WHYARU, Chapter 20:
Buzz, buzz
The phone vibrating on the bedside table went on long enough to wake someone from their sleep.
Tutor sat up, gently pulling away from the arms wrapped around him, and reached for the phone to check it. A Line message from his close friend Hwahwa, who usually didn’t message at this hour, was waiting.
His brows furrowed with unease, but he eventually opened the message.
It was exactly as he’d feared.
HwaHwa: You went on a trip with Phii Fai, just the two of you, Tor?
HwaHwa: Are you and Phii Fai hiding something from Hwa?
I never thought you’d do something like this, Tor.
Why didn’t you tell me anything?
The messages came with a photo taken yesterday, probably when he and Phii Fai were strolling through the night market.
Even though Tutor had planned to tell Hwahwa after the trip, this happened first. The feeling now was like he’d betrayed his friend.
And it didn’t feel good at all.
“Awake already?” a voice came from behind. Fighter groggily sat up and rested his chin on Tutor’s shoulder, like a big dog nuzzling its owner. Tutor let out a small smile, ruffled Fighter’s hair once, and then set his phone down on the bed as before.
“We’ve got to head back to Bangkok today.”
“Mm, back we go,” Tutor replied softly, his voice so light that the one resting his chin on his shoulder felt a twinge of surprise. Even though Tutor answered as if nothing was wrong, Fighter caught a hint of something in his tone.
“Something up?”
“Nothing.”
“Sure?”
“Mm.”
“Look at me for a sec,” Fighter lifted his head from Tutor’s shoulder and turned him to face him. “What’s wrong?”
And yes, Fighter always noticed, no matter how much Tutor tried to hide it.
The slender fingers that brushed against his cheek, as the older one often did, were as gentle as ever.
“Why the stressed face, khrap?”
“No need for the ‘khrap’ stuff.”
“Just wanna sweet-talk you a bit.”
“…”
“Haha,” Fighter laughed, because the person in front of him looked exasperated. It was undeniable that Fighter enjoyed teasing Tutor until he got annoyed, only to coax him afterward.
“So, why the long face?”
“Nothing.”
“You don’t wanna stay here longer, do you?”
“Very funny, Phii Fai.”
“Then should I book the hotel for three more days?”
“Phii Fai,” Tutor said sternly. “We’re still students, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Let’s shower, pack up, and head back to Bangkok,” Fighter said, leaning in as if to kiss Tutor’s lips, but the younger one pulled back first.
“Haven’t brushed your teeth yet, huh?”
“Yup.”
“Then no kissing,” Tutor raised his hand to cover his mouth and pushed Fighter’s face away gently.
“Alright, fine, this works too.” The pale hand that had been covering Fighter’s mouth now moved to cover its owner’s instead. The taller figure leaned in closer, pressing thin lips against the back of Tutor’s hand. His gaze carried that teasing look Fighter loved to use, irritatingly so. “Morning kiss, Tutor.”
“Mhm.” Tutor nodded, glancing away, embarrassed by the playful expression on his senior’s face. Fighter kept grinning at his shyness, savoring every moment of it. Finally, he stopped teasing, ruffled Tutor’s hair, and got up to take a shower.
Not long after the bathroom door closed, Tutor let out a soft sigh. His mind was a chaotic mess. He didn’t know where to begin explaining to Fighter. He knew it wasn’t a big deal, but he couldn’t help overthinking it. Would Hwahwa understand him in the end?
Even though they’d been friends for so long.
They knew each other better than anyone, but the human heart was still hard to fathom.
6:20 PM
A luxury car pulled up in front of Tutor’s dorm. The driver turned off the engine and reached to the back seat to grab something, preparing to head up to the room with his junior.
“I’m crashing at your dorm tonight, Tor.”
“…”
“Tor.” Fighter turned to look at the owner of the name, who was staring at him with uneasy eyes. Truthfully, since leaving the hotel and arriving at the dorm, Tutor had seemed noticeably down. Fighter had assumed he was just tired and hadn’t pressed him much. But seeing his state now, he couldn’t ignore it. “Is something wrong?”
“Phii Fai,” Tutor’s worried expression made it clear to the listener that something was genuinely troubling him.
“Yes?”
Hwa knows about us, Phii.”
“…”
“…”
“Good. That saves us the trouble of explaining.” Fighter reached out to touch his junior’s cheek, offering a faint smile. At least if Hwahwa already knew, he wouldn’t have to worry about how to bring it up. Though he was well aware she might not be too pleased.
“It’s not that simple,” Tutor’s voice carried a whiny tone, making Fighter smile again. “It’s not funny, Phii Fai. I’m stressed out here.”
“Sorry.” His large hand shifted to cradle Tutor’s face, as if to comfort him. “Don’t overthink it, Tor. It’s not a big deal.”
“It’s a big deal to me, Phii.”
