MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 36: Lively

   [Bohn]

   “Um…so, is Nong Duen going to the camp with us?”

“Damn, Boss, finish chewing before you talk…I don’t know, he said he’d consider it.” I’ve asked him before, but he just said he’d think about it and kept putting it off.

“I think he’ll go anyway, um.” What makes you so sure, Boss? Duen is extremely lazy; on weekends, if he doesn’t have work, he just eats and sleeps, doing only those two things.

“Why do I have such ugly friends… how can you be so sure?”

“Uhh. It’s just my code junior husband.”

“You said the right thing, I’ll give you ten baht, hehe.”

Me, Tang, Merk, and Boss were sitting at the faculty cafeteria eating snacks. Yesterday, Tang and Phu weren’t flirting in front of us, but it seems Tang knew what we were thinking. Before we parted ways, he whispered to me, “You’ve got quite the imagination. Just to clarify, Phu and I are just Phii Nong,” then he explained that Phu touched his cheek because he said his face was stiff, so he asked for skincare advice.

That might be true, but I’m still not entirely convinced they’re just code siblings.

Even if it seems that way.

“Did your junior bring you flowers today?” The person I was thinking about asked, like he had something to prove. Whenever I gossip about him or when someone talks about him, he shows up or does something to say, ‘I’m here.’

“Not yet, he said he’ll come later.”

“Oh, really…tell me more. How did you ask him to be your boyfriend?” Boss nudged my shoulder with a mischievous look. I was about to answer but then thought of something fun.

“I’ll tell you if you tell me… how you and Merk became boyfriends.”

After saying that, I grinned. Boss and Merk aren’t really anything, I just love to tease them. Not just me, all the friends and people in our faculty do too. When someone teases Yod and he stays silent with a straight face, it’s really funny.

“I’ll tell you… That day, it was pouring rain. I found Merk shivering in the opulent bedroom of my buffalo, Sbai Plio, adorned with gold and diamond horns. I felt sorry for him and let him stay with me. After that, we became husband and wife, and that’s the end of it.” Thanarit said, raising his hand to link arms with

Merk, who sat next to him with a stoic face, then playfully rested his head on Merk’s shoulder.

Sbai Plio is actually his buffalo. Its horns aren’t adorned with gold and diamonds like he claimed. My friend keeps it on his strawberry farm in Chiang Rai. When he said he was going to buy a buffalo, we all thought it was a joke because we couldn’t see how a buffalo would be useful for his home business. If it was a rice farm, I wouldn’t say anything, but his place is a strawberry farm and resort. Plus, his parents are civil servants… What’s the point of having a buffalo?

His parents didn’t even complain though.

“How much was the dowry?” Tang asked, amused. I bet Boss would say ten million or a hundred million; who would value themselves so low…

“Two stalks of dried mushrooms and one grilled mangosteen.” That’s my friend right there.

“Swear that’s the dowry…damn, Merk, you’re so extravagant. If it were me, I’d just give ground salt.”

“Why would you give ground salt?”

“So we wouldn’t have to bite into a block of salt to eat, hehe.”

“Sigh.” All of us, including Merk, sighed in unison. Tang didn’t look disappointed that his own joke didn’t land; instead, he smiled and raised his hand to pose handsomely.

“Come on, seriously. How did you ask him to be your boyfriend?”

“I just asked if he wanted to be tied down and become my wife or if he wanted to be my boyfriend properly.”

“You bastard…you’re such a brute.”

“Obviously.” After saying that, I shrugged nonchalantly. Boss and Tang had looks of disgust on their faces, but I’ve never cared about that.

“And did he let you tie him down?”

“If he did, that would be great.”

“You’re a brute and still cocky about it.”

“Hehe.”

In the evening, I planned to ask Duen to pick up the kids together, but he definitely wouldn’t agree since he brought a bike. Should I make him leave his bike at home and pick him up every day? That’s what couples should do, right? Speaking of being a couple…I haven’t even announced it to the world yet. Before we were officially a couple, I thought I’d update my status on Facebook as soon as we became one, but in reality, I was too busy paying attention to the fool to bother with anything else…wait, I haven’t told Phii Diao yet.

Bon Ss: Phii Diao, I have a boyfriend now.

   Phii Diao: I figured. That hot guy who brought Yakult into the pub?

   Bon Ss: How did you know?

   Phii Diao: I have strong senses. At first, I thought it was just for fun, but when I saw you two sitting sweet on the sofa, not caring about the girls at our table, I started to see the signs that the world would lose two handsome resources because they’re eating each other.

   Bon Ss: Thanks for complimenting me and my wife, lol.

   Phii Diao: Are you the husband, then?

   Bon Ss: Huh, what do you mean by that, Phii?

   Phii Diao: That guy is better looking than you.

   Bon Ss: I’m better looking. No matter how good-looking he is, I’ll still have the upper hand.

   Phii Diao: If that kid gets the upper hand on you, I’ll give you twelve thousand.

   Bon Ss: And if I get the upper hand on him?

   Phii Diao: Then I won’t give you anything because I won’t root for that.

   Bon Ss: Wow. I’m not talking to you anymore.

   After typing that, I pouted and locked the screen. As if Duen could get the better of me. Sure, he’s good-looking and tall, but I’m taller. Even if height doesn’t matter on a horizontal level.

Rrrrr

‘Duen’

   Just thinking about him made him call, the cutest boyfriend ever.

“Hello.” I answered with a smile, I’ve been smiling a lot lately…but not smiling at everyone, just at Duen, with others, I keep my usual straight face.

(Where are you?)

“At the cafeteria, you’ll see me as soon as you come in.” I said that because he told me he was bringing flowers. He must have arrived by now. The cafeteria at my faculty is big, but I’m sitting near the entrance; you’d see me right away.

Because I’m so strikingly handsome, hehe.

(…)

“Is something wrong?” I raised my eyebrows, surprised when I didn’t hear any response. Normally, he’d complain, saying, “I’m too lazy to go!” or something like that.

(Can you come find me…?)

“Duen, what’s wrong with you?” His voice was faint, like he didn’t have much energy, something must be wrong.

(I’m by your car, come find me…alone, please.) My car is parked in front of the faculty, or could it be that my ex-flames have done something to him…Thinking that, I stood up immediately.

“Wait there, I’ll be right there.”

“Where are you going?”

“To the front of the faculty, Duen doesn’t seem okay.”

“What’s wrong? Want me to come with you?”

“It’s nothing, he said not to bring anyone.” After saying that, I quickly left the cafeteria. My legs changed from walking fast to running when I thought about the sound of my lover’s voice I heard earlier; he’d never made a sound like that before.

I don’t know if it was out of concern or what else that made me run faster than usual, and finally, I reached my destination.

“Duen, are you okay? Are you sick?” I was panting heavily from the run, placing the back of my hand on his forehead to check his temperature; his body wasn’t hot…so why was his face red? There were no bruises or signs of harm around him.

“No…”

“Then what’s wrong? Your voice didn’t sound good.”

“Do you have class next?”

“Huh…yeah, I do.” I answered, not really understanding.

“I do too…”

“Huh?”

The future doctor didn’t say anything more; he handed me a bouquet of flowers. I took them without examining their shape because right now, my mind was only on the person in front of me. Was he threatened or something?

“I’m going to class now.” After saying that, he seemed like he was about to run off, but I reached out to grab his shoulder, making him turn to face me.

“Hey, Duen, you’re really okay, right?”

“Yeah, I’m going now.”

“…Want me to walk you there?” I still wasn’t quite reassured, even if he said he was fine.

“No need, I brought my bike…Bohn.” My conversation partner ran a few steps, then turned his face back to look at me before saying something I didn’t understand.

“Huh?”

“I’m not good at talking…so I will let the flowers speak for me.”

I watched the retreating back of my lover, my brain still processing what he’d just said. Not good at talking? You, not good at talking? Oh, please. Whoever’s messing with my boyfriend, I’ll go slap some sense into them.

“What was that all about?”

“Really???”

“Who brought a bouquet of flowers for you Bohn?” The teasing shout that echoed through the cafeteria snapped me out of my reverie. Why are you guys laughing, it’s not like you’ve never seen flowers from Duen before.

“Is it Doctor Duen?”

“…Yeah, how did you know?”

Ah, the bouquet?

That’s when I finally noticed, looking down at the flowers in my hand for the first time because I was too worried about Duen when I received them to pay attention.

It was a medium-sized bouquet wrapped in some kind of net. It seemed to be made from natural materials. I don’t know much about these things, but I know it’s beautiful; the flowers inside gave off a fragrant scent as if inviting me to lean in and smell them. It’s the same plant my mom uses in her grilled meat, but she uses the leaves without flowers or dried ones, while these in my hand were fresh with purple blossoms all over.

“Oh, you’d be crazy not to know, Night posted it on his Facebook.” Tang, the Electric Engineering one, spoke while looking at the bouquet in my hand with envy, the scent reaching my nose even when it was just by my side.

“Ha, posted what?”

“A picture of the doctor giving you the bouquet in front of the faculty.”

“Where?” I pulled out my phone and checked Night’s, my friend from another department’s, recent post on his Facebook after waiting for it to load.

There was only one picture, the location was in front of the Faculty of Engineering. The focus was on two guys, one holding the bouquet that I now had in my hand. The other had a concerned look, with his large hand touching the other’s forehead…it was a picture of me and Duen.

Night, eiei

   So sweet, this is in front of the faculty, sir!!! Today, it’s a whole bouquet, my god.

   With rosemary too #BohnDuen #I’mTeamDoctor, #NongDuenSoCute, #IWantOne, #JealousMonkeyThaiMenInPain, #Engineering, the rough senior with the first-year doctor, #NoTagsPleaseTheyMightNoticeHaha

   Oh my, I didn’t even notice, your hashtags don’t mention anyone’s name…

After reading, I nodded at them and walked back to the table in a daze…Could something be wrong with Duen?

“Why don’t you look happy?” Merk asked, holding a large book he had just borrowed from the library for tonight’s report.

“Duen is acting strange, he might be sick; his face is red, and he’s talking weirdly.” I lifted my hand to my chin, thinking back to how Duen was acting earlier.

Or maybe he’s pregnant and too shy to say…Daddy, Bohn.

Daddy, I apologize.

“What?”

“Well, like…he said to come see him alone, then before leaving, he said he wasn’t good at talking and to let the flowers speak for him.”

“Heh-heh.” Tang looked at me with his chin in his hand, a smile appearing on his handsome face. Merk did the same but didn’t rest his chin on his hand.

“What?”

“It seems like Duen has caught some of your mischievous habits. And you’ve picked up some of his naive ones.”

“What are you talking about?”

Before I could ask more, a sound from the cafeteria entrance interrupted us. I swear you’re not using a megaphone, your voice is so loud. I clearly remember who that voice belongs to; who else but Night, his voice is very distinctive.

“Rosemary flowers mean…your presence in my life has made my life more vibrant.”

“Really?????!”

“Oh, so romantic!!”

It didn’t take long for me to process this before I had to raise one hand to loosely cover my mouth. I didn’t want anyone to see how wide I was smiling…can you stop being cute for just one second, Duen?

I called the foolish doctor, but he didn’t pick up. No, not that he didn’t pick up, he just hung up. Maybe he was embarrassed, or maybe he was in class.

Bon Ss: Why didn’t you answer the call?

   Duen: I’m in class.

   Bon Ss: Oh really?

   Duen: Yeah, I’m going to return to paying attention in class.

   “Look at you, can’t stop smiling.”

“I’m happy.” I shrugged at my close friend before lifting the bouquet of purple flowers to look at them, then brought the tips to my nose to inhale their faint, sweet scent. I’ve heard they help with relaxation too.

…I never thought there could be this side to him.

   “Nong Duen is super cute; he doesn’t seem as clueless lately.”

“Yeah, he said it’s because he’s been hanging out with me a lot.” I laughed so hard when he shouted that.

“That’s good then.”

“It is good, but there are so many people hitting on him now.” As I said that, the image from yesterday came to mind. At the Japanese restaurant, I pretended to be upset to make Duen coax me playfully, and he did it so well, probably never having coaxed anyone before. After he coaxed me, I wanted to tease him even more. So, at the cinema, I chose an erotic movie because I thought there wouldn’t be many people there, making it easier for us to do something. I didn’t let him buy the tickets because I didn’t want him to see my amused smile, but my good mood didn’t last long when we got back and I saw some young guy flirting with him.

After that, my anger really flared up when he said he didn’t have a boyfriend yet, planning to stay mad for a while…but when he gave me that final coaxing, I softened up. No, not softened, more like I lost my temper, damn…he’s so adorable, even kissed my cheek.

“People say that having a boyfriend makes you more attractive.” Merk spoke while still reading his book, damn, Merk is somewhat like Ram, except that kid doesn’t smile much.

“Really? Then why don’t I see any girls coming to flirt with me?” Before, there were tons, but after I decided to pursue Duen, not a single one came. Or maybe I just stopped paying attention?

“I don’t know, hey, that thing about being more attractive when you have a boyfriend, it’s only for those who’ve just got their first boyfriend, right?”

“Then that’s true because I’m Duen’s first boyfriend, heh heh.” Thinking about this makes me so happy, but even if he’d had a hundred boyfriends before, I wouldn’t mind.

…because I’ll be his last.

   “Hey, really?”

“Yeah.” I puffed out my chest, giving them a playful smirk to tease them. These guys always say there are no single guys left in university…well, you’re wrong. My boyfriend breaks all your theories and beliefs.

All of them.

“Wow…there are really guys nearly twenty who are still single in this world?”

“He’s my boyfriend.” I winked mischievously.

“I’m jealous…” Merk said with a straight face.

“I am single, my dear.” Boss quietly hugged his boyfriend’s arm, acting all coy until my feet twitched. If he did it well, without being too prissy, I wouldn’t say anything.

“You’re not sincere…”

“Damn, Merk, according to the rules, you should say, ‘My love, you are the most adorable person I’ve ever seen.’ That would be right.”

“You’re not sincere…because I’ve already seen through your pretense.”

“I…hashtag teamMerk.” I said in a flat voice, Merk, you’re something else. I’ll use this line on Duen sometime…wait. I haven’t actually done anything with him yet, so I’ll save it for later, I’ll use it eventually, heh.

“I’m teamBoss.” Tang raised his hand to his eyebrow level while continuously typing something on his phone. Who are you talking to? I don’t know if it’s a girl or not just because you say it is.

“You can stay quiet like before, Merk.” Boss said with his arms crossed. When he said that, Merk feigned surprise by raising his eyebrows.

“Why? Didn’t you used to tell me to play along?” True, before, Boss was playing alone; he would always say, ‘Play with the wife a bit, husband.’ Now he’s playing. How is it, huh?

“Well, not anymore. Let Phii Tang play husband for you, Merk.” Damn, is the husband position that easily interchangeable? Do you think you’re some hot girl with her own harem or what, you bastard?

“Hmph. No thanks, I don’t want to get involved with husband and wife stuff.” Thanarit looked up from his phone, shaking his head in boredom. I took that chance to glance at his screen to see who he was talking to, but he quickly turned his phone face down. Did you do that on purpose or just by luck?

“What? Then you can have Bohn.”

“I already have a wife. Your husband and wife issues, you sort them out.” I replied with a deadpan face, but even if I didn’t have a wife, I wouldn’t want to play this game. It’s much more fun to watch than to play, I’ll support your couple.

“Why bother others? Isn’t having me as your only husband enough?”

“Wow…Merk, you nailed that role.” Tang clapped his hands. I agree, Merk really nailed it; his face was all serious, wait, was his face always like this?

“A silent, fierce, gloomy, handsome husband…a wild, chaotic, scattered-thinking but not listening wife.” I came up with a slogan for the silent husband and wild wife; these two fit them perfectly.

“Your ‘thing’ isn’t big enough.” The wild, chaotic, scattered-thinking but not listening wife grabbed the chin of his silent, fierce, gloomy, handsome husband, then forcefully turned his face to the side, making the silent, fierce, gloomy, handsome husband turn his head.

“Not big enough? You scream every time you get hit.” the calm, cruel, and handsome husband turned around with a malicious grin at his playful, scatterbrained wife, whose thoughts were all over the place but not entirely off…If I hadn’t known beforehand that you guys were just playing, I’d think you were really together.

“You’ve got such an imagination, shut up, you asshole, I’m not talking to you anymore.” the playful wife…enough already, you’re wasting too much paper.

“Are you embarrassed, my love, huh?” Merk raised his chin to look at the other. Just raising his chin and looking, without anything inappropriate…I used a harsh word, sorry.

“Your love, my ass.”

“What? Are the husband and wife fighting?” Someone’s teasing voice came from behind, and upon turning around, I saw it was Tee walking up, with King, and Bom by his side.

“Tee, you’ve come at the right time, I won’t play with Merk anymore, come be my husband.” You scoundrel! Your father never taught you to be like this, damn it. Since I’ve been with Duen, I feel like I’ve gone a bit crazy.

“Um…sure, I’m free, haha.” Wow, Economy guy…you give in so easily.

“Boss’s new guy has legs.” Boss…damn, it’s too long, I can’t remember, whatever, let’s just say he hugged the Economy guy’s arm, leaning his head on the broad shoulder with a gentle, coy gesture…I should write a novel.

“Watch out, Tee…Merk might punch you.” King raised his chin, looking at both friends before pointing at Boss’s ex-husband.

“Merk, you have to understand that Boss chose me. Not you.” The Economy guy raised his hand to stroke Boss’s head as if proud to have him as his wife.

“You’ve changed, Boss.” Merk said with a sad expression, looking at his former lover with longing.

“People change with time, Merk. You’re no different.” Boss said, feigning sadness.

“But my love is valuable. It doesn’t change with time; I can laugh, cry, feel pain, and be sad just like anyone else…”

Oscar!!

“Damn…Boss, go coax your husband, I won’t get involved anymore.” The  Economy guy detached Boss’s arm before moving closer to me, as if not wanting to be involved.

“Oh, the playful husband and wife.” Boss moved to hug Merk’s arm, lifting his lower lip over his upper, blinking rapidly, as if about to cry.

“Enough with the dramatics.”

“Okay, from now on, I’ll only be dramatic with my husband.”

“Good, don’t let me see this again. Otherwise, I’ll chain you up at home.”

“Yay, I like it.” After finishing the sentence with a goofy head tilt, he leaned on the tall figure’s shoulder.

“You bastards, hahahaha.” We all laughed loudly; the table next to us, who heard our cheesy drama, laughed along. We talked and played around for quite a while, and when I checked the time again, it was already noon…I really want Duen to come eat with me. With that thought, I immediately called him.

(Beep)

(Hello)

“It’s noon, where are you eating?” I asked over the phone, looking at the bouquet he gave me this morning. It’s still fresh now, but in three or four days, it will start to wilt or dry up. I want to keep it forever without it wilting.

(Probably at the cafeteria. Don’t feel like eating outside the university.) Not just him, I don’t feel like going far either; the sun is insanely hot. Yesterday, Bihn left an egg on the street in front of our house, and by the time he came back, it had turned into a boiled egg. Am I in Thailand or hell?

“Want to eat at the engineering cafeteria?” I said with a smile, even though I knew the person on the other end wouldn’t see it. I should have made it a video call…but then again, I decided not to because my good friend wouldn’t let me have a peaceful conversation.

“Ohhh, I’m so jealous.” See, I hadn’t even finished my thought. I turned to look at Boss and raised my eyebrows a couple of times to tease him, and he pouted, clearly jealous.

“Damn, Bohn, we’re so jealous we could die, hah.”

“Heh-heh. So, what’s your answer?” I turned back to continue talking with Duen.

(Dream on, I won’t go to be teased//Where are you going?) The first sentence was from Duen, the second probably from Tang. Looks like I still don’t have a role…so I’ll stay quiet for now.

(Bohn invited me to eat at their faculty’s cafeteria//Won’t you go?) This time it was Tingting.

(Yeah, hey!//Phii Bohn, I’ll be there with Tang, see you in ten minutes.)

Click

“Uh…” I looked down at my phone, stunned. It’s not that I didn’t understand what they were saying. I was just a bit shocked at how things turned out, but whatever, I’m the one who benefits, heh-heh.

“So, what’s the decision? Is Duen coming?” Bom asked. Ever since he helped bring Duen to the gear plaza that day, they’ve been talking non-stop, closer than me, even though I’m his boyfriend…

“He’s coming. With Tang.”

“Great, are we talking about Ting; the cute faculty star from the medical school, and the cute Nong Tang?” Tee asked, looking very excited. How do you know them?

“Uh-huh, you know them?”

“Yeah, there are only a handful of good-looking people in our university, why wouldn’t I know them?”

“So do you know Fuin, the one from the Faculty of Science?”

“I know him, friend, you’re talking about this guy?”

I wasn’t paying attention to my friends but turned to look at the bouquet in my hand, waiting for the fool. After a while, I started hearing an excited murmur, making me look up. At the entrance, there was a group of five people walking in. They wouldn’t have caused such a stir if they weren’t all good-looking. I recognize every face…how could I not, that’s Duen’s group.

“Oh my, Nong Duen’s group is so cool, they can turn the cafeteria into a catwalk.” Tee watched with interest, interested in Tingting, not anyone else, lighten up, friend.

“So? Aren’t you going to meet your boyfriend, Bohn?” King raised his chin, pointing it towards Duen.

“Yeah, right…huh.” After saying that, I stood up and walked closer to my beloved until I was right in front of him.

“Who is it, Phii Bohn? They all look so cute I could eat them up.”

One of the young women clasped her hands, daydreaming. Her name is May, she’s my code junior. This one is no ordinary girl; her entrance exam score was the second highest since the university was founded (the first being my friend King). So I don’t worry much about her studies, I only give her a few lectures because I don’t have many myself.

Even if she’s smart, don’t think she’s a nerd…

“My boyfriend.” I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow at my code junior. She smiled before clutching her heart and making a loud noise, causing everyone in the cafeteria to look.

“Oh, oh my!”

“What’s wrong, May?” Payong, another friend of May’s, asked. She’s a very beautiful transgender woman; I think her name before her debut was Phayong-Sak.

“I’m hurt.” my code junior clutched her heart, acting like she was struggling to breathe.

“Hurt where?”

“My heart hurts…I like a guy, but he’s already taken…but it’s okay because his husband is my code senior!”

“Hi, hi, hi, hi-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!” After my code junior finished speaking, everyone in the cafeteria hooted and teased until Duen jumped, his face turning red. He moved his lips, mumbling something. If I had to guess, he must be cursing at me, I know because he was looking at me with irritation, heh heh.

“This is why I don’t want to come to your faculty.” Duen whispered. I raised my hand to ruffle his hair, teasing him.

“I’m hurt too.” Ting turned to say to my code junior, the group of girls looked at him in confusion, mixed with surprise because they didn’t expect him to come talk to them.

“Hurt where?” Payong asked back.

“My uterus hurts…Chibiko-chan is vibrating, saying, ‘You can cut it off now.

This lifetime, it won’t be used anyway; men are all eating each other.’“

Poor girl…

After the conversation ended, I led Duen’s group to the table. Everyone sat down neatly, but no one said anything. Here’s how the seating was arranged: On my side, there’s Duen, me, Bom, Boss, Merk, King. On the other side, there’s Tang, Tee, Tang, Phu, Ting, Ram. At first, Duen wanted to sit with his friends, but did he think I would allow that…no way.

“Hey, Boss!” Tiger’s loud voice from the nearby table made us all turn to look, even though it wasn’t our business. Have you ever done that? When you don’t know what to do, you just look around.

“Shut up!” It’s not like the cafeteria is that loud. You guys could have just walked over to talk; I wouldn’t mind.

“What’s this! Did the people at your table fall from heaven, or did they just finish a fashion show and come here to eat?”

“I was wondering the same thing! I’ve never felt this out of place before!”

“And how did you guys get here?” Tang asked Phu and Ram who were sitting on the same side.

“Ting followed us here, said she wanted to eat with us.”

“Uh…I’ll introduce those two to you. That’s Ting. This is Tee, this is Nong Duen,

Nong Ting Nong Tang.” They got to know each other, smiling and nodding. They might have heard of each other before, especially when they teased me and Duen on Facebook, but this was the first time they actually met.

“Is Phii Tee, Ram’s code senior?” Tingting asked, and when he was questioned, Tee perked up like a dog wagging its tail. Dude, could you please tone it down a bit?

“Yes, did Ram tell you about me?” Tee rubbed the back of his neck while making eye contact with the person he was talking to.

“No, Phu told me.” Silence…

“Damn, Ram, I’m your senior. Have you ever mentioned me?” Tee said, looking annoyed. His junior looked at him for a moment before Ben turned his face away.

“Ha?”

“Ugh, you’ve ruined my mood.”

“That’s your business…” Ram answered with a straight face, he really is silent.

“Your junior is super quiet.” King raised his chin, looking at the half-Thai guy sitting across from him. The person in question barely glanced up. Our King likes peculiar or interesting things, and I guess the half-Thai guy who speaks only a few sentences fits into that category.

“Want to swap juniors? I want to have Nong Wad.” Tee said. Wad is King’s code junior, quite cute.

“Dream on…hey, Tee’s code junior.” King raised his chin to call out to the person in front of him. From where I was sitting, I couldn’t see King’s face clearly, but I could see Ram’s face clearly…silent.

“?” Ram didn’t respond or say anything, just raised an eyebrow as if asking what was up.

“Why don’t you talk much?” The speaker tilted his head, examining his conversation partner. I was doing the same; today I got a chance to look at Ram up close. I’ve had opportunities before, but I never really scrutinized him, just glanced. He’s handsome…he is handsome. As I’ve said, I look at every good-looking foreigner. Even though Ram is half-Thai, he looks the most foreign.

“…”

Again, Tee’s code junior chose silence. Did I ever mention that my friend, King, likes not only the unusual but also the challenging…when ignored, he got up and sat next to Ram, raising his chin to get a better look at him. Hold on, friends.

“Talk to me a bit.”

“Yes.” Too short an answer, isn’t it?

“That’s all?”

“Yes.”

“Say something longer, come on.” King leaned in to look at the beautiful tattoo on the half-Thai guy’s neck. Ram is too dark. Even though I’m rough, I’m clean rough, understand? I mean, I don’t have tattoos. I look clean and rough, but Ram looks ruggedly intense.

“Longer.” Ram said with a straight face.

“Wow! A sentence, I want a sentence.”

“Sentence.”

“…” Oh here we go, is King going to hit the kid or what? It seems like everyone at the table understands my feelings. Merk, who’s closest to them, was already preparing to intervene.

“…”

“You’re funny, ha ha ha.”

“Huh? Ha…”

The slender figure burst out laughing, patting the shoulder of his conversation partner a few times. He was genuinely laughing, not faking it, laughing to death.

“Really?” I whispered to Duen who was sitting next to me.

“I don’t know…”

“What do you want to eat? I’ll go buy it for you.” I just remembered that we hadn’t eaten yet, but I wanted to go buy food for him first.

“I’ll go buy it myself.” The slender figure tried to stand up, but I grabbed his arm, making him turn back and raise his eyebrows in confusion.

“I want to take care of my boyfriend.”

Hearing that, he lowered his head, his ears turning red with embarrassment. Damn…it feels like a mission accomplished. What is this fluffy feeling in my heart?

“…”

“Let’s go together then.”

“No, I said I want to take care of you.”

“That’s why I said I’ll go with you.” Duen looked up to say to me.

“…”

“I’ll translate…he also wants to take care of you.”

The voice of interruption came from the small figure of Tang, who smirked while playing a game on his phone, even though his head was down. Did Tang mean Duen just now?

“Tang! That’s not what I meant at all.”

“Oh, you want to take care? Why didn’t you say so from the start?” I nodded awkwardly, pulling my lover along to our usual shop, which I like because it’s delicious.

“Why weren’t the flowers today roses, huh?” I asked while we were in line, with him standing in front of me.

“…roses…are out of stock.” I saw them on the shelf the other day.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Why did you get a bouquet today?” I continued to press.

“Well…rosemary has small flowers. If I gave just one stem, it would look ugly.” Your excuse, Duen…

“Really…can I get the truth?”

“Today was the first time I gave you flowers…as your boyfriend.”

“…”

“Ha.”

“I knew you’d laugh because I’m an idiot.”

“I’m not laughing because you’re an idiot, I’m laughing because you’re cute.”

“…”

“Having you in my life, it makes my life lively too, Duenhaw.”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 35: Angry

   [Duenhaw]

   “Duen is now Phii’s boyfriend.”

“Huh!”

“Was it just a dream…” I mumbled to myself before pushing myself up to sit cross-legged on the bed, trying to blink rapidly to focus…Oh, I’m in my own bedroom, looking left and right, no one’s here, the bathroom is empty, and I’m fully clothed. Okay. Not in some cheesy movie!

“Such a realistic dream.”

(Dream about your dad, huh?)

I swear, how could a dream be that real?

==

“Why don’t you hang up?” I asked while rubbing my eyes. This is how I am right after waking up, my eyes feel irritated.

After rubbing my eyes, I turned to look at the laptop beside my bed. Yesterday, after coming back from…that, Bohn was whining about wanting me to stay at his condo. I tried to refuse with all sorts of excuses, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer, saying, ‘If you don’t come with me, I’ll sleep in front of your house all night!’ I couldn’t take it anymore, so I threatened him that I’d be really mad if he didn’t go back, and then he finally agreed.

At night, he video-called me. I picked up without any hesitation. We talked about this and that until we accidentally fell asleep, but Bohn refused to hang up.

Isn’t that a waste of electricity?

