Chapter 18 - Me, Me, for Sure!

"John Cena jumped onto the bed, and Big Show jumped on top!"

"Hiaaa", Akara shouted late in the morning. He was lying face down, playing on his phone while waiting for Intha to hang the freshly washed clothes. He never expected that his mischievous boyfriend, who had been humming strange songs, would suddenly leap onto his back with full force.

"Laundry's done," Intha said casually.

"Get off! You're heavy. Do you think you weigh two kilograms or something?"

"It's three, actually. John Cena jumped onto the bed, and Big Show jumped on top!"

"."

Is he trying to be annoying? Should I just smack him?

"Who's the most handsome here?" Intha suddenly shouted out.

"Me! Me!" Akara pointed at himself with his thumbs and flipped over to face Intha. Not that I intended to play along with him. But, well...

"Gotcha! Whoever says 'me' first has to collect the laundry," Intha declared.

"Fine, fine. Are we leavin' or what? We planned to leave the house at ten, and now it's eleven!"

"Sorry, my bad." Intha swished his short bangs playfully, clearly trying to provoke Akara. Then, he hopped off the bed and stood on the floor. Akara got up as well, brushing his hair back in a cool manner while chattering away. 

"I really like your hairstyle and that shirt."

"Cool, right? I have to pre-order it."

Akara couldn't help but admire Intha's enthusiasm for showing off his shirt. His eyes scanned the card-patterned design on Intha's shirt, and his hands itched to grab a deck of cards.

"It is," Akara admitted.

"I'll get you one too. A card-patterned shirt. What style do you want, Eung-eung? Short or long sleeves? White base or black base?"

"No need. I can just wear yours," Akara replied casually.

"Oh, how embarrassing! We're sharing clothes now, huh?" Intha teased with a sweet smile while watching Akara grab the car keys. Intha turned to the mirror one last time before leaving the room. He checked his short bangs, the same fashion glasses as yesterday, a short-sleeved white card-patterned shirt, faded vintage jeans with ripped knees, and pastel blue Moomin flip-flops. Everything was perfectly aligned with the lucky colours of the day. Meanwhile, Akara kept it simple with a white tank top, black shorts, and sneakers, casual and chill.

"We're gonna need another wardrobe soon. You have way too many clothes," Akara remarked as they walked down the stairs. He glanced at Intha, who was putting on a watch. Akara had never met a guy who dressed so meticulously before. Not that I don't like it, Akara thought. I've already planned to steal a few of his shirts. His bags, hats, shoes, glasses... I've got my eyes on all of them.

"You can share with me, you know, even underwear," Intha teased

"Ew... your underwear is so bright and flashy. No thanks," Akara scrunched up his nose. Their conversation soon quieted as they got into the car. Akara took the driver's seat, while Intha buckled up, sitting properly beside him.

The Ford Ranger roared to life as it reversed out of the driveway. Intha felt a rush of excitement. It was his first time riding in a car driven by Akara. Wow, Eung-eung is so intense! He shifts gears like he wants to break them. 

The car engine growled like a drug dealer's getaway vehicle. If he weren't my boyfriend, anyone watching him right now would think he's a mafia boss. Smoking with the window down while driving is so fierce. If only he didn't talk so girly.

"Hia, you can stay with me when I talk to Bomb. That way, you'll know I'm not hidin' anythin'," Akara said, breaking the silence.

"Of course, I'll stay. You know how possessive your hubby is," Intha replied with a grin.

"Yeah, I know. Oh, I forgot to tell you. My dad knows I broke up with Bomb and started dating you." Akara's casual expression turned a bit more serious. Intha stayed quiet, prompting Akara to continue. "Dad called me this morning. Bomb told him we fought, and I started dating you out of spite."

"So, are you dating me to spite Bomb?"

"No. I'm not dating anyone to spite anyone else. But Dad doesn't understand. He wants me to break up with you and get back with Bomb. Which, no way. I'm happy where I am now."

"We'll visit your dad together sometime," Intha suggested, "Maybe during the long holidays, like New Year or Songkran."

