YOURSKY, Chapter 33
“Little bro… catch!”
“Sure…”
Theerak, sitting on a lawn chair, caught the volleyball tossed to him by Hia. Muenfah had convinced their friends to move the volleyball game to the front of their vacation house so he wouldn’t have to walk too far. Theerak could only sit and watch as the older guys set everything up. All of Muenfah’s friends took every sport-related activity very seriously.
At first, Theerak thought everyone wasn’t taking it too seriously, probably just drawing lines in the sand to mark boundaries. But now, they’d brought a volleyball net to divide the sides and used colorful ropes to outline a rectangular scoring area. Theerak guessed that back in high school, they must’ve all been athletes at their school.
“The sports equipment this time is all thanks to our friend Peach, the only son of the biggest sports gear shop in Chiang Mai.”
“I didn’t bring it for free. The losing team has to pay for all the equipment.”
Everyone burst into laughter. Theerak only just learned that the guy who’d winked at him at Muenfah’s birthday party was named Peach. Phii Peach shifted his gaze from his friends to him, flashing a smile. Theerak was about to smile back, but a tall figure stepped in front of him first.
“Hey!” Muenfah called out to him in a stern tone before turning to Phii
Peach. “Hold it, no playing, you jerk!”
“Sorry, sorry, he’s just so cute. I couldn’t help smiling at him.”
“Go smile at someone else… this one’s my wife.”
“Whoo-hoo!”
“Here comes Muenfah!”
“Phii Fah!”
Theerak scolded him in the same stern tone. Muenfah was overly possessive of him around his friends. Whenever he got jealous, he’d say things like this, making Theerak so embarrassed he could burst. Especially when Muenfah’s friends started teasing and cheering— Theerak wanted to explode right then and there…
“You’re not allowed to smile at anyone either… got it?”
“Not even at you?”
“Are you being cheeky with me?”
Muenfah came over and sat on the lawn chair with him, leaning down to pepper his lips with kisses. Theerak pushed his face away with his hands, embarrassed in front of his friends, but Muenfah used just one hand to hold his face in place and kissed his lips repeatedly.
“Phii Fah! I’m shy in front of your friends!”
“You know how possessive I is of you, right?”
“How much?”
“As much as the Sky.”
Theerak broke into a wide smile before wrinkling his nose at the bigger guy. This time, he couldn’t resist teasing him back and kissed his full lips.
“Sky, tone down the cuteness a bit, okay? I’m falling too hard here.” “Heh,” Muenfah chuckled in his throat, planting a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Little bro… that nose wrinkle just now was so cute! I; Phii Hia have always dreamed of you making that face at me too,”
Theerak giggled before wrinkling his nose at Phii Hia. The guy widened his eyes as if startled, then sank to his knees on the sand, clutching his chest with one hand.
“…”
“Wah… little bro, my heart’s turned to grains of sand!”
“Hey!” Muenfah turned to scold him before snapping at Phii Hia, “Hia!”
“Muenfah… he wrinkled his nose at me, did you see that?”
“I’ll kick sand in your eyes, you bastard!”
“Muenfah, don’t do that to me. I won’t be able to open my eyes!”
“Then you won’t have to stare at my Theerak anymore.”
“Then you’d have to throw sand in Noh’s eyes, Peach’s, Kim’s, and Sin’s too!”
Theerak watched as Muenfah’s eyes widened and he stood to his full height. He pointed at each friend one by one, looking so furious he could barely control himself. Everyone Hia had named scrambled to hide behind Phii Real.
“You damn traitor! Didn’t you say we’d sneak looks at him quietly? What the hell, you backstabbing friends!” Noh exclaimed.
“You’re the one who dragged me into staring at him. Why are you pinning this on me?!” Peach retorted.
You’ve all been secretly ogling my wife for a while, haven’t you… you bastards!!!”
“I’m not involved! Don’t hide behind me!” Phii Real said, stepping aside to the other side.
“Uh, Fah… we just—”
“Whoever rode in my car… walk back to Bangkok yourselves.”
“Then we’re all safe… except for Hia, Noh.”
