"Nongggg!"
I squinted at the shrill voice, which sounded like someone calling a kitten or a puppy—it was Qin's relative. If it were anyone else, I might've snapped at them, but when I saw who it was, I really couldn't bring myself to do it.
T_T
"Nong kaaaabbb!"
"Dao Nuea, don't be so loud."
"Are you scolding me? Oh! Are you scolding meee?!"
I started to feel stunned... Yeah, it was the kind of feeling that made me open my eyes wide and take a better look at the three of them standing together. Whoa—what did their parents feed them when they were kids? The whole family looks ridiculously good.
"Phi Fah, hello."
"Hey, how are you? When you paid respects to Dao Nuea's grandfather at the beginning of the year, you seemed tougher than this. You must be in love, huh?"
"Can you not tease him? Nong kaab, what do you want to eat? Phi Dao Nuea has money. Lots and lots of money!"
As I stood there quietly trying to figure out all their relationships, I gathered that the tall guy standing just above my ear level was named Dao Nuea. He seemed very extra because as soon as he claimed to have money, he reached into the pocket of the other guy's pants and pulled out a wad of thousand- baht bills to show off.Uh... Why does he carry that much cash?
"Dao, stop playing with money."
"You nag so much."
"Phi Dao Nuea, how have you been?"
"Hmm? I'm good, of course. How about you, nongggg?"
He really talks like he's talking to a dog. I held back a laugh because I'd never seen Qin act like this with anyone before. He seemed ridiculously fond of his older brother, talking in a soft, gentle voice. Meanwhile, that other guy kept calling Qin 'nong kaab' every single time.
Every. Single. Time.
But all of that wasn't as surprising as the guy standing next to me right now—how the hell is he this good-looking? Damn it. How is no one jealous of Dao Nuea? His boyfriend is ridiculously handsome. Is he even touching the ground right now?
"We're siblings."
"H-Huh?"
"My name's Khua Fah—I'm Dao Nuea's older brother."
"..."
Holy shit.
Why do they not look alike at all?
"Different dads."
"Phi, I didn't even ask yet—how did you know?"
"It's written all over your face, kid."
"Whoa... Is it that obvious, phi?"
"Are you Qin's boyfriend?"
"Damn."
I cursed under my breath twice. Not only could he read minds, but he also seemed to know everything without being told. I swear I just met him today. I swallowed hard and made eye contact with him—he's so handsome that, honestly, if he exists, the world doesn't even need any other men.
Seriously.
"Nong doesn't usually bring anyone to meet us."
"Uh, we're just... talking for now."
"Well, be patient. Qin only does things when he's ready. Like how he didn't decide to study jazz after just two or three years—once he made up his mind, he got serious about it."
"Yeah, I can wait, phi... If it's him, I'll wait as long as it takes."
"With an answer like that, I gotta give it to you."
"You'll understand when you love someone a lot, phi."
"Well, I love my wife."
"You're married, phi? Damn, I feel bad for the rest of the world."
"That's a bit much. But yeah, I got married—since my wife was eighteen."
"Please."
"I'm serious." I opened my mouth in disbelief as he laughed and nodded for me to follow Qin and Dao Nuea, who were chatting about something Icouldn't catch. Honestly, it was more like Dao Nuea doing all the talking—he kept sneaking glances at me and pulling cute faces. He's really not scary at all—he's so tiny, only as tall as my waist.
"What are you looking at, nong?"
"Dao Nuea?"
"Can you stop scolding me in front of the kids?"
"Come here, you."
"Don't choke meeee!"
"Sorry I didn't get to introduce anyone properly. That's Phi Fah, and the other one's Phi Nuea—my cousins from my mom's side. They happened to have business around here, so we arranged to have a meal together."
"It's okay. Phi Fah already told me. At first, I thought they were a couple."
"Yeah, everyone does. They're ten years apart, and Phi Fah takes really good care of Phi Dao Nuea."
"If his brother gets a partner, won't he be super possessive?"
