WHYARU, Chapter 11:
The weather today was hotter than usual, the temperature matching the heat in his body, making Tutor, who had just returned from 7-Eleven, feel an indescribable thirst. He’d gone to buy some things for himself and for someone who was coming to restart tutoring today.
“Kid!” A shout rang out. Tutor turned to see a familiar face, someone who always showed up around this time. “I’m here to collect the interest today.”
“Yes, sir,” Tutor replied, pulling out four thousand baht from his wallet and handing it over.
“Good job.”
This money was tied to a loan one of his high school friends had taken out, using Tutor’s name as a guarantor. At first, he hadn’t wanted to co-sign. He knew these things couldn’t be trusted, even with close friends or relatives. But his soft heart gave in when his friend, crying and pleading, said the money was for their sick mother’s treatment. Family was everything to Tutor, so despite feeling it wasn’t right, he signed the agreement, trusting that a friend he’d known for years wouldn’t betray him.
But, as people say, money spares no one. The problem he’d gotten himself into unfolded just as he’d feared. That friend, who promised to pay back both principal and interest, vanished three or four months ago. In the end, the entire burden fell on Tutor.
He couldn’t shirk the responsibility—not when his name was prominently on the contract.
And he couldn’t tell anyone about it.
Not his dad, not his mom, and definitely not his older sibling.
Tutor had to swallow his own foolishness and vow never to trust anyone like this again. He couldn’t let himself be softhearted anymore. Never again.
“By the way, how much of the principal is left, sir?”
“Twenty thousand, of course.”
“Sir, I’ve been paying you for months. Why hasn’t the principal gone down?”
“Did you forget? This is floating interest—twenty percent a month. You borrowed twenty thousand, so the interest is four thousand a month, and it doesn’t touch the principal. If you want to reduce the principal, pay the full amount.”
“Come on, Phii. Isn’t this a bit much?” Tutor complained.
“It’s not too much. You came to borrow the money yourself, signed the contract yourself. No one forced you. Don’t let me find out you’re trying to run,” the debt collector said, pointing a finger in his face. “Not that you could, since you’re stuck studying at this university anyway.” Right.
“How much is the total debt?” Fighter spoke up as the debt collector was about to leave. Tutor looked up, meeting Fighter’s eyes and shaking his head to tell him not to get involved. But did Fighter care? He looked straight at the debt collector again. “So, how much is the total debt?”
“Twenty thousand.”
“Okay. I’ve got the cash right here. Did you bring the contract?”
“Of course I did,” the debt collector grinned, walking to his motorcycle. Meanwhile, Fighter approached Tutor.
“Phii Fai, can you not get involved? You know I don’t like this.”
“I’m not helping you for free. The money I’m paying off, you can deduct it from the English tutoring fees you charge me.”
“…”
“It’s not free help. Just deduct it from the tutoring fees, but… in a way that doesn’t put you in a tough spot, got it?” Fighter’s serious tone made Tutor purse his lips tightly. “Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it.”
“Here’s the contract.” The debt collector approached again, contract in hand. Fighter read it over once more before passing it to Tor beside him. This time, Fighter didn’t forget to sign an agreement with the collector, confirming that the borrowed amount had been fully repaid. “Guess we settled the debt faster than expected, huh, kid? But if you run into trouble again, you know you can call on me.”
The debt collector grinned before riding off on his motorcycle.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Phii,” Tutor said, still worried about the situation. He felt bad because it was a problem he caused, yet Fighter had to step in to help.
“I told you, take that money and deduct it from the tutoring fees. I’m not giving it to you for free,” Fighter said, unintentionally placing his heavy hand on the smaller boy’s head. Their eyes met in that moment, and it stirred a feeling in Tutor that he couldn’t quite explain. He wasn’t sure if it was fate or something else, but lately, whenever he had a problem, Fighter was always the one to lend a hand.
