Every Wednesday, Glai has an early morning class. He has to wake up extra early to get ready to go to university. However, this Wednesday morning, the traffic was worse than usual. When Glai came down from his room to drive to class, he saw a long line of cars on the road. So, he decided to put his car keys back in his bag and take a motorcycle taxi from the condo to get to university as quickly as possible.
It took only twenty minutes for the motorcycle taxi driver to drop Glai off at the university gate. The little one stepped off the bike, handed back the helmet to the driver, and handed over the fare before quickly walking into the classroom building.
Line~
The notification from the Line app rang out, bringing a sweet smile to his face. As Glai reached into his favourite yellow fabric bag to grab his phone, he tried to guess who might be messaging him this early in the morning. And that person was none other than...
P.Panli: Have you reached the university yet?
Glaijai: Yes, I'm here~
Glaijai: send a sticker
The little one sent a smiling bunny sticker to his 'close friend' as he stepped onto the escalator. Today, Khun Prachan messaged him early in the morning as usual, even though they had chatted until quite late last night. Khun Prachan once said that no matter how late he stayed up, Panlee always wake up at 7 a.m. every day.
Since the day Glai went to cheer for Khun Prachan during his football match, their relationship had developed rapidly. That night, after dropping Glai off at his condo, Khun Prachan suddenly asked if they could be 'friends'. Glai agreed, but he feared he might end up stuck in the 'friend zone', unable to get out. So he asked to skip ahead to being 'close friends' and Khun Prachan agreed as well.
To Glai, the term 'close friends' still has room for development beyond regular friendship. But if they were just friends... he might remain in the friend zone forever. Since becoming close friends, they've talked much more, exchanged thoughts on various topics, and Glai felt like they got to know each other better through text—and sometimes through voice. Yes, late at night, when Khun Prachan was too sleepy to type, he would prefer to call and talk instead.
In the past two days, Glai had talked with Khun Prachan so much it felt like he was defying the odds. Even though they hadn't met because both were so busy as Glai is busy with his zither practice and unable to sneak a glance at Khun Prachan on the fourth floor, but they still talked every evening until late at night. The longing that used to overwhelm GlaiJai now couldn't touch him. Because Khun Prachan was there to shield him.
P.Panli: Last night, you said you like watching movies alone, right?
The little one furrowed his brows slightly, recalling their conversation from the previous night. He nodded slightly and typed a reply.
Glaijai: Yes, yes, I often watch movies alone. But I haven't had time lately, so I haven't gone to see one in a while.
P.Panli: Ohh.
P.Panli: Watching movies alone, don't you feel lonely?
Glaijai: Not at all.
Glaijai: But last night, didn't you say you don't like going to the cinema?
P.Panli: Yes, I don't really like it. I prefer watching at home.
Glaijai: Homebody ~
P.Panli: Also clingy with friends.
P.Panli: But only close friends, okay? Only then I will be clingy.
Glai held back a smile as he walked toward the classroom. He knew Khun Prachan had many close friends, but because GlaiJai was one of them, he let himself think that 'Khun Prachan is clingy with GlaiJai too.'
Glaijai: I believe you're really clingy with close friends.
Flirting bit by bit every day... Eventually, he'll get used to it, right?
P.Panli: I talk to you all day and night like this.
P.Panli: If you don't believe me, I might get sulky, you know.
Glaijai: So sulky!
P.Panli: Since I'm so good at sulking, you need to be good at cheering me up, okay?
Glaijai: I'm usually not great at cheering people up. But from now on, I'll try to practice and get better at it.
P.Panli: Actually, you don't need to practice. Just giving me those puppy eyes is enough to cheer me up.
The little one smiled as he read the text. Standing in front of the classroom, where no classmates had yet arrived, he tapped the keyboard to send a reply.
Glaijai: Just the puppy eyes, Panlee?
Then he raised the phone to his lips and recorded a voice message.
"Don't I need to say... 'There, there, GlaiJai's Panlee,' too?"
Glaijai: send a voice message
The voice message was read almost instantly, and the reply that followed made GlaiJai laugh softly, as it showed...Khun Prachan might already be slightly swayed.
P.Panli : Little rascal
GlaiJai believed that if he could be a little bolder, soon enough, he'd shake Khun Prachan's heart even more. Even though he wanted to keep chatting with Khun Prachan, Glai had to restrain himself because he need to get ready before class. He typed a message to say goodbye.
Glaijai: Panlee, I'll go prepare myself for class first, okay?
Glaijai: This teacher is super strict. I need to check my attire before she comes to inspect.
P.Panli: Okay, little rascal.
