WESTTHESUNFROMANOTHERSTAR, Chapter 41: Dreamcatcher
Daotok
“I really couldn’t match his strength.” I said truthfully. Every time I tried to push him away, I used all my strength, but I just couldn’t match his. Imagine if he were in my place today, he would have helped Phii Meen, Somsri, and the kittens much better than I did.
“Yeah, he’s like a bear or a buffalo, I can’t match his strength either. But why not do something else, like set him on fire?”
“Wow, you’re so cruel, I’ve never thought badly of you, not even once.” “…Yeah.” I nodded slightly because he’s never had bad intentions or evil thoughts towards me like Gard did. Plus, with this big, cute kid who keeps doting on me, there’s no way I would ever harm him.
I let Phii Arthit continue to tend to my wounds. Even though his hands were a bit heavy, it was bearable. Meanwhile, Phii Meen had to tend to her own wounds. “I’m so lonely. Without a senior like yours, Nong Dao, I have to bandage my own wounds like this.”
“Senior? I am his husband, not his brother. You should get a husband too, like
Kim.”
“About Kim, please, I beg you, and Nong Dao doesn’t reject Arthit’s ‘wife, wife, wife’ calls, him trying to push me to Kim is making me so annoyed.”
“Oh…I didn’t notice.”
“I say it very naturally, don’t I?” “It’s not like that at all.” I said.
“Come on, don’t overthink it. What are you going to do, huh? Can’t you just let it go?”
“No! I’m the mother, if you want to be my son-in-law, you need to behave well, then I might give my child to you!”
“Did you give birth to him yourself, then?”
“Yeah, I did, all by myself.”
“Aren’t you scared during childbirth? If it were me, I would have died.” He turned to ask me with a serious look, which earned him a hard hit from Phii Meen.
“Ouch! That hurts my wound!”
“Damn, you hit me and hurt yourself, what’s that?”
“You fucking jerk, my arm is all bruised now!”
I sat listening to the two of them bicker back and forth, feeling more and more weighed down by the pain throughout my body. In truth, I felt heavy all over since we got into the car to go to the vet clinic, but I thought it might be because of the injuries. Now, my head was starting to feel heavy too.
“I think we should get an X-ray. Hey! Dao!!”
He looked extremely alarmed, hearing the familiar deep voice calling my name loudly before he rushed to support me, and then everything went black.
I opened my eyes to the pain all over my body, one hand with an IV drip in it. I was in a hospital room, wearing a patient’s gown, not an unfamiliar sight for me. The only thing different was there was someone slumped asleep by the bed, holding my other hand tightly.
The morning sunlight shone through the window, making the sharp features of the sleeping person even more radiant in my eyes, causing me to smile without realizing it.
Looking at the clock, I saw it was already six in the morning. I guessed he must have been there watching over me since I passed out last evening.
I guess I passed out because I overexerted myself; if it were like before, this wouldn’t have happened. But as I’ve said, I haven’t been in many fights for a while. I haven’t really taken care of my health either, so when my body reached its limit, it just couldn’t take it anymore, and I fainted.
If I want to be like I used to be, I’ll need to exercise a lot more.
Even though he was fast asleep, he looked like he was having a nightmare, his thick eyebrows furrowed, his face slightly pale, biting his teeth as if in pain. I gently stroked his head, trying to comfort him.
“May the bad dreams go away.”
After a while, his expression relaxed a bit, but he still wouldn’t let go of my other hand. That hand felt hot and numb. I heard the phone vibrating, reaching under the blanket where it was hidden, and picked it up to see that it was Uncle Direk calling him.
“Hey, you have a call.” I said, gently shaking him to wake up. He opened his eyes, looking confused and somewhat displeased. When he saw that I had regained consciousness, his eyes widened in shock before he quickly hugged me, making me wince a bit from the pain.
“Ow, it hurts.”
“Sorry, sorry.” He loosened his grip, “How do you feel?” He asked immediately, looking alarmed.
“Well…okay.”
“Really? Sigh.” He exhaled in relief, as if dropping all the burdens he was carrying. He gently stroked my cheek, “Do you have a headache?”
“A little.”
“Really? What about the wound?”
“Hmm. It hurts.”
“Didn’t you say it was just your sides and back? You’re bruised all over.” He said, frowning with concern.
“How did you know?”
“I peeked. See, once I tell you, it’s not peeking anymore, is it?” I looked at him with disgust, sighing, “What? I was worried. What if the nurse secretly pinched you?”
“Why would she pinch me?”
“Who knows? Maybe she’s jealous and secretly pinched you.”
“…No one would do that.” I said, “Oh, there’s an incoming call.”