"Yeah, probably." Qin thought about it and nodded. He bit his lip for a moment before continuing. I brushed back the strand of hair falling into his eyes. The wind was crazy today, and the sun was blazing hot—my hands were busy taking care of him.
"Phi Nuea is in his final year of university. He's been with his boyfriend since the first year until now, but Phi Fah is still possessive. I think he'll always be like that. Even though I'm just their relative, I still feel possessive over him."
"Well, you should. Just look at him."I chuckled softly, watching the older brother and younger brother in front of me start bickering again about random things. From just scolding each other in front of the younger ones when they were kids, now it had escalated to arguing about how Phi Fah refused to read bedtime stories on the second Friday of September—complete with the Buddhist calendar year, no less.
Alright then.
"I want to sit with Qin."
"Oh, sure."
I bowed my head slightly, about to walk around to the other side to sit with Phi Fah when we arrived at a famous Thai restaurant. It wasn't far from the university, but Qin and I didn't eat here often because it was expensive.
"You're a good kid, huh? But no, it's fine. Sit together. I was just teasing."
"What's with you? Hmm? Weren't you just complaining about how Nong couldn't be trusted, but now you're changing your tune just because he let you sit with Qin?"
"Why do you meddle with me so much? I'm going to tell Prince."
"Again?"
"Yes! I'll have Prince scold you. You'll shrink and go quiet. People who are scared of their partners are like that."
I was starting to lose track of the conversation. First, he said he'd tell Prince. Then, he called him a Prince again. Alright then. Duang is confused.
"Same person."
"Oh."
I nodded along as Qin explained. He casually flipped through the menu like he was already used to his two brothers constantly teasing each other. Since I wasn't used to it, I just sat there and observed. I mean, they were both really good-looking. It was entertaining.
"Yeah, I'm scared of my wife. I admit it right here."
"Phi Fah! You should say 'boyfriend,' okay? There are kids at the table! Red card! Red card!"
"They're all old enough to have sex already, Dao Nuea."
"Cough, cough."
"Phi Fah." I pounded my chest as I choked on the pandan water the server had just brought over. Qin chuckled softly and gave me a teasing look, making me feel even more flustered.
"Order whatever you want, kids. It's on me."
"Always spoiling us."
"Didn't you say you'd take care of me until I die? See, you want to treat Nong, but you have to pay because you said you'd take care of me."
"Yes, yes. I give up."
"This is normal. Don't be shocked."
"Sorry." I whispered to Qin, who pointed at the menu to show me the dish I liked. As soon as I nodded, he ordered it for me. I glanced over at Phi Fah, who couldn't stop sniffing and kissing his younger brother's head. I guess in his mind, his brother was still a four-year-old. I'd never seen brothers this touchy-feely before.
"Oh, Qin, Phi Kluen wants some scented candles. Is your aunt still making them?"
"Not really, but if Phi Nuea's boyfriend likes them, I can ask the staff to prepare some at the store next week."
"Thanks, Nonggggg." Qin got his cheek rubbed again. Not only did he let it happen, but he also gave Phi Dao Nuea a small smile.
"Seeing this reminds me of when we were kids. Phi Fah took care of both Dao Nuea and Qin. We used to play together almost every day. If anyone had to leave early, they'd end up crying. We always played until we fell asleep."
"Yeah, Nong Qin was so tiny back then."
I couldn't help but smile hearing about Qin's childhood. He sat there quietly, laughing occasionally and responding softly. It felt so heartwarming to be a part of these little pieces of his life.
We ate in the cool breeze while the conversation increasingly turned toward me. I nearly choked a few times at the direct questions from both Phi Fah and Phi Dao Nuea.
They were both so straightforward.
"So, are you guys living together?"
"Uh, yeah. My dorm is far away, so I'm staying with Qin."
"Fast, fast, fast." Phi Dao Nuea warned like a father. He seemed pretty protective of Qin, but I believed he could tell that I really loved his brother.
"Safe sex."
"Phi Fah, there you go again! Nong Qin is a good boy, right?"
