The small person with a flushed red face looked down, refusing to meet my gaze. I reached out to lift his chin gently to observe his condition. GlaiJai explained that while walking to the badminton court, the weather was quite hot, and he felt faint, so he decided to rest under this tree. However, I wasn't sure how long he had been sitting there since I had just stepped out for a smoke with Boss a short while ago. I became worried when GlaiJai hadn't arrived at the court after some time, so I decided to message him.
Every time I sent him a message, the notification sound would go off from somewhere nearby. I sent multiple messages to ensure the sound played every time I sent one. Each time I heard the notification, I would follow the sound to locate its source.
My persistence led me to find the mischievous GlaiJai resting here under the shade of the tree, trying to recover from faintness. I looked at his deeply flushed face, feeling frustrated with myself for letting him walk in the heat alone. Although the sun wasn't too strong, GlaiJai didn't seem to handle hot weather well.
The small person blinked up at me with wide eyes, his chocolate-colored hair damp with sweat sticking to his forehead.
"Khun Glai, let's head into the court," I suggested.
"Mm," he responded, standing up fully with my assistance. "I... I feel better now, Panlee."
"Khun Glai, let me carry you on my back," I offered.
"N-no, it's fine, Panlee. I can walk," he said, waving both small hands in refusal. His lips parted as if to say more, but my stern gaze made him press his lips shut. "...R-really, I can walk by myself."
I didn't intend to be intimidating, but I had already given him a stern look. "Please don't be stubborn, Khun Glai. I'm truly worried about you."
Initially reluctant, the small, stubborn person nodded in agreement. I turned my back to him, and he finally climbed on with little resistance. Since GlaiJai wasn't heavy, I stood up with ease and carried him into the badminton court, where several of my friends were.
"Panlee... Is it heavy?" the small person asked, loosely holding onto my neck and tilting his head. Then he added softly, "I'm sorry."
"You need to eat more, Khun Glai," I said with a laugh to ease his concerns.
"If I eat more, Panlee would have an even harder time carrying me," he replied cutely. I laughed at his adorable remark. A faint, baby powder-like fragrance wafted through the air as he tightened his hold, as if afraid of falling. I guessed that GlaiJai really loved perfumes because every time we met, he always wore a different scent. And every scent he chose, I liked.
"Over here, Panlee!"
"Yeah..." I nodded in acknowledgment and walked over to the long bench where Boss had set up a fan from somewhere. I gently set GlaiJai down, and he released his hold as his feet touched the ground. I checked his condition again.
"Khun Glai, rest here for a bit," I suggested.
"Mm," he agreed easily this time, probably too weak to resist as he normally would. Usually, he was the type to push himself, even when on the brink of fainting. GlaiJai rarely complied with my suggestions on the first try; he always had conditions or counterarguments.
But that didn't make him stubborn. It was more about his considerate nature, always hesitant to ask for help, fearing he'd trouble others. GlaiJai would try to handle everything himself as much as possible. Standing nearby, I brushed the damp hair off his forehead with one hand. His pale, rounded forehead was glistening with beads of sweat. I used the back of my other hand to gently wipe it away. GlaiJai sat quietly, turning his gaze towards the exit. His slender hands, holding a wallet and a notebook, rested on his lap. Then GlaiJai looked up, meeting my gaze with bright, almond-shaped eyes and cheeks tinged a soft pink. The sight made me bite my lip lightly.
It was frustratingly adorable...
Whenever I felt overwhelmed by how adorable he was, I resisted the urge to pinch his cheeks like I would with close friends. Instead, I lightly pinched his nose and spoke gently to GlaiJai.
"Khun Glai, are you feeling better?"
"Mm, I feel much better now," he replied.
Even though he said so, I couldn't stop worrying. I touched his soft cheek lightly with the back of my hand. The warmth radiating from his skin made me glance at the fan Boss was guarding as if he feared someone would steal it. He nodded, seemingly reading my thoughts, and turned up the fan's speed.
"Are you really feeling better? Please don't push yourself, Khun Glai."
"Mm, I'm truly better now," he said with a reassuring smile. It was a gentle smile, one that always seemed to comfort others. That smile made me move closer to him instinctively. I drew his head to rest against my stomach, one hand lightly stroking his soft hair while the other rubbed his slender back.
