"Hello, Phi Prince."
"Hello, give me your bag, and I'll have someone carry it to the car."
I nod and hand over the single rolling suitcase we brought. It's not too big, and inside are both my clothes and Qin's, mixed together as always, since he already planned my outfits. I turn to look at Qin, who stands nearby rubbing his eyes.
Last night, he stayed up late working on music for a senior. We took an early flight from Don Mueang at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Chiang Mai around 10 a.m. He slept the whole way, using my shoulder to the fullest, but he still looks far from fully awake.
"You okay, kiddo?"
"Sleepy," Qin says softly, still groggy. He shuffles over and rests his forehead on my shoulder. I hold his waist loosely, afraid he'll topple over backward. Phi Prince keeps glancing at me teasingly, and all I can do is smile sheepishly.
It's not my fault—he's really pale. Yeah, I'm totally weak for that.
"Nonggggg... Oh— ._."
It's Phi Dao Nuea, suddenly appearing from who-knows-where with a cup of iced chocolate. Behind him stands a tall, expressionless guy I don't know. They're both wearing matching glasses and shoes—no need to guess, clearly a couple. But where's Phi Khua Fah?
"Phi Fah is waiting at home. He's helping my mom cook."
"Oh, I see."
Damn.
Can these people read minds or something? Both Phi Khua Fah and his boyfriend?
Or maybe I'm just that easy to read.
"What's wrong, kiddo? Sleepy?"
"Hello, Phi Dao Nuea... Hello, Phi Prince ."
"Phi Nuea will hug Nong Qin like this."
I watch as he acts like he's about to scoop Qin up in his arms. His small hands keep shaking Qin's arm non-stop. My boyfriend tries to respond, but his brain is barely functioning. I'm standing there, while Phi Dao Nuea wants to play, and Qin's mind is already in bed.
"Dao Nuea, stop bothering him."
"Why are you scolding me, Kluen?"
"Dao Nuea."
"Why are you scolding meee?"
He turns to shake his boyfriend's arm instead. I swear he's supposed to be four years older than me... My head's starting to hurt.
Before they can keep bickering, Phi Prince tells us to get in the car so Qin can finally get some rest after breakfast. The pale one stumbles along behind me. I hold his hand tighter and ask now and then if he's okay.
"Did you mess with my younger brother last night?"
"No, I didn't."
"Can I trust that?"
Phi Dao Nuea narrows his eyes suspiciously at me. He looks like a mischievous kid learning to talk. He keeps asking the same thing until his boyfriend drags him to the back seat and makes him sit still. I even catch them sneaking a kiss.
Damn.
Shameless as hell.
"Qin."
"Hm?"
"Do you want to nap on my lap? Phi Prince said it's a long ride."
"Mm, thanks."
He settles down, adjusting himself until he finds a comfortable spot. By the way, this van is super fancy. totally fitting for the kind of people Phi Prince hangs out with.
I hear Phi Prince speaking in a sweet Northern dialect with the driver. If he and Phi Khua Fah ever stand together, I swear I'm taking a picture. I need to prove to Jet that these kinds of ridiculously good-looking people actually exist.
I absentmindedly stroke Qin's hair while watching the scenery outside. We've barely left the airport, but buildings and houses already stretch along the road. In the background, Phi Dao Nuea is bragging about how this is his fifth trip to Chiang Mai this year—sometimes alone, sometimes with Phi Fah, but mostly with Phi Kab Kluen. I'll have to ask later what 'Kab Kluen' even means.
"Duang, do you want to go to the Night Safari?"
"..."
"You wanna go, right?"
"Uh..."
"Let's go, okay?"
I can't resist his puppy-like face and sweet voice, so I nod even though I already went to the Night Safari as a kid.
"Duang."
"Yes, Phi?"
"Your hair color looks just like mine when I was a kid. Is it natural?"
"Yeah... Whoa, Phi, you really do look like a baby."
"Of course! Baby face!"
He strikes a pose with two fingers like he's in a commercial. I'm genuinely impressed by how someone can be this radiant. But honestly, I prefer Qin—calm, a bit confused, and only cute for me.