In the end, he wasn’t certain what caused this overwhelming feeling that made his heart race—whether it was the concern his senior showed or the way those eyes were looking at him.
“So… you get it, right?”
“I get it.”
“Good.” The hand that had gently rested on his head was lightly pushed away, along with the racing heartbeat.
“By the way, do you have a spare keycard for your dorm?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Give it to me.”
“Huh?”
“And the key too.”
“What’s with you, Phii Fai?” Tutor frowned, confused. “Is all this really necessary?”
“Yeah, it’s necessary. So if I get to your place first, I can go up and wait in your room.”
“…”
“Hand them over.”
“Alright, alright, why do you have to sound so bossy?” Tutor sighed in exasperation, reluctantly handing over the key and keycard with a sulky expression.
“Because you’re so stubborn,” Fighter said, taking the keycard and key from the smaller boy while giving his head a light tap. Tutor, who had just been teased, could only mutter complaints under his breath, glaring at the guy still smirking annoyingly.
“Hot as hell,” the taller guy grumbled as soon as he stepped into the room. Fighter plopped down cross-legged at the low Japanese-style table, turning the fan directly toward his face as if it were the only thing keeping him alive right now.
Seeing Fighter like that, he didn’t even mention turning on the AC. He probably knew Tutor usually didn’t use it. Last time he came to tutor, he didn’t ask to turn it on either—just got straight to studying. Seeing someone like Fighter, who usually preferred comfort, act like this made Tutor feel a bit sorry for him. In the end, he decided to turn on the AC and then sat back down next to the guy.
“I’ll chip in for the electricity bill,” Fighter said.
“No need. I’m already getting paid to tutor you.”
“Nah, usually you tutor people outside, but this time I’m using your space and the AC. I’m covering the electricity.”
“Phii Fai.”
“Tutor.”
“You know…”
“You already know I don’t like this kind of thing,” Fighter said, mimicking the younger guy’s usual tone.
Tutor pursed his lips slightly, aware he was being teased.
“But you already know what kind of person I am,” Fighter continued. They locked eyes, both fully aware neither would back down. It was just how they were. But then… “How about we meet halfway?”
Maybe it was the second time Phii Fai had given in to him.
The first was when he asked Tutor to come back and tutor.
And this was the second.
“We split the electricity bill. Fifty-fifty, you and me. That work for you?”
“…”
“I’m compromising this much, Tor… Deal?”
“I didn’t say no yet.”
“Alright, settled.” With that, Fighter leaned his head back on the bed, closing his eyes to enjoy the cool air from the AC. Tutor wasn’t in the mood to tease him just yet. He simply turned to grab his books and notebook, setting them on the low Japanese table to prepare for the lesson.
Once Tutor finished arranging his things, he was about to tell the other guy they could start. But when he turned, he caught Fighter’s eyes already on him.
A look that even Fighter himself probably didn’t realize he was giving.
“Something up?”
“Nothing.”
“Ready to study?”
“Absolutely.”
“Okay, let’s start with this then.”
The tutoring session started slowly. Tutor tried to explain the basics of English in the simplest way possible. Honestly, he didn’t think Fighter was dumb at all. If his senior grasped the fundamentals, he could understand things quite easily. But in the past, it was more about not paying attention or not being open to learning, which made everything seem harder than it was and left him uninterested in trying.
Tutor always thought that someone like Fighter, with all his money, must have had countless English tutors. But because he didn’t care or wasn’t interested, he probably ended up canceling those lessons without a second thought.
“Phii Fai, do you understand what I just explained?” Tutor asked, glancing at the guy spinning a pen after nearly two hours of teaching.
“Huh?” But it seemed Fighter’s focus was waning significantly. What had been taught didn’t seem to be sinking in anymore. Especially now, with the taller guy resting his chin in his hand, listening without concentration, his eyes practically begging for a break.
Faced with that look, Tutor could only sigh.
“Let’s take a ten-minute break.”