"Are you worried?" Intha reached over to place a comforting hand on Akara's thigh, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"A lil' bit. What if Dad doesn't like you? What should I do?"

"He'll like me. I'm sure," Intha reassured him with a gentle smile, giving Akara's arm a comforting squeeze.

"Why are you so confident?"

"I've got good luck charms. After my ex's family didn't like me, I went and got it. I'll have to test its power when I meet your dad."

"Do you have a charm to protect you from my dad's bullets, too?"

"I've got a protective tattoo. Let's test that, too."

"Where's the tattoo? I've never seen it."

"It's an oil tattoo, so it's invisible. My dad took me to get it when I was a kid. After it was done, the monk tested it with a sword. The blade chipped!" Intha said, acting out the scene dramatically.

"Whoa..."

"When the monk struck my tattoo, I was chanting prayers."

"A protective spell?"

"No, I was just scared of dying. It was a sword, man! Luckily, it wasn't sharp. My back was bruised for a month."

"So, did you really get the tattoo or not? Listening to you is so confusin'."

"I did!" Intha nodded seriously, confirming it to Akara. "But it's probably worn off by now."

"As it should be," Akara agreed wholeheartedly. They continued chatting about random topics until they found a parking spot at the hospital. They weren't there to bring gifts for Bomb, the injured party. Their sole purpose was to settle the score!

However, as soon as they reached the patient's room, Akara and Intha were stopped from entering. A thin young man stood guard at the door, arms crossed, his expression stern as he explained why they couldn't see Bomb, who was still recovering.

"The doctor hasn't allowed visitors yet. The wound might get infected," the young man said.

"Oh..." Akara turned to look at Intha, his dark eyes glancing upward as he thought about what to do next. "Did the doctor tell you when we can visit?" Intha asked Athens politely. His calm demeanour seemed to soften the young man's stern attitude.

"The doctor hasn't told me yet. If visitors are allowed, I'll call and let you know, P'Eung."

"Is he dying or something? Why can't we visit?"

"Why do you care? You guys broke up already."

"I'm asking nicely, aren't I?" Akara gritted his teeth, clenching his fists as he tried to keep his composure. Athens's tone was anything but polite. Akara wanted to slap that smug look right off his face.

"Exactly. You've broken up. You've got someone new. Why are you even here?"

"Listen carefully, yeah? Your boyfriend, who's lying in there, took my money. I'm here to collect my debt. You know what I mean?" 

Akara crossed his arms, standing his ground. It seemed Athens had no idea that Bomb had taken Akara's money. The young man's delicate eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"What money?"

"He took all the money from the bar to start a new one. Among that money was my dad's. I'm not asking for much, just return what belongs to my dad. The rest... I'll consider it a charity for a stray dog."

"How much?" Athens's expression didn't change, but his eyes gleamed with determination.

"My dad's money? Half a million."

"No, I mean everything Bomb took from you."

"..."

"Tell me. How much?"

"Altogether, six million. Split it evenly, three million each," Akara said, estimating the amount. He watched as Athens nodded, then uncrossed his arms. The young man ran a hand through his hair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Just three million, right? I'll have someone take care of it. But P'Eung, please stop bothering P'Bomb." Akara was stunned. He hadn't expected Athens to resolve everything so easily. Where did this kid get so much money? It's three million, not three baht!

Intha leaned in close and whispered into Akara's ear, "Athens is trying to throw money at you."

"I know. Do you think money can buy me?" 

Akara whispered back, his eyes still fixed on Athens.

"Yes..."

"Well, yeah... it can. I don't wanna have anythin' to do with him anymore. Just keep your guy in check so he doesn't bother me again," Akara said to Athens, pausing for a moment. He noticed his finger, pointing at Athens, trembling slightly with excitement. "Three million, exactly. Don't forget to handle it."

Three million... I'm gettin' my money back!

"Fine. From now on, P'Bomb is mine. I'll take care of him."

Athens watched as Intha and Akara nodded in satisfaction before turning and walking away. He kept his eyes on them until they were out of sight, feeling a pang of envy at their playful banter. P'Eung... you're so lucky. Everyone seemed to be falling in love with you. Everyone, including P' Bomb. 

Athens turned his face away, trying to escape the wandering thoughts that were beginning to take shape. He pulled out his sleek phone from his pocket and dialled a familiar number.

"Hello, this is Athens speaking. Prepare three million baht for me. I'll send the recipient's details soon. And do whatever it takes to make him miserable."

After finishing the call, Athens hung up and sighed quietly through his nose. He gripped his phone tightly before pushing the door open to enter the patient's room.

"Where have you been?" A raspy voice called from the bed. Bomb's sharp eyes opened slowly, his face wincing from a throbbing pain at his temple. The bandages showed faint traces of blood, but according to the doctor, his injuries weren't severe.

Bomb shifted slightly to look at Athens, who had just walked in. The younger man's small, adorable face clearly showed irritation.

"Went to grab something to eat. Have you been awake long?"

"Just woke up. The meds must've worn off," Bomb replied lazily, his sharp eyes following Athens as he strode closer. He'd regained consciousness for the first time yesterday evening, only to face Athens's jealous and fiery temper. Despite the arguments, their relationship remained intact in the end. Athens had cried and sobbed, leaving evidence in the form of swollen, bruised eyes. Even now, his eyes were still slightly red. Here we go again. He's going to pick a fight with me for sure...

"P'Eung and P'In came by, but I didn't let them in to see you," Athens stated.

"..."

"They're just like a match made in heaven, don't you think, P'Bomb?"

"I'm still with you. What's the point of bringing this up?"

"I can't even mention him? Then why, when we were together, did you try so hard to win P'Eung back?"

Athens's voice grew louder, tears streaming down his face as Bomb turned away. "Don't turn away from me!"

"Stop picking fights with me. It's annoying. Don't you have class? Why aren't you there?"

"Don't try to chase me away. I'll go when I feel like it... but not today."

"Then shut up. I need to rest."

"P'Eung came to collect his money, you know." Bomb froze, the pain at his temple intensifying. He turned back to glare at Athens, his hawk-like eyes pressuring the younger man to continue.

"I paid him back for you."

"How much?"

"Three million."

"I'll find a way to pay you back." Bomb's hand clenched tightly beneath the blanket, a mix of anger and shame washing over him. His face burned, and his throat felt too dry to swallow.

"Why is it that you won't take my money, but you could take P'Eung's?" Athens's voice trembled with frustration, his lips biting down hard enough to draw blood. Tears streamed down even more. "Three million. You could've just told me, couldn't you? I could've given you more than that."

"I know you could've given me more. I know."

"Then why..."

"Because Eung is Eung. He's not you. I know he'll take the money back when I earn it and return it to him."

"You two must be really in love."

"If so, we wouldn't have broken up."

"Then why the fuck did you try to win him back?"

"Enough, Athens. I have a headache. If you want to stay, just be quiet and stop messing with me." Bomb turned away again, closing his eyes. His ears strained to hear if the younger man would say anything else. But there was nothing, just the sound of footsteps moving to the sofa and soft sobbing that followed.

"Be quiet. Stop crying. If you're unhappy, just break up. Stop torturing each other like this." His final words shattered the listener's heart instantly.

"Can't you just pretend to love me, even once?" It sounded like a plea, a complaint, a desperate request. But all it received in return was cold indifference.

"If I can't be happy, then neither should any of you."

"Who's going to be a millionaire? Me, me, for sure! Me, me, for sure!" Akara sang loudly in the car. He seemed overjoyed to get his money back, his face beaming with a wide smile and his eyes sparkling with happiness. Intha couldn't help but share in Akara's joy. He clapped along to the rhythm as the car turned into the parking lot of a large wholesale store. The shopping list seemed to have been momentarily forgotten as Akara basked in his excitement.

"Hia, what do you want to eat tonight? My treat. How about a ten-thousand-baht omakase course? But you'll have to pay first. I'll transfer it to you once I get the money," Akara teased

"I want seafood basil stir-fry, made by you, Eung-eung."

"That's too cheap."

"It's not. It's special because you're the one making it for me."

"Sweet talker. Here's a thirty-thousand-baht tip."

"You're so cocky now that you've got money."

"Of course! I'm happy. Now, where's the shopping list?" Akara finally remembered why they were there as he parked the car. He thought he'd stuffed the list somewhere near the glove compartment. Where did it go...

"Here's the list. Follow me. I know how to shop. Don't look at me like you don't believe me. I've never run a bar, but I've bought supplies for temple events. Plastic cups, water jugs, tissues, hand soap, cleaning rags, and power strips. It's just like prepping for a temple event."

"Uh.."

Akara couldn't help but let out a sound of disbelief at Intha's comparison. When he glared at the man with the eccentric hairstyle, Intha just grinned widely before hopping out of the car. Akara quickly followed him, and soon Intha grabbed his hand to lead him along.

"Everyone's staring at us, Eung-eung. It's because we're so good-looking."

"I think they're staring at your hair. Do you ever feel embarrassed?"

"Nope. I like being the centre of attention and trending."

"Are you for real?"

"You mean cute, right?"

"Yeah, cute," Akara admitted, nodding without argument. He was probably too happy about the three million to bicker much with Intha today. He didn't even notice how unusual his behaviour was. But Intha noticed. He quickly turned to face Akara, pressing their foreheads together.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Then why did you call me cute?"

"..."

"Here, take my amulet. You must be possessed. You even said that I'm cute."

"I didn't insult you earlier, but I'm about to now. Move it... Let's hurry up and shop so we can go home. I've got a delivery to pick up at three."

"Let's go, then! We'll shop at lightning speed."

"Should we grab some beer to celebrate? Let's have a drinking contest to celebrate the store opening and gettin' my money back. My treat. You've treated me enough."

"This feels weird. I've never let my boyfriend treat me before."

"Let's try. Now go grab a cart." Akara patted Intha's shoulder and pointed for him to fetch a shopping cart. He waited until Intha, in his flashy card-patterned shirt, returned with a cart. Then the two began shopping from the list, finishing with four cases of beer. Akara boldly challenged Intha. Whoever throws up first tonight loses!!!

Flavorful food often pairs well with drinks. Akara sat at a wooden table in the bar, his laptop open in front of him. His favourite playlist blared loudly, competing with the din from the surrounding shops. He was working on the menu for their new bar. The dishes were based on those from The Crowd Bar, but he was redesigning the layout to match the new bar's vibe.

Akara took the opportunity to adjust the prices and update the recommended dishes. He winced as he worked, the spicy oyster salad in front of him making his mouth burn. He'd ridden his motorbike to Nok's mom's shop earlier in the evening after sweating it out organising the afternoon's deliveries. His cravings demanded something spicy. When you're tired, good food and a cold beer are the ultimate refreshment.

"The menu's done! Does it look good?" Akara asked.

"It's great.. as great as the person who made it," Intha replied.

"I'll get it printed and laminated tomorrow. We'll use standees for the promotions." 

Satisfied with Intha's approval, Akara pushed his laptop aside. He sat in the chair next to Intha, whose flushed face hinted at a possible buzz. Judging by the beer cans scattered around, Intha was probably tipsy.

"Eung, can I have a cigarette?"

"Feeling tipsy already? We haven't even started the contest." Akara handed Intha a cigarette and lit one for himself. He leaned in to light Intha's as well, their faces close but no longer awkward. It'd become a familiar, comfortable feeling, knowing they had each other.

"The salad's spicy, so I drank a bit too much. But I'm ready for the contest. Whoever throws up first cleans the bathroom."

"I've already got the brush and cleaning supplies ready for you."

Akara chuckled lowly, watching as Intha reached for another beer can from the ice-filled wooden bucket. He opened one for Akara. And one for himself.

"Cheers. No setting it down until it's empty."

