Duang With You

"Hello, P'Prince."

 

"Hi. Hand over your bag, I'll have someone load it into the car."

 

I nod quickly and hand over the single rolling suitcase I brought. It's not too big, containing both my clothes and Quinn's, mixed together as usual since he's already planned my outfits for me. I glance over at Quinn, who stands not far away, rubbing his eyes.

 

Last night, Quinn stayed up late working on a song for his senior project. We caught an early flight from Don Mueang Airport at 8:30 AM and arrived in Chiang Mai close to 10 AM. He slept the entire flight, using my shoulder as his personal pillow, but he still looks just as sleepy as before.

 

"You okay, kid?"

 

"Sleepy." Quinn, in his sleepy state, is the most compliant. He shuffles over, resting his forehead on my shoulder. I loosely hold his waist, worried he might wobble and fall backwards. P' Prince keeps giving me teasing looks, and all I can do is smile awkwardly. Honestly, it's not anything. It's just that P' Prince is so fair-skinned.

 

Yes, I admit it. I'm weak for that.

 

"My baby br... Oh..._."

 

It's P'Daonuea who suddenly dashes over from who-knows-where, holding an iced chocolate drink. Behind him is a tall, stoic-looking guy I don't recognise. Both of them wear matching glasses and shoes. No need to guess-they're clearly a couple.

But where is P Kuafah?

 

"P' Fah is at home. He's helping my mom cook."

 

"Oh, I see."

 

What the heck. Can they read minds? Both P' Kuafah and his boyfriend? Or maybe I'm just that easy to read.

 

"What's wrong, my baby broo? Sleepy?"

 

"P' Daonuea, hello... P' Prince, hello."

 

"I'll hug you like this," P'Daonuea says, acting as if he's about to scoop Quinn up into his arms. His small hands shake Quinn's arm nonstop. My boyfriend tries to respond, but his brain is barely functioning. I stand there laughing. The older one wants to play, but the younger one's mind is already on the bed.

 

"Daonuea, stop bothering him."

 

"Why are you scolding me, Kluen?"

 

"Daonuea."

 

"Why are you scolding meee?" He turns to shake his boyfriend's arm instead.

I swear, he's four years older than me, but it's giving me a headache. Before they can bicker further, P'Prince tells us to get in the car so Quinn can finally get some rest after breakfast.

 

The pale one shuffles behind me. I tighten my grip on his hand, checking on him every now and then.

 

"What did you do to my baby bro last night?"

 

"Nothing, really."

 

"Can I believe that?" P' Daonuea asks, his face full of suspicion. He keeps repeating the question like a child learning to talk until his boyfriend drags him into the car and makes him sit quietly in the back. I even catch them sneaking a kiss. What the heck? That's PDA in all caps.

 

"Quinn."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Want to nap on my lap? P' Prince says it's still a long way."

 

"Mmm, thanks." He slumps down, adjusting himself until he finds a comfortable position. By the way, this van is ridiculously luxurious befitting the status of its owner.

 

I overhear P' Prince chatting with the driver in the Northern dialect. His voice is sweet, and his face-don't even get me started. If he ever stands next to P' Kuafah, I'd definitely take a picture to show Jettana. I want him to see that I'm not exaggerating. People this good-looking really do exist.

 

I gently stroke Quinn's hair as I watch the scenery change from the airport to the city. Meanwhile, P'Daonuea is bragging about how this is his fifth trip to Chiang Mai this year. Sometimes he comes alone, sometimes with P' Fah, but mostly with P' Khabkluen. I'll have to ask him later what 'Khabkluen' means.

 

"Duang, do you want to go to the Night Safari?"

""

"You do, right? Right?"

 

"Uh.."

 

"Let's go, okay?"

 

I can't say no to his puppy-dog eyes and cheerful voice, so nod reluctantly, even though I've already been to the Night Safari as a kid.

 

"Duang."

 

"Yes?"

 

"Your hair looks like mine when I was a kid. Is it natural?"

 

"Yes... Wow, you look just like you did as a kid."

 

"Of course! Baby face," he says, striking a pose like he's in a commercial. I wonder how someone can shine this brightly. It suits his name, but honestly, I prefer Quinn's quiet, slightly confused charm that's reserved just for me. [l

 

"Khabkluen, why not talk to the kid?"

