Chem Chey: English Translation.
"Hey, Hia, let me ask you somethin', sir. That bag you're carryin', is it a real fucking monk's bag or just for fashion?" Akara stepped onto the escalator, positioning himself a step higher than Intha. He took off his cap for a moment, brushing his sweat-dampened hair back before putting the cap back on as they reached Exit 1.
A wave of hot air hit them as they stepped outside, but the man with the bag didn't seem fazed by the scorching heat.
"Pick one, either being polite or vulgar."
"Alright, polite it is. But if I slip the f word sometimes, you won't mind, right?"
"Yeah, I don't. Whatever works."
"Forget that for now. Answer me his bag, it's legit, right?" When Intha didn't respond, Akara took the liberty of reaching out to touch it, but the latter quickly dodged, his previously soft and gentle eyes now turning serious.
"Don't touch it. This bag is the real deal, given to me by Luang Por." He pulled the bag away protectively and stepped aside. By now, both of their long strides had brought them to a stop at the crosswalk in front of the temple.
Akara wasn't paying much attention to the temple itself, his eyes darting back and forth between the monk's bag and Intha's face. His expression was troubled, prompting the bag's owner to flip it over and show him the embroidery. "It's real. I got it from a forest monastery in Kanchanaburi. See? The temple's name is stitched right here."
"Whoa..."
"My friends all want one, but I'm not selling it. They've even tried to trade me other bags, but like hell I'd give in."
"Whoa..." Akara could only repeat himself, trying to feign enthusiasm for Intha's pride in his monk's bag. He didn't shy away from the intense gaze that accompanied the story. The closer he looked, the more he noticed how Intha's beautiful eyes seemed to sparkle whenever he talked about the bag.
Man, this guy's beyond help. A true devotee, deeply dedicated to the teachings of Buddhism...Intha, the Temple Boy.
"Do you visit temples often?" Intha steered the conversation away from the bag, walking ahead slightly and instinctively grabbing Akara's arm to guide him across the street. But there was no reply to his question. The person being led was too stunned by the unexpected gesture.
"Eung... Eung..."
"What?" Akara snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of his name. The temple boy's face betrayed his curiosity, as he wondered what was wrong. Akara still looked a bit dazed, so Intha reached into his bag. He pulled out a fan and began fanning Akara to cool him down.
"Are you about to faint?"
"Nope, nope, I'm good. Just surprised. You carry a fan?"
"It's from Luang Por. It came with the bag. I didn't want to take it out, it's sacred."
"Well, good thing you didn't bring a ceremonial fan to wave at me."
"Who'd carry something like that around? That'd be goddamn ridiculous." Intha shook his head, laughing softly as he stopped fanning Akara.
"Yup, you're right. Nobody would carry somethin' weird like that. You're absolutely right about everythin'."
But you still managed to bring a monk's bag overseas. If you have a ceremonial fan too, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest. I just wouldn't walk with you...
"So, what's up? You suddenly went quiet. I thought you were about to pass out."
"It's nothin', I was just a little dumbfounded. No one's ever helped me cross the street and stood on the side blockin' traffic for me. You're the first in my life. Actually, I wasn't dumbstruck, just surprised. Look at me, Hia. Do I look like someone who needs takin' care of?" He sighed dramatically, shrugging as he spoke, then glanced at Intha, who'd returned to his tranquil and composed demeanour. His expression was neutral as he responded with a line similar to Akara's earlier words.
"I'm so used to taking care of others that it's second nature now. Would you mind if I overdo it?"
"I wouldn't, but let's find some shade. It's hot."
"Yeah, I can tell. Your face and body are all red."
"I'm not used to the sun. In the mornings, I'm at the temple meditatin'. I only wake up at night to work."
They stepped through the outer gate into the temple grounds. Akara squinted against the sunlight, trying to admire the long history of the architecture, but his feet carried him straight to the shade without hesitation. He wasn't sure if the blazing sun was heaven's way of preparing him for hell.
"You're at the temple? You really like going to temples, huh?"
"Huh...?" Akara's voice rose in confusion. Was he and the temple boy even talking about the same thing? His 'meditating at the temple' was just a metaphor for sleeping during the day, but it seemed like the other genuinely thought he spent his days at a temple.
Me? Stayin' in temples? Me... someone like me? Mwa... hahaha… What a joke... I'm sobbin'.
"Most Thais who come to Taiwan visit temples to pray. You too, right? What are you praying for? Work or love?"
"A new hubby."
"..."
"Uh, I mean, a new job." Realising he'd let something slip, Akara hastily corrected himself. He'd never hidden the fact that he was gay, but for someone he'd just met, especially someone who seemed so devout...
The temple boy might be mortified to learn he was gay.
Better keep it under wraps for now. But fate wasn't on his side, as an elderly woman, seemingly in a rush to make merits... bumped into him. Akara was jumpy. Akara got startled easily. And Akara yelled out his go-to phrase, loud and clear: "Oh my goshhh, watch it, lady!" He accidentally overreacted with a queeny flail.
And just like that... the temple boy was now staring at him in shock.
"That was actin'. Y'know, showbiz. Showbiz!" Akara cupped his cheeks, rubbed his face, and then covered his mouth with both hands.
"Let's just pretend you didn't hear anythin', okay?"
"Are you... a femboy?"
"Well..."
"It's fine. You can tell me. I'm just surprised."
"Alright, uh... yeah, I'm gay."
"Never would've guessed. At first, I thought you were some rough-and-tough guy."
"Nah, not rough."
"But don't worry. I've resigned to things like this. Be whoever you want to be."
Resigned...
Intha used the word 'resigned' so calmly. Akara felt a pang in his chest. It hurt more than being called a 'bullish sissy' his whole life. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh... it hurts!
"So... Eung, do you know how to pray for a boyfriend?"
"No..."
"Then follow me. I'll tell you."
"..."
"Come on, I told you not to worry. We can hang out. I don't mind."
"I'm not worried about that. I just want you to slow down for a sec!" Akara raised his hand in a 'stop' gesture, emphasising each word as he tried to halt Intha, who was urging him to follow through the dragon gate. Akara sighed. If Intha said it was fine, then he wouldn't hold back... "But first, can I ask you to take a picture of me by the waterfall? Make it bright and sparklin'."
"Sure."
"Just keep snappin'. I'll change my poses myself."
"Alright, alright." Intha reached out to take Akara's phone, his eyes once again drawn to the tattoos on Akara's left arm. He really had thought Akara was some rough guy. But now, looking at his fair, plump face with its soft cheeks... and even a little double chin...
"Don't make me look fat."
"This is gonna be tough," Intha muttered under his breath, lifting the phone to start taking pictures even before Akara had struck a pose.
He kept snapping as instructed, resulting in photos of Akara walking, giving instructions, squinting, and trying to strike a pose. Every single one was...shit.
"Alright, that's enough. Let me see the pictures." Akara reached for the phone, but Intha held it up high, stretching his arm to its full length. He was used to dating petite girls who'd jump to grab the phone, only to end up in his arms for a sneaky hug.
But he forgot that today he was with Akara, who was just as tall as he was. Add to that the rugged tattoos running from his shoulders to his fingertips. With a firm grip, Akara easily pulled Intha's arm down and snatched the phone back.
Sharp eyes glared at him after seeing the photos on the phone. Is he gonna punch me? How mad is he?
"I can explain. It's because you wouldn't stay still."
"I'm so bummed. None of these is nice."
...He doesn't seem angry, just disappointed.
"Alright, let's try again. Go stand over there by the waterfall." Intha pointed to the same spot in front of the temple's waterfall after seeing Akara's tough demeanour soften upon reviewing the photos.
"No, I'm done."
"Use my camera. It's faster at capturing shots." Intha reached into his authentic monk's bag, imported straight from the temple, and pulled out a compact camera. He removed the case and gestured for Akara to go back and pose.
"How will I get the pictures from your camera?"
"Add me on LINE. It's easy."
"In that case, I won't hold back, Hia."
"Anything you want." Intha grinned widely, his white teeth showing. He watched as Akara strode back toward the waterfall. Through the camera's viewfinder, he observed Akara's tall frame. His poses were kind of funny.
"This one's good. And this one, too. You can actually take decent pictures, Hia," Akara said, raising an eyebrow as he reviewed the photos on Intha's compact camera. "Before, it felt like you were messin' with me on purpose."
"Who'd mess with you? You're imagining things. Now, give me your LINE ID so I can send you the pictures."
"Are you askin' for my LINE 'cause you're interested in me?" Akara handed the camera back to Intha, pulling his phone out of his pocket. His quick tongue had spoken before he could think, and when he met Intha's soft, glistening eyes, it seemed like Intha was about to say something.
But he didn't. His full lips snapped shut, and he scratched the back of his neck before pulling out his own phone to scan Akara's QR code and add him on LINE.
"The Crowd Bar, is this it?" Akara asked, hesitating slightly as he confirmed the contact request...A bar... the display picture was of a liquor store. "Yup, it's a bar. My personal LINE and the bar's LINE are the same."
"So when you said you work at night, this is what you meant?"
"Exactly." Akara chuckled softly before sending a 'hi" sticker to Intha. "Where was your display picture taken?"
"Great Britain."
"Was it really great?"
"You'd have to try it to know."
"Wow, quick with the comebacks too," Akara said, laughing until his eyes closed. Both of them then put their phones away as Intha led the way, explaining the steps for praying at the temple.
"Enter through this gate. It's called the Dragon Gate. Here, take some incense sticks."
"Give me five." Intha gave him a high-five.
"Whoa, you're witty with the jokes today, Hia. I'm asking for five sticks!" Akara laughed again, taking the single incense stick from Intha after being told that one was enough.
He was a bit taken aback by how sharp Intha was. Despite his devout demeanour, he'd already caught on to two of Akara's cheeky jokes. Alright, let's test him a bit more.
"Hey, Hia, why isn't there a pregnant Barbie doll?"
"Because Ken came in another box," Intha shot back before Akara could even finish his sentence. He pulled Akara's tattooed arm aside, reached into his monk's bag, and pulled out a lighter to light both their incense sticks. "That's such a lame joke. Stop it. The gates of hell are already opening for both of us."
"It's not lame! But fine, I'll stop. You're just as sinful as I am. I thought you were all about bein' devout."
"Next, we'll pray to the large Guan Yin statue in the centre. Then, we'll walk clockwise to the back and pray to Yue Lao to ask for a soulmate," Intha said, changing the subject. If he let Akara keep talking, it seemed like they'd accumulate more sins than blessings today.
"Got it. By the way, I haven't asked, "What are you prayin' for?"
"Work. I quit my job last month. I'm unemployed now. My mom told me to come pray."
"Oh, I see."
"But I don't want to go back to the same kind of work. I'm tired of it. Always on the move, no time for anything. Is running a bar good money?"
"Are you askin' 'cause you're thinkin' of stealin' my job?"
"Maybe, if the money's good."
"Drinkin' alcohol breaks the precepts, y'know."
Intha stopped walking just before they reached the Guan Yin statue. He waited for Akara to catch up, then placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light pat before walking together again.
"You only live once, Eung. That's why you should both visit temples and drink alcohol. It's called life experience."
"If you're okay with drinkin", then I'll invite you to my bar when we're back in Thailand. Drinks are on me."
"You said it."
Akara nodded, glancing at Intha's profile. He smirked slightly before turning to face the Guan Yin statue, closing his eyes to make a wish.
May my life from now on be filled with good fortune.
When he finished, Akara opened his eyes and looked at Intha, who still had his eyes closed. A gentle breeze carried the scent of Intha's cologne. When those soft, sweet eyes opened again, Akara couldn't help but ask.
"Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme?"
"Uh, yeah."
"You and I wear the same cologne."
"I know. I've been smelling it for a while now," Intha replied softly, grabbing Akara's arm again to lead him forward. The crowd was thick today, and he didn't want the younger man to get lost.
"You're draggin' me around like I'm small or somethin'."
"There are a lot of people. You might get lost."
"I won't. Besides, I'm tall, and so are you. It'd be easy to spot each other."
"Is that so..." Intha didn't let go of Akara's arm, ambling while explaining. "We'll keep praying to the gods along the way. But if you want to ask for a soulmate, you need to pray to Yue Lao at the very back. When you pray, you have to clearly state your name, where you're from, and be detailed. Then, take the moon blocks and ask your question."
"Moon blocks?"
"Yeah, they're crescent-shaped red blocks. Just take one pair. Then, ask your question, ending it with 'yes or no." Intha and Akara stopped to pray to the various gods along the way before reaching Yue Lao at the very back. Akara picked up a pair of moon blocks, following Intha's instructions.
"Aren't you gonna do it too?"
"No. I believe that if a soulmate is meant to come, they'll come on their own. If it's meant to be, it'll be. I'd rather pray for money. Having a wifey but being broke is a dead end."
"Oh, you're right. You can live without a partner, but you can't live without money." Akara nodded in agreement. He placed his incense stick in the burner and returned to stand beside Intha, listening to the temple boy who balanced both drinking and temple visits explain further.
"After you ask, toss the blocks on the ground. If both land face-up, it means uncertainty; try again. If both land face down, it means no. One face-up and one face-down means yes."
"Got it. If I hadn't come with you, I'd be so lost. You're so knowledgeable."
"I read it online."
"Why'd you have to ruin the faith I have for you?"
"Because lying breaks the precepts."
"Sure thing, sir," Akara rolled his eyes at Intha. The temple boy, as he secretly called him, gave a small smile before stepping aside to wait in a less crowded area, leaving Akara to follow the steps on his own.
Will the one who left come back?
Both face-down... Guess not.
Has my soulmate already been born?
One face-up, one face-down... Alright, at least I won't be accused of robbin' the cradle. A bit of relief, my soulmate's already born.
Are they comin' soon?
Both face-down... Son of a bitch, how long do I have to wait?
Will it take a long time?
Both face-down... What the hell, universe?
Finally, is my soulmate comin'.. yes or no?
One face-up, one face-down. That means yes...
Oh shit... my soulmate's comin'!
But who?
"Hia! Yue Lao says, "my soulmate's comin"!"
"Ah, congrats." Intha was startled by Akara's loud exclamation. He'd been gazing at the sky, watching Akara toss the blocks repeatedly. He looked away for just a moment, and the next thing he knew, Akara had finished the inquiry and was already standing close to him.
"But I don't know who it is."
"Someone you're seeing, maybe?"
"I just broke up with my boyfriend a few days ago. I'm not seein' anyone."
"With such matters, believe it halfway. Being too superstitious isn't good."
"I'm not superstitious. I just want to see if it's legit. Let's test it. If it's real, let my soulmate appear right in front of me. Come on, I'm ready." Akara put his hands on his hips, turning and scanning the crowd dramatically for his soulmate. Before he could look further, his arm was grabbed, pulling him to face the temple boy.
Intha let go of Akara's arm, fixing his wind-blown bangs back into place. He adjusted his collar and cleared his throat before speaking.
"Ever heard the saying, 'Don't mock what you don't believe'? Come on, let's go ask for the red thread. The red thread helps with love. To ask for it, you have to toss the moon blocks and get one face-up and one face-down three times. Then, take the thread and circle it around the incense burner in front, it's like blessing a charm to make it more
powerful."
"Alrighty, my hubby's definitely comin'. He's on his way!"
"Yeah, yeah, I hope he comes soon. So, what's your plan after this?"
"No idea. Told you, I don't have a plan. What about you?"
"Probably grab some food. Do you eat beef, Eung?"
"Love it."
"Then let's go for mala hotpot... my treat."
"Not sayin' no. I'm starvin'. Pick a great place, one that feels like heaven with every bite." Akara picked up the moon blocks again, and this time, Intha did too. But before tossing them, Intha's calm voice broke the silence.
"Make sure to keep the red thread in your wallet."
"Got it. Whatever you say, Hia, I'll do it all."
"Perfect. That's a good boy..."