(I want to see my boyfriend’s face)

“…Yeah, do whatever you want, you crazy.” I turned my face away. I didn’t want him to see my face turning red, damn…flirting with me this early in the morning. Don’t you know that my resistance to you is low these days, Phu?

(Did you forget something?)

“What?” Forget what? Or did I leave something in his car yesterday…No, I didn’t take anything except my wallet, phone, Daonuea.

(…)

“Speak up. How would I know if you don’t say anything?” I said when I noticed the other end of the line was silent, and he was making a grumpy face. You’re acting like a girl, man!

(Good morning, by the way.)

“Is that necessary?” I teased, and hearing that, the brute immediately frowned.

(Yeah, I’m your boyfriend.)

“Ha, your team hasn’t even said good morning to me.”

(I was waiting for you to say it first.)

“What difference does it make who says it first?”

(There is a difference)

“Where?”

(At the point where I want to hear that from your mouth first.)

“Yeah, good morning.” I give in, you crazy, you really know how to make my heart race. It’s the same no matter who says it first. Why make it so difficult…

(Good morning, my love.)

Damn…does everyone else’s heart race like mine when called “my love.” or am I the only one?

(…)

“…Stop flirting.” I said quietly before raising my hand to cover my cheek, not wanting him to see me blushing, but it was probably too late because when I turned, I saw Bohn with his chin on the bed, looking at me with that cunning face!

(Why?)

“We’re already dating.” I mumbled as if talking to myself. Isn’t it true? When you’re already dating, do you still need to flirt like when you’re courting?

(Doesn’t matter.)

“What are you going to keep flirting about?”

(My boyfriend is cute, I want to say sweet things to him all the time.) I didn’t say anything more, actually, I didn’t know what else to say, haha.

“…”

(Are you blushing?)

“Yeah…” Lying is pointless; he can see it clearly with his own eyes.

(Then I’ll keep flirting, I like seeing you blush.) The person talking raised an eyebrow, still resting his chin on his hand and smiling at me as before. What? Are you Phii Yim now or what?

“Enough, you crazy, I’m going to take a shower.” I pushed myself up. Today is Sunday, I have work but not much because on Tuesday, King made me finish all the pending work, haha.

(Go shower then.) He said without much interest, as if to say, do whatever you want.

“Put it down.” I moved closer to the screen, about to hang up when Bohn’s firm voice interrupted.

(Don’t hang up, leave it on all day.)

“You’re crazy, it’ll waste electricity.”

(If you don’t want to waste electricity, move in with me.) Still not over this? Last night, he talked about this a lot, even threatening that if I don’t move in properly, he’ll kidnap me. So funny.

“No, it’s your business, I’m going to take a shower.”

(Duen)

“Huh?” I turned, raising an eyebrow to ask. I had stepped off the bed but was still within Bohn’s view.

(Hurry up, I miss you.)

“Damn, I told you not to flirt so much…”

It didn’t take long for me to get dressed and sit at my desk. I didn’t forget to bring the laptop with me. Initially, I planned to put it back in its place, but the person on the other end of the line was complaining, so I had to keep it close.

(A lot of work?)

“Uh.” I nodded while scrolling through the book for more information. This book was recommended by King. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, thinking it would be like others, but after reading it, I realized it’s really good.

(If I am annoying, you can hang up.) He said, during the conversation, he kept looking at me without looking away, hah…staring like that makes me nervous, man.

“Not annoying at all…”

Aaaaah!

What did I just say? I want to bite my own tongue!

(Cute, huh.) as usual.

“Whatever you want to say is your business.” I whispered, Bohn. I didn’t look at him because I knew he’d be making a mocking face.

(How much more is left?)

“Not much, I’ll be done in a bit.” I have exams coming up, but I haven’t started studying yet, there’s so much content, will I remember it all? I guess I’ll have to get Tang to tutor me again.

(Let’s go out at noon.)

“We went out yesterday.” Can you stop smiling for a moment, Bohn, and…what’s in your mouth? Is it rambutan? If you’re going to stuff both cheeks like a chipmunk, then talk, no wonder your voice sounds strange.

(Be quiet. It’s not the same.)

“What now?” I rested my chin on my hand, watching the former university Duen who was enjoying some mangosteen with relish.

(The status between I; Phii Bohn and you; Nong Duen has changed.)

Do you think I’ll just accept that?

“I feel like eating Japanese food, can we?”

“Whatever, it’s fine with me.” I turned to answer the person beside me. We were walking through the mall near the airport. We didn’t come to buy anything special; Bohn just wanted to go for a walk with me, and when we got hungry, we looked for something to eat.

“Are you trying to please me or what?” The other asked with a smile. Today, he dressed like he was going for a fashion show. Does he think the escalator is a catwalk or what? People have been looking since we entered until now…sometimes you should share some of that handsomeness with me.

“Heh, too lazy to choose, we’d have to eat it anyway.” I answered truthfully; it’s all the same what we eat. I don’t have any particular favorites, except for grapes and ginger; I can eat anything else.

“Should I be happy or what…”

In the end, Bohn and I ended up sitting in a Japanese restaurant. It was quite crowded because today is a holiday, and the place is also pretty cheap.

“After this, do you want to watch a movie?” Watch a movie? When was the last time I went to the cinema? Probably around the time I was applying to university. I haven’t watched one since then until now.

“Hmm, sounds good.” I nodded while looking around the restaurant. Most customers were families, with a few being friends or couples…so Bohn and I would be counted among the few.

Yesterday, when that rascal parked the car on the side of the road, I thought he was going to buy some grilled pork sausage…because he parked in front of ‘Aunt Jim’s Red Grilled Pork Sausage Shop’. But after a while, I realized it wasn’t that; the line about forcing or willingly being a boyfriend nearly made me laugh, but then he switched to a serious mode that made my heart race.

“…”

“Why are you smiling so much?” I looked at the other with my chin on my hand. Since we arrived, he hasn’t stopped smiling; he smiled when we left the house, smiled in the car, smiled while walking together, smiled even in the bathroom, smiled all the time. He even smiled seeing a stray dog, wow. Is my boyfriend a person or a sloth?

“When you’re happy, you smile.”

“Really, what have you been up to?” I asked jokingly, even though I already knew what he was happy about.

“The person I like agreed to be my boyfriend.” There, I knew it.

“Really? Pity your boyfriend. What does he look like, so I might know him?” I feigned innocence like I didn’t know who he was talking about.

“He’s…cute.”

“Bohn, in my world, we call that handsome.”

“Calling him handsome is your business, I’m talking about my boyfriend.” the tall figure gave a mischievous smile. I’ve fallen into his trap!

“Yeah, yeah, and what about his personality, is he nice?” I slyly asked.

(Really…) let’s see, if the answer isn’t good, I’ll jump and kick until his neck twists.

“I don’t know, he’s kind of clueless, pitiful, loves kids, protective of his sister more than his own child, acts wild when with friends, not too quick on the uptake, overall, he’s quite worrying…but now, not so much.”

“Why?” Because I’ve taken out life insurance on him, is that it?

   “Because now he has me by his side.”

“Uh…yeah?”

“Are you hot? Why’s your face red, huh?” I knew it, you had to tease about this. I can feel my face getting hot, try being in my shoes, try having Bohn say such things if you don’t get embarrassed, I’ll let you smash a golden pillow durian on my head!

“Yeah, it’s hot!” Crazy, why does he always make me embarrassed?

“What about you?”

“?”

“What about you, do you have a boyfriend?”

“Yeah…I do now.”

I’m embarrassed to say it, since yesterday, this flirt in front of me has become my first and current boyfriend. Isn’t it funny? This handsome, rich, and capable Phii Duen never had a girlfriend for nineteen years, but not because I didn’t want one. I had a life goal, ‘I want to be a doctor,’ and to be a doctor, you have to work hard, right? So I dedicated myself to studying, leaving no time for romance.

Only recently have I had the time.

“What does he look like, and what’s his personality?” You think I’ll answer with something like ‘cute like you’? No way, you’ll get it from me, Bohn.

“He’s average, with a crooked nose. Not cute, looks like a winged termite, has a rough personality, not much good in him, likes to fight a lot, has many vices, overall, not a good person, haha.”

“Hey, you’re joking, are you mad?” I stopped smiling when I saw the other side go silent for a long time. Oh no, did I make him angry?

“No.” Your mouth says you’re not angry, but the atmosphere around you is super uncomfortable.

“That’s not true, are you angry?”

“Ha.” He shook his head, and before I could say more, the server came to serve the food we ordered. Damn, why now of all times?

“Your food is here.”

“Bohn, are you really angry at me? I’m sorry.” I said with concern once the server had walked away. I was very hungry when I ordered the food, but now, for some reason, I didn’t feel like eating anymore…

“No.” As soon as he said that, he picked up a piece of fish with a straight face. “Here, have this, and forgive me.” I picked up some squid and put it on the engineering student’s plate in front of me. I didn’t know how to make up for it; I’ve never had a boyfriend or been scolded by friends before, hoping he wouldn’t be mad at me anymore.

“I’m not angry, just eat.”

“Hmmm-”

“Just eat.”

Throughout the meal, Bohn didn’t say a single word. He didn’t even look up at me, making the atmosphere extremely awkward. After eating, he paid and immediately led the way to the cinema.

That’s crazy!!

Phii Duen, you’re in big trouble now…

Am I imagining it or is he easily angered? Are you too sensitive, man! Phii Duen was just joking, why take it so seriously

(…)

“What movie do you want to watch?”

The university moon from last year finally spoke after a long silence. I looked up at today’s movie schedule; there were…comedies, horror movies, action movies, animations, and finally, an erotic movie…I wanted to say animation, but right now Bohn is sulking at me.

“Whatever.”

“Really? Then let’s watch this one.” I followed the slender finger…Erotic Movie!

Crazy! I’m embarrassed just watching it at home, but now we have to watch it in the theater…Oh my, I’ve read spoilers online. They say this movie is extremely explicit.

“Will that be good?”

“Don’t want to watch? We can change the subject if you like.” He said, then changed to a side topic. Is this him being sarcastic…?

“No…no, I want to watch.

Phii Duen doesn’t like this!

   In the end, I had to watch this movie. I stood looking at the movie poster for the film we were about to see while Bohn went to buy snacks and tickets. Actually, I wanted to go buy them myself, but he looked back at me with a calm expression, as if to say, ‘Go ahead and try.’ So I had to stay silent as expected. How should I appease him? I apologized, shared some squid with him. He’s so sulky, this brute…

“I’m sorry.”

While I was thinking about how to appease Bohn, a young guy approached me. He was quite…cute. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be a high school student here for extra classes because I noticed his school bag. I also saw his friends smiling behind a pillar, what are they doing there, little ones…

“Yes?”

“Is it okay if…I want to know your name?” The senior high school boy scratched his nape and looked down shyly. Since being flirted with by the sulky one, I feel like I understand these situations more. If I’m not being too self-centered here, this kid is flirting with me, right?

“Ah…uh, my name is Duenhaw.” Even though I knew, I had to respond politely. I don’t know if others do this, but I’m not someone who would punch or harm someone just because they flirted with me, even if it’s a guy.

“Really? My name is Pluem, I’m in grade 6 at xx school.”

“Duen.”

A deep voice sounded along with my date’s tall figure; he finally arrived!

Leaving me to be flirted with for so long.

“You’re here?” I said happily.

“Yeah.”

“Is he your boyfriend?” Pluem asked. Today, I allow you to be jealous as much as you want, Bohn, am I attracting too many guys into my life recently? Oh well, let’s say this time is the cutest and the most feminine of all the flirting attempts…Oh, Pluem is wearing mascara.

“As-”

“No, he’s a friend.”

I turned to look at the person who spoke immediately. Is he saying this because he’s angry, or is he embarrassed to tell others that he’s my boyfriend? If it’s the latter, I’m annoyed. If you’re embarrassed to tell others after we’re dating, then we shouldn’t be together. I don’t like a life of hiding and sneaking around like celebrities; if you can’t tell people you have a boyfriend, how is that being a boyfriend?

I don’t know if what I have with him is called being gay or not. I don’t care about that. I care about my own feelings. If it is, then it is. I don’t care what gender that person is. Even though I never thought I’d have a boyfriend who’s a guy.

“So, do you have a boyfriend yet, Duen?” The young man in front of me asked with a red face. Does he have a boyfriend yet…

“Not yet.”

You yourself said we’re not dating.

“Great, because I-”

He was interrupted by the need to pair water with fire.

It seems Bohn has less patience than I thought; his large hand tore one ticket and shoved it into my hand before storming off into the cinema…This is the result of fire and water dating, remember that if you’re going to have a boyfriend.

“Sorry, that guy is my boyfriend.” I decided to speak to end the matter. I didn’t want to drag it out; this was complicated enough.

“Oh…are you being scolded?”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded, watching the jealous one who had just walked away.

“Then I’ll go, so Phii Duen doesn’t get scolded even more. Plus, I don’t want to get punched.” The young man pouted cutely. Wow, kids these days are really cute.

“Yeah, haha.”

“Then I’ll go.”

“Uh, can you help me with something?”

After finishing talking with the younger guy, I took the ticket to the staff to ask if it was still valid. Luckily, he saw what happened earlier, so it was okay. I walked into the cinema and sat next to Bohn, only to see he was still making a stern face. Ha. If you’re going to frown that tightly, you might as well prepare to say hi to pimples.

“Didn’t need to talk to that kid for longer than that.”

“…” I chose to stay silent to let the other know I wasn’t okay with what he did. I didn’t know if he understood because he made a huffing noise and turned away.

Ha, acting all spiteful, I’ll slap you hard.

Throughout the movie, we didn’t say anything to each other. I didn’t even take a sip of water or eat any snacks; only Bohn was munching away in irritation. Finally, the movie ended. We walked to the car in silence, the atmosphere still tense, but I didn’t really care. The movie was as overrated as everyone said, lacking much substance. I was still confused after watching it. I didn’t want to watch it, but if I didn’t, my mind would only think about the person sitting next to me.

Clunk

The sound of the car door closing snapped me out of my daydream. No need to guess who caused it. I sighed and reluctantly sat in the passenger seat. If he had brought the Mercedes, I would have sat in the back, but today he brought the Porsche, so I had no choice.

Rrrr

‘Pluem’

I leaned back against the seat, looked at the screen, and smiled to myself. Bohn didn’t turn to look at me because he was driving…

“Hello Pluem, I-” I could only say that much before the driver snatched my phone and hung up. He pulled over to the side of the road before turning to look at me with irritation. I didn’t show any sign of being upset or reach for my phone; I just turned to look at him silently.

“Duen, did you give him your number?” From his tone, I could tell he was trying to suppress his anger.

“What’s wrong with that? I’m single.”

“Single your dad, we haven’t broken up!” the tall figure shouted, reaching over to turn my face to meet his eyes. When I looked at him, I realized he was so angry his face was red, huh.

“You told others we’re not together.”

“I was mad at you; I wanted you to appease me!”

“Really…but you said you weren’t mad at first.”

“Are you…messing with me, Duen?” He slowly let go of my face, looking at me in disbelief. Ha, didn’t think I could do this, did you? Don’t underestimate me. Who do you think sat with King watching those Korean series? Me, and there are scenes like this all the time in those shows.

“I wasn’t messing with you; I was just annoyed with you.” I tried to appease him nicely. If he doesn’t like it, I have to do something like this.

“Damn, not only did you not appease me, but you did this too.” Bohn mumbled. He seemed to be cooling down a bit, but he was still angry. You could tell by his eyebrows.

The brute was about to start the car again, but I caught his hand, slowly intertwining our fingers. He looked quite surprised.

“My boyfriend is handsome, with sharp eyes, a high nose, thick eyebrows, and thin lips. His personality isn’t bad either. Even though there are rumors about him fighting, I don’t care about that because when he’s with me, he’s not like what others say. I feel happy…I feel at ease with him by my side.”

“…”

“I’m not angry anymore, Duen, I apologize.”

After saying that, I moved closer, pressed my lips against the cheek of the person next to me, lingered there for a moment, then returned to my original position. Our hands were still entwined, not letting go. Bohn was stunned for a while before tightening his grip on my fingers. My heart beat faster when he did that.

Thailand is scorching hot, making Phii Duen’s face, cheeks, and body all red…

   “What if I say I’m still not appeased?” the tall figure whispered into my ear.

“That’s your problem; I’m not appeasing anymore.”

“Oh, can’t you appease a little more?”

“One more moment, and I’ll lose myself.”

“That would be good, huh?”

“Hah! Stop at that shop; I’m hungry.” I pointed to the Isan restaurant ahead. That place should be delicious; friends often talk about it.

“What? You’re not full from eating Japanese food?” Bohn asked with a feigned look of surprise, that bastard! He knows I didn’t eat anything but two shrimp and three slices of salmon because I was too preoccupied with how to appease him to eat anything else.

“I’m full, but it’s digested now!”

“Ha-ha.”

“What do you want to eat? I’m full now.” He should be full, the way he ate.

“One serving of larb, two bags of sticky rice, and half a grilled chicken.” I told the waiter after opening the menu. I didn’t want anything exotic. I’ve had enough with Phii Tee’s damn mango sago; you tricked me!

“I said I’m full; why order two bags of sticky rice?”

“I eat it plain.” I raised my eyebrows. I just love eating plain sticky rice for some reason, I know it’s delicious just eating it plain.

“Do you have a black hole for a stomach?” the other asked jokingly.

“Yeah, can you afford to feed me?”

“Hah, even if you eat two tons a day, I could manage.”

“Shh.”

What a tease!

The shop we are sitting in is decorated with colorful checkered cloths and various woven items, with Thai country music playing softly in the background. The place is quite spacious. I scanned around until my eyes caught the figure of someone…

“Is that Phii Tang?” I asked Bohn while pointing at the person. From here, I couldn’t see clearly, but judging by the physique and appearance, it seemed like it could be Bohn’s close friend.

“Where? Oh, who did he come with?”

“He probably came for a date with some girls.” I answered, craning my neck to look at the entrance in case he brought along a beautiful lady. I wanted to feast my eyes too.

“At an Isan restaurant?”

“Who knows, maybe the girl likes to eat here.”

“I think it’s not a code junior anymore…”

“Why?”

“Look.” Bohn pointed to the tall figure who had just entered the restaurant, heading towards Phii Tang’s table. I squinted to get a better look…familiar, very familiar.

“Is that Phu?”

“Yeah.”

“Should we call him to join our table?” After all, we know each other. It would save space in the restaurant, and I also wanted to chat with Phu’s friend, to learn some smooth lying techniques.

“Let’s wait and see.”

“What’s there to see?”

It’s just a senior and junior having a meal together. Nothing to see really. If it were Phii Boss and Phii Merk, then that would be something. Listening to them talk is hilarious, it’s like Phii Boss is talking to himself while Phii Merk is as silent as a rock, poor Phii Boss.

“I think this pair is a bit strange.” Bohn said, staring at the table of the two brothers. I didn’t see anything unusual.

I froze when I saw Phii Tang gently nudge Phu’s leg with his foot. They locked eyes before breaking into a smile. Then Phii Tang pointed…

…for Phu to look at the plump girl at the next table.

   After that, Phu gave a thumbs up to his code senior, as if to say, ‘That’s awesome.’ Both of them smiled, chuckled, and looked at the plump girl in a skirt that was just a span long.

“What’s this, huh?” These two guys, even while eating, manage to do this kind of thing, oh my…Phii Tang, if you’re going to stare like that, why not just crawl under her skirt?

“They look…I don’t know.”

“When he is with Phu like this, Phii Tang looks really slim.” I said after observing them for a while. Phii Tang isn’t short; he’s about as tall as me or maybe just a couple of centimeters taller, but he’s much slimmer than me. I’m still quite stocky.

“That’s what I think too.”

“Huh…”

I exclaimed softly when Phu put one hand on the table and stretched the other to pinch his senior’s cheek, but it didn’t seem like Senior was annoyed by it at all. He even smiled back.

Ugh…

“Heh-heh.” Bohn chuckled, pulling out his phone to take photos of the scene in front of him. Does your camera zoom in that much? Is that a mobile phone camera or a telescope?

“You madman, why are you taking their picture?”

“For blackmail, ‘cause Tang always acts tough.” Bohn replied to me while still snapping photos continuously. Oh my, why not just record a video at this rate?

…It’s like he read my mind because his hand switched to video mode.

“Are they…dating?” Even though I didn’t think much of it, the way Bohn spoke suggested that those two were more than just senior and junior…maybe.

“You seem less naive lately. What have you been up to?”

“I’ve been hanging out with you!” Because of this expert. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, but not about studying…just nonsense.

“Oh, so I’m your benefactor then, huh?”

“Shut up. So, are they dating?”

“For now, I think not, but who knows what will happen later.” I looked at Phii Tang and Phu thoughtfully. Why do good-looking guys have to eat each other? I should have met Bohn later, waited until all the guys were eating each other, then I’d gather all the girls into my harem.

Ah…

Damn, Phu just saw me…

“Shit…”

As soon as Phu saw me, he immediately got up and walked over here, his face clearly ready to tease me. Phii Tang saw it too. He looked puzzled at first before slowly turning his smirk into a malicious grin. Ha, this know-it-all.

“Hello Phii Bohn, what are you doing here?”

“Eating Isan food at an Isan restaurant, obviously.” it wasn’t me who answered, it was my partner…no, let’s not call it that, it’s too irritating.

“I knew you’d say that. Okay, let me ask again, why are you here together?”

“Couples come together, don’t they?”

“You always go for the moment, Duen. How did you end up coming with him?” Phu made a disgusted face at Bohn before turning to ask me. This rough guy loves to tease about me being his partner. In Phu’s eyes, this senior probably looks quite unreliable now.

“Just like Bohn said.”

“…” Phu was stunned when I answered like that, his eyes wide open, mouth agape as if what he just heard was hard to believe, why the shock?

“Why are you making that face, Phu? What’s wrong?” The newcomer sat next to Bohn, raising his eyebrows, confused at his junior.

“Hey! Seriously! Are you really dating Duen? Are you lying?” Phu spoke so loudly that I had to quickly cover his mouth with my hand, giving him a stern look to be quiet. When I saw my dear friend nod, I slowly released my hand.

“Do you get money for lying?”

“Damn. You’re so cool, my friend.” Phii Tang lightly patted his friend’s shoulder, then looked at me teasingly, “Alright then, I give in, being with your group every day, I get teased every day.”

“How could you let him win…I lost the bet, damn it.” I turned to look at Phu, seeing his sour face, his lips moving but not clear, but it seemed like he was saying, ‘Does Phii Bohn know that he’s your first boyfriend, you idiot?’ and ‘Duen got played for sure.’

“What was the bet about?”

“Me and King bet on whether he could win you over.”

“How much was the bet?”

“Two thousand each…” You guys are assholes.

“And who bet that he would succeed?”

“Ram and King, damn.” even my best friends can tell. It’s not surprising. As for you guys, don’t be too sad because even I thought I wouldn’t fall for it.

“Underestimating my potential, huh, you bastard.”

“Oh, Phii Bohn. Normally, Duen doesn’t like your type. So, I was pretty confident that you’d strike out…but I was wrong.”

“…”

“So, can we sit with you guys?”

“Go ahead.” So, we ended up with two more members at our table, which were Phii Tang and my friend Phu. They told the waiter to bring all the ordered food to our table, and Phii Tang was treating us for this meal!

But wait!!!!

“Damn, Bohn, why did you invite them to sit with us?” I whispered.

“To watch them up close, duh.”

“Uh…smart.” Wow, I forgot that from here, you can only see the image because they were far away. If you get them to sit here, you can hear them too.

“Give me a reward.” The rogue pushed his puffed cheek close to me, even though we were sitting on opposite sides, and because I was annoyed by how good-looking he was no matter what he did, I poked his cheek hard with my finger until it made a sound.

“There you go.”

Pfft

Damn, that sounded like a fart…

“That was hilarious, hahaha.”

“Once you have a boyfriend, you start acting all cute.” Your mouth…

“Pfft.”

“Tell me about it, when did he ask you to be his boyfriend?” My good friend nudged my shoulder gently. Your face is so smug, you madman…and Senior had the same expression.

“If it’s about me asking him to be my boyfriend…it was from the time we went to the condo, I guess.” I remember he was jealous because I was talking to a girl. “So, that means you didn’t say yes that time.”

“Uhm.”

“Playing hard to get, huh?” Ha! At first, you acted like you didn’t want me to be his boyfriend. What’s up with that now?

“Talk like that and I’ll report you to Ram.” I threatened. Ram is the only one who can deal with Phu…no, there’s one more, the difference is Ram uses words, the other uses force.

“You snitch.” Phu made a face at me before pushing my head so hard it hit the chair’s edge. Ouch, that hurt, you bastard!

“What’s going on between you and Ram?”

“What?”

“You seem close, do you have feelings for him beyond friendship?” He folded his arms, his brows furrowed into knots. Damn, he doesn’t even spare his close friend…wait, he doesn’t spare Ben either.

“We’re just good friends. There’s nothing more than that. You think too much.

Besides you, who would hit on me?” Great imagination, good at overthinking but even better at being jealous.

“I want you to clarify, what about that kid this morning, was I dreaming?” “He…”

“Stumped, huh?”

“…”

“You guys…” Phii Tang folded his arms, looking back and forth between me and Bohn.

“Is this what they call cute, Phii?” Phu said while doing the same.

“Yeah, probably.”

“Forget about us. So what are you doing here with Phii Tang?” I changed the subject, not wanting to be teased. Though he hasn’t started teasing yet, I’m sure if we let it go, he would have plenty to say. And today, he’s tagging with a senior who’s got a mouth as sharp as his.

“Eh, just here for a Phii Nong-style lunch.”

“Really…” I said quietly. I thought so too, but my intuition was telling me otherwise. Maybe it’s like what Bohn said, they’re not anything yet…just for now. “Why, what do you think?” He raised his eyebrows, asking me. I glanced at Phii Tang who had been watching. Phii Tang is clever; he can tell what someone is thinking with just one look.

“Nothing.”

“The food is here.”

Yay!!

Larb!!

Grilled chicken!!

I smiled happily. Just as I was about to grab some sticky rice with my hand, Bohn made a stern sound, stopping me.

“Duen, don’t use your hand, you haven’t washed it yet.” the rogue said with crossed arms. He’s right…but I don’t like using a spoon or fork to eat sticky rice; it’s not as enjoyable, it doesn’t absorb the essence of the sticky rice!!

“It’s not convenient.” After saying that, I reached out again, almost touching the sticky rice, but the brute grabbed my hand first. Ohhh, I just want to eat the sticky rice.

“Don’t be stubborn, use a spoon or fork.”

“You dictator! You madman! Why do you always oppose me?”

“I do this because I care about your health, you fool.”

Oh!! Fine, I’ll yield!

Not that I’m embarrassed or anything…

“Crazy person! Sea ghost, why do you always oppose me!” My good friend mocked me by making a sassy pose, flicking his head to the side in a pout…where did you learn these moves from, you jerk?

Phu

“The reason I do this…is because I love you, Somasree.” Phii…no, Phii Tang made his voice sound charming, reaching out to pull Phu’s head to his chest. Aren’t you guys embarrassed with everyone watching?

“I love you too…Somluykhlong.”

Somluykhlong, my foot!!!!

   Go play somewhere else, you crazy people!!!

  

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 34: Date

   [Bohn]

   Bon Ss: I’m outside your house.

   Duen: Are you kidding me? I’m already outside.

   Bon Ss: This conversation feels familiar, Duen. If you pull the same trick again, I’ll wrestle you…

   As soon as it showed ‘Read’, the slender figure popped up from beside my car, with Daonuea laughing beside him. You’re not messing with me, you idiot.

“You bastard, Bohn!”

“Hehe.” I laughed at his behavior. Duen, that bastard, is a medical student who doesn’t act like one. Is he crazy to use the same old tricks on me? The other day, I might have been a bit dazed, but today I’m cautious. Just now, I saw his sneaky head through the car window; he was silently laughing. Oh…he wants me to shout “flower” again, huh?

No way.

Bon Ss: I will count to three. If you don’t get in the car, I’m coming down to drag you in.

   The other guy looked down, read the message, made a surprised face, and glanced at me through the tinted glass, but showed no sign of approaching until…I raised three fingers and slowly lowered them one by one as if counting down. Then his eyes widened, and he quickly got Daonuea into the car. Today, I brought the Mercedes, which actually belongs to my brother, Buhn, but he’s not home, so I borrowed it.

I’ve never told you about Buhn. Buhn is the oldest brother at home, studying Management in his third year at this university. He’s rarely at home because he likes to stay over at friends’ places. Sometimes I feel sorry for his close friend, Tae.

If Buhn were a girl, you could say her heart falls for that guy.

If I had to describe his personality…it’s hard, it’s like fusing me with Bihn. He’s kind of funny with a straight face, always saying something serious, but the content is nonsense. And his humor is always flat…

“Hello, mom, hello, honey.” the brat greeted the person who just got in the car.

He’s now over the Daniel issue; he’s got a pet cockroach, saying, ‘Oh my God, Daniel…you left me this precious thing, my hard friend, huh,’ and then he cried…I’m glad to see my little brother happy. If it weren’t for the fact that Ben’s friend left too many offspring for us to deal with…my brother was making a fuss about bringing the babies into his room, saying, ‘I will bring the babies into my room, Diana, Dylan, and David need my warmth, Bohn.’

I was speechless, afraid he’d be upset…

But don’t worry, today I brought Ben along because I plan to use this opportunity to secretly exterminate Ben’s babies with the new Baygon cockroach killer spray I just bought for this purpose…die, you pests, hehe.