“Should’ve taken one ages ago,” Fighter said, grabbing his phone and leaning back against the bed, looking sore and tired.
“You’re addicted to your phone.”
“I’m not addicted to my phone,” Fighter looked up to retort.
“I’m addicted to games.”
He answered with a smug eyebrow raise, which was insanely irritating.
“And how’s that different?”
“It’s not, but come here and look at this first.”
“What?”
“Just come on.” Tutor stayed still until the older guy pulled him to sit closer, then handed over his phone.
On the Instagram screen, Tutor saw pictures of himself in the mascot costume from before. The set included solo shots of him handing out flyers and a couple of photos with Phii Fai.
Seeing them made him want to delete them so badly.
With that thought, Tutor actually moved to delete the photos on the screen.
“Hey, hey! What are you doing?” Fighter quickly snatched his phone back.
“Deleting the photos, duh.”
“Who said you could delete them? This is my Instagram.”
“It’s your Instagram, but it’s got my face.”
“I took the photos, so you don’t get to delete them.”
“That’s got nothing to do with it, Phii Fai. Delete them now,” Tutor said, his face showing clear displeasure.
“Why would I delete it? Even Hwahwa complimented it.”
“Complimented what?”
“…”
“…”
“Cute.” As Fighter spoke, he looked up, meeting Tutor’s eyes perfectly. In that moment, it felt like the world stopped spinning. The only thing that didn’t stop was Tutor’s heart, beating faster and faster. “Wanna see?”
Thankfully, Fighter cut in before things got too awkward.
“Mhm.” Tutor nodded and reached for Fighter’s phone to check the comments. The top ones were, of course, from Phii Fai’s friends.
“What’s up with this pair?”
“This is getting serious… is that the kid we met?”
“All aboard! I know he’s got a girlfriend, but I’m still shipping.”
“But I don’t think Phii Fai and Hwahwa are actually dating. Phii Fai’s talking to a bunch of people, so maybe this guy’s one of them too?”
“Bet it’s him.”
“For sure.”
“Here we go, #FighterTutor. Their names alone scream soulmates!”
“So cute, Tor! Next time, wear it and take a pic with Hwa too!”
“+1”
The “+1” at the end was from Day. Lately, he and Hwahwa seemed especially close, but Tutor didn’t ask much about it. He was too exhausted from work to have time for anything else. The other comments were, well, oddly intense for a photo of two guys together. But honestly, Tutor was used to it. On Facebook, whenever Day or Saifah posted couple or group photos, there were always weird comments like these.
But with Phii Fai… Tutor couldn’t quite figure out why he felt strange. Was it because it was a photo of just the two of them? Or was it the events of the day they took the picture that made him feel this way?
“What?” Fighter suddenly raised an eyebrow, probably noticing Tutor staring at him with a curious look.
“Nothing,” Tutor replied, choosing not to voice his thoughts.
“I was just gonna ask if we should keep studying.”
“Man, Tor, I haven’t even had a ten-minute break yet. I’m starving. Wanna order something?”
“I already bought snacks and rice. If you don’t mind, you can eat with me.”
“Who’s gonna complain? I’m more worried you won’t have enough to eat.”
“It’s enough. I bought a ton. Just wait there, Phii. I’ll plate it up.” The room’s owner finished speaking, stood up, and grabbed the rice and snacks he’d bought to put on plates. “No microwave, so it might be a bit cold.”
“Buy one next time.”
“You know I don’t have the money.”
“Then I’ll buy it for you.”
“Phii Fai.” His voice wasn’t as sharp as the glare he shot.
“Why don’t we just get one from your place? You’ve got tons.”
“No way.”
“But I’m gonna be studying here all the time, and I like eating hot food. I’ll bring one here, and I’ll cover half the electricity bill. Think of it as me leaving my microwave at your place. Deal?”
“…”
“Is it a deal, Tor?”
“…”
“Please?”
