.”

“And don’t act cute for others to like you.” He lifted his head and poked my cheek with his finger. Ouch, that hurts, you brute! What have you been doing with your hands! You uncivilized Bohn!

“It’s not cute. It’s called handsome.” I argued, only he calls me cute. Not just cute, he uses other words that shouldn’t be used for a guy, like ‘sexy,’

‘househusband,’ ‘adorable.’

“Don’t look for trouble.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Don’t cheat.”

“…” I knew he was jealous, but I didn’t expect him to say that. Should I be angry that he doesn’t trust me…but why am I smiling?

“Why are you silent!” Bohn shouted loudly.

“Bohn, lower your voice.”

“You went quiet. Are you going to cheat on me?” He hugged me tighter to the point of discomfort, this drunkard!

“So, is it wrong for me to be quiet?” I raised my eyebrows to ask, my lips unconsciously curling into a smile. His childish behavior, like a kid protective of their toys, not wanting anyone else to touch what’s his, it’s probably a bad habit…but I kind of like it.

“Yes, it’s wrong! Are you going to cheat on me?” My conversation partner asked sternly. Now, the people at the table were starting to look up at us. Phii Merk and Phii King, who were still somewhat sober, were preparing to get up and intervene.

“Where would I find the time to cheat?” Just you alone, I barely have time for. If there were one more, I’d have to drop out.

“Don’t let me catch you.”

“So, who’s the husband, who’s the wife?”

“Yeah, I’m starting to get confused. Normally, the wife should say that line.” Who’s the husband, who’s the wife? Just wait, Phii King, Phii Merk, I’ll pull out all your hair.

“Don’t sit on anyone’s lap like this.”

“I know already.”

“Don’t hug anyone like this either.” After saying that, he tightened his embrace.

“Alright, uh…but I’ll make an exception for family and friends.” Bohn nodded in permission…from now on, do I have to ask you before doing anything, my dear boyfriend?

“Don’t kiss anyone like-”

“Don’t be sneaky.” I quickly covered his mouth with my hand. He squirmed a bit before backing off his face nicely, heh heh, always trying to gain something.

Just a moment ago, when I saw Bohn’s friends standing up, I thought we were going home. But no…they stood up to continue drinking. Be careful of liver cirrhosis, bro, Phii Boss drinks the most, I suspect he was dumped pretty badly.

“Is studying hard?”

“Yeah. How about you?” It’s really hard, but when I asked the seniors in the faculty, they said the first year is the easiest. Is this what easy looks like?

“Just a bit. Aren’t you going to move in together for real?” Aren’t you done thinking about this, Bohn…fine, you dare to ask every day, and I’ll reject you every day too.

“No.”

“Why?”

“…”

“If you say it’s because you feel sorry, I’ll kiss you. Give me another reason.” Another reason besides feeling sorry…

“Won’t your parents scold you for bringing someone else to your condo?” Normally, my parents would yell, ‘Why are you bringing someone else into the condo? This is so uncivilized!’ or something like that.

“They won’t scold me, and you’re not just anyone. You’re my boyfriend.” “Have you told your parents?” I asked, surprised.

“Not yet…do you want to meet them?”

“…Would that be good?” To be honest, I’m quite worried about this. I’m not worried for myself since my parents would understand…I think, but with Bohn, does he have siblings or not? If he’s an only child, would his parents have an issue with their son having a boyfriend who’s a guy?

“Yeah, I want to introduce you to my parents.” This act of resting his chin on my shoulder and tilting his head up to meet my eyes, is that you being cute?

“What if they can’t accept it?” Would it be like in the dramas where the heroine’s parents don’t like it and order the couple to break up, but they refuse, so they run away to live on an island in the south of the country, in a perfect, happy life…Oh, come on, Duen, you’re daydreaming.

“Why wouldn’t they accept it?” Bohn asked casually. Are you too relaxed? We’re talking about something serious here, you brute.

“I’m a guy.” I said, looking at him as he made little smacking noises with his mouth, seeming to be half asleep. Wake up and talk to me before you fall asleep, Bohn!

“It’s not important…yawn.”

“It is important!”

After that, he fell asleep on my shoulder. How could you fall asleep here with all this noise, the music, the people, everything, but when I looked at his other friends…they were all asleep, except for Phii King and Phii Merk.