"..."
And the fact that Qin didn't answer and even avoided eye contact—that's what made Phi Dao Nuea's eyes widen. He turned to glare at me like a thug, even though he honestly looked more like a kindergarten kid.
"You're really something!"
"And what about you? Aren't you just as bad?"
"Oh, come on. You're the worst one here."
"I admit it. But I only love my boyfriend. If my boyfriend is anywhere, just know that I love him very much."
"Grossssssss."
And just like that, the conversation shifted. I wanted to thank the heavens that they finally stopped grilling me. But honestly, I knew they understood.
After all, they grew up with Qin.
________
"So, what do you think of my relatives?"
"They're too good-looking. Duang is shocked."
"Yeah, I'm used to it. I've seen them since I was a kid. Phi Fah is beyond."
"You're right. But Phi Dao Nuea is a whole different flavor. Like a baby just learning to walk."
"Cute."
"Don't praise other guys in front of Duang. You're talking to the most possessive person in Nakhon Pathom."
Qin pushed my face away playfully as I leaned closer while we parked the car at the dorm.
"Wanna go to 7-Eleven? I think your water bottle's empty."
"Yeah, let's go."
The pale-skinned guy held my hand as we crossed the street to the 7-Eleven before heading to the dorm. Qin was especially cute today—he still hadn't let go of my hand even after we reached the other side of the road. Duang smiled softly, following behind the cute person who kept putting snacks into the orange basket. Qin was thin, no matter how much he ate, he never gained weight. That was why Duang never objected when Qin wanted to eat something, but maybe he should take him to exercise sometime, right?
Or... maybe just exercising in bed would be enough.
"Done yet?"
"What is done? If you mean the water, it's finished."
"No, condoms."
"G-Gone too."
Duang answered shakily.
Is he going to buy them?
If so, there's hope for tonight... No, maybe even right now.
"You always think dirty."
"Well, you keep selling me dreams."
"Let me sleep first, then we'll see."
"You said it, okay?"
"So horny."
"I admit it. I won't even argue."
"Alright." Qin tossed two boxes of condoms into the basket before heading to pay. This time, Duang slipped a thousand-baht bill ahead of him. Qin was the type who didn't like others paying or treating him, but he himself was incredibly generous, leaving Duang confused. Just the other day, he went to Bangkok with friends and came back with a Gucci bag.'For you.'
He said curtly and tossed the bag at Duang, who was lying on the bed playing games... and it turned out to be the slippers Duang was wearing right now.
"Told you it suits you."
"Huh?"
"The Gucci."
"But it's tens of thousands."
"I saw them and thought of you. Wouldn't you do the same?"
"I want to kiss you right here. How much do I have to pay for that?" Duang whined, tugging at Qin's shirt as he led them back across the street. Qin didn't answer, but when they entered the elevator and the doors closed, his soft lips pressed lightly against Duang's.
"Once we get to the room, I'm changing into pajamas immediately. So, don't even think about whining."
"You... this is outside. You're okay with kissing outside?"
"Yeah, why? This building belongs to my family. Let them see if they want."
Qin replied casually, strolling out of the elevator when they reached the sixth floor. Duang watched the sleepy-looking Qin toss his clothes aside, wash his feet and face, change into pajamas, and dive under the blanket.
Always so cute.
"Goodnight, my smart one."
"...Where are you going?"
"Changing clothes. I'll be right back to sleep with you."Duang leaned closer to the person closing his eyes, planting kisses on his forehead, the tip of his nose, and ending with a soft peck on his lips. This must be the same feeling a father has for a mother.
The kind of love that grows more every day.
"Hug me."
"Huh?"
"Come hug me when you're done."
"Stop being so clingy."
"Duang, hurry up."
"As fast as possible."
Sigh.
_________
"Ma, this is Duang."
"Hello, son."
"Hello, Ma."
"You really know your stuff, huh?" Qin's mother said approvingly when the person her son brought home for dinner immediately called her Mama. That confirmed it. Normally, Qin never brought anyone home—not even close friends.