“What are you thinking, your face looks so evil…”

“Daonuea, you look so beautiful today, my dear.” I didn’t respond to the other person but chose to compliment the little girl to divert the topic. Today, Daonuea is wearing a military-patterned dress like the tough girls. As for Duen, he’s wearing a light brown T-shirt covered by a dark green long-sleeved shirt and regular jeans, but he looks insanely handsome in it.

“I chose my own outfit, hee hee.” Daonuea proudly said, chest out, who says she inherited a lot from her mother, who was a former model, no wonder both kids are good-looking.

“Very clever, whose daughter is this? Come give daddy a kiss.” I reached out to scoop Daonuea onto my lap, but the one holding her slapped my hand hard. Ouch, that hurt!

“That’s enough.”

“Why? I was just kissing the baby…or does Mom want one too, huh?” I smirked mischievously, moving my face close to the white cheek, about to press my lips down when a white hand blocked my cheek.

“I’ll really slap you, Bohn.”

“I don’t have the right with the baby, I don’t have the right with you, what rights do I have other than the rights to pay for things at Seven Eleven?” I lamented, pretending to look sad. Yesterday, I watched a Burmese series; the hero used this tactic with the heroine, and that was it…they ended up doing it in the car. You’re doomed, Duen.

“The right to win a condo with Tan Ichitan, that’s it.” Wait a minute.

“Duen, according to the script, if I lament like this, you’re supposed to be downcast and then come to coax me.” I protested, but the little brat wasn’t paying me much attention because he was busy styling his sister’s hair. Hey, you’re here to date me today, remember?

“Really? You want me to coax you?”

“Yeah, will you do it?” I asked with a fake sad face. Oh well, with kids around, let’s just think of it as a close-up theoretical sex education class.

“No.”

…I knew you’d say that. I shouldn’t have hoped so high. Sigh, watch me, I’ll pour liquor down your throat.

“…” I heard you, Bohn.

After that, I shut up. Not angry…just scared he might hit me.

I drove along the way. I used to go to the Ayutthaya floating market often, probably during my senior high school years if I remember correctly. Boss was after Taipla, the daughter of the shop owner who sold fruit jelly. He bought it every day until he was almost diabetic, and because it was far from school, I had to be his personal driver. Do you believe that Taipla was flirting with my friend even though she already had a boyfriend? My dear friend was always lamenting to me about it, saying, ‘Is it because I’m too good-looking or does she have bad taste? Her boyfriend looks worse than a sick dog with an ingrown toenail…but she chose him to breed with!!!’

…I didn’t know whether to comfort him first or pity the poor guy who got bullied.

“Hey, Ben, have you done the homework for Teacher Kevin?” Daonuea turned to ask my brother who was sitting behind Duen. Duen wouldn’t let Daonuea sit on the back of the car. I don’t know what he’s so afraid of.

“Kevin? Not yet, but I can do it.” The Kevin the kids were talking about was the foreign teacher at school. He’s an old, chubby Western guy who seems to know

Thai but can only say, ‘Delicious, huh?’

“Really? Teach me then, I can’t do it.” The little girl made a pleading face. Oh, my little brother’s heart must be trembling by now.

“Sure, do you want to come to our house?”

Bah, this kid is evil!

When I was little, I never had friends teach me like this. In the morning, I copied from friends at school. In the afternoon, I sent…or maybe other kids did this too, whatever.

“Daonuea, I can teach you.” Seeing his little sister in a risky situation where she could be lured, the ever kind brother, Duenhaw, immediately came to her defense.

“Let the kid learn by herself.” and of course, as the brother of the one trying to lure his little sister, Duen, I had to assist my brother to the best of my ability, huh.

“You’re insane. You want my sister to go to a guy’s house from such a young age? And alone at that?”

“Who said she’d go alone? You’ll come too.”

“Crazy, I have homework to do.”

“Then do your homework there.”

“No way…I won’t be able to work if I’m with you.” He said quietly at the end of the sentence, but my ears caught it clearly.

“And if you don’t work, what will you do? Huh?”

“Shut up.”

I grinned mockingly before turning back to drive. We had to prepare what we needed for the camp, which we managed to do before today. Now, all that’s left is the food, which we’ll prepare on the day we go. Oh, to sum up, we’re going to a place in Uttaradit to Phu Soi Dao. King is very excited because his grandma lives there. When he heard the news, he jumped really high.

I’ve never been to this place in Uttaradit, but after searching the internet, it seems interesting. At first, I was surprised because it’s an open area full of flowers. So, I asked James where we would plant the forest, and he said we’d plant below the mountain where there’s a park.

“Ben, have you ever been to the floating market?”

“Never.”

The half-Thai kid shook his head, pitiful for having to sit alone in the back. He was looking at Honey with droopy eyes…I just found out how much my brother is into Dao when I secretly read his diary; all it talks about is Dao.

“I will show you around myself.” the little figure turned to say to the other person. Being with Daonuea, I realized she’s a very cute kid, brave but also quite shy, and for sure, she’ll have a lot of guys flirting with her when she grows up, just a bit of intuition = =

“Duen, let the kid sit at the back.” I said while still watching the road. Today there aren’t many cars because it’s a holiday and it’s extremely hot. So, no one wants to go out.

Except for me and Duen, who chose today to go on a date.

“But…”

“There’s plenty of room at the back, why make her squeeze with you?”

“Sigh.” The slender figure sighed in defeat before nodding for his sister to move to the back. Dao smiled happily and quickly moved to sit with Ben…does she secretly have a crush on my brother, huh?

“Do you go there often?” I heard Daonuea mention taking us on a tour, which means she must go there quite often.

“Quite often, my mom likes to take me.”

“Oh.”

“How was the book you bought the other day?” Do you remember the day I dropped you off at the university? In the evening, I ended up picking you up and we even went book shopping. At first, I thought you were joking.

“That book? It’s amazing.”

Duen answered with a face full of happiness. Do you want to know what book it was? Initially, I thought it was a textbook or something, but no, it was a gore-filled murder mystery that’s quite…

“Do you like that genre?”

I asked, surprised. In my head, I couldn’t imagine Duen reading that type of book. If it were Ram, that would be different; he always has a poker face. I met him for the first time during the freshman welcome, long before Duen. No matter what the senior ordered him to do, his face stayed expressionless, which was super scary but also cool enough to impress many girls.

“Yeah, it’s thrilling to read. This one is really good, I’ve been waiting for it for several months. It just hit the shelves a few days ago.”

“You read something that doesn’t match your looks at all.” I said as I continued driving. Earlier, I saw an accident, but the police must have handled everything because I saw police cars, ambulances, and rescue vehicles all over the place, so I didn’t stop to help.

Speaking of rescue, Tang was once a volunteer rescuer. He said, “I want to do something for society.” Which was super cool…but it would have been cooler if he hadn’t quit after just two hours because he was afraid of blood…

“So, what would match?” I thought about his question. With a face like Duen’s, he should…

“Home economics books.”

“Bohn! Just wait!”

“It’s true, though.”

“I’m not talking to you anymore.” The other party grumbled before grabbing some snacks to eat, sometimes offering me some, and of course, he had to feed me because I was driving. When he did this, I felt like taking him somewhere far away, the service was just too good.

We chatted as we drove until we arrived at my and Duen’s date spot today. Can we even call it a date when we brought kids along…whatever, with kids around, everything might be easier than it should be.

“It’s hot.” Duen, or Bohn, mumbled as he led Daonuea to walk with us. The mischievous one didn’t need anyone to hold his hand or carry him; he didn’t like it much. So, I let him walk on his own but stayed close.

“Want to buy an umbrella?” I asked. Not far from here, there’s an umbrella shop, selling what I think are traditional northern umbrellas. I don’t know what they’re called, but you see them everywhere.

“It’s fine, we’ll be inside the market soon.” Duen answered. I didn’t argue.

We entered the market, and I’ll tell you, it was packed. Mostly with foreigners. I don’t know if I’m the only one who thinks this or if others do too, but I find every good-looking foreigner to look the same, no matter how fat or dark they are. I remember in elementary school, I called every foreigner Steve.

“There are so many foreigners.” my date said quietly, looking towards a group of foreign teenagers at the Som Tum stall. Just typical guy behavior, looking at pretty girls is normal.

Wait a minute. Are you checking out guys, Duen!

“Don’t look at other people.” I said, sounding slightly annoyed, covering his eyes with both hands so he couldn’t see anything. Looking at girls is one thing, but you’re looking at guys, I won’t accept that.

“Why, I have eyes, don’t I?” He removed my hands and stuck out his tongue. Daonuea and Ben looked at each other confused…or rather, only Daonuea was confused. The mischievous one was just pretending.

“Today, we are on a date, Duen…in your eyes, I should be the only one.”

“…Whatever.”

Duen blushed, then ran off, not forgetting to hold his sister’s hand. Ever since he confessed his feelings to me, I’ve noticed he blushes more often and more intensely than at first.

I smiled. Finally, my efforts are paying off.

“Why bring kids on a date?” The mischievous one called Ben came back, yawning to ask me, because he was probably sleeping in the car earlier…or was he really asleep? I saw him smiling while looking at Dao the whole way.

“I wanted to bring the kids to have fun.”

“Liar, mom wouldn’t come along, huh, huh.” This kid…knows too much.

“Why ask when you already know?”

I lightly flicked my brother’s forehead before pulling him along to follow Dao and Duen. We walked around the market, stopping occasionally to buy food. Apart from food, there were also souvenirs and household items. Most of the buying was done by Dao and Duen’s siblings because Ben and I eat on schedule, like a clock. If it’s not time, we’re not hungry.

“Do you want to eat anything else?” I asked Duen. It’s strange, we’ve been walking for so long in this heat, but this fool isn’t sweating a drop. When he walks, he attracts people’s attention like a celebrity, especially when he’s carrying Daonuea; it’s even more spectacular, with both foreigners and Thais turning to look. Not sure if they’re looking at the one being carried or the one carrying.

“I want something sour.” He mumbled softly, his eyes glancing at a blonde, blue-eyed girl. Even though she’s with her husband, he’s still looking…well, she’s looking back at him too.

Got you.

“Darling, are you pregnant again?” I clearly spoke the English sentence before pretending to support the slender figure as if he couldn’t walk on his own. When I glanced at the woman, I saw her eyes widen in shock. Don’t interfere, this fool is my wife.

“You crazy Bohn!” Duen lightly hit my shoulder. Now, both foreigners and Thais who understood English started looking at us with smiles.

“Am I going to have another sibling, Dad?” Ben, my diligent son, spoke up with an innocent face while holding onto my shirt, his smile mischievous.

“Yes, my dear son.” I replied, still supporting Duen.

“Argh, go walk by yourselves, you crazies!”

“Oh come on, don’t sulk, you good person.” I suppressed my laughter and went to comfort the other one who was making a stern face in front of the Khanom Jeen shop, haha.

“Mom, I want some fresh rolled wafers.” Daonuea doesn’t call Duen “Duenhaw” anymore. She must have gotten used to it, and so has Duen. It’s not just Daonuea who got used to it; me and that rascal too.

“Really, where?” Duen crouched down, asking the little girl. She pointed to a small canoe where two kind-looking elderly women were selling goods.

“Ben, do you want any? I’ll buy some extra.” The medical student turned to ask my brother, who hadn’t spoken to anyone since we arrived, probably excited about the floating market, constantly looking around and asking me, ‘What’s that called?’ “Tong…Muan? What is that?”

Pfft.

“Not Tong Muan, it’s Thong Muan, haha.” We all laughed together. It wasn’t mocking laughter, it was cute when a foreigner or half-Thai kid says Thai words for the first time; their pronunciation is off. I even like teaching him strange words.

“Ah…um.” the half-Thai kid rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. He wasn’t embarrassed because of us; he was probably more embarrassed in front of Honey.

“Come on, let’s go watch them make it.” Duen said, then took Daonuea and my brother to sit cross-legged in front of the old lady’s boat. The elderly folks were thrilled, having been watching the kids for a while. Old people are like this, they love small children.

“You didn’t invite me along.” I went to sit behind Duen, tilting my head to ask with a pouty expression. I was on a date with him, but he wasn’t paying attention to me. How could I not feel left out?

“You followed anyway.” He shrugged before lightly bumping his back against my chest, as if to say, ‘Get lost, people are looking.’ …Who cares?

“What? Are you here on a date with me or with Ben?”

“Even with the kids, you’re not excluded, Bohn.”

“I see.” I lowered my head to rub against his shoulder, rubbing back and forth. I wasn’t trying to be sweet for the world to see…I was just pretending to wipe off sweat.

“What’s this?” The mischievous one pointed at the clay pot with cloudy green water.

“That’s flour.”

“And this?” This time he pointed at the jar with black seeds.

“Black sesame.”

“Is it tasty?”

“It’s delicious, dear, haha.”

“Ah, can I try it?” Duen asked while picking up a piece of fresh blue Thong Muan to give to the mischievous one. My brother nodded and took a big bite, chewing with big eyes…what could be that delicious, young man?

“Yum!”

I’m starting to get really jealous of you, Ben…

“Feed me some too.” I hugged his slender waist, tilting my face so we could make eye contact, Duen turned and stuck out his tongue, then picked up a piece of blue Thong Muan and…ate it himself, what the hell, I was being all cute and you ignored me, damn.

“Don’t you have hands? Be quiet.”

“No, I’m holding coconut water.” I finished speaking and raised the glass of coconut water for him to see.

“What about the other hand?”

“I am left-handed. Not good at it.”

“Then you don’t have to eat.”

“Duen, feed me a bit.” I made a whining sound, rubbing my chin on his round shoulder until passersby started taking out their smartphones to take pictures. The one I was whining at gave a stern look as if to say, ‘Let go of me if you don’t want to die,’ but I just looked at him with a pleading gaze, implying, ‘Feed me and I’ll let go.’

“You…open your mouth!”

“Hehe.”

And then he stuffed the fresh rolled wafer into my mouth…really stuffed it.

“Delicious!” I chewed while still leaning on his shoulder. I don’t know what it is, but today I feel like being clingy.

“You’re so annoying.” Annoying means cute, right?

After buying the fresh rolled wafers, we continued walking until we reached the souvenir area. Most of what I saw were shirts and pants, the rest were accessories like necklaces, earrings, and the like.

“Dad, what does that shirt say?” Ben tugged at my shirt, pointing at a shirt shop. Which one? There are hundreds.

“Which one?”

“The yellow one.” I looked where my brother was pointing and saw a yellow children’s t-shirt, which is quite common around here.

“Ayutthaya Floating Market.”

“I want it.”

“Are you going to buy it?” He probably wants it as a souvenir or maybe…for Honey.

“Yeah, take me there.” I nodded and then looked at Duen, who was eating something with Daonuea on a bridge with seating, the railings were quite low, one could easily fall if not careful.

“Duen, I’m going to take this rascal to buy a shirt for a bit.”

When Duenhaw nodded, I was about to step forward, but suddenly I remembered something and turned back. The other raised an eyebrow as if to ask what was up. I looked past the slender figure to see a group of foreign girls, probably Korean or Japanese. They nudged each other and were pointing at Duen, who was wiping Daonuea’s mouth.

“Just stay put, don’t be too cute and let anyone flirt with you, okay?”

“Oh, you’re crazy! Go away, go!”

Duen shouted instinctively, then coughed and sat back down as if nothing had happened…not very smooth. Everyone in the market was looking at us.

I walked over to my brother with a smirk, oh, he was really happy today, how many times has this fool blushed by now?

“Just stay still, don’t be cute so people don’t come to flirt with you…huh.”

“Are you looking for trouble with me, son?” I crossed my arms, looking at him challengingly, just pretending, though. Deep down, I love it when others tease me.

“No.”

Ben pretended to sound sad, clasping his hands behind his back like he felt guilty. I think Uncle Sam must have been something special. He might have been a tiger before meeting Aunt Pen; Ben shouldn’t be the only cunning one because I only see him during the summer, the rest of the time he’s raised by…his dad.

“Which one should I get?”

The only woman in the store spoke up; the shop had shirts in various colors and sizes, besides shirts, there were pants, cloth bags, and other items. Should I buy a cloth bag for Duen? I can’t stand seeing him use that ‘Cool the Earth’ bag anymore, really. I once asked why he didn’t buy a new one, and he said, ‘This one’s good, I’ve been using it since fourth year at uni, I want to keep it as a memento for my descendants to see what a “bag” looks like. As for the item of Mom Luang

Krisadi’s item, hehe…’

“What does this one say, Bohn?”

“Let me see…Ayutthaya Floating Market.”

“And this one?”

“Ayutthaya Floating Market.”

“And…”

“Listen, Ben, every shirt in this store is printed with ‘Ayutthaya Floating

Market’.” I brushed it off. No matter how many shirts there are in the store, they all have the same design, just different in color and size.

“Really? Hehe.”

“You knew that already, didn’t you?” I stuck out my tongue; he must have known. Look at his face, smiling and winking annoyingly, hah, he knew and still asked.

“No.”

“You-”

Thud

“Hey! Daonuea!!!”

“Screech! A child fell into the water, help!”

Duen’s voice…

My legs moved on their own; upon hearing the slender figure’s shout, I ran out of the store as fast as I could. From here, I could only see water splashing in the canal like something had fallen in. With Duen still here, it must mean that Daonuea was the one who fell in.

“I’ll go in to help.” I blocked Duen from jumping into the water. If I hadn’t, he would definitely have jumped.

“But…” Splash!

Before the other could protest, I dove into the water. I didn’t have to search long for Daonuea because the water was shallow, but deep enough for a small child to struggle. She was flailing to keep from sinking; I grabbed her and quickly pulled her back to the shore. In high school, my PE teacher taught us how to rescue someone from water. I never thought I’d actually use it.

“Duen, take the kid!” I shouted while handing the child over to him and then pulled myself out of the canal. I didn’t care how wet I was. My heart was pounding like crazy.

“Cough…cough, buy.”

“Daonuea!”

“Huk…scared.”

“There, there, it’s okay, brave girl, I’m here now.” The medical student went to hug and comfort his little sister. Dao wasn’t breathless or coughing up water, so we didn’t need to do CPR, but she was quite shaken by the incident. You could see it from her trembling body.

“Is she okay?” One of the vendors came over to ask. If I remember correctly, she was the one who shouted that a child had fallen into the water.

“She’s fine, thank you.” I replied with a smile. It wasn’t just her; almost all the vendors nearby came to ask. I had to answer each one. I wasn’t annoyed; on the contrary, I was glad because their faces showed genuine concern for the child.

“Is Honey okay?” Ben came over, looking shocked. When we were kids, even a small fall was a big deal. How much worse for falling into water; it must have left a scar in his heart.

“Huh…” Daonuea shook her head, still hiding her face against her brother’s chest.

“It’s okay now.” My brother tried to comfort her by rubbing her back and speaking soothingly. Daonuea nodded and responded with sounds.

“Don’t cry, my brave girl, let daddy see your face.”

I walked over to sit close to the little one. When she realized it was me, she raised both her hands to her front, as if asking to be picked up. I nodded before gently lifting her to my chest.

“Huh…daddy.”

“You’re all wet, shall daddy take you to buy some nice clothes to change into?” I said softly, patting her back lightly. I’ve seen my mother do this often when the mischievous one cries; it seems to work because Daonuea quieted down.

Then…

“Uh-huh…” She nodded against my shoulder. When those around us saw we were okay, they dispersed back to their shops. They were very kind, bringing snacks and treats to comfort Daonuea until she couldn’t carry them all.

“Duen, we’ll go find some clothes to change into first.”

“Okay, is everything alright?” The slender figure asked with concern, and I felt glad that he was worried.

“Hmm. It’s fine, it’s just shallow water, but how did she fall in?”

“I was careless, saw her leaning on the fence, didn’t stop her, it’s my fault…”

“Don’t blame yourself, it was an accident.” I comforted him by patting his head. Duen seemed just as shaken as his sister, “But next time, be more careful, understand?”

“Okay…”

After that, we went looking for clothes. It didn’t take long to find a shop we liked. Well, not exactly liked, we chose the one closest because we didn’t want to walk far. I’m okay with being wet, but for Daonuea, if she stays wet for too long, she might catch a cold.

“I’ll pay for the clothes.” Duen came up to tell me, his white hand reaching to keep the shirt away from his sister’s skin. At first, he wanted to carry Daonuea himself, but I wouldn’t let him. Duen was only slightly wet, while both Dao and I were soaked through. Let it just be the two of us getting wet.

“No need.”

“Why? You helped my sister.” the future doctor asked with consideration, his eyebrows furrowed into a knot until I had to poke him to relax, why so stressed?

“She’s our child.” I smiled.

“Damn, Bohn…you’re crazy.”

“I don’t want anything…but I want to ask for something.”

“I knew it, what is it?”

“Today, don’t say ‘you’ and ‘me,’ call me Phii Bohn and refer to yourself as

Duen.”

“Man, can’t we do something else?” Duen made a face like he didn’t want to do it. I understand, once you’ve called someone by one name, it’s hard to switch to another. I’ve been there; I used to call a friend named Sakdisit. Now he’s changed his name to Susi, but I still call him Sakdisit.

“Can’t do it? Even Tee calls you ‘Phii’.”

“Shh, fine.” The conversationalist crossed his arms and looked away, with Bohn’s mouth mumbling, “Ha, acting all hurt.” Well, it’s true though.

“Come on, try calling me that.” Wait.

“…”

“Quickly.”

“Phii Bohn!”

“Cute, hehe.”

I happily carried Daonuea to look at clothes in the store. This fool called me Phii Bohn too, hey…the clothes in this shop are incredibly beautiful. I don’t know what to call this style, let’s just say it’s sophisticated.

“I think this dress is cute, right, Daonuea?” I picked up a dark blue dress. At the same time, Duen was also carrying my brother, probably because he saw that my brother was still frightened and didn’t want to let him go.

“Huh…which one?”

“This one, do you want it? Dad will buy it for you.” I smiled while holding the dress up against her small frame. I didn’t press it down hard because I was afraid it would get wet. When she saw the dress, Daonuea nodded with a smile before snuggling back into my shoulder as usual.

“Hey. It’s okay, I’ll buy-”

“What did you tell me to say?”

“I’ll…Duen will buy it for Daonuea himself.”

Oh, that’s some serious damage!!

   I need blood, stat…

   “But I want to buy this for the child, let’s go with this one.” I didn’t listen to the other’s objections before walking off to pay. Seeing this, Duen muttered quietly while looking at a large T-shirt that was clearly not his size. Was he buying it to give to his father?

“Who are you buying it for?”

I carried Daonuea over to him. Ben, who was in the slender figure’s arms, turned to look at Dao with a somber expression, worried that she might get sick. I reached out to ruffle his golden-brown hair until it was messy; the one whose head was being ruffled rolled his eyes in annoyance and even gave me the middle finger.

Good one, that’s how you get out of being gloomy.

“What…what?”

“Huh?” I raised an eyebrow to ask him. Just now, he was busy teasing the mischievous one and didn’t catch what my date said. So, we really came here on a date today, huh?

“For you!”

…Okay, now it feels a bit like we’re on a date.

   “Oh…is that so, huh?”

“Is it too big?” The conversation partner held the shirt up in front of me as if measuring it and then looked up to ask.

“Don’t say anything.”

“Don’t act like that, I just want to know about the size.”

“Shh. Alright.”

“White would be better, black absorbs heat and you’ll get hot.” He mumbled to himself, holding a white and a black shirt in his white hands. Of course, both shirts had the same design. Are you not thinking of getting something different?

“Hey, won’t it stick to you when you sweat? If that happens, the girls will look.” I said that, but really, I just wanted to see if he would get jealous.

“That’s my problem, Duen wants you to wear this one, any issues?”

“No problem…you’re not jealous at all?” I spoke softly, making a pouting face, secretly seeing Ben stick out his tongue from the corner of my eye. I changed my mind, I want the gloomy Ben from earlier back.

“Not jealous, take this one.” He handed the shirt to the shopkeeper without a care.

“What?”

“Ben, do you want one? You haven’t bought anything yet.” Duen didn’t pay attention to me but turned to the mischievous one he was carrying. The little one was good, tightly wrapping his arms around his neck…that’s my future wife, man!

“It’s okay. I’ll save money to buy snacks.”

The rascal said this while patting his wallet in his pants, acting like he didn’t have much money, but in reality, this guy is filthy rich. His parents sent him tens of thousands, and just the other day, he bought a dollhouse the size of a knee for several thousand. If you ask why he bought it, I can tell you…he bought it for Diana, Dylan, David.

He said, ‘My nongs wanted to sleep on a bed, but the beds are too big. So, I had to find a bed that fits…I should buy a jacuzzi too,’ please succeed in your massacre mission, Bihn…

“I’ll buy it for you.” Lately, this fool doesn’t seem to be radiating much annoyance towards the rascal, probably because in front of the future brother-inlaw, the rascal doesn’t do much…My brother is smart; he doesn’t act now, but he flirts with Daonuea at school when Duen isn’t around.

“Will Mom buy it?” Crazy, if you have money, buy it yourself!!

“Yeah, which one do you want?”

“Hmm…the green one.”

Duen nodded before handing the shirt Ben chose to the shopkeeper.

“What? Why can Ben choose?” I protested. By now, Daonuea had fallen asleep on my shoulder. She probably cried herself out, her eyes and nose are all red.

“Come on, he’s a kid.” That excuse doesn’t make any sense, damn it!

“Bias, I want the green one too.” I looked towards the green shirt, a color similar to Duen’s shirt, so we could match.

“Phii…can we switch that to the green one?”

“Yes.”

See how cute he is, he said with his mouth but his hands are picking up what I chose…Ah, this is definitely my golden era.

“What a lovely family.” the vendor said while handing over the bag of clothes and the change.

“Uh…”

“Thank you, let’s go.”

Without waiting for anyone to object, I quickly dragged him out of the store. After that, Daonuea and I went to change clothes in the bathroom. I never imagined they would sell underwear here; the floating market really has everything from pestle to battleship, haha.

“Where should we go next?” Duen asked. We let the kids walk by themselves, but I still held their hands to make sure they wouldn’t get lost. It’s crowded here, and with all the people walking around, it’s easy to lose a small child, which is even more worrying.

“There’s a boat tour around the market, want to go for a ride?”

“Up to you.” the conversation partner said, glancing at the boat I mentioned, which had only a few Thai people, the rest being foreigners.

“Hmm, today it’s up to us.” on a date, you should indulge your date, right?

…In the end, we agreed to take a boat tour around the floating market, the Chad, a super classic boat. I remember when Boss started flirting with Taipla, he would take her on a boat every day, teasing her at every grass jelly stall. Not bragging, but when Boss bought grass jelly, he would post photos on his Facebook with the caption, ‘Though the grass jelly is black, the heart of the maker is pink…just like someone wanting some,’ oh…profound.

“Mom, what’s that?” The half-Thai kid pointed to the other side while pulling out his phone to take pictures.

“What? Oh, a historical drama.” it’s a drama that performs…at some point, I don’t know when, but I always see it whenever I come here, they act for real, fall into the water for real, admirable.

“What’s the story?” The curious kid asked again, switching his phone to video mode.

“Um…I don’t know, haha.”

“Excuse me.”

A young woman tapped Duen’s shoulder. She came with two girlfriends who…clearly showed interest in Duen.

“Yes?” The one tapped raised his eyebrows, pointing at himself as if to ask, ‘Me?’ I think it’s time we need to educate Duen about his cluelessness.

“Can you take a photo for us, please?” She asked with a flushed face. Her friends were constantly teasing. I think this time Duen was aware because he looked slightly troubled but agreed to avoid being rude.

“Oh, sure.”

“From this angle, please.” the young lady directed Duen’s pose. I noticed she sneakily brushed his hand…very smooth, madam.

Click

Click

“All done.” Duen said, quickly handing the camera back to them, then looking left and right as if unsure what to do next, because you’re this cute, that’s why everyone likes you!

“Thank you, uh…”

Such an old trick. If you want to flirt with guys these days, you need to be bold, ladies. Otherwise, they’ll all be flirting with each other or get picked up by ladyboys; modern trans women are fierce, but I like hanging out with those guys, it’s fun.

   “Uh, my name is Duen.” He answered hesitantly, trying to look away. Oh, come on! He really knows, huh. And he’s even acting like he’s going to refuse, is this what you call development?

“Are you from around here, Duen?”

“No, but today we brought our kids here for a visit.”

That lady didn’t ask me…but I wanted to answer. I looked at her with a steady gaze, chin on my hand, until she gave a faint smile. After that, the girls didn’t bother us anymore. Good. I don’t want anyone to disturb my date partner.

“Phii Bohn.”

“What?” I asked while watching Daonuea and Ben, who were engrossed in a historical drama. If they were just watching normally, I wouldn’t mind, but they’re leaning over the edge of the boat. Daonuea could fall into the water any second.

“How could you say that?”

“Why not? I was just telling the truth.”

“Jealous?”

“Yes, I told you not to be so cute that someone comes to flirt with you.”

“She did come to flirt…but did I flirt back?”

“…”

“Ha, you said it yourself that today I should only look at you, and that’s what I’m doing, see?” My heart just melted.

“Sorry…you’re cute, let me kiss your cheek.” I leaned in, hoping to steal a kiss on the white cheek, but Duen was too quick, covering my mouth with his hand.

Why do you always know what I’m going to do lately?

“No!”

“Oh come on, what did you tell us to call each other before? Weren’t you saying

‘you’ and ‘me’? Now you deserve a slap.” I raised my hand in a threatening gesture, but instead of being scared, he grinned back at me with a teasing look that said, ‘You wouldn’t dare, you wimp.’