“Ugh… dude, don’t do this!”
“As for the rest of you… you’re done for.”
“Uh, Fah… forgive us, please. We’ll eat sand for you if you want!”
Theerak reached out and gently tugged at the hem of the taller man’s shirt. Muenfah turned to look at him, and Theerak shook his head slightly, signaling him not to be mad at his friends. Muenfah let out a heavy sigh and plopped back down.
“You guys are only safe because of my little darling.” Hia said.
“Hey, Nong Theerak…”
“Stop it… none of you are allowed to mess with my Theerak anymore.”
“…”
“Alright, alright, problem solved. Let’s get the game started.”
Phii Real spoke up, and everyone began dispersing to their positions. Theerak glanced at the tall figure sitting still beside him. He’d thought Muenfah would join his friends to play too.
“Phii Fah, aren’t you going to play volleyball with everyone?”
“I want to sit here with you Theerak.”
“If you don’t play… who’s going to be our team captain?”
Theerak turned toward the familiar voice. Phii Dom, who’d just walked over, raised an eyebrow in question. Meanwhile, Phii Babe sat down beside Theerak. Soon after, Panli and Klai, who’d barely been seen all day, showed up too.
“Pradipat’s really glued to his boyfriend, huh?”
“…”
“Showing up late and still running your mouth.”
Panli laughed heartily before saying, “Come play with us, Phii Fah.”
Since Muenfah stayed silent, Theerak spoke up, “Muenfah, my talented man, go be the team captain for your friends. I’ll cheer you on from here.”
Muenfah smirked, giving him a sly look before saying, “Hearing you call me ‘talented Muenfah’… now I’d love to hear ‘good Muenfah’ too.”
“Phii Fah!!”
Maybe because he’d scolded Muenfah so loudly, Phii Babe and Klai, who were sitting nearby, turned to look. Theerak understood what Muenfah was implying, so he lowered his eyes and pursed his lips tightly, feeling embarrassed.
Ugh! So cheeky all the time, Sky!
Muenfah unbuttoned his shirt completely, then took the volleyball from Theerak’s hands and went to join his team with his friends. He was on the same team as Phii Real, Phii Dom, Panli, and a few others—none of whom were the ones caught sneaking glances at him.
Believe me? The other side’s definitely getting smashed with that volleyball,” Phii Babe said.
Theerak shifted his gaze from his sister to the match about to start. When one of Muenfah’s friends blew the whistle, Muenfah’s team got to serve first. The volleyball sailed over the net to the other side, but no one from the opposing team moved to receive it. The referee standing by the court awarded a point to Muenfah’s team.
“Hey, Red Water, what’s wrong with you? Why didn’t you receive it?”
“You receive it yourself then!”
“No way… Fah will just smash it right back.”
“Yeah… you’re still scared of getting hurt. I’m scared too, you jerk Noe.”
Theerak sat laughing as he watched the game. Everything unfolded just as Phii Babe had predicted. This time, though, Hia didn’t get teased too much. Instead, Muenfah’s team targeted Peach. Still, Theerak had to admit that everyone on Muenfah’s team was skilled, especially Phii Real.
Since Muenfah’s team had stronger players, they took a pretty big lead. After a while, the match concluded with…
“The team on the right wins!”
Which was his boyfriend’s team, .
While waiting for everyone to pack up the sports equipment, Phii Babe spoke up, “I knew it… with Real, Li, and Fah on the team, it was obvious they’d win.”
Theerak turned to his sister, “Why didn’t you include Phii Dom too, Phii
Babe?”
Because I don’t want my guy getting cocky. If he knew I was praising him, he’d be smug for a whole week.”
Theerak laughed. The two of them loved and knew each other so well— that’s why Phii Babe could keep Phii Dom in check. Then, suddenly, Theerak had a question he wanted to ask, “Phii Babe… was Phii Dom ever a flirt? Because ever since I’ve seen you two together, Phii Dom’s never had anyone else.”
“Dom used to be a huge flirt… but once we got serious, he stopped.”
