Duang With You

"Babe, please listen to me," Duang pleads.

 

"I don't want to talk right now," Quinn says.

 

"What do you want me to do? I already pushed her away."

 

"I'm still upset. Just go, Duang."

 

"Babe..."

 

"Just go."

 

"Can you not push me away?"

 

Jettana leans against a pole, watching the two of them argue more intensely than he's ever seen before. He wipes the sweat off his brow. Today is a mess. It all started fine; they were drinking and being playful, letting others tease them. But when Quinn went to the restroom, some drunk girl from another table plopped herself right onto Duang's lap. Jettana was so shocked that he almost dropped his glass. Seriously, mý lap was empty. Why didn't she pick me?

 

"I know it wasn't your fault, but I don't want to take my anger out on you."

 

"I can handle it."

 

"This isn't something you should have to handle."

 

"I just don't want to be away from you. Why do I have to leave? I can sit quietly."

 

Jettana overhears Quinn curse under his breath as he turns away to light a cigarette. Duang looks at him with such sad eyes, like his whole world is crumbling. He clearly only cares about Quinn. And honestly, Duang isn't even at fault. The moment the girl sat on his lap, he politely pushed her away. But of course, the worst timing ever-Quinn walked in and saw it all. 

 

Cue the explosion. They're both so possessive. It's obvious Quinn is the jealous type. He's even protective of Khonfu, not letting anyone touch her unless they're close. So, it's no surprise he's the same with Duang. He just doesn't say it out loud as much.

 

"Is he okay yet?"

"Pae."

 

"Shh, keep it down," Pae says, pressing a finger to his lips to shush Jettana. Is it a sin to eavesdrop on a couple fighting?

 

"Babe," Duang says.

 

"What?"

 

"Please don't use that tone with me."

 

"What is it?" Quinn repeats, his voice softer this time. Jettana and Pae feel a bit relieved. Quinn seems to calm down after finishing his cigarette.

 

"Do you want to sit in the car? The mosquitoes will bite you."

 

"I'm fine."

 

"Can you tell me how you feel? Please?"

 

"I'm jealous... I get that she was drunk, but I don't want anyone near you."

 

Jettana clutches his chest dramatically. How can someone be this adorable? Adorable, even though Quinn is still the same Quinn, and Duang is still the same Duang. This is what people mean when they say, 'When it's meant to be, it's meant to be.' They communicate and understand each other well.

 

"Come here, let me hug you."

".."

 

"Come on."

 

At this point, they finally understand why Duang always brags about how cute his boyfriend is. He praises Quinn every chance he gets. And seeing this side of Quinn, the side he only shows to Duang, it's impossible not to agree-this is what adorable truly means.

 

"I almost cried earlier when you told me to leave."

 

"I'm sorry."

 

"It hurt."

 

"I'm really sorry, babe."

 

Wow. Pae slings an arm around Jettana's shoulders, dragging him away. Quinn is hugging Duang tightly now, and they're talking calmly. That is enough. No need to watch any more of this lovefest.

 

"Why did I even follow you here?"

 

"I thought they were going to have a huge fight. I saw Mr Quinn storm out earlier," Jettana grumbles.

 

"Yeah, his expression is like, 'I'm done.' That girl has no idea what she walked into. Duang's boyfriend is insanely possessive."

 

"See? People who say Mr Quinn loves Duang less are wrong. He loves Duang so much. Sure, Duang gives it his all, but Mr Quinn does too."

 

"You're right. Let's just drink. No girlfriend present means we're single."

 

"Tonight, I'm going home with at least one or two people. I'm not picky," says Jettana. Pae and Jettana walk back into the bar, arms around each other. Meanwhile, Quinn and Duang stay outside, still talking things through.

 

Duang has never seen Quinn this jealous before. Perhaps it's because he's always been so careful, avoiding anything that might upset Quinn. But this time, there is no avoiding it.

 

"Do you want to keep drinking or head home?"

 

"Can we go home?"

 

"Of course."

 

"We can pick up Khonfu, too. It's not too late."

 

"So you're worried about her, huh? You're so cute," Duang teases, pressing his nose to Quinn's cheek and cradling his face. He looks at Quinn with such fondness because, well, he really is fond of him.

 

"Sorry for what I said earlier."

 

"I understand."

 

"I'll be calmer next time."

 

"There won't be a next time. My lap is reserved for you only."

 

Quinn rolls his eyes at the mischievous glint in Duang's eyes and the way his hand slides to Quinn's waist. He ends it by elbowing Duang in the chest.

 

"Let's say goodbye to the senior first. He probably won't hear us if we call."

 

"Okay. Feeling better now?"

 

"Yeah. I want some bua loi."

 

"Sure."

 

"Is there anything I ask for that you won't give me?" Quinn mutters, tugging at his simple t-shirt.

 

"Well, if you asked me to stop loving you or to leave, that'd be impossible."

 

"Sigh."

 

Duang smiles softly as Quinn sighs and takes his hand, leading him back inside. They say their goodbyes to friends and the birthday host. It takes nearly fifteen minutes to leave because every time they try, someone hands them another drink.

 

"I'll drink for Quinn. He's driving."

 

That one sentence earns Duang a strong drink out of spite. By the time they leave, Duang is tipsy, leaning against Quinn's shoulder as they head to the bua loi shop. They plan to eat there, but Duang is too drunk, so they get it to-go and pick up Khonfu from a friend's place.

 

"You're picking her up so soon. We haven't played enough!"

 

"Next time. Thanks so much."

 

"No problem. She's adorable!"

 

Quinn takes Khonfu into his arms and walks back to the car, where Duang is already passed out. He isn't exactly a lightweight, but he can't drink as much as he used to. Work keeps Duang busy, and he prefers staying home with Quinn and Khonfu anyway.

 

"We're here... Can you walk?"

 

"Yeah, just sleepy," Duang mumbles, nodding.

 

Quinn wouldn't let him hold Khonfu in his current state. He's still a bit wobbly from all the drinks. Honestly, those drinks are practically all neat.

 

"Will bua loi make you more drunk?"

 

"I’ll just watch you eat."

 

"Okay. Then I'll help you shower after."

 

"Are you showering with me?"

 

"Yeah, I don't trust you not to pass out. You're drunk, you know."

 

Quinn points his spoon at Duang while eating dessert, glancing at Khonfu playing with her toys nearby.

 

"I drank over five glasses for you."

 

"You're such a hero."

 

"Well, I'm the to-ow! Quinn!"

 

"Sit quietly."

 

Duang pouts, rubbing his foot where Quinn has stepped on it for saying the word 'top.' He rests his chin on his hand, watching Quinn eat like it's the most delicious thing in the world. Honestly, Quinn can make anything look appetising. Next year, Duang plans to sign Quinn up for a food-eating contest.

 

"Are you hungry? Want some? I'll feed you."

"No, I'm not hungry. I'm just watching you eat."

 

"What should we do tomorrow? We're free all day."

 

"Let's visit my mom. We can leave Khonfu with her," Duang suggests.

 

"Sure. My parents aren't home, so we could leave her with them. They want to see her."

 

Duang nods, remembering how Quinn's mom once FaceTimed Quinn to scold him about a 70,000 THB credit card charge but ended up squealing over Khonfu instead. That dog's innocent face can win anyone over.

 

"Let's go on a trip during the break."

 

"If you're thinking San Francisco, I'm not going. I don't want to bother your papa."

 

"Chiang Mai, then. P' Kuafah invited us."

 

"Oh, does he have a house there?"

 

"No, his boyfriend does. His boyfriend's royalty."

 

"Wow. Does someone's life have to be that impressive?"

 

"I know, right? But it's true. Don't overthink it. P' Prince is pretty normal. You'll see what royal life is like when you meet him."

 

Quinn's sentence makes Duang want to meet the person even more. They chat about tomorrow's plans in Bangkok before Quinn gets up to wash the dishes and take out the trash.

 

He motions for Duang to follow him to the bathroom. They shower together, as they often do, but tonight Duang is too drunk to be his usual playful self. Quinn's pale skin still bears faint kiss marks on his back, waist, and chest. They haven't faded much, especially compared to Duang's, because Quinn's skin is fairer and more delicate.

 

"Brush your teeth properly. Then I'll take you to bed."

 

'I'm so sleepy."

 

"Drunkard."