 

"What should I say?"

 

"Just ask something casual."

 

"His name is Duang. I know that. What else is there to ask?"

 

"What's your problem?"

 

"Daonuea, sit properly."

 

And just like that, the couple in the back starts bickering about why P' Kluen is always scolding P' Daonuea. Their playful argument lulls me to sleep. The next thing I know, P' Daonuea is tugging at my hair to wake me up. Yes, he actually sticks his hand into my hair and pulls hard.

 

"Daonuea."

 

"Hehe, I'm leaving now!" He quickly disappears after getting scolded by his boyfriend.

 

"Sorry about Daonuea. He gets a bit too excited sometimes," says P' Khabkluen.

 

"It's okay."

 

"Alright. Let me know if you need anything."

 

"Thank you. I'll wake Quinn up and join you inside."

 

He nods before following P'Daonuea, who has already run off somewhere. If I were his boyfriend, I'd probably have a headache. It's like dating a kindergartener, honestly.

 

"Quinn... We're here."

 

I gently touch his cheek. He groggily wakes up, clutching my shirt and burying his face into my thigh like a sleepy cat. I help him sit up properly, telling him it's time to wake up and have some breakfast since the adults have been waiting since morning. Then he can sleep all he wants.

 

"Get yourself together first."

 

"No."

 

"Quinn, don't be stubborn. You can sleep after this."

 

"No."

 

Here we go.

The automatic 'aggressive cuteness' mode kicks in. It makes me want to hug him tightly and, at the same time, give him a little smack for being so stubborn. His pouty, sleepy face, repeating 'no' to everything I suggest, is both endearing and exasperating.

 

"Quinn, don't be difficult."

 

"No."

 

"Alright, I'm not listening anymore. Do I need to spank you?"

 

"No."

 

I take a deep breath.

Stay calm.

I have to stay calm.

 

"Are you really not going to stop being stubborn, Charat?"

 

"N... Oof."

 

Yeah, I can't take it anymore. I press my lips to his in a firm kiss, even giving him a little bite because he's being too difficult. Quinn protests, lightly hitting my chest, but eventually gives in. He goes limp and lets me hold him. I kiss his forehead, trying to calm him down. I don't want the adults to think poorly of him for skipping breakfast to go straight to bed.

 

"Eat breakfast first. Ten bites, and then you can sleep. Deal?"

 

"Fine."

 

"Good boy. Let's wash your face first."

 

"I'm so sleepy."

 

"I know, sweetheart."

 

With him in this state, I have to be gentle. If he really doesn't listen, then I'll have to scold him. Trust me, once he sleeps, he'll forget all about this morning. He might even wake up confused about how he ended up in Chiang Mai.

 

We greet P'Prince's mom, who is dressed in traditional cotton attire, her hair neatly tied up, and wearing simple jewellery. But the way she speaks, eats, and walks makes it clear she isn't an ordinary person. She carries herself with an air of grace, much like P'Prince, who is currently scolding P'Kuafah for drinking two cups of black coffee that morning.

 

"Don't you think that's too much?"

 

"Bae, it was just two cups. Just two cups."

 

Then P' Prince switches to speaking in English with P' Kuafah. I can't understand a word, swallowing nervously as I watch Quinn's relative get his ear pulled in front of everyone. The cool image I have of him from the other day is completely shattered.

 

"Prince, you're in trouble now."

 

"Speak nicely."

 

"I won't let you get away with this."

 

"I'm not listening anymore. Just eat your breakfast."

 

"My baby broooooooo." Amid the chaos between these two ridiculously good-looking people, P'Daonuea squeezes himself between Quinn and me on the long bench. He places a bowl of rice soup in front of himself, clearly having sweet-talked the kitchen staff into giving him extra toppings.

 

"Let me feed you."

 

"I can eat by myself."

 

"No, no, no. You're such a babyyyyyyyyy." He gestures with his hands, and from his perspective, Quinn might as well be three and a half centimetres tall. In the end, I sit there stifling my laughter as my boyfriend awkwardly opens his mouth to accept oversized spoons of rice soup.

 

"Is it good? I made it myself."

 

"Liar."

 

"Why are you meddling with Dao, P' Fah?"

 

Round two of the sibling war begins. I munch on a youtiao while the brothers bicker animatedly. P'Daonuea's boyfriend seems unfazed, clearly used to the chaos.

 

I've noticed for a while now that P' Daonuea refers to himself as 'Dao' only when talking to his brother. It's...kind of cute.

 

"Am I done with ten bites, Duang?"

 

"Not yet. Two more."

 

"I can't take it anymore," Quinn whines, burying his face into my neck. When P' Daonuea sees this, he widens his eyes and makes a throat-slitting gesture at me, threatening me silently while Quinn isn't looking. He's so mischievous, I swear.

 

"I see you, Nuea."

 

"Kluen!"

 

"They're a couple. Let them be."

 

"I still can't get used to it. Quinn is just a tiny little baby," P' Daonuea says, gesturing with his hands again. I chuckle softly before telling everyone that Quinn really can't take it anymore. His battery is completely drained. The others understand and ask the housekeeper to guide Quinn and me to the bedroom.

 

"Please make yourself at home," the housekeeper says in the Northern dialect.

 

"Oh, thank you," I reply, giving her a wai in gratitude. I can understand a bit of the dialect. Just seeing one side of P' Prince's house is already overwhelming.

Calling it a mansion feels like an understatement. A palace? No, that's too much. But it's massive and intricately decorated. I overhear during breakfast that this isn't the house P'Prince grew up in. It was built not too long ago.

 

"Duang, I can't take my shirt off," Quinn mumbles.

 

"Oh, come on, babe." I look at him fondly.

 

Quinn doesn't even unbutton his shirt before trying to take it off. I help him change into his pyjamas, tuck him into bed, and hold him until he falls into a deep sleep. Seeing him so exhausted makes me feel sorry for him. I press my nose to his cheek, gently slide my arm out from under him, and replace it with a pillow for him to rest on.

 

"Sweet dreams."

 

Since I'm not that sleepy, leave Quinn to rest and head out to help the others clean up after breakfast. We're already imposing so much on them. But before I can even step out of the dining room, P'Daonuea, noticing Quinn isn't with me, shouts my name loudly while pointing a knife at me.

 

"Duang!!"

 

"Yes..."

 

"Come here for questioning, now!"

Sigh. Here we go.

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Quinn blinks several times, waking up in an unfamiliar room. The only memory he can recall is the kiss Duang gave him before he fell asleep. As he thinks about it, he realises he's been to this house before. The next thing he hears is the lively chatter of his older cousins, following the sound of unfamiliar birds flapping their wings outside the window.

 

His feet touch the cold bedroom floor. Quinn walks over to put on his slippers, cracks the door open, and sees everyone intensely playing Mario Kart in the living room.

 

"Duanggg, did you ever truly love me?"

 

"Nope. Take that! Got you good!"

 

"Throwing a turtle shell at me? What's your heart made of?"

 

"Daonuea, sit properly."

 

"Hey, have you seen my bookmark?"

Quinn's arrival doesn't draw much attention. Maybe it's because he doesn't say anything, just watches the Mario characters battling it out on the screen. Duang's favourite game.

 

"Can you stop pulling my hair?" Duang protests.

 

"Daonuea, you're cheating. Why are you messing with him?"

 

"What? What?"

 

Quinn feels cold. That's how he describes it. His two feet carry him over to Duang, who's leaning against the sofa while the others sit on top. Quinn plops down onto Duang's lap, buries his face into the warm crook of his neck, and dozes off again.

Before. Everything falls silent as the others witness a side of their youngest family member they've never seen.

 

P'Prince clicks his tongue in approval at the scene, while P' Kuafah, annoyed by his boyfriend's teasing, pulls at his cheek hard.

 

"My baby bro..."

 

At that moment, Duang startles and drops his controller, which causes Daonuea to win the game. But Daonuea also lets go of his controller, distracted by the scene.

This is the struggle of being an older cousin. No wonder P'Fah is so protective of him. My baby broooo. 

 

"Quinn, what's wrong?"

 

"Woke up and didn't see you."

 

"Okay... I'm sorry, babe. I came out to help the others, but I got caught up playing games. I didn't think you'd wake up so soon." Duang's warm arms tighten around the slender figure.

 

Everyone watches the scene of Quinn being clingy with fond eyes. Normally, Quinn doesn't seem like the youngest at all. When they meet, he's quiet, answers when spoken to, and rarely initiates conversations. They never imagined Quinn would have a boyfriend. It doesn't seem like something he's interested in. But they're sure he understands love well. Seeing Quinn unexpectedly hug Duang and get all cuddly is undeniably adorable.

 

"How adorable."

 

"I get it now, P' Fah. I want to cry."

 

"Why do the cat-types get so clingy when they're sleepy?" Kuafah grumbles, ruffling Prince's hair as he sits reading an English book, lost in his own world as usual. Prince is cute, too. He looks up from his book to smile at Kuafah, even though he probably didn't hear a word Kuafah said earlier. Otherwise, Kuafah would definitely get smacked. Who would admit they're like a cat?

 

"Should I take you back to the room? Won't your back hurt?" Dung asks.

 

"It's fine," says Quinn.

 

Duang presses a kiss to Quinn's soft hair. Quinn wraps his arms around Duang's neck, holding onto the warmth. Once he feels warm enough, he starts to wake up properly, only to notice Daonuea's teasing gaze from the sofa. Looking around, he realises everyone else is watching, too. Embarrassed, he slowly loosens his arms.

Quinn accidentally gets clingy in front of everyone.

 

"Why don't you hug me like that, huh, my baby bro?" Daonuea complains.

 

"I'm a grown-up now."

 

"You're just a tiny little baby!" Daonuea gestures again, then beckons Quinn to come and hug him. Khabkluen sighs deeply. Daonuea is such a doting older cousin. He only has Quinn as a younger one, and they don't see each other often, but his excitement never fades. Before this trip, Daonuea has been stubborn, and Khabkluen has had to threaten not to take him to see Quinn. Only then does he calm down.

 

Daonuea loves Quinn so much.

But Quinn is like a cat... and Daonuea is just a cat's servant.

 

"Are you hungry, Quinn? Do you want me to get you something?" Daonuea asks.

 

"No, it's okay."

 

"Did you sleep well? I peeked in, and you were out cold."

 

"Yes, your house is as comfortable as ever, P'Prince."

"Really? That's great." Prince strokes Quinn's cheek and smiles.

 

Who wouldn't feel their heart race looking at this sight? He's the kind of person who exudes sex appeal even fully clothed. No wonder Kuafah keeps running his hand up and down his thigh.

 

"Isn't it too high?"

 

"High?"

 

Quinn pretends not to notice Kuafah's hand moving higher. This couple is the most shameless in the world. Truly. Like last New Year's, when they celebrated at

Kuafah's condo. While everyone was tipsy in the living room, they volunteered to make popcorn for our movie. Instead, we walked in on a lovely scene in the kitchen. Actually, it's more of a make-love scene.

 

"How about that, Duang! Get him, my boyfriend!"

 

"Daonuea, you're going to fall off the sofa. Be careful."

 

"P' Kluen, you're so good at this. I can't keep up," Duang complains.

 

Why do quiet people always have hidden talents? And honestly, I'm a bit shocked to learn that both P'Daonuea and P' Kluen were once the faculty's most handsome men.'

 

Hearing their long love story from high school makes Duang think his relationship with Quinn feels so ordinary. But honestly, Duang loves how ordinary it is.

 

"Babe, what should I do?"

 

"Save your boost for now. P' Kluen will drop to second place because the bots will knock him down eventually."

 

"I'm stressed. I've been winning until P' Kluen starts playing."

 

"Stay calm."

 

"Come on, Kluen. Let the kid win sometimes," Kuafah grumbles.

 

"I don't know how to lose."

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Kuafah says, rolling his eyes at the perpetually stoic man (except when he's with Daonuea). The oldest in the group looks around at the younger ones. After a tiring day at work, seeing family like this makes all the exhaustion disappear.

 

"What are you smiling at?"

 

"Are you sneaking glances at me? :)"

 

"I'm not sneaking."

 

"You're so cheeky."

 

"I'm not sneaking, really."

 

Kuafah listens, curious about what his adorable boyfriend will say next.

 

"Because you're mine. I can look at you however 1 want."

 

And with that, Kuafah pulls Prince in for a kiss... Who tells him to be so irresistible? It's not my fault.

 

"P' Fah!!!"

"..."

 

"Don't look."

 

"What's going on, Quinn? What's happening?" Duang, who has his eyes covered, yells in frustration. Not only can he not continue his game, but he's also dying to know what everyone is freaking out about.

 

"Dao is telling Papa! Tonight, Dao is going to dream and tell Otousan what kind of person you are!"

What even is this? 

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"P' Fahhh, giraffes~~"

 

"Alright, alright... Daonuea, I told you not to run."

 

Then, P' Daonuea suddenly ran off. I watch the ever-dutiful older brother chase his younger brother, as if he's trying to catch a kid visiting the zoo for the first time. Meanwhile, P' Daonuea's boyfriend seems resigned, merely watching from afar. Once P' Kuafah catches P'Daonuea, he turns back to discuss global economics with P' Prince.

 

I sit and observe until I get it. P'Kuafah now speaks so politely to his boyfriend (apparently, he used to talk like this to everyone, or so P'Daonuea told me, but once he got a boyfriend, he became all soft and scared of P'Prince, more than he's scared of his mom. Honestly, hearing that hits me hard. When it comes to being scared of a partner, I'm no less than anyone else.)

 

P'Prince, on the other hand, calls P'Kuafah in a formal tone and always looks annoyed whenever his boyfriend talks to him like he's a baby. And honestly, these two kiss so often that I've caught myself staring wide-eyed multiple times, only for Quinn to pinch me and tell me to act like I didn't see anything.

 

P'Khabkluen refers to himself cutely when talking to his boyfriend, and P'Daonuea does the same. Sometimes they call each other by their real names. Their love feels age-appropriate. Occasionally, P' Daonuea gets clingy and cuddly with his boyfriend, but he still looks like an elementary school kid to me. As for P'Daonuea and P'Prince, their conversations sometimes feel like they're dating each other. It's such a bold dynamic. P' Prince seems so much more mature than P' Daonuea, even though they're the same age. They're always snuggling, and I can't think a dirty thought for even a second.

 

Then there's P'Khabkluen and P'Prince, who talk to each other casually like old friends. I hear they've been close for a long time, even before P'Kuafah and P'Prince started dating. It's like one big interconnected circle.

 

"Do you like giraffes?"

 

"I like lions," I reply.

 

"Same... They have them here, but they're so skinny. I don't really like coming to zoos; I feel bad for the animals. But sometimes I come anyway so they can use the money to buy better food for the animals."

 

I smile faintly, patting Quinn's head as he's now fully awake. He's wearing a simple t-shirt, baggy jeans, and flip-flops. It's one of those lazy days when he doesn't feel like dressing up.

"My baby broooooo!"

 

"Yes?"

 

I can't help but laugh at how Quinn responds in the same calm tone, no matter how cheerfully or hyperactively P' Daonuea calls him. I know he's not annoyed; he actually likes P' Daonuea. Otherwise, Quinn wouldn't let him drag him around to

do things, like feeding long beans to the giraffes right now. It's honestly so endearing.

 

"Hey, hey, hey! Get away from me!" P' Daonuea shouts.

 

"Didn't you want to see them? Should I lock you in and let it lick your face? How about that?" P' Kuafah says.

 

"Nooo, please! Kluen! P' Fah teased me again!"

 

"Hold on, let me talk to Prince first."

 

"Duang! Help me, please!"

 

I stand there laughing. Nope, not helping. P' Daonuea is being so stubborn. In the end, he screams loudly because the giraffe actually sticks out its long tongue to lick him. P' Kuafah laughs uncontrollably, but when the giraffe gets too close, he shoos it away to protect his little brother. Watching him hug and comfort his brother makes me think of my own older brother.

 

Would someone like him ever comfort me? No chance. If there were a tiger in front of us, he'd probably use me as a decoy and run away. Seriously, he's the guy who tortured me in every way possible when I was a kid.

 

"Thinking about P' Nan?" Quinn asks.

 

"Ugh, he used to mess with me so much."

 

"P' Nan once told me he made you hit your head and then told you not to tell your mom it was his fault. He said he'd give you a Gunpla if you kept quiet."

 

"Well, I wanted the Gunpla, so I told Mom I just rode my bike too fast."

 

"Do you think she believed you? She probably knew."

"What about you? Did they ever mess with you?"

 

"Nope. I was always pampered. But I wasn't the clingy type anyway."

 

"Oh, really?" I tease.

 

Quinn flips me off before walking over to hold P' Daonuea's hand and buy tickets for the Night Safari. Honestly, this place hasn't changed much since I last visited. There are two sections to see. Since we come in the evening, we get to see both the daytime and nocturnal animals.

 

"Duang, want some ice cream? My treats," P' Daonuea says.

 

"That's my wallet, though," says P' Khabkluen.

 

"What is yours is mine!"

 

"How do you even eat so messily?"

 

"I thought I was being careful! Why do I always have to make Mr Khanarut wipe my face?"

 

And there they go, being all sweet right in front of me again. I walk over to the ice cream freezer while Quinn holds the money, ready to pay. We pick our ice creams and then head to the tram for the daytime animal tour. I let Quinn sit on the outer seat. He says he wants to try touching the animals in the petting zone that the staff mentioned Not me, though. I'm scared.

 

"Are you scared, babe?"

 

"Yeah. When I was a kid, a monkey almost bit my hand." I laugh awkwardly.

P' Prince looks sympathetic and says to let the daring ones do the touching. Of course, P' Daonuea is practically climbing onto the roof until his boyfriend locks him in place. 

 

"Have you been with Quinn for a long time, babe? Can I use "babe" with you? It's a habit; I always talk like this to the younger ones," P'Prince asks.

 

"Of course. It suits you," I reply, avoiding eye contact. He's so fair-skinned, so perfect, so radiant. I'm scared his boyfriend might punch me. And Quinn will definitely pinch me for sure. "It's been a while, but we were seeing each other for almost a year before that"

 

"That's nice. You made the first move, right? Quinn doesn't seem like the type to approach anyone first."

 

"Yes, I had to muster up a lot of courage."

 

"I know. He looks like a dream come true, right?"

 

P' Prince gestures toward Quinn, who's smiling softly at a large herd of deer. When the staff says it's okay to touch them but only on the middle of their heads, not their antlers, Quinn follows the instructions calmly. That's so freaking adorable. I want to buy a deer for him to keep at home, but I'm afraid Khonfu will get jealous, so I decide against it.

 

"Babe, do you want to try touching them?"

 

"No, I'm feeling good on my own."

 

"What a naughty boy, hmm?"

 

I sit up straight because the couple next to me starts getting touchy-feely again. But not too much; there are kids and parents everywhere.

 

"Duang."

 

"Yes, babe?"

 

"Want to try feeding them?"

 

"No way. It'll definitely bite me."

 

"Relax. Come on." Quinn grabs my hand and makes me hold a carrot. I look at him in shock, then at the deer eagerly chomping on the carrot. Quinn chuckles softly as I quickly pull my hand away.

 

"Such a scaredy-cat."

 

"I have a family to take care of, okay? I value my life."

 

"C'mon, Duang."

 

"I mean my daughter and my boyfriend, okay?"

 

"Hmm." Quinn gives me a stern look, and just then, before the tram starts moving, P' Daonuea, sitting behind me, raises his hand for help. The whole group looks at him wide-eyed. He looks downcast and tells the staff in a small voice, 

 

"Excuse me, my phone got stolen by a deer."

""

 

"I'm serious. I was about to take a picture of it, but it took my phone and ran off..."

 

I try to hold back my laughter. Quinn pinches my waist because P' Daonuea looks genuinely sad. Meanwhile, his boyfriend scolds him for not holding onto it properly. P' Daonuea explains that he thought the deer was trying to tell him something. P' Kuafah shakes his head in resignation, saying they'll just buy a new one. But P' Prince argues passionately that they need to get it back because deer shouldn't have phones.

 

What kind of trip is this?

It's absolutely hilarious.

LOL.