WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 10: Mr.Jeon ☁:??
☁: Dao’s new boyfriend of?
☀︎:. No.
☁: Then who are you?
☁: Why are you cursing?
☁: What’s the grudge?
☁: Or did you add the wrong person?
☀︎: There’s no grudge.
☀︎: But it’s my duty.
☁: What?
☀︎: Don’t mess with him.
☀︎: You bastard.
☁: Oh, did Dao send you to keep me away?
☀︎: Yeah.
☁: Instead of tricking me into thinking you’re the new boyfriend.
☀︎:. No.
☀︎: I don’t even want to pretend to be.
☀︎: Just don’t mess with him.
☀︎: I’m not free to sit here and curse you out.
☀︎: You bastard.
☁: You’re the laziest guard dog ever, lol.
☁: Why does Dao use you?
☀︎: Yeah, that’s true.
☀︎: There are millions of others.
☀︎: Can’t complain, I have to rely on him.
☁: And what’s up with Dao?
☀︎: Enough, I’m going to do my round in the ward.
☀︎: Don’t go and talk to him again.
☀︎: I am too lazy to scold you, understand?
☁: Are you a doctor?
☀︎: Yeah.
☁: What kind of shitty doctor are you?
☁: Being a doctor and you still have time to mess with me?
☀︎: That’s because I don’t have time, you bastard.
☁: So, can you guard like this? Lol.
☀︎: Then don’t mess with him.
☀︎: You know doctors don’t have time, you bastard.
☁: Do I have to wait until you’re free to scold me?
☀︎: Just stop messing with him and it’s over.
☀︎: Find someone new.
☀︎: There are plenty of better people than this kid, trust me.
☀︎: Don’t cling to him.
☀︎:. If you’re feeling too pent up, go release it, I’ll give you some recommendations.
☁: Damn, lol.
☁: What kind of person are you?
☀︎: I’m out, damn it.
☁: Wait a minute.
☁: Let’s talk first, how’s Dao doing?
☁: Is he okay?
I put my phone down, not in the best mood, because out of the blue, the kid from next door sent me a LINE message asking to deal with his ex. I was already irritated, so I added him just to curse out to vent my frustration, and I barely have time to sleep, let alone do whatever else. I can’t complain much because it’s an exchange. I’ve disturbed him a lot, like today he had to go to Phuket to look for my mother at my vacation home. When he came back saying he didn’t find anything, I didn’t feel disappointed or surprised; I had already thought she wouldn’t be there.
It was just a possibility.
I muted my phone and went on a ward round until after ten, only to find a lot of messages from that bastard. When I got back to my room, I opened them to discover hundreds of stickers he had sent.
☀︎: What’s with you?
☁: You didn’t answer me.
☀︎:. I told you I was on ward rounds.
☀︎: Are you his wife or what, spamming messages like that?
☀︎: You bastard.
☀︎: Dao doesn’t reply to my LINE, TT ☀︎: I’m going to block you too.
☁: You can’t curse if you’re blocked.
☀︎: What a hassle.
☀︎: What’s your name?
☁: Khram
☀︎: Crime?
☁: Kylme
☁: You bastard.
☁: You?
☀︎: Arthit
☀︎: You, the buffalo.
☀︎: What kind of bastard has the name “Kam”?
☁: Khram
☁: Damn.
☁: Kam, your dad.
☀︎: Why do you have to deal with him again? Aren’t you tired of this?
☁: Can we just call? Typing is exhausting.
☀︎: Has it reached the point where I can call you?
☁: Yeah, answer.
Not long after, the bastard Khram actually called through Line. Slightly confused, I decided to answer.
“Why do I have to call you?”
(Come on, you’re the only one close to Dao that I can contact, how’s Dao doing?)
“Normal, thirty-two teeth intact, no more or less.”
(Annoying, why do you have to guard him from me? Does he hate me that much?)
“If you were smarter, you wouldn’t ask.”
(Damn, what a foul-mouthed doctor, who adds someone they don’t know just to insult them? I’m asking seriously) he said, laughing, (I really want to go back, man, I’ve realized my mistake, I want another chance.)
“That’s your problem.”
(What? Don’t you have any sympathy?)
“My job is to keep you away from him.” I said with exasperation, then lightly scratched my head, “Where are you?”
(US.)
“What the hell is that?”
(Chicago.)
“You are not living there anymore.”
(I don’t have any more money, damn it, I’m going back to my girlfriend) he said, (You’re weird, huh? Others wouldn’t talk like this, you’re strange for being a dog deterrent for someone else, do you like my boyfriend?)
“Like him? Damn it, I just have a deal with him.”