“Ugh, fine. Do whatever you want, Phii.”
Fighter grinned when Tutor gave in. Truth be told, he didn’t actually have a bunch of microwaves—he just said that to make it sound like he did and planned to buy one to bring over.
Not that he was doing it for Tutor, of course.
It was just for himself, because he liked eating hot food. That’s all.
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Saifah asked, noticing Day grinning at his phone.
“Yeah, what’s up?” Tutor chimed in, agreeing. Lately, Day had been unusually cheerful, and he wasn’t sure why.
“Nothing!” But instead of answering, Day just shrugged like it was no big deal. “You’re the same, though, Saifah. You’ve been in a great mood lately too, haven’t you?”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“How’s it not? Don’t think I don’t know, man.”
“I’m asking you, not the other way around. Drop it—the professor’s looking. We’ll get in trouble.” Saifah quickly cut the conversation short, ignoring Day’s half-teasing, half-mocking expression. To Tutor, it was just a small change, and he wasn’t sure what was going on with either of them. Maybe they had girlfriends or were talking to someone they liked. That seemed like the most likely explanation.
But whatever. If they wanted to share, they’d tell him eventually.
Tutor wasn’t much different from them, really. Over the past two or three weeks, he’d barely told his friends anything. Maybe it was the exhaustion from working at Sis Fai’s shop and dealing with Phii Fai, leaving him no time to catch up with them.
Plus, lately, that guy was at his place almost every day. Even when they’d agreed there was no tutoring, Fighter still showed up. Who knows if he was free or just wanted to mess with him? At least he didn’t bother him at work, though sometimes he’d wait around to grab dinner together. Most of the time, he’d just hang out at Tutor’s room, lingering until it was time to go home.
Of course, some days he’d come over and barely study or tutor at all. At first, Tutor was annoyed, but later it felt like talking to a wall. So, he let it go. If Fighter wanted to study, fine. If he just wanted to sit, lie around, or play games, whatever. In the end, Tutor only charged for the actual tutoring time anyway.
“That’s all for today, class dismissed,” the professor said. Students started filing out of the room. Day and Saifah seemed to have other things to do, but Tutor chose to head back to his dorm to study since he had a quiz next week. Luckily, Phii Fai was kind enough to let him take time off to study during exam periods, unlike a certain someone who knew full well about the upcoming quiz but still came to bother him.
Before heading back, Tutor stopped to buy some food and snacks. When he opened the door, he saw someone’s shoes tossed by the entrance.
“Phii Fai, didn’t I tell you to put your shoes in the cabinet?”
“Forgot.”
“Every single time.”
“And you never stop nagging.”
Then follow the rules a bit. You’ve been coming here for weeks, so at least respect the room’s owner.”
“Yeah, yeah, got it,” the guy playing games on the bed said without looking up at Tutor. “Can we skip tutoring today?”
“No tutoring anyway. I told you I have a quiz next week.”
“Oh, right, hydro, yeah? I can help. I got a B in that,” Fighter said, throwing a sly eyebrow raise.
“I’m aiming for an A.”
“High hopes.”
“Just gotta aim high. If I don’t get it, I lose my free tuition,” Tutor said, more to himself than to Fighter, but the older guy overheard.
“You can ask me, though. I might suck at English, but I aced all the engineering calc stuff.”
“Alright, I’ll ask if I need help,” Tutor replied. “So, when are you heading back?”
“Barely here ten minutes and you’re kicking me out?”
“Good that you know. Now hurry up and go. I need to study.”
“Not going. I’m sleepy. I’m gonna crash.”
“If you’re sleepy, go sleep at your place, Fai.”
“Can’t I just sleep here?”
“Very funny,” Fighter said, raising an eyebrow. The smaller guy tilted his head, glaring at the person on the bed with annoyance.
“Not joking. I just figured sleeping here’s convenient since I’m coming back tomorrow anyway.”