“Will you slap me?”

“Yeah, but with my lips.”

“Pfft! No, don’t mess around.”

“I’m not messing around, I’m serious.”

“Phii Bohn!”

We were stuck in this tug-of-war, neither of us giving in. I just wanted to kiss his cheek. Normally, when we’re on a date, these things should happen…Ha, what? Aren’t you embarrassed in front of others? …Not embarrassed, why would I be?

“Honey, there are so many ants here, the fresh Thong Muan might have fallen.”

“Really? Then we need to pick it up quickly. Where did it spill?” Daonuea, so innocent, looked left and right as if searching for the spilled Thong Muan, but there was none, dear…

“Close by, maybe it’s mom and dad, I feel like the ants are coming out from there.”

“Come on, dad, mom, the ants might bite, Ben says the Thong Muan fell around there.” the little girl moved closer to us, bending down to look in every nook and cranny.

“There’s nothing there, haha.” I smiled, affectionately patting her head.

“Oh, really?”

“Perhaps the witch and wizard have stopped making babies.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is.”

So similar, both the older and the younger…

“Your brother…is so annoying.” Duen said, resting his chin on his hand while looking at my brother. Now, the one being talked about has switched to adventure mode, saying he wants to go down to swing a sword or go for a swim, always wanting this and that…

“I told you not to call him brother, call him son.” I poked his soft white cheek. What cream do you use, Duen?

“No way.”

“Why not, it’s kind of cute.”

“If you call him that, which girl would look at Duen?”

“Then they don’t have to look, Duen only needs me.”

“Phii Bohn…what a flirt.” I shrugged, uninterested, and turned to watch the drama with the kids. They’re good actors. I like the voice of the guy playing Naresuan, his voice is so cool.

It took quite some time for the boat to complete its tour around the floating market. After getting off the boat, we continued to look for food. Initially, I and the mischievous one said we weren’t hungry, but now we were getting hungry seeing how Dao and Duen ate like a storm since we entered the market. Where do they keep all that food with such small bodies?

“What’s that?” The curious kid pointed at a small shop along the walkway where an old man was sitting. Hey, I saw that the old man was secretly asleep in his shop, watch out for your wife’s scolding, uncle…

“Traditional ice cream, do you want some?”

“Uh-huh.” Hearing the response, we immediately went to the shop. The old man was startled awake, wiping his drool. Oh no…if he’s selling something that needs to be handled with his hands, I definitely won’t buy it.

Last year, Bihn, Buhn, and I were in an artistic mood and wanted to eat fried mussels at midnight. We drove out of the house looking for a mussel shop but couldn’t find one. We were about to give up when Bihn spotted Uncle Pa’s mussel shop. We were excited and quickly ordered three portions of fried mussels. The seller, Pa, looked sleepy and confused, nodding off. Concerned, we stood watching him in case he might fall asleep and hit his head on the frying pan. He kept cooking, but when a mosquito bit his leg, he smacked it with the spatula for the mussels – making a loud smack! – and then continued cooking as if nothing had happened.

Buhn and I didn’t touch that plate, but that crazy Bihn ate it even though he knew, all while Bohn was saying, ‘Ugh, that Pa, that bastard…using the spatula to kill a mosquito and then still cooking mussels with it, tsk tsk, watch, I’m going to…ugh, burn your shop down,’ yeah…

“Let’s get…two coconut milks, what will Ben have? Coconut milk or pandan?” I almost forgot we were standing in front of the old man’s traditional ice cream shop, thinking we were at Pa’s.

“Hmm, can I have both?” My brother asked, trying to look over the edge of the container, probably too short to see. Oh well, he’ll grow.

“Sure, sure.” The old man answered and prepared what we ordered.

“What are you going to eat?” Duen turned to ask me. Oh my, that question just now was so good for my heart. I smiled and shook my head in refusal. I don’t really like these sticky foods.

“I won’t eat, you and the kids enjoy.”

“Don’t try to steal.”

“Yeah, hehe.”

The kids, now with ice cream, ate messily and in a cute, chaotic way. I reached out to wipe their mouths before looking at Duen, who was also eating. Earlier on the boat, he made my heart beat like it was about to jump out. What he said…was it true?

“That girl is super pretty.” I looked over at the fruit salad shop, thinking he wouldn’t turn to look, but I was wrong because Duen turned the moment I finished speaking.

“…She’s super hot.” the slender figure licked his lips, staring at the woman’s figure with shining eyes.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t look at others?” I crossed my arms, noticing Ben giving a mocking look, but sorry, this dad needs to talk to this mom first, then I’ll play with you, son.

“You pointed her out, so Duen looked.” He shrugged.

“Shh, Duen, you’ve got ice cream on your mouth.” I whispered. As I was about to wipe his mouth, I stopped when I took a good look at his face. His handsome face was flushed from the heat, beads of sweat trickling down to his cheeks, and the corner of his mouth was smeared with coconut ice cream…creamy white.

“I won’t let you eat anymore.” I said, taking the cup of traditional ice cream away from him. No wonder everyone was looking at us while we were walking.

“Why?” The fool stuck out his tongue, trying to take the ice cream cup back.

“You’re messy when you eat.” even if I tell you the truth, you wouldn’t understand anyway.

“Hey, come on, I want to eat.”

“I won’t let you.” To resolve the issue, I scooped up the rest of the ice cream and ate it all, then threw the cup into the trash with precision.

“Phii Bohn, you have a bad habit.”

Time passed until it was two in the afternoon, which is nap time for the kids, even Ben was sleepy. Now, both little ones were staggering, so Duen and I had to carry one each.

“Are you sleepy?” Duen asked his sister, who was now barely keeping her eyes open, looking like she wanted to sleep badly but was trying to keep her eyes open to talk to Duen. Such effort, oh, little lady (please say this in a voice like Phii Note Udom).

“Yes, I am.”

“Ben, are you sleepy too?” I turned to ask my brother. Looking at his condition, there was no need to ask because his eyes were already closed. Heh.

“Hmmm…”

We carried the kids to the back of the car, arranging them comfortably before setting off. Duen got some plants to take home while my mischievous brother and I only had a couple of bags each.

“Sorry we have to head back early, do you want anything else?” The slender figure tilted his head to ask, handing me a neatly rolled cotton candy roti, damn…honestly, today was worth living.

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“I want you, Duen.”

“You’re crazy.”

I glanced at the car behind through the mirror before deciding to pull over to the side of the road. The medical student beside me looked puzzled but didn’t say anything.

“Duen.”

“Huh?”

“Should I force you, and you become my wife, or should I ask nicely to be your boyfriend?”

“Phii Bohn! You!”

“Be my boyfriend, Duen.”

“…”

“I’m not a good person, but I’m confident I can be a good boyfriend.”

“…”

“I’m not good at studying, but for our future, I’ll study hard.” “…”

“Duen might be a doctor who takes care of patients all over the world…but can I be the only one in the world who takes care of Duen?”

“…”

“Answer me, I’m embarrassed.” I used the back of my other hand to cover my face…I’ve never asked anyone to be my boyfriend before, and I’ve never been this embarrassed.

“Isn’t it clear enough that we’re on a date?” I couldn’t help but smile when I heard that, feeling like my heart was swelling in my chest.

“Not yet, I want to hear your answer. Not just these sentences.”

“Phii Bohn! If you already know, why ask?”

“Answer quickly.”

“Yes!”

“Duen is now Phii’s boyfriend.”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 33: Only I can take care of You

   [Bohn]

   (Bohn!)

Huh…it sounds like I’m hearing Duen’s voice…no way, it’s impossible, I’m asleep at home with my eyes closed, but if it really were him, that would be nice.

“…”

(Bohn!!)

“!?” I woke up instantly, the first thing I saw was the familiar face of the medical student. Did I leave my laptop open all night? I’m not surprised…what’s surprising is that Duen did the same, hehe.

(Wake up, you crazy. How did you post that picture of me? That’s so mischievous.)

“Well…it’s cute.” I shrugged, still smiling as usual. Today was the first day I woke up to see Duen first thing. I wish everyday could be like this.

(And what’s with your caption, it’s terrible.) The person on the other end sat cross-legged while scrolling through his phone.

“What, I took so long to come up with that.” I got up, moved my laptop to the side of the bed, and sat cross-legged like him. He wasn’t wearing pajamas like last night; he must have taken a shower. Damn, I’m still in my pajamas…wait, that means he woke up but didn’t hang up?

He wanted to watch me sleep, huh?

“What time is your class?”

(Eleven.)

“Shall I take you?”

(Why do you need to take me, I have my bike?) After saying that, he held up his bike keys, shaking them gently for me to see, as if to say, ‘Do you see this thing here? This is what humans call bike keys.’

“I want to look after you.”

(…damn.)

“So, can I take you?”

(No. I’ll go buy books in the evening.) Is he really going to buy books, or does he just not want me to take him?

“I’ll go with you then.”

(You’re crazy. Don’t you have anything else to do?)

“No…wait, yes I do.” I pretended to think for a moment before nodding in response.

(Then go do it, hurry up.)

“Flirting with you is my business.”

(Ha…you really make my heart beat fast.) Duenhaw pouted, his face red, but before I could capture the screen, he turned his face away. If he were right in front of me, I’d grab him and kiss his cheeks until they were bruised, just watch.

“Heh. Alright, I’ll pick you up at ten o’clock, meet you in front of your house.

That’s it.” Without waiting for him to argue or refuse, I quickly hung up the call, not forgetting to wave goodbye before leaving.

(Hey!-)

Click

I’m happy.

Last night, I was so glad when he expressed his feelings. I didn’t think I would make him think things like ‘Will you message me today?’, ‘What will you say in your message?’. Those make me happy too, but the cutest one would be the last one, ‘Are you really flirting with just me?’, that one made me extremely happy. Even though he didn’t say it out of jealousy, it probably meant he was asking if I was lying or something like that. I really want him to be jealous of me sometimes…

I’d better go read Boss’s comments, it’s entertaining to read them, I like it.

Thang Nakrab: I’m tired of teasing, you guys are too sweet, damn it.

   You’re just jealous of us.

Megha Setthakit: Good.

   Huh…okay, I understand you, Merk.

Bom Boomm: When will you two finally get together?

   I want to know that too.

Thanthep King: Is there any button Phii King can press to get into Dr.

   Duen’s heart?

   Oh, damn, just wait, you guys.

Tee Phattarawin: Want a boyfriend without any baggage, go date an engineering guy, and Nong Duen won’t regret it.

   Are you mocking Duen or helping me = = ?

Alright…let’s get to the comments from the king of bad puns. I saved this one to read later.

Boss Thanarit: What’s wrong with your neck, Bohn?

   Well, this time it’s not for a pun, huh. I scratched my head before typing a reply. What neck are you talking about? This is a picture of Duen. There’s not a bit of my neck in it.

Bon Ss: My neck? There is nothing.

   Boss Thanarit: It is!

   Bon Ss: What is it?

   Boss Thanarit: It’s a neck in love!

   Bon Ss: Full marks, no deductions lol.

   “Damn you, Boss. You never disappoint me, ha ha ha.” I laughed before getting up to take a shower when I saw that it was almost time for my appointment. I woke up late today like crazy.

“Are you going already, son?” my mom asked as I walked through the living room. I saw she was knitting a scarf for Ben. I’ve tried telling her this is Thailand, not some foreign country, you know.

Ouch.

“Yes.”

“Why the rush today? You usually leave nearly late every day.”

“I’m in a hurry to pick up your future daughter-in-law.” As soon as I said that, my mom put down her knitting needles and ran to me with lightning speed, sheesh, next year I’ll enter her in the Olympics.

“Oh my. Do you have a girlfriend now?” Why does she have to look so shocked, thinking about it…my last relationship was in my fourth year of high school.

“I’m courting someone.” As I said that, the image of the clueless doctor popped into my mind, what a hassle to court someone so hard to win over. Has he ever been pursued by anyone? I think there must have been, but Duen probably didn’t realize it.

“Is she cute, my son?” Mom asked excitedly.

“The cutest.” I answered with pride. Even if others think he’s handsome, for me, it’s not just that. Honestly, I’m kind of annoyed by those who say he’s very handsome; it makes me want to print a vinyl with Duen’s picture and write, ‘This is called cute, plus, sexy, you morons!’

“Bring her for me to meet sometime.”

“Let’s wait until that one agrees to date me first, ha ha.”

“Oh, I’m so curious to see what kind of person that one is.” Mom touched her cheeks and pretended to think, if she saw him, she would definitely exclaim, ‘Are there people like this on Earth?’, just like I did…

“Mom, you would be shocked by that one personality, I’m off now.”

“Okay.”

I said goodbye before walking to the garage, only to encounter my good little brother watering a plant, looking utterly ridiculous. He’s handsome but always acts so vulgar, his taste is strange too. Dad bought him a hundred pajamas, but he only wears one, guess what it is…

Not some branded or cool pajamas, no, Bihn’s favorite pajamas are made from shiny red fabric, printed with the words, “If I miss the younger one, the older one will try the ladyboy.” and it’s not just one spot, it’s printed all around the shirt. Plus, the font is in a very Thai, wavy style, which I hate to see. I once planned with Buhn to burn it, but Bihn found out first. So, we’ve had to endure this monstrosity for years. And today, he’s added the option of tying it with a bow, and the hair tie is just as sinful, is it a hair tie or a female dog’s nipple? It’s all tangled up.

The more I explain, the more headache I get…

“You’re in such a hurry, Bohn, where are you rushing off to?” He asked while still watering…a fake plant, completely crazy, there are hundreds of plants but he’s watering just this one. And it’s a fake plant that Mom bought to decorate the house, oh well…

“To pick up my wife.”

“You have a girlfriend?” He raised his eyebrows before redirecting the water to…a marble horse, sigh, do whatever you want, Bihn, water on Earth is wasted because of people like you.

“Getting one to be one.” I opened the car door to get in but had to jump back as Bihn sprayed water at me, damn it! My suit almost got wet, damn it, I’ve been marinating it for over a year…

“Bihn, you crazy bastard! What are you playing at?”

“Hey…the name ‘Koy Bihn’ sounds cool, I should set it as my name on

Facebook, back to the point, the one you’re flirting with, is it the…handsome doctor you often post pictures of?” My brother, whose genitalia can fly, turned off the water and leaned against my beloved Porsche, standing there idly, I don’t mind, but why scratch your balls inside your pants, sigh, it’s exhausting.

“Yep, damn, Bihn, you’re so ugly.” I made a disgusted face, and the one being insulted just smiled back, should I be happy to have such an open brother? At university, he behaves like this too. I really sympathize with his friends…but I pity myself and my family more for having to live with him.

“Looks good.”

“No, no, don’t interfere.” I leaned my arm on the car door, pointing my finger at my brother in warning.

“Wow, I won’t.”

“That’s good.”

I knew he wouldn’t like someone like Duen anyway. He likes chic, cool girls, not the sweet or girly type. He said if he had a partner, he’d want someone easygoing, someone you don’t have to be tense around.

“Seriously, why do you like this guy? He’s even more handsome than you.” “Damn, you’re annoying, so blunt.” I made a face to start an argument. Even if Duen is handsome, he’s definitely not more handsome than me. More handsome than me? Then he would be Eddie…Who’s Eddie? Whatever.

“I’m just telling the truth.” My conversation partner shrugged before yawning unabashedly, ew! You bastard bird, behaving so disgustingly, I’ve been trying to get over this for years, but seeing what you do, I can’t get over it.

“I don’t know, his cluelessness hits me hard.”

“Huh?” Now you’re confused. You’ve never talked to him, so you wouldn’t understand. Once I manage to make Duen my boyfriend, I’ll bring him home so you can try talking to him.

“I’m leaving, you’ll see when I bring him over.” I dismissed him before getting into my car.

Bon Ss: I’m at your house now.

   I’m pretty good at remembering the way to Duen’s house, really, it’s not that hard. I just give myself credit like that, haha…

Duen: Are you that impatient? I’m at the front of the house.

Huh…where then? Or am I at the back of the house? It shouldn’t be that. I scanned around but didn’t see even a shadow of the slender figure who said he was at the front of the house too.

“Where are you…” I muttered to myself before bending down to type a message.

Bon Ss: Where?

I decided to get out of the car to look for him, staring at my phone in case he replied. Damn, he read it but didn’t reply, what’s going on?

“Waah!”

“Hey! Flowers!”

I shouted in surprise when someone slapped me hard on the back, it hurt, but I was more shocked. I turned to look at the culprit who was now squatting and holding his stomach, laughing his head off.

“Ha ha ha.”

“What are you playing at?” I cursed him, then frowned irritably. Crazy bastard, I’ve been saying this curse word a lot, recently influenced by the bird.

“Hilarious, your face was so shocked, and what’s with the word ‘flower’ being an exclamation, hahaha.” The future doctor sat on the floor laughing, tears coming out of the corners of his eyes, how could something be that funny?

“If it wasn’t you, I would’ve knocked you down already, geez.” I meant that, really. I don’t like friends playing like this; it feels strangely unsettling when it happens.

“Wow, that’s harsh, I was just kidding, hahaha.”

“Get in the car…if you don’t want to deal with more ‘flowers’.”

“Damn…” And just like that, he got up from laughing on the floor and quickly ran to sit in the passenger seat, heh, why was saying ‘flower’ so funny?

“What time is your class today?”

“In the afternoon.” I answered while still steering the wheel. It’s pretty late now, so traffic is normal. That’s good, I’ll get to spend more time with Duen.

“Really, are you going to wait for class?”

“Yep, too lazy to change clothes…Have you eaten yet?”

“Yeah, haven’t you eaten?”

“No, come eat with me.” I turned to smile at the slender figure, who made a disgusted face before answering reluctantly.

“Do I have a choice?”

“Heh heh.”

“What kind of flower do you want today?”

“Huh, flowers? Up to you.” Every flower Duen gives me, I keep well, almost like I want to replant them to see them sprout anew. I don’t want them to wilt.

“Where should we buy them, the gas tank shop?” He means my ice cream tub shop, right? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him in a while, but Duen probably sees him every day since he always buys from this shop.

“That’s fine, we can also eat something there.” There’s lots of good food there, and I want to eat the same Pad Thai as before.

After that, we just kept talking, or rather, I should say, Duen was telling me more about the comments on the pictures I posted last night. It turned into us laughing about our friends’ comments. We chatted back and forth until we reached our destination.

“Hey, gas tank!”

“Oh, Nong Duen, hello!” The shop owner, Phii Fang, greeted Duen. I don’t really know her, but Duen told me that after buying flowers here every day, they got acquainted so she might give him a discount…how cunning.

“Yes, Phii Fang.” Duen smiled, holding an ice cream bucket in his arms. I haven’t seen him in a while, why does he look so swollen? What have you been feeding him, Phii Fang?

“You brought a friend today, huh?”

“Hello.”

“Sure, choose whatever you like.”

“What color should I get?” The clueless guy walked to the rose shelf. Trust me, most of the flower shop’s income probably comes from him, haha.

“Why’s it all roses lately?”

“I’m too lazy to choose, ha ha ha.”

“I thought there might be a good reason.”

“Wow. There’s no reason like that.”

“…”

“What color is good? I don’t want them to be the same color…let’s go with orange.” After saying that, his white hand grabbed an orange rose to pay for it. Phii Fang looked confused. Normally, Duen takes his time choosing, thinking it over and over like someone with an obsession for detail, but today he chose in less than five minutes.

“Why did you choose so quickly today?” I asked after we left the shop. My conversation partner glanced at me for a moment before looking around as if he was doing something else.

“Scared you’d die.”

“Huh? I won’t die just from waiting for you to choose a rose.”

“No, no. You haven’t eaten yet.” He stopped walking and turned to talk to me.

“…”

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“I am.”

Hungry but not for food.

I want to eat you.

In the end, we went to eat chicken with rice. The place Duen was looking at was this restaurant; he said he ate here with Daonuea last time and liked the taste so much he wanted to eat here again…even though he’d already had breakfast.

“Squeal, that guy in the engineering jacket is so cool.”

“Yeah. Just studying engineering, I was already okay with it. But then he’s also hot, oh my god.”

“Where can I find a husband like this, he’s so cool, and he has pierced ears too.” “He came with his wife, believe me, I’m a BL fangirl.”

Huh? What’s that sound?

I turned to look where the sound came from and saw a group of five female students. They were pointing at me, but when they saw me looking, they blushed and playfully hit each other to hide their embarrassment.

“Why do women want a boyfriend who studies engineering?” The person with me asked, looking at the table of girls with a disgusted expression like they were jealous.

“Engineering guys are sincere, right?”

“Yuck, are they really?”

“They are, you’ll see.” I finished speaking and raised my eyebrows to add to the teasing.

“Don’t want to know, and why do girls want someone with a car?”

“Why are you asking so many questions today?” I raised my eyebrows in confusion. Normally, I’m the one who starts the conversation, but today Duen started it and was asking all sorts of questions.

“I see girls are only interested in suits and cars, there are doctors’ lab coats too, why don’t they care about those…doctors are way hotter than engineers, geez.” Oh, so that’s your reason, I thought you were jealous of me, oh life.

“It’s not about the suit or the lab coat, I think it’s because doctors study a lot and don’t have much time.” I’ve seen that most people dating medical students break up because the doctors study too much and don’t have time for anyone. My older brother, Buhn, once dated a girl from this faculty, but they broke up after just a few weeks because she didn’t have time for him.

“And suppose…” The slender figure shifted his gaze from the girls to me, still resting his chin on his hand, but his body language was a bit awkward.

“?”

“Just suppose! …Suppose we were dating. Wouldn’t you get lonely?” Duen said, his face turning a bit red, looking very enticing.

“I wouldn’t get lonely.”

“Why not? Will you have a side chick?” Duen asked with a teasing look. You never remember what I tell you.

“I’ve already said it, even though I’m a flirt, when I have a girlfriend, I only date one at a time.”

“Then why wouldn’t you be lonely?”

“You’re going to move in with me.” I said seriously. If we become a couple, I want him to live with me at my condo. I want to be with him, want him to cook for me every meal, want to wake up with him first thing in the morning, want to sleep with him, want him by my side.

“You’re crazy.” He pouted, probably thinking I was joking.

“I’m serious, once we’re dating, move in with me.”

“No, to both.”

“You’ll agree eventually, trust me.”

“No way.”

Not long after, our ordered food arrived. Who exactly hadn’t had breakfast? Duen finished the first plate and went for another without stopping until I had to tell him to stop. Believe me, if I hadn’t intervened, he would have ordered another plate for sure. Is this guy’s stomach human?

‘Faculty of Medicine’

“You can park here.”

I nodded and parked the car where he indicated. Now we’re in front of his faculty…I’ve been at the university for two years and this is only my second time here. I never thought I’d come here to court someone from this faculty.

“See you this evening.” Duen is still using the same cloth bag, that ‘Reduce Global Warming’ bag of his. When will he change it? Should I buy him a new bag as a birthday present?

“I’ll really come to pick you up.”

“Don’t you have to prepare for the camp yet?”

“I have prepared, but I’m still coming to pick you up. Aren’t you going to buy books?” I remember what he said this morning. I don’t know if he’s using it as an excuse to reject me or if he’s really going to buy books.

“Just for homework, I’ll have Tang take me.” I held onto the arm of the person speaking before he could get out of the car.

“No, if I said I’ll take you, then I will.”

“You’re so stubborn.”

“You’re the one who’s stubborn.” I said, then reached out to gently pinch his beautiful nose.

“Don’t pinch me! Go to class already!”

“Duen.”

“Huh?”

“Study hard, okay?”

“Crazy…”

With the sentence ending like a whisper, the slender figure dashed off the bus faster than a Formula One car. If I’m not mistaken, his face was slightly red, adorable as hell. How many times have I said “cute” Since being with him? Maybe…a hundred. No way, not quite, but close.

Can’t help it, he really is cute, isn’t he?

I’m not sure if it was the right call to come to the university so early before class. Now, I have nothing to do at all. So, I’m just sitting here being useless in the faculty cafeteria.

“Hey, Bohn, do you have class now?”

“Oh, Phii Sen…No, Phii. I have class in the afternoon.” That’s my senior, Phii Sen. Can I call him handsome? I’ve never seen his face clean-shaven even once. He sports a beard thicker than a bandit’s. I don’t even know if he has acne because his beard covers it all…

“Why did you come so early then?” The burly figure sat down opposite me. There’s not a single friend of mine in the cafeteria right now, only the seniors.

“I came to drop off the doctor.” I said, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

“Shit, is it the doctor that everyone’s talking about?” Duen is quite famous in our faculty, but he probably doesn’t know in what way. The news isn’t bad; people in the Engineering Faculty know him as the reason  faculty moon from Engineering nearly fought faculty moon from Management last year…It’s not that bad.

“Hehe.”

“Are you two dating now?”

“It won’t be long now, Phii.” Right now, I feel super confident about myself. Duen must have feelings for me, believe me. But he doesn’t show it because he’s clueless, has to be.

“Very confident, huh? When you become a couple, let me know, I’ll treat you to drinks.” It’s rare for Phii Sen to offer to buy drinks; he even borrows money from me for instant noodles. He’s rich, but he’s the type who wants to live on his own terms, so he told his parents, “Don’t send money anymore, I’ll work to support my studies.” So cool…

“Drinks? Sure, Phii, hehe.” Mentioning drinks reminds me of the day Duen got drunk, that was a life profit for me. If he gets drunk again, this time I’ll record a video to watch for fun.

“What’s up? Why the suspicious look?”

“Nothing, Phii, don’t you have class?”

“Oh right! It’s late, all because of you, Bohn!”

Oh, why are we arguing like this?

I watched my senior, who was running breathlessly in the opposite direction. To be honest, I don’t see him at the faculty much because after classes, he immediately rushes off to his part-time jobs, at several places too. I don’t know how he manages to do it all. Click

Duen: Where are you?

   Huh, why are you asking? Did he forget something in my car or what…No, he didn’t bring anything except his cloth bag, ‘Cool the Earth’, or maybe he’s worried about me.

Bon Ss: Waiting for a friend in the cafeteria.

   Duen: Serves you right, I told you not to come and drop me off –

   Oh jeez, you’re asking just to rub it in, I’m sorry for expecting anything.

Bon Ss: That’s harsh, I was just trying to take care of you, ha!

   Duen: Ha!

   Bon Ss: Not going to class?

   Duen: I am, but it’s hard. Don’t understand.

   Bon Ss: Then pay attention.

   Duen: Too lazy.

   Bon Ss: Then drop out.

   Duen: And what will I eat without a job?

   Bon Ss: I can support you alone.

   Duen: Are you that rich?

   Bon Ss: Not really, but I can support you for a lifetime.

   Duen: Crazy.

   Bon Ss: Go to class.

   Duen: No way, then you won’t have anyone to talk to, poor you, lol.

   I smiled at the message I just read, can’t you be cute for a minute without dying? If pitying me leads to this, I’ll be pathetic every day, might as well start by lying down next to Alex…

Bon Ss: Skip class and come hang out with me, so I won’t be lonely.

   Duen: Come on, you said to me that I should study hard, right?

   Bon Ss: Well, I said you don’t have to study anymore. I can support you.

   Duen: You’re crazy.

   Bon Ss: No need to be friends, just go to class.

   Duen: You said it yourself.

   Bon Ss: Yeah, hehe.

   When will you finally date me?

…I’m almost going crazy over you, Duenhaw.

 

[Duenhaw]

   “Crazy…” I cursed, even though I knew the other person couldn’t hear, does he think he’s a forest or something? Talking like he’s going to support me for life. Even though my mouth curses him, my heart beats hard at those messages, chill heart.

“What’s with you, Duen?”

“Whoa!” I exclaimed in surprise when Ting; the faculty star snatched my phone to read what I was looking at. Tang was fine until he saw I was about to take my phone back from our beloved friend, then he got in the way. Are you guys doing this as a team now? That’s not fair!

“Oh my.”

“Did he come to drop you off at uni?” Tang turned to ask, raising his eyebrows after reading my messages.

“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes, he parked for a long time. I don’t know what you guys were doing, Duen, but your face looks redder than a mandrill’s butt.” How could you see that! I ran as fast as I could. But…that comparison is really gross, you bastard.

“…We didn’t do anything.”

“Then why was your face red when you got out of the car? Don’t tell me it’s because the Thai weather is hot. You were sitting in the car.”

“Well…the fan in the car was broken.”

“Really, the fan in a Porsche? I’ll believe you, sure.” Dammit!

“And why did he come to drop you off, did you sleep together last night?”

“Crazy!”

“And why did he come to drop you off? Don’t lie and say your bike broke down,

I’ll really punch you until you bleed.” King wasn’t just talking; he raised his hand as if he was really going to do it. Tough guy! I’m your friend, man.

“He…just wanted to drop me off.” I told the truth; lying would be pointless anyway since they’d catch on. My lying skills are low as dirt, unlike theirs, whose lie-detecting skills are max level.

“Phii Bohn, man…he really takes good care of you.” Phakhee, with his chin on his hand, kept re-reading my message…no, he was scrolling up to read the previous messages. Hey!

“Yeah, he’s exactly my type. How many guys like this are left in the world? I want to breed with him, I just need his sperm, I want cute babies.”

“I like the line, ‘I can support just you,’ it sounds like a marriage proposal.” And they kept on with their casual banter. I didn’t stop them anymore; it was pointless to try.

“Have you gone on a date with him yet?”

“Not yet.”

“That’s not true.” Oh, come on, King. If you’re not going to believe my answer, don’t ask.

“You’re about to go on a date, right?”

“…” Damn, Tang. You’re too smart…you really are raising a baby, aren’t you?

