Lately, It's Winter Season.

Chapter 27 - Big Body, Tiny Heart

"CHAI MIANG!"

"Chiang Mai!"

"CHAI RANG!"

"Chiang Rai!"

"Four men!"

"Wonton noodles!"

"Ha !!" It's fun with Mickey amid the friends' humour around us. We arrived in Chiang Mai in June. The weather forecast indicates that it has been raining a lot lately, and it appears to be the case. The sky is overcast, but the temperature is good.

There are six people: me, Dan Suea, Mick Field, and Tul, except for Dan, who is stuck in the exam. We made an appointment to travel together. The trip took about three days and two nights. It wasn't long, as many parents were worried. On the first day of the trip, we arrived in Chiang Mai in the afternoon. We take your luggage to the hotel and then visit the university.

"Why do you two have fun with jokes like this?" Tul said.

"What the hell? If it's not fun, don't mess around." It's not like going back.

"That's it. It's not fun and busy. I want to have something," I added.

"What a gangster, this couple," Tul complained softly, turning his head to look outside the window, "stupid couple"

The two of us argued, but Mr Tula said nothing. He kept making a boring face at us. Oh, it's more fun to come back. Now we're on a bus that's all painted red. I went to search for information. He said I'll get a discount if I speak a northern language. I've tried it, but the price is still high. I don't know why.

"Tiger, you said the northern language I prepared is okay." I turned to talk to Suea after he said that I didn't have time to give. I felt like I was addicted to him. I didn't know that I was addicted to friends. But I didn't expect to be so addicted to this. Mick and Field are addicted to girls until they don't have time to give them. 

The rest of my friends like me still push them away. Addicted to the girl until they don't have time to give her anymore. I understand why they are low. Big body but really tiny heart...

Then I tried to find more time with him. I was more interested in him. I asked and talked about anything. I asked him about what I already knew. I invited him to speak to me about everything. He looked happy. But I started to think that if I were so addicted to my friends, I wouldn't be able to have a boyfriend anymore... Well, it's okay. 

If Tiger has a boyfriend, I can't think of it. Assuming he’s single for life, I have to be single for life. Isn't it? It's time. It has to be understood.

"It's good. I think it's smooth. Like a northerner by birth," said Suea. I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it's like being born in the city."

"It's bad. I heard it, and my ears hurt instead of the driver's uncle," Field said. "Language above the real thing, I heard it because my ears told me."

"Yes, oh", I think I'm ready to laugh loudly about the field. That's all I'm telling you. After Dan broke his heart, I didn't know who he was talking to or who he was secretly dating. But this story is so extreme that Mick can't keep it alone. I have to expose it. The whole class knows each other and teases each other.

The story is about Mick pushing to meet a girl on Facebook. She is from Chiang Mai. She looks very cute. He added. He accepted the ad. Both of them talked to Mr Field. She was so hard that she took the exam to study here and live with her. Think about it. The reason I want to study here is not the university. It's good. It's nice to study. The university's atmosphere is beautiful. Not at all. The reason for Field is that they met through Facebook.

"She has a husband, believe me," I teased. Field shook his head confidently.

"What makes you so confident? I've never even met the real one."

"I've met her", Field argued.

"Oh, when?"

"Field used to take the train to her last month." Not ready to try to hold back his laughter. "No matter how hard you try, think about it. For him, we are already dedicated, Field."

"Yes, for love," Field said, ready to raise his eyebrows at me.

"Mmm," I couldn't help but tease. "Why do you take the train? It's so hard."

"I don't have money"

"Great, your heart is good." I gave an impressive thumbs up. The real person must be like Field. Taking the train from my province here is quite a night. Make it this much if he has a husband. 

"What's his name?"

"Ying, my first-year senior," Field replied, "Well, and you're Cold. Are you still talking with that person?"

"Which one?"

"The person who asked you out on the last day"

"Wow," I spent several seconds thinking. "We haven't talked for a long time. I don't remember the last time we did."

"Why did you quit?"

"I think we're too far apart. Why did we stop talking? I'm not sure yet." I said honestly. I still don't understand today. It could be because I don't have much time with him. I don't know. Other things are more interesting, such as playing games or watching movies with Suea. So we're so far apart that we don't talk anymore. My friend is heartless. What can I do?

"Addicted to the game, the same reason as Mick," Field said confidently, ready to point to Mick. Mick, who was not in the conversation at first, turned to look. "The only difference is that Mick is stupid. At first, he was bored and annoyed. After a month, tears broke, and he said that he missed him. Buffalo is so much."

"Haven't you stopped scolding me about this?"

"It's better for you to cut your heart from me. Let him go. I feel sorry for him. The new husband is gone." Field reached out and touched Mick's shoulder. "Old husband,"

"Yi still loves me. He's just still angry." Mick brushed his hand.

Field left, "We'll reconcile soon."

"The song must be coming, it's Cold."

"Damn it, let's go." I'm ready to nod my head to the field. The two of us sang at the same time, but without being in the correct key. "This ex-husband is still there every day. Old, don't have bamboo"

"You two are singers. Please allow me to give you a middle finger. Yes, sir." Mick put his middle finger at us. Suddenly, Tul, who had been silent for a long time, blurted out, "Stupid".

"Swear me, Cold or field?" Mick raised his eyebrows and asked, "You're cursing me like you keep scolding me every day, Mr Tula, who shared a post about reducing the use of plastic bags to save marine animals, was to tease me, right?"

"What the hell is it about? Why do I have to share a post about reducing the use of plastic bags to save sea animals to tease you? Isn't it better for me to scold you?" Tul retracted. Breathing, "So what? I've warned you before."

"I know. People have made mistakes. I repeat."

"As Field said, let him go. When you don't care about him, he's already being patient. Yi gave you to the fullest, Mick. If it's me, I wouldn’t go back."

"Really? You won't come back to me." I asked in a soft voice. Tul's eyebrows twitched slightly. "You're so mean, Mr Tula." Tul didn't answer anything and turned to look out the window. But because we were sitting Side by side, I heard Tul complaining softly.

"You are mean."

Huh? What?

Mick has never done anything to Tul, but the reason why Mickey came to study here is not ordinary. Is the intention to go to Ya Yi because Ya Yi studied here? The reason Tul just wants to come. I asked him, and he just replied that he wanted to come.

Sitting and talking, looking out at the view on the side of the road until they arrived at the university, the car stopped at the large sign in front of the university. We stopped by to take a few pictures. It's a memory in case we graduate and come back to see the images... I haven't been able to register yet.

I miss the end of the day. We took the university's train to go inside. The atmosphere is shady, similar to the photo. But when I came to the real thing, it was very different. I like this place more than I thought I would.

"This car will go around the university, right?" I turned to ask Dan. 

"Ah, I think it should be picked up at a station?"

"It's comfortable for us to come to study."

"Well, but Dan doesn't study here."

"... Wow," I thought, like I just realised it. How could I accidentally forget it? I turned around. I looked over to Tiger, who was sitting next to him instead. "Then let's come to study, it's comfortable."

"I'm going to use a motorcycle. Aunt Cat will buy you a motorcycle. Isn't it for us?"

"It's true." I nodded. My mother said that she would buy a motorbike for me because it would be more convenient. In case I can travel with us. We sat around the university before stopping by the Faculty of Engineering, just walking around. In front of the building, I didn't dare to go up the tower. Then, I took the car, intending to take the red bus to go up the nearby mountain.

It was the first time I took a car up the mountain. I was a little excited, but the nature on the side of the road was beautiful. The driver asked us if we would stop by the viewpoint to take pictures. We agreed because we intended to travel, but we had to take some photos.

"Cold," Tiger called my name while I was taking a picture from the corner.

"What's up?"

"Take a picture of me and my partner," he said. That slightly embarrassed look made me laugh. Why are you ashamed? I nodded and asked Dan to take a picture for me. I sat on the wooden railing. The view behind is the city with a full sky of clouds. 

"It's a little dark," Dan said.

"It's okay," Suea said. It only took a few seconds to finish filming. When I saw the picture, it was beautiful. "Can we take another picture?"

"Yes," I promised, "I didn't have to think."

"It's that close to the university, no problem. But why do you have to hug my waist?" I asked curiously. When I was taking the picture, I could feel Tiger putting his hand around my waist.

"I'm afraid you'll fall"

"Oh"

We continue to take the car to pay our respects to the Buddha above. When I went downstairs, it was Cold. We stopped by a roadside restaurant located behind the university to eat. Before returning to the hotel, Field said that there was a walking street market not far from our hotel. I was immediately interested, so I invited everyone to go. When I arrived with Field, I asked to be separated. It was not wrong to have the appointment with that brother. We didn't care, so we continued to walk.

This place is different from the pedestrian street around my house. Decorative lamps that evoke a sense of a northern city. Some shops sell a variety of items that have never been seen before and look very unique.

"Dan, look at the cute patterned keychain. It's very suitable for Dan."

"Isn't it suitable for the month?"

"No, because it's cute. This one is for Dan. I bought one for you to use in Boston"

"So Dan bought it for the month as a couple."

"It's okay."

"Pair too," Tiger interjected. "Can you use it too?"

"How will the three pair? You have to ask if it's odd."

"Yes," I nodded in agreement. "Some things need distance. Like Tul and you, why the hell do you have to walk so far apart? I've noticed all day."

"It's disgusting to me," Mick said.

"Yes"

"Mr Tula", This time, Mick began walking closer, and Tul walked backwards. Mick then gathered his two wrists and shook them gently. "I'm going to be heartless."

"Ah, I'm kidding. Let go first."

"No"

"Let go"

"Okay", Mick made a face like a puppy in the water, willing to let go of his wrist. Mr Tula remembers, "Summary, do you dislike me?"

"I'm just messing with you."

"Don't believe me"

"I bought you a keychain, and you're gone."

"It's good to use it with me."

"Why do I need to be paired with you?"

"Well, it will be to say that you are not disgusted and see me as your best friend."

"Sigh," Tul sighed. "Okay, you choose." In the end, it ended up like this. I stopped paying attention to that couple and became interested in our keychain.

"There is only one of Dan's patterns. Is it good for other patterns?"

"No, Dan likes this one. This is the month." Dan pointed to another keychain.

"Dan chose this one for me to use with Tiger."

"Oh, so Dan uses it alone?"

"I'm, it's okay. Dan likes this one." Dan smiled and said, "What about the month? I like it. Did Dan choose for you?"

"It's okay, it's not too cute." I said, "What do you say?"

"Okay"

Finally, I got a keychain with Suea, Mick and Tul. Walking out of the keychain store, I started to hear music with the sound of a woman singing.

" Let's go see it." I was invited because there were so many people that I couldn't look at. Grab the arm of anyone who could grab it. Many people came to see a long-haired woman standing and singing in the middle of a crowd.

"Is she a singer?" I asked, turning to see tiger.

I dragged that in a confused way. "She's so beautiful. The voice is also very good."

"I don't know"

"Ask Mick or Tul, they should know." I was about to let go of Tiger's hand, but instead, he caught it. "Huh?"

"There are so many people, are you going to go out? Come in and don't see it anymore."

"Well." I froze. I took out my phone to chat with Dan. Dan replied that he could stand and listen to the music first. Let's find something to eat before coming back to pick it up. I replied that I agreed, "Dan can listen to music first. I'm going to find something to eat. Are you hungry?"

"Not hungry, do you like this song?"

"I like it because it's beautiful. It's not a northern language song, but it has the aura of the northern city. I can't tell." I stood and watched intently for a while. It felt like a warm hand of Tiger was reaching out to catch it. I took his hand back because I thought he must be afraid of getting lost.

‘If you don't help pull me

Where have you been lost for a long time?

She leads through the dark path.

It's like a compass pointing the way. Every time your hand holds my hand, I'm more confident. Don't let go. Don't let go.

You may get lost if you are far away.

Don't let go, don't let go.

I want to be sure that we still go together.

Please promise me one more time to believe.

Can we never leave each other?

It doesn't matter where it is on the long dream road.

May you be by your side all the way.'

I stood and watched the show for a while until I was satisfied, and then I came out. I don't want others to go.

We had to wait for a long time. We continued walking and buying things. We took each other back to the hotel and returned there tiredly. We divided ourselves into two rooms. Dan, Tul and I slept in the same room. I was the last to take a shower. When I came out of the bathroom, I saw Dan and Tul talking to each other about something. I heard a rough conversation, and I stood still.

"Tul, do you like Mick?"

"Oh, buffalo." Tul turned to scold me. I walked over and sat down on the bed in confusion. "Nuea still knows. Why don't you know? Other people should be able to see. Only you and this!"

"Oh, so you call us stupid couples?" I nodded slightly. I understand that I turn to ask Dan for sure, "Really, Dan?"

"You still don't believe it!! Tul shouted, and I was startled.

"Really? Why do you like people like that?"

"Animal, these days I still don't understand why I have to like it." Tul cursed before sighing. "Sigh, I'm so stressed that I have to consult the north."

"Just intending to consult Dan? So, should I go to that room first?"

"You can stay with me," Sul said, his tone of voice. "You won't tell anyone, will you? Besides, you're in Chiang Mai with me, in case I come. Let's vent with you."

"Ugh, but don't you want to consult me?"

"Consulting the north is enough."

"Oh, let's continue to discuss," I said. After listening briefly, I gathered that Tul has liked Mick since high school. I don't know what to do. I don't dare to tell him directly. I've shown it sometimes, but Mick doesn't realise it. Tul is frustrated, so he sometimes accidentally gets angry at Mick.

Oh... Then I can understand. It's frustrating. I'm pushing to like people. I don't know anything, sigh, do it, Mr Tula.

"What should I do? I've followed him to Chiang Mai. At first, I thought about cutting my heart. But when I saw that he broke up with Ya Yi, I couldn't help but have hope. I realised again and clicked to choose here."

"Oh, did you come to study with Mick?"

"Yes," Tul nodded. "But Mick came to study, according to Yi. Is my life sad?"

"Sad, I can only be friends, right?" I frowned and nodded solemnly, stressed with it. Suddenly, Dan turned to look at me. "What's wrong, Dan?"

"No," Dan shook his head gently. "Tul"

"What's up?"

"If we like someone, will we neglect them for months?" Dan said. I sat with my arms crossed, listening carefully. "We don't know about it. Besides, we're not close to Mick. I don't know Ya Yi either, so I'm unsure how to consult. However, as far as I've heard, if the couple rekindles their relationship, there are two additional considerations. Mick may do the same or improve himself."

"I want to be the first"

"But Mick focuses on Tul," Dan smiled, pointing to the keychain Mick had bought that day. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked to use a pair of keychains, right? Where will you follow me again?"

"Huh? Oh, the moon and Tiger? Of course, we are best friends. Best Friends until we are dying."

"Friends?" Tul frowned. "You two are more than friends. It's a lot from what I've seen."

"My dear friend"

"What the hell?" Tul made a face like he couldn't believe it.

"Tiger is a friend. Well, don't doubt me. Mick is better than what he thinks."

"Maybe you're a best friend like your partner. Sigh, it's Cold. What are you doing?" Tul sighed.

"Is it?"

"If you have a friend who likes you."

"Where did you tell me not to consult you?"

"I'm going to consult."

"I don't have it."

"I'm assuming."

"Hmm.." I frowned and thought hard. It's familiar. It's as if I've been asked this question before. The world is broken. I glanced at Dan, looking this way intently. "Why does Dan look so interested in the answer from the month?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Well... I don't know. Many people share my perspective. I'm confused at first."

"I'm confused. What's next?"

"After being confused... What should I do, Dan?" This time, I turned to consult Dan instead.

"Hey, let's discuss it. Let's talk about you. I don't know. For me, I would like to continue to be friends."

"Animal", Tul cursed ", Your father's friend. Where did I think of you as just a friend? You bastard"

"You're going to curse him like this?" I'm laughing.

"Eh"

"Are you going to confess your love?"

"One day I will do it. If I run out of patience, if I refuse, I will punch you in the face for two. It's a waste of time. I’ve liked him for years. Plus, I've followed him to Chiang Mai again. I made this much effort, and still, he doesn't like me anymore. How much do you want, motherfucker?"

"It's a good barbarian," I gave him a thumbs up with an impression. "Go ahead, I'll help."

"How can I help you?"

"Encourage"

"Dee", Tul patted me on the shoulder. We sat and talked back and forth until we were sleepy. Let's discuss who would get to sleep on an extra bed, which is essentially a mattress on the floor. Of course, unlucky people like me sleep.

The next day, we rented a car for a whole day. Ending by camping on the mountain in the evening, sitting and eating pan-fried pork in the evening, dispersed, sleeping in a tent and going up to watch the sunrise in the early morning. When we returned, it rained, and we walked to see the nature trail, which was surrounded by evergreen forests.

I almost slipped and fell many times, and Suea helped me every time. Until he asked me if I wanted to walk up. When I finished travelling here, it was time to go back home. It was considered a perfect trip to Chiang Mai. When we came to study, I travelled all the way. I promised Suea that I would go on a complete trip together. 

And then the day Dan had to travel to Boston arrived. Instead of being excited as always, I repented. Dan himself would be no different. On the way to the airport, Dan kept sitting quietly and making a gloomy face.

"Dan," my mother called. Looking at Dan through the mirror, I sat next to my mother, who was driving. Dan and Suea were seated behind. "Don't be sad, good people. Mom and Duen are okay. Are you so sorry for me?"

"I'm not sad," Dan said in a low voice. "I'm just heartbroken, you and Duan. We've been together for eighteen years. I've been with my mother for eighteen years."

"We're just apart, not apart at all." I tried to comfort Dan even though I was sad. I remember how shocked my mother and Dan were the day I showed off the tattoo on my chest. Both of them said they liked it very much. Dan said he could get a tattoo like me. I needed to take it. We now have a tattoo on the left side of our chest.

"When you get there, call me, right? We'll call each other every day."

"Yum, it has to be like that. Sigh, I'm heartbroken, but I'm also excited," said Dan. After a while, the car drove to the airport. We stood and talked for a long time until Dan had to leave. Dan and Mom cried. As for me, I was able to hold back tears. Before going to Dan, let's talk to Suea a little. After speaking, Dan dragged his luggage and walked away.

"What did Dan talk to you about?"

"He was just telling me to take care of you."

"Hey, I have to take care of you," I argued. A big but small-hearted person like a tiger will come to take care of me. I have to take care of it. On the last day, I just had to leave my friends and cried. I still don't understand why it would cry for me. Mick and Field are also going to Chiang Mai.

"Well, it's true. Please take care of me."

"Yes," I reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

"Well, why don't you cry?"

"Phu Keng", I raised my eyebrows for him. The other party didn't answer anything, just shrugged. I'm good at holding back tears. Even if you want to cry, you can always hold it back. The three of us walked out of the airport and went straight home to pick up.

I moved to the reserved dormitory and went to the university. It's my turn. How will my college life be? May it be as fun as you think... No, I turned to look at Tiger, who was sitting helping me pack up and accidentally smiled without realising it.

It must be fun already. You are with me.