P.Panli: Same as always today, right?
GlaiJai smiled before sending a message to confirm their shared sentiment.
Glaijai: You mean focus on studying as usual, right?
P.Panli: Yes.
Glaijai: [send a sticker]
GlaiJai sent a sticker of a wide-eyed rabbit with the word "OK" on it to Khun
Prachan. Not long after, he got replied
P.Panli: If you still have some time, don't forget to eat something before class, okay?
Glaijai: Will do.
P.Panli: Little rascal, good luck!
Glaijai: [send a sticker]
After sending a sticker of a fluffy white rabbit nodding slightly, Glai locked his phone and walked to the lockers near the classroom. In the in-flight service class, everything must be stored in the lockers—especially communication devices like iPads and tablets. Phones were strictly prohibited unless the teacher allowed them for specific purposes like presentations or research during lessons.
Though this class had a lot of rules, and the teacher was extremely strict, Glai loved it because it felt like real work on an airplane. The classroom, or what aviation students called the Mock-Up Room, was a replica of an aircraft cabin. Everything was realistic, making it feel like he was truly serving passengers.
Since the class focused heavily on practical skills, not using a phone for two hours wasn't boring. However, he noticed some classmates secretly brought their phones. If caught, they would lose participation points. Witnessing these examples, Glai, who valued every point like a diamond, wouldn't dare break the rules. Even though Khun Prachan once said:
"With Lee, you have to break every rule,"
Glai thought to himself, academic rules are an exception, Khun Prachan. The little one stopped in front of a large locker with about twenty compartments. The small square metal doors were numbered. The teacher let everyone in the class choose their own locker to use regularly. Glai chose number ten because it was at eye level, so he didn't have to bend down to retrieve his belongings.
His slender hand reached out to open the metal door, intending to store his fabric bag and phone. However, the two items inside made him furrow his brows in curiosity. He picked up a bottle of milk and a cream-filled bread. Though other students from different sections also used the locker, Glai guessed it wasn't from them. The droplets of condensation on the chocolate milk bottle confirmed it—This chocolate milk bottle must have just come out of the refrigerator recently. It hadn't been left in the locker overnight.
Glai thought back to the person who reminded him to eat breakfast out of concern. Among those who showed care for him, one person's actions made his face flush warmly. Just now, Khun Prachan had told him to eat something before class. But Glai didn't want to get his hopes up, thinking it was unlikely. How could Khun Prachan have come to the university this early in the morning when he had an afternoon class today?
But even if he had...
Khun Prachan couldn't possibly know that he used locker number ten. At that moment, a memory from two days ago surfaced in Glai's mind. He quickly grabbed his phone and dialed his prime suspect. It didn't take long for the call to connect.
[What's up, GlaiJai?]
"I just realized why P'Dom called two days ago asking about my locker!"
[...]
"P'Dom, did you secretly put milk and bread in my locker?"
The person on the other end chuckled softly upon hearing his words.
[Don't forget to drink the milk and eat the bread before class, okay?]
The little one shook his head gently while smiling. "You didn't have to go through so much trouble, P'Dom. It's too much effort for you."
[I didn't want Panlee scolding me again.]
"Huh? What did Panlee say to you?"
[After coming back from the football match that day, late at night, Panlee called me, asking me to take better care of you. He said you don't eat breakfast regularly, which is why you're so small and tiny like this.]
"..."
[He also mentioned that every Wednesday morning, you're always in such a rush that you barely have time to grab something to eat before class.]
"..."
[So, I decided to do this.]
"Next Wednesday, you don't have to put food in my locker anymore, P'Dom. I feel bad about it."
[It's fine. I have morning classes anyway, so it's not an inconvenience at all, Glai."
"..."
[Don't worry about it, okay?]
"I don't know how to thank you enough, P'Dom."
[You can thank me by drinking all the milk, enjoying the bread, and attending class happily. That's enough to make the person who cares about you very happy.]
"Thank you so much, P'Dom. I'll make sure to drink all the milk and enjoy the bread!"
[Good!]
"And don't forget to eat breakfast yourself, too."
[Alright, I'll let you go now. Class is about to start.]
"Okay~"
[Oh, Glai~]
The little one, who was about to hang up, paused as the voice on the other end seemed to recall something.
"Yes, P'Dom?"
[I messaged you about going to the beach this Saturday, right?]
"You did."
[Don't forget, Glai. Make sure to clear your schedule.]
"I already cleared it, P'Dom."