“…”
“I have to accept that he’s got a good profile, so people will always approach him. That’s something I’ve had to come to terms with… and I can’t just get jealous without reason every time someone comes near him. Don’t forget, he’s not the one approaching them.”
“…”
“Stuff like this is hard to avoid… but if he truly loves me, he’ll respect me, both in front of me and behind my back.”
“…”
“He wouldn’t want to make me sad… the only thing I can do is trust him.”
“…”
“The reason I trust Fah to take care of you… is because he’s not that different from Dom.”
“…”
“But if one day you’re afraid he might go off with someone else… try ignoring him often. If you’re lying in bed together, turn your back to him a lot.”
“…”
Theerak secretly glanced at Klai, who was sitting nearby watching everyone. He’d be mortified if Klai overheard this conversation, but Klai remained still. Theerak chose to believe Klai hadn’t heard. He liked that Klai wasn’t the type to meddle in others’ business. Since getting to know Klai, Theerak had found him to be quiet, cute, polite, and well-mannered—unlike his close friend. So even if Klai did hear his talk with his sister, he wouldn’t tease him about it like Panli would.
“…”
“Why turn my back to him often, Phii Babe?”
“Because it’ll make guys like them restless, worried that we might not love them anymore.”
Theerak grinned so wide his cheeks nearly split. This morning, when Muenfah had been extra clingy, it was because he’d slept with his back turned. “Guess tonight I’ll have to sleep with my back to him again… I’ll get back at Phii Fah.”
“…” Phii Babe smiled and nodded. Theerak realized she was passing down her tricks for handling a boyfriend.
“Does you have any more advice for me?” “Don’t give in and turn around to hug him.” That’s tough.
Theerak wasn’t sure he could manage it.
But the chubby puppy would try his best.
#However Many Thousand Skies
After packing up the sports equipment, everyone gathered to eat in front of Muenfah’s vacation house. They sat around chatting until evening before heading back to their own places.
Theerak showered before Muenfah as usual. The taller man offered to bathe him, but since Theerak could now walk on his own, he declined. However, stubborn Muenfah wouldn’t take no for an answer, and in the end, Theerak had to let him help.
The tall man carried him to the bed, nuzzling his nose against his left and right cheeks before getting up to shower himself. Theerak shifted into the most comfortable position. Once his head hit the soft pillow, his eyelids grew heavy. He figured it was the fever medicine he’d taken a few hours ago making him so sleepy.
“Theerak…”
“Yes…”
Theerak only then realized he’d fallen asleep on his side, with his back to Muenfah. He hadn’t meant to get back at Muenfah right then, but since it worked out perfectly, he decided to start his plan even as his eyes struggled to stay open. He hoped his sleepiness would harden his resolve…
Because no matter how much Muenfah pleaded Theerak wouldn’t budge— he was too ready to fall asleep.
“Turning your back on me again.”
“…” Phii Babe told him to stay strong.
“Theerak doing this to me…”
“…”
“Do you want to get it again?”
“…”
Theerak thought Phii Babe might have misjudged Muenfah a little. He might get impatient like Phii Dom, but Muenfah was far craftier than Phii Dom by a long shot. Still, Theerak trusted the experienced Phii Babe, so he pretended to stay silent.
“…”
“Hey…”
“I’m going to sleep.”
“Looks like you really want to get it again.”
“Ah! Phii Fah!”
Theerak yelped when a strong hand squeezed his butt hard. He flipped over to face the stubborn guy and glared at him, but because Muenfah stared back with an intense look, Theerak realized he couldn’t win against him.
“What are you mad at me about?”
“I’m not mad… I just want to get back at you a little, Phii Fah.”
“By sleeping with your back to me?”
“…” Theerak nodded weakly. Muenfah let out a sigh before flipping over to turn his back on him too.
Now it was Theerak who started to panic. He didn’t know what to do—his heart was burning up. Muenfah had never turned his back on him before. So, Theerak gently poked at his thick arm.
“Muenfah, my good guy… turn to me a little, please?”
“…”
“Phii Fah…”
Unable to stand it, Theerak scooted closer to the other. He wrapped his arms around the bigger guy, but since he stayed silent and unresponsive, Theerak began showering kisses on the cheek of the sulky man.