I’m happy about the idea of meeting his parents, it shows he cares about me, but I’m worried…if his family can’t accept it, he’ll be the one in trouble, and Bohn is so stubborn.

“Stressed?”

I flinched a bit when I heard the voice of someone I thought was already asleep, lifting his head to look at me, making me realize I was frowning. Saying I’m not stressed would be a lie.

“Yeah, a little…”

“I like you.”

“Yeah, I know…”

“The fact that I like you…is the most important thing, I don’t care about anything else.”

“My parents will like you, trust me.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re naive, heh-heh.” He gently pinched my cheek in jest, as if I’m not called naive! They call me…pure, innocent, like a precious, exquisite gem!!!

“You bastard.”

“Don’t be stressed, I don’t like seeing you stressed.” After he said that, he raised his hand to gently stroke my head. I like his hand because it’s big and warm.

“Yeah.”

“Duen”

“Huh?”

“Don’t ever tell me you want to break up.”

“Oh, so you can break up with me alone?”

“Yeah.”

“Bohn! You bastard!”

“I’ll never tell you I want to break up.”

“…”

“Stay with me forever, Duen.”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 37: Thanks

Krisda Duennhaw, and Bon Ss

Got a Jacket, Got a Gear, Should I Get a Wife?

Bon Ss

You have one already 🙂

 

[Duenhaw]

“And…why did you guys come to eat at my faculty?”

Phu asked after I came back from buying food. Bohn is crazy, he thinks I’m some delicate, slender girl who can’t walk by myself or something, with all this coddling. Okay, I understand wanting to please your boyfriend, but…I get embarrassed too, you fool.

The cafeteria here is huge, bigger than Phii Duen’s faculty cafeteria, and there’s a lot of food,  you feel super envious. What’s this, am I not a doctor’s son just because I study medicine!

“To bring our Duen to his husband.”

“Shut up.” I’ve been annoyed with him since Bohn called me that. Damn Tang, although Ting was the one talking to Bohn, it was Tang who grabbed me and dragged me here.

“Or isn’t that true?” He raised his eyebrows, questioning me.

“Boyfriend…not husband.”

“So, you’re really dating him, huh?” Ram asked, holding a fork and spoon, ready to eat the food in front of him.

“Uh-huh.” I don’t know if others keep secrets or not, but I don’t like having secrets from friends, and as I’ve said before, I don’t like living a secretive life. If I lie to them, I’d have to keep hiding it, and I have no reason to hide this.

“Oh…the quiet one is talking in long sentences now.”

Phii King said happily, during the meal he had his chin in his hand, watching Ram all the time. He really put in a lot of effort; I respect that.

“Are you mad?” I asked worriedly. Would they accept it if their friend has a boyfriend who’s a guy? Even if I don’t care about others’ opinions, I care about those close to me, especially if they are close friends or family.

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because I…”

“If I were dating Phu, would you guys be mad?” I thought about what the other side said; if they were really dating…

“Veera!! Don’t tell me…you have a crush on me?”

“Sigh.” We all sighed loudly when Pin said that. You can think like that, you bastard. Look at his smug face.

“So, what if I was dating him, what would you guys say?”

“Nothing really.”

“I wouldn’t care.”

“What about you?” Ram pointed at me after getting responses from even Tang. Now, the whole table pretended not to pay attention to our conversation, but trust me, they heard every sentence.

“Nothing…”

“Do you find it repulsive?”

“I’m your friend. Even if you’re something others might find repulsive…I would never find you repulsive, ever.”

“Same here, so why worry about it? Suppose I didn’t like Phii Bohn…would you break up?” My conversation partner looked at my lover, who looked back at him. Are you two going to fight? Oh, they’re already fighting.

Follow.

“…No.”

If I were to break up with someone, it would come from my feelings and my partner’s, something decided between just the two of us. Others can give their opinions…but they have no right to dictate because I wouldn’t care, and I never would.

“Give me a kiss, huh.”

The person in question grinned and leaned in, aiming to pinch my cheek. What do you think I did? …I had to raise my hand threateningly.

“Try it, I’ll knock you down.” I said that, but I’ve never knocked anyone down before.

“Tough, huh?”

“Wow, Phii Bohn, don’t be scared of him, he couldn’t even knock over a banana tree.”