“For what? I’ve got midterms coming up, Phii Fai. You don’t need to come. Even if you do, I won’t have time to tutor you.”
“I’m not coming for tutoring. I’m coming to take you to my place to pick up the microwave. Don’t you remember?” How could he forget? Fighter had practically forced him to take it. But since he hadn’t mentioned it again, Tutor thought he’d forgotten.
“Why didn’t you just bring it to me?”
“It’s your stuff, so you gotta come get it yourself.”
“It’s not mine. Guess I’m not going then.”
“Hey, no way. We already agreed you’d take one for here,” Fighter said, his tone serious. Naturally, the guy who hadn’t agreed in the first place just pouted.
“But I don’t need it. It’s not even necessary.”
“Well, I need it.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“Ugh, Tor.”
“…”
“Come on, just go. Tomorrow, there’s a chef at my place making hotel-quality desserts. I want you to come taste them. They’re for a product launch at my dad’s company, and they need people to test them. Plus, if you go, you might pick up some tips from the chef.”
“…”
“Didn’t you say you started baking because your sister loves it? If you learn something new and make it taste even better, isn’t that worth it?”
“…” Tutor stayed silent, his face showing hesitation about what to do.
“So, you going or not? I’m counting to five. If you don’t go, forget it. One… two… three… four…”
“I’ll go,” Tutor cut in before Fighter could finish. “Fine, I’ll go.”
But that “fine” still irritated Fighter, even though he was secretly thrilled.
Tutor hid a small smile. He tried to suppress his excitement so the other guy wouldn’t notice, then walked over to plate the boxed food he’d bought instead.
“What’s that?!” Fighter shouted, trying to tease the younger one.
“Red pork rice,” Tutor replied calmly, unfazed, instead of jumping in surprise.
“Man, what’s that? Not even gonna flinch for me?”
“You do this every time. Have you ever seen me get startled?” Tutor said, turning his attention back to the red pork rice in front of him.
“You bought two boxes, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“One’s for me, right?”
“Nope. One’s for my dinner, and the other’s for breakfast tomorrow. Nothing to do with you, Phii Fai.”
“Liar.” The taller guy chuckled, lightly ruffling Tutor’s hair. “If you bought it for me, just say so. And then you try to shoo me home? Not cute at all, Nong Tutor.”
Fighter used that tone again, calling his full name while giving him a tender look. But that wasn’t even the worst of it—his fingertips brushed against Tutor’s cheek.
Lately, Fighter had been acting strange. His behavior, his tone. Sure, he was still a bit of a tease, but there was something new.
Something that made Tutor’s heart skip a beat.
“…”
“Come here… I’ll open it.” Fighter pulled his hand away from Tutor’s cheek and reached for the food container. “You go clear the stuff off the Japanese table. Once you’re done, I’ll bring the food over. Hurry up.”
“Alright, alright,” Tutor muttered, setting his things down and heading to clear the documents off the low table as Fighter instructed.
This table was everything, wasn’t it? A place for tutoring, eating, watching movies. Usually, it was just him sitting here alone, but over the past couple of weeks, it hadn’t been just him anymore.
Phii Fai had started joining him.
And honestly, it was nice.
Really nice. Sure, Tutor had close friends like Zon, Hwahwa, or faculty buddies like Saifah and Day, but that didn’t mean they hung out all the time. With his work schedule, it was hard to find time to go anywhere with them. They’d only occasionally meet up to eat or chat. Even if they checked in on LINE, it wasn’t the same as sitting face-to-face, eating, and talking like he did with Phii Fai now.
Did he feel anything back when Phii Fai wasn’t around? Was he ever lonely?
Honestly, he couldn’t fully answer that. He’d been so focused on work that he hadn’t thought much about it.
But now, tutoring someone from his code line like Phii Fai made him realize things were better now.
So much better, to the point that he’s scared of how he’d feel if one day it was gone…
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