“…”

“I guess I’ll have to prepare to welcome this brother-in-law from the Engineering Faculty.”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 32: Reserved.

   [Bohn]

   “What would Daonuea like to eat?”

“Dao would like to have…steamed sea bass with soy sauce.”

“Then we’ll have steamed sea bass with soy sauce.”

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me? I’m your child too.”

“Huh. No.”

That was a conversation I had with the kids earlier. I went with Duen to pick up the kids and we went to eat at Hia Ta’s restaurant. He was shocked to the point of nearly fainting, thinking that Duen and I actually had kids together. Well, you see, Dao looks like Duen, and Ben looks somewhat like me.

“What would you like to eat, mom?” Daonuea turned to ask Duen. It looks like this little girl likes playing house, calling us ‘dad’ and ‘mom’ non-stop, maybe it’s become a habit, I’m not sure. And now, Duen doesn’t look bored with the world when he’s called that anymore, he seems to have come to terms with it.

“Whatever you want, Dao.” Upon hearing that, Daonuea ordered so much food for her brother that Duen had to tell her it was enough, kid, it was pretty funny.

“Your daughter is so cute, Nong Bohn.” I immediately smiled when the waiter said that.

“Uh…she’s—”

“Thank you.” I replied, not forgetting to raise an eyebrow at the person who was baring his teeth at me. Well, she’s really my child, right?

“Haven’t seen you for just a few weeks and now you have two kids, huh?” the restaurant owner teased, making Duen pout. The kids didn’t quite get it; they just kept smiling when they heard that.

Sweet.

“Well, that’s what good medicine does, huh huh.”

“Bohn, be quiet…you pervert.”

“I didn’t even say what kind of medicine.”

“Huff!”

We chatted for a while before Hia excused himself to attend to other customers. Soon, the food we ordered was served. Throughout the meal, Duen continued to play the role of a good mother excellently, serving food to the mischievous one and Daonuea, wiping their mouths, he was just awesome, I was totally impressed.

“Ah.”

I served some of my favorite ginger stir-fry to him, not forgetting to smile. Instead of getting embarrassed, he raised his eyebrows and then burst into laughter so hard he was shaking.

“…Pfft.”

“You’re not eating it?” Why are you laughing, I went out of my way to serve it to you.

“I’d die if I ate that, you bastard, I’m allergic to ginger, hahaha.”

“Oh…I forgot.” I said softly, feeling guilty. On the first day we met, he told me, but I forgot…should you be mad at me for real?

“It’s fine, I was just joking, ha ha.”

“Joking about what…I’m sorry.” I genuinely feel guilty, trying to court him without knowing anything about him, not even what he’s allergic to.

“Chill out, I said it’s fine.” He smiled at me before reaching out to scoop some ginger stir-fry. At first, I was confused, hey, you said you’re allergic, why scoop it up to eat?

“Ah, I know you like it.” Is he in an unusually good mood today? Just because he got good grades.

I smiled back and continued eating. Soon, we were full. I and Duen split the bill fifty-fifty. At first, I wanted to treat him, but since he wouldn’t accept it, we had to split the cost.

“Are you sleepy, Daonuea?” Duen asked his younger sister who was leaning back to sleep on the back seat because my little brother was also looking gloomy by the door; he had some upsetting experiences today.

“Uh-huh.”

Daonuea nodded, her eyes almost closed, Duen gave a playful smile and returned to his seat. Seeing there was nothing more to do, I started the car, the destination being the home of the siblings, Dao and Duen. I was excited to drop him off at his house for the first time…we argued to death before I could even drop him off. Funny, I wouldn’t go out of my way to please anyone else, but for Duen, I’m dying to do it though he doesn’t want me to.

“When you get to that point, turn right.”

“Yes, sir.” I turned the steering wheel as he instructed; his house isn’t that far from the university. I’ve picked up Bihn around here before when he came to do housework at a friend’s place.

“Why is your brother so quiet today?”

“I don’t know, he feels guilty because he stepped on a cockroach and killed it.” I answered truthfully; my brother might seem cunning, but he’s quite sensitive. He loves animals a lot, always rushing to help when he sees one in trouble, but this morning he accidentally stepped on a cockroach he kept in his storage room, so he’s very upset. I woke up with a start when he was shouting through the house, I think that cockroach was named Daniel because I heard him yell,

‘Don’t, die, Daniel!!!!’ = =…

   “Huh?”

“Ben is sensitive about animals.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

The person next to me nodded slowly at me before turning to look at the person being talked about with disbelief. No one would believe it because his look doesn’t match that, he seems like a young master who dislikes this kind of thing, but his true self is quite different from what others think.

I drove at a speed below the standard…really, I just wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. Oh, and Phii Moss brought the CBR and handed it over to him already, he works really fast.

“That one.” I followed the white finger to find a house…quite big but not extravagantly so, it was a two-story contemporary style house.

Well, he’s really rich like he said.

Not that it matters, Duen likes to keep things down-to-earth. He doesn’t use branded or expensive items much, except for his phone and car, which somewhat show his status. Otherwise, he uses ordinary stuff, his bag is just a simple black backpack alternating with an ordinary cloth bag for reducing global warming, with a hole at the letter ‘o’ in ‘reduce’, and he tied it with rubber bands…which looks terrible because it reads ‘reduce world heat’.

“What’s wrong?”

“Huh, nothing.”

“Okay, I’m going then.” As Duen was about to open the door, I reached out to hold his arm back. Duen looked confused, not understanding, but he sat back down.

“Hey, Duen.”

“Hmm?”

“Want to go on a date?”

“Cough, cough…” Duen choked on…something I think was his own saliva.

Wow, even your saliva can choke you, you little idiot.

“I’m serious.”

“You’re acting strange today, Bohn.” That’s because of you, you fool.

“I’m trying to hit on you, but I don’t know anything about you except your name is Duenhaw, you’re a first-year medical student at the same university as me, you like sour stuff, you’re allergic to ginger, you like green, you’re a cat lover, you have a sister named Daonuea who’s a bit slow, not as quick as others, and…you’re cute.”

“…You’re crazy.” My conversation partner looked down. I leaned back against the seat and turned to look outside, not wanting him to see my face right now…the face of someone who lacks self-confidence.

“I’m serious…”

I feel like I lose to everyone who’s interested in Duen. Even though the popular guy backed off on his own, I still feel like I’ve lost…he backed off because he thought Duen and I were dating, which we’re not, but I chose to be selfish and not tell the truth because I was afraid of losing him.

I’m really pathetic.

He has a good nature, always good news about him. On the other hand, I’m all about bad news, and my character is just as bad.

He seems to get along well with Duen, always laughing together, unlike me who’s always arguing with Duen.

In the end, what do I have to compete with Frong? What’s worse is that during dinner, I almost killed Duen with something he’s allergic to. I’m such a…

“Want…to…”

“What?” I turned to ask him, he said something earlier, but I didn’t hear it clearly, I only made out the first and the last word, “want” and “to.”

“If you want to know something, just ask!”

“…”

“How would you know if you don’t ask!”

“…”

I stared at him in amazement before smiling once I regained my composure. What he said meant he was giving me a chance to get to know him, right? Does he realize what he’s doing, or am I just imagining things?

“…What’s your real name?”

“Kritsada.”

“What’s your last name?”

“Rattanawanamchok.”

“Do you want to change your surname?” I asked with a smile. When it’s time to flirt, you’ve got to flirt, otherwise, he might think my service is poor. Inconsistent.

“No need to make up excuses to flirt, just ask if you’re going to ask. If you don’t, I’m going home.”

“Ask, ask.” I can’t help but smile.

“Go on.”

“What do you like?”

“What do you mean?”

“The person, the one you said you liked, who is it?” I remember him mentioning he liked a girl, and I’ve met her too. After sitting and thinking about it, the only girl that matches his description is Tingting.

“Why do you want to know?”

“I’ll go kill her, then you’ll only have me.”

“…”

“Answer me.”

“No way.” Why not, just with that one woman, why can’t you say it, is it that important, dating a woman is so annoying, you should date me instead, it’s much better.

“Come on, tell me how you’re going to answer.”

“I’ll only answer the questions I want to answer.”

“Then…what’s her personality like?” I sighed and changed the question when I saw that Duen definitely wouldn’t answer, his face blank but stubborn, he won’t talk about things he doesn’t want to, no matter how much you ask, it’s just wasted effort.

“Who?”

“The one you like.”

“She’s…well-mannered.”

“Well-mannered? Ha, that’s boring and not exciting at all.”

“Does it have to be wild, rough, like you?”

“Exactly.” I puffed out my chest, how can a well-mannered girl compete with Phii Bohn’s thirty thousand fierce moves, all prim and proper, smiling, being together would only lead to awkwardness, it’d be suffocating.

“You’re so full of yourself, -.”

“What don’t you like?”

“If it’s food…raisins and ginger, I hate them so much.”

“Really, anything else?”

“That’s all, I can eat everything else.”

Doesn’t like raisins, allergic to ginger. Just these two things I need to be careful about, the more I think about it, the more different we are. I like ginger and raisins while he’s allergic to ginger and doesn’t like eating raisins. I like tough people while he likes well-mannered ones. I’m straightforward, while Duen is a bit slow and gloomy.

Contrast, perfectly…

“That’s all you want to ask?”

“Yep.”

“I thought there’d be more, I’m too lazy to answer, well, I’m off then, Da-” Duen said goodbye, reaching out to wake Daonuea, but I stopped him again.

“Duen.”

“Huh?”

“Will you go to the camp with me?” I really want you to come with me, you know. It’s my first time volunteering at a camp. I want it to be memorable, and what would make my first camp experience memorable is having Duen by my side.

“Want me to go with you?” He asked with a mocking look, thinking I’m some kind of tough-talking hero from a drama, huh, Duen? Trying to tease me, are you?

You won’t get me, dear.

“Uh-huh.” I smiled back.

“…Sometimes you’re too straightforward, Bohn.”

“I am straightforward, huh.”

“Will it be okay, I mean me going?”

“Are you free?”

“Yeah, I’m free, but I don’t know if the old man will take us anywhere.”

“By ‘old man’ you mean your dad?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Is he kind?” I think he probably isn’t cruel. From the last time your mom called, he seemed kind and even a bit shy, like Duen. If I had to guess, your dad is probably honest, smiling, you know.

“Dad, huh…I don’t know, he might be kind. He likes giving me money and telling me to go out to pubs. Plus, he threatens that if I don’t drink, King and his gang will force-feed me, and he often asks me when he’ll start smoking. Recently, he told me to take a girl to a hotel…Oh, and he once punched a kid who was bullying Daonuea.”

Damn, not funny anymore.

I went silent upon hearing that, wow, so different from what I thought. So, the family members all have different personalities, the son is clueless, the daughter is playful, the mom is kind, and the dad is strange and brutally harsh…

“Really…Okay, let’s go on a date then.” I changed the subject, let me flirt with you first, we can sort out the family stuff later…

“No.”

“Duen, let’s go, you can bring your sister too.” I grabbed his hand, his slender figure glared at me, trying to pull his hand back…but no way I would let go.

“Is that what you call a date?” I know it’s more like going out together, but…

“Or do you want to go with me, just the two of us?”

“No way.”

“See. Well, whatever, I’ve already told Daonuea that I’ll pick her up at home on

Saturday.” This Saturday I’m free, and the preparations for the camp should be done before then, there shouldn’t be any urgent work either.

“Heh, do whatever you want then.” Duen said nonchalantly, with a disgusted look on his face. I know he mostly agrees because I forced him, but eventually, he’ll agree on his own.

“Want to go anywhere?”

“…The floating market.”

“Ayutthaya?”

I asked in surprise; when I ask girls, they usually choose to go to the mall or some romantic places like restaurants by the river, amusement parks, hotels, (?) and look at this guy.

“Yep. Don’t want to go far, be considerate of you.”

“If you want to go…even if it’s across the continent, I’ll take you.”

“Can you stop flirting for one day?”

“Heh heh.”

How would a business faculty guy like him flirt with Duen, would he flirt morning and night like I do, or would he do something better? I don’t know how to start flirting with Duen, it wasn’t hard with others, just buy flowers, give gifts, say sweet words, and that’s enough to win them over.

But Duen isn’t like that, he won’t let me buy expensive things for him, and when I flirt, he doesn’t show any reaction.

I’ve never taken anyone to my condo because I don’t like anyone entering my personal space; I’m very territorial, possessive about everything that’s mine, but how much I show it depends on how important it is. If it’s not very important, I don’t care much, but if it’s important…I won’t let anyone touch it.

And since when did I start to feel so possessive about Duen as if he were something important…

I’m insanely possessive about him, but what about him? Does he feel anything for me? I don’t want to be the crazy one chasing after something that doesn’t exist, does he feel anything for me…

“Duen…”

“Hmm?”

“Are you at all moved by me…?”

“…”

“Frankly speaking, at first, I was sure I could make you like me, but seeing the people who like you, I got scared, especially since you’ve shown no signs of liking me, which made me lose confidence…”

“…”

“Duen, do you have any feelings for me at all…?”

“…”

“I’m not a good person like Frong. I’m not as smart as Phii Thara. I’m not tidy like the people you like, my personality isn’t great, and there are only rumors about fighting and womanizing. If you don’t like me, I will stop doing this pointless thing…”

“…”

“You don’t like me, do you…” I said, feeling dejected when I saw that the slender figure went silent. I had already anticipated this, Duen had clearly said he likes women, but I was still stubborn about pursuing him.

Poke!

“Ouch, damn, Duen, after hurting my feelings, you’re going to hurt my body too?”

“What the hell is wrong with you, always jumping to conclusions, Bohn?”

“What?”

“Even though I don’t really want to admit it…you know I’m clueless, I don’t really understand these things, I’ve never even had a first love, but…”

“…”

“When I’m with you, it’s different from being with others, my heart beats when you flirt with me, your smile makes me blush. I feel at ease when you’re around, I wake up in the morning always thinking if you’ve messaged me yet, what you’ll say, what flower I should buy for you today. How long are you going to keep flirting with me…and are you really just flirting with me?”

“…”

“I’m not gay…I never thought a guy would come and pursue me.”

“…”

“If any other guy came to pursue me, I definitely wouldn’t like it…but what you’re doing now…”

“…”

“…I don’t hate it, you know.”

His face turned red, right? Or was it just my imagination that from his long speech earlier, it seemed like Duen was saying, if not me, then nobody else should flirt with him? …That’s what you call being moved, isn’t it? I smiled happily. Meanwhile, the person next to me turned to look out the window, clearly embarrassed.

“Then I’ll keep flirting with you, Duen.”

I reached out to grab his pale hand, slowly kissing the ring finger on his left hand, wanting him to remember…

‘This finger, I’ve claimed it. And it will be mine alone.’

“It’s your business, you overthink…”

“Don’t let anyone else flirt with you.” I made a stern face, raising my finger in warning to say, ‘If I see anyone flirting with you, I’ll kill them,’ Duen probably understood because he looked at me with annoyance.

“Only you would be foolish enough to flirt with me.”

“It’s not foolish…I just have the courage to flirt with you.”

“So you’re shameless, huh?”

“Yep.” I puffed out my chest, I do have shameless pride.

“Tch.”

“Can I see your face?” I asked because I wanted to see how red his face was; he said that when I flirt, his face would turn red and his heart would beat fast, but I’ve never seen that happen. Did I not notice, or is he good at hiding it?

“No.”

“But I want to see.” I didn’t just say it, I reached out one hand to hold his handsome face still, then with the other hand, I tried to turn on the car light, but Duen stopped me.

“Ugh! Bohn, the kid is sleeping!” He was probably trying to cover up his embarrassment with annoyance, always a bad liar, Duenhaw…

“She won’t wake up. I just want to look at your face.” I smirked mischievously, trying to reach for the light switch again.

“If you turn on the light…the kid might wake up.” What kind of excuse is that? This is typical of him, when he lies, he comes up with weird reasons like, ‘I’ve had enough air,’ or something like that, it’s quite funny to hear.

“Are you afraid the kid will wake up, or are you afraid I’ll see you blushing?”

“I’m not blushing!”

The more I get to know him, the more I like him. At first, I just wanted to test if ‘special’ could turn into something else. Now I know it can evolve, and it won’t stop at just ‘like.’ For sure…

“Can I kiss you?”

“…You’re crazy. No way.” The slender figure widened his eyes, leaning back against the car window.

“Have you had your first kiss yet?” I asked, part of me thinking he might have already. Because of his handsome looks, another part of me argued that Duen definitely hadn’t kissed anyone yet.

“Asking about what, you creep…”

“You haven’t, huh?” I was teasing him to admit the truth; he had said he’d never had a boyfriend. Not having a boyfriend doesn’t mean he hasn’t had his first kiss, but I thought he probably hadn’t…

“So what if I haven’t!”

You haven’t, huh…

Do you know what, Duen…

“I just want to say, your ring finger, your first kiss, the position of your first boyfriend, everything on you…I’ve claimed them all.”

“You bastard, Bohn!”

“Oh, there’s one more thing…”

“What now, want my balls too?”

“The position of your last boyfriend…I’ve claimed that too.”

He was stunned for a moment before he opened the door of my Mercedes and scooped up Daonuea, getting out of the car with the speed of a turbo-charged cheetah, damn, he’s so shy, hehe.

“I thought I’d get to see a love scene in the car.”

“Have you been awake for a long time?” I hugged the steering wheel, looking at my little brother through the rearview mirror. He must have been awake for a while because he didn’t look like someone who just woke up; his eyes weren’t red, he wasn’t groggy, and he was still annoying.

“Not that long. Just in time for the sentence…’Want to go on a date?’ hehe.”

“Ha. From the very beginning, wasn’t it?”

It didn’t take me long to drive back home, shower, and get dressed. Now I’m sitting at my desk, reading a book. Even though I don’t have much work right now, I still need to study for exams. The content I’m studying is vast, and the professor is clever, managing to combine all the topics into one question, damn…kill me, kill me, death might be better.

This is too hard to study…better to chat with Duen.

Bon Ss: I miss you

   Duen: You’re crazy. You’ve only been gone for 41 minutes.

   If you’re going to reply this fast…or are you waiting for me? Wait, the important question is, does it count the time?

Bon Ss: Does it count the time?

   Duen: It doesn’t count, Daonuea remembers.

   She’s crazy, Daonuea sleeps like the dead, she probably woke up just to check the time.

   Bon Ss: You can believe it if you want.

   Duen: Wow.

   Bon Ss: Don’t forget our appointment on Saturday.

   Duen: Yeah.

   Bon Ss: Video call, want to see your face before sleep.

   Duen: Are you crazy? I’m about to sleep.

   I chose to use a laptop because I’m too lazy to hold a phone, holding it for long makes it fall on my face, which is a painful moment. Once I had the communication device in hand, I called the other person immediately. At first, I thought he wouldn’t answer…

“Curse first, then answer?”

(His hand accidentally pressed it.) The other end looked away. He’s wearing the same pajamas he wore when he visited me at the faculty last time, Duen probably plays on his laptop too. And he’s lying on the bed.

“Really, huh?”

(Are you going to talk?) He made a face before looking down to do something.

“Talk, what are you doing?” I craned my neck to look, even though I knew I wouldn’t see anything.

(Working, it’s so hard) The future doctor showed me his work. What the hell are you studying? I don’t understand a single sentence. It’s not hard though.

…I can’t read Duen’s handwriting.

“Really, am I bothering you?” I asked while leaning back on the bed, lifting the laptop onto my stomach, this position is super comfortable. I know everyone has done this.

(If you’re bothering, would I answer?)

“How did your hand accidentally press it?” I smirked mischievously, my conversation partner paused with his hand, his face slightly red, snap…

(I…damn you, Bohn! If you knew, don’t tease me!)” He was upset before turning his face away, muttering Bohn under his breath.

“Ha ha ha.”

(I’m not doing homework anymore.) The slender figure walked out of the camera frame, probably to put away his work. Once he moved to another area, I could see the room more clearly. Not all of it, just the bookshelf behind him and the end of the bed. Does he like reading books? That’s different from me; my bookshelf, whether at home or in the condo, only has a few books. I don’t really like reading unless it’s necessary.

“…Nothing to talk about, huh?” I said quietly when Duen came back.

(Just put it down.)

“No, I want to see your face as the last thing before I sleep. And as the first thing when I wake up.”

(Weirdo.)

“Your face is red.” I teased with a smile, and upon hearing that, Duen turned the camera away. This time, I saw his wardrobe, it was huge, like a shed. I just found out he likes fashion.

(Shut up, you bastard.)

“Okay, okay. No more teasing, come back quickly, good person.” I said with a smile. I didn’t know if it was just me smiling a lot these days or if Duen was doing the same. Before, I wasn’t much of a smiler, always keeping a straight, emotionless face like I was Merk’s twin, sometimes getting into trouble because of my facial expressions.

And look at me now…

(Damn you.) The person on the other end finally turned the camera back.

We chatted for a while, about this and that, even gossiped about teachers. Duen told me about his studies, and I shared a bit about my faculty, in case he was interested. I didn’t realize how long we had been talking until I checked the time again…

22:07 PM

Wow. Have we been talking for three and a half hours?

“Duen.” I called him, and the clueless guy put his laptop aside and turned to talk to me, looking very sleepy but still trying to stay awake to talk to me. His voice was so cute…like a kitten.

(Uh-huh…)

“Are you going to sleep?” I smiled when I saw him nod, even though his handsome face was buried in a big pillow.

“(Yeah.)”

“Leave the camera on, okay?”

(Why did you leave it open…) He opened his eyes, what’s this, I wanted to see Duen being all cute, like earlier.

“I want to watch until you fall asleep.”

(You’re a psycho, Bohn.)

“Have you ever video-called someone until they fell asleep?” I’ve never done that. Normally, I don’t talk to anyone late at night like this. The only ones would be Boss and Tang talking about this person or that in the group chat, but that’s just text.

(Heh. No, when I get sleepy, I hang up.) He yawned, slowly closing his eyes as if he couldn’t resist gravity anymore.

“Good.”

(Huh?)

“I want to be the only one who does this.”

(Oh, fuck, Bohn, you woke me up, you damn…!)

“Heh heh.”

(I’m going to sleep. Whether you hang up or not is your business.) He closed his eyes again, even though his eyebrows were still furrowed. If I were closer, I’d poke hard between his eyebrows.

“And you won’t hang up?” I asked with a mischievous tone, Duen opened his eyes again, making a disgruntled face.

(I…need to charge my battery.) Has anyone ever told you that your lies are not convincing at all…

“Really, charging the battery, huh?” I’ll pretend to believe you, heh heh.

(Tch.)

After that, Duen closed his eyes again, this time really falling asleep. I lay there watching him before smiling. I like watching him sleep; he’s charming to look at, making me want to take a picture. I decided to capture the screen and post it on Facebook, not forgetting to tag the person in the photo.

Bon Ss

   I’m afraid to close my eyes, scared that the image of you will disappear.

   Why do you have to be so adorably hard working for others to like you all the time? Being cute for me to look at alone is enough.

   #BohnDuen with Krisda Duennhaw

  

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 31: Blocking the Way, Clear the Way

   [Bohn]

   “Hey…isn’t that the famous guy from management?”

Tee nudged me to look down the aisle.

…And it was true, the tall figure from the management faculty walked in with five friends. My heart felt uneasy even before he did anything, I don’t know why, damn.

“Yeah, really, what are they doing here?” Bom added, the other side glanced at me but didn’t show any particular reaction, probably just an accidental eye contact rather than intentional.

“Let’s watch.”

The newcomers walked towards ‘Tiger’ who was sitting beside my group. The closer I looked, the more I recognized his good looks, an aura of goodness surpassing even an angel’s. This bastard isn’t human.

“Oh, Oat. What are you doing at my faculty…here to flirt with tough girls?”

Tiger teased one of the famous guys in the group, probably the same one who commented under the photo where Duen was tagged, ‘Hey hey, calm down, friend, playing with fire, huh? Be careful.’ I remember his face.

“Asshole, didn’t I tell you the teacher sent me to deliver the permission forms?” Oat lightly tapped the tiger’s head playfully before handing over a piece of paper, which must be the permission form he mentioned.

“Oh right, I forgot, stretch. But…do you really need to bring so many handsome guys to my faculty? …Oat, you bastard! You brought famous management students too? No way, I can’t be around you guys, go away, or I’ll die from all this.”

“Haha.”

The management kids laughed when they saw the tiger’s reaction, and the famous one laughed too, looking even better when he laughed. Seeing him in person, he’s just like in the news, playful, good-looking, and from what I’ve heard, his character is impeccable.

This kind of competitor…

…is really scary.

“He laughs so brightly.”

“He looks good, doesn’t he?”

“He has a good personality too.”

“What are you guys trying to prove here…” I mumbled to myself, wanting to contradict something but there was nothing to argue against.

“Well, it’s true.” Still, Tang isn’t done, huh? I gave my best friend a glare before returning to cutting the rope, which seemed endless.

I tried not to pay attention to the newcomers; otherwise, Duen would think I was jealous for no reason, even though we’re not anything like last time. To be honest,

I…

I didn’t want to hear the word ‘don’t like’ coming from his mouth; it stings more than getting stabbed.

“Hey, hey, he’s coming this way.”

I turned to look in the direction Bom was pointing, and indeed, the group from management was walking towards us. The place where I was sitting wasn’t a pathway to anywhere, so there’s only one thing they could be thinking…

“They’re definitely coming for their friend.”

I turned away, exhaling in irritation at Bom’s thought. Is that what you think?

“He might be coming for me.” I said, propping my chin to look at the person who had been looking at me. The other’s gaze wasn’t threatening or hateful. I don’t know why, but he seemed kind of sad…and indeed, as I said, they stopped right in front of me. My friends sitting around here all turned to look, of course. The atmosphere around us seemed like there was going to be some trouble.

“Bohn…right?”

He asked, to not be rude…so I stood up to face him, with my friends standing up as well. There were six on his side, seven on mine, but Bom isn’t really good at this sort of thing. If there were really to be a fight, it’s hard to guess who would win. “Yeah, what’s up?” I asked with a straight face.

“Nothing…just wanted to see you.” If anyone else had said that, I’d think they were looking for trouble, but this guy spoke like it was just normal conversation, with no other intentions.

“Is there something?” I do get into trouble often, but I’m not quick to anger…

“I like Duen.”

…but I get jealous easily.

“Are you looking for a fight or what?” I would have hit the guy in front of me if Merk and Tee hadn’t held me back first. They’re my friends; they know how I am.

“Hey, hey, what the hell, don’t fight, you guys.”

Seeing things go south, James and Tiger quickly stepped in between us. My opponent smiled at the two newcomers before shaking his head to say it was nothing. Tiger and James looked at us alternately before deciding to walk away to stand nearby, ‘We won’t interfere, but we’ll keep an eye from not too far, don’t start anything, okay?’, that’s what they meant to convey.

“From the looks of it, you like him too.”

“Yeah.”

“Actually, I already knew, but what I really want to know is…what’s the deal between you two?”

“Flirting, dating, talking, Phii-Nong, or lovers?” I saw hope in those eyes, but it flickers when he hears my response.

“What do you think?”

“So sneaky, why answer a question with a question, haha.” Why ask, don’t I look like his boyfriend?

It’s not sinful.

I didn’t lie about being his boyfriend; what I said was just a question. I didn’t specify any status…

“Damn, heartbroken before even starting.” After a moment of silence, my conversation partner sighed deeply. Though he was still smiling, I could tell his inner feelings were the opposite. I know how he feels…it’s incredibly painful, and that’s why I did this. Sorry, Frong. You’re way better than me, both in character and in how well you get along with Duen, but…

This one, I’ll keep for myself.

“Okay. If he’s already taken, I don’t want to be the third wheel.”

“…That’s good.”

“But if you break up with him, I’ll be ready to step in immediately.”

“You are pushing it!” I was about to shout and approach him, but he said something that made me stop.

“I…wanted to take care of him because he seems so clueless, but if it’s like this,

I’ll have to leave him to you then.”

“Even if you didn’t say it, I’d take good care of him anyway.”

“Then I’ll go. If I stay long, I might not be able to let go, haha.”

“Yeah…sorry.” I said the last sentence softly, feeling guilty but I couldn’t let him have a chance to court that idiot. Even if there was just a slight chance, I wouldn’t risk letting Duen meet someone better than me, afraid he’d fall for someone else and I’d get heartbroken. Damn, I almost want to lock him up at home.

“What did you say? I didn’t hear it.”

“Nothing.”

I’m so pathetic.

“What, he’s leaving? I thought something was going to happen.” Tang said disappointedly, watching the management group leave. So, they came specifically for me but used the excuse of the permission form.

“What’s with you, Tang?” Boss asked. Now we’re back to working where we were.

“According to the rules, if the main character and the second lead meet like this, the heroine would have to…”

“Oh, what are you doing at the engineering faculty?”

“Damn…this is exactly what I meant.”

 

[Duenhaw]

   “Duen?”

“Yeah. If not me, then who? There’s only one person this handsome in the world.” I smiled, noticing the other side also smiling…why does he seem different today?

“You little narcissist, ha ha ha.”

“And what are you doing here…wow, if you like tough girls, you should’ve said so.” I teased, bumping shoulders playfully with the taller one.

“I’m not here to flirt with girls, I brought a permit for a friend.”

“Oh.”

“And what about you, what are you doing here?”

“I came to see him.” I pointed at Bohn, seeing he was already looking my way. But…why do Phii Tee and Phii Merk have to hold his shoulders? Or does he!!…have a sprain or something? Hey, and he didn’t tell me so I could get some medicine for him.

“…huh?”