Kiss…
“Are you mad at me, Phii Fah?”
“…”
Ugh… my boyfriend’s ignoring me, what do I do?
Phii Babe only told me how to get back at him…
But she didn’t say what to do if the other person gets mad and I need to make up with them!
Theerak buried his face in Muenfah’s neck, just like Muenfah often did to him, and mumbled, “My cool Pradipat.”
“…”
Whimper… If Muenfah didn’t respond or pay attention to him, letting him fall asleep without turning back to kiss his cheek, Theerak would surely feel terrible. Unsure of what to do with his boyfriend, Theerak tightened his embrace, hooking one leg around Muenfah’s to lock him in place. His cheek pressed even closer to Muenfah’s due to the force of the hug.
“you can’t love me any less! I won’t allow it!”
“How do you feel, little one?…When I sleep with his back to you?”
Theerak rubbed his cheek against Muenfah’s before saying, “It feels like you love me less.”
“I don’t love you less… but I wanted you to understand how I feels when you sleep with your back to me.”
“…”
“If I just told you how I felt, you wouldn’t truly get it… Now you understand me, right?”
Theerak nodded sheepishly. He knew Muenfah was upset with him right now. The unusually gentle tone of Muenfah’s explanation was a clue— Muenfah’s anger wasn’t loud or aggressive like others’. Instead, he became softer than usual, making it clear that what he was saying was serious.
Muenfah was definitely mad.
“Boyfriend… I’m sorry.”
“Will you do this again?…Will you tease me and make me feel hurt again?”
“No, I won’t. I won’t do it again.”
“…”
“Pradipat… turn back and hug me, please.”
“…”
“I need love from you Pradipat.”
Theerak whimpered in his throat, afraid the taller man wouldn’t soften. He knew how stubborn Muenfah could be. But not long after, Muenfah turned back to face him. Theerak didn’t hesitate—he quickly wrapped his arms tightly around the larger figure, burying his face in Muenfah’s strong chest. He didn’t forget to hook his leg around Muenfah’s again either.
“…”
“Rak Niran, you are still inexperienced… Don’t try to challenge me.”
“I won’t challenge anymore.”
Muenfah chuckled in his throat before saying, “Looks like it’s not just I who can’t live without you in my life anymore.”
“If you were missing from my life… I wouldn’t be able to live either.”
“…Making me mad and then sweet-talking me.”
Theerak didn’t care about anything else anymore. Right now, he was clinging to Muenfah and wouldn’t let go. Muenfah pressed his nose down to nuzzle his head. Normally, Muenfah liked to say “I love you” before bed, but this time, he only rubbed Theerak’s back gently without saying a word. Feeling suspicious, Theerak tilted his head up to look at Muenfah.
“Why didn’t you say you loves me before bed?”
Muenfah let out a soft laugh before saying, “I love you, little one.”
“If I didn’t ask… you wouldn’t say it, right?” Theerak knew he was pouting at the other, but he was genuinely starting to overthink. “Phii Fah, you’re not allowed to love me any less!” “Khrap.”
Theerak felt that…
Today… just a “khrap” wasn’t enough.
“Phii Fah, do my cheeks smell nice?”
Muenfah smiled faintly, then pressed his nose to Theerak’s cheek. “They smell nice.”
“What about here?” Theerak said, pointing to his forehead.
Kiss ~
“Nice.”
“And here?” He pointed a finger to his own lips.
Muenfah laughed with delight before pressing his nose to Theerak’s lips. “I love you the same as always… but tomorrow, I’ll love you even more.”
“Phii Fah…”
Hearing that, Theerak tightened his hug around the bigger guy. Muenfah chuckled softly in his throat before nuzzling Theerak’s head again. Theerak pressed his cheek against Muenfah’s strong chest.
“…”
“I love you so much it hurts.”
If Phii Fah ignored him again Rak would definitely be a mess…
#However Many Thousand Skies
The smaller one, squirming on the bed, reached out to feel for the person beside him. When Theerak realized Muenfah wasn’t lying there with him, he opened his eyes and sat up quickly. Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, he scanned the room for the bigger guy.
