Duang With You

"Hello, what's up?"

 

[Where are you now?]

 

"Just parked the car. Do you want anything from 7-Eleven?"

 

[No, just come up quickly.]

 

"Is something wrong? Are you sulking?" I use my side to close the car door and clumsily lock it with the remote, burdened with a pile of stuff-painting frames, design sketches, and textbooks.

 

"Alright, no, it is. I'm getting in the elevator now. Do you want to keep talking until I get to the room, or should I hang up?"

 

Quinn doesn't answer immediately. He seems busy with something. After a while, he says can I hang up and then ends the call. I smile to myself... He's so clingy with me. 

 

I whistle and hum the song Quinn played for me last night. He says this kind of music is called funk. If you sing it without dancing or moving along, you won't truly feel the essence of the genre. I stretch lazily as I step out of the elevator, my back aching from a whole day of drawing.

 

I don't even want to think about sophomore year. How much harder will it get?

 

"I'm back~"

 

I turn to lock the door and hear Quinn's footsteps approaching. Everything seems to move in slow motion as I turn to see him in an oversized white t-shirt with a loose neckline, his hair tied up messily, staring at me intensely with a fluffy creature in his arms.

 

"Say hi to Uncle quickly."

 

"Babe!"

 

"Don't yell, you'll scare her."

 

Damn.

He's such a troublemaker... He buys a corgi without telling me?

"What? This is it. This month's wish."

 

"Babeeee... I'm going to cry."

 

"Isn't she cute?"

 

I plan to scold him because keeping a dog in a dorm isn't easy. The space isn't that big. We'd have to take it out to play every day. Plus, this breed is notorious for being heat-sensitive. The electricity bill isn't the issue; I could leave the air conditioning on all day without a problem. But I'm worried it might get sick. However, all the scolding I have in mind disappears when he places the tiny, ridiculously adorable paw of the dog on my arm.

 

"Isn't she cute?"

 

I lost.

How could I possibly resist this?

 

"She is."

 

"Good. See, Uncle is nice, isn't he?" Quinn speaks sweetly to the puppy in his arms, cradling her on his lap, petting and kissing her affectionately. I set down my heavy belongings and sat beside him.

 

"What made you decide to get her?"

 

Yesterday, I sent a friend to a corgi farm. This farm is Taiwanese, and they guarantee that the corgis won't have spinal or disc issues. As they grow and gain weight, they won't suffer."

 

"How much did you pay? Confess."

 

"Seven."

 

"Seven thousand?"

 

"Seventy thousand."

 

I lightly smack his arm, but he just shrugs...

 

Crazy. This silly-looking dog costs nearly a hundred thousand baht. Oh my god, how am I even going to dare touch her? So spoiled, lying on Quinn like that.

 

"I choose this one because she doesn't bark."

 

"Huh?"

 

"When I watch, she doesn't bark. She just makes funny faces, so I pick her... Got my vibe."

 

"Babe... My heart is melting. Why do you have to show such a soft, animal-loving side? I'm head over heels now."

 

"Really, Uncle?"

 

I know he isn't speaking for himself. He's speaking on behalf of the white-and-light-brown corgi puppy. Looking at her more closely, she really is cute. She doesn't bark, just makes little grumbles when Quinn moves around. When I stare at her for a while, she comes over to play with my pant leg.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

I bend down to pick up the puppy Quinn leaves on the floor while he prepares the pup's bed and fills a bowl with water. She sniffs me curiously, sticks out her tongue playfully, and nestles against my chest. She really is adorable. 

 

"Quinn, what's her name? She's so clingy."

 

"I haven't thought of one yet."

 

"She's chewing on my shirt button."

 

"Let her be. She's still a pup."

 

I listen to his sweet words as he crouches in front of me while I sit on the sofa playing with his puppy. Quinn smiles softly, petting the little one sitting on my lap, and his smile grows wider as she licks his hand.

 

I can't help but smile along. Quinn doesn't usually smile much, but having a puppy like this makes him so joyful and genuinely adorable when playing with her. If I knew it'd be like this, I would've bought you one ages ago, my dear.

 

"What should we name you? Why are you so fluffy? Hmm... Hmm." I press my nose against the corgi's tiny head. Once I get used to it, I can't resist. I promise myself I'll fatten the pup up so I can hug this fluff fully.

 

"How about Khonfu?"

 

"Oh, are you serious?"

 

"I've heard you mumbling 'fluffy' several times." 

 

"So you've been eavesdropping."

 

"Khonfu."

 

"Woof~"

 

"Whoa, she barks!" I laugh softly. This dog is so clever. I'm overjoyed when the puppy barks in response to her name, and Quinn smiles so widely his eyes disappear.

 

"Are you Khonfu? Hmm?"

 

"You're the cutest." Quinn strokes his puppy's fur before picking her up and cuddling her in his arms, chatting softly. I caught bits about taking Uncle Duang to buy a collar tomorrow. Oh, come on. I name her, and I'm still just the uncle.

 

"If I'm the uncle, what are you?"

 

"I have to be the Papa, of course," Quinn says proudly. He's like a child when it comes to the puppy.

 

"But I'm your boyfriend."

 

"You're still the uncle."

 

"I want to be Papa too."

 

"Then you have to take Khonfu for vaccinations and walks when I'm busy."

 

"Is that all? The duties of a papa?"

 

"Love her a lot, too." Quinn leans down to kiss the puppy's head several times until the pup grumbles in annoyance. Finally, Quinn lets her go to explore the room.

 

I reach out to stroke his long hair before leaning in to kiss him deeply but gently, so that it doesn't escalate.

 

"You're such a small baby boy, and now you're a papa."

 

"You're the same size as me."

 

"You're so adorable, even more than the puppy. What kind of person are you?"

 

"Move your face away. I want to check on the puppy."

 

"You're so attached to her. I don't matter anymore, huh?"

 

"Don't be silly. Come help me set up toys for Khonfu."

 

I laugh as he lightly nudges me with his foot. Suddenly, all my exhaustion vanishes as I watch Quinn crouch down, talking to Khonfu as if they're having a serious conversation. I'm so happy. :)

 

"Hey, pup, where are you from?"

 

"They just said she's from Taiwan."

 

"You should speak Chinese to her then. No wonder she doesn't listen to me... Khonfu! Fetch!" Jettana tosses a toy bone not far away, but the fluffy corgi just looks confused, twitching her ears as if she doesn't understand what to do.

 

"Go fetch it, quickly."

 

"Wow, even the dog is biased."

 

Duang shakes his head, laughing at Jettana's complaints but still trying to play with Quinn's dog. Honestly, Duang agrees with it. Khonfu is ridiculously biased. She barely listens to anyone except Quinn. Even at the vet, she's usually a quiet dog, except when she sees birds on the balcony. But when she sees the vet, she suddenly knows what to do, whining so much it startles him. But as soon as Quinn picks her up, she goes silent.

 

Like parent, like child, get it. But don't let Quinn hear you call him Mama. Quinn insists he's the Papa. Sometimes I'm the uncle, sometimes the papa, depending on his mood.

 

"Jet, be gentle. That dog costs a fortune."

 

"Really?!"

 

"Yeah, didn't you hear Duang say?"

 

"Hmph, I just want to squish her." Jettana cuddles the soft belly of the puppy, which has grown a lot since the first day he saw Duang post a clip of her lying on her back on Instagram. She's grown so much, like she's on growth hormones.

 

"What are you feeding her? She's growing so fast."

 

"Ask Quinn. He orders all sorts of things for her."

 

"Eats like her mama-oops, I mean papa."

 

"Careful, Jettana."

 

"Okay, okay, like her papa. Khonfu's papa."

 

Quinn watches Khonfu hopping around excitedly, enjoying her first time outside. Outside, it's just the garden near Duang's faculty. There are no cats or other dogs around, so he feels at ease. To him, Khonfu still seems so small. If another dog bullies her, he'd be furious. Everyone is protective of their own.

 

They sit talking about school, the weather, Khonfu, and the upcoming Loy Krathong festival next week. Initially, Quinn and Duang thought about making an ice krathong to float together. But then they realised that if everyone made ice krathongs, the water temperature might change, harming the fish and plants. So they decided to cancel it.

 

Maybe they'll float them in a basin in the room, let them melt, and use the water to water the plants around the dorm. That seems like a better idea.

 

"Quinn, do you remember his face when he said he'd flirt with you?"

 

"I do."

 

"He practised with Jet and the others so much that I got sick of it. And then he had the guts to use the 'Friend likes you. My name is Friend' joke."

 

"It's true. I begged Duang to use something else."

 

"It was funny," Quinn says with a smile.

 

"See? When people are meant to be together."

 

"Can't help it. Quinn loves me." Duang, now confident in saying who loves whom and who belongs to whom, puffs out his chest proudly before yelping when Khonfu, who has been nibbling on his finger, bites a bit too hard.

 

"But now, Mr Quinn probably loves Khonfu more than you," Pae teases. Duang frowns immediately.

 

"That's not true!"

 

"Duang is such a needy person."

 

"Don't tease him, or he'll start whining again about being loved less than Khonfu."

 

"Seeing a dog as your rival now? Mr Quinn, you'd better watch out. People like this can't be trusted."

 

"But I'm already dating him!" Duang, holding the puppy in his arms, argues passionately.

 

"So, Quinn, has he changed since you started dating?"

 

"Not really... but he whines a lot more now." Duang pouts, feeling betrayed by the open gossip.

 

"Oh, poor little whiner."

 

"And do you baby him, Mr Quinn?"

 

"Of course, he's my boyfriend."

 

Duang's face lights up with a wide smile at the answer. If he could, he'd pull Quinn in for a kiss right then. But before he can compliment Quinn for being so sweet,

Jettana, who is scrolling through his phone, suddenly exclaims with wide eyes.

 

"Someone took a sneaky photo of us, boss!!"

 

"Let me see... Quinn and Duang, freshmen, are taking their puppy for a walk in the garden. So cute, such cutie patooties,'.." Pae reads aloud from a post on the university's 'Cute Boys' page.

 

The photo shows Duang and Quinn from a distance, with glimpses of Jettana and Pae in the background, though their faces aren't clear. What kind of camera do they use? Such an impressive zoom feature.

 

"I can't help but laugh at the words 'cutie patooties."

 

"Quinn looks so cute in this picture. Save it and AirDrop it to me."

 

"Is this really the time to admire your boyfriend, Duang? I wanna know what they wrote! Keep reading, Pae."

 

"Alright, alright. It says a little bird told them that Quinn's corgi puppy costs nearly a hundred thousand baht and is named Khonfu. It's a female."

 

"Damn, they know so much!" Jettana bursts out laughing. Who are these people? How do they know this stuff? We just found out today that the dog costs nearly a hundred thousand. Who's been eavesdropping on us?

 

"They ended the post with, 'Papa and Mama taking their daughter for a walk. Such a lovely family."

 

"Mr Quinn is clenching his fists now."

 

"They mean you're the papa, and 1 can be the mama," Duang tries to console Quinn, who looks visibly upset. But the more Duang tries to fix it, the worse it gets because the comments are flooding in, saying things like,

 

"Mama Quinn is so cute!' and "What a sweet smile, Khonfu's mama.'

 

And that is it, folks.

 

"You're really going to comment?"

 

"Yes, I'm mad."

 

"Oh, this is so adorable."

 

Duang is trying not to smile or laugh along with his two friends because he doesn't want to upset his boyfriend. But Quinn is just too adorable, getting so worked up over being called Mama. He absolutely can't let it slide.

 

Not at all.

 

Charat P. - There's no Mama here, just two Papas.

 

And there it is. The more he tries to fix it, the more teasing he gets.

Oh, Quinn, you adorable little thing. 

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Duang gently strokes the soft cheek of the person resting on his arm. Quinn is fast asleep, breathing steadily. The room is chilly, lit only by the bedside lamp. Soft jazz music plays in the background, as it does every night when Quinn listens to a song or two before drifting off. 

 

Duang presses a kiss to Quinn's eyelid, carefully moves his arm out, and adjusts the blanket and pillow to make sure Quinn is comfortable. He can't sleep. Just like last year, he can't sleep. I can't do it. I'm too scared.'

 

Duang, you gotta take a risk or lose the chance. It might turn out great.'

 

Jettana's words from back then echo in his mind. Duang still feels the same excitement as he did last year when he finally mustered the courage to talk to Quinn.

 

It feels like Quinn is so far away, not just distant but also high up, like he's on a tower. Duang used to think their story was like that song by Stamp, the one that goes,

 

But the ice won't melt, it doesn't turn into love. I'm not warm enough, and you still want us to be just acquaintances...

 

My heart has no strength left. Ice Princess, you're so cold! 

But once he gets to know Quinn for real...

Quinn is never cold to him again.

 

"Duang..."

 

"Oh, why did you wake up?"

 

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Quinn mumbles, his eyes barely open, but he tries to stay awake.

 

Tomorrow, they don't have any classes since it's close to exam week. They only have projects to submit on time and a few in-person exams for classes that don't offer take-home tests. Time flies by so quickly. It's been a year since their paths crossed.

 

"I can't sleep," Duang replies.

 

"Is something wrong? Do you want to talk about it? Want a hug?"

 

Duang loves Quinn's eagerness to help. He nods and moves into Quinn's arms. Quinn presses his nose into Duang's fragrant hair, holding him close even though he's still half-asleep.

 

"So, what's on your mind?"

 

"Do you know, last year, around this time, I couldn't sleep either."

 

Quinn stays still, gently stroking Duang's hair, always ready to listen to whatever he has to say.

 

"I kept thinking about how the next day, I'd have to see you, talk to you, and try to be part of your world... It was all so overwhelming. I felt so small. I honestly didn't know what I'd do if you rejected me that day. Maybe I'd have to drown my sorrows in beer every day."

 

"Who told you to like me that much?"

 

"Exactly. Just one look at you, and my heart is yours."

 

"Hmph." Quinn chuckles, hugging Duang tightly, much like how he'd cuddle Khonfu when she's being irresistibly cute, now fast asleep on her little bed.

 

"I remember everything about you, Quinn. It's crazy. The day you came to register for enrollment, you were wearing Vans. During the welcoming ceremony, you wore the same pair. It's lucky you are a freshman and have to wear a name tag; otherwise, I'd have to go through the trouble of finding out your name."

 

"Then why do you have to ask me out in person? You could've messaged me on LINE. You have my LINE."

 

"I do, but I kept typing and deleting messages in your chat from the first day I got your contact. But I knew I didn't have the right to message you. Besides, I wanted to talk to you face-to-face. I'm sincere. When I look into your eyes, you can see that."

 

"I do... That's why I agreed to see you."

 

"See? And look at us now. It feels like a dream."

 

"You, hopeless romantic."

 

"I admit it. I really love you."

 

"I love you, too."

 

"Quinn."

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Be honest. Back then, did a lot of people try to hit on you?" Duang bites his lip. He already knows the answer. Quinn probably has admirers, both guys and girls, because of who he is. Quinn has this unisex charm that can make anyone fall for him without realising it. Duang isn't exaggerating.

 

"There are a few, but I don't pay much attention."

 

"Really?"

 

"At first, I thought being in a relationship wasn't necessary. I didn't want to be responsible for anyone's feelings. Even though I knew the world could be harsh, and people had to take responsibility for their own emotions, I thought if I ever fell in love, I wouldn't be able to resist taking care of their love."

 

Duang loves listening to Quinn talk. He loves hearing his perspectives. He loves the way Quinn sees the world. Maybe that's what he falls in love with-the things he wouldn't have discovered if he hadn't taken the time to look deeper.

 

"When I met you, I thought, 'Why not give it a try?' I don't know if there is more to it than just seeing the possibility. But the more I saw you, the more I thought it had to be you. And as time went on, I realised it could only ever be you. Otherwise, it wouldn't work out. Not everyone understands me. Not everyone would say they can wait and actually mean it, as you do."

 

"Your relatives tell me you're the type to do things only when you're ready."

 

"That's true."

 

"Like how you think about studying jazz for years."

 

"I just didn't want to miss the chance. Once I decide to do something, I commit to it fully. I won't abandon it. I do my best and make sure I stick with what I choose. I don't like hearing phrases like 'burned out or 'lost passion."

 

"People should stop doing things just for passion. Once you choose something, that's it. If you can't do it well, quit and choose something else. Be brave enough to give yourself another chance. Fall and get back up. Don't blame it on passion. But for me, I know that once I choose, that's it. Like how I choose you, and I haven't looked at anyone else."

 

"I love it when you talk like this."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yeah. You're different from everyone else."

 

"What makes me special is that you love me."

 

Duang smiles widely, pulling away from Quinn's arms to share the same pillow. He gives Quinn a light kiss as a thank-you for saying such sweet things before bed.

 

"Go to sleep. It's 3 AM, Duang."

"Okay. Goodnight."

 

"Goodnight."

 

That night, Duang dreams he's shrunk down to a small size, just like Quinn has reverted to his elementary school self, as he's seen in a photo during a family dinner at Quinn's house. They play together on the beach, building sandcastles and watching the waves wash them away, smiling with the knowledge that they can always rebuild them together.

 

As long as they have each other, that is enough.

 

 ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"Khonfu, this is a krathong. Do you like it?"

 

"Woof~~"

 

"You like it, huh? It's cold too. Here, Papa will let you touch it."

 

I watch Duang chatting with Khonfu about the ice krathong we're about to float in the basin. Khonfu hops around like a little rabbit. I smile to myself, pick up my phone to take a picture, and post it on my rarely-used Instagram before putting the phone away.

 

Duang looks up at me as I approach with a snack for Khonfu. After we finish floating the krathong in the room, we plan to go out for food and then drop Khonfu off with one of my female friends. Tonight, Duang, I, and the rest of our friends are heading to a bar to celebrate a senