"You... listen to Duang first."
"I don't want to talk right now."
"What should Duang do? I already pushed her away."
"I'm being irrational, Duang. Just go."
"You..."
"Go."
"Can you not push me away?"
Jetana leaned against the pole, watching the two of them being tense with each other—more than he'd ever seen—wiping the sweat off his brow.
Today was really a mess... At first, everything was fine. They were drinking together, snuggling in a way that made people tease them. But when Qin went to the bathroom, some drunk girl from another table dropped herself onto Duang's lap. He was so shocked that his glass almost fell.
I mean, my lap was empty. Why didn't she drop herself here?
"I know it's not your fault, but I don't want to take it out on you."
"Duang can endure it."
"It's not something you should have to endure, is it?"
"I just don't want to be away from you. Why do I have to leave? I can sit quietly."J
etana heard Qin curse under his breath, turning his face away to light a cigarette. Duang just looked at him with sad puppy eyes. It's like his whole world was falling apart. Maybe he really does only love Qin. And even though it wasn't his fault—since the moment that girl landed on his lap, he immediately and politely pushed her away—the bad timing was that Qin came back and saw it right then and there, which set him off.
They're both jealous of each other.
Honestly, Qin is a pretty possessive person. He doesn't even let anyone touch Fluffy unless they're close. So, it's no surprise he's like this with Duang, even if he doesn't talk about it much.
"Is he okay yet?"
"Pae!"
"Shhh, keep it down," Pae, who had come looking for Jetana because he'd been gone for too long, pressed a finger to his lips, signaling his friend to stay quiet. Is it a sin to hide and watch people fight?
"You."
"What?"
"Don't talk to Duang like that."
"What?" Qin repeated, his voice softer this time. Jetana and Pae started to feel relieved because Qin seemed to calm down after finishing his cigarette.
"Do you want to sit in the car? The mosquitoes might bite you."
"I'm fine."
"How do you feel? Can you tell Duang?"
"I'm jealous... I understand she was drunk, but I don't want anyone getting close to you."Jetana clutched his chest.
How can someone be this cute?
They're both still the same—Qin is Qin, and Duang is Duang. Maybe that'show it is when someone is the right one. Everything feels easy. They understand each other, and they can go through anything together.
"Come here, Duang wants a hug."
"..."
"Come on."
Now they understood why Duang always bragged about how cute his boyfriend was. Seeing this side of Qin, a side that only Duang got to see, it was impossible not to think he was adorable.
"I almost cried when you told me to go."
"Sorry."
"It hurts my heart."
"I'm sorry kha."
Wow.
Pae wrapped an arm around Jetana's neck, pulling him away. Qin was hugging Duang tightly, speaking softly. They had calmed down, and it was all good now. Enough already. No one wanted to see a love fest.
"We shouldn't have followed them."
"I thought they were going to have a big fight—I saw Qin walking out,"
Jetana grumbled."Yeah, his face was like 'I'm done,' and that girl had no clue. His boyfriend is super possessive."
"See? People who say Qin loves Duang less are wrong. He loves him so much. It's not just Duang giving his all, Qin does too."
"True. Let's drink. No girlfriend means no problems."
"Tonight, one of us is going home with someone—maybe two, I don't mind."
Pae and Jetana laughed and headed back to the bar, while Qin and Duang stayed behind, still talking things through. Duang had never seen Qin this jealous before—maybe because he'd always been extra careful to avoid making Qin uncomfortable. If something might upset Qin, Duang always tried to avoid it. But this time, there was no avoiding it.
"Do you want to keep drinking, or go home?"
"Can we go home?"
"Of course."
"We can pick up Fluffy too. He's probably restless."
"Ah, so you're just worried about the dog, huh?" Duang leaned in, pressing his nose to Qin's cheek, cupping his face gently. His eyes were full of affection—because, well, he really was that fond of Qin.
"Sorry for how I spoke earlier."
"Duang understands."
"I'll be calmer next time."