"Kluen, talk to the kid a bit."
"What do you want me to say?"
"Just ask the usual stuff."
"His name is Duang—I already know that. What else should I ask?"
"What's with you?"
"What's with you, Dao Nuea? Sit properly."
And with that, the couple in the back starts bickering again over why Phi Kluen always scolds him. Meanwhile, Qin falls asleep on my lap. The next thing I know, I wake up when Phi Dao Nuea flops his head onto mine, sliding his hand into my hair and giving it a playful tug.
"Dao Nuea."
"Heh-heh, I'm going nowww."
I watch his back disappear quickly after being scolded by his boyfriend.
"Sorry about Dao Nuea . He's just a bit excited."
"It's okay, Phi."
"Alright, if you need anything, just let me know."
"Thank you. I'll wake Qin up and follow you inside."
He nods before walking after Phi Dao Nuea , who has already dashed off somewhere. If I were his boyfriend, I would probably have a constant headache—it's like dating a kindergarten kid, seriously.
"Qin... We're here."
I gently touch the cheek of the person sleeping on my lap. He stirs sleepily, clutching the hem of my T-shirt tightly and burying his face against my thigh like a clingy cat. I help him sit up properly, telling him that he needs to wake up and have some breakfast since the elders have been preparing it since morning. After that, he can go back to sleep—no harm done.
"Get yourself together."
"No."
"Qin, don't be fussy, okay? I'll let you sleep afterward."
"No."
Here we go.
The automatic mode I like to call 'Ultimate Hug Magnet' is now activated. And at the same time, he is so bratty it makes me want to punish him until he cries. Just look at that pouty, stubborn face saying 'no' to everything I suggest—this is it.
"Qin, don't be stubborn.""No."
"Okay, Duang won't listen anymore. You really want it to go that way, huh?"
"No."
I take a deep breath.
Endure.
I must endure.
"You're really not going to stop being stubborn, are you?"
"Mmm... Uh."
Yeah, like I can endure that.
I press my lips against his in a hard kiss, even giving him a light bite because he's just too much right now. Qin whines, trying to hit my chest weakly, but in the end, he can't resist me. I kiss him until he goes all soft, and finally, he lets me hold him quietly. I place a final kiss on his forehead—he always gets clingy when he's sleepy—but I don't want the elders to think poorly of him for skipping breakfast to go straight to bed.
"Eat breakfast first. ten bites, and Duang will let you sleep. Okay?"
"Mm, fine."
"Good boy. Come on, let's wash your face."
"I'm so sleepy..."
"I know, my smart boy." With him in this state, you have to be gentle and patient. If he really doesn't cooperate, only then do I scold him. Trust me, once he goes to sleep, he'll forget all about this morning. He might even be confused about how he ended up in Chiang Mai.We greet Phi Prince's mother. She wears a cotton dress, her hair is tied in a bun, and she wears simple jewelry. But the way she speaks, eats, and moves makes me realize—this is not an ordinary woman. She's up there. Just like Phi Prince, who is currently scolding Phi Khua Fah for drinking two cups of black coffee this morning.
"Don't you think that's too much?"
"Bae, it was just two cups. Just two cups."
Phi Prince switches to English, practically spitting fire at Phi Khua Fah. I don't understand a word, so I just swallow hard in sympathy for Qin's cousin, who is already being dragged by the ear in front of everyone.
The cool image he had when we first met? Gone without a trace.
"Prince, you're so done for."
"Watch your words."
"Phi Fah won't let you off easy."
"I'm not listening anymore. Eat your breakfast."
"Nongggggg." In the middle of the war between two absurdly good-looking men, Phi Dao Nuea squeezes himself onto the long bench between me and Qin. He settles in with a bowl of rice porridge, which is obviously loaded with extra toppings that he must've charmed the kitchen staff into giving him.
"Let me feed you, okay?"
"I can eat by myself, Phi."
"No way, no way. You're so tinyyy."
