Duang With You

"My baby brooooo!"

 

I squint at the high-pitched voice, reminiscent of someone calling a kitten or puppy. It's Quinn's relative. If it were anyone else, I might've snapped back, but seeing the face of the person calling, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

 

"My baby broooooooooo!"

 

"Daonuea, don't be so loud."

 

"Are you scolding me? Huh? Are you really scolding me?!"

 

I feel a bit stunned... Yes, it's that kind of feeling where you have to widen your eyes and then squint to take a good look at the faces of the three people standing together. Wow, what did their parents feed them as kids? How can an entire family be this good-looking?

 

"P'Fah, hello."

 

"Hey, how are you? You look a bit tougher than you did at the beginning of the year. Must be in love, huh?"

 

"Can you not tease him? My baby bro, what do you want to eat? I have a lot of money!"

 

I stand there quietly, piecing together the relationships, and I figure out that the tall guy, about my height, is named Daonuea. He seems super playful because as soon as he mentions having money, he pulls out a wallet from another guy's pocket and flashes a wad of thousand-baht bills. Uh... Why the hell was he carrying that much cash?

 

"Dao, don't play with money."

 

"You're so naggy."

 

"P' Daonuea, how have you been?"

 

"Huh? Great! And you, my baby broooooo?"

 

It really sounded like he's talking to a puppy. I stifle a laugh because I've never seen Quinn act like this with anyone before. He seems so fond of his older relative, speaking in such a soft and gentle tone. Meanwhile, the other guy keeps calling Quinn 'my baby broooooo' in every sentence. Every. Single. Sentence.

 

But none of that surprises me as much as the man standing next to me right now. How can someone be this good-looking? Damn it, how can anyone not be jealous of P' Daonuea? His boyfriend is ridiculously handsome, like beyond words. Is this guy an angel?

 

"We're siblings."

 

"Huh? What?"

 

"I'm P'Kuafah, Daonuea's older brother."

"...

 

Holy crap. Why don't they look alike at all?

 

"Different dads."

 

"I didn't even ask. How did you know?"

 

"It's written all over your face, kid."

 

"Whoa... that obvious, huh?"

 

"Are you Quinn's boyfriend?"

 

"Whoa."

 

I say 'whoa' twice. Not only can he read minds, but he also seems to know everything without me saying a word. I swear we just met today. I gulp and meet the gaze of someone so handsome that I feel as if he exists; there's no need for any other man in the world. Seriously.

 

"Normally, Quinn doesn't bring anyone to meet us."

 

"Well, we're kind of... seeing each other."

 

"Alright, just be patient. Quinn is the type who only does things when he's ready. Like when he decided to study jazz, it wasn't something he thought about for just two or three years. But once he made up his mind, he went all in."

"I can wait. If it's him, I can wait as long as it takes."

 

"Damn, that answer. I gotta respect that."

 

"One day, when you love someone deeply, you'll understand."

 

"I already do. My partner."

 

"You're married? Damn, what a loss for the rest of the world."

 

"That's an exaggeration. But yeah, I got married when he was eighteen."

 

"Hah, that's a good one."

 

"I'm serious."

 

I gape in shock as P'Kuafah laughs and nods for me to follow Quinn and P' Daonuea, who are chatting about who knows what. Actually, it's more like P' Daonuea is bombarding Quinn with questions, occasionally glancing at me and giving me a stern look. Honestly, it's not scary at all. He's like a kid who hasn't grown up.

 

"What 'cha you looking at, kid?"

 

"Daonuea?"

 

"Can you stop scolding me in front of the kids?"

 

"Come here, you."

 

"Don't choke meee!"

 

"Sorry, I didn't get a chance to introduce anyone. That's P' Fah, and that's P' Nuea. They're my relatives on my mom's side. They were in the area for some errands, so we planned to have lunch together."

 

"It's no problem. P' Fah already told me. At first, I thought they were a couple."

 

"Yeah, everyone thinks that. They're ten years apart, and P' Fah takes really good care of P' Nuea."

 

"Then won't he be super protective when his brother dates someone?"

 

"He's protective, yeah." Quinn thinks for a moment before continuing. He purses his lips briefly as 1 brush the stray hair from his face. The wind is crazy today, and the sun is blazing. My hands are working overtime for him.

 

"P' Nuea is in his final year of university. He's been with his boyfriend since freshman year, but P' Fah is still protective of him. I think he'll always be. Even I'm protective of him, and I'm just his cousin."

 

"Makes sense. Look at him."

 

I chuckle softly, watching the older and younger brothers ahead of us start bickering about something from their childhood. What began as scolding in front of the younger ones has now escalated to a story about how P' Kuafah refused to read bedtime stories on the second Friday of September in a specific year. Wow.

 

"I want to sit with Quinn."

 

"Oh, sure." I nod and start to move to the other side to sit with P' Kuafah when we arrive at a well-known Thai restaurant. It's not far from the university, but Quinn and I don't eat here often because it's expensive.

 

"You're a good kid, but never mind. Sit together. I was just teasing."

 

"What's with you? Huh? Just now, you were saying you didn't trust him, and now you're changing your tune just because he let Quinn sit with you."

 

"Why are you so nosy? I'm going to tell the prince."

 

"There you go again."

 

"Yeah! I'll have Prince scold you. You'll shrink in fear. That's what happens when you're scared of your partner."

 

I'm starting to lose track of the conversation. First, he said he'd tell the prince, then he said Prince. What? I'm having a headache.

 

"Same person."

 

"Oh."

I nod as Quinn explains. He flips through the menu casually, as if he's used to the constant bickering between the two brothers. Meanwhile, I, still not used to it, just sit there watching. Both of them are so good-looking. Such a good sight.

 

"Yeah, I'm scared of my lovely bottom. I admit it right here."

 

"P' Fah! You're supposed to say 'partner.' There are kids at the table! Red card! Red carddd!"

 

"They're old enough to have sex, Daonuea."

 

"Cough, cough."

 

"P' Fah!"

 

I pound my chest as I choke on the pandan water the waiter just served. Quinn chuckles under his breath, giving me a teasing look, making me feel like a total rookie.

 

"Kids, order whatever you want. P' Fah's treating."

 

"You always say that."

 

"Didn't you say you'd take care of me for life? So, I'll treat the kids, but you have to pay because you said you'd take care of me."

 

"Alright, alright. I give up."

 

"He's just like this. Don't be surprised," says Quinn.

 

"Sorry," I whisper to Quinn as he points to the menu, showing me the dish I like. He orders it for me as soon as I nod in approval. 

 

I glance at P'Kuafah, who keeps affectionately pressing his nose against his younger brother's head. I guess he's mentally frozen his brother at four years old. I've never seen brothers this touchy-feely every second.

 

"Hey, Quinn, P' Kluen wants some scented candles. Does your mom still make them?"

 

"Not really anymore. The ones I have were custom-made. If your boyfriend likes them, you can grab some from the shop next week. I'll let the staff know."

 

"Thanks, my baby brooooooo."

 

And then Quinn gets his cheek stroked. Not only does he let it happen, but he also gives P' Daonuea a soft smile in return.

 

"Seeing this reminds me of when they were kids. I took care of both Daonuea and Quinn. They played together almost every day. If one of them went home early, there'd be tears. They had to play until they fell asleep."

 

"Yeah, Quinn was so tiny back then."

 

I can't help but smile as I listen to stories about Quinn's childhood. He sits quietly, laughing and responding occasionally. It warms my heart to be part of these little moments in his life.

 

We eat amid the cool breeze and conversations that increasingly involve me, to the point where I sometimes choke on their direct questions from both P'Kuafah and P' Daonuea. They're both so straightforward.

 

"So, are you living together?"

 

"Uh, yes. Actually, my dorm is pretty far, so decided to stay with Quinn."

 

"That's too soon!" P' Daonuea hisses. He seems quite protective of Quinn, but I believe he can tell that I genuinely love him.

 

"Don't forget the protection."

 

"P' Fah, there you go again. Quinn's a good kid, right?"

 

"..." And the fact that Quinn doesn't answer and avoids eye contact makes P' Daonuea's eyes widen. He shifts his gaze to me, glaring like a thug, though he still looks like a kindergartener.

 

"You punks!"

 

"And who are you to call anyone out?"

 

"Oh, and what about you? You did it before all of us."

 

"I admit it. But I only love my partner. I love him so, so much."

 

"Ugh, gross!" And then the conversation shifts to something else. I want to thank heaven eight hundred times that the brothers stop grilling me about this. But I believe they understand. After all, they grew up with Quinn.

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"So, what do you think of my relatives?"

 

"Too good-looking. I'm shocked."

 

"Yeah, I'm used to it. I've seen them since I was a kid. P'Kuafah is beyond that word."

 

"True, but P'Daonuea is a whole different vibe. Like a kid just learning to walk."

 

"Adorable." 

 

"Don't compliment other guys in front of me. I'm the number one jealous person in Nakhon Pathom."

 

Quinn pushes Duang's face away as he leans in close while we park the car in front of the dorm.

 

"Wanna go to 7-Eleven? Looks like you're out of drinking water."

 

"Yeah, let's go." Quinn takes Duang's hand and leads him across the street to stop by 7-Eleven before heading back to the dorm.

 

Today, Quinn is especially adorable because even after crossing to the other side, he doesn't let go of Duang's hand. Duang smiles to himself, following the cute guy who keeps tossing snacks into the orange basket. Quinn is slim; no matter how much he eats, he never gains weight. That's why Duang never stops him from eating whatever he wants. But maybe he should take him to exercise sometimes. Or maybe... exercising in bed is enough.

 

"Are we out of that thing?"

 

"What do you mean? If you mean water, it's out."

 

"No, condoms."

 

"Th-they're out."

 

Duang stammers in response. Is he going to buy some? Does that mean I have a chance tonight? Or... maybe even right now?

 

"You're always thinking dirty."

 

"Well, you're the one who keeps giving me hope."

 

"Let me get a nap first, then we'll see."

 

"You said it, okay?"

 

"You're so shameless."

 

"I admit it. Really, I won't even argue with it."

 

"Whatever." Quinn tosses two boxes of condoms into the basket before heading to the cashier. This time, Duang quickly places a thousand-baht bill on the counter before Quinn can pay. Quinn is the type who doesn't like anyone paying for him, but he's incredibly generous when it comes to others, which always leaves Duang baffled. Just the other day, Quinn went to Bangkok with friends and came back with a Gucci bag.

 

"For you," Quinn said it so casually and tossed the bag to Duang, who was lying on the bed playing games. And now, Duang is wearing the Gucci slippers from that bag.

 

"Told you they suit you."

 

"Huh?"

 

"The Gucci."

 

"But it's so expensive, like tens of thousands baht."

 

"I saw them and thought of you. If it were you, you'd do the same."

 

"I want to kiss you right here. How much would that cost?" Duang whines, tugging at Quinn's shirt as they cross the street again. Quinn doesn't respond, but when they step into the elevator and the doors close, Quinn's soft lips press lightly against Duang's.

 

"Once we're in the room, I'm changing into pyjamas. So don't even think about whining."

 

"You... you kissed me outside? You're okay with that?"

 

"Yeah, why not? This dorm belongs to my relative. Let them see. I don't care," Quinn replies nonchalantly, walking out of the elevator as if it's no big deal when they reach the sixth floor.

 

Duang watches him, realising Quinn must really be tired. He quickly strips off his clothes, washes his feet and face, changes into pyjamas, and dives under the blanket. Always so endearing.

 

"Goodnight, my good boy."

 

"... Where are you going?"

 

"Changing clothes. I'll be back to sleep with you soon."

 

Duang leans in close to Quinn, who has his eyes closed, and plants kisses on his forehead, the tip of his nose, and finally, softly on his lips. It must be the same feeling his father has for his mother. The kind of love that grows stronger every day.

 

"Hold me."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Please don't use that tone."

 

"Duang, hurry."

 

"Right away, sir."

Sigh.

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"Mama, this is Duang."

 

"Hello, dear."

 

"Hello, Mama."

 

"You're such a natural." Quinn's mom beams with delight as the person her only son brought home for dinner calls her 'Mama.' That's how she knows this is serious. Quinn never brings anyone home, not even close friends.

 

"Papa's cooking in the kitchen. I'll go help him. You kids sit and wait; the housekeeper will bring the food out."

 

"Mama, Duang doesn't eat bok choy."

 

"Quinn, you've told me three times already." 

 

Quinn's mom teases with a smile before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving Duang grinning like an idiot because Quinn is just the cutest in the world. He's breaking all the world rankings.

 

"Mama is so beautiful, just like you."

 

"Please, don't call me beautiful."

 

"But you look just like Mama."

 

"You haven't even seen my Papa yet."

 

"Oh, right."

 

Duang glances around Quinn's house. It's a rich person's house, no doubt, stylishly decorated and quite modern. He notices the furniture and a photo of young Quinn smiling brightly while holding an ice cream cone next to a California Beach sign. Duang wants to get it reprinted and keep it for himself to admire. Quinn has been fair-skinned since he was a kid.

 

"Papa and Mama love travelling. They always dragged me along."

 

"That's great. I travelled a lot as a kid, too. My parents were really active back then."

 

"But you don't remember anything. I do. I only started forgetting stuff around fourth or fifth grade."

 

"Why did you have such long hair as a kid?"

 

"I watched Tarzan and liked it."

 

"Quinn! Please!"

 

"I wish that weren't true, though."

 

Duang laughs until tears stream down his face. This idiot grew his hair out because he wanted to be like Tarzan. Seriously? How cute.

 

"Kids, Papa's here~"

 

"Hello, sir."

 

Quinn suppresses a smile as he watches Duang jump up from his chair to greet his father. He could've stayed seated, but Duang always goes all out. Quinn understands that Duang is probably nervous. After all, both his parents are of Chinese descent and might be a bit traditional. But Quinn already told him not to worry. His parents both graduated from American universities, met there, and then moved back to Thailand. They even have plenty of male friends who date other men.

 

"No need to be so nervous. We're all family here."

 

"Exactly. Papa and Mama have been waiting to meet you for so long. Quinn never brought you over."

 

"Mama, I've been busy with school," says Quinn.

 

"Papa told you to study at Mahidol University, but you didn't listen."

 

"It's no different. Both are far."

 

Duang listens to Quinn's casual conversation with his family. Meanwhile, he gets asked about his study and interests. The topic drifts far from the concerns he initially had, like the fact that they're two men dating. This reassures Duang because it shows that Quinn's parents don't see it as a big deal at all.

 

"Hey, Quinn, next week Papa and Mama are going to San Francisco."

 

"Why don't you just buy a house there, Papa? You've been four times this year."

 

"See? Even our son is scolding you."

 

"The city got the vibe. Duang, have you ever been there?"

 

"Not yet, sir."

 

"Come with us next time. Just bring pocket money; we'll cover the rest."

 

Duang's eyes widen. He'd feel guilty just being invited to Hua Hin, let alone San Francisco, and they're telling him to only bring pocket money?

 

My God...The whole family must be pros at spoiling people.

 

"Mama is so happy that Quinn has you."

 

"Papa, too. He talks more now, seems more lively."

 

"You're teasing our son."

 

"That's what love does, Quinn. Look at Papa and Mama."

 

"What can I even say to that?"

 

"Sigh, you're something else, kid... Duang, eat up. I made this myself. It's a restaurant recipe. I go there often and memorise the flavours."

 

Dish after dish is served onto Duang's plate. He smiles widely, thanking them for every bite. Quinn's family is so lovely-it's no wonder their son turned out this way.

 

"Duang, stay over tonight. Quinn can keep you company. Papa's taking Mama to a late-night movie."

 

"Papa, you're such a show-off."

 

"Why? I'm taking my wife out for a date. Got a problem with that, Quinn?"

 

“Mama, you're all dressed up. I thought you were just doing this because Duang was coming over."

 

"The food is for Duang. The fit is for the date."

 

Duang smiles, amused by how Quinn seems to have a love-hate relationship with his parents' constant affection for each other. Quinn, you're the best at making my heart race.

 

"Come on, Duang. Stay over."

 

"O-Okay, sir."

 

"Take care of each other. Papa's leaving now; don't want to miss the popcorn."

 

"Drive safely, Papa. You always drive too fast." Quinn gets his hair ruffled by his dad, who teases him for being so naggy despite still being a kid.

 

The two of them exchange glances as the housekeeper starts clearing the dishes.

Quinn is the first to stand up.

 

"Let's go upstairs."

 

"Follow me."

 

They walk up the stairs to a room on the left wing of the house. When Quinn opens the door, it's clear the room is spacious, partly because it includes a music practice area. Everything is neatly organised and very much in Quinn's style.

 

Duang's heart races as he takes in the details of Quinn's life through the way the room is arranged. He can play so many instruments. The grand piano in the middle of the room leaves Duang in awe.

 

"Babe, play something for me on the piano."

 

"What song do you want to hear?"

 

"I'll tell you, can you play it right away?"

 

"Not sure, but I'll try."

 

"Ordinary People."

 

"John Legend?"

 

Duang nods, sitting down next to Quinn at the black grand piano. The first note plays, accompanied by Quinn humming softly as if recalling the melody. The owner of the dark brown hair whispers for his personal pianist to sing a little louder.

 

"I know I misbehaved

And you made your mistakes

And, we both still have room left to grow."

 

"I love the next part the most," says Duang.

 

"And though love sometimes hurts

I still put you first

And we make this thing work

But, I think we should take it slow."

 

Duang loves these lyrics.

 

"Maybe we'll live and learn

Maybe we crash and burn

Maybe youll stay

Maybe youll leave

Maybe you'll return."

 

Duang watches Quinn's elegant fingers move naturally across the keys. Quinn continues singing with a voice that makes Duang feel like the luckiest person in the world.

 

"Maybe we won't survive

Maybe we'll grow

Well never know

Baby, you and I."

 

"Babe."

"What?"

 

The final note fades, and they lock eyes on the piano bench. Quinn always thought it was spacious, but today it feels much smaller with Duang sitting so close. Warm hands cradle Duang's face, a thumb gently brushing his cheek, and those sharp eyes convey a message without words.

 

"What is it, babe?"

 

Quinn smiles softly, his heart racing for no apparent reason. Or maybe, just maybe, it feels like a runner nearing the finish line. They spent the past week contemplating and planning how to take their relationship to the next level. Of course, Qin knows because he overheard Duang talking to his friends for days about ordering flowers and balloons. But in the end, he also overheard Duang saying on the balcony during a phone call: "Never mind. I don't think it's Qin's style, and it's not what I envisioned either." And now, at this moment, this very second...

 

"If I don't ask you now, I'm going to lose my mind."

 

Qin keeps asking himself over and over.

Is this it?

Is this what Duang has in mind?

Because for me-

 

"Will you be my boyfriend?"

 

"Will you date me?"

 

It feels absolutely perfect.

"Qin..."

 

"You didn't even put in any effort. You had someone else sing, and now you're sneakily asking me out."

 

"Babe... don't say that. I'm about to cry."

 

"Don't cry yet. Answer me first."

 

Qin smiles widely, making Duang cry even harder. Qin ends up cupping Duang's tear-streaked face. Seeing him so emotional, Qin can't help but think how fun it is to tease him. The one who's truly adorable here should be Duang. It's always been Duang.

 

"Will you be my boyfriend, Duang?"

 

"O-Of course!"

 

"Stop crying first."

 

"I-I can't! I'm so happy. If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up. I'd rather stay in this dream forever."

 

Qin kisses away Duang's tears as the other cries so earnestly that Qin wraps him in his arms. Those ridiculously sweet words Duang keeps saying-he always finds a way to come up with them. Duang buries his face in Qin's neck, repeatedly confessing his love, saying it as much as he feels grateful in his heart.

 

"I love you like I'm under a spell, Qin."

"Really?"

 

"Yes! I can't stop. Just waking up and seeing you every day feels like enough. Taking care of you, watching you do the things you love-it's all I've ever wanted. But now, today, I realise it's not enough anymore."

 

It's a confession so sweet, so endearing, that it becomes even more precious every time Qin hears it. It's valuable. It always means something to Qin's heart.

 

"I want to be a part of every aspect of your life. I want to be there for every moment, every place... It's always been you."

 

Because in the end, no matter where it all begins...Qin feels grateful to Duang for bringing them to this day....The day he finally understands the possibilities he sees in Duang's eyes.

 

"It's the same for me."

 

Everything has come true.

 

"It's always been you, too."

It's all real now.