"Pa is cooking in the kitchen. He'll be out soon. I'll go help him. You two sit and wait; the housekeeper will bring everything out."
"Ma, Duang doesn't eat bok choy."
"You've told me three times already," his mother teased before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving Duang grinning like a fool because Qin was just the cutest in the world. He shattered all the rankings.
"Mama is so pretty, just like you."
"Please, don't call me pretty."
"But you really do look like Mama."
"You haven't even seen Pa yet."
"Oh, true."
Duang glanced around Qin's house—it was definitely a rich person's house, with modern and stylish decor. The furniture was sleek, and there were childhood pictures of Qin, smiling brightly while holding an ice cream cone next to a California beach sign. Duang wanted to get a copy made so he could keep it for himself.
He was fair-skinned, even as a kid.
"Pa and Ma love to travel. I always get dragged along."
"It's great, but Duang went often too. When we were kids, mom and dad were really active."
"But you don't remember anything, do you? I remember, but I somehow forgot parts of elementary school—like grade four or five."
"Why did you have such long hair when you were a kid?"
"I watched Tarzan and liked it."
"Qinnnn, I'm begging you.""I kind of wanted to lie."
Duang laughed until tears came out. Damn it, growing his hair long because he wanted to be like Tarzan—was he serious? So pinchable.
"Kids, Papa is here~"
"Hello." Qin held back a smile, watching Duang spring up from his chair to greet his father. He could've just stayed seated, but oh well—better to overdo it. He understood that Duang was probably nervous since both his parents were of Chinese descent and might be a bit strict about this kind of thing. But he'd already told him not to worry. Pa and Ma both graduated from America—they met there and came back to live in Thailand. Plus, they had plenty of friends who were men dating other men.
"No need to be tense. We're all family here."
"That's right. Pa and Ma have been waiting to meet Duang for a long time. Qin never brings anyone home."
"Ma, I was busy studying."
"Pa told you to go to Mahidol, but you didn't listen."
"It's no different. Still far away."
Duang listened to the conversation, noticing how close Qin seemed with his family. Meanwhile, he sat quietly, answering questions about his studies and his interests. The topic drifted far from the thing he was worried about—whether they'd accept a relationship between two men. That reassured
Duang because it meant Qin's parents didn't think it was a big deal at all.
"Oh, Qin, next week Pa and Ma are going to San Francisco."
"Why not just buy a house there, Pa? This is the fourth trip this year."
"See? Our son is scolding us."
"We just like the city. Duang, have you ever been?""Not yet."
"Come with us next time—with Pa, Ma, and Qin. Just bring pocket money."
Duang's eyes widened... They invited him to Hua Hin, and he already felt awkward. Now they were inviting him to San Francisco and even said to only bring pocket money?
Please.
The whole family is so generous.
"Ma is really happy that Qin has Duang."
"Pa too. He talks a lot more now, seems more lively."
"You're teasing our son, aren't you?"
"Love is like that, Qin. Just look at Pa and Ma."
"What can I even say to that?"
"Sigh. This kid... Duang, eat a lot. I made this myself—it's a restaurant recipe. I ate there often and memorized the taste." One dish after another was served onto Duang's plate. He smiled wide, thanking them each time, feeling that Qin's family was so adorable. No wonder their son turned out this cute.
"Duang, stay over tonight and keep Qin company. Pa is taking Ma to a late-night movie."
"Pa, you're such a show-off."
"What? Can't I take my lady out on a date? Qin, you got a problem with that?"
"Ma even dressed up so nicely. I thought it was just because Duang was coming over."
"Duang's only here for the food. As for the fashion show, that's all for Pa."Duang smiled fondly at how much Qin seemed to bicker with his parents about their affection for each other.
You're the best at making my heart race.
"Stay over, Duang."
"O-Okay."
"Take care of each other. We're heading out—don't want to miss the popcorn."