“…” What’s wrong, Phii? You don’t look well, are you sick?” I moved closer to check on him, his face wasn’t red or showing any signs of illness, so why does he look so down?

“Heh. No, I’m fine.”

“Sure?” I furrowed my brows and asked again, even someone as clueless as me could tell that the smile he just gave was the most forced one I’ve seen.

“Yeah.”

The tall management student smiled, rubbing his arms. Phii Yim is so annoying, everything he does looks good, even when he does something stupid, he looks handsome. This calls for dressing him in bad clothes…yeah.

“Oh, when are you going to let me wear matching shirts with you?”

“Huh?”

“I guess I won’t wear it then.”

“No, don’t do that.” No way, the senior spent money to buy this for me, it’s like I’m taking advantage if I don’t wear it.

“The matching shirt…it’s meant for couples to wear.”

“Wow! You think too much. Me and Dao can wear them together, did someone break your heart or what?”

“Yeah, it hurts like hell.”

“Oh, really heartbroken, huh? Someone didn’t give you attention? That’s shocking.” What’s with girls these days? Phii Yim is quite good-looking, (though a bit annoying). But who would dare break the heart of such a popular, handsome guy?

“Really shocking.”

“Was it a lover, or what?”

“Nah, I got heartbroken before I even started courting. Just found out that person was taken.”

“Oh, now I’m curious about who stole his heart.”

“Rough.”

“…You buffalo, how could you choose a rough guy over a gentleman like you, bro?”

“Yeah, totally a buffalo, haha. Or should I try courting him? Hell is just the name of a chili paste.”

“Don’t even.”

“…”

“Aside from looks or personality, it’s about the heart, Phii.”

“…Oh, damn, feels like a second rejection.”

“What do you mean by second rejection?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

“Anyway…but you’re so pitiful, how about I treat you to ice cream to cheer you up?” I said jokingly, trying to make him laugh. I don’t feel right when he’s not smiling that playful smile.

“You’re really going to treat me?” Phii Yim raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah, but just the two of us. No bringing Daonuea, or you might flirt with my sister.” I said seriously. No, he just got his heart broken, which means he’s in the mood to find someone to comfort him. What if he falls for Dao’s cuteness?

“Have you asked him if he wants you to go?”

The slender finger of the person in front of me pointed somewhere, and when I looked, it was at Bohn…huh? Why ask him?

“Bohn? Why do you need to ask him?”

“Ask first. Don’t want to get punched.” Phii Yim said jokingly. What’s this about? I made a puzzled face but turned to ask Bohn as he instructed.

“Bohn, can I go eat ice cream with him?” I asked, tilting my head, pointing my thumb at Phii Yim.

“…”

“What’s your answer?” I repeated when the other just met my eyes but didn’t respond.

“Go ahead, but I’m coming too.”

“Why go? Do you want ice cream?”

“Yeah. Can’t I?” Bohn asked back with a…somewhat pleading voice, or am I just imagining it? Anyway, it made my foolish heart skip a beat again.

“Well…fine, then no shaved ice treat.” It’s not because you’re pleading, but because today Phii Duen is in a good mood, I’ll give you whatever you ask for…thinking about it, maybe Bohn doesn’t actually want shaved ice, probably because it’s hard to find, so he’s too lazy to look. If it’s at the floating market, there should be some. I want to visit there too; I can go on my own when I have free time.

“Whatever.”

“Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll call to make plans, okay? Don’t be sad, someone will come to soothe your heart soon.” I hugged the management guy, patting his back. Why do his friends look so surprised? Did I do something wrong?

“If that happens, great, ha ha.”

“Poor you. Who could dare leave you?”

I stroked his broad back. If I were a girl, I’d probably be flirting with Phii Yim by now; I like his personality, ha ha, he smiles easily, and he’s not awkward to be around.

“Duen…one last time before I give up, can you hug me tight…please?”

“Huh? Okay…” Even though I didn’t fully understand what the tall figure meant, I did as he asked. I tightened my embrace and tilted my head to look at him, are you crying?

“Okay, that’s enough, or I’ll get punched.”

We hadn’t hugged for even five seconds before Phii Yim pulled away, wiping his tears with his sleeve, he really was crying. As I was about to ask what was wrong, I suddenly remembered what Tang had said.

‘If someone wipes his own tears, it means he doesn’t want anyone to ask anything.’

   “Let’s eat cake together first.” I tried to change the subject, pointing at the cake box in the middle of Bohn’s group. My conversation partner followed my gaze and shook his head slightly. I don’t like seeing forced smiles.

“Heh. Better not, I have a quiz.”

“Really? That’s too bad, heartbroken and I still have to go to a quiz, haha.” Try to laugh.

“Yeah.”

“Susuna.” I raised two fingers in encouragement and didn’t forget to smile at him.

“Yeah.”

After that, we exchanged a couple more sentences before he said his teacher had arrived. I waved goodbye before walking back to my spot, secretly worried about Phii Yim a bit, but when you’re heartbroken, no one can help you except yourself and the one who broke your heart…Keep fighting, Yim.

“Oh, let’s eat the cake.” Phii Boss handed out spoons to everyone, and as soon as we had our weapons, we attacked (?) the cake in front of us. Damn, the cake is really delicious, not only is it full of strawberries that Phii Duen likes, but the cake itself is also soft and fluffy.

Ugh, it’s happiness.

“Super tasty, Bohn, you should eat too.” Since sitting down, Bohn has been doing nothing but staring at me without blinking. Plus, he hasn’t moved at all, or could it be…

…he’s got a cramp?

“What’s wrong?”

“Between me and that guy earlier, who’s better…”

I almost choked on the cake in my mouth. What kind of question cuts in like that? With that sad face and posture, why do I keep meeting sad boys today?

“Just…who?”

“The guy you were talking to earlier.”

“Oh…why ask, jealous?” I raised my eyebrows, not really surprised. I asked even though I knew what the answer would be. Just looking at his face, I knew.

“Yeah.”

“What if I said I like his type?” I pretended to answer seriously, can we call it pretending? I really do like Phii Yim’s type. He seems fun and lively.

“Don’t you…like me like I like you?”

“…” I fell silent upon hearing the words that escaped from his delicate lips. I didn’t know what expression I was making; I just knew my heart was working hard.

“I’m serious.” He continued, his large hand reaching out to grasp mine, his hand was sweaty like he was nervous, which he had never shown before.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Does it matter what type I like when in the end, you’ll be stuck with me all the time, where will I have the time for someone else, Bohn?” My schedule is now divided into two parts. The first is my daily life, the second is you…the more I think about it, the more I want to hold my waist and say with annoyance, do I still need to worry about this?

“…”

“Why are you smiling?”

“…”

“…” I just gave him the middle finger.

“…Feed me some cake.”

“Don’t you have hands or feet…damn, I thought something was wrong.” I mumbled before stuffing a big piece of cake into his mouth. In the end, you just wanted to get something out of me.

“I have them, but I want to act spoiled.”

“Be spoiled with feet then.”

“Feed me quickly.” He’s still insisting, huh? Watch out, or you’ll meet the Phii Monk Kick, (Phii + Duen + kick).

“No way!”

When I pretended to ignore him, he gave a faint smile and then ate the cake by himself. That’s it, you bastard, why waste time acting spoiled when you can eat it yourself?

“King, can we talk yet?”

“I think we can now, the atmosphere’s gotten a bit better.”

“Does Duen like strawberries?” The thug next to me asked. Now I’m talking to him with Bohn in between.

“Yeah. I like sour things.” I answered with a smile; I show respect to other seniors, just not much to Bohn.

“Hey, want to try my mango?”

“Let me see.” I asked while craning my neck to look at the bag he was holding. It looked like mango…but strangely, it seemed like mango that had been peeled and left for a long time.

“No, it’s too sour.” Bohn pushed Ram, his friend, away. That’s his name here.

“Why? It’s pretty good, try it, Duen.” Phii Tee brought the bag closer, “It’s good.” Trying new things is good, isn’t it?

“Duen…I warned you.”

“Why? What does it taste like, tell the doctor.” I asked, shifting my hands to my hips while still sitting cross-legged.

“I’ll keep it short…it’s shit.”

“Doesn’t seem like it. You’re just lying to keep it for yourself, you jerk.”

“I’m not lying, I’m telling the truth.”

“It’s delicious, Duen.” The deep voice said while picking up a mango from the bag to eat. See! I knew you were lying. Someone like Phii Merk wouldn’t lie!

“Bohn, you selfish bastard, Phii Tee, give me one piece!”

“As you command, heh.” Phii Tee complied, handing me a big piece of mango.

This is what a real man does, hehe.

I figured it must taste really good if it could make someone like Bohn keep it all to himself. With that thought, I was about to put the mango in my mouth…

“Oh, are you one of my code junior? Duen? What are you doing at my faculty?”

Just as I was about to shove the deadly mango from Phii Tee into my mouth, someone interrupted, making me hold the mango in mid-air. I saw Phii Tee and Phii Merk making faces of regret.

“Phu’s code senior?”

“Who else would it be? There’s no one else on earth this handsome.” Damn, your words sound familiar, like those of a narcissist. Not handsome and still so full of yourself. Unlike Phii Duen.

“You self-absorbed bastard, where is Ram?” I cursed while looking behind to see if Ram was hiding. He wasn’t there, where did he go?

“He’ll come along soon. But you haven’t answered what you’re doing here.” “Him.” I answered the question by nodding towards the jerk.

“Oh.” After talking a bit more, I understood that Phu was helping out with Bohn’s group. The professor saw that the first years were free, so they were sent to help the second years. Why does your faculty seem so free? Both first and second years have free time. Look at me, I’ve been busy from being a student to doing janitorial work at the faculty, and today is the first day I’ve had free time.

“Are you going to the camp, Duen?”

“The volunteer camp?” I pointed to the vinyl banner on the wall. Where is he in such a hurry to go?

“Yeah.”

“Hmm, are you going, Bohn?” I pretended to think before turning to ask Bohn, Ben’s older brother. He raised an eyebrow for a moment before smiling.

“Why do you ask?” I hate your smile as much as I hate that ‘hee’ sound of yours, you know?

“Just asking.” I said nonchalantly.

“Answer first, why are you asking?”

“Well, if you’re going…I won’t go, ha ha ha.” I laughed when I saw him and immediately frowned when I said that.

“Duen, I’ll stuff you in a bag and take you there.”

“So, are you going?” Phu asked again, poor guy, he’s often forgotten. That day when he called, I completely forgot he was on the line, I only realized it when I heard him shouting. Oh, really pitiful…but, damn Bohn has done something annoying to me.

“Where is it, in the North?”

“Yes, during the semester break.”

“Semester break…let me think about it.” Hmm, I actually want to go.

“Go, I and Ram are going, we’ll invite Tang too. If you don’t go, well, up to you…”

“Are you pressuring me…Ram, you just came at the right time, Phu is teasing me.” I told the person who just walked over.

“What are you teasing him about?”

Ram asked Phu while sitting down behind us. Phu probably didn’t want to intrude because he’s considerate of Phii Merk. He even made space for two people.

“Do you believe him, Ram?” Phu protested with a pout. Phu often says that Ram spoils me too much. It’s true, but I like being spoiled, ha ha ha.

“Yeah.” Ram answered with a straight face. I leaned back against the broad chest, wrapping my arms, which were full of tattoos, around my waist. I like sitting like this because Ram gives off a cool, forest-like vibe.

“You idiot! You only spoil Duen.” That’s right, jealous of Phii Duen, huh?

“I didn’t coddle you at all, Duen, there’s an ant on your head.” Said the big guy as he brushed the ant off my head. It was a real ant, a big one, I swear. If it had bitten me, I wouldn’t have been itchy as hell, would I?

“Look at this!” Phii Tang pointed at me as if to say, ‘What are you doing?’

“Duen, are you going to the camp?” Ram asked, looking down at me without paying attention to Phu, whom Bohn was whispering to like an old lady. Why does everyone keep asking? I kinda want to go, though. I don’t have any plans for the break anyway…maybe.

“I don’t know, let me check first.”

I’m not really eager to commit; the old man is unpredictable. Once, when I was in my fourth year, out of nowhere, he said, “I want to eat grilled shrimp in

Yangon.” I thought he was just talking to himself, so I didn’t pay much attention.

But the next morning, I was shocked to see him packed and ready to fly to Myanmar. He didn’t go alone; he took us with him…The problem was…the next day was the start of school, and it was my first orientation at the new school.

I remember how my friends teased me mercilessly back then. Everywhere I went, people would look and whisper, “There he is, Duen from class one who missed orientation because he went to eat grilled shrimp in Yangon.” What a mess…

“Come on, I want you to go with me.” The half-Thai guy tightened his grip around my arm, acting all clingy when he’s with me.

“Juy, just say you can’t live without me, come give me a kiss.” I said in a teasing, high-pitched voice while smiling mockingly. He didn’t refuse, actually, he even smiled back.

“Huh.” I reached out, pulled his head closer, and planted a kiss on his forehead.

Kiss-kiss

“Why don’t I ever get treated like this?”

The guy next to him pouted his lips. Ha, like I would do that with you Ram, your friend is hoping for more than that, you jerk, Bohn.

“Why do you need to do that?” I looked away. Having Ram around is good too. I won’t get harassed.

“Huh?”

“Did you manage to hit on my friend yet?”

Oh, the atmosphere changed there.

“We already have two kids. Heh.”

“I’ll say this again…if you’re just playing around…”

“?”

“I’m definitely going to die, man.”

…Ram is brutal, even though I’m the one being protected, I still feel a bit scared. He’s usually quiet and very calm, but when it comes to friends, he turns into a hothead instantly. Like back in Grade 5 when Phii Tang got punched by a senior for some reason I can’t remember, I just remember my friend wasn’t at fault. When Ram found out, he ran to punch that senior right in the classroom without any hesitation. Veeram got suspended, but he didn’t seem to mind. My friend is so cool, I am Ram’s fan for life.

“Damn, Tee, your junior is terrifying.” Said the beautiful senior. I often see him commenting on Bohn’s photos. He likes to tease, I think his name on Facebook is Thanthep King, Thep or King?

“He’s fierce, he already split my lip once.”

“For real?”

“Well, then when you said you got hit by a knight, it was…Ram?”

“Yeah, I almost got ganged up on at first, but I managed to talk my way out.” Bohn touched the corner of his mouth where there used to be a scar before turning to look at me and continuing, “You should know what I had to go through just to seriously court you.”

“Idiot, you just came to court me yourself. There’s plenty of others out there if you don’t want me.”

“If I like someone, I’ve got to court that person.”

Thump, thump.

Damn, why do my heartbeats get so strong with his words? It’s been happening a lot lately. Not to the point of being excessive, but more than usual. Before, when Bohn flirted, it wasn’t like this.

“You deserve to be my junior, here, take this money to buy some snacks, Ram.” Phii Tee pulled out some money from his pocket. At first, I thought he was just generous…oh my God!!

He pulled out a green bill…

“Keep it for drinking, Phii.” I just learned that at the engineering faculty, juniors talk to seniors like this, or maybe it’s just Ram who talks like this, Phu and Phii Tang don’t do this.

“Mean…I was just trying to treat my junior.” Phii Tee covered his mouth with the back of his hand, flicking his pinky and index finger like in a sweet cartoon, making a cooing sound, uh…

“Ha.” Ram! How can you snort at your own senior like that?

“Tee, why is your junior so cold?”

“Who would be like your junior, cheerful all day long?” Phii Tee retorted, while Bohn mumbled something with his mouth. From what I could read from his lips, it was something like, ‘I want foreigners but also pretty girls, man.’

“Oh, you’re so shy, Phii Tee is complimenting you.” Phu covered his mouth, blinking and making a shy face.

“Sigh.”

Everyone in the group sighed loudly together, but instead of Pinchan looking downcast, he smiled back at Phu with no shame, oh, my friend.

They…no, I should say they, because I didn’t contribute. They continued working. As for me, I took out my phone to play a game, a new one I just downloaded, it’s damn good.

“When’s your dad coming back?”

“Maybe in a couple of days.” Actually, dad was supposed to come back today, but there’s a slight problem at the main office, something I don’t quite understand.

Let’s just say dad will be back in a couple of days.

“Really, I miss him, can I sleep over at your place?” Ram asked, leaning down. He hadn’t changed his position since we sat here; even when he cut the rope, he did it close to my stomach. I didn’t say anything, but I could feel the malicious vibes from the person next to me, weird.

“No way.” I pouted. No thanks, whenever these guys sleep over, dad always coddles them, even though he has his own children, why doesn’t he coddle us?

“Why?”

“I feel like a slave when you guys are around.” I’m not exaggerating; not only does dad coddle them, but he also likes to make me fetch things for them, damn.

“You bastard, hahaha.”

They worked for a while longer, then James told everyone they could go home since there was a lot of progress today, but I still don’t understand what’s so complicated about tree planting; all I think we need is…seedlings to plant. Isn’t that right?

I was walking with Bohn to his car, almost forgetting I had to pick up the kids, good thing the wild one reminded me. Otherwise, I would have had to walk home…damn Bohn, he had someone take Supachai.

And then,

“Hey hey, Phii Bohn, where are you taking my friend?” Shouted Phu from behind.

“To pick up—” I was about to say, ‘to pick up the kids,’ but the doggy mouth beside me cut in first.

“To pick up his kid!”

Of course, we’re still in the Faculty of Engineering, the faculty known for its teasing and having the most dog mouths in the university.

“Wow, Bohn has a kid with Nong Duen now!!”

“With this, my uterus isn’t necessary anymore…”

“Damn, Bohn, you bastard. You bagged a medical student!”

“Crazy, Duen agreed to it!” Damn. Why are you yelling to compete with them, Bohn?

“Damn you, Bohn! I told you not to say that, I’ll beat you to death!” I hit his shoulder, my hand feels heavier these days, maybe because I’ve been hanging out with Bohn. Is it good or bad?

“Where are you going?” Phu asked again.

“Picking up my sister.”

“Didn’t you bring Supachai this morning, Duen?”

“I brought it, but this idiot won’t let me drive by myself.” I pointed at him with my thumb, and he just raised his eyebrows in acceptance. Bohn…can you have some self-awareness?

“Come on, Phii, this is coercion.”

“Yeah, right, let’s go.”

As soon as he finished the sentence, his big hand grabbed my arm to walk together. Sometimes, Bohn, you’re too bold. And…I can walk by myself, damn it!!

“Don’t pull with my friend, man!”

“It’s okay, he can handle it!”

“Go die, Bohn.”

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 30: Come Find Me

   [Bohn]

   Duen: Bohn, I’ll treat you to shaved ice.

   “Huh? What’s this about?” I mumbled to myself after reading the message. Normally, that idiot never treats me to anything (except for the first day when I made him pay for medicine). Forget about treating, he’s super frugal, thinking twice before buying anything.

“What’s up, Bohn?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head, denying my close friend, who then turned back to focus on studying, assuming it wasn’t a big deal.

Bon Ss: Huh?

   Duen: Are you preparing stuff for the camp at the same place this evening?

   Bon Ss: At the gear plaza? Yeah, why?

   Duen: Nothing.

   Bon Ss: Is there something?

   Duen: I won’t call you after class.

   Bon Ss: Why. If you run away like you said, I’ll kill you, really, Duen.

   Duen: I haven’t said anything yet, you crazy Bohn.

   Bon Ss: You’re asking strange questions. Plus, you said you wouldn’t call.

   “What’s wrong, Bohn, you look stressed.”

“Nothing.” I replied to Boss while still looking at my phone screen. Just as I was about to type back to the person in the chat, I paused because someone was calling. Rrrr

‘Duen’

Seeing who was calling, I answered immediately. We’re sitting at the back; the professor won’t hear us. Even if he did, I wouldn’t care right now. I’m not in the mood to worry about getting scolded by the professor.

“What do you mean?” I asked the person on the line, propping my chin while looking out the window, trying to lean against the wall to block the signal, secretly noticing Merk and the others looking at me with curiosity. Of course, I usually don’t answer calls during class.

(Why are you irritated, Bohn?)

“It’s you…”

(Because you said you wouldn’t call since you’re coming to my faculty!)

I don’t know if he’s in class because the voice was quite loud just now, but if he is, he must be getting scolded by his professor.

“…”

(You’re crazy, always assuming things.)

“Sorry, are you coming?” I’m smiling like an idiot…why didn’t you tell me from the start?

(Yeah, I’ll treat you to shaved ice.)

“Huh? Where?” Where can you even buy shaved ice these days? It’s hard to find. If it’s in the provinces, that’s another story. I’ve been to the provinces with my dad; they still use wooden ice shavers like they used to. When I was little, there was one near my house. My friends and I used to watch Aunt Mew at the alley entrance make it, hearing it made my teeth hurt…

(Don’t know yet, you’ll see, hee hee.) Did you not plan anything?

“You’re crazy, what’s the occasion for treating me?”

(I’ll tell you later, meet after class.)

“Okay.”

(You’ll definitely be surprised.) I could hear him chuckling too.

“Huh?”

(That’s it, I’m hanging up.)

Click

“What’s this about…”

“What is it?” Tang asked, looking at my phone screen, his fingers tapping away on the keyboard constantly. He’s been particularly hot lately, I don’t know why, always chatting with girls every day.

“Duen is talking weirdly.” After saying that, I thought of his handsome face, shaved ice in the heart of the capital = = ?

“How so?”

“He said he’ll come find me, and then he said he’d treat me to shaved ice.”

“That’s good then.” Merk added.

“It is good, but it’s just weird, really. At noon, when I brought him cake, he was still down, but just now he called, and his voice was so cheerful.”

“Maybe he was stressed about something during the day.”

“About the work, he was stressed, scared of getting a low score.” Scared of what, I don’t know. If you get a low score, you just improve it. Nong Tang said this teacher allows you to take the work back and revise it, which is great. For me, once I submit, that’s it, the grade is what it is.

“Then maybe now he got a good score.”

“Yeah, true…”

I bet he must have gotten a really good score for Duen to be this happy.

Thinking that, I immediately messaged him.

Bon Ss: Did you get a perfect score?

   Duen: I’ll tell you when I come to find you. I’m in class now [sends a picture of himself smiling.]

   He must have gotten a good score for real. He never sends pictures of himself making nice faces, usually just middle fingers, grumpy faces, annoyed faces, and sexy selfies, heh.

Bon Ss: I want you to smile in front of me [sends a picture of himself resting his chin and smiling.]

   Duen: Wow!

   Bon Ss: Heh heh, go back to studying.

   “What’s with you, you were frowning a moment ago, now you’re grinning…bipolar?”

“When I’m happy, I have to smile.” I shrugged. Duen is coming to find me at my faculty. After that, we’ll pick up the kids from school, and then we’ll have dinner together. Crazy, this is a happy family for sure.

“Heh.” Those guys made a face of annoyance at me before turning back to their studies. Meanwhile, I kept reading the message from the idiot over and over like a madman…I’m going crazy because of him.

“Tiger, when did you get the permit?”

James shouted to ask Tiger while we were still preparing for the camp. We’re almost done…I think these two work harder than the professors who are going with us. They’re always running around, sometimes I wonder if they even have time to study, because recently, I’ve heard their names announced so often it’s become familiar, oh, poor them.

“I got it today, Oat from management will bring it this evening.” Tiger answered while covering his mouth, then the two of them went off to talk about something else. Apart from being smart, responsible, Tiger’s friends are also kind.

“Speaking of management, is that famous guy still chasing after Nong Duen?”

“From what I’ve seen, he’s not really hanging around Duen.” I haven’t seen it myself, or is he just teasing? That’s good, I don’t want to have a rival. Just talking to Duen to get him to understand is hard enough.

“And not seeing it…”

Gasp

I stopped cutting the rope immediately before turning to look at the speaker, King. He spoke as if he didn’t care, but his words hit deep.

“Damn, King, you like making me stressed.”

He’s right though. I’m not with Duen all the time, especially now with so much work, we only see each other when he brings flowers. Mostly we communicate through LINE or calls. The other side might call when Duen is messaging me, or he might be messaging Duen when I call…

“Chill, I was just saying it.” King smiled slyly while winding the rope around the chair leg, talking casually, you’re clearly trying to make me stressed.

“You’re right, he’s got Duen’s number, has his Facebook, LINE, Twitter,

Instagram, he has everything.” After saying that, I really feel like smacking the idiot’s head. He’s already sneaking in without me realizing it, damn.

“Shit, this isn’t ordinary.”

“I don’t know if Frong is bad or Duen is just naive…” From what I’ve seen, he’s not bad, he seems friendly, funny with friends, with a gentlemanly look, he’s another type of popular guy that girls like.

“I think it’s the latter; this guy has a good nature. I’ve seen him run to help an old lady who was about to get hit by a car. I was so shocked at the time, how could he do that, thank god he was okay.” I’ve heard about that too, someone even posted it on Facebook, the person he helped gave him 80,000 baht as a reward, but he donated it all to the temple. No matter how you look at it, that’s not an act of showmanship.

“…Duen doesn’t like guys.”

I said quietly. Now, I’m starting to fear something. This competitor of mine is too good-natured…No, anyone who likes Duen would be better than me.

“You’re a guy.” Merk said while picking up the mango Tee had brought. What’s with Tee liking mangoes that taste like the heel of a shoe, sour, astringent, and bitter? I can’t explain it, but you can’t eat them. Tee thinks it’s strange, but the seller is even stranger for selling them. But…Merk eats it like it’s delicious. You guys have iron stomachs.

“I’m the exception.”

“Did he say that?”

“Heh, I just think so.”

“Oh, you’re delusional, I thought he said it himself.”

“Duen has to be my boyfriend, and mine alone.”

“You sound like a kid.”

“Shut up, you jerks…I’m only a kid when it comes to this.” Seeing me like this, my friends just laughed, and we returned to our usual state of cutting ropes in the factory-like setting. No, don’t say anything to make me worry, gang, have some pity. I’ve had to deal with Duen’s cluelessness for so long to get to this point, and it took ages for him to even feel something. Not long ago, I got punched by a knight, leaving me sore for days, and now that I’m better, there’s this rival thing to stress about?

I can’t handle it.

My heart can’t handle it…

“By the way…when is the camp?” I asked because, in the end, I’ll have to go. The other day, these guys dragged me to sign up, but what shocked me was that James had already signed me up, damn him.

“Probably during the break.” Tee answered, still eating his deadly mango. How can you eat that, both you and Merk.

“Where are we going?” King asked, reaching for Tee’s mango with curiosity, don’t do it, feel sorry for your stomach that has to take in this stuff, yeah, and pity your butt for having to deal with it coming out again in a degraded state…

“I don’t know either, they just said it’s in the North.” they only mentioned the North but didn’t specify which province. They’ll announce it today with the permission forms.

“Nice, I’m sick of buildings, I want to go live on Phu’s mountain for a bit.”

“I’ve never been to the North.”

“Really?”

I asked Bom in surprise. When he said he was from the countryside, we all thought he was from the North. Given his fair skin and cute face, but he’s actually from the South, I thought he’s this fair because ‘I’m lazy so I just stay home or go to school,’ okay, I understand now.

“My parents don’t have much time, and neither do I, so when we travel, we choose places close to home.”

“I’ve only been to Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Chiang Rai, just those three provinces over and over.” Merk said while still winding the rope. We’re not doing anything else here, James divided the work into groups so it would get done faster.

“I’m the same, just passed through other provinces, never stopped to visit.” I’ve only been to three or four provinces in the North myself. I’m not someone who likes to travel far from home; I’m not comfortable in unfamiliar places.

“I want to go to new provinces.” King turned to smile at us, his cute smile. Tee once said that when King is with Bom, they look like a gay couple somehow. After that, he got beaten up by his two best friends until he was unrecognizable…so scary.

“Why?”

“Well, I want to see new things I’ve never seen before, want to go to faraway, rural places, even better.” Besides being unusual, he’s quite the artist.

“Shit, you artist.”

“I’d like that too, to go somewhere with fresh air.” Tee added, wait, since when did our conversation turn to this topic?

“You guys stop dreaming and get back to work.”

After the booming voice of the great James. We bent our heads to work hard…or so it seemed. We actually grumbled and then went back to working at a snail’s pace. I really want to go somewhere with beautiful waterfalls, to see new nature, because it’s rare for me to go far from home, I really want to take Duen with me…

“Tiger, anyone can go, right?” I decided to ask Tiger, who was sitting in a nearby group.

“Yeah. No limit on numbers, it’s up to who wants to join.”

“No limit, my ass.” James shouted back, from another group close to Tiger’s.

“Why not? On the first day, there wasn’t a limit.” Tiger shouted back…can you guys just walk over to talk? I feel sorry for the electricians you’re shouting over.

“That’s because damn Bohn didn’t sign up on the first day.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“As soon as he signed up, nearly a hundred girls rushed in, so the organizers limited it to two hundred people.”

“That’s good, too many people would be chaotic.”

Well, you have to understand that I’m very handsome and hot, heh.

“You want the doctor to go too, huh?” Boss nudged my shoulder.

“Yeah, but he probably won’t have time.” He seems laid-back like he doesn’t have much to do, but Duen’s head is full of homework and assignments. During the break, he’ll probably go for extra classes or do something academic.

“Have you asked him yet?”

“Not yet.” It’s not that I don’t want to invite him, I’d love for him to come, but I don’t know if he’d want to go with me.

“Phu and Ram are going, Nong Duen might follow his friends.” Said Phu’s code senior. Tang, that guy is so biased, the other day I saw him giving money to Phu to buy snacks, but when we asked for some, he told us if we want to eat, we should buy it ourselves.

“Will Duen have the time?” It’s true, if his friends go, there’s a chance he might follow, but he doesn’t seem to want to go far from home like I do, like…soulmates.

“Then ask him.”

“I’ll ask when he comes.”

“Ohhhh, Bohn!”

Huh…

I turned to look at the shouting that might be calling my name, right? Whatever, it was definitely Duen’s voice. When I turned, I saw him indeed, the slender figure jumping and waving, holding a cake box in his hand. Can you do something that matches your handsome face, Duenhaw?

“Class done?” I asked when he reached the friends who were working. They all grinned teasingly. Lately, they’ve gotten bored of teasing with words, so they tease with looks instead. My friends are truly skilled.

“Yes, hehe.” The newcomer sat down cross-legged next to me, playing with whatever he could reach and laughing all the time. Uh…

“How many points did you get?” I asked, reaching out to take the cake box from him. He probably hadn’t eaten it yet since the box still weighed the same as when I bought it.

“You’ll be shocked when you see it!”

“How many?” I raised my eyebrows, unable to help but smile back when I saw him smiling.

“Look for yourself.” The future doctor said, handing me his work file to look at. Did I ever mention that Duen’s handwriting is truly enigmatic? Why do all doctors have such handwriting? Don’t pharmacists get confused when reading prescriptions? I bet there must be some who give the wrong medication to patients because of doctors’ handwriting.

“…”

“How is it!!” Duen acted cool, raising his eyebrows like a winner, damn…you’re happy with just this score? Didn’t you say twenty was the full mark?

“Three points? Is your professor that harsh?” I asked, puzzled, looking down at the score in front of me again to make sure I wasn’t seeing it wrong.

But it…really was three.

“Wait…you idiot, this is from the morning quiz.” He said, flipping to another page.

“Huh? You got three?”

“Yeah, out of three.”

What kind of quiz has a full score of three? At this rate, you won’t die before getting ten points. I thought my faculty was tough, but compared to the medical faculty, I have to admit defeat.

“And which one is the one you submitted?” The other side kept flipping through the pages until he found what he was looking for, then smiled as if he’d found his treasure and handed me the paper.

“This one, hee hee.”

“Let me see…”

“How am I, am I good or what?” Duen kept asking, shaking my arm like a child. Meanwhile, Bom and the others turned to smile at the cute behavior of the big idiot, heh, he’s my kid.

19.5 points

What was the professor trying to say with the remaining 0.5 points?

“Come on, time for your reward.”

“Hey! What are you doing, trying to kiss me?” Duen pulled his face back as far as he could, but I used one hand to pull him closer by the back of his neck. Right now, our pose must look hilarious.

“I already said if it’s not full marks, I’ll kiss to comfort you.”

“Crazy. No way!”

“Don’t hold back, I know you want it.”

“Fuck you.”

We kept this up for several minutes. Eventually, we let go and both burst out laughing when we realized how ridiculous we were being. Every time we get like this, we turn into Tom and Jerry.

“Damn…you have no regard for us single people.”

“That’s right.”

“Bohn, you’re such a jerk.”

I shrugged and raised my eyebrows at those who were teasing before turning to look at the medical student who opened the cake box. Has he read the Post-it note yet?

“Haven’t you eaten the cake?”

“Nooo.” My conversation partner dragged out the word, picking up a strawberry to eat. He looks really happy. I had the shop make it special, it cost quite a bit too…expensive because of all the strawberries.

“Why haven’t you eaten?”

“Wasn’t hungry then, but now I am, want to eat together?” If I knew you’d be this cute after getting a good score, I would have bribed every teacher in your faculty.

“You’ll let me eat?” I pretended to raise my eyebrows in question, the innocent one nodded rapidly before eating another strawberry.

“You bought it.”

“But, I gave it to you.”

“Okay, then I won’t let you eat it. Hehehe.” I supported one hand on the floor, using the other to gently wipe the cream from the corner of Duen’s mouth. After that, I…wiped it on his shirt.

“Hey, you can’t do that.”

“Hehe.”

“Won’t you share with us?” Boss made a whining sound like he really wanted the cake in the box, like a dog, doesn’t Merk buy him any?

“Stop teasing me, and I’ll let you eat.” Duen smiled while picking up another strawberry to eat, almost taunting the others to get hungry, instead of looking cunning, he looked funny, making everyone laugh.

“Oh, that’s impossible, too hard.”

“Then you get none.” The slender figure shrugged before closing the cake box and turning away in a huff. Damn, sometimes you can be really cute, you idiot.

“Duen, ah…”

“Just kidding, ha ha ha.” Duen couldn’t keep up the act for long before he burst into laughter and placed the cake box in the middle of the group. I’m not really jealous because there’s no way Duen could eat it all by himself…I think.

“So how are we going to eat this?”

“With your hands.”

“Should we borrow spoons from the cafeteria lady?”

“Too lazy to wash them afterwards.”

“Then don’t return them.”

“Bom, you’re so bad!”

“I’ll go buy plastic spoons from the co-op.” Seeing that my friends couldn’t agree, Duen suggested, even raising his hand, soft and fluffy…

“Yay!” Bom and the others cheered. Upon hearing that, the only medical student in the group got up to go buy the spoons. Since he arrived, we’ve all stopped working, and there’s this subtle energy communicating to us, ‘Don’t mess around too much, someone might get hurt’…yes, James.

“Do you need money?” I asked while pulling out some cash from my pocket, about to hand it to him, but he grabbed my arm first.

“Are you crazy?” He looked at me with annoyance.

“Heh. Not crazy, but if you want me to be, I will be…crazy for Duen alone.”

“You flirt!”

“Heh heh.”

The slender figure protested and then dashed off to the co-op. Duen gets cuter every day. When I first met him, I thought he’d be quiet, not talkative like Ram, but after getting to know him, everyone has to agree…

   …he’s cute.

  

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 29: Scores

   [Duenhaw]

   “How many points do you guys think I’ll get?” I mumbled like a madman, and I’m really scared, you know. Bohn hung up the call a while ago, who knows what’s going on…but whatever, let’s just focus on stressing about the grade instead.

“Damn, Duen, don’t overthink it.”

Tang patted my back to comfort me, a bit too hard, you crazy guy. Even though he’s small and cute, he can hit like an African elephant, sir…I said that, where would he get that strength from? But my friend, Tang, is genuinely strong. Because he’s cute, his dad sent him to learn Muay Thai with me, but the results for Tang turned out better. What the hell, the world is so unfair.

He can knock out tough people, while I can’t even knock down a banana tree the height of my knee…

“But I’m stressed, man, I did my best last time…but I still got scolded.” I think everyone has experienced this; when you’re very confident or put a lot of effort into something, you expect a lot without realizing it, and when it doesn’t meet your expectations…it hurts like hell.

“Come on, I’ve been there too.” From playing around at first, now everyone has switched to comforting me, patting my head and all (?). I’m feeling quite pampered.

“I’m stressed.” I pressed my temples.

“Relax a bit, want something to eat?”

“No, thanks. Not hungry.”

“Don’t think you’re going to get scolded, the more you think, the more stressed you’ll get.” I tried to smile at my friend…You might think, ‘Hey, it’s just this, why so dramatic?’ You might be right, but if you were in my shoes, you’d understand how stressful it is. Even though this subject seems easy, it has a lot of credits, meaning it’s a significant grade puller.

“Sigh, I better go rest.”

I sighed and slumped my face onto the table. Actually, I shouldn’t be this stressed because I had Tang’s help with this work, and both of us are top in the class…but I don’t know, I’m stressed. It’s rare for me to be this stressed, it’s like a collector’s item…not funny, huh.

The chatter in the cafeteria gradually quieted down until it was silent. Who’s here? Or am I about to fall asleep, so my senses are dulling? Sleeping might be good, waking up fresh…

“Duen, what’s wrong?”

“Huh?” I looked up following the voice and the grip on my shoulder. Who is it? I blinked a few times to focus, a shop jacket…and a familiar face, Bohn?

“Crying, huh? Why are your eyes red?” It’s really Bohn, he sat down next to me, his eyebrows furrowed into knots, holding a white bag of something.

“Hey, why are you at my faculty…here to flirt with girls?” I tried to tease him to make him laugh, but he just gave me a serious look.

“You know who I’m here for…you’re just flirting with one person now.” …damn.

“Wow, I feel like this lemon water tastes strangely sweet.”

“Yeah, my vision feels blurry, why does the atmosphere seem pink and all flirty like this, King?”

“I don’t know, ask Duen, he might know.”

“You bunch of bastards!” Phii Duen is fed up! Even if their teasing skills are less than the Engineering Faculty’s Gossip Club, these friends of damn Bohn are something else.

“Admit it, were you crying?”

“I wasn’t crying.” What gives you the right to say I was crying?

“Why are your eyes red then?” He leaned in close, tilting his head this way and that to inspect my eyes…oh, it’s about the eyes.

“Just woke up, then came to do something at the medical building.”

I asked while scanning the cafeteria for anything unusual. It’s weird, right? Normally, the cafeteria isn’t this quiet. Even if we study medicine, we’re still human, we have times when we want to gossip or act like monkeys. Not all of us are nerds. Look at my group, none of us are full nerds…

“To see you.”

“Me? Why?” I pointed at myself, tilting my head in confusion, what’s going on that you’d come all the way here? Have I ever mentioned that my faculty is so far from the others it’s almost like we’re in different universities? That’s another reason why medical students don’t like going far from their faculty; it’s tiring, and it’s hot.

“To give you something, I’ll leave soon, gotta go back to prepare more stuff.”

“Not done yet?”

“Almost.”

“Damn, those last two sentences sound so cheesy just listening with my eyes closed.” Tang lightly hit King’s arm, as if calling him to listen together.

Seriously…how is that cheesy?

“Why doesn’t anyone flirt with me like this?” You act so manly and tough, what guy would want to make you his wife, Pornnapha!

“Shut up! You crazy bunch.”

“And have you submitted your work yet?” …Don’t ask about this, man. Right now, Phii Duen doesn’t want to talk about it; it’s a sad story, but I don’t want to spoil the mood.

“Not yet…not in the mood to go.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“I’m scared.”

“The teacher won’t eat you alive, you’re just imagining it.” My conversation partner said with a smile, flicking my forehead lightly, but it was quite loud, ouch! I’m the brains of the nation! Doing this might cause brain damage, I might die from brain swelling. How will the country manage without me, you jerk!

“You’re not me. You don’t understand, the teacher is terrifying.” I held my forehead, mumbling to Bohn.

“Whether you submit it now or later, it’s all the same.” He brushed my hand away before gently rubbing the spot he flicked, patting my head and then soothing it, huh?

“Yeah, I know…” I pouted, trying to push away the big hand. Even though I knew it was futile because the tall guy wouldn’t budge. Plus, he was giving me a stern look. What, after hurting me, you still threaten me?

“Will you pick up the kid this evening?” He asked while still looking at my

“wound.” Which wasn’t really a wound, just red, not really painful. Bohn is so dramatic, acting like I’ve been hit by a wild buffalo. Forehead

But about that sentence earlier…

“Wow. They already have a kid, Duen got pregnant before marriage.”

“Kritsada! I never taught you to be this irresponsible!”

King took out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes as if he was very upset…Wait, there’s not a single tear, I only see eye boogers the size of a button candy, ew, it’s gross. You’re a girl, man.

“You guys, go away!”

“Ha, now that your husband’s here, you ditch your friends.” Tang said, nodding slightly, lowering his eyes in mock sadness like those who are easily hurt, so fake!

You’re acting!

“Exactly, our love is old news now.” Why do you have to act like we were lovers before, for god’s sake. How did I manage to be friends with these guys for so many years, they’re just too good.

“You assholes. You’re the same, making everyone misunderstand.”

“It’s really a kid, though, heh.” You imagined that all by yourself. Plus, you bribed my little sister!

“You, you…”

“Alright, will you go?”

“Yeah, go.” Today I’m free. I don’t have any urgent work, and my mom went shopping with her friends. Even at her age, she still keeps in touch with her old friends who were models, meeting up on their days off to socialize as old friends do. My family doesn’t mind because it’s her happiness…all my mom’s friends’ daughters are beautiful…Phii Duen likes it.

“Let’s go together.”

“Crazy, I brought my bike.” I told the engineering guy, he didn’t look too troubled by it, probably expecting me to refuse, understanding simple things like this makes conversation easier.

“You can leave it at the university.” Done!! I thought you understood!

“No, besides, your car only seats two.”

Bohn’s car is the most useless I’ve ever seen, why does everyone want one?

Seriously…what else can it do? It can’t even carry much stuff, and it only seats two. You should get a Turbo bike, it seats two as well, and driving it would be more environmentally friendly.

“I brought the Mercedes today.” The other guy raised an eyebrow mischievously, what does your family do for a living? You’re unusually rich, Bohn, do you sell musk deer poop to polish gold or something? I’ll report you to the tax office, and do your parents spoil you?

Oh, my parents spoil me too.

“Are you that rich?” I glared at him, annoyed.

“Yeah, I’m rich.” Bohn shrugged before propping his chin to look at me, he does this pose often, propping his chin, watch out for your elbow.

“Annoying.”

“So, let’s go together.” Are you smiling more often lately, or am I just imagining it? It’s not like he smiles all the time like Phii Yim, Bohn chooses his moments to smile, wow, like it’s medicine to be taken on schedule.

Morning, noon, evening.

“No. I don’t want to leave my bike here.” Am I crazy to leave my car at the university? Even if there are no thieves, you can’t trust it, besides, I love Supachai!

It’s like my son.

“I’ll have someone take it to your house.”

“Do you know where I live?”

“Just tell me.”

“Are you planning to come and wrestle me at my place?” I said that, but he probably won’t do it. Even if he looks bad, I believe he’s decent enough.

“It depends on my patience.” Hey, I thought you were a good person, now you really want to make me lose my cool, huh?

“Wow, you’re crazy.”

“Let’s go together, heh.”

“I appreciate it, but no-”

“Hello, Moss, can you come pick up my bike from the university this evening…I’ll call you later…Yes, thank you, bro.” He held up his phone to make a call…When did you press that! Are you tricking me? At first, I thought he was bluffing, but oh my god…he’s serious.

“You dictator!”

“You like being forced.” Instead of showing any remorse, heh. No, this jerk just shrugged it off and turned to give me an annoying look.

“I don’t want to go with you!”

“I don’t care, I’ll take you out for dinner.” We kept eye contact throughout the conversation, but I looked away when he smiled at me.

“What’s the occasion?” Is it his birthday today? It’s not likely, nor is it mine.

“To celebrate you getting a good grade.”

“Huh?” I looked confused. What grade? The exam this morning was just a close pass because I forgot to study, thank goodness I remembered some things, because of you! If I hadn’t gone to see you last night, I wouldn’t have forgotten, damn.

“This homework.” His slender finger pointed at my folder, which contained only the work I was worrying about whether to submit or not.

“I haven’t even submitted it yet.”

“It’s already a good grade.”

“Are you a fortune-teller or what?” I asked with a pout.

“Not a fortune-teller…a doctor’s husband.”

“You jerk, Bohn! I told you not to say that!” I was about to hit his shoulder but remembered we were in a crowded place. I didn’t want people to think Dr. Duen was violent, so instead of hitting Bohn, I…gently stroked my own hair.

“Heh heh.”

I’m sick of your laugh!!

“Then I’ll go, I have more work to do, call me when you’re done.” He checked his wristwatch and stood up.

“Why would I? I’ll sneak back home, just watch.” I said that, but I won’t really do it; I just want to show some resistance.

“Try it.”

“Why?” I looked up to ask seriously, even though I was trembling inside, thinking, “Duen, damn Bohn is harsh, you know.” but my mouth had already spoken, oh my god.

“I’ll go in, hug you, and say, ‘Come with me, Duen.’“

“Damn, Duen. If you don’t do it, I’ll do it myself.” King looked at me seriously before looking at Bohn with a dreamy expression.

“This is the first time…I feel like I want a husband…” Are you into it too, Tang!

“I’ll call you later.” I waved him off, urging him to hurry, your friends are scolding you, I guess. Phii Boss’s gang can be so mouthy, but thinking about it, they probably wouldn’t scold, more like, ‘Didn’t you say you were going to see the doctor? You’ve been gone for ages!’

“See you in the evening…give me a kiss.” He didn’t just say it; Bohn puckered his lips towards me.

“Kiss your dad!”

“I knew you’d say that.” After saying it, he made a disappointed face, hah. Who would be crazy enough to hug and kiss in the middle of the cafeteria, even couples wouldn’t dare.

“Now that you know, go away.” I waved him off.

“Oh, don’t forget to eat.”

The tall figure handed me a bag from a famous snack store. The bag was quite large and oddly shaped, it must be a box inside. I took it, confused. Oh, he said he brought something for me, is this it?

“What’s this?”

“It’s snacks, are you dumb or what?”

“Go back, go!”

“Ha ha ha.”

Seeing my stern face, Bohn ruffled my hair playfully before speeding off faster than light, as if he knew I was going to kick him. Damn, you’re quick, I’ll definitely let the air out of your tires.

“Phii Bohn is damn good.”

…He’s right, as much as I hate to admit it because it’s annoying.

“He takes care of you so well.” Tang added while watching Bohn’s retreating back. Bohn looks so good in that shirt, every time he walks by, people stare. Should I steal that shirt to wear? If I could, I’d have both the gown and the shirt, which I would definitely take both from him.

“Uh.”

“Don’t you feel anything?”

“How am I supposed to feel?”

“How do you feel when you’re with him?” I thought about what my best friend said, when I’m with Bohn…I feel annoyed, I tend to use force…and most importantly…

“I’m irritated.”

“Sigh.”

Why do you all sigh at the same time? What did I do wrong?

“Do you think he’s serious, or does he just not want to tell us because…”

“I think he’s serious…seriously serious.”

“Then let’s do this…Damn, Duen!”

“Huh?” I jumped in surprise at his shout. Why are you yelling, Tang? Look, everyone in the cafeteria is staring!

“How do you feel when he flirts with you?” When Bohn flirts with me? …I don’t know. It’s not that I hate it; sometimes, his flirty lines are funny.

“When he flirts with me…my heart beats a little faster, and my face probably turns slightly red, I guess.”

“Your heart is so hard. If it were me, I’d have four kids by now.” This was said by the girl everyone in the faculty agrees is the most composed, who also holds the title of star for this year’s medical students.

“Damn, King, that was gross.”

“But it’s true, what a cute guy.” Said with a dreamy face while twisting around.

“Not what I expected at all.”

“What did you expect?” I asked Tang, who seemed to think for a moment before looking at me. “I thought Phii Bohn would have a bad attitude.”

“And doesn’t he?” Don’t call it bad; it’s probably beyond repair. Let’s say his character is so flawed that it’s beyond fixing.

“No. He’s super cute when he’s with you.”

“Really…maybe so.” After he clearly announced he would court me, he’s been…well, flirting in the morning, flirting at night, sending sweet words, calling every time he’s free to say goodnight before bed, and good morning when waking up.

“We’ve talked to him.” Hey, why did you guys arrange to talk, or…

“…”

“You guys like him?”

“Us. No, we don’t like him…it’s about you, we’re talking about you.”

“Huh, about me? What’s there to talk about?”

“Lots, you bastard, about him flirting with you, about his women, because you didn’t want to handle it. So we had to do it.”

“I didn’t-”

“Shut up, it’s true.” I immediately fell silent when Tang’s gaze turned serious, Tingting’s expression was no different, I knew they talked to Bohn as they said.

“I’ll say this just in case he doesn’t win you over or in case you date and break up in the future…when you want to date someone, you need to check what kind of person they are first, if they’ve cleared up all their past issues. Do you know how worried we were when we found out Phii Bohn only had bad news? No good news at all.”

“What’s more stressful is that you just let it slide.”

“…Sorry.”

“At first, we were going to let it be, act confused because we thought it was just playful teasing, but after observing, it didn’t seem like that.”

“So we thought of going to the next plan, which was to permanently separate him from you. But, but, but because we’ve been with you for so long, we noticed you don’t actually hate him…so this plan had to be canceled.”

“It’s not-”

“Don’t deny it, Duen, I know your heart has been off since you met him.”

“…” Well…damn.

“Ram already hit him. Just in case you didn’t know.”

“Hey…”

“But the matter ended well, it’s been cleared.”

“Ended well, how?”

“Phii Bohn got a split lip.”

“What’s so good about it?”

“It’s good because we know he’s serious about you.”

“…”

“So we gave him the green light and let him keep flirting with you until now.” I’ve only just found out about this…there was a time when Bohn had a cut at the corner of his mouth, but back then I didn’t think much of it…when I later found out what my friends had done, I felt warm inside, a little touched by how Bohn has been acting.

“I love you guys…”

“Yeah, yeah, we know, try not loving us.”

“So what did he buy for you?” If Tang hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten what was in my hand.

“He said it was snacks.”

“Open it, I’ve been waiting to see.” Ugh. You can lie to me too, Tingting.

“It’s just ordinary snacks, I guess.”

“Let’s see.” It’s really a box, and inside there isn’t much. Just a chocolate cake about a pound, with white cream decorating the base and top, with chocolate bars around it like a fence, and strawberries on top…

That’s all.

…That’s all…

…The strawberries are placed as if they’re not afraid the shop will go bankrupt; they’re all over the cake so much that I can’t even see the cake itself!!!

I think there might be around twenty strawberries. Inside the box, there’s a green Post-it note with neatly handwritten text. It’s Bohn’s handwriting, which I recognize because I’ve read his lecture notes before. It’s unbelievable that someone so rough could have such beautiful handwriting; I’m even embarrassed by my own handwriting, which is so sloppy it’s hard to read…

‘Eat it all, I know you love strawberries 🙂

   P.S. Be my boyfriend soon, Duenhaw #Bohn’

   We all fell silent after reading the message. What should I say…King and the others probably don’t know what to say. Me too. I don’t know, my face feels strangely warm.

“I’m serious…”

“What, King?”

“I want Phii Bohn to be your husband.”

“Sigh.”

“Damn…do I really have to submit it now…” I groaned, my heart beating so hard, I felt like I was going to conscription.

“Go in.”

“Wait a sec, let me prepare myself…” I took a deep breath and walked to sit in the chair outside the professor’s office where I would submit my work…and get my grade. Whether it’s good or bad, I’ll accept it. If it’s good, fine, but if not…

Ding

Who’s interrupting the drama in Phii Duen’s life!!

Ai-Hia Bohn: Have you submitted your work?

   It’s like he knew I was overthinking, does he have a radar or something, or is he one of those with special powers like in the action movies I like to watch?

Duennhaw: I’m in front of the professor’s office now.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Don’t overthink it. You’ll get a perfect score, trust me.

   See, you bastard, Bohn. You don’t know anything. If I get a perfect score, I’ll treat you to ice cream!

Duennhaw: You’re crazy.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: If you get a perfect score, I’ll kiss your cheek, but if not, I’ll kiss you myself.

   I couldn’t help but laugh. If this was a sweet romance novel, what I should do is sit there, blushing and twisting until I fall off the building, right? But I just found it strangely funny.

Duennhaw: Your offer isn’t interesting at all, lol.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: I’m serious.

   Duennhaw: Done, I’m going in.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Duen

   Duennhaw: ?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Don’t overthink, I’ll be right here by your side.

   Duennhaw: You make it sound like I have terminal cervical cancer.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: You won’t get dirty, I clean up ‘your stuff’ every time after use.

   Duennhaw: Ai-Hia Bohn, fck, you!

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Shh, baby. If you want to be correct, you should type, “Fck, me, please” you good person.

   Duennhaw: Fck you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   “You’re smiling so big.” I immediately stopped smiling when I heard Tang’s teasing voice. I just realized I was smiling. That wasn’t me; I was possessed!

“Talking to Phii Bohn, huh?”

“Ha, I’m leaving.”

“Oh, you seem to have more energy when you talk to him.”

“It’s not related, I’m really leaving, you jerk.” I shrugged and walked to stand in front of the teacher’s room. They didn’t follow because the teacher only allows one person in at a time…which makes submitting work even scarier. Imagine going into a room where the air is colder than the North Pole, just you and her, brrr.

Knock, knock

“May I come in?” I tried my best not to let my voice tremble, ugh, this is Duen’s most significant moment in life.

“Please come in.”

Her voice is so powerful, the beautiful junior makes me all nervous.

I opened the door and bowed to the senior inside, and she nodded with a cold smile.

Such a cold smile, damn!

“…I’m here to submit my work.” I said as I walked to stand in front of her desk.

The teacher is so influential; she’s the only one with a private office. We call it ‘Pin’s Palace,’ where ‘Pin’ is her nickname, her real name is Pinkaew…or something like that, which I’m not brave enough to call her often.

“Yes.” She took my work and opened it to scrutinize, while adjusting her glasses. Oh, Phii Duen, I’m scared. If you put your hand on my heart, you’d feel how hard it’s beating.

Crack

Damn, the room is so quiet you can hear the air conditioning. Should I say something to break this uncomfortable atmosphere? Or maybe not. Usually, no one does anything; I might even get scolded for being impolite…Better not say anything, trembling.

“…”

“Medical student?”

“Y…yes.” I answered stutteringly, shocked. What, am I going to get scolded for sure?

“This work…” It’s terrible, crap, useless, is this all you can do, what did your parents feed you to be this dumb, is this work or trash, please take it away and throw it out after submitting, huh. He scolded me.

…Oh, still?

“You did very well, take this…that’s all.”

She paused for a moment before meticulously writing the score on my work and handing it back to me.

“What?”

“Uh…then I’ll excuse myself.” I bowed to the professor, confused. Did she really compliment me, or am I just out of it? Whatever, let’s get out of here first.

“How did it go?”

“What score did you get?”

I didn’t get scolded…

I didn’t get scolded…

And I even got complimented!!!

“Guys, the professor complimented me!”

“Share, what did you get?”

I slowly opened my hand that was covering the score…if I got a perfect score, I would really treat Bohn to ice cream, but no cheek kiss, that offer is terrible.

“Shit! 19.5 out of 20!”

“Almost perfect!!”

“You guys, I’m so happy!!”

I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt, damn, I’m so happy. I never thought I’d get such a high score, it must be because Tang helped. I thanked my dear friends while raising my hands to hug them.

Happily.

I picked up my phone to go into LINE. No need to search long because his chat was at the top. I said if I got a perfect score, I’d treat him to ice cream, right? Even though I didn’t get a perfect score, I’ll still treat him, but not to ice cream…

Duennhaw: Bohn, I’ll treat you to shaved ice.

   Not only is Phii Duen handsome, but he’s also kind, hehe.

   But…

   Where can you buy shaved ice?

   Tug

  

   MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 28: Say Something

   [Bohn]

   “Why do they have to make sophomores do this stuff?”

The complaining voice came from my friend, Bom, another day when we sophomores gathered at the faculty to prepare for the volunteer camp. Actually, we’ve been preparing for several days now. At first, I was going to skip out, but my good friends caught on. Shit. Normally, I don’t get involved in activities like this much. It’s not that I don’t want to. I want to go with my friends too, but laziness wins over…

“I’m more curious about why engineers have to do this, who organized this camp?” Tee asked while cutting ropes. I don’t know what the teacher wants these ropes for. He just said to cut a lot.

Well…

“I don’t know, probably the rector.” Merk answered, wrapping the long rope around his chair leg. We were guessing the length because the teacher only said,

“Not too much, not too little.”

Oh, very informative, very clear.

“Come on. If he organized it, why doesn’t he do it himself?” From the looks of it, Tee seemed to be getting heated. He might look like a joker, but he’s actually got a very hot temper. Back in our first year, he almost fought with Bom. Both of these guys have sharp tongues, but Bom is much calmer.

“Come on, it’s good karma, man.” Initially, Bom was the one complaining the loudest, but now he’s the one calming Tee down.

“Yeah, yeah, damn.”

“Bohn, you haven’t had dinner yet, you can go eat first, we won’t mind.”

Though they call it dinner, it’s almost midnight now, everyone else has eaten, and I’m the only one who hasn’t. I wanted to finish the work first, but as I kept working…when I checked my watch again, it had become like this.

“Heh. It’s fine, I feel a bit chubby lately, so I’m skipping dinner.” Actually, I’m not trying to lose weight or anything, I just said that so my close friends wouldn’t worry. I’m too tired to drive anyway, and importantly…the cut on the corner of my mouth just healed, thanks to some good medicine, it healed quickly as if I’d never been punched, leaving just a small mark.

“Oh, oh, since you started courting that doctor, you’ve become health-conscious, haven’t you, you jerk?” Boss, your mouth, man.

Actually, the mischievous wife; Boss is quite good-looking and funny. When he was the guy in charge, he garnered a lot of popularity points from the juniors, to the point where they compared him to an oasis in the desert. Wow, that’s quite something…but well, the engineering faculty’s freshman welcoming is harsh and stressful, so when they encounter something relaxing like this, they appreciate it, I guess.

“Of course, heh heh.”

“Annoying, you even dragged him to sleep at your condo.”

“I know, you posted the picture because you saw the one that the management kid tagged Duen, right?” King smiled knowingly. As he said that, that guy’s face came to mind. Ha, I’m way better looking, the idiot doesn’t like the soft type like you, he likes someone ‘tough’ like me.

“Yeah.”

“…Damn, you admitted it so easily. It’s not fun at all.” King looked disappointed. What’s with you, you complain when I don’t admit it, calling me stubborn, and now that I’ve admitted it, you say it’s not fun. What do you want from me?