He gestures with his hands, estimating Qin's height as if he's only about three centimeters tall. In the end, I sit quietly while my boyfriend clumsily opens his mouth to accept spoonfuls of porridge.
"Is it good? I made it myself."
"You're such a show-off."
"Why are you always picking on me, Phi Fah?"
Round two of the sibling war erupts. I chew on a piece of Chinese donut,listening to the back-and-forth banter while Phi Dao Nuea 's boyfriend sits calmly—clearly used to this chaos. I've been observing for a while, Phi Dao Nuea only refers to himself as
'Dao' when talking to his brother. It's kind of cute, honestly.
"Are we at ten bites yet, Duang?"
"Not yet. Two more."
"I can't do it anymore," Qin mumbles, burying his face against my neck. When Phi Dao Nuea sees this, he widens his eyes and makes a dramatic throat-slitting gesture to me, warning that I'm doomed once Qin is fully awake.
He's a little menace, seriously.
"I see you, Dao Nuea ."
"Kluen!"
"They're dating. Let them be."
"I can't get over it. Qin is just this small," he gestured with his hands again. I chuckled softly before telling everyone that Qin really couldn't take it anymore—his battery was so low it couldn't get any lower. The others understood and told the housekeeper to lead Qin and me to the bedroom.
"Rest comfortably."
"Oh, thank you," I said, understanding enough to raise my hands in a wai to thank the housekeeper who guided us to our destination. Honestly, seeingjust one side of Phi Prince's house was already impressive. Calling it a mansion would be an understatement. A palace? No way, but it was massive and incredibly ornate.
I overheard during dinner that this wasn't the house he grew up in, it was only recently built.
"Duang, I can't take off my shirt."
"Oh, you,"
I looked at him fondly. Qin hadn't even unbuttoned his shirt before trying to take it off. So, I had to help him change into his pajamas. I tucked him into bed, and he fell into a deep sleep. Seeing how exhausted he looked made me feel sorry for him. I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, carefully slid my arm out from under him, and replaced it with a pillow for him to rest on.
"Sweet dreams."
I got up because I wasn't that sleepy yet. I leave Qin to sleep as I planned to help the others clean up after dinner. Just coming here was already such a burden on them. But before I could even step out of the dining room, Phi
Dao Nuea, realizing Qin wasn't there, shouted my name at the top of his lungs while pointing a knife at me.
"Duang!!"
"Yes, Phi..."
"Come here and get interrogated—now!"
Sigh... here we go.
____
Qin blinked several times, waking up in an unfamiliar room. The only memory he could clearly recall was Duang kissing him goodnight. After thinking for a bit, he realized he'd been to this house before. The next thing he heard, after listening to the unfamiliar birds chirping outside the window, was the lively chatter of his relatives.His feet touched the cold floor as he walked over to put on his slippers. He cracked the door open slightly and found everyone fiercely playing Mario Kart in the living room.
"Duanggg, did you ever really love me?"
"No, Phi, see! You took that hit straight on!"
"Who throws a turtle shell like that? What kind of heart do you have?"
"Dao Nuea, sit properly."
"Hey, have you seen my bookmark?"
Qin's arrival didn't catch much attention, probably because he didn't say anything. He just stood quietly, watching the Mario characters battling it out on screen.
It was Duang's favorite game.
"Phi! Don't leave my character behind!"
"Dao Nuea, you're cheating. Why are you bullying the kid?"
"What, what, what?"
Qin felt cold. That was the sensation that lingered... So, his legs carried him to the person leaning against the sofa while the others sat around. Qin plopped down on Duang's lap, nuzzled into his warm neck, and dozed off again.
"..."
Everything fell silent as the others witnessed a side of the youngest cousin they had never seen before. Prince clicked his tongue in approval while Khua Fah, annoyed by his boyfriend's teasing nature, pulled the other's cheek until it stretched.
"Nong..."At that exact moment—when Duang was so startled that he dropped the game controller—Dao Nuea should've won the game, but he dropped his controller too. The struggles of being an older sibling.
No wonder Phi Fah was so protective.