"Drive safely, Pa. You always drive fast." And just like that, Qin got his hair ruffled by Pa, who teased him about being a kid who fussed too much. The two of them exchanged glances while the housekeeper cleared the dishes.
It was Qin who stood up first.
"Upstairs."
"..."
"Follow me."
We walked up the stairs to a room on the left wing of the house. When Qin opened the door, it was clear that the room was huge, partly because there was also a music practice room inside. Everything was neatly organized and styled exactly like Qin. Duang's heart pounded as he took in the room, seeing bits and pieces of Qin's life through the way things were arranged.
He could play so many instruments. The grand piano in the middle of the room completely blew him away.
"Play the piano for me."
"What song do you want to hear?"
"If I tell you, can you really play it?"
"Not sure, but I'll try."
"Ordinary People."
"John Legend?"
Duang nodded, settling next to Qin by the black grand piano. The first note rang out as Qin hummed softly, as if recalling the melody. The dark-haired boy leaned in closer to the personal pianist, prompting him to sing louder.
"I know I misbehaved and you made your mistakes, and we both still got room left to grow."
"I like the next part the most," Duang whispered.
"And though love sometimes hurts, I still put you first, and we'll make this thing work, but I think maybe we should take it slow."
The part where he sang: 'Even though love hurts, I still put you first. We'll make it work for sure, but can you trust me? Let's take it slow together.'
"Maybe we'll live and learn. Maybe we'll crash and burn. Maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave... maybe you'll return."
He watched Qin's slender fingers touch the keyboard naturally. Qin kept singing with a voice that made him feel like he was the luckiest person in the world—absolutely the luckiest.
"Maybe another fight... maybe we won't survive, but maybe we'll grow, we never know. Maybe you and I."
"You."
"What?"
The last note faded, and we locked eyes on the chair Qin once thought was spacious—but today, it felt noticeably smaller with Duang sitting close. Warm hands cradled his face, gently stroking his cheek with a thumb, and those sharp eyes held a message.
"What is it?"
Qin smiled softly, his heart pounding without a clear reason—or maybe, it was just like a runner approaching the finish line. He and Duang had spent the past week thinking of a way to change their relationship status. Of course, Qin knew because he overheard Duang talking to his friends about ordering flowers and balloons for days. But in the end, he heard Duang say while talking on the balcony:
'Never mind. I don't think it's Qin's style, and it's not really what I had in mind either.'
And now—
At this moment—
This very second—
"If I don't ask you now, Duang is seriously going to lose my mind."
He kept asking himself—is this it? Is this what Duang had in mind?
Because for him—
"Will you be my boyfriend?"
"Will you date me, Duang?"
—this is it.
"Qin..."
"You didn't even put in any effort—having someone else sing and sneaking in a confession like this."
"Hey... Don't. I'm going to cry."
"Don't cry yet. Answer me first."
Qin's smile widened enough to make Duang cry harder. Qin gently held Duang's tear-streaked face, thinking how cute this crybaby was—honestly, between the two of them, Duang was definitely the more adorable one.
Always had been.
"Will you be my boyfriend?"
"O-Of course."
"Come on, hold it together."
"I can't—I'm so happy. If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up. I could stay asleep forever."
Qin kissed away his tears while wrapping his arms around him. All those teasing words—Duang always had a way of saying things that made his heart ache in the best way. Duang buried his face into Qin's neck, whispering his love over and over, trying to express all the gratitude swelling in his heart.
"I love you like I'm under a spell, Qin."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I can't stop. Just waking up and seeing you every day feels like enough—just being able to take care of you, seeing you do the things you love. But now that we're here... it's not enough anymore."
It was the kind of confession that only grew cuter every time he heard it. It was precious—always had been to his heart."I want to be a part of every part of your life. I want to be with you in every moment, everywhere... I want to be Qin, all the time."
Because no matter where it all began—
He was grateful to Duang for bringing them to this moment....The moment he realized the possibility he had always seen in Duang's eyes—
"I feel the same."
—it had all become real.
"I want to be Duang, all the time too."
It had truly come true.