"There won't be a next time. Duang's lap, it's only for you to sit on." Qin felt annoyed at the sparkling eyes the other person gave him and the way he stroked his waist. So, he cut off the bad behavior by elbowing the other person's chest.
"Let's go say goodbye to the seniors first. They probably won't hear a phone call."
"Okay. You're in a good mood now, right?"
"Yeah. I want to eat bua loy."
"Okay."
"Is there anything I ask for and did't get?" The person wearing a simple t-shirt muttered softly.
"Like asking Duang to stop loving you or asking Duang to go far away."
"Sigh."
Duang looked at the person who sighed and smiled faintly before pulling his hand to walk back into the shop together. They said goodbye to their friends and the birthday senior. It took almost fifteen minutes to get away because, once they said they were leaving, they got pushed to drink another glass, and another.
"I'll drink instead of Qin. Let Qin drive."
And it was that sentence that made the person pouring the drinks make Duang's shots extra strong out of spite. It left Duang leaning against Qin's shoulder the entire way to the bua loy shop. At first, they planned to eat there, but since Duang seemed pretty drunk, they decided to buy it to-go and pick up Fluffy at a friend's dorm.
"Picking her up so soon? She hasn't even played enough yet."
"Next time. Thank you so much."
"It's fine. You can leave her here anytime. She's so cute!"Qin took Fluffy into his arms before walking back to the car that was still running not far away because Duang had already passed out. It wouldn't be fair to call him a lightweight—he just couldn't drink as much as before. The reason? Work kept him busy, and he clung to Qin so much that he barely went anywhere.
And now, with the puppy, he really didn't want to leave the house unless he could bring her along.
"You, we're here... Can you walk on your own?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just sleepy."
The one being shaken awake nodded in response. Qin definitely wouldn't let him carry Fluffy right now, considering how tipsy he was. He was even swaying slightly. Everyone had really gone overboard with the drinks—almost pure alcohol.
"If you eat bua loy, will you get even more drunk?"
"Duang will just watch you eat."
"Okay. And then I'll take you to shower."
"Are you going to shower with Duang?"
"Yeah. I'm afraid you'll die. You're drunk, you know that?"
Qin, who was pouring the bua loy into a bowl, pointed the spoon at him before glancing over at Fluffy, who was playing with her toys on the bed nearby.
"I drank over five glasses for you."
"You're so manly."
"Well, I'm your husband— ow! Qin!""Sit quietly." Duang pouted after getting his foot stepped on when he blurted out the word 'husband.' He rested his chin in his hand, watching Qin eat the bua loy like it was the most delicious thing ever. Honestly, everything looked delicious when it was Qin eating. Next year, he should sign Qin up for a competitive eating contest.
"Are you hungry? Do you want some? I'll feed you."
"No, Duang's not looking because I'm hungry. Just watching you eat."
"What should we do tomorrow? I'm free all day."
"Want to go home? We can leave Fluffy with my mom."
"Sure. My Papa and Mama aren't home. Otherwise, I'd leave her with them. They really want to meet her."
Duang nodded eagerly. He remembered the time they FaceTimed Qin's mom—she had squealed so loudly when she saw Fluffy. She originally called to scold Qin for spending seventy thousand baht, but once she saw the puppy's dumb, cute face, all was forgiven.
"Want to go on a trip during the break?"
"If you invite me to San Francisco, I won't go. I don't want to trouble Papa"
"Chiang Mai is fine. Phi Khua Fah invited us."
"Oh, really? Does he have a house there?"
"No, his boyfriend does... His boyfriend is a noble."
"Whoa, seriously? Does one person's profile need to be that over-the-top?"
"Yeah, it's wild. But that's just how it is. Don't overthink it. Prince is pretty normal. You'll understand when you meet him."
Trying to make me curious, huh?They kept chatting about their plans for tomorrow in Bangkok while Qin finished the bua loy, cleaned the bowl, and took out the trash. Then, he motioned for Duang to follow him to the bathroom.
They showered together like they often did, but today Duang was too drunk to mess around. Qin's pale skin still had faint kiss marks on his back, waist, and chest—marks that hadn't faded much compared to Duang's. Since Qin's skin was fairer and more delicate, his bruises lasted longer.