My precious little brother (TᴖT)
"Qin, what's wrong?"
"Woke up and you weren't there."
"Okay... I'm sorry, Qin. I just came to help the others and got distracted by the game. I didn't think you'd wake up so soon,"
Duang apologized while tightening his warm arms around Qin's slender frame. Everyone watched the clingy display with fondness. Usually, Qin didn't act like the youngest at all. When they met, he was quiet and only spoke when spoken to. No one had ever thought he'd have a significant other. It didn't seem like something he was interested in. But they were sure he understood love.
Seeing this side of him—snuggling and clinging to Duang—was unexpectedly adorable.
"My heart is melting."
"I finally get Phi Fah now. I wanna cry."
"Why do cats get so clingy when they're sleepy?" Khua Fah grumbled, ruffling Prince's hair as he sat reading an English book, lost in his own world as usual.
This one was cute in his own way, too. He even spared a smile despite probably not hearing a word of the conversation. Otherwise, he'd definitelyretaliate—no way would he admit to being like a cat.
"Do you want Duang to take you back to bed? Your back might hurt sitting like this."
"No, I'm fine."
Duang pressed a kiss to Qin's soft hair while Qin wrapped his arms around Duang's neck. Once he felt warm enough, he finally woke up fully and noticed the teasing gazes from the others. Realizing he had clung onto Duang in front of everyone, he slowly loosened his grip.
Oops... I acted all clingy in front of them.
"Why won't you cuddle me like that, huh?" Dao Nuea pouted.
"Qin is big now."
"You're still this small," he gestured again, motioning for Qin to come over and hug him too. Kab Kluen sighed, Dao Nuea was such a doting older brother. He only had one little brother his whole life, and even though they rarely saw each other, he never stopped doting. Before this trip, Dao Nuea had been stubborn until Kab Kluen threatened not to bring him to see Qin,only then did he behave.
He loved his little brother to bits. But Qin really was like a cat... and Dao Nuea was just another cat slave.
"Are you hungry, Nong Qin? Do you want to eat anything? Phi will get it for you."
"It's okay."
"Did you sleep well? Phi secretly checked on you—Nong Qin was sleeping soundly."
"Yes, Phi Prince's house is as comfortable as always."
"Really? That's great."
Qin got his cheek stroked. Seriously, who wouldn't have their heart race when they see that smile from Phi Khua Fah's boyfriend? That guy's sex appeal is insanely high—he looks seductive even when fully dressed. No wonder Phi Khua Fah kept softly stroking the other person like that."Is it too high?"
"High?"
Qin pretended not to notice that Phi Khua Fah's hand teasingly moved even higher. Honestly, they're the most shameless couple in the world—really the most. Like last New Year, when we celebrated at Phi Khua Fah's condo.
When everyone was tipsy in the living room and about to watch a movie, he volunteered to heat up some popcorn. Turns out, we caught them having a love scene in the kitchen. Actually, it should be called a make-love scene.
"So, how is it, Duang! Got a taste of my boyfriend?"
"Dao Nuea, you're gonna fall off the couch. Be careful."
"Phi Kluen is such a beast! I can't keep up with him. Seriously." '
Duang huffed. Why do these quiet types always have some hidden talent? And yeah, he was a bit surprised to learn that both Phi Dao Nuea and Phi Kluen were the faculty's heartthrobs. Hearing about their long-lasting love story since high school made his relationship with Qin feel so ordinary.
Well, it is
ordinary, but he really loves that about it.
"What should I do?"
"Duang, save your boost. Phi Kluen will drop to second place soon because the bot will push him down."
"This is stressful. I've been winning until Phi Kluen joined."
"Calm down."
"Come on, Kluen. Go easy on the kid," Phi Khua Fah complained.
"I don't know how to lose."
"Oh, give me a break."
Hearing that from someone who's usually expressionless (except when he's with Dao Nuea) was almost too much. As the oldest one there, he scanned the room. Seeing the family he grew up with always made his exhaustion disappear.
"What are you smiling at?"
"Are you secretly watching?"
"I'm not sneaking a look."