(You don’t have any grudge against me, don’t obstruct too much.)
“I don’t really want to do it, but I’m warning you, don’t mess with him.”
(What are you going to do?)
“Maybe trip you up, you bastard. Come on, don’t make me have to deal with you.”
(Why?)
“Because I’m lazy.” I said, sighing. I don’t hold a grudge against him. I don’t know why I should order a hit or hate him so much. Whoever he is, my job is just to keep him away from the blue-haired kid, right?
(You’re really a lazy dog deterrent, you bastard, can you really handle me?)
“I can, but it would cost money.”
(Not wanting to lose money anymore?)
“Give it up, you bastard. If it’s gone this far, it means it didn’t end well, let me guess, you cheated on him, right?”
(Yeah, I admit I was a bastard back then, but I’ve repented, improved myself too, I want a chance. Why can’t someone get a second chance when they’ve changed?)
“Why are you discussing this with me?”
(I’m lonely, maybe. Just answer.)
“How would I know? Don’t consult with me.”
(Can’t consult anyone, you bastard, I’m about to die of stress.)
“I’ll send you a counselor’s contact, hoping it’ll enlighten you a bit.”
(What?)
“Okay, I’m hanging up, I’m exhausted.”
I hung up the phone, feeling tired, and went to soak in hot water to relax after a long day. After finishing my bath, I sat at my desk to work. Not that I want to, but I have to read, otherwise, I’ll fail for sure. And don’t mock me; it’s not strange for a doctor to study, or you’ll get an elbow jab while asleep!
☀︎: *Sends contact list
☁: ??
☀︎: He is my personal advisor.
☀︎: Ask him anything you want.
☀︎: A hundred baht per question.
☀︎: Transfer me money via PromptPay.
☀︎: 0xX-XXX-XXXX
…
☁: Hello, Arthit recommended me to you.
T.fha: Yes?
After deciding to send Fah’s contact, I was ready to receive complaints. It’s the most suitable role for Tonfah to be an advisor because my advising skills are extremely negative; even if I can’t handle my own life, how could I advise someone else? So, I thought I wasn’t suitable for that kind of role. I believed that if that bastard Khram talked to Tonfah, he would definitely unlock his brain. And as expected, the next day, Fah complained a bit that I shouldn’t give anyone’s contact to strangers, as it’s not only impolite but also a matter of safety; at the very least, one should ask for permission first.
Yeah. I admitted my fault. Next time, I’ll ask for permission.
“And how did it go?” I asked.
“At first, I wasn’t going to get involved, but when I saw he said he was the ex of
NongDaotok, who is friends with Phoon, Phoon wanted to help.”
“Oh.”
“He came for advice, wanting to go back and ask for another chance with his ex. After he explained what he had done wrong in the past, I thought, hmm…he shouldn’t come back, but the decision isn’t mine, right? The one who decides is his ex, Nong Daotok, and if Nong Dao asked you to keep him away from him, it’s clear that he doesn’t want to be involved.” Fah said. I nodded in agreement, just to look like I understood.
“Aha.”
“I tried to explain, and he understood. He’s not someone who doesn’t understand things. He said that in the past, when he behaved badly, he was still young, but time has passed, he’s grown up, his view of the world has changed, so he realized he shouldn’t do bad things to someone who loved him that much.”
“…”
“So, I asked if he still loved him or if he just felt guilty, and he couldn’t answer.”
“Huh.”
“But seriously, can we call it love? Because if people love each other, would they hurt each other like that? No matter what, if you truly love someone, you shouldn’t hurt them, right? So, I think he probably just feels guilty. Understand the feeling of a repentant scoundrel, right? He wants to go back to make amends; it’s just guilt and the desire to make up for it.”
“Hmm.” I nodded again. I think I understand, maybe, “And then what?”
“He said he’d go back to reflect on himself, and if possible, he wants to talk to
Nong Daotok at least once, at least to apologize.”
“That goes against my job.”
“Just ask the kid what he wants first. Sometimes facing each other isn’t bad; he might not love him anymore, but he still feels hurt. If he can talk to him and get an apology, it might help him feel better.”
“And then what, should I propose this?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
“Keeping someone out of his life isn’t hard, Arthit, but what I suggest is a method that might be good for both parties. If the kid still feels something for him, even if he’s gone, those feelings will linger, right? Try asking him first, if he says he doesn’t want to talk, then you just have to deal with him quickly.”
“Yeah, what you’re saying makes sense, Tonfah.”
“…” The person next to me sighed slightly in disgust, “Don’t give out my contact to anyone else, understand?”
“Yeah, I understand.”