 

"I drank for my boyfriend. What's wrong with that?"

 

"Stand still. I'll brush for you... Open your mouth."

 

The last time someone brushed Duang's teeth for him was in kindergarten, when his mom scolded him for not opening his mouth properly. Duang obediently lets Quinn brush his teeth, watching the kind man who has taken on the task. Being your boyfriend is the best.

 

"Why are you smiling so much?"

 

"I'm happy.

 

"Rinse your mouth and go to bed."

 

"No, I'll wait for you." Duang, now clean and ready for bed, hugs Quinn from behind, resting his face on his shoulder like a clingy koala. Quinn sighs, trying to finish brushing his teeth and washing his face while carrying Duang's weight.

 

"Your mom didn't love you as a kid or something?"

 

"She did. But you're my boyfriend, so I want to hug you."

 

"If you say that again, Duang."

 

The one being scolded chuckles softly. Quinn might be embarrassed or something, but every time Duang says something like that, he always ends up getting punished.

 

After finishing their personal business, the two of them walk out of the bathroom. Quinn has Duang clinging to his back as usual, and by the time they reach the bed, Quinn is already sweating.

 

"Go to sleep now."

 

"Kiss my forehead first."

 

"Please? A goodnight kiss?"

 

Quinn presses his nose against Duang's forehead for a quick kiss before turning to switch off the lights. He pulls the blanket over them and orders Duang to sleep. The drunk one mumbles incoherently for a while before finally dozing off. Only then does Quinn scoot closer, letting their bodies absorb each other's warmth, just like every other night.

 

• · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

"Oh my gosh, look at this little one!"

 

"Mom, calm down, or you'll scare my daughter."

 

"So what does that make me, huh? Tell me."

 

"You're her grandma, of course."

 

"I'm a grandma now? Oh my, she's so adorable! And she doesn't even bark. What's your name, sweetie?"

 

I shake my head, laughing as Mom ignores everyone else and carries Khonfu straight into the house. Quinn, who has just finished organising the car, walks out, confused, because Mom has disappeared.

 

"She's already inside with Khonfu. She's so excited it's shocking."

 

"Where's P' Nan?"

 

"He's probably at work. Dad's out golfing. Oh, and Dad hasn't stopped asking about you."

 

"I brought a vinyl for your dad," Quinn says.

"When did you two even talk?"

 

"None of your business."

 

"Fine, fine. My bad, I'm nosy."

 

Quinn carries the Miles Davis vinyl and a basket of Khonfu's stuff into the house. He gives me a look that clearly says, 'Hurry up and follow me.' I grin and walk in to find Mom having a full-on conversation with Khonfu on the couch.

 

"Oh, look at that little wiggly butt!"

 

"Hello, Mom."

 

"Hello, Quinn. Where did you get her? She's so cute! This breed is a corgi, right? I love them."

 

"Yes. I got her from a Taiwanese farm. She actually flew here on a plane."

 

"Oh my goodness! Does she only understand Chinese? Ni hao, sweetie~"

 

"Mom, that's too much," I say.

 

"What, Duang? I don't even know her name yet."

 

"Her name's Khonfu," Quinn answers as he sits down next to Mom.

 

I walk into the kitchen to grab a cold drink and find a jar of butter cookies Mom has baked. I bring them out for Quinn. And there they are-Mom and her 'son-in-law,' both being adorable.

 

"Seventy thousand baht? Oh well, it's fine. It's worth it for her health. She'll stay strong and healthy as she gets older."

 

"That's what I thought, too. It's not too expensive."

 

"You're right. Look at her. She's so well-behaved and adorable."

 

I sit there listening to Mom and Quinn gush over Khonfu nonstop. Quinn grabs a cookie when I nudge him lightly. When Mom asks if it's good, he quickly smiles and nods. How can someone be this cute?

 

"Duang, take Quinn out to a nice restaurant for lunch, alright?"

 

"What about money, Mom?"

 

"Oh, come on. I gave you so much already. How did you spend it all so fast?"

 

"I spent it all on Khonfu."

 

"Really? Fine, I'll give you more. How much do you need?"

 

Lady Luck is on my side. I grin as Quinn gives me a disapproving look for using our daughter to scam Mom. Once the money hits my account, I kiss Mom on both cheeks twice. She tells us to go out and relax while she takes care of Khonfu.

 

Quinn kisses his daughter on the head several times, promising her that 'Papa will be back soon? Khonfu looks at us with sad eyes, but as soon as Mom calls her to play with a toy, she runs off immediately. That's just how friendly and goofy she is.

 

"Khonfu's papa just dropped her off for her first day of kindergarten."

 

"You're so annoying."

 

"My vet friend says we can start training her at three or four months."

 

"We can drive her to classes on weekends."

 

"Do we really have to go this far for Khonfu, Papa?"

 

"We can't let her fall behind. She has to be the best in her class." That's Quinn's reply.

 

I love the excitement in Quinn's voice. The whole drive to the Siam area, he's busy searching for dog training centres near either my house or his. That's what being a parent is all about, huh?

 

"There's one near my place," Quinn says.

 

"Then let her stay at your house during training. I'll just sleep over at your place."

 

"Okay. Mama's going to lose it. She's wanted a dog for ages, but is never home enough to take care of one."

 

"That's great. Both grandmas love Khonfu. She'll definitely get red envelopes this year."

 

"You're always scheming. Are you a student or a thief?"

 

"I'm just saving up before sending my kid to kindergarten."

 

Quinn pinches me, and we both laugh. We don't have any specific plans, so we wander around the area. Quinn wants to shop for clothes, and while I might complain, I understand his love for fashion. I used to care about dressing up, too, but now I'm too lazy. Watching him enjoy it is enough for me.

 

We decided to eat at a Japanese restaurant as it was the first thing that came to mind. Quinn munches on tempura and even steals several pieces of my sushi. I can't help but laugh. He always seems hangry.

 

"I'm thinking of buying new headphones."

 

"Didn't you just buy some last month?"

 

"These are different."

 

"Whatever you say, rich kid."

 

"Was that a jab?"

 

"No way. Who would dare?" I widen my eyes dramatically, earning a playful smack on the head. Even as a couple, we still love teasing each other. It's oddly endearing.

 

"Quinn?"

 

"Oh, P'Prince... Hello."

 

It seems my moment has come sooner than expected. I turn to see Quinn greeting P'Prince. Okay, I get it now. He really does have that royal aura. Just one look from head to toe, and I feel like bowing instead of just greeting him normally. 

 

"Who are you here with?" P' Prince asks.

 

"With Duang, my boyfriend."

 

"Oh my, you two are so, so, so cute together-"

 

"Th-thank you," I reply.

Then I hear Quinn switch to fluent English, chatting with P'Prince about their upcoming trip to Chiang Mai. While they talk, I take the chance to admire P'Prince's outfit. He has impeccable style, wearing all designer brands. Even his ring is from Maison Margiela. I'm completely in awe.

 

"Sorry, I couldn't treat you kids to dessert. I have an appointment at Gaysorn Village."

 

"No problem at all. See you next time."

 

"Bye, Duang. See you again, kids!"

 

My heart races from P' Prince's smile. 

He's so fair-skinned.

 

"You're staring too hard at him."

 

"But I only love you, Quinn."

 

"Guilty much?"

 

"But he's so fair-skinned! And his figure is amazing."

 

"I get it. Walking with P'Fah draws stares."

 

"How did they even meet? It's so confusing. You said he's the same age as P'Daonuea, but he looks so much older."

 

"I heard they met in Omkoi."

 

"That's so random. Haha."

 

"You can ask P' Fah yourself when you meet him. He's not scary."

 

"I wouldn't dare talk too much. He's too handsome. I'd feel so inferior."

"You're adorable, though."

 

Quinn looks at me so seriously, as if to say that, to him, I really am adorable. I smile, thank him, and we spend the rest of the day shopping together.

 

"Let's stop by YELO House later, Quinn. I heard they have a booth selling film cameras."

 

"Another camera? The one you used to take my picture was already great."

 

Oh, I forgot to mention. The photos I took of Quinn as a gift were developed a while ago. He loved them so much that he printed some and put them up in his room. He even complimented my lighting, angles, and timing. And when he complimented me, it made me want to do even better.

 

"I want a panoramic camera."

 

"Don't waste money."

 

"Excuse me, but look at all these bags I'm carrying. They're all yours."

 

"Fine, whatever."

 

"I'll use it to take pictures in Chiang Mai."

 

"Alright, but don't buy too many. You already have over four cameras," he says. I don't know if I'm crazy, but I love it when he nags me. I nod obediently, and we walk to our destination.

 

Quinn follows me everywhere, arms crossed, probably to make sure I don't secretly buy more cameras than necessary.

 

"Duang."

 

"Sorry!" I almost raise my hands in apology when Quinn pinches my side. I've picked up a 50,000-baht camera to look at, but before I can even ask the shop owner about its specs, Quinn scolds me.

 

"Too expensive."

 

"But it's a limited edition."

 

"Non-limited ones take pictures just as well."

 

"Quinn..."

 

"Not cute. Pick something else."

 

I respect my boyfriend too much. Yes, very much. I admit it. My dad always says, 'If you don't listen to your partner, who will you listen to?'

 

So, I move away from the limited edition section and look for a nice panoramic camera. In the end, I got one and also a small rangefinder camera for quick snapshots. 

 

Once we have everything we need, we'll grab some beer at The Street. It's been a while since we enjoyed good craft beer together.

 

"You know, we could share clothes," Quinn says as we sit in traffic near Terminal 21.

 

"We've been sharing for ages. Did you just realise? I steal your shirts all the time. Some of them cost 12,000 baht, and you only wear them once. Do you think I should scold you for that?"

 

"Stop complaining."

 

"Don't try to sweet-talk me."

 

"Some things are just necessary."

 

"Like my cameras."

 

"It's not the same."

 

I shake my head with a small smile, giving in to him. Why argue? If he says no, I won't buy it. It's just a small thing. If it's something I really need or want, I just

have to ask nicely, and he'll give in. I understand that he does it because he cares.

 

"Hot, huh?" I say as I adjust the air conditioning for him, noticing he sweats a lot.

 

"Yeah. It's November, so why isn't it winter yet?"

 

"How cold do you want it to be? If you're hoping to wear turtlenecks, forget it."

 

"Cold enough to need cuddles. That kind of cold."

 

"Why do you say such cute things these days, hmm?" I stroke his cheek as he grumbles and whines, typical of someone who feels hot and cranky.

 

He and Khonfu are so alike. One, they both get hot easily. Two, they're both clingy without realising it. Three, when they're with me, they demand my full attention. I can't just pick up my phone and play with it. Khonfu's the same-if I'm cuddling her and try to use my phone, she'll keep smacking my arm with her paw.

 

"Your mom sent me a picture. She said Khonfu played with P' Nan until she was exhausted. She's asleep now."

 

"P' Nan must've been teasing my girl for sure."

 

"It's good for Khonfu to play rough sometimes. She must be so excited to meet new people."

 

"Did you ever play rough as a kid? I had an older brother, so I've been through it all-head injuries, chin injuries. Played so recklessly that Dad scolded me."

 

"Not really. P' Kuafah keeps a close eye on me. When I play with P' Daonuea, it's all drawing, colouring, building Legos, watching cartoons, and sometimes playing soccer."

 

"But you're really good at soccer, honestly."

 

"That's from playing in high school," he replies.

 

"I didn't play much in high school. I was too busy with activities. I was even a cheerleader in 11th grade because my friends pressured me."

 

"Seriously?"

 

"Seriously. I'll show you the video when we get home."

 

"Dance for me here at The Street."

 

"You wish, babe. I don't remember any of it."

 

"You? Dancing? Really?"

 

"The girls screamed their lungs out."

"Because you were handsome?"

 

"Because I couldn't catch my cheerleader friend after the throw. I rolled off the stage, messed up every move, and completely failed. I couldn't keep up with the team. Haha." I laugh out loud, and Quinn laughs along with me. I love days like this when we just chat about random things.

 

The last light of the day softly touches the face of the person humming a tune in my car, looking so content. I can't imagine a future without him. He's in everything, every reason, every plan I make.

 

"Babe."

 

"What?"

 

"Thank you. I had so much fun today."

 

I don't know what more I could want in life.

There's me.

There's him.

There's us.

 

"Thank you, too."

Everything is just so perfect.