"I'm sorry for letting you walk here alone," I said softly.
The small person reached up to pat my back and spoke in a low voice, "Don't think too much about it, GlaiJai's Panlee."
I couldn't help but smile. The phrase "Glaijai's Panlee" brought a warmth I had never felt before. Being someone's person had never meant this much to me, but being his felt like more than just "happiness."
"Do you want some water, Khun Glai?" I asked. The little one whose face is on my stomach shook his head slightly. I sighed, thinking to myself...
This is just GlaiJai nearly fainting. If he was seriously ill...
I'd probably lose my mind.
"..."
"Little rascal... please drink some water, okay?" I really don't like it when GlaiJai looks so down like this. Others might see GlaiJai as someone calm and well-mannered, but I can see the mischief hidden within him. Sometimes, his innocent eyes turn playful and so mischievous that it makes me want to grab him and give him a good smack. But all I can do is think about it... and choose to do something more feasible, like, "Please drink some water. I'll get it for you."
"Panlee... I don't feel like drinking water," he murmured.
I held his face gently with both hands, tilting it to meet my gaze. His eyes had regained his usual brightness. I wanted so badly to bite his little nose and red cheeks, but instead, I smiled and coaxed him as usual.
"Please drink some water, Khun Glai. Trust me."
The small person furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly deep in thought. He glanced around before asking, "Panlee, is the water far from here?"
His wide, blinking eyes and soft-spoken question...
It made my heart melt.
"It's not far. Just over there," I said, pointing to a blue cooler on the other side of the court. GlaiJai followed my finger with his gaze before nodding.
"Come back quickly, Panlee. Besides Boss, I don't know anyone else here," he said, gesturing toward the court before adding, "...And Boss is already playing badminton."
With him being like this... How could I leave him for long?
Honestly, I wished GlaiJai would change his name.
From 'GlaiJai' to 'GlaiPanlee.'
Translator notes : Glai's meaning is Close or Near, that's why Panlee said if it is GlaiPanlee, then they will be close together
That way, we'd always be close together.
"Alright. I'll be right back," I said.
GlaiJai made an "OK" gesture and replied, "Okay."
I patted his head lightly before heading to the cooler. Inside were dozens of water bottles chilled with ice. I confidently grabbed a bottle without asking anyone because my friends had reserved the entire court. There were no outsiders here, just my high school friends and their girlfriends. Normally, they'd love to meddle in my business, but they were too absorbed in playing badminton and flirting with the campus beauties they'd invited to join. Which was fine by me...
No need to meddle.
It's annoying.
"P'Lee..."
A soft, hesitant voice called my attention away from the cooler. I turned to see a pretty girl smiling uncertainly at me. I frowned slightly, trying to recall if we'd met before.
"It's really you, P'Lee! I wasn't sure at first since I only saw your back," she said excitedly.
I remembered her now. This junior is the star of Faculty of Management at my university. We'd met months ago at an old friend's birthday party.
"Yes?" I replied.
"Have you been here long, P'Lee? I didn't know you'd be here too."
"I wasn't planning on coming. Just dropped by to see some friends."
"Where are you sitting?"
I averted my gaze from the junior and looked toward the long chair where I had left GlaiJai sitting and waiting for quite a while. However, the scene I saw made me want to throw a bottle of water at my hellish friend's head.
"Damn you, Till." I clicked my tongue against the inside of my cheek in frustration when I saw my close friend from high school, who had just returned from China, sitting on the ground in front of GlaiJai. He was grinning widely. "You're... such a flirt, you bastard."
Without hesitation, I grabbed a cold bottle of water and scooped up a handful of ice with my other hand, before glancing at the junior who was waiting for my answer.
"Please close the ice bucket for me"
"Sure, P'Lee."
"You're gonna get it, Till, damn it. You've been in China for so long, you must be hungry for my kicks."
The closer I got to that chair, the more I noticed Till's sparkling eyes as he looked at GlaiJai. But what made me want to kick this hellish friend of mine over was the factthat he managed to bring a smile to GlaiJai's face.
"Damn you, Till!"
Thud!
"Ah, ouch, my head!"
"Yeah!! I aimed to throw the ice at your head!"
"Panlee..."
The remaining ice in my hand was thrown at the target again. Till raised both arms to shield himself before clasping his hands together in a gesture of surrender above his head. He must have realized I was genuinely annoyed. Although we usually played rough like guys often do, this time, he could sense the heightened intensity and knew it could escalate further if he continued to provoke me.
"I-I give up, I give up!"
"You damn bastard."
I always tried to appear like a decent person in GlaiJai's eyes. I didn't want to act rude or show my rough side around this good-hearted person. But my hellish friends always provoked me into revealing this side of myself.
I glanced at the small figure sitting there blinking innocently. I wanted to scold him for smiling at Till, but all I could do was open the water bottle and hand it to GlaiJai. He took it and drank, but the little rascal must have sensed my displeasure. He glanced at me while sipping water. After finishing, he handed the bottle back with a wide smile, as if to appease me.
"Panlee, do you want to drink some too? It'll refresh you~."
"No, thank you," I replied, scanning the small figure from head to toe. Dressed in an oversized short-sleeve T-shirt tucked into light skinny jeans and white Adidas sneakers, GlaiJai had a charm that made me worry. If he could look this attractive in casual attire, I couldn't imagine how stunning he'd be if he dressed up.
I'd probably go mad trying to fend off admirers. And why was I so upset seeing Till chatting with him?
Because... GlaiJai is Till's type.
I'm not exactly reasonable when I'm possessive about something. Like now, I found myself stepping in front of GlaiJai to block Till's view. I knew I was being ridiculous since I had no claim on him. I should have followed the path I intended—taking things step by step in our relationship. But my possessiveness got the better of me, and I found my hand resting lightly against his soft lips.
GlaiJai looked up at me, his wide eyes showing his surprise at my action.
"Could you please not smile at Till?" Although my actions clearly signalled a demand, I softened it with a request, knowing I had no real right to control him. The kind-hearted GlaiJai nodded quickly. The possessive and selfish part of me let him go free, though I withdrew my hand slowly, allowing my palm to touch his soft lips gently.
Pink lips...
I wanted so badly to touch them more. But my thoughts were interrupted when someone tugged lightly at the hem of my shirt. I sighed heavily before turning around. There sat Till on the floor, smirking mischievously at me. I reluctantly sat down across from him, scooting backward to place myself between Glai's legs.
When I looked up, I saw the owner of those legs pressing his lips together tightly before offering a faint smile. GlaiJai probably wasn't used to us being this close yet, but I believed he'd get used to it soon. I leaned back against the edge of the long chair where GlaiJai was sitting, then used both hands to brush over the white sneakers placed beside me on either side.
I brushed them to reassure him, To let him feel safe, To hope he might touch me back someday. But if GlaiJai wasn't ready, that was okay. I'd step back and let him have space... Then approach again, slowly.
"Wow, you've gotten meaner since I last saw you," Till remarked.
"Mean? What nonsense. I'm the same as always."
"My head begs to differ—there's a lump the size of a lime now, damn it."
"You're exaggerating," I laughed.
"Try getting hit with ice and see how you feel."
I chuckled lightly as I watched Till rub his head.
"Why didn't you tell me you were back, idiot?"
"Honestly, I came back heartbroken. A Chinese girl dumped me. I didn't even have the energy to text anyone."
"You're weak. Just down some whiskey and move on—what's the big deal?"
"Easy for someone handsome like you to say. You've probably never been dumped."
"How do you know?"
"I just know."
"You guys keep reporting on me all the time, don't you?"
"Bingo."
"Annoying snitches."
"Wanna party tonight?" Till asked, but his gaze shifted past me to glance at GlaiJai.
"Who are you asking, bastard?! Be clear."
"You, of course... Don't overthink it."
"Overthink? Do you want me to kick you or not?"
We laughed, but as we continued chatting, I felt GlaiJai's delicate hands rest lightly on my shoulders. He leaned in and called softly, "Panlee..."
Everything happened naturally. I reached up and placed my hand over his on my shoulder before asking, "Yes, what is it?"
"Could I rest my chin on you for a bit?" he asked while gently stroking my head.
Without a second thought, I replied, "Of course."
I didn't know why he wanted to rest his chin on my head, but I wasn't going to question it. Whatever the reason, this physical connection only strengthened our bond. While I continued talking to Till, I felt GlaiJai's chin settle gently on top of my head, and his hands fell to rest lightly against my chest.
Till glanced between us, sighed, and shook his head. I knew he was both envious and disappointed. To rub it in, I reached for GlaiJai's arms and wrapped them around my neck. Till groaned and raised his hands to hold his temples before talking to me about something else.
Give it up, buddy...
This one... you're not getting
"So how's your studies going?"
"Good... The professor gave a lot of assignments."
"Haha... About the same as me."
While I was talking to Till, I caught a glimpse of Boss standing off in the distance, doing some gesture. I pretended not to notice and continued talking to Till. Boss was probably encouraging GlaiJai to do something. I glanced at Boss again. This time, he raised his hand to fix his hair, opening up his forehead. I guessed that he wanted GlaiJai to push my hair back, because after showering and washing my hair in the bathroom, I hadn't styled it to show my forehead like I do when playing football. I just let it dry naturally.
If GlaiJai followed Boss's suggestion, I wouldn't be embarrassed, since I usually style my hair to show my forehead. But Boss was probably enjoying seeing me act like a
"puppy."
Now, I was testing if GlaiJai would do it. Would he treat me like a puppy?... I'll find out soon. At that moment, one of his delicate hands moved toward my forehead. Then his small palm slipped underneath the hair that was hanging down, pushing it up to reveal my forehead. The other hand moved up to squeeze both of my cheeks like a teasing gesture.
Till widened his eyes as he looked back and forth between me and GlaiJai. He probably thought I'd get mad and scold GlaiJai, but I didn't do that. I knew he was preparing to make GlaiJai do this. What I did was continue talking to Till after GlaiJai was done squeezing my cheeks to his satisfaction. All that was left was his hand still holding my hair in place.
Go ahead...
Do it to the fullest, GlaiJai...
Till burst out laughing, then gave a thumbs up to GlaiJai, who was giggling. "Very good, you made the jerk give in."
Just hearing his soft laugh was enough to tell how happy GlaiJai was. When he finally let go of my hair, GlaiJai gently combed and arranged it back into place like before.
It was like patting my head and rubbing my back...
I turned to look at the little one sitting behind me. GlaiJai, smiling brightly, suddenly stopped and quickly looked away, seemingly realizing he had lost himself in the moment. He probably thought I would get angry, so he fell silent. Our eyes met in the silence that lingered between us.
Everyone probably sees me as his "puppy," and soon enough, they'll probably tease me by calling me that whenever they meet me. I don't really like being called a "puppy."
But look at what GlaiJai did...
He scrunched his nose and gave me a sweet smile. Then he whispered "puppy."
I tried to hold back a smile. He knew exactly how to win me over. I wasn't wrong to call GlaiJai a "little rascal," because right now, he's much more of a rascal than I thought. I stared at him as he kept smiling sweetly and thought...
Scold him, Lee... Tell him 'don't call me puppy anymore.'
If you don't stop it now, the tough guy image you've built will be ruined. But when I saw GlaiJai smiling happily, Well... screw it, let the image break down.
What tough guy image... forget it, Lee, there's no use holding on to it.
This is it... I can do this for him.
You can fight him... but...
Yeah... you're really giving in to him.
...
Boss: Send a photo
Tillll: 555555 You puppy
Lotto: Are you serious?
F: Who's the one sitting on top of Lee?
Tilll: Where do you see sitting on top? Speaking rudely. I'm sitting right there. Glai isn't sitting on top of Lee. Lee just slipped between Glai's legs, so don't make it sound like Glai is being forceful.
F: Damn, I don't know. With this side angle, it looks like he is sitting on top of Lee.
Lotto: But I zoomed in on the picture and he's actually pretty cute.
P.Panli: @Lotto Take it easy, zoom in less, you jerk.
Boss: 555555555555
P.Panli: @Boss You too, you asshole. Calm down a bit, you filthy creature.
I shook my head in frustration while texting on the keyboard. After parting ways with my friends and getting in the car to head home, the hellish group of friends immediately started teasing me by sending a picture. The one where GlaiJai mischievously brushed my hair back to reveal my forehead, which was sent to the group chat with my close friends. This group is made up of old high school buddies, none from university. And there are almost 30 people in the group. Tonight, nearly the entire group is out partying. That picture of me is definitely going to be turned into entertainment for them.