“What’s up?” Johan, who had just sat down across from me, asked. Today, we had planned to study together at the café. When I arrived, Hill and Fah were already there. Hill was half asleep, his head on his wife’s lap, and I saw North go sit with his friends on the other side of the room.
The third floor of this café has become our regular spot since it’s always empty because Jo owns the place, bought it when he wanted to get his wife away from work. They’re a very strange couple. If you don’t want your wife to work, you buy the place and kick her out? When I heard about this, I could only think, what the fuck?
“Arthit gave out my contact to someone.” Fah’s words made Jo look at me immediately.
“Who did you give it to, why, and can you trust them? What if it’s like that bastard from last time?” Jo asked with a stern voice. The bastard from last time refers to the stalker who followed Fah for a while. If you ask how it was, I could sum it up in one word: that bastard broke down, Jo was about to bite his head off.
This shows that Jo cares about his friends. Even if he’s quick to scold, like when I talked with North and mentioned Red’s name, where Jo told Red through me to speak up if there’s anything because many people are ready to listen, that bastard also told me. Everyone knows that I just used Red’s name for laughs, nothing more.
I know you guys are ready to listen, but I’m not ready to tell you, you bastards.
Then I started to briefly explain the story about the guard dog to them.
“Yeah, he said it was your wife who recommended it.” I told Jo.
“Really?”
“Yeah, go ahead and scold North, he’s the one who started it.”
“Well, North was a bit at fault.” Jo said with a small sigh, “Fault for thinking someone like you would be useful.”
“Shit.” I cursed a little, this bastard has a foul mouth, won’t talk to him anymore, “But it’s all over now, right? I just told him, that’s enough, isn’t it?” I turned to ask Fah.
“Hmm, we’ll see.”
“And you’re okay talking to other people?” Jo turned to ask Fah.
“What do you mean?”
“Phoon.”
“No. I asked first, Phoon understood, and said he felt sorry for him, he probably needed someone to listen.”
“Such a good person.” I said, this is like a match made in heaven. Even if Fah has said he’s not a good person, honestly, no matter what, you’re better than me, so rest easy, Fah, because with someone like you around, the world won’t fall apart. Knowing that Fah had a productive conversation with Khram, I opened the chat to check, only to find that bastard Khram had sent another flurry of messages. What, does he have no one to hang out with in Chicago? Thankfully, I had notifications turned off for him, so this can end, and he’ll stop bothering me.
☁: You, T^T
☁: I’m touched, your friend is really good.
☁: Like Tonfah
☁: : You’ve won my heart
☁: Why would someone good like that lower themselves to be with someone like you?
☀︎: Saying don’t transfer the money, while you’re sending me your PromptPay.
☀︎: It’s really low to consult a friend but give out your own PromptPay.
☀︎: What a hassle.
☀︎: What, you should transfer it to me.
☀︎: I’m the one who gave you the contact.
☁: Transferring is already stupid.
☀︎: I’ve thought about it.
☁: I don’t want to get involved anymore.
☁: I want Dao to meet someone better, I really feel guilty, should I let him go, right?
☁: Like Tonfah said.
☁: Let him meet someone better, I shouldn’t try to make amends.
☀︎: Yeah, good that you’ve thought about it.
☁: But there is something I want
☁: I want to see Dao.
☁: When I say I miss him, I really mean it, you know?
☁: It has not been long.
☁: I want to apologize too.
☁: Just want to apologize. Since we broke up, I’ve never apologized.
☀︎: Wait.
☀︎: Are you really thinking this, right?
☀︎: Not just messing with me?
☀︎: I’m not messing around, I’ve reached enlightenment with Tonfah last night.
☁: Like a doctor, he gave really good advice.
☁: Not like you at all, you bastard.
☁: Quack doctor, you cheated on the exam, didn’t you?
☀︎: Shit head.
☀︎: Yeah, yeah, I’ll go ask if he wants to see you.
☀︎: If he doesn’t want to see you, you have to stop.
☀︎: Stop pestering, I’m tired.
☁: Tired of what?
☁: You haven’t done shit!
☁: You’re a worthless guard dog.
☁: Dao shouldn’t help you.
☁: I’ll tell Dao to stop helping you.
☀︎: Oh, this bastard.
☀︎: No, you bastard.
☀︎: Then I’ll really guard him.
☀︎: Prepare to die, you bastard.
☀︎: You’re in Chicago, right?
☁: Just kidding, you bastard.
☁: Tell Dao to unblock me.
☁: Just want to talk for a bit, then I won’t bother him anymore.
☀︎: Okay.
☀︎: I’ll try asking him.