Of course, Glai had to clear his schedule. When he asked P'Dom who was going, P'Dom mentioned 'Panlee'. Initially, Glai thought he would have to sit alone by the sea. Even though Teerak is going, but he would likely stick to P'Fah, and P'Dom would be with P'Babe. Glai barely knew anyone else on the trip. But upon hearing that Khun Prachan would also be going to the beach, all his worries vanished, replaced with excitement and anticipation.
However, Glai started to feel a bit anxious because Panlee hadn't mentioned anything about the trip, despite their daily conversations covering numerous topics. He worried he might cancel and not join the trip. If Khun Prachan didn't come... Glai might end up sitting alone, sipping coconut water by the sea. Just imagining himself sitting there all alone was enough to make him feel sorry for himself. So, Glai decided not to imagine it.
He would trust that Khun Prachan would definitely go to the beach. The little one quickly stored his yellow fabric bag and phone in the locker before sitting on a chair in front of the Mock-Up Room to enjoy the breakfast his brother had prepared. A gentle smile graced his sweet face as he unwrapped the cream-filled bread, silently thanking his kind brother and thoughtful Khun Prachan. GlaiJai would drink all the milk and enjoy the bread.
:)
"Pie, May, do you want a smoothie?"
"No, thanks."
"Me neither. Glai, just go get yours. Don't worry about us."
"Okay!"
The little one nodded enthusiastically before getting up and leaving the table. After finishing their first class, the group had hurried to the cafeteria—not because Glai was starving, as he usually was every Wednesday, but because today he already had milk and cream-filled bread to tide him over. Instead, it was his two friends who were very hungry, that made them need to hurry.
Another reason for the haste was the limited time—they only had forty minutes before their last class of the day. They couldn't afford to dawdle. They had to eat quickly and get to class. Usually, Pie would have yogurt and bananas before school, but she forgot to restock her fridge. Meanwhile, May, who always had breakfast at home, had come with an empty stomach because the housekeeper had taken leave. The two of them were now in a state of hunger, unlike Glai, who felt only slightly peckish but still needed to eat lunch.
Glai walked out of the cafeteria and stopped at a smoothie stall. He didn't need to glance at the menu because he already had his favourite in mind. Smiling at the stall owner, he placed his order.
"One coconut smoothie, please," Glai said.
"Do you want fresh milk with it, dear?"
"Yes, please," Glai replied.
"Alright, just a moment."
"Okay," Glai nodded and waited in front of the stall. He liked coming here for smoothies because the taste was better than the stall in the cafeteria. Glai believed many people chose the cafeteria stall just to avoid stepping out into the heat since the cafeteria was air-conditioned, while this stall was outside.
But Glai thought...
Comparing purely on taste, it's worth enduring a little heat to feel refreshed. As he waited for his coconut smoothie, he pulled out his phone to message his close friend, who should have arrived at the university by now. Today, Lee only had one afternoon class—how enviable!
He started typing, 'Have you reached the campus yet, Lee?' but before he could send it, a message from the same chat popped up. Glai paused, deleting his unsent message, and focused on the one he just received.
P.Panli: What did you just order, Khun Glai?
A smile unconsciously spread across Glai's face as he glanced around to spot Khun Prachan. And there he was—standing next to him. Glai's hand instinctively rose to rub his ear, feeling the heat flush through it. Khun Prachan smiled playfully and raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
When Lee made that expression, he looked even more mischievous...and yes, it made Glai feel even more flustered.
"I ordered a coconut smoothie," Glai replied.
"Alright, Lee will try your favourite drink," Lee said, placing his order. "A coconut smoothie for me too, please, just like Khun Glai's. Actually, you can blend them together in one batch."
"..."
"Because the first glass is for my best friend," Lee added, smiling.
"Okay, got it," the vendor said.
Glai tried to suppress his smile and said, "Coconut smoothies aren't really my favourite. I just wanted to try it."
Lee chuckled softly and gently ruffled Glai's hair. "Such a liar~"
"..."
"I know it's your favourite, Khun Glai. If you didn't like it, you wouldn't bother with it at all."
"..."
"You can't fool me this time. I know everything now," Lee teased.
Glai laughed softly, admitting Lee had seen through him. He'd wanted to tease Lee a little, but without someone like Boss to guide him, he doubted he'd ever successfully tease Khun Prachan.
"Aw, I wanted to tease you a little, Lee."
"Next time, then. I'll let you win," Lee said with a smile.
Glai scrunched his nose playfully at Lee before remembering something. "Lee..."
"Yes, Khun Glai?"
"Thank you..." he said sincerely. "Thank you for asking P'Dom to take care of me."
Lee, initially surprised, soon smiled brightly. "So, P'Dom already brought you something to eat this morning?"
"Yes, P'Dom left chocolate milk and cream-filled bread in my locker."
"Sounds like P'Dom couldn't stand my nagging," Lee said with a laugh.
Glai chuckled. "Honestly, I feel a little guilty towards P'Dom."
"You don't need to feel that way," Lee reassured. "P'Dom loves to help out. Plus, he already has morning classes, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he does," Glai agreed.
"See? It's no trouble for him."
"That's exactly what P'Dom said. He just told me to finish the milk and enjoy the bread."
"And have you done that yet?" Lee asked.
"I have, so I'm not as hungry today," Glai admitted.
"..."
"No more rushing to eat lunch because I'm starving."
"Good thing I nagged P'Dom, then," Lee said with a grin.
Glai smiled softly, turning to look at the counter as the old lady placed two coconut smoothies ready for them.
"Here you go. Will you pay together or separately?"
"Together," Lee answered.
"Wait, Lee... Let me treat this time," Glai said, quickly reaching for his wallet.
But Lee was faster. He pulled out his wallet and paid before Glai could even retrieve his money. Putting his wallet away, Lee grabbed both smoothies, holding them carefully.
"Khun Glai, take this glass. It looks like it has more."
"I can take either glass."
"Lee thinks..." Khun Prachan looked at the coconut smoothies for a moment before handing one to him. "...this one. It's definitely have '1more."
Glai received the coconut smoothie and said, "Thank you... but next time, Panlee, you have to let me treat you."
Khun Prachan didn't reply, just smiled mischievously and pulled a black phone from his pocket, looking down to type something.
Line ~
Glai frowned at the notification from the Line app. When he picked up his phone to check, he saw the other person had sent him a message. He glanced at Khun Prachan in confusion, so he said in a playful tone...
"...Go on, open it."
Following the suggestion, Glai opened the chat and saw an image that had been screenshotted and sent to him. When he enlarged the photo, he realized...It was a movie ticket. Khun Prachan had booked an afternoon show. The timing was right after Glai's class ended...
Of course, Khun Prachan knew his schedule. They had just talked about it yesterday. Glai didn't even check what movie Khun Prachan had booked. He was too overwhelmed with shyness, so he chose to look away from the screen and down at the floor instead.
Khun Prachan was inviting him to a movie...
...This is... so crazy.
Glai felt like his heart might explode from happiness.
"If you want to treat me back... can you buy me popcorn, Khun Glai?"
The chance to get closer to Khun Prachan was right in front of him. How could Glai not take it?
"Of course... I'll buy you a big tub of popcorn, Panlee."
Khun Prachan chuckled softly before saying, "Where's your next class, Khun Glai?"
"It's in Building Eleven."
"Which floor?"
"Floor eight."
"Alright, I'll come pick you up from Building Eleven, floor eight, at three in the afternoon."
"Okay."
"But for now, let me walk you to your table."
Glai waved his hands to refuse. "No need. I can go on my own. You should hurry to your class, Panlee."
The taller person checked their watch before replying, "I still have plenty of time."
"Well... okay then."
:)
The two of them walked out of the smoothie shop. On the way, Glai didn't say anything to Panlee, feeling too shy. The other one quietly walked alongside him until they stopped at the dining table. Glai's face burned even more when he noticed Gun, Pie, and May sitting there. Gun often joined them for lunch.
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise before breaking into knowing smiles, teasing him silently. Glai, overwhelmed and unsure what to do, turned to look at the taller person still standing beside him.
"Th-this is my table."
"Alright..." Khun Prachan nodded before lightly patting his head, as he often did.
"...See you later, okay?"
"Yeah," he replied while waving goodbye as the taller person walked away. As soon as Glai sat down on the bench, the three troublemakers began to make noises, making Glai even more flustered. Gun's gaze and grin only made Glai want to explode from embarrassment.
"So, what's the story?"
"Did you two plan this ~"
"Planning is one thing, but walking each other back? That's not just friends anymore, is it?"
"It's normal..." Glai stammered, trying to hide his embarrassment. "We're close friends. Walking each other back is normal."
Upon hearing that, all three burst into laughter, probably because they'd never seen him lose composure like this. In the end, Glai couldn't hold it in and started laughing along before raising both hands to cool down his burning ears. The trio's continued teasing, paired with their pointed fingers and jokes, made Glai shake his head slightly and admit...
"Alright, alright... I'm really shy, okay?"
"Haha!"
"Oh my—your face and ears are completely red, Glai."
And they didn't even know he was going to watch a movie with Panlee. If they found out... Glai would probably get even more flustered.