P.Panli: If anyone saves this image, I swear to God I'll track you down and beat you at your house.
P.Panli: And if you don't stop sending this picture to mock me, Boss, I'll burn your house down.
F: Delete it already.
Boss: If you don't come party, I won't delete the picture.
P.Panli: Scumbag.
Tillll: Puppy went to ask Glai first.
P.Panli: No need to ask.
P.Panli: Just telling is enough.
Lotto: You almost got it right when you said, "No need to ask," but then you went full puppy when you said, "Just telling is enough," 55555
Pathetic... Pathetic, Lee.
The tough guy image is completely ruined.
F: Come on, there are no girls here, just friends. Come update your life.
P.Panli: Yeah, I'll go, but I'll leave early.
Tillll: Yeah, see you there.
The screen locked. I sighed, exhausted. I was definitely going to get teased endlessly by them tonight. The black phone was put back into my pocket, and I turned to look at the person next to me who was sitting, opening a notebook. I wanted to pull the little one closer and make him learn a lesson for following Boss's suggestion, but all I did was lightly pat his head.
When he turned around and smiled at me...
"Did you fasten your seatbelt properly?"
This is all I could do...
Yeah... you're such a puppy, just like Boss said.
"Mhm, all done."
"Tonight, you shouldn't sleep too late..." I said it because I really cared about him, but I also admit I said it to connect into something else I wanted to say. "I was going to sleep early, but my friends kept pressuring me to go..."
"To the party, huh?"
"Yes."
"Don't drink too much, Lee..." The little one said with a worried tone and expression.
"If you can't drive back, take a taxi."
"Okay." Finally said it... what a relief.
I pulled my hand away from his head, shifted gears, and drove out of the parking lot. Along the way, we talked continuously. GlaiJai had gotten much better at talking. I secretly watched the little one, who was now sharing cute stories non-stop. When GlaiJai is this cheerful, it makes me want to...
...protect him forever.
Let him be my "little rascal" forever. Since traffic wasn't bad, I was able to drop GlaiJai off at his condo earlier than expected. The little person placed my wallet on the car console for me before untying his seatbelt and getting out of the car. He turned to smile at me and waved goodbye.
At that moment, I thought...
Lee... you need to make things clearer now.
"GlaiJai..." I called out to the one who was about to get out of the car. His eyes looked at me, full of curiosity. "I know we've known each other for a while now... and I guess you've already considered me a friend."
"..."
"But I want it to be clear for both of us..." Every step, every phase of the relationship... I want it to be as clear as possible. Of course, I hope to gradually get closer, but it also has to be clear. "Khun Glai... is friend with Lee, right?"
The little rascal smiled softly before nodding in agreement. "GlaiJai agrees." So... incredibly cute. The Pooh can never compete with GlaiJai...
"Have a good night," he said.
"Mm, good night to you too, Panlee."
The little one opened the door, preparing to get out of the car, but then he closed the door again and turned to meet my gaze. At that moment... my heart raced. I wanted to say something to him, but all I could do was press some words deep into my heart and give him a smile to make him feel safe, so he would have the courage to say something to me, just like he had intended.
"Uh, I... I know that Panlee is a hot-headed person..." GlaiJai lowered his head, avoiding my gaze, before continuing, "...Actually, we'll definitely be closer soon."
"..."
In the next moment, GlaiJai lifted his head to look at me again. "We can skip a step and be close friends right away."
I let out a small laugh before answering, "Sure... now we are close friends."
"Mm... then I'll go now."
"Okay... good night for the second time, GlaiJai."
GlaiJai nodded before saying, "Good night for the second time too."
I watched the little one step out of the car, using my eyes to send him off until he disappeared into the condo. Then I took out my phone and typed a message to send to him on Line.
P.Panli: Good night for the third time, little rascal.
Panli: send a sticker
glaijai: send a sticker
The sticker of a bunny sleeping soundly in bed with the English phrase "Good night" brought a smile to my face, and the little heart floating around the bunny...
Made me lose...
Lose to GlaiJai in every way...