"Brush your teeth properly. I'll take you to bed."
"I'm so sleepy."
"You're such a drunkard."
"I drank for my boyfriend. What's wrong with that?"
"Stand still. I'll brush for you... Open your mouth."
The last time someone brushed his teeth for him was back in kindergarten, and that was his mom scolding him every morning. Duang obediently did as Qin said, standing still and watching his kind-hearted boyfriend who, today, was brushing his teeth for him.
Being your boyfriend is the best.
"What are you smiling about?"
"I'm happy."
"Rinse your mouth and go to bed first."
"No way. I'm going with you."
Duang, now washed up and freshly brushed, hugged Qin from behind, burying his face in his shoulder like a clingy koala that wouldn't let go. Qin sighed, brushing his teeth while struggling because of the extra weight leaning on him.
"Your mom probably didn't love you as a kid."
"My mom loves me—but this is my wife. I want to hug."
"If you say that again, Duang..."
The one being scolded laughed softly. Duang didn't know if Qin was shy or what, but every time he said the words 'husband' or 'wife,' he would get physically attacked. The two of us walked out of the bathroom after finishing our business. Qin had Duang clinging to his back as usual, and by the time we reached the bed, we were already sweating.
"Go to sleep."
"Kiss my forehead once."
"..."
"Please? So I can have sweet dreams."
Qin pressed his nose to the forehead of the clingy one before turning to switch off the light, pulling the blanket over them, and telling Duang to sleep. The drunk one mumbled for a while before falling asleep. Only then did Qin move closer to let his body absorb the warmth of the other, just like every night before.
___________
"Oh my gosh, the little one!"
"Mom, quiet, or you'll scare her."
"What is this? Tell me first."
"It's Grandma."
"I have a grandchild already? Oh my, how cute! And it doesn't even bark... So, what's your name, sweetheart?"
I shook my head, laughing softly at how my mom didn't greet anyone else and had already carried Fluffy inside.Qin, who had just finished organizing things in the car, walked out looking confused because my mom had disappeared.
"She already took Fluffy inside. She's so excited that Duang is shocked."
"Where's Phi Nan?"
"He's probably at work. Dad went golfing. He keeps asking about you, by the way."
"I brought Dad a Miles Davis record."
"When did you two even talk?"
"Mind your own business."
"Alright, alright, I'll mind my business. I'm the nosy one, it's my fault."
Qin walked into the house carrying the Miles Davis record along with a basket of Fluffy's things. He turned to give me a look that told me to hurry up and follow. I grinned and walked in, finding my mom having a full-blown conversation with Fluffy on the sofa.
"Wiggling your little butt, huh?"
"Hello, Mom."
"Hello, Qin. Where did you get this little one? So cute! Is this a corgi? I love it."
"Yes, Mom. I got them from a farm in Taiwan. Actually, they flew here on a plane."
"Oh my, oh my. So, do we have to speak Chinese for them to understand? Ni hao~"
"Mom, you're too much."
"What, Duang? I don't even know her name yet."
"Fluffy,"
Qin answered as he plopped down on the plush seat next to my mom. I walked into the kitchen to grab a cold drink and found that my mom had baked butter cookies. I brought some out for Qin. Honestly, both my mom and my boyfriend are just too cute.
"Seventy thousand baht? Well, it's okay. As long as she's healthy, it's worth it to prevent problems when she get older."
"Yes, Mom. I thought the same thing. I didn't think it was too expensive."
"Exactly. Look at how cute and well-behaved they are."
I sat there listening to my mom and Qin shower Fluffy with compliments. When I nudged Qin gently, he grabbed a cookie to eat. The moment my mom asked if it was delicious, he quickly smiled and nodded.
So cute.
"Duang, drive Qin to a nice restaurant later."
"Money, Mom."
"Come on, I gave you so much. How did you run out so fast?"
"I spent it all on Fluffy."
"Really? Then I'll transfer you more. How much do you want?"
