Lately, It's Winter Season.
Chapter 3- The Path of a Man
01:25 a.m.
Walking past the guardhouse, the old guard, familiar with me, smiled and opened the gate. We exchanged a few greetings, and then I hurried up the stairs, trying to hide the bloodstains on my left arm so as not to look suspicious. I stopped in front of a room and knocked lightly.
When I didn't hear back, I took out my phone and called the room's owner. After a while, the person on the other end answered in a sleepy voice.
"I'm in front of your room. Come out and open it for me."
“Yes.”
The door opened soon after. Field, whose eyes were only half-open, frowned and looked at me in confusion. He moved aside to let me in and closed the door.
“Please heal the wound.”
“Huh?”
“Please treat my wound,” I repeated. Then I heard the sound of a light switch being turned on. The whole room lit up. The room's owner rubbed his eyes gently and walked over to pick up the medicine box.
“You always cause trouble for yourself and make things difficult for me.”
“Well, I'm bored.”
"Other people are bored too. Who would be bored and want to cause trouble like you?"
“Maybe there is, who knows?”
"Oh, you think you're so cool doing this, Dark Knight?" Field pouted sarcastically.
“That's enough.”
"But you brought your arm back for me to treat your wound?"
"Not raising them is still okay. Besides, the path of a man has to involve some pain and death." I raised my eyebrows playfully.
Because I was a bit careless, I didn't think they would have a knife, so I got one wound. I waited until the other party finished treating the wound. Then, I went to get a pillow, a bed sheet, and a blanket and put them on the floor next to the bed.
“Turn off the lights”
"Yes"
Due to fatigue and blood loss, Tiger easily fell asleep. In the morning, Field's voice woke him up.
“Six o’clock? Are you going to open the school gate or something?”
“Go eat rice.”
"No"
"Go take a shower, you animal!" he shouted, throwing a pillow at me. I had to.
I got up helplessly. It was challenging to take a shower because I had to be careful of my wounds. I came out of the bathroom wearing my gym clothes that I had left there. Then Field handed me a jacket. “What?”
“Put it on and cover the wound. The teacher will ask later.”
"No, just say you fell."
“Just put it on. It’s cold today.”
"No"
"What the hell are you doing now?"
"Your shirt isn't cool."
“Next time, bring your own cool clothes.”
"That's good. Then I'll just move in with you," I said as I put on the red jacket.
"Your brother will definitely rip you out."
“Huh,” I sighed in annoyance as I thought of the person Field was talking about. I shook that image off before I got any more upset. “Where did you eat?”
“That shop near the school. I heard it’s delicious.”
“Your sister must be pretty, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to attract my friends.”
“What kind of person do you see me as?”
“Do you want me to talk?”
“They all slander each other.”
We walked out of the room, took the motorbike to the shop that Field had mentioned, and found that all the students from our school were sitting inside. Outside, people were standing in line to buy soy milk from a stall.
“A cat?” I blurted out unintentionally after seeing Nao chopping vegetables, with a woman cooking beside him. I immediately understood that it was him—Auntie Maew's shop.
"What's up?"
“Hello, Auntie Cat.”
"Father Cat" is colder than the others.
“Hello,” Auntie Cat smiled back kindly. She looked to be in her early forties.
“You’re calling my mom by her name. When did you become so close?”
“Excuse me,” I said, turning to look at the stall in front of the shop. A familiar face stood smiling as the twins served me soy milk. “Oh, Max.”
"What's up, friend?"
"Are you happy to eat soy milk? You're smiling so brightly," I teased. I couldn't help but laugh a little.
"No need to add sugar. Just adding sugar to it makes it already very sweet." Max's words cheered the other friends waiting in line and me. As for Nuea, he just smiled.
"Max!" A voice shouted. "You damn bastard! If you want to flirt with my brother, go away. Otherwise, you'll eat my feet before you eat soy milk."
"Nong Nao, you don't have to be so cruel to Phi Max. We're close friends."
"What the hell are you, little brat? I don't consider you a relative." Nao's insult made Max laugh even more happily. The insulter sighed in annoyance. After he finished paying, he turned to talk to Auntie Maew.
"I hope you sell well, Mother Cat. In the evening, Max will come to support you again."
"Yes, study hard."
“Yes, mother.”
"My mother is an animal!" He was shouted at from behind. Max smiled brightly, unfazed.
"Let's go, Uncle Nuea. See you at school. Let's go, guys. See you," he didn't forget. He turned to tell us. I nodded back to him as I was about to walk into the shop. I saw another familiar face.
"Hey, Tee, you too?"
"What? Why did you do that?" Tee asked back immediately.
“I will sue Butter for sure.”
“Why are you suing my girlfriend? I just came to buy some soy milk. I’m going to buy some for Noi too"
"There's an excuse to support him."
"What should I do today, Tee?" Dan Nuea asked.
"Two regular bags," Tee replied, looking a little nervous. "Oh yeah, I just came to buy soy milk, but my friend was nervous because the seller had already sold out. When I looked closely, I saw that all my friends were diabetic. Everyone in the class must have diabetes."
“Are you just standing there?” Nao asked when he saw us standing in front of the shop. “My shop doesn’t need a mascot.”
"Okay, let's eat," Field said before leading me into the shop.
"I thought you were buying soy milk," I said, raising my eyebrows.
"Animal say they want to eat rice, but they also say soy milk is delicious."
"You're another flirt."
"Just say that the soy milk is delicious," he said before looking at the menu. After choosing a menu for a while, we called for someone to come and get it. Only one employee, Nao, and Auntie Maew were the cooks.
"What the hell should I eat this morning?"
“The staff are so brutal,” Field laughed a little. “I want rice, pork with garlic and fried egg. I want it extra.”
“Special added rice?”
“Add it to me.”
"Oh, and what about you?"
"What should I do? Like Field," I replied.
"Okay, wait a moment." Then the brutal employee walked out.
"With so many people coming to buy, it's tiring," Field said, his eyes fixed on the north. So I turned back to look. "Will I be able to buy in time after eating?"
“No time. The line is probably to the front of the school.”
“Do you think he's cute?”
"What"
"Above, do you think it's cute?"
"indifferent"
“Oh, I shouldn’t have asked. I’m indifferent to everyone.”
"Do a lot of people like him?" I asked back.
“Very many. They are cute, have good personalities, are good at studying, are kind, have compassion, observe the five precepts, and are vegetarian.”
“What will he be like?”
“I think he’s cute. I still feel like he’s approachable,” I agreed with those words. “It’s okay to be cold. It’s a shame that he’s a bit of a foul-mouthed person.”
“Not much anymore.”
"Just kidding. You may not know anything about that gang leader, but there's news that it's ten to one. I saw that Jab was the gang leader, but he was the one who kicked Nao. And when Mick went to talk, Mick was threatened too."
“What are you threatening?”
"Think carefully before you say anything, or else the gun I have will go off in your face."
"Shit... Really? That's brutal," I whispered, afraid the gossiping people would hear. "Threatening to shoot at the school."
“Yeah, he put a gun to Mick’s waist, tucking it in his shirt like this,” Fields said, making a gesture. “I wonder why they had to be back-to-back. What kind of crazy person would stand back-to-back on the sidelines of a football field and threaten to have forty more men? Don't even think about pulling his moustache if you want to stay in this school. This is considered a good conversation.”
“Is it okay to talk to someone with a gun pointed at you? How can someone this dangerous be allowed to walk around in a school? Is he the son of some yakuza gang leader? Shit. That day, I only got punched. Luckily, I didn’t get shot. We should warn others to be careful.”
"Watch your mouth, it's serious," the person sitting across from me said, trying to hold back a laugh at our nonsense.
“Okay,” I nodded in understanding. “But why did the gang leader’s son open a restaurant?”
"What are you gossiping about?" A cold voice rang out. Two plates of rice were placed on the table. "What the hell is the gang leader? I heard it, you idiots."
"Oh, did you hear that? Field's fucked up," I turned to look at Field.
"Hey, big bro, calm down. Jab told us about your power. We understand. We won't mess with you."
"Damn, why does my life have to meet only stupid people? Hurry up and eat and go away."
"You bastards!" Nao sighed at us, turned and walked away, leaving us both laughing at our nonsense.
"It's so delicious," I said after putting the first bite of rice in my mouth. "Hey, why is it so delicious?"
“Oh, it’s really delicious. The rice is soft.”
“Crazy, why is it so delicious?” I frowned and said seriously. “Can I hire Auntie Maew to be my chef? It’s so delicious.”
"If I go and be your chef, your brother will get to eat too."
“You’re talking about him again. Do you have a crush on him?” I made a bored face. “Then no way. I’ll sneak in and eat it by myself. I won’t let someone with a face like that eat anything delicious.”
“What do you hate so much? We’re real brothers.”
“Heh, when I was a kid, I should have shit in his mouth.”
"Ugh, you idiot! You're disgusting! Someone's eating rice!"
"Huh, weak."
In the evening, it was time for the usual practice. We were divided into two teams, Red and Blue, to compete against each other. I was in the Blue team, and there was also a cold month in the team. At first, I played well, but after a while, I noticed that my form was getting worse. My other friends didn't notice. They just kept passing the ball to me.
As the team captain for a long time, I have become accustomed to observing my teammates. There are often those who are injured but like to force themselves to play.
"Hey, it's cold."
“Rai,” he turned to look at me, his face pale and sweaty.
“Go take a break.”
"I'm okay."
“Go rest, I’m ordering you. You’re going to make the team lose.”
"Change the boss in."
"Yeah." He looked slightly displeased before reluctantly walking off the field to talk to the boss and changing players onto the field. The result was as expected. The blue team won with not much of a points difference because the game was tied during the cold weather. It was too much, but no one realised it yet. They just kept passing the ball to him. I saw Nao and Po sitting and resting.
"You guys," I called Field and Mick.
“What is it?”
"I think I'll take a week off from practising, Nao."
"Why"
“It seems like it’s too late. If you’re injured, it’s useless to force yourself.”
“It doesn’t seem like a big deal,” Mick raised his eyebrows and said. “Are you overthinking it?”
"Don't argue with the captain. Tiger can tell who can do it and who can't," Field interrupted. "It's up to you. You're the captain. Be careful, he gets mad. Come on, Nao is practising hard."
"Yeah, but if you don't listen to a captain like me, how will you be able to play with the team?" I said truthfully before walking over to the two people who were sitting and talking. Duen Nao turned to look at me in surprise.
“Is something wrong?”
“Let's talk a bit.”
"Ah, I'll be right back." Nao turned to tell the other person. Po nodded in agreement. Before we went out to talk at a spot near where we were, "What's up?"
"You should take a week off training until your wound heals."
“Wound? Oh, on your arm? Just a scratch. I didn’t use my arm to play, did I?” He's arguing.
"I mean the wound on your leg."
"...How do you know?"
“I know. I’m the captain. I always keep an eye on the team,” I shrugged. “Take a break. When you’re better, come back and practice. It’s better for you and the team.”
"Okay, okay, I understand, Captain."
"So what did you do?"
“Fell down the stairs this morning.”
"Yes, athletes must be careful not to get injured."
“So, what about you?”
“What?” I asked back before it raised its hand and touched my wound under my jacket, causing me to clench my teeth in pain.
"You're an athlete. Is it okay to get into trouble and get injured?"
When I was spoken to in this manner, I was speechless.
“Did you see that?”
“It’s behind my house. The gang of bikers from last night were the usual gang that likes to ride bikes around there.”
“Hmm, I have my reasons.”
“You’re a mysterious man,” the other party teased. “Never mind, but thank you anyway.”
“Why?”
“I’ve been annoyed by them for a long time. Some nights I can barely sleep. Now that you’ve cleaned them up, I feel more peaceful.”
“Why are you quiet?” the person in front of me asked after seeing my silence. Lift your hand up and gently touch your upper arm to regain consciousness.
"Nothing," I said before turning around. Walking back to the same friends at the table, "You guys."
“What, what about the cold?”
“Okay, we can talk, we didn't get a gun pointed at my head or anything,” I replied, “You guys.”
“Say anything.”
“I just recently received a thank you.”
“Well, you've never been nice to anyone. Who will come to thank you?” Mick immediately came up. I turned my head and looked at him, a little disappointed.
“No, I mean the things I do at night.”
"What? Becoming the Dark Knight, being Batman, picking up street kids at night?" Field asked, frowning. “Who has come to thank you? I'm going to scold him."
"Why are you cursing? He sees my goodness."
“Dammit, just find trouble for yourself.” Field sighed. "Mick, you help me. Don't do it."
“No, I've been trying for many years. I've discovered that forbidding anything, Tiger, is tiring. I have learned the field. Why don't you learn more?”
“Really annoying. Well, it's up to you. So, would you like some rice? I'm hungry soon."
“Oh, same shop,” I said, getting up. I wore a backpack and walked, taking them.
I took off my bag and jacket and left them on the floor. Picked up my mobile phone. The wallet in his trouser pocket was thrown onto the bed before he collapsed.
“Excuse me,” a voice asked for permission from the other side of the door. I got up and went to open it. I saw a maid holding a tray of snacks. “The lady told me to bring it to you.”
“Hmm,” I reached out to take the tray. “What about that?”
"Mr. Leo has entered the company."
“When will you return?”
"I expect to come back late at night."
“Um, tell others not to bother you.”
I closed the bedroom door, put the snacks on the table, and dozed off for a while. Then, I heard another knock on the door. I ignored it and let it continue knocking until the knocking became more complicated and more complex, until I was annoyed.
I reluctantly opened the door and saw a man who looked like me, only taller and wearing a grey suit, standing in front of it.
"What's up?"
“Father sent me to eat.”
“I have eaten already.”
"I didn't know you were learning to eat out early these days because you're avoiding your family."
“Then why?”
“Are you admitting that you’re avoiding me?” Leo raised his eyebrows and smirked deliberately to annoy him. “Like a little kid.”
“I just went out to eat with my friends.” He didn't answer immediately, but glanced at the wound on my arm.
"Have you stopped doing stupid things yet?"
"obtrusive"
“Are you a little kid seeking attention? Even a small group of people got injured, and now you’re acting all high and mighty?”
“...”
I didn’t say anything, I just stared into those eyes, clearly showing my dissatisfaction.
“I can take you out. Try to beg.”
"Sing, please go die."
“Heh,” he grinned happily. “Give me ten minutes.”
The taller man turned around and walked out. I closed the door in a very unhappy mood. I couldn't remember when he started acting this way, but it had been long enough to make me dislike what he did. Including my father, it was a family that was not worth living with.
I was born into a family that was quite different from other families. My father was an influential person both in front of the world and behind the scenes. He was lending considerable money, or simply, “the mafia.”
Leo is seven years older than I, so we are not very close. I have been ordered to do this and that for as long as I can remember. I have never had the chance to play like other kids. I have never been able to do what I want. My role model is Leo, my brother, who is a talented and well-rounded person. He is the eldest son, of whom my father is proud.
I had to do whatever Leo could do, too, and was expected to do better. I was forced to go to fighting classes, and if I didn't do well or cried, I would be punished. I remember as a child being tied to a tree all night, just me, in the dark and quiet. It was cold and scary, all because I skipped Taekwondo class.
It was as if I had to live under the pressure of my father and older brother. My childhood was not very memorable. All I remember is being scolded, beaten, and punished. As a child, all I could do was endure. But when I grew up a bit, I started to resist. Whatever my father wanted me to do, I wouldn't do. Whatever my father wanted me to be, I wouldn't be. That has caused me problems at home for many years.
Almost twenty minutes passed. I walked downstairs to the dining room. My parents and Leo were already sitting there. Everyone turned to look at me with the same eyes. As soon as I sat down, I put my feet on the table.
“Put your feet down,” Leo said without looking at me.
"No"
“I like to act stupid.”
“Oh, then you’re so smart.”
“At least when I was a kid, I didn’t cause any problems or act like a rebel like you.”
"Yes, because you're your father's good son. No matter where you go, you'll follow him. You don't have a brain of your own."
“Do you think it’s okay to behave like this? It’s something to be proud of, to cause trouble for the people at home. Your age is increasing, but your brain isn’t. You’ll still be a kid forever.”
I threw a punch straight at its face without thinking, but it was blocked just in time. As Leo was about to return the punch and I was ready to dodge, my mother's voice rang out.
"Brother Sing, Brother Suea, don't fight. It's time to eat."
"Yes," Sing said, adjusting his suit jacket and sitting down calmly. I sat down as well.
"Please scoop some rice for Brother Tiger," Mom turned to tell the maid. Not long after, rice was scooped onto my empty plate.
"Tiger," my father's voice called out.
"?"
"I heard you were injured because you got into a fight with a gang of kids?" After I finished asking, I turned to look at Sing, who was sitting there with his face flushed. "Don't you think it's a bit too pathetic? He's my son, but he's acting so disappointingly. Whatever, I've given up hope on people like you for a long time."
“...”
I tried to be patient and stay silent, bending down to scoop rice to eat instead, as if I didn’t care.
“Did you hear what I said?”
"I don't want to hear anything that doesn't please my ears."
“You need to train more. This kind of skill is useless. I don’t want weaklings. It’s pathetic.”
"Do you think I want to stay here?" I said as I stood up from the table. My mother was about to speak to stop me, but my father stopped me. I left the house with nothing except the motorcycle keys I hadn't taken out of my pants pocket. I grabbed the motorcycle and rode it away immediately with anger simmering in my heart.
“Ouch! You son of a bitch! What did we do to you?!”
"I'm bored," I replied before touching the speaker's arm hard. I picked up a cigarette and lit another because I was riding my motorcycle and heard a commotion. When I looked, I saw a gang of motorcycles huddled together.
After looking at it, I thought that they didn't plan to do anything good, so I quickly took care of them before they went out to do something bad. But I didn't go around beating people up. It just looked untrustworthy. I overheard that they were going to race cars, and the prize was drugs.
I did it because I was bored and wanted to find a place to vent when I was in a bad mood. Plus, it was considered a good deed at the same time. That’s why my friends teased me that I was Batman. I looked at the packet of white powder falling from their shirts.
"Did you bring sugar to eat with you?" I asked the person lying in a pile. "I'm addicted to sweets."
"You! Don't let my boss know! I remember your face!" A pitiful voice came out through gritted teeth. Almost ten of you guys still can't even hurt me, and you still dare to threaten me? I sat down and blew smoke at him.
“Tiger”
“Ouch!” I kicked his stomach before he cried out.
“Don’t just remember my face, remember my name too.”
I threw the cigarette on the ground and stepped on it to put it out, leaving them lying around on the side of the road, groaning in annoyance. As for me, I got on the motorbike and rode away, my eyes scanning the group of people as I went.
Damn it... My mood hasn't improved at all. Aren't there any other gangs out there racing around here? I want to do good deeds!!