"I just wanna pinch you."
"Well, I'm not sneaking—I'm just looking openly."
Khua Fah listened closely, curious about what his adorable boyfriend would say next.
"Because you're mine. I can look at you however I want."
And that answer made him grab Prince by the neck and kiss him. Who told him to be so irresistibly cute? He couldn't help it.
"Phi Fah!!!"
"..."
"Don't look."
"What's going on, Qin? What's happening?" Duang, whose eyes were now covered, shouted in confusion. Not only could he no longer play his game, but he was also dying to know what all the commotion was about.
"Dao is going to tell Dad! Tonight, I'm going to dream and tell Otousan what kind of person you are, Phi Fah!"
What even is this T_T
__________
"Phi Fah! A giraffe~~"
"Yeah, yeah... Dao Nuea, I told you not to run."
There he goes. I watched the kind-hearted older brother chase after his younger brother like he was wrangling a kid on his first zoo trip. Phi Dao Nuea's boyfriend seemed resigned to it all, just watching quietly. When Phi Khua Fah finally caught his boyfriend, he simply turned back to discuss global economics with Phi Prince.
I've figured it out—Phi Khua Fah speaks politely with 'ka' and 'kha' when talking to his boyfriend (He used to speak like this with everyone—Phi Dao Nuea told me so—but after getting a boyfriend, he softened up right away. He's more scared of Phi Prince than his mom... Honestly, hearing that made me feel a bit shaken. When it comes to being scared of my boyfriend, I'm no different. T_T).
Meanwhile, Phi Prince calls Phi Khua Fah 'Khun' (a formal 'you') and looksannoyed every time he gets called 'Nong.' And seriously, these two kiss a lot. I've caught myself staring wide-eyed so many times that Qin pinched me and told me to mind my own business.
Phi Kluen and Phi Dao Nuea refer to themselves by name with each other, though sometimes they use their real names. They're an age-appropriate couple. Occasionally, Phi Dao Nuea gets clingy, acting like a grade-schooler.
As for Phi Dao Nuea and Phi Prince, their dynamic feels like they're dating all over again. It's wild. Phi Prince seems much more mature, even though they're the same age. They're constantly cuddling, and I can't think innocent thoughts for even a second. Meanwhile, Phi Kluen and Phi Prince speak casually, using 'gu' and 'mueng' like regular friends. I heard they've been close for a long time, even before Phi Khua Fah started dating Phi Prince.
This whole group is ridiculously interconnected.
"Do you like giraffes?"
"Duang likes lions."
"Me too... They have some here, but they're kinda skinny. I don't really like going to zoos, feels bad for the animals. But we come sometimes so the zoo can earn money to buy better food for them."
I smiled softly and patted Qin's head as he finally woke up fully. He was wearing a plain T-shirt, loose jeans, and flip-flops. Such a lazy-day outfit. He clearly didn't feel like dressing up.
"Nonggg kabbb"
"Yes."
I couldn't help but laugh at how Qin, despite Phi Dao Nuea's bright and playful tone, still responded in his usual calm voice. I know he's not annoyed, he actually likes Phi Dao Nuea. Otherwise, he wouldn't let him drag him around like this. Watching him feed long beans to the giraffe right now? It's adorable.
"Hey, hey, stay back."
"You wanted to see it, didn't you? Should Phi Fah hold you in place and let the giraffe lick your face?"
"Nooo! Please, Kluen. Phi Fah is so mean!"
"Hang on, I'm talking to Prince."
"Duang! Help me!"
I stood there laughing. I wasn't going to help. With how stubborn he was, he deserved a little teasing. In the end, he screamed when the giraffe stuck out its long tongue, and Phi Khua Fah laughed so hard but still pushed his little brother away when the giraffe got too close.
I watched the older brother hugging and comforting his younger brother, and I couldn't help but think of my own brother. Would someone like him ever comfort me? If there were a tiger in front of us, he'd probably use me as bait and run away himself. Seriously, that guy tormented me in every possible way when I was a kid.
"Thinking about Phi Nan?"