“So, what should I do then?” I sat cross-legged, chin propped on my hands, looking at my beautiful friend. Don’t think we’re sitting on tables here, nope, here it’s all about being ‘down-to-earth,’ really down to earth, but not dirty because the gear yard is paved with smooth stones. There are tables, but not enough for everyone, so when there’s no more seating, we all agreed to sit on the floor, which is pretty cool.

“Well, ideally, you should be the cool protagonist. When friends tease you asking if you’re jealous, you should say, ‘Don’t be ridiculous! Why would I be jealous of her?’“ This time it was Boss who spoke, just speaking, I could understand…but why do you have to act like a Hollywood star, even if your voice sounds like some dubbed superhero.

“Ha, I’m straightforward.” I shrugged before turning back to my work. How many lines do you need, and is this length enough? Cut it off, snip, snip, snip.

“Husband, I don’t want to talk to the thug anymore. Play with me instead.” Boss clung to Merk’s arm, acting cute. This is normal, just like every day when the mischievous wife does this, but what’s not normal is…

“Sure, what pose do you want?”

“…”

Silence. Not just Boss, who was spoken to like that, but all of us went quiet…what’s wrong with Merk? According to theory, when the husband is quiet and the wife is mischievous, if Thanarit teases or acts cute, Sethathik would scold, ‘Go play somewhere else,’ or ‘If you don’t stop…you’ll meet my heel.’ That’s how it should be…

“Why?” The source of the silence asked calmly, as if talking about the weather.

Don’t you realize how abnormal you’re being, you bastard?

“Are you sick or something, Merk?” Boss turned Merk’s face this way and that, looking for any sign of abnormality. At this moment, no one dared to speak to them; let them sort it out, it’s a husband and wife thing.

“No, what’s wrong?” Merk raised an eyebrow. We might look calm, but we’re closely following the situation, or as we say, eavesdropping…

“Why are you going along with my gag? What’s wrong with you?”

“Don’t I usually do this?”

“Yes!”

We all chimed in unison without planning, Merk thought for a moment then smiled at his mischievous wife, crazy…Merk smiled. He doesn’t usually smile much, even around kids he barely smiles, or maybe he does…but does a sly grin count as a smile?

Mmmh

“You’ve been especially cute lately.”

He didn’t just say it; he pinched the mischievous wife’s nose in jest. Damn…I must be dreaming. It’s not just me who’s shocked by this behavior; the whole group is stunned too. Oh my God…look at what he is doing to…

“You bastard, Merk! Are you taking too many vitamins or something? Are you okay, do we need to take you to the doctor?” Tang didn’t answer the question; he just looked at the engineering couple with the same expression as me. Seeing this, we thought there was nothing more to it. There shouldn’t be anything if Merk didn’t…

“I’m normal, but you’re the one who’s gotten cuter.”

“I was joking, damn it.”

“Damn. We were all rooting for you, thought the quiet husband and mischievous wife would really get together.”

“Eh, well…I thought so too, this quiet husband is really funny.” After saying that, Boss went over and hugged Merk’s neck, even playfully pinching his cheek.

“If you don’t leave, I’ll really turn gay, you know.”

“Screw you, Merk, I’m not playing anymore, jerk.”

“Heh heh.”

Forget about their stuff. I looked at my phone screen to check the time and found it was already 21:49. Wow, we’ve been working so long without checking the time.

Has that health-conscious kid gone to sleep yet? I should go tell him goodnight.

Now I’ve changed his name to just ‘Duen’, plain and simple, but even though the name is simple, my feelings for him are not…

Bon Ss: Asleep yet?

   No response, he must be asleep already. Alright, I’ll just say goodnight then. Now, when I wake up early, I have to say ‘Good morning,’ and before going to sleep, it’s ‘Goodnight,’ it’s become part of my daily routine.

Bon Ss: Goodnight.

   I sent the message, thinking he’d read it in the morning, but I had to raise my eyebrows in surprise when I saw ‘Read’ beside the message. It’s almost midnight, and he’s still not asleep? He usually goes to bed at 10 PM, the latest being 10:30 PM…everyone’s acting strange today, huh.

Duen: About to sleep. You?

A smile immediately appeared on my face when I finished reading the message.

I like it when he asks back like this; it feels like he cares about me.

After that, we kept talking. I told him I wanted to see his face because I missed him. I’m telling the truth, not lying. I only saw him for a moment this morning, it wasn’t very satisfying. Duen scolded me, but what he did next made me smile like a madman.

Duen: You’re crazy [sends a picture of himself sticking out his tongue]

   Even if it was just a picture of him sticking out his tongue, I was still happy. It felt like I got a lot more motivation to work.

Bon Ss: That’s a bit better, haven’t even eaten yet.

   Duen: Why haven’t you eaten? It’s almost midnight.

   He’s worried about me, isn’t he? If that’s the case, I’d be so happy.

After that, we talked about random things. Not much substance, really. I kept flirting with him…the way he asked where I was sleeping, what kind of work I was doing so late, stuff like that, it really felt like Duen was genuinely worried about me. In the end, the other side asked to go to sleep because he was sleepy.

Maybe he’s actually shy around me.

“Wow, you’re smiling big time.”

“Talking to the doctor.”

“Heh.”

I grinned, raising an eyebrow at my teasing friend, one of the people who flirts with me. Duen is the only one my best friend teases me about this much; it’s probably because I made the first move.

“Wow, you’re annoying.”

“Same here.”

“You little flirt!”

Go ahead and scold me, you jealous bunch, I’m so happy today.

We continued working, today being another day where my friends and I would sleep at the university. Actually, we could go home, but we wanted to finish the work piece by piece. Once this job is done, there won’t be much left.

Rrrr

‘Duen’

Huh? Duen…Duen, you say!

Damn, why is he calling at almost 11 PM?

“Hello…Are you sleep-talking calling me, Duen?” I asked, surprised. Seriously, since we’ve been talking, he’s never stayed up past half-past ten.

(Bohn. Where are you?)

“At the gear plaza.” After answering, I raised my eyebrows, curious, why ask? (Still working?)

“Yeah.”

“Bohn, pass me the scissors.” I handed the scissors next to me to Boss, holding the phone with my shoulder while continuing to cut the ropes. So much work, what are we going to do with all this rope?

“Stretch.”

(What’s all this fuss about?)

“There’s just a lot of stuff, are you worried?” I don’t know why either, every time I say this, the corners of my mouth automatically lift. It would be nice if Duen smiled back.

“Wow, I wish someone would call me like that too.” King, the jester, teased while making a playful gesture.

“Yeah. If there was someone, I’d propose with a dowry.” Boss added, raising his hand as if holding a tray and dancing, your face is so serious it’s almost kickworthy, Merk, take your wife away quick!

“Bohn’s already proposed, I’m the best man, haha.” Bom raised his eyebrows, not only is he the best man, but he’s also a wedding photographer, I remember, heh.

(Tell your friends to shut up.)

“Hey, you guys, he’s embarrassed.”

“Why are you smiling, Bohn?”

“Ahem, excuse me.”

(Shh, you crazy people.)

“Did you call for anything? Miss me?” Lately, I’ve been smiling a lot, all because of this idiot who made my friends ask, ‘Are you on drugs?’ Damn, I’m not on anything.

I’m just…in love.

“Done.”

Wait a minute…what’s this shadow looming over me, and was that Duen’s voice just now?

I slowly looked up at the person standing over me. I’m not imagining things; that was definitely Duen’s voice just now. So…why would he come here?

Hey, Duen!

The future doctor said he brought flowers because he wouldn’t be free tomorrow, but I think he must have an ulterior motive. I kept pressing him, and finally got the answer that he wanted to get some fresh air at the university…at 5 PM? The more I asked, the more he started showing signs. Duen isn’t good at lying…not good at all. In the end, when he realized he couldn’t keep up the pretense, he handed me a large Seven-Eleven bag, pressing it against my chest.

“Ah, eat this too.”

I reached up to take the bag from in front of my chest, puzzled. I couldn’t see what was inside, but I was sure there was basil stir-fry because I could smell it.

There must also be some snacks if I’m not mistaken.

Did he buy this for me?

   “…”

“I didn’t buy this because you said you haven’t eaten, okay?” The speaker turned to look at a statue of a peeing boy…what’s more interesting about it than me? It’s not even half as good as me.

“…”

“I just brought the flowers, passed by Seven-Eleven, so I bought some food to eat myself, but after riding around, I’m full of air.”

“…”

“If I throw it away, it’s a waste, so-”

“…”

“Are you interested in being the wife of a chief mechanic like me? The dowry is substantial.”

“…”

“Duen, have I told you yet?”

“…”

“I like you, Duen.”

I feel like I like him more every day, I don’t know why.

   Don’t make me fall for you, Duen.

  

[Duenhaw]

   Medical Faculty Cafeteria

   “Duen, I heard you went to see Phii Bohn at his faculty last night?” As soon as I sat down, the medical faculty moon nudged my shoulder. Huh? What…Hey! How did you know?

“Coming out strong, huh?” Tang nudged my other shoulder. You know too? Or did Phii Tang call Phu, and then Phu told them?

“What?” I pretended not to care, picking up this and that, checking the table edge, looking at the dust.

“Don’t act like you don’t know. You saw his post on his Facebook, right?”

“Damn, Bohn is such a jerk, posting everything on his FB…” I mumbled, quickly checking my phone. Not cool at all, by saying this, it means they already know.

Bon Ss

   You said you were going to sleep, what are you doing at my faculty at 5

   PM?

   Phii Bohn likes Nong Duen, #BohnDuen, #MyPerson, with Krisda,

   Duennhaw

   That jerk posted three photos with a caption, the first was our LINE conversation where he said he hadn’t eaten, the second was everything I bought for him including the flowers, and the last was a photo of my back in front of the engineering faculty; he must have taken it while I was walking. I was too embarrassed by the teasing to pay much attention at that moment.

Damn!! Never consults before doing anything, where am I supposed to hide my face now?

…Sigh, whatever, I’m used to it.

The comments are the same as always. Mostly from the engineering gang coming to tease their friend, with some women complaining about not having a chance, even though they themselves ship guys together. It’s quite funny.

Tee Phattarawin: Bohn, you friend was smiling all night, must be happy.

   I’m a bit surprised that the first comment isn’t from Phii Boss. But the picture he attached is funny; Bohn is hugging a 7-Eleven bag and smiling. I don’t know if it’s staged or not, but I’ve saved it, you buffalo, I’m going to tease him with it, haha.

Boss Thanarit: Damn, Tee, you stole the first comment from me! If you’re tired of Bohn, come find me #BohnDuen #IsThereAnyoneLikeThisLeft #IWantToBuyHim #IWishToHaveNong Duen

   Oh, so the guy from earlier was Tee…but what do you want from me, Phii Boss?

Just wait.

Thanthep King: ‘My man’, wow, are you afraid others won’t know or what?

   What do you know, I’m sick of these bastards, knowing full well their friend is delusional yet still praising him, damn!

Bom Boomm: I have nothing to say except…I’m annoyed!

   Yeah, I’m also annoying, Phii Bom!

Thang Nakrab: I’m glad my friend has found someone stable.

   Be glad for the ghost then, Phii Tang…sigh, whatever.

Megha Setthakit: Yeah, got a good wife.

   Done!! Reading this hurts my heart, better to go type and scold damn Bohn, scold him right here in the comments.

Krisda, Duennhaw: I’m tired of you, you never ask me before posting anything.

   Bon Ss: Didn’t even show your face a bit.

   Krisda, Duennhaw: Didn’t show my face, but you tagged me, you bastard!

   Bon Ss: I want others to know that I’ve claimed you.

   I was about to type back, ‘Come fight me then,’ but a call came in first. And who else would it be but the post owner himself.

“Hello” I answered with a grumpy tone.

(I miss you.)

“I’m tired of that phrase.” I think I was making an annoyed face at Bohn, but why do I feel like the corner of my mouth is lifting?

(Like you.)

“…I’m tired of that too.” I said, turning my face away from my friend who was teasing me, preparing to mock me. You won’t get to me, I’m strong enough… (Then you say those words to me, so I won’t get tired of it.) …Since when?

“…”

(Heh heh.)

“I hate your laugh.” I said in a low, muffled voice, feeling a slight warmth on my face. Lately, my heart has been doing something weird, beating out of rhythm often.

“Oh, my, Tang dear friend, what’s wrong with you Duen? Why is his face so red? We need to take him to the doctor.” Pornapa clasped her hands together and blinked rapidly, pretending to be concerned…I hate it.

“No need to take him, he’s just embarrassed by his husband.” I take back my words, I don’t hate Tingting’s sentence the most; it’s Tang’s words that I hate the most. Go back to playing your psycho games, dude.

“You jerks.”

(Embarrassed, huh?) And here’s another one teasing, go back to your farming game!

“No!”

(Just admit you’re embarrassed, why get angry to cover it up?) It sounds like he’s scolding, but his tone doesn’t show it at all. Bohn speaks normally…like he’s flirting.

“Don’t you like it? Then I’ll do it more often.” I asked, starting to plot something mischievous in my mind.

(I don’t dislike it…anything from you, I like it all.)

“…Bohn, you’re so persistent with your flirting.” I spoke quietly, more like whispering, feeling like I didn’t have much energy to talk.

(Softening up a bit?)

“No!”

(Even then, huh? The food last night was good, heh.)

“Why tell me? I didn’t even make it.” I just bought it from 7-Eleven, shouldn’t the phrase ‘it was good’ be used for food someone made themselves?

(The food was delicious because it was from someone I like//ouch, I’ve been bitten by ants//I know where these ants came from now//even when he flirts with me through the phone…if we were flirting in person, I wouldn’t need to bring Baygon to class, would I?) Help me!

“Ew! Bohn, you’re so annoying, stop flirting!”

“Huh, your mouth says no, but your face is red. And you’re smiling too.” You…!!

“Shut up, King.”

(I want to see your face so badly.)

“No way, I’m going to submit my work.” I said that, but really, I’ll sit and gather my thoughts for another half an hour before going to submit, trembling, Phii Duen is overwhelmed.

(Homework?)

“Yeah, this professor is damn harsh…I’m super scared of him.” As soon as I said it, suddenly, the image of the professor smiling popped into my mind, brrr, scary.

(Why?)

“Last time I submitted work, and he scolded me.” I still remember that feeling well, my heart dropped, like there was a lump in my throat, I couldn’t speak, felt sorry for myself…

(He scolded you to help you improve.) Unexpectedly, I thought he’d say something like, ‘Who is he? Should we let the air out of his tires?’ or ‘I’ll ambush him and give him a head knock.’

I need to look at you differently, you thug.

“I know, but I’m still scared.”

(Where are you studying now?)

“Huh? Me?” I asked, surprised. Normally, he never asks me stuff like this. I really want to answer, ‘At the same university as you,’ but better not, Phii Duen doesn’t want to risk getting physically harmed by the thug, chuckle.

(Yeah.)

“Right now, I’m not in class, just sitting in the faculty canteen to calm down.” I answered while looking at my two best friends. They’ve lost interest in teasing me. (Oh, okay then.)

Click

   “Wow, what’s with that?” I made a face of annoyance, looking at the now-dark screen in confusion. Wow, call when you want to call, hang up when you want to hang up, I’ll smack your head for this.

“Acting annoyed when he calls, but when he hangs up, you get irritated.”

“No way!”

You bastard! What’s with you!

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME

MYENGINEER, CHAPTER 27: Late Night

   [Duenhaw]

   Since the pre-exam season started, I haven’t been spending much time with that jerk (which is good). We meet, I hand him flowers, and then rushes off to class. He’s busy too, with school and some kind of work. Just yesterday, he messaged saying he’d be sleeping at the engineering faculty…Engineering is just awesome.

“King, have you submitted this assignment yet?” I showed the screen to my close friend, it was a post from someone in our faculty showing off their work. It’s worth showing off, a nearly perfect score, this teacher is insanely tough. How did you get nearly full marks?

“Yeah, did it already.” the faculty moon gave a winner’s smirk, really makes you want to kick him.

King is a hard worker. If there’s work, he does it right away, unlike me and Tang who need to get in the mood before we start. As for Tang…it depends on whether he feels like doing it at that moment, but he always gets good grades when he does.

Tang must be cheating, believe me!

“Don’t leave me hanging…damn, I haven’t even started.”

“Hey, chill out, the deadline is still a while away. Plus, the teacher lets you resubmit if you’re not happy with your grade after grading.”

“But I…I’m stressed, man, last time my score wasn’t good.” Last time, I submitted three times; the first attempt had the best score. I remember being scolded by the teacher so much that I didn’t feel like doing anything for a while.

“Come on, we’ll help you.”

‘We’, huh, includes the crazy one playing games next to us. Doesn’t he care about anyone? Lately, Tang has been into surgery game again. At first, I thought it

looked cool, but when he plays with that evil grin and says in a cold voice, ‘Come on. It’s in the hands of the doctor now. Trust me…’ I changed my mind before he started dissecting every patient.

“Tang, did you do it?” Dude, can you stop operating on patients for a moment?

“Heh, that one! He submitted it two days ago. He said he was free so he got a perfect score, you know!” Crazy, he finally decides to be diligent for once…What happened, or maybe!! He got some bonus from the shop! I bet he got some protein powder shirts. He won’t share it, will you?

“Tang, you’re not human.”

“So when are you going to do it?”

“How about today, I was planning to go to the library for research.”

“Will you guys come with me?”

“That’s fine. Are you guys free?”

“Free, free.”

Once we agreed, we headed to the medical faculty library, which has been open for nearly a hundred years. It’s a four-story building where the ground floor provides computer services, the second floor is for reading, the third for medical publications, and the fourth is both a conference room and the librarian’s office. We call that floor, ‘The Territory of the Possessed,’ because every time you get close, it gives you goosebumps. Not because I’m afraid of ghosts, though.

The librarian is terrifying.

“I think this book is useless.” The only beautiful girl in our group spoke up, placing the thick book I had just picked from the shelf onto the table. The place was quite crowded but surprisingly quiet; the voice from earlier was the only sound in the library…you guys are too strict about the rules.

“This one, this one is good.” Tang handed me a red-covered book that looked quite intimidating.

“Thanks, Tang.”

I worked with Tang helping out for an hour. Actually, it was almost done; all that was left was to print and submit it…but there was still one thing…

“How far have you gotten…almost done, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then why not submit it today?”

“No…I’m scared of the professor.” I’m genuinely scared, you know. Last time, I went in confidently, but I got scolded so badly I felt like a dog. He didn’t yell loudly, the professor scolded in a gentlemanly way, but it cut me deep to the bone.

“What are you scared of?”

“Last time I got scolded, so I…”

“So you’re afraid it’ll happen again?”

“Yeah…”

“Why be scared? Just act like you don’t care. Just understand that what he’s saying is out of concern, pointing out the flaws in your work or just scolding for the sake of it. If it’s a concern, take it and move on, but if it’s just for the sake of scolding, then you can scold back.” Uh…

“You’re concerned too, but when I get scolded, it ruins my mood.” I made a face to make them laugh, the atmosphere was getting too dramatic.

“Damn, why be scared?”

“Scary, man! When I look into the teacher’s eyes, it feels like I’m being sucked into an unknown universe, into this vast, infinite space or something, you know!” It’s really like that!

“Damn, Duen, I told you not to watch so much anime.”

“No way!” Lately, I haven’t watched anything except for Conan, which Bohn uses to bribe Dao.

“Alright. Don’t stress, the more you stress, the more…stressful you get.”

“What kind of wisdom is that? There’s no sharpness in your heart.”

“I’ve run out of lines!”

“Fine, I’ll submit it later then…”

…

After finishing the work, I went straight home. Today, my mom picked up Daonuea herself because I really couldn’t manage. I’m so tired now, not so much physically but mentally. Sigh…

“I’m really in good shape.” I stood in front of the mirror after taking a shower, the more I looked, the more confused I got. Why don’t girls drool over a handsome guy like Phii Duen?

“Does Bohn really want a husband? His taste isn’t that bad.” I shook my head in pity. If he liked a cute guy like Tang, I wouldn’t say anything, but whatever, it’s better to sleep. It’s late now…yawn.

tug!

Who is it!!

I got up, annoyed, to grab my phone from the bedside. I was about to sleep, but if I’m being honest, I could guess who it was. It’s probably nobody else but that flirty guy who’s been popping up in my life so often lately, and he just did something big, telling me he changed his number and gave it only to me…for what? To make it hard for others to call or line me, you jerk?

What are you smiling about…what am I smiling about?

Ai-Hia Bohn: Asleep yet?

   He asks this every day, believe me, after this, he’ll send, ‘Goodnight.’

Ai-Hia Bohn: Goodnight.

   Duennhaw: About to sleep. You?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Not yet. Working at the dorm now.

   Duennhaw: What work do you have?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Preparing stuff for the volunteer camp.

   Duennhaw: The reforestation camp in the North, right?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Yeah, the professor asked for second-year help to prepare stuff.

   Duennhaw: Serves you right, lol.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Duen.

   Duennhaw: ?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: I miss you.

   …Even when not in front of me, he can still flirt with me, come on.

Duennhaw: You little flirt.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Seriously, I want to see your face.

   “Are you a puppy or what, ha ha.” I laughed at the message he sent back. Oh, poor him, seeing that he’s tired from work, Phii Duen will send him a picture to cheer him up.

Duennhaw: You’re crazy [sends a picture of himself sticking out his tongue]

   Ai-Hia Bohn: That’s a bit better, I haven’t even eaten yet.

   Duennhaw: Why haven’t you eaten? It’s almost midnight.

   Ai-Hia Bohn: No time.

   Duennhaw: Where are you sleeping?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Camping out at the faculty.

   Huh! Sleeping at the university again? What kind of work are you doing that keeps you up this late…smuggling cough syrup, crocodile brand, and senna for constipation, Doctor Seng’s brand, number 888?

Duennhaw: Is there so much stuff that you have to prepare like a month before?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Yeah, tons. Need to get it done before the exam because we’re going to the camp during the break.

   Why not do it after the exam? Before an exam like this, aren’t you supposed to study? I know a bit that his faculty has quite an unusual curriculum; he once sent pictures from a workshop where he was plastering walls and another from a surveying class checking soil. But…I mean…I’m wondering how he normally takes exams, does he have to study like me, or can he pass by spending time on other things like this?

Duennhaw: Exams are coming up, and you’re not studying?

   Ai-Hia Bohn: Asking so many questions, are you worried? Duennhaw: No way…I’m going to sleep [sticker of a sleeping cat] Ai-Hia Bohn: Okay, I’ll go back to work then.

   “Still working, huh?” I mumbled to myself about Bohn before flopping down on my pillow. I need to sleep now, or I won’t look good…I really want to sleep, but my body won’t listen, my brain keeps questioning why he didn’t have dinner…If it were me, it wouldn’t be a big deal since I often skip meals. But Bohn isn’t like that; he eats every evening, (not that I care, I know because he always shows off with pictures).

If he doesn’t have dinner, he won’t get enough nutrients for his body’s needs, which can lead to weakness and stunted growth. Wait, this is about breakfast, isn’t it?

“…Hey, but that idiot just said he hadn’t eaten yet, maybe not just dinner.”

Sleep, stop thinking, you idiot.

…

I really want to do that.

“Mom, I’m stepping out for a bit.”

“Where are you going?” My mom asked, surprised, as I opened the front door, my right foot already touching the ground outside.

“…Going to buy some snacks.” What! Did! I! Just! Say!

“We have some at home, though.” Mom looked puzzled as she walked closer to me. What should I do if I tell her, ‘I’m going to buy food for Bohn, he hasn’t eaten anything yet’? That would sound weird, wouldn’t it…

“…The snacks outside are tastier, I like them.” I need to improve my lying skills with a pro like Phu.

“Oh…really? Then go ahead.” Is she pretending to believe me? On this former supermodel’s face, there’s no sign of belief, just “Oh, really, I’ll believe it if you say so.”

“What should I buy for him…” I stood there pondering in front of the freezer at the convenience store. If I take this to him now, he’ll definitely think I’m worried about him, what should I do?

…Let’s do it this way.

After coming up with a plan, I grabbed a box of minced pork with basil and some snacks, placing them on the checkout counter. I’m not worried…just feel sorry for him, scared he might die and haunt me.

I didn’t take long to pay and then rode my bike to the shop where I’d get something to use as an excuse. I didn’t spend much time choosing since they’re all similar anyway.

“How much?” I asked, carefully holding the items I bought.

“Twenty baht.”

I quickly paid the vendor; it was already 12:45 AM! What is a health-conscious guy like Phii Duen doing outside at this ghostly hour!! Damn, it’s all because of you, Bohn. Better hurry to his faculty, or it’ll get even later; on the way, I wonder if someone will try to grab Phii Duen.

Beep

(Hello…Did you call me in your sleep, Duen?)

“Bohn. Where are you?”

(At the gear plaza.) Once I knew the destination, I headed straight there. After the first day being as foolish as a buffalo looking for the gear parking lot but ending up at the administration building, I’ve now memorized the route.

“Still working?” The lights at his faculty are still on, huh? I know now why the university’s electricity bill is so high, it must be because of you guys. I’ll complain to the rector.

(Yeah//Bohn, can you grab me some scissors…thanks.) He’s really working…is there that much to prepare for this volunteer camp?

“What are you doing that’s so intense?”

(Lots of stuff, are you worried?//giggle, I wish someone would call me like this//Yeah. If there was someone, I’d bring betel nuts to propose//Bohn already did that, I’m the one who’s embarrassed, ha ha ha.) See, I knew someone would tease.

“Tell your friends to shut up.”

(Hey, guys, take it easy, he’s embarrassed//Why are you smiling, Bohn?//Oh, excuse me.)

“Damn, you’re crazy.”

(Did you call for anything? Miss me?)

There’s the troublemaker.

Seeing the familiar broad back, I walked straight onto the lot. At the same time, I noticed his friends nudging each other to look, but Bohn was so focused on cutting something he didn’t notice. Even while working, you can still hold the phone with your shoulder and talk to me; your dedication is truly remarkable.

“Done.”

“…” The tall figure slowly looked up at me, standing over him.

I raised my eyebrows at him twice before giving a mischievous grin. Why do you have to look so shocked? Is my pajamas weird? It’s just gray with white edges, covered by a black jacket…It’s not that ugly. Plus, this jacket was just bought by my mom, it’s the latest trend, so why…

Before I could think any further, a loud noise startled me.

“You guys are nuts, I want my girlfriend to come visit me like Bohn does!!”

“Here…ha, ha, ha, huuuuuuu!!!”

“Ouch. No respect at all! I’m a monkey, man!”

“You bastard, Bohn, go away, you two make me so jealous!”

Huh? …I stood there, watching the group of engineering students playfully hitting Bohn’s head, looking confused. What did I do? What’s there to tease about?

I just came around 11 PM. There’s nothing to tease about…

“You guys, be quiet…I’m here, heh heh.” Bohn pushed his friend away before standing up to face me. He was still in the same clothes from this morning when I gave him the flowers, a white T-shirt under a shop jacket, jeans, you could stink, aren’t you going to take a shower?

But why does no one in your faculty care what you wear!

“Nothing…Oh, roses, I’m not free tomorrow.” After saying that, I handed him the pink roses, this was my excuse, really, there’s no urgent work or anything tomorrow.

“Really, you had to bring it this late? Couldn’t you bring it in the morning?” He reached out to take the flowers, yeah, I forgot about that.

“Well…I wanted to get some fresh air at the university.” I wanted to slap myself, believe me!

“It had to be my faculty too?”

“Your faculty has a lot of trees, I like it.” Ugh, arguing beside the point again, but whatever, just don’t look at his face, he must be making that annoying expression.

“Why not go to the agriculture faculty, there are tons of trees there?”

“Forget about the agriculture faculty!” I shouted, at my wits’ end. What a question, you jerk! You know I’m here and you still ask to embarrass me more!

“Haha…”

“Here, eat this too.” I pushed the sturdy 7-Eleven bag towards him, there wasn’t much inside, just one box of rice, two large bottles of water, five family packs of snacks, two cartons of milk, and two more bottles of juice, that’s all.

“…”

“I didn’t buy this because you said you hadn’t eaten dinner, okay?”

“…”

“I just brought some flowers, passed by Seven-Eleven, so I bought some food to eat myself, but after riding around, I’m full of air.” …Duen, Duen! Full of air, your dad! What are you even saying?

“…”

“I would feel bad throwing it away, so-”

“Are you interested in being the wife of a chief engineer like me? The dowry is substantial.”

“…”

“Duen, have I told you?”

“…”

“I like you, Duen.” The tall figure tilted his head, smiling at me, standing still without walking over to hug or tease like he usually does, but my heart started beating fast anyway.

But I couldn’t stay stunned for long because I was startled by the loud noise echoing across the lot…so loud that even the university guard might hear.

“Giggle!!!!”

“You’re so cute!!!”

“I want a husband too!”

“So damn cute!”

“So, what’s your answer? Heh.”

“Woo! I’m leaving!” I turned around and walked back to where I parked my bike. Bohn didn’t try to stop me, but he followed me to my bike, walking behind me, doing what exactly?

“Say good night first.” You could stop smiling for a bit; you haven’t stopped smiling since you came out here, watch out or you’ll get a cramp.

“No, I’m going home.” I would have gone home already if it weren’t for this crazy person standing in my way, preventing me from leaving, what’s with you?

“Say it, I want to hear it.”

“No, I’m going home now. I’m sleepy.”

“Really not going to say it?”

“Ai-Hia Bohn…good night.” After saying that, I revved my bike hard because I didn’t want to hear anything else, but I still heard his deep voice shouting after me…

“Thanks for the late meal! Good night! Dream of me!”

No way!!!

 

MY ENGINEER CHAPTERS HOME