WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 25: Low Battery
Daotok
“See, there might be a lot of people sending you songs, but no one does it like I do according to the song.” He said with a tone of pride in himself.
“You mean climbing mountains and crossing oceans?”
“Yes.”
He answered while still not letting go of my hand, tracing his fingers along my fingertips, palm, and the back of my hand. I instinctively pulled my hand back when I felt something strange, but like before, he didn’t let go.
“I can hear your heart beating like crazy.”
“Really?”
“And it is, right?”
“…uh-huh.”
I answered softly because, as everyone knows, I’m not one to lie, and since my heart was indeed beating fast, I couldn’t say it wasn’t.
“Really?” He jumped up immediately upon hearing that, looking both surprised and openly happy. I turned to look at the person sitting next to me; his hand still held mine, and in the dim light, his sharp features became even more pronounced, making me realize once again:
He really has beautiful eyes…
“Uh-huh.” I pressed my lips together slightly to force out a response, so quiet that even I could barely hear it.
“Does that mean I’m getting closer?”
“I don’t know.” I answered according to my thoughts. I genuinely didn’t know what this fast heartbeat meant, whether it was from being moved or just not used to someone doing this to me.
“Oh, well then.” He said, “Whatever the reason for the heartbeat, I have some influence on your heart.”
Before he slowly pulled me up to stand, our earphones were still playing the same song on repeat for the second time. My phone was on his other hand, so I couldn’t change the song. He gently pulled my hand, leading me to walk with him.
On the way, many people watched us. I thought it was probably because the person walking beside me was too conspicuous, and another reason was that he was holding my hand.
I wanted to let go but couldn’t, so I just went with it, not surprised if some people were displeased. From what North often bragged about, he has a lot of fans. I didn’t pay attention to those looks, just glancing at the water reservoir with the sunset view.
“Your friends know, right?”
“About what?”
“That I like you.”
“Hmm.”
“What did they say, let’s see. Who’s on my team?”
“North.”
“Of course. Anyone else, like Hill’s wife and Fah?”
“Doesn’t seem like it.”
“Why?”
“Don’t know.”
“And did they say anything?”
“They said if you don’t do well, they’ll tell on you to your partner.”
“Oh~” He drew out the sound, “You fit right in, huh? All my wife’s friends are just right, why is it so coincidental or are you guys playing around? Did you hear from North that you’re a fortune teller too?”
“Just reading fortunes.”
“Normally, I don’t believe in fortunes, but if you can read them, it’s interesting.
Come on, read mine.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Lazy.”
“Then how about tonight?”
“…”
Once again, and I was sure it wouldn’t be the last time, my voice didn’t reach him.
He let go of my hand and instead wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer. I was slightly surprised by the sudden pull.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something; turning, I noticed a group of about two or three women hurriedly putting away their phones. It wasn’t hard to guess what had just happened. They must have been taking photos of us before getting caught and quickly hiding their phones. I didn’t show any particular expression, just turned back to look forward as if I hadn’t seen anything at all.
“It’s a bit troublesome, being famous.”
“Will I get ambushed?” I asked out of curiosity, like when I was dating my ex, North had complained about being picked on. If I got the same treatment, it would mean the guy next door was bringing trouble to me…not good at all, as if he was bringing bad luck when I was living peacefully on my own.
“Ambushed to fight?”
“Uh-huh.”
“No, but you might get ambushed in bed.”
“…”
“Kidding. There won’t be anything like that, but aren’t you a taekwondo brown belt? What are you afraid of?”
“Why should I risk getting hurt because of you?”
“There’s nothing, except maybe a little gossip, but you don’t care about others, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Yeah, I like that about you too.”
“Is there anything you don’t like?” I asked.
“Why? Are you going to change it?”
“I might do it more.”
I said, which made the person next to me laugh. Walking while being held by the shoulder made it less comfortable to walk, and frankly, walking like this with someone’s arm around you would draw attention, but those many gazes didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
And being this close, I could smell a faint scent. I didn’t want to admit it, but since I’ve been spending a lot of time with him, I’ve started to get used to his scent.
“Nothing.” He answered.
“That’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“There must be something you don’t like about a person.”
“Really? Then tell me your flaws.”
“There’s nothing worse than what you see.”
“Damn.” He laughed again, “just like the person I like, you bastard.” He didn’t stop laughing for a while, what I said was the truth. I don’t keep anything hidden; all the pros and cons are visible to anyone I’m with. Everything I express is genuine; I’ve never tried to change it, it’s all my true nature.
He stopped laughing and said,
“That’s what makes me like you. You’re not fake, you don’t embellish, you’re so natural, you are who you are without trying, you speak little and don’t lie, sometimes you’re snarky, you act indifferent or whatever.”
“Oh.”
“And will you try to do it more? Don’t you want me to stop liking you? Try talking more or acting differently.”
“Can’t do it.”
“See, that’s what I mean, but I won’t ask what you don’t like about me.”
“Why?”
“You’d definitely say everything.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Really? So, what do you like?”
“You’re natural, too.”
“You’re clearly copying me.”
“No, I mean it.” I said before looking at the person who seemed not quite ready to believe me, “I don’t lie, I can feel your sincerity.”
“…Oh.”
“Even if I don’t really want to be around you much, when I am, I feel at ease.”
“Wait, I wasn’t prepared for this, is this a confession of love?”
“No, it’s like my mind feels at ease, similar to when I’m with North, but you’re much more annoying…a lot more.”
“You’re harsh. If it weren’t me, someone would be crying like a dog with each word you say, but it’s good that it’s me, the one who can withstand any weather.
Even if you say you hate me, it won’t hurt.”
“I hate you.”
I tried saying what he had challenged, but he went silent for a moment.
“Really?” He asked with a serious expression.
“No. I don’t hate you that much.”
“…”
“Then let’s skip this word, I think it’s fine.” the person next to me seemed somewhat displeased, “That really stings, bastard, it’s the first time I’ve felt this, wow, it’s impressive as hell even though it’s just words.”
“…”
“Try it again.”
“…I hate you.”
“Ow, that hurts. Don’t say that, don’t ever say that. If you say it, I’ll…uh, I’ll break your pencil.”
“Mean.”
“That one doesn’t hurt. So, let’s agree not to say it. This is another rule of our agreement: you’re not allowed to say you hate me, even if you truly do. Keep it in your heart, don’t show it, okay?”
“…Alright.”
…
Arthit
ABOUT TWO HOURS EARLIER
After finishing the evening ward rounds, I walked down from the building with Jo. We were complaining about the ward rounds we just did when I got a call on my phone. I picked it up to see it was Direk, which was quite surprising since Direk doesn’t usually call at this time.
“What’s up?” I answered the call with my usual greeting.
(Come to my house.)
“Huh?”
(Come to my house first.)
“Why?”
(Heh, there’s a surprise.)
“I think I have a bigger surprise.”
(What’s that?)
“I’ll tell you when I get there.”
(Yeah, yeah, hurry up.)
“Ke.”
And then I hung up the call. What Direk called a surprise, I had somewhat guessed, but what would surprise Direk, he definitely wouldn’t guess.
I planned to tell him about how I was flirting with that short guy. I hadn’t told Direk from the start because I was afraid it might give him a heart attack, especially at his age. But now, it seemed like the right time to tell him.
Me and Jo reached the motorcycle parking spot before we parted ways. I headed towards Direk’s house, which didn’t take long since I finished work early and there was little traffic. I parked my bike inside the house before Direk came out.
“Why are you off work so early?” I asked as I took off my helmet.
“I’m taking a break today.” Direk said, “I think a lab coat and a big bike look oddly good together.”
“Really? But it’s uncomfortable.”
“You must have gained weight.”
“Damn, seriously?” I asked with a serious face, the idea of gaining weight was something I couldn’t accept. Direk chuckled a bit, so I made a face showing my frustration.
“You’re really serious about this, come on, let’s look at my surprise first.” Direk said before walking into the house. I took off my shoes and followed, walking through the garden to the garage on the side of the house, which had multiple parking spots because there are many cars. Just mine alone, I think I have five or six, not to mention the ones I keep buying.
I was stunned when I saw a sleek black car parked quietly in the garage.
“Damn, are you serious?”
“You knew I had to buy you a new car, but I knew you’d be stunned seeing this one.” Direk smiled like a winner and gently patted the car’s hood.
“Shit.” I was still in shock, moving closer to look, “Can I ask about the price?”
“Over a hundred.”
“Damn, you bought it for me?”
“Not for you to drive around casually, it’s for you to race next month.” He said, sitting down on a chair with a relaxed posture, “The one you just crashed is still good, but I want to make sure you win, so I bought this as a prize in advance.” “Wow, are you trying to kill me with a car this fast?” I said, grinning so wide it almost split my face. It’s like he’s trying to kill me because this thing is incredibly fast, if you drive it badly, you’re not surviving, but it’s me we’re talking about,
“Victory is in my hands.”
“Then you better practice, the race is next month. This time, it’s serious.” “Who are we racing against?” I asked. If this was serious, it meant company shares were involved.
It could be likened to gambling, not too much of a stretch. Someone once said that business people like to bet on what they can control. Racing another person’s shares against your own through some competition is quite common, and car racing is quite popular. What we can control is the car, the driver. Of course, there are rules; cheating is strictly forbidden.
“The son from that company, we’ll race on their track. Try out the track first.” “Uh-huh, sure.” I agreed. Direk is quite fond of these things, but he usually doesn’t let me race because he worries, but if he’s buying a new car for me and letting me race, it means this race isn’t ordinary. Just the car alone is an investment of over a hundred million, indicating that if we win, the amount of money must be staggering.
Back in the day, Jo was in the same boat, racing to let his dad bet, but lately, with his studies and work piling up, he hasn’t had time to race, so he lets others race in his place. Once he got married, he disappeared from the tracks, only showing up to watch occasionally. Did Jo and I ever talk about this? Probably not, because it wasn’t that important, and for the last year or so, there haven’t been any big bets between Jo’s dad and Direk. This is the first time in over a year for Direk.
If it’s not a big betting match, it’s just small bets among the spectators, which means if many people come to watch, the track earns a lot. It all depends on who’s racing; the rating needs to be good. Of course, if I race, the place is packed every time, so Direk is torn between worry and the promise of good money.
“Can you handle it? I’m starting to get nervous.”
“It’s just a car race. It’s not like I’m going to die, Direk.” I said the same line I always do. It’s just a car race, not a matter of life or death; at worst, we lose. “The car’s been thoroughly checked by the manufacturer, and I’ll have people check it in stages until the race day. In the meantime, you should practice.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll have time to practice.”
“Why not? After the evening ward rounds, you’re free, right?”
“You’re not even letting me study.”
“Quit, I’m tired of this.”
“Oh, didn’t you say to stick that degree on the wall so you can stare at it?” I said, laughing at the memory of Direk’s words when I complained about wanting to quit. Stick your degree on my wall, so when I wake up, I’ll have the motivation to work, to know that my son isn’t a fool.
“I just said that, I’m frustrated. Seeing you stressed, but you chose this path, your mom would be proud.”
“So proud, Dylan got another F, did he, son?” I teased with words I thought my mother might say, making Direk laugh.
“Dylan. It’s been a long time since I called you that.”
“Don’t call me that here.” I said, “Oh, and about my surprise. I think it’s more surprising than what Direk has.”
“Did you get a woman pregnant?”
“That would be bad. No.”
“What is it then?” Direk rubbed his chin, pondering, “Are you surprising me by going out and killing or raping someone?”
“Why does that sound so vulgar? No!” Why does Direk always think of such vulgar things when it comes to me? “It’s something softer.”
“You must have had sex with a dog.”
“Wow, that’s even more vulgar, why would you think I’d do sex with a dog?” I started to pinch the bridge of my nose, sitting down next to Direk.
“What is it then, or just some petty crime, like stealing? Why steal when you have everything, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t steal, man, we’re talking about something big.”
“Not stealing either, softer than that, huh?” Direk still had his brows furrowed,
“Snatch and run. That’s no good, that’s still stealing.”
“Think, think, tick-tock.”
“Alright, Arthit, what illegal thing have you done, tell me.”
“Will you help?”
“I’ll kick your ass until you’re dead, you devil with a hairy head. What did I teach you? I taught you not to cause trouble for others, didn’t I?”
“Why do you sound so proud when you say you’ve taught me nothing?” I said, laughing out loud, “Okay, I’ll reveal it, don’t die of shock, especially now that you’re old.”
“Old and ready for anything.” Direk placed his hands on his knees, leaning back, his face serious as he waited to listen.
“I have someone I like, and I’m currently flirting with them.”
“…”
“…”
Direk was silent. I stayed quiet too, waiting for him to say something first, but the look of absolute shock on his face was hilariously funny, just as I had anticipated it would be.
“You killing someone would’ve shocked me less than this.”
“Cheeky.” I said out loud with a loud kick, “It’s already bad.”
“Are you serious?”
“Serious.”
“You, Arthit-Dylan, damn, you. No, no.” Direk held his forehead, rubbing his face hard, “You are Arthit, my damn son.”
“Oh, huh.”
“Damn, fuck…Emma! Come look at your son!! Damn it. Not true, damn, are you dating? Who is she, whose child is she, where is she from, is she studying or working, what’s her personality like, can she accept you, does she really like someone like you, can you live with her, won’t her parents be devastated if she sues us, and how did you court her, when and how did you start liking her, why am
I just finding out now?!”
“Calm down first, Direk, don’t lose your cool.” I said, still unable to stop laughing, knowing Direk’s reaction would be hilarious like this.
“I can’t take it anymore, it’s too much for today, I can’t handle it. Let’s talk another day.”
“Come on, let’s talk today. He’s the one I brought home, the one who came to see Emma’s spirit.”
“Oh, oh, it’s a he…the one with blue hair.”
“Yeah.”
“That person? Arthit, and he’ll take you?”
“What do you mean he will take me…Am I something bad?”
“What good do you have? Sigh, let’s say you fell for each other in San
Francisco.”
“Yes, it was natural. Not fake.”
“Oh, huh.” Direk still had his hand on his forehead, his elbow on the table, looking like he was about to faint at any moment, “Just courting, right? What did he say?”
“He rejected me, but I don’t mind.”
“I figured as much.”
“So I forced to stay with him.”
“Pity, damn, there are millions of good people in the world, why does that son have to meet you?”
“See, pitiful. I was thinking of taking him to do some merit.” my words made Direk turn to look at me sharply before letting out a sigh.
“That’s you, taking someone to do merit to cleanse yourself.”
“Merit can’t do anything to me.”
“Sigh, so, is this serious? I mean, are you serious about him?”
“Very serious, as serious as it gets. I’ve never been like this before, you know that, Direk.”
“Yeah, I understand…you’ve grown up, but this kind of growth is something a father like me worries about a lot. You won’t do anything to him that would make his parents come crying to me, right?”
“Right now, it would probably be Direk who’d have to go cry.”
“Why?”
“To beg him to love me.”
“Arthit, I beg you. Think about my reputation in society, I’m the president of the biggest auto parts manufacturing company in the country with a great international reputation, many famous car brands come to me for partnerships, and you want me to go cry in front of his parents to make him love my son?”
“Yes.”
“Arthit, you, damn it, I’m so fed up with you.”
“Direk you haven’t done enough good deeds either, huh?”
“Why?”
“Because you got me as a son.”
“True.”
“Damn.” I suddenly thought of something, “Did you just say parents?”
“Yeah, why?”
“He also has a ‘daddy’ that doesn’t mean father, damn. I just remembered.” I widened my eyes unintentionally as I recalled the ‘daddy’ who wasn’t a father, that well-mannered man from England in the short guy’s room, oh crap.
“What the hell is a ‘daddy’ that doesn’t mean father, are you crazy? Daddy is father, how did you grow up in San Francisco?”
“No, it’s like a new slang, normally you’d call your dad ‘dad’, but ‘daddy’ has a more…like, a patron or sugar daddy feel.”
“A sugar daddy?” Direk asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
“I can’t explain it well, it’s like an older guy, call him ‘daddy’.” I tried to explain, but my vocabulary was limited, “Let’s say he might already have a husband. And he’s English, and as handsome as me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh.”
“Even if he got another man, you’ve got to fight for it.”
“What kind of father teaches his son like this?” I said with disgust, “But I agree.
I’ll fight until I become the main husband, then I’ll send that gentleman back to
England.”
“How sure are you that he’s really a husband?”
“I heard him call him ‘daddy’.”
“It might just mean ‘dad’ in English, you bastard.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, why do I have only one child and he’s so stupid? I think he’s really his father. Is he half-English or something, but he doesn’t look like it at all.”
“He’s a pure Thai, according to what North told me.”
“Then he might be his mother’s new husband.”
“Oh…yeah, that’s right, that makes sense. Direk, why are you so smart?”
“Yeah, I was wondering why my son is so stupid.”
“What’s wrong with being stupid? Even if I’m stupid, I’m not bad, am I?”
“But you, you’re both bad and stupid, you fool.”
“How can I escape from your genes? Got it from my dad, this bad and stupid trait, cursing me is like cursing yourself.” I said jokingly.
“Ah, so you’re still courting him. Okay, I don’t know if I should support you, but I have to side with my own son. So, if you need anything, just tell me, like, if you need someone to help with a kidnapping.”
“Got it, I know exactly who I got my nature from.” I said, “And how did you court Emma? Any generational secrets to pass down?”
“I was normal, just kept at it, bought her things, paid for stuff.”
“Do I have to pay?”
“Yeah, dude, how else would he know you can take care of him?”
“Oh. I’m out of money, can I have some?”
“Damn, you need money to pay for him and you’re asking me? I might as well make him my boyfriend.”
“Wow, Direk, are you going to be a sugar daddy to him?” I teased, “My savings are gone, these days I’m still letting Jo buy me meals.”
“Sell your snake or your car then.”
“No way.”
“Sigh. Alright, alright, then if you win the race, I’ll give you ten percent.”
“How much is that?”
“Almost a hundred.”
“Damn, Direk, why are you betting so much? So if you lose, you lose a thousand then?”
“Yes, but if you win, you also get a thousand, but don’t feel too pressured because a thousand won’t make your leg hair fall out.”
“But it’ll make tears fall.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Don’t feel pressured, but if I lose the race, I lose a billion, that’s what you are saying, right?”
“Yes. Don’t feel pressured.” Direk reached out to pat my shoulder, “Losing money isn’t that big of a deal, but it’s about losing face. This opponent doesn’t like us much, so they’re coming at us full force, but they don’t know that this amount of money isn’t much compared to the profits from the new model we just released, we’re comfortable.”
“You like to show off how rich you are, it’s annoying.”
“You like to show off to me too.”
“Yeah, true.” While others might like to boast about their own wealth (like that bastard Jo) I like to boast about my dad because he’s rich. Even if people tease that I’m rich because of my parents’ money, I’d retort, so what? Your dad isn’t as rich as mine, bastard, something like that, “Just focus on your work, Direk. Once I graduate, I’ll be set.”
“You don’t plan to work at all, how will you support your future wife?”
“With your money.”
“Spit…and what about your drum set?”
“Direk, can I still get that?”
“If you ask me, I’ll support you all the way, do whatever you want. If you want to do something, just do it.”
“Touching. I said let’s wait until I finish school first. Once I’m done taking care of my mom’s health, I’ll be free, then I can go back to playing drums.”
“I’m waiting to hear your new songs.”
“Old ones.”
“I deleted all the files, got tired of them.”
“Oh.”
“Kidding. It’s nice to listen to them; it makes me feel proud. Even if it was just a high school band not taking it seriously, back then, you were super famous in San
Francisco.”
“Thinking about the past makes me nostalgic. I’ll go see those guys again next time I’m back.” I said, thinking of friends I still keep in touch with. It was a music club that formed a pretty amateur band, but our songs became quite popular in the city for a while. Playing music and drums has always been my dream, which I won’t go into detail about now; maybe when the mood strikes. Let’s just say what my true dream is.
“Yeah, yeah, good. Want to eat dinner together? The housekeeper has prepared it already.”
“You don’t even need to ask, but I have to go back to my future wife, she’s at my place.”
“She’s at your place? So she’s opened her heart to you now?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Damn, there’s hope then. Are you preparing the engagement gifts or what? The dowry is ready, I’ll tell you that.” Direk’s words made me burst out laughing,
“Invite him to dinner with us.”
“Can I?”
“Of course, damn it, come eat at home so he’ll know you’re serious, and he’ll be impressed that we’re a warm family.”
“Wow, Direk, you’re the best. I’ll bring him. Hey, can I take the new car out first?”
“To pick him up?”
“That too, but I also want to pick up Cat from Fah’s place where he left his stuff.
His motorcycle isn’t convenient.”
“Yeah, take it, drive safely.” “You don’t need to tell me.”
I responded like that before taking the keys from Direk, opening the door of the new car, and looking around, checking everything until I was satisfied, then slowly drove out of the house. I wanted to say this car feels damn good in my hands. I stopped by Fah’s room to get Mr. Jeon, planning to surprise that short guy, but then I saw a message from North saying he had walked to class and was now walking back. Seeing that message, I frowned and called him in irritation. Why the hell does he have to walk? It’s exhausting, I’ve already let him choose any car he wants, normal people would be thrilled to death with each of my cars, they’re not ordinary at all.
Sigh, I forgot. No matter what, it’s that low-battery robot.
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