“Is it for me?”
“Uh-huh.” He took the phone and went outside to talk. I, sitting on the bed, shifted slightly to get more comfortable, gently touching the hand he had been holding, feeling the warmth. About five minutes later, he came back inside.
“It’s like this.” He sat down, letting out a big sigh, looking tired and frustrated,
“Listen to me vent for a moment. I was so worried about you, you know that, but you put yourself in danger like that. I understand you love cats, I do, I told you I understand!”
“Uh-huh.” I nodded, listening, he ran his hand through his hair.
“I want to be mad at you, but I can’t stay angry. You’re so cute, and I love you so much. Just seeing your face and I can’t be angry anymore, but when I see your injuries, it hurts me, more than when I get into trouble myself. I was so pissed last night, I ordered people to go after that bastard Gard, but I couldn’t beat him up because I wanted to be with you more. I just ordered people to handle it first. I was so angry I wanted to kill someone, but with my wife in the hospital, I still had to study. Last night there was a race, but I didn’t go. You…someone’s life, sigh, damn it, it’s so annoying.”
“…”
“I was so worried, stayed up all night watching over you, and dozed off like this.
My back hurts like hell, and I had nightmares too.”
He rambled on until I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked at me with surprise, eyebrows furrowed.
“You’re laughing?”
“It’s funny, you’re good at complaining.”
“Funny, huh? I’m like a dog to you.”
“Are you feeling hurt?”
“Yeah.”
“Big body, small heart.”
“Yeah, my heart is only this big. Try to think about my feelings sometimes.” He said, clearly not in a good mood, which didn’t match his usual tough exterior, tattoos, and muscles. Seeing him like this made me feel even more affectionate, wanting to pinch his cheeks until he stopped sulking, “Am I not important at all?”
“Hmm, why ask that?”
“I’m just one step away from being Cerberus.”
“A three-headed dog?”
“Yeah, I just told you to take care of yourself. It’s only been a moment, and you’re back all bruised. I know you’re capable, but I’m not that strong-hearted to see you hurt.”
“Oh…I really underestimated this time. At first, I was just observing the situation, but when I saw Phii Meen about to get hurt, my body just reacted.”
“Next time, let her die.”
“If Phii Meen heard that, she’d definitely hit you.” I said, “It’s my fault, sorry for making you worry. Next time, I’ll think more.”
“Then why don’t you think more from the start? Honestly, I think you don’t value yourself enough. Many times, when you’re sick, you keep pushing yourself, overworking like this. When you helped me at the cemetery and got messed with by ghosts, it was the same. Why?”
“Hmm.” I was silent for a moment, “Maybe because I’m not that important.”
“Why think like that?”
“I don’t know, like when I work hard, it’s because I think work is more important than myself, isn’t it?”
“Isn’t it what? Why are you asking me that?”
“Just asking for an opinion. I’m not sure either, but I see myself as dedicated.”
“Dedicated to the point of overworking yourself, isn’t it?”
“Uh-huh.”
“You probably don’t love yourself enough.”
“Probably so.”
“Then I’ll love you for you.”
“Hmm?”
“Even if you don’t value yourself, you’re the most important to me, that’s enough.” He said firmly. We locked eyes for a moment. I smiled.
“Ha ha, thank you.”
“Why thank me again?”
“Not many people have been good to me.”
“…”
“So, I’m happy. I’ve been alone for a long time, and people who are truly good and trustworthy are few. I’ve been hurt a lot, which is why I like kind-hearted people like Ter, Cat, and North.”
“And you too, Phii.”
“I thought you’d forgotten about me.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” I smiled, “And also, I think this is the perfect moment to say it.”
“What?”
“Earlier when North asked if I had a heart. I answered that I do, because of you. So, you’re very important to me.”
“…”
“Also, about the nightmares. They won’t happen anymore. I’ll be your dreamcatcher.”
“…Be my boyfriend for real. No more waiting for another two weeks.”
“Don’t be impatient.”
“Hey…is this a hospital? Don’t make me take off my shirt here.”
“Not allowed at all.”
“Damn!” He grabbed his head hard, “You always say things like this. I’ll remember this until you become my boyfriend. Oh, I’m going to die, I’ve got the strength to go on ward rounds now!”
I smiled slightly at the person who seemed more heated than usual, grumbling a bit, then jumped up from the chair and walked towards the bathroom. After a while, he came out wearing his gown.
“Hey.”
“Hmm?”
“Do you want to get back at Gard? I’ve got him and his sister. Direk is negotiating with their father.”
“Negotiating?”
“Yeah, he’s the school principal, there’s some bargaining involved, trading his son for something. Direk loves this kind of intimidation stuff.” He said while packing his bag, “Direk called to ask what you want to do.”
“Oh. I don’t want anything.”
“Okay.”
“And what are you going to do?”
“What he intended to do to you. Negotiate for his own kid. When his kid hurt you, he didn’t do anything, it’s really irritating to think about.”
“Hmm.”
“It’s good that you’re not holding a grudge.” He slung his backpack over his shoulder, “I don’t want you to overthink, but the one holding a grudge seems to be Meen. Direk said she’s enjoying getting back…what’s her name again?”
“Ging.”
“Yeah, that’s it. Well, I’m off then. I’ve told North; he should come visit you.”
“Oh, tell North?”
“Why? Can’t I tell him?”
“Not exactly. I don’t want to be nagged.”
“Yeah, get nagged a bit, so you won’t put yourself in danger again. I’ll go now, reply to the chat, I’ll come back later tonight.”
“Uh-huh.”
And then he walked out of the patient’s room, and silence immediately enveloped the space. I looked around and found that this room was larger than the one I usually stay in; he must have arranged a special room for me. I lay back down, feeling the pain spread throughout my body.
Thinking about what he said earlier, I couldn’t help but smile.
He’ll love me for me, huh…
He can say such romantic things, can’t he?
After a while, a nurse came in with breakfast and my medication. Due to the effects of the medicine, I easily drifted off to sleep in the morning. Before the nurse came in again with lunch and the same medication, while I was eating, North and Cat arrived.
“Hello.” I greeted, and Cat looked at me with concern. North, on the other hand, looked irritated, “Ouch, that hurts.” I said softly after North pinched my cheek hard.
“Hah, heard you got into a fight? You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”
“A little.”
“And humble too.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay.”
“Okay, my foot, you look like a mess.” North said with annoyance, “I was shocked when Phii Arthit told me last night, it was terrifying. I still can’t believe I saw someone that angry.”
“Did North come last night?”
“Yeah, I asked Phii Jo to drop me off.”
“Oh, you knew about it since last night? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Cat said.
“Eh, I told Ter and you first, but I thought you guys would worry too much, so I decided to tell you in the morning.” North explained, “I’d believe Phii Arthit could kill someone, or maybe he already did, damn it.”
“He didn’t kill anyone, but I probably did something.”
“What did you do?”
“Hmm, didn’t he tell you everything?”
“No, he just said you got into a fight with about seven or eight people with Phii Meen, and they caught the leader. The story is about you saving a cat and her kittens from getting caught in the crossfire.”
“Oh…hmm, well, actually, it’s…a little more than that with the leader.”
“Really?”
“If I tell you, North and Cat, you might look at me differently.”
“Why? Is the story that dramatic?”
“Do you want to tell us?” Cat asked with a gentle voice…and a face that really looked like Cat…seriously. I looked at him and thought, why does someone have to look like Cat, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was just thinking that you really do look like a cat…something like that.”
“…”
“What’s up with you?” North held his forehead, “Get back to the story, stop staring at Cat’s face.”
“Oh…I can tell if you want to know. It’s not a big deal.”
“I want to know, I’m a curious kid by nature.” When North said that, I started telling them about my past with Gard. After listening, both of them were silent for a moment, “Wow, that’s so cool, damn, why is my friend this awesome, it’s not fair, Phoon, why is Dao cooler than me, this is the guy who spits fire, no wonder he’s my friend, he has to be like this.”
“Hmm. He’s really skilled, that’s for sure.” Cat agreed, his big, round eyes sparkling, “Very decisive and very composed. I don’t look at Dao any differently. I just think Dao is stronger than he appears on the outside. You can’t judge someone just by their exterior, really.”
“Hmm.”
“North, have you ever had an experience like this?”
“Huh? Like being threatened with harm? Yeah, I got hit in the stomach with a pipe once, and I went down immediately, damn it.”
“Oh, that time Phii Jo managed to save you just in time, right?”
“Yeah, damn dog, it was so annoying, even after surviving so many battles. I shouldn’t have underestimated it; I’m still pissed thinking about it.” North made a face of frustration.
“And what about your experience with brawls?”
“Wow. You shouldn’t ask, Phoon. Do you think someone like me would survive? But you, you little fighter, I’ve been going back to boxing lately.
Interested in joining me?”
“I’m not really into that kind of physical stuff.” I replied.
“North’s been boxing until he got six-pack abs, he’s been showing them off every day.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, do you want to see?”
“Will North’s boyfriend poke my eyes out?”
“Crazy. No, we’re friends.”
“It’s alright, keep them to yourself.”
“Why? Are you saying you only want to see Phii Arthit’s?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Hah, so annoying.”
We chatted for a while, North came to sit beside me, stealing my food to eat, only to be scolded by Cat for taking a sick person’s food, so he eventually gave up. About half an hour later, Ter came to visit with fruits and flowers. North moved to lie on the sofa and ate the fruits that Ter brought.
“Hey, North, don’t steal from Dao.”
“Steal what? He’s still eating, isn’t he? And you’re peeling shrimps for him.”
“Oh, you, then you accuse me of taking food from Dao.”
“I had a tough study day today and haven’t eaten anything yet. I’m hungry, the body needs energy, isn’t that a basic human need? Why would you stop someone from eating when it’s a fundamental necessity for life?”
“Annoying.” Ter said with annoyance, turning his attention back to peeling the apple. Cat was sitting on the small sofa, watching TV.
“Ter, you don’t have to peel it.”
“Are you going to eat the skin too?”
“I usually eat the skin.”
“It’s fine, but it’s kind of…rough on the throat.” Ter said, making a face and shaking his head slightly.
“That’s Phii Arthit’s future boyfriend, why would he eat shrimp with the shell on?” North said.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, Phii Arthit eats shrimp, shell and all, didn’t you know?”
“Huh? What kind of crazy person eats shrimp with the shell?” Ter immediately turned to ask.
“That crazy person, I saw it when we went to eat hot pot together, remember? While Phii Fah and Phoon were peeling shrimp for each other, cut to Phii Arthit chewing away.”
“He’s gone mad, damn. That’s not right, you can’t eat shrimp with the shell.” “He’s probably too lazy to peel them, I think.” North turned to say, “What kind of person eats shrimp with the shell? I’m still wondering about it to this day. Can’t you peel them, it’s not that hard. If he can chew crab, he probably wouldn’t peel it either.”
“Can Phii Arthit eat anything? Like, really simple living, simple eating?” Cat asked.
“I thought I lived simply, but not as much as Dao’s husband.” “Not at all.” I said quietly.
“If he ate a cat, would you accept that?”
“And why would he eat Cat?” I asked back.
“Who knows, maybe he’s traveled to some country where eating a cat is normal.
You never know, whatever humans can eat, Phii Arthit will eat it all.”
“…I doubt it, I mean, are there countries that eat cats?”
“The world is vast, you know.”
“Well…hmm, it must be their culture.”
“See, someone who understands the world.” North stood up, slapping his knee, then stood up to grab an apple from the bowl and got his hand slapped, “Ouch!
This guy, what’s with being so protective of an apple?”
“Let the sick person get full first.”
I let North and Ter argue while I picked up my phone to open the Line chat.
SS:
☀︎:??
☀︎: What the hell is this shit-face thing?
SS: Cat is cute, isn’t he?
SS: sends a photo
☀︎: What’s with suddenly sending a picture of that chubby one, lol.
SS: Have you ever eaten a cat?
☀︎: Hah, lol.
☀︎: Why am I being asked if I’ve ever eaten Cat?
☀︎: Do I look like someone who would eat Cat?
SS: You’ve sucked Mr. Jeon’s head.
SS:
☀︎: Where did you get that from?
☀︎: If I say I have, lol.
SS:
☀︎: And you have to use a cat’s face, lol.
☀︎:. If I’ve eaten your cat, would you hate me?
SS: No, but in Thailand…
SS: Cats…are protected by law.
SS: You can’t eat them in Thailand.
SS:
☀︎: Yeah. Never.
☀︎: Never abroad either.
SS:
☀︎: Where did you get this story about eating cats?
SS: North said.
SS: You might have eaten him.
☀︎: Damn, this little shit too
☀︎: Did your friend go looking for it?
SS: Yes
☀︎: Okay then
☀︎: I’m leaving
SS: Okay
SS: …
SS:
☀︎: What, are you sulking?
SS: Yeah, a little
SS:. No
☀︎: Nothing
SS:. Normally, I would ask
SS: But it’s fine SS: I can give it myself SS:
SS:
☀︎: …
…
J.Han: Arthit, what the hell are you shouting about in the bathroom!!
J.Han: It’s loud enough to hear from outside!
☀︎: Jo, I think I’m having a heart attack
☀︎: So cute, so damn cute, cute like not even human anymore
☀︎: What was God thinking when he created this person, did the cuteness serum spill or what, you bastard
☀︎: I, my nipples are sore all over ☀︎: I never thought this shit-face could be!
☀︎: He can be cute!
J.Han: What the fuck are you whining about?
J.Han: Hurry up and get out.
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