“Phii Fah…”
“Khrapom,.”
Khrapom.
Theerak’s very own,
Theerak hurriedly got out of bed and ran toward the sound. Muenfah opened the bathroom door while washing his face. Theerak slipped in and hugged the bigger guy from behind. Muenfah chuckled in his throat before saying “Looks like I need to pretend to ignore you more often.”
“No more ignoring me!”
“Heh.”
Now it seemed the tricks Phii Babe had taught him were backfiring. Theerak had become even more attached to Muenfah, terrified that he might ignore him again. Last night, when Muenfah slept with his back turned…
It felt like the whole world had turned gray…
“…”
“Let’s go eat breakfast at the dining hall today, okay? After we’re done, we can come back and pack to head home.”
“Sure…”
“I am about to shower… want to join me, little one?”
Theerak shook his head in refusal. He was afraid it’d turn into more than just a shower. “Phii Fah, you go ahead.”
Muenfah laughed before saying, “I still remember, you know… no loving you for two years, right?”
“I don’t believe you at all.”
“Heh.”
The other’s laughter confirmed he was secretly thinking about it. Theerak pulled away from the embrace and stepped outside to wait. Muenfah, about to close the bathroom door, poked half his body out and gave him a sly look.
“Really not showering together?”
That question from Muenfah made Theerak’s face flush with heat. How could Muenfah be so cute? “N-no, no need to sweet-talk me.”
The taller man laughed, clearly pleased, before closing the bathroom door. Theerak sat there smiling to himself, still feeling shy. Even though they were already a couple, it felt like Muenfah was wooing him every single day.
Ever since Muenfah came into his life Theerak’s heart had been working overtime…
And even now… it still beat fast and strong without a break.
After they both finished showering, they went to have breakfast at the dining hall. Theerak scanned the room for the older siblings’ table and saw everyone sitting at the innermost one. He and Muenfah went to get food first. Muenfah handed him a plate. Theerak watched as Muenfah casually scooped food onto his own plate without much thought, but when it came to filling Theerak’s plate, he hesitated and deliberated carefully.
“I can eat anything, Phii Fah. Just scoop it for me.”
“You don’t like spicy food… or sour flavors either.” Muenfah said, eyeing the options in front of him. “Then this one’s better for you.”
“Thank you, Phii Fah.”
Thank you for always caring.
Thank you for never changing.
Theerak and Muenfah, freshly done with serving their food, walked over to sit in the empty chairs their friends had saved for them. Everyone was eating and chatting lively. Theerak loved this atmosphere—it felt warm, like being with family.
How was last night?”
Theerak turned to Phii Babe, who whispered the question. He let out a sigh before replying, “The tricks you taught me… they didn’t work on Phii Fah at all.”
“…”
“I nearly lost my mind instead.”
“Why is it like that?”
“Has Phii Dom ever slept with his back to you, Phii Babe?”
“No, never.”
“Phii Fah slept with his back to me… He said he wanted me to know how he feels when I ignore him.”
Phii Babe blinked rapidly before saying, “Fah is a level above Dom.”
Theerak raised his hand to cover his mouth, whispering softly, “This guy… you can’t underestimate him. He’s the worst.”
“I’m the worst, huh?”
Ugh… I even spoke quietly!
Sky… you really can’t let your guard down with him.
“Heh… Phii Fah, you’re the coolest, actually.”
Muenfah wrinkled his nose at him before lightly pinching the tip of his nose. “You’re getting crafty these days.”
“Just like you, Phii Fah…”
“Sigh… I’ve poured almost a whole bottle of salt into the stir-fry, and it’s still sweet,” Phii Ball said.
At this point, you could shove salt in your mouth, and it’d still taste sweet,” Phii Real chimed in.
“Even seawater’s sweet… so where’s the salt gonna go?”
Theerak pursed his lips before lowering his head to scoop food into his mouth. Muenfah’s friends were all so good at teasing, but Muenfah didn’t pay it any mind. He leaned down, nuzzled his nose against him, and asked “Is it good?”