☁: Thanks, TT.
☁: You guard dog.
☀︎: Yeah, you dog.
…
Daotok
[Art (No) Club (Fuck It Already) (4)]
SS: Everyone
SS: What are you guys doing?
SS:
SS:
Easter: Dao, LOL, seems like you’re in a good mood.
Easter: *Sending image
Easter: At the café, come join us, Phoon, North is here too.
SS: Guarding your partners?
SS:
Easter: Huh, lots of emojis, must be really happy.
Easter: What happened?
SS: Ter-
SS: Mr. Jeon is coming to see us.
SS: Mr. Jeon SS:
Typhoon: Really?
Typhoon: Want to join in.
Typhoon: Has he been here long?
SS: Not yet, coming tomorrow.
SS: Cat
Typhoon: LOL, congratulations.
North♣: What’s up?
North♣: They told me to come check on you, is there any ghost haunting?
SS: North~
SS:. We are happy
SS: Everyone
SS:. We are happy like
SS: The whole world is flooded SS:
North♣: lol
North♣: What’s this, Cat’s slave, looks like you’re possessed by another soul.
North♣: Are you free now?
SS: Free
SS: Done with work
North♣: Come come
North♣: *Sends location
SS: Okay
Typhoon: Okay, lol
Typhoon: Dao is so cute
SS: Okay*
SS:. I typed wrong
SS: I’ll zoom over there SS:
North♣: Calm down, biker dad
North♣: 30, that’s more than enough
SS: 40, and I’ll be there soon SS: Drive, 30, and I’ll fall.
Easter: Hmph, I love this mode of Dao, LOL
I put down my phone in a good mood, feeling my heart hasn’t been this full in a long time since Mr. Jeon wasn’t around. Earlier, my papa called to say that Dad would come to see me tomorrow; he’s coming to Chiang Mai for some business and will bring Mr. Jeon along. Plus, she sent me four pictures of Mr. Jeon, and from the photos, I could see he’s gained a bit of weight, indicating he’s eating well, which means I’ve been choosing the right food for Mr. Jeon.
Even if Phatcharamon falls, I probably wouldn’t feel hurt anymore. Nothing can interrupt my happiness now–
Speaking of which, I chatted with my papa a bit more about Khram. Papa knows how everything unfolded. Back then, both Papa and Dad knew what happened, but when Khram came back, I didn’t tell them because I thought it wasn’t necessary. I didn’t feel anything anymore.
But that wasn’t the truth. I still feel, I really do, the evidence being the cigarettes and beer. It’s just a LINE message, not even his voice.
It’s not that I miss him or want to go back, but it hurts. Papa said I don’t love him anymore, but it’s a deep-seated pain in my heart. What surprised me was that he suggested I talk to him if possible, to discuss why he did what he did, to clear up any lingering issues, so everything could be settled once and for all. Running away isn’t going to help. I’ve been running for years, but nothing has gotten better; it’s better to open up and talk it out.
But if we talk, it must be a sensible conversation, and if possible, have my aunt or dad there too. Or anyone else because my mom would definitely not be at ease letting me meet someone like that alone.
I told my dad I’d think about it. I don’t know if Khram would be reasonable in a conversation; by reasonable, I mean understanding that we can’t go back. No need for reconciliation, just a talk so both he and I can move on from this point, not circle back to the same place.
I took Phatcharamon to the café according to the location in the group LINE. It took a while to get there, not because it was far, but because I drove slowly-
Upon arrival, I stopped to order a fresh milk shake before heading upstairs. I slowly opened the door to the third floor and entered, this being my first time here. I scanned the room and saw everyone’s partners and the cigarette seller sitting at one table. Meanwhile, everyone else was at the Japanese table area, seemingly playing some kind of card game.
“I’m here~” I said as I sat down. Everyone was playing Uno, huh?
“Your face looks so blissful.” North teased. I, still with a lingering smile, looked at him puzzled.
“Blissful about what?”
“Blissful, like you’ve done your good deeds, the look of someone so happy they can’t keep it to themselves.”
“Yeah, play with us.” I said, everyone put down their cards and reshuffled to include me. The atmosphere here was quiet, probably because loud noises weren’t allowed. The doctors were reading.
“Asshole, you win again.”
“Why are you so good at this?” Ter asked while gathering the cards to reshuffle.
“Guess I’m just lucky.” I said, “Want to play something else?”
“Yeah, let’s do it, the store’s got plenty.” Cat said before moving to the glass cabinet full of board games. We played various games together until it seemed like it was break time for all the doctors, who then went to find their partners.
Meanwhile, I sorted and put away the cards.