“…”
“I don’t know how to explain it to you, but Hwa doesn’t like it when I keep things from her. I can’t even imagine how mad she’ll be.” Another sigh escaped him. “But it’s my fault for not telling her sooner.”
“Why would she be mad, Tor? He’s your best friend.”
“But…”
“Trust me, she won’t stay mad. She might be a bit upset now, but if she’s really your friend, I’m sure she’ll understand. Let’s go talk to Hwahwa today and sort it out, okay?”
“…”
“Sound good?” Fighter ruffled the younger guy’s hair as if to reassure him again. Tutor looked up at the taller figure, silently confirming if this was the right call. When Fighter nodded in confirmation, Tutor finally agreed and pulled out his phone to call Hwahwa.
Tutor didn’t know whether this meeting with his best friend would turn out heads or tails, but Fighter’s words carried enough weight to make him feel more confident about his friend.
…
The orange sunlight brushing the horizon signaled the approach of evening. Day leaned against a tree, watching Hwahwa talk with two people she knew well.
Hwahwa wasn’t angry at Tutor—she’d never been angry with him. She was just hurt and frustrated that he never told her about Fighter. She didn’t even know when the two of them had gotten close. If Tutor had just told her a little, she wouldn’t feel this upset.
“Phii Fai, you doing alright?” Hwahwa asked first, her gaze tinged with displeasure as she looked at her former fling.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Your face says it all. Had a great time at the beach, huh?” Hwahwa’s tone carried a subtle jab, her eyes openly expressing her irritation. Fighter didn’t respond. He just stayed quiet, letting her continue. He didn’t bother making excuses, knowing it would only fuel her frustration. “Seriously, Tor.”
Hwahwa turned her attention back to her best friend standing in front of her.
“When were you going to tell me about this, Tor? Or were you never going to? If I hadn’t found out, you wouldn’t have said anything, right?”
“No, Hwahwa, I was going to tell you. I planned to tell you as soon as I got back from the beach.”
“Really?” Hwahwa’s tone was still sulky, but her frustration had noticeably softened.
“Yeah, I swear.” Tutor put on a pleading face.
“Exactly! Tor was really worried about you, Hwahwa,” Fighter chimed in after staying silent for a while.
“Phii Fai, be quiet. I wasn’t talking to you,” Hwahwa snapped at him, making him shrink back. Tutor, standing nearby, couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “It’s not funny, Tor. I’m being serious.”
“Sorry.”
“…”
“We’re really sorry, Hwa,” Tutor’s remorseful expression showed he truly meant it. Of course, as a friend, what could she do but soften toward such a close friend?
“Fine,” Hwahwa finally gave in. “I’m not mad at you Tor. As for feeling slighted, I’m okay now.”
“Thank you.”
“As for Phii Fai,” Hwahwa turned to face Fighter, locking eyes with him, “can I ask the question I asked before? Why did you pursue me back then?”
“Sure.”
“Have you found the answer now?”
“I have.” That answer had started forming the moment he first saw Tutor. The clarity of his feelings grew as he got to know Tutor better—his true self, his thoughts, his care—until it evolved into the word love.
Yes… Fighter could confidently say he loved Tutor.
Loved him deeply.
“Are you sure about your feelings, Phii Fai?”
“Absolutely.” His firm response and steady gaze made Hwahwa soften once more.
“Okay. If you are certain of his answer, I hope it’s clear enough not to make my friend sad.”
“Never.”
Good, because after today, I’m claiming Tutor to make up for not telling me about you, Phii Fai earlier. As for Phii Fai, you’ll have to wait until I’m okay with it.” Hwahwa finished and turned to her close friend. “Tor, you okay with that?”
“Sure.”
“Yay! For now, Tor, you have to stick by me, okay?”
“What about Day?”
“Day’s his own thing. You are you. Totally separate.” Fighter looked exasperated. He knew Hwahwa was doing this to get back at him, but fine, let her have her fun. Just don’t keep his Tutor for too long, because if she did, he wouldn’t let it slide either.
“So, what’s the plan today? Tutor’s bag is in my car. Should I drop it off at his place first, or do you want to take it, Hwa?”
“Today?” Hwahwa glanced at the person leaning against the tree. Day raised an eyebrow as if asking what was up. In the end, Hwahwa shook her head and turned back to Fighter and Tutor. Truthfully, she and Day had a dinner reservation for two. Adding Tutor wouldn’t be a big deal, but she felt it’d be inconsiderate to Day. “Today, you can take him. I’m feeling nice. We’ll start tomorrow.”
Tutor shook his head at his close friend, amused. He knew what Hwahwa was up to. If he didn’t indulge her a little, she’d throw a bigger fit. But Tor—was confident that Hwahwa wouldn’t keep this up for long. Four or five days, and she’d probably get bored.
After their conversation, they parted ways. Day and Hwahwa seemed to have other business to attend to. Meanwhile, he and Fighter returned to the dorm. The stubborn Fighter, with his usual flimsy excuses, insisted on staying over at his place, citing Hwahwa’s comment that they wouldn’t see each other for a while. In the end, Tutor could only soften and let Phii Fai stay over, though he hadn’t expected Fai to be this clingy.
“Your friend is so damn selfish.”
“Phii Fai you pretty good at complaining too.”
“True, you can tell Hwa wants revenge on me,” Fighter grumbled nonstop. From the moment they left Hwahwa until they got back to the room, he still hadn’t stopped.
“Come on, Hwa’s probably only acting like this for a couple of days.”
“But you gave in.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t want Hwa to be mad either.”
“She’s not mad.”
“But she’s sulking, isn’t she?” Tutor, dressed in a t-shirt and short athletic shorts with a small towel on his head from just showering, sat down next to the guy leaning against the bed. He reached up to gently ruffle the older guy’s hair, as if trying to calm Fighter down a bit.
“Can I still come see you in the evening?”
“I’ve got work, Phii Fai.”
“You used to work, and I could still come see you.”
“Fine, come if you want, but just to the room like usual, okay?”
“Okay. But honestly, I really wish you’d quit your job, you know? Can’t you just quit?” Fighter pouted, making Tutor shake his head and chuckle.
“No way. I need to eat and live.”
“I can take care of you.”
“Didn’t I already say I’m not okay with that?”
“I know, but I can take care of you.”
“Phii Fai.”
“Alright, alright, I’m just frustrated. Between your friend stealing your time from me and you still having to work, we barely get to hang out. I feel like I don’t even exist.”
“Who said you don’t exist? Look, I can see you right here, with me.” Tutor ruffled the bigger guy’s hair again. “How about this: I’ll cut back on part-time work compared to before, but I’m not quitting, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Good then.” Tutor gave the older guy’s head another pat. He was about to stand up, but Fighter grabbed his hand first.
“Comfort me.”
“Here, I’m comforting you.”
“Not like that.”
“Then how?”
“Like… that.” The sparkling glint in Fighter’s eyes was enough for him to understand what the person in front of him was asking for.
“Like this?” Tutor said, pressing a kiss to Fighter’s lips before tilting his head to ask if it was satisfactory. Of course, someone like Fighter was never content with just one kiss. He pulled Tutor onto his lap, wrapping his arms around his waist, drawing him closer until their bodies pressed tightly together.
“Now this is better.” A minty kiss, flavored by the scent of toothpaste, was shared through the touch of warm tongues.
“Phii Fai…” Tutor let out a soft moan as Fighter’s large hand trailed across his skin. The cool, freshly showered body squirmed under the hot lips that nipped and teased, making Tutor writhe uncontrollably.
The sensation climbed higher and higher, matching the rhythm of his senior’s movements.
“Tor,” a husky whisper echoed alongside feelings that mirrored the soaring emotions sparked with every touch.
The meeting of their eyes, the contact of their skin, the sweat drenching their bodies—Tutor couldn’t deny how incredible it felt to share moments like this with the person he loved.
It was truly wonderful to have Phii Fai by his side.
…
“Hey, Phii!” Tutor raised his hand to greet the staff at the shop where he worked, flashing a smile.
“Sorry for dragging you in to work during this time, Tor. Waew got sick out of nowhere, and I couldn’t find anyone else to cover,” said Phii Kae.
“No worries, Phii Kae. I can manage.”
“But is it really okay with the place you’re working at now?”
“It’s fine, Phii Kae. I already talked to my boss there. I’ll go change first, alright?” Originally, Tutor had plans to have dinner with Day and Hwahwa, but Phii Kae, his former boss, called him to help out at the shop. His current boss, Sis Fai, was understanding and gave him the green light to work with Phii Kae.
“After you change, can you wipe down the front windows, Tor?”
“Sure thing!” Tutor called back before heading to the changing room.
He hadn’t seen Phii Fai all day. They’d only talked through LINE. Lately, Phii Fai seemed busy with internship matters and helping out at his father’s company. Tutor wasn’t sure if, after graduating, Phii Fai would end up working at his father’s company. From their last conversation, it seemed like Phii Fai wanted to gain experience in his field of study first. He also mentioned wanting to improve his English skills.
Their life paths were about to unfold. Tutor had no idea what the future held for the two of them.
But if things couldn’t stay the same or if someone changed,
Tutor was ready to understand—and he believed Phii Fai would too.
“Is that Tutor?” a voice called out while Tutor was wiping the shop’s front window. He turned to see someone Fai knew well.
“Yes, sir.” Tutor gave a polite wai and forced a faint smile. Though his smile hid a wave of worry, he tried to make it as wide as possible. “You’re Fai’s father, right?”
“That’s right, I’m his dad.”
Tutor had no idea why Phii Fai’s father had come to his workplace. He didn’t dare guess. Deep down, though, fear crept in—fear that something might shake the bond between him and Fighter.
Leave a Reply