"Yeah, he messed with me all the time."
"Phi Nan once told me that he made you hit your head and then told you not to tell Mom that he did it. If you didn't tell, he'd give you a Gundam."
"Well, I wanted it, so I told Mom I rode my bike too fast."
"Do you think Mom believed you? She knew, obviously."
"What about you? Did your brothers ever mess with you?"
"Heh, all the time. But I'm not the type to whine about it."
"Really?"
I teased. He flipped me off before walking over to hold Phi Dao Nuea's hand as they actually went to buy tickets for the Night Safari.
Honestly, the place hadn't changed much from my memories. I remembered there were two sides to explore, if you came in the evening like us, you could see both the day-active animals and the nocturnal ones.
"Duang, want some ice cream? Phi Dao Nuea will treat you."
"It's Kluen's wallet, though."
"Same thing, same thing."
"How do you even eat to get it all the way over there?"
"I swear I'm careful! Why does Khun Monrut always have to wipe it off for me?"
And there they go, being all lovey-dovey right in front of me again. I walked over to the ice cream cart while Qin stood by with money in hand, waiting to pay for me. After picking our ice creams, we went to wait for the tram tour to see the daytime animals. I let Qin sit on the outer seat because he said he wanted to touch the animals in the petting zone when the staff gave permission.
Me? I wasn't touching anything. I was scared. T_T
"Are you scared?"
"Yeah, Phi. When I was a kid, a monkey almost bit my hand," I laughed awkwardly. Phi Prince gave me a sympathetic look before saying we should just let the brave ones do the touching. Naturally, Phi Dao Nuea will practically climbing onto the roof of the tram if his boyfriend hadn't been holding him down.
"Have you been with Qin for a long time?" Phi Prince asked.
"Is it okay if I keep using 'kha'? I'm used to it with younger ones."
"It's fine. It suits you," I replied, avoiding eye contact for too long. He was just too bright, too handsome—everything about him was dazzling. I was afraid his boyfriend might punch me, and even more afraid Qin would pinch me later.
"We've been together for a while, but we've been talking for almost a year now."
"That's nice. You made the first move, right? Qin doesn't seem like the type to approach anyone first."
"Yeah, I had to muster up a ton of courage."
"I know. He looks like a dream come true, right?"
Phi Prince nodded toward Qin, who was softly smiling as he watched a large herd of deer. When the staff said we could touch them—but only gently on the middle of their heads, not their antlers—Qin calmly followed the instructions.
So. Damn. Cute.
Seeing him like this made me want to buy a deer and take it home. But I didn't want to make Fluffy jealous, so I held back.
"Do you want to touch one?"
"No, I'm feeling good on my own."
"What a naughty boy here, hmm?"
I sat up straight because the couple beside me was starting to get cozy again—not too much, though. There were kids and parents everywhere.
"Duang."
"Yes."
"Wanna try feeding them?"
"No way! It'll bite me for sure."
"Relax,"
Qin said, guiding my hand to hold the carrot properly. I stared wide-eyed at the deer aggressively chomping down on the carrot and yanked my hand back immediately, making Qin chuckle softly.
"Scaredy-cat."
"Hey, I've got a partner and a family to take care of. I value my life, okay?"
"Good, good, Duang," he teased.
"A partner and kid," I corrected.
"Mmm." Qin gave me a playful but stern look.
And right before the tram started moving again, Phi Dao Nuea, who's sitting behind me, raised his hand for help. We all widened our eyes as he sheepishly explained to the staff.
"Phi, my phone was stolen by a deer."
"..."
"I'm serious! I was about to take a picture, but the deer took my phone and ran off ._."
I laughed so hard my nose flared. Qin pinched my waist to stop me because Phi Dao Nuea genuinely looked distressed. Meanwhile, his boyfriend scolded him for not holding onto it properly. Phi Khua Fah shook his head in exasperation, saying they'd just buy a new one. But Phi Prince was arguing fiercely that they had to get it back, because no deer should be walking around with a phone! Seriously, what kind of trip was this?
So freaking funny.
LOL.