"Where have you been?" I asked as I got into the car.
"A café nearby," Nao answered.
Fei handed over a transparent plastic bag containing a cardboard box.
"We bought some cake for Uncle and Jayden." I took it, and we exchanged thanks.
"Where are we going after this?"
"We're going to have dinner with North and Johan. Do you want anything special?"
"No," I replied while glancing at Jay. "You?" He shook his head.
"If that's the case, let's go to that restaurant—the best barbecue place in Chiang Mai, yay!" Nao cheered excitedly. I looked at Tiger, who had a resigned expression. I recalled that Tiger had forbidden Nao from eating barbecue this month because he'd been having it too often. But since we were in Chiang Mai, he wanted to visit his favorite restaurant.
"And look at the menu." Nao handed me his phone. "500 baht is enough, but 800 is also worth it."
I showed the menu to Jay, and we looked at it together.
"Nao, any recommendations?"
"The signature meat is the best."
"The 500 one?"
"Yes, that's why I said 500 is enough. Everyone orders that meat."
"Alright. What do you think, Jay?"
"Anything is fine."
"Then 500 it is," I said, handing Nao's phone back to him.
"Actually, it's 599."
"Yeah."
We chatted as usual during our family trips. I hoped Jay wouldn't feel awkward with the others. But Nao, Mom, and Fei included him in the conversation, and he responded, so everything seemed fine. Tiger drove through the narrow alleyways with tricky parking spots.
"Tiger is really a great driver. If it were me, I would have scrapped the car by now."
"That's why your car is full of scratches," Nao joked.
"I already got it fixed. No more scratches now," I retorted. Nao laughed.
"That's what insurance is for, right?"
"You also once scraped the pillar at home."
"Easy solution," Nao pointed at Tiger. "Instead of replacing headlights, side mirrors, and taillights, it's better to replace the driver."
"So the solution is to just let Tiger drive?"
"Yes," Nao gave a thumbs-up. Both of us could drive, but we weren't good at parking. We had never been in a serious accident, just minor scrapes with pillars, parked cars, or driveways. Nao was better than me. I couldn't parallel park. During the driving test, I could do it, but in real life, not really. I preferred parking far away and walking.
We arrived at the barbecue restaurant. Just as we were about to enter, Jay stopped me, looking curious.
"I can drive well. Let me take you."
"Thanks, but it's not necessary."
"Driving is dangerous for you."
"Because I said my car is full of scratches?"
"Yes."
"Listen," I explained, "I drive just fine, I just can't park perfectly. I'll be more careful, but you can't always drive me around."
"Let one of Tiger's kids drive for you."
"I don't like troubling others."
Jay didn't respond, but his face looked… not upset, just slightly displeased. I was about to say something when Nao called us inside. The restaurant had a Japanese-style decor, and we got a large table. North and his partner were already there. Jay and I bowed in greeting. Both of them smiled.
"It's been a while," North greeted.
Mom, Fei, Nao, and Tiger sat on one side of the table. North and Johan, his partner, sat on the other. I sat next to North, and Jay sat beside me, facing Mom.
"North," I was about to compliment him but remembered Nao's warning not to do it in front of his partner as it might make him jealous. I changed it into a question instead.
"How have you been?"
"We're doing fine, as usual. How about you, Dan?"
"I'm good too. Thanks for coming."
"Ah, no problem. We're close, right? If friends come over, we should always meet up," North replied with a bright smile. He leaned in slightly. "Jayden, right? I'm North, and this is Johan, my partner."
"Hello," Jay nodded slightly.
The meat started arriving. We chatted while eating.
"How is it?" I asked Jay.
"It's good."
"This one?" I pointed. Jay nodded. "Alright, I'll cook more for you... North, what's wrong?" I asked, noticing him staring.
"Ow! Why did you step on me, Nao?" North muttered. They exchanged glances before North spoke softly. "Oh, it's nothing, keep eating."
I looked at Nao, who avoided my gaze. They were conspiring to observe me and Jay. Those two were mischievous.
"Papa, shrimp," Fei offered a peeled shrimp to Nao.
"Thank you."
"Fei is really good at peeling shrimp. Some people can't even do it," North commented.
Nao scowled. "Can you peel them? Phi Johan always peels them for you," Nao teased.
"Yes, I can, and I'm good at it."
"Let's have a competition."
"Let's do it!"
Fei interrupted. "The shrimp takes up space on the grill. This grill isn't very big. Besides, everyone prefers the meat. We only ordered a small portion of shrimp."
I smiled as Fei efficiently shut them down.
"Okay," they replied in unison.
"Are you still working at the same place?"
"Yeah, same company. I got a slight promotion. But I'm planning to resign soon."
"Huh?" North raised an eyebrow. "Why? Bad boss and colleagues?"
"More like they're terrible," Nao answered.
"They're taking advantage of you?" North frowned.
"No."
"They are taking advantage," Nao added, making North look at both of us back and forth.
"So, who actually goes to work there?"
"Me, but Nao always gets mad. He once wanted to punch my boss several times," I answered, laughing.
"I did it once," said Nao.
"Huh?"
"It was a joke."
"Really?" I asked doubtfully. "So, the boss is on leave because…?"
Nao waved his hand dismissively. "No, not because of me."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
I turned to North. "I can handle it, but I'm tired. The workload is too much. When I save up enough, I'll quit and do what I like. I don't want to dedicate my life to a company."
"That's good," North nodded while continuing to eat the meat. "Not everyone gets to do what they love. Take advantage of that opportunity. What do you want to do?"
"Be a teacher."
"Wow," North widened his eyes. "What kind of teacher?"
"Boxing," Nao answered.
"Huh? That's amazing."
"No, North, don't believe Nao," I laughed. "I can't even box."
"Then how about yoga?"
"How do you teach yoga?"
"Swim coach?"
"I can't swim."
"Don't tell me you're a dance teacher. I didn't know you were good at dancing."
"No, I'm not good at dancing."
"It's hard to guess. Give me a hint."
"I'm not asking you to guess. I'll just say it from the start."
"A dog trainer? But you're already like that," North frowned. "But the dog isn't very smart," he pointed at Nao.
"Nao is smart. Give me your hand," I extended my hand. Nao, confused, shook my hand. "See?"
"Wait," said Nao. "I'm not a dog. Don't mess around like that."
"I'm just joking," I said. "I want to be a childcare worker."
"That's not a teacher."
"I want to be a teacher too. At first, I thought about working at a daycare, but then I thought being a teacher would be fun. Being with older kids must be enjoyable."
"If you become a high school teacher, students will chase after you. So, you'll be a dance teacher?"
"North," I said softly while serving him meat. "Eat."
"I'm just joking," North laughed. "Okay. What will you teach?"
"Depends on the openings, but I want to be a science teacher."
"Physical education?"
"No, agriculture," Nao interrupted. "He'll teach fishing."
"Oh," North touched my arm. "I want to help. If you have activities, invite me."
"Yeah," I nodded. What's the point of this conversation?
"Uncle, teach at an elementary school and come to my school," Fei said excitedly.
"I'll proudly tell my friends that you teach at my school."
"That sounds good. Elementary school is interesting."
"Anything but high school," Nao said. "Students will chase after you. Right, Jayden?"
"Hm? Why are you asking Jay?" Jay looked at Nao, who continued. "High school kids are Jayden's age, 17 or 18. You'll have many admirers. Jayden, will you allow it?"
Jay looked at me. We stared at each other.
"You'll have admirers my age?"
"No, I'm not a teacher yet."
"In the future?"
"Nao is just joking."
"No," Nao interrupted. "Many people admire Dan. I'm saying this as someone who's looked after him since elementary school. See this fist? I've defeated many enemies. I'm Dan's shield."
"You're ridiculous," North laughed.
"How do you live without being ridiculous? Are you saying you're not ridiculous?"
North crossed his arms. "I'm one with the darkness. I still hear dark whispers. I have to fight them."
"What do they whisper?"
"Destroy him," said North.
"What? You said that so quickly."
"Yeah, the darkness whispers 'Destroy him.'"
"Don't talk like that. Fei is here," I warned them.
"It's okay. I watch Papa's streams. He often curses. But I know which words to use and which not to," Fei smiled.
"How do you educate your daughter so well?"
Nao and Tiger smiled proudly. I looked at Jay, who seemed deep in thought.
"What are you thinking about?"
"A lot of things."
"Are you worried about something?"
"Since you mentioned how you drive and now about people possibly hitting on you."
"..." I didn't answer immediately, searching for the right words. He's probably worried about me driving, but about admirers... "You don't want anyone hitting on me?"
Jay nodded.
"Why?"
"You promised there wouldn't be anyone."
"Ah, I see," I smiled, unable to hold back a small laugh. "But even if someone tries to approach me like Nao said, I wouldn't be interested. Do you trust me?"
Jay nodded.
"Alright. So don't worry. Eat."
"I'm full."
"Should I order ice cream?"
"Yes."
Not long after, everyone was full and ordered dessert. We started discussing plans for tomorrow.
"I suggest hiking and a barbecue while camping on the mountain," North proposed.
Tiger chimed in, "Barbecue today, and tomorrow too? My wife will get fat."
Nao looked at his partner. "You." [Mụng=you in a rude pronoun]
Tiger relented. "Don't call me that."
"I want to eat barbecue."
"Hey," Tiger pleaded. "Don't hurt yourself. This month you've already eaten a lot of buffets and Bingsu."
"But we're in Chiang Mai."
"Then when you get home, you have to get a health check-up."
"I don't want to pee in a cup."
"So, no barbecue tomorrow. Everyone else will eat barbecue, you eat salad."
"What?" Nao complained.
Tiger didn't budge. I supported him. We must be firm for the health of our loved ones.
"I'm worried."
Nao gave in. "Alright, I'll eat salad."
"Huh?" North was surprised. "I thought you'd agree to a health check-up."
"North, do you get a check-up every year?"
"Yeah."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
"Ah," Nao paused. "That's your business."
"You're not okay?"
"Not really. I've already checked this year, I won't do it again," Nao concluded.
"Tomorrow, everyone eats salad. I'll eat barbecue."
"No, everyone will eat barbecue. You and your partner eat salad," North said. "We've already bought the meat earlier."
Nao sighed, giving up.
We agreed on the plan. We'd meet tomorrow morning. I hadn't talked much with Johan; I didn't know what to say. I saw him talking with Tiger while we chatted. With North, I barely had time to talk to him. He talked a lot. North and Johan were an adorable couple. North was always charming, especially with his partner.
North approached me. "Dan, so you went to see Phi Fah?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"Should we invite P'Fah to come along tomorrow?"
"Really?" I tilted my head in surprise. "I thought he was a doctor and would be very busy."
"He's a doctor at a clinic, yes, but outside of clinic hours, he's the director of the hospital."
"Really?" I was surprised. "That's impressive."
"At XXX Hospital. Do you know that hospital?"
"Yeah, a private hospital."
"Right, he's busy, but sometimes he can make time. Johan also wants to meet him. I'll invite him."
"That's great. Thanks, North." I agreed because I wanted to get to know the doctor better.
"And he will bring Meow."
"Cat?"
"A ghost cat."
"What?"
"TyPhoon."
"Oh, his partner. And their child is coming too?"
"Yes, they're the same age as Fei. They'll be good friends."
"Great. I want to meet TyPhoon. He's the one who recommended the camera to me."
"Alright, I'll send him a message. See you later."
"See you."
After talking with North, I got into the car. Nao asked, "What were you guys talking about?"
"Phi Fah is coming tomorrow with his partner and their child," I replied, glancing at Fei. "Phi Fah's child is the same age as you. You two could be friends."
"Fei can be friends with anyone. They just need to be willing to be friends."
"Will you be friends with Jay?" I asked, because I'd already asked Jay if he wanted to be friends with Fei and Jay said Yes. I wanted Jay's first friend to be someone kind like Fei.
"Phi Jay wants to be friends with Fei?" Fei asked.
Jay nodded.
"Then let's be friends." Fei smiled and extended her hand.
"Don't call me Phi. You can just use my name," Jay said as he shook Fei's hand.
"Okay, we're friends now." Fei held his hand gently. "Friends don't leave each other behind."
"Ah, alright."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
We returned to the hotel. On the way, I gave Jay his post-dinner medicine.
"Are you sure the doctor said there are no side effects?"
"Hmm."
"Okay then, go take a shower."
"Yeah."
Jay went to shower first, and then I followed. Afterward, we sat on the bed and talked.
"How was it after talking to the doctor?"
"Good. He was kind, not pushy. He listened and made me feel comfortable," Jay said. "I told him everything."
"Ah, because you felt comfortable sharing? That's great."
"If it makes you feel better."
"Yeah," I nodded enthusiastically. "I feel better, but I don't want you to force yourself."
Jay shook his head. "Doing this for you isn't something I consider a burden."
"Okay then, it's fine," I smiled at him. "How was the barbecue earlier? Did you feel uncomfortable?"
Jay shook his head again. "I felt good. It felt like everyone was paying attention to me."
I grinned. "Everyone really does care about you. That's not just a feeling."
"The one named Johan."
"Yeah?"
"I've met him before."
"Huh?"
"At a party. I was protecting someone important. My boss told me not to mess with him."
"He knows Tiger. He's not an ordinary person."
"He didn't recognize me?" Jay murmured. "I thought he did, but he chose not to show it."
"Maybe."
"That's strange. Usually, when someone meets me, they act like Tiger did." Jay recalled his first meeting with Tiger on that remote island.
"It's not strange. You're not the same person anymore." I gently took his hand. "Tiger must have told him. Johan understands. No one will hurt you."
Jay nodded in understanding. As we talked, my phone vibrated with a message notification.
Nao had added Dan to the Special Operations group.
The DarkNorth has been added to the Special Operations group.
The DarkNorth has joined the group.
Nao and… North? What kind of group is this?
[Dan]: What kind of group is this?
[Nao]: Special Operations.
[Nao]: Helping Jayden and Dan succeed. Yay!
[Dan]: And the other is North?
[The DarkNorth]: Yeah, it's me.
[Dan]: Unique name.
[The DarkNorth]: I've been in a silly phase lately.
[The DarkNorth]: Dan, you're making me embarrassed.
[The DarkNorth]: Wait a moment.
[King of disaster]: I'm back.
[Nao]: Don't change your name.
[King of disaster]: What about you? Didn't you have any other name Duan?
[King of disaster]: You've used this name since college.
[King of disaster]: Do you think it's cool? You never changed it.
[Nao]: Okay.
[Moonlight dragon]: Ready.
[Moonlight dragon]: Let's begin.
[King of disaster]: Nao already told me everything.
[King of disaster]: You're still worried that Jayden doesn't understand romantic love, right?
[Dan]: Yeah.
[King of disaster]: But that's a good thing.
[Dan]: Why?
[King of disaster]: Because it's easy to deceive.
[Dan]: …