Life is good. I grinned while Qin gave me a look of disapproval for using Fluffy as a scheme to get money from my mom. When the money hit my account, I kissed my mom on both cheeks twice. She told me to take Qin out for a nice meal and promised to take excellent care of Fluffy. Qin kissed his daughter several times before telling her that Papa would be back soon.
Fluffy watched us with big, sad eyes, but when my mom called her over to play with some toys, she ran off immediately. That's how it is with friendly dogs—and she's a little silly too."Papa is sending Fluffy off to kindergarten for the first time."
"Smartass."
"Hey, my vet friend said you could start training at three or four months."
"We can drive her to class on weekends."
"Wow, we really have to go all out for Fluffy, huh?"
"She can't fall behind others. She has to be the best,"
I loved hearing the excitement in Qin's voice. The whole drive to Siam, he was busy searching for dog training classes near my house or his. That's how it is when you're a parent.
"There's one near my place."
"Then let Fluffy stay at your house while she trains. I'll stay over at your place too."
"Okay. Mama will lose her mind. She's wanted a dog for ages but is never home enough."
"Perfect. Grandma and Grandpa will love Fluffy. She'll definitely get lucky money this year."
"Always finding ways to make money. Are you a student or a con artist?"
"Gotta cash in before sending my kid to kindergarten. I have responsibilities, you know." And then Qin pinched me. We didn't really have a destination, so we just wandered around Siam. Qin wanted to shop for clothes. Normally, I'd complain, but I understood his love for fashion. I used to care about dressing up too, but now I'm too lazy. It's more fun watching him.
We decided to eat at a Japanese restaurant because we were too lazy to think. Qin devoured his tempura and even stole several pieces of my sushi. I couldn't help but laugh—he looked angry and hungry all the time.
"I'm thinking of buying new headphones."
"You bought one last month."
"It's not the same."
"Whatever, rich kid."
"Was that a tease?"
"No way, who would dare?" I widened my eyes dramatically and got a slap on the head. Even though we're already dating, he still likes to rough me up.
So impressive.
"Nong Qin?"
"Oh, Prince... Hello."
It seemed my time had come sooner than expected. I turned to look just as Qin raised his hands in a wai to Prince, Phi Khua Fah's boyfriend. Okay... I understood now why people say he gives off that noble aura. Just one look from head to toe, and I already wanted to kneel down and bow instead of giving a wai. T_T
"Who are you here with?"
"With Duang, my boyfriend."
"Oh my... you two look so, so, so cute together~"
"T-Thank you." Then I heard Qin speaking fluent English with him. I took the opportunity while they were chatting about a trip to Chiang Mai during the break to check out Prince's outfit. He really had a knack for dressing up, but it seemed like everything he wore was beyond my reach—designer brands, every piece. Even his ring was from Maison Margiela.
I was completely blown away.
"Sorry I can't treat you two to dessert. I have to see my doctor at Gaysorn Village."
"That's totally fine. See you next time."
"Bye-bye, nong Duang. See you again, kids."
My heart pounded because of Prince's smile. T_T I mean, he's so pale.
"You're staring."
"I only love Qin."
"Feeling guilty?"
"Come on, he's so pale. What am I supposed to do? His body is amazing."
"I understand. When he walks with Phi Fah, everyone stares."
"How did they even meet? I'm so confused. You said he's the same age as Phi Dao Nuea, but he looks way older."
"I heard they met in Omkoi."
"That's so random, haha."
"You can ask Phi Fah when you see him. He's not scary."
"I can't talk to him much—he's too handsome. I feel inferior."
"You're adorable."
Qin looked at me so seriously as if to say that to him, I was really, truly adorable. I smiled, thanked him, and we spent the rest of the day shopping together.
"Let's stop by Yello House, Qin. I heard they have booths selling cameras and film."
"Buying another one? The camera you used to take my picture last time was already perfect."
Oh, right—I forgot to mention that the photos I took of Qin as a gift had been developed a while ago. He seemed to love them. He even printed some to stick around his room. He said I had a good sense of lighting, angles, and timing.
And when he compliments me, it makes me want to do even better.
"I want a panorama camera."
"Can you stop spending money recklessly?"
"Excuse me, but look at these shopping bags. They're all yours."
"Fine, do what you want."
"It'll be great for our Chiang Mai trip."
"Alright, but don't buy too much, Duang. You already have over four cameras."
I don't know if I'm crazy or what, but I love it when he nags me. I nodded eagerly, and we walked together to our destination. Qin followed me everywhere with his arms crossed, worried I'd sneakily buy more cameras than necessary.
"Duang."
"Sorry."
I almost raised my hands in a wai when he pinched my waist because I picked up a fifty-thousand-baht camera. I hadn't even asked the shop owner about its specs before getting scolded.
"Too expensive."
"But it's a limited edition."
"Even non-limited ones can take the same pictures."
"Qin..."
"Nope, pick another one."
I'm scared of my wife. Yep, terrified—I'll admit it. My dad always said,
'If you don't trust your wife, who else will you trust?'
So, I backed away from the limited edition cameras and checked out the panorama cameras instead. In the end, I got one of those and a small rangefinder camera for quick snaps.
Once we had everything we wanted, we decided to grab some craft beer at The Street. It had been a while since we last enjoyed good craft beer together.
"You know, we could share clothes," Qin said while we were stuck in traffic in front of Terminal.
"I've been sharing your clothes for ages. You just realized? I steal your shirts all the time. Some cost twelve thousand baht and you only wore them once. Want to guess which one?"
"Don't complain."
"No need to sweet-talk me."
"Well, some things are must-haves."
"Duang's cameras are the same."
"They're not the same at all."
I shook my head with a smile, giving in to him. Why argue? If he says no, I won't buy it. It's just a small thing. If it's something necessary or if I really want it, I just need to ask him nicely, and he'll give it to me. I understand that he does it because he cares.
"You're hot?" I said while adjusting the air conditioner for the person sweating next to me.
"Yeah... It's already November. Why isn't it winter yet?"
"How cold do you want it to be? If you want to wear a turtleneck, forget it."
"So cold that we have to cuddle. Like that."
"Why do you sound so cute these days, Qin?" I stroked his cheek while he grumbled about the heat, pouting like a kid. He and Fluffy are the same.
First, they get hot easily. Second, they're clingy without realizing it. Third, when you're with them, you have to pay attention only to them. You can't be on your phone too much. Fluffy is the same—if you're cuddling and pick up your phone, she'll keep kicking your arm non-stop.
"Your mom sent a picture to me, said Fluffy played with Phi Nan until he passed out. He's asleep now."
"Hia Nan must've been messing with Duang's kid, for sure."
"It's good for Fluffy to play rough sometimes. He must be so excited to meet new people."
"When you were a kid, did you play rough? Duang had an older brother, you know. Got a cracked head, split chin—been through it all. Played so recklessly until my dad scolded me."
"Not really. Phi Khua Fah kept a close eye on me. When I played with Phi Dao Nuea, it was just drawing, coloring, building Legos, watching cartoons, and kicking a soccer ball sometimes."
"But you're good at soccer. Seriously."
"Well, I played in high school."
"Duang didn't play much in high school—too busy with activities. I was a cheerleader in Grade 11 too. My friends pressured me."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. I'll show you the video when we get home."
"Do the dance for me at The Street."
"You're teasing, teerak. I don't remember any of it."
"You? Dancing? I can't picture it.""The girls screamed their heads off."
"Because you were handsome?"
"Because they couldn't handle it! I rolled off the stage, messed up every flip and spin. I couldn't catch my friends in time. Haha."
I laughed, and Qin laughed too... I love every day that we get to talk like this about random things. The last light of the day brushed against the face of the person humming happily in my car. I can't imagine a future without him.
He's in everything—every reason, every plan I've made.
"You."
"What?"
"Thank you. Today was really fun."
I don't know what else I could possibly want in life.
I have me.
I have him.
I have us.
"Thank you too."
It really is as good as it gets.