“Oh, it’s you.” Suddenly, a voice called out. I turned to look, it was the cigarette seller sitting at the same spot, calling out to me. He must have been calling me,
“When did you get here?”
“A while ago.”
“Come here.”
“Why?”
“I want to talk about something.”
“Hmm.” I acknowledged before walking over to sit across from him. Next to him were Cat and Tonfah. I looked at him somewhat puzzled.
“Is it okay?” the person in front of me asked Tonfah with furrowed brows. The one being asked nodded in consent, “Yeah, yeah, so, about you making me a guard dog.”
“Uh-huh.”
“My friend’s in a good mood today.” North chimed in teasingly. The person in front of me looked confused.
“Are you in a good mood? Anyway, about making me a guard dog, I’ve scolded him already, scolded him in a confusing way.” the cigarette seller began to explain. I sipped my fresh milkshake while listening, “I talked to him; he said he wanted advice, but I warned him not to bother you again. Otherwise, I’d deal with him. I did my duty to keep him away from you, so don’t blame me.”
“Uh-huh.”
“So, I passed the buck, I mean, I handed him over to Fah, hoping that talking to
Fah might make him rethink.”
“Ah.”
“He did rethink, his brain unlocked.”
“Really?” I raised my eyebrows, “What did he say?”
“He said he wants to apologize, he’s realized he shouldn’t have come back to you, here, read the chat.” He said, sliding his phone towards me. I looked down and scrolled through the chat, “But if you want me to deal with him, I can do it.” Hmm…
Uh-huh– “That’s good.”
“You’ll talk to him?”
“I’ll talk.”
“I thought you’d avoid it, didn’t you want to run away from him so badly?”
“Oh. It’s fine.”
“…”
“I have Mr. Jeon now. I’m not afraid of anything.”
“…What?”
The person in front of me looked confused, squinting slightly.
I stayed silent, not responding amidst the confusion of the person in front of me, then stood up and returned to my seat. It’s not a big deal because, as I’ve said, I’ve consulted with papa about Khram. Now, if I don’t want to feel anything for him anymore, the only way to help is to move forward, and with the advice from Dad and the messages indicating he’s remorseful, it makes the decision easier.
But not right away. I need some time to prepare myself before talking.
So I can move forward with Mr. Jeon.
I walked over to Cat and Phii Fah when I remembered something, both looked at me slightly puzzled.
“Thank you.” I said.
“Huh?”
“For talking to him, thank you.”
“Oh. No problem. Are we okay?”
“Okay.”
“Right. If you can talk to him, it’s good, I think. Try to open your heart, he’s realized it too, so both of you can move on. If you get an apology from him, I think it will make you feel better.”
“Yeah, yeah. I agree, yesterday when Phii Fah talked to that guy, he seemed truly remorseful.” Cat said. I turned to nod and gave a small smile.
“Uh-huh, thanks, I’ll treat you both to coffee later.” “Ah. No need, it’s fine.” Tonfah said.
“Hmm. It’s okay, we help each other out. Seriously, if there’s anything bothering you, you should tell us.”
“I told North.”
“Then why didn’t North do anything, and had to involve Phii Arthit again?” Cat said, turning to scold North. The one being scolded looked slightly confused before he started to protest.
“Come on. I didn’t want to be the dog. I thought Arthit would be useful.” North pretended to be annoyed while still laughing, “My fault, it’s my fault for thinking he could be of any use. He can’t even be a pawn in the game!”
“Oh, you bastard.” the cigarette seller protested, “So you think I’m stupid,
North?”
“You can’t call someone who trusts you stupid!”
“What do you expect from someone like me, you idiot? Jo, teach your wife to eat some food, damn it.”
“Or else you’ll eat my foot instead of Arthit.”
“Do you think I’m scared?”
“…” Phii Johan didn’t respond, just glanced at the other person.
“You should be scared, you bastard, don’t mess with me.” the cigarette seller said, followed by laughter from everyone in the room. I excused myself to go buy two drinks as a thank you for Cat and Cat’s partner, a latte and an herbal tea. “Hey, what about mine?” the cigarette seller asked when he saw me handing coffee as a thank you to Tonfah, “I helped you too.”
“Aren’t we supposed to exchange favors?”
“Yeah, right.”
“Uh-huh. When you talk to him.”
“Why?”
“Wanna come too? Otherwise, you won’t have anything to do.” I said. Honestly, I didn’t really want him to come, but my dad insisted I bring someone along, and I didn’t want to bother anyone else. Plus, if he didn’t come, he really wouldn’t have anything to do, just like North had pointed out that it wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t help each other out.
“Yeah, yeah.”
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