“It’s good.”
The food on the plate had to be delicious…
Because Muenfah picked out all his favorites for him.
After finishing breakfast, Theerak and Muenfah hurried back to pack up at the house. In truth, Theerak just sat on the bed doing nothing, because Muenfah took care of everything himself.
“Let me help pack, Phii Fah.”
“It’s done. Check if everything’s there, okay?”
Muenfah handed him a backpack. Theerak took it, opened it, and checked the clothes and items as instructed. He nodded at the bigger guy to signal that everything was accounted for.
“Okay.”
“…”
“Then let’s head to the car.”
“Sure…”
The bigger guy nodded at him before grabbing the bag to carry it for him. Theerak was about to walk out of the room when he glanced over and spotted a silver box on the headboard. He wasn’t sure if Muenfah had left it there on purpose or forgotten it. Theerak pursed his lips tightly before asking “Did you forget that, Phii Fah?”
“Yes?” Muenfah raised an eyebrow before following Theerak’s pointing finger. He smirked. “I didn’t forget… I left it there on purpose.”
“…”
“…Because I figured we’d come back here again.”
“Phii Fah!”
Muenfah laughed and stepped outside the house. Theerak hurriedly followed. Muenfah gathered all the bags with just one hand before pulling out the house key to lock the door.
“For you, Theerak.”
“Phii Fah, aren’t you taking the key back to the lobby?” Theerak looked at the vacation house key Muenfah handed him.
“I’m returning the key to the new owner right now.”
“I thought you was joking.”
“With you… I am serious about everything.”
“Uncle gave this house to you… I can’t accept it.”
“Uncle told me that… if I ever found someone I loved, I should give this house to them. Consider it a gift from him too.”
“…”
Muenfah used his free hand to pull Theerak into a hug, pressing his nose and lips to Theerak’s shoulder as usual. Theerak hugged him back, feeling the gentle stroke of Muenfah’s ringed hand on his back. It made him sense the overwhelming emotions between them.
“From now on… we’re one and the same, okay?”
“…”
Theerak closed his eyes while embracing Muenfah. He knew it wasn’t easy to let someone become half of his life, but because it was Muenfah standing in front of him, Theerak felt that giving the other half of his life to him…
…wasn’t hard at all.
“I will give all my time… to you Phii Fah.”
“…”
“We’ll keep walking together, right, Phii Fah?”
“Khrapom.”
Muenfah pulled away from the hug, still holding out the house key. Once again, Theerak accepted something valuable without thinking about its price. To him, the things Muenfah gave weren’t measured in cost—they held sentimental value.
Just like the car Muenfah had bought for him…
“I will take good care of this house key.”
Muenfah gave him that same familiar smile. “Thank you.”
After Theerak took the key from Muenfah, the taller man led him to the parking lot behind the resort. Everyone was busy loading their things into the cars. Muenfah told Theerak to go sit in the car while he stowed the bags.
Theerak did as he was told. Once inside, he saw Phii Babe and Klai already seated in their spots. He smiled at Klai, who waved back, then turned to Phii Babe, who was playing on her phone.
“Where did Phii Dom go, Phii Babe?”
“Dom stepped out to smoke before we head off.”
“Oh…”
Theerak nodded at his sister. Soon after, Muenfah and the others started boarding the car. Muenfah sat next to him as usual, then told the driver to start the trip.
Theerak glanced at his lover’s profile, thinking back to the last time they’d gone to the beach together. Back then, he’d secretly nuzzled Muenfah’s head on the way back, but this time, there’d be no need to sneak around. Theerak reached out with both hands to cradle Muenfah’s face. Muenfah looked slightly surprised but still gave him the same familiar smile.
“What’s my little one trying to get with this clinginess?”
“I want to nuzzle your head.”
Muenfah laughed, then tilted his head down toward him. Theerak pressed his nose to Muenfah’s head, making a loud sniff, before pulling back and hugging the bigger guy tightly. Muenfah gently rubbed his back and asked “Feel good now?”
“Super good.”
Theerak thought…
He was falling even more in love with [the scent of] Muenfah.
🙂
TBC
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