Intha raised the beer can to his lips, and Akara followed suit. Intha's Adam's apple bobbed as he drank, his eyes closed as the smooth liquid flowed down his throat quickly. When his can was empty, he set it on the table. Shortly after, Akara did the same.

"Next round, Eung-eung, baby: No throwing up, no stopping!"

Accepting the challenge, Akara grabbed a fresh can of beer and took a big gulp. But soon after, he decided to cheat Intha, who was already starting to feel tipsy. Volunteering to open the beer can himself, Akara took advantage of the moment when Intha wasn't looking. He placed the unopened beer can under the table, lining it up with the others. and pretended to take big gulps from an empty can.

It didn't take long for him to get caught, but by the time Intha realised what was happening, his body had already gone limp. He collapsed onto the floor, mumbling incoherently in a drunken stupor. Intha was the type to get serious-faced when drunk. His lips tightened, his smile disappeared, and his gaze turned sharp and intimidating as he stared intensely at Akara. Even his low, murmuring voice lacked the usual charm and was slightly unsettling

"Eung. take me to bed," he mumbled:

"Are you that drunk?"

"Yeah, I can't drink anymore."

"Alright, come on. I'll help you to bed!" Akara grabbed Intha's strong arm and hoisted him up, supporting him as they made their way to the bedroom. Normally, Akara would've pretended to be weak and complained about not being able to carry him, but this was an emergency. Enter Eung-eung the Mighty.

"It hurts," Intha groaned. 

"What hurts? Did you hit the wall?'

"Don't worry about it. If you're the one who hurt me, then there's no need to worry."

"Drunk and picking fights, hum? Move this way so you don't hit the wall again!" Akara brushed it off. Held dealt with plenty of drunk people before. Compared to others, Intha was easy. At least he wasn't breaking things or starting fights. That alone made him a relatively well-behaved drunk.

“It hurts”.

"It won't hurt anymore. We're at the bed now. Lie down properly. I'll get a towel to wipe you down." Akara tossed Intha onto the soft bed and was about to fetch a towel when a hand grabbed his waist, pulling him down. Before he could move, Intha climbed on top of him, his lips parted as he began to speak.

"*You're the only one who can hurt me this much. It hurts. It hurts so much."Tears welled up in Intha's soft eyes, spilling over, leaving Akara momentarily stunned and unsure of what to do.

"What's wrong? What hurts? Tell me. Don't cry, okay? Don't cry."

It hurts here." Intha guided Akara's hand to his chest, where tears were steadily dripping. His already flushed face turned an even deeper shade of red, sweat pouring off him despite the icy air conditioning in the room.

"What did I do to make you upset? To hurt you..."

"It's not my heart. It's here." Intha moved Akara's hand lower, placing it firmly over the centre of his body, where heat radiated through the fabric.

"It hurts so much because you're too damn cute. You smell so good... It's driving me crazy."

"God, for fuck's sake! I was worried about you! Get off!" Before Intha could finish his sentence, Akara kicked out, aiming to shove him off. But the man on top didn't budge. He didn't even seem fazed. As if on command, the tears in Intha's beautiful eyes dried up. His once-soft gaze hardened, and he grabbed Akara's wrists, pinning them forcefully to the bed. Akara winced as he felt the grip tighten, his focus narrowing to the unfamiliar person in front of him.

This wasn't the Intha he knew.

Scenes of assault flooded his mind.

Oh no...

No...

Nooooooooooo!

Thud!

Z2zzzZzz

"Are you asleep?" Akara whispered.

"..."

"Hia... aren't you going to do anything? I've got my legs spread, ready for something wild..."

"...'

"Hia..."

"Eung... I'm not cleaning the bathroom," came Intha's muffled, sleepy response. Akara couldn't help but laugh at Intha's drunken mumbling. He pushed the now-passed-out man off to the side, adjusting him slightly so he could lie more comfortably. Then, he took off Intha's shoes and that flashy card-patterned shirt, making sure to take care of him properly. He even grabbed a damp towel to wipe himself down, going above and beyond.

"Fine, I'll clean the bathroom myself. Just sleep. Tonight, I'll take care of everything."