“Shut up, Phu!” I turned to curse at my close friend, damn you. If you hadn’t told Bohn, he wouldn’t have known, and instead of feeling guilty, you’re just floating around. Phii Duen will slap you soon.

“It’s true though.”

“It’s not true, be quiet and eat your food!” Ugh.

“Bohn, I just saw something weird while I was walking earlier.” Earlier, I walked past a food stall with some strange food. Strange in the sense that…I never thought something like this could exist on earth. I want to try this weird food, but I’m scared it might be like Phii Tee’s mango.

“Weird food…oh, that thing.” Sht, he knows it too, that means this menu must be very popular, huh…but there aren’t that many people in line, or…!!! …the food is limited, I have to try this limited edition stuff at least once in my life!

“Have you tried it?”

“No, but Tee has.”

“Did you call me?” Phii Tee looked up from his plate of rice to ask us. I mean…he’s good-looking, why does he like to eat weird stuff, bro? Do you know what’s in your plate?

It’s stir-fried onion roots with oyster sauce.

Like, can you actually eat that? Phii Tee is weird enough, but the seller is even weirder, how can you sell that? There’s no vendor’s ethics at all. Just imagine…it’s just regular onion roots stir-fried with oyster sauce. Nothing else. No pork. No shrimp. No chicken. Nothing that looks like it’s meant to be eaten. I really don’t understand Phii Tee’s taste.

“Yeah. Did you try that…the weird thing at our cafeteria?” As soon as the young engineering student, Bohn, finished speaking, everyone at the table turned to look with wide eyes, even Ram widened his eyes. What does ‘that thing’ taste like?

“…”

“Oh, that thing, I’ve tried it.” Phii Tee nodded with a very normal expression. After Phii Tee finished his sentence, Phu even exclaimed softly, “Oh my, you don’t pity your own stomach at all.” “What does it taste like?” I asked, interested.

“It’s tangy, salty, and sweet. I don’t know, it feels weird in your mouth.”

“Bohn, I want to try it.” I said while shaking the other’s arm. It’s not that expensive, but I’m interested in the name of the menu item and its popularity within the faculty; is it good or not?

“No way, I think it’s not that good for your health.” Bohn pouted before making a gesture.

“But I want to try.”

“How many times do I have to tell you I’m worried about you?” He lightly tapped my head with the back of his hand. It didn’t hurt, but I exaggerated my reaction until Bohn actually slapped my head for real, how cruel.

“Okay, I know, but once in a while, trying something unusual is nice.”

“Up to you. If you get a stomachache, I won’t help.” Yay! In the end, you have to give in to me, heh-heh.

I went to line up to buy ‘that thing’. Even though there weren’t many people, ‘that thing’ was also in short supply, which you could call popular, right? The seller is really good; they know how much they can sell in a day. Great…I was the last one, super lucky! I walked back to the table with ‘that thing’ cheerfully; everyone at the tables I passed by looked wide-eyed and surprised. Why?

“Damn, Duen, what is that, pudding?” Tang asked.

“Uh-huh.” I nodded. ‘That thing’ is pudding, it doesn’t look strange, but the name and the ingredients used are truly unusual.

“I was just craving something sweet.” Tang said, looking like he was about to go buy some too. I was about to say it was sold out, but Phu grabbed Senior’s arm first.

“Tang…don’t eat it.”

“Why?” It wasn’t Tang who asked but Ting, sounding surprised. I listened to them intently, thinking in my mind it’s a 50:50 chance…I think it probably won’t taste good.

“It’s not ordinary pudding…” Phu answered while looking at ‘that thing’ in my hand, his body trembling with fear. Damn, is it that bad? Even Tee can eat it!

“Huh?”

“It’s made from natural materials…”

“That’s good then.”

“Listen to me…I’ll tell you the name of the dish, and you decide if you want to eat it.”

“Say it.”

“Fermented fish paste toilet-crab som tam with tamarind pudding and miang kham.”

“…”

“Tang…you don’t have to buy it, you can eat it with me.” I tried to find a helper because at first, I thought they just named it to sound interesting, but looking at everyone’s reactions, I think it might actually be made from those things.

“…You can eat this kind of stuff by yourself.”

“Once you buy it, you have to finish it.” Ugh! I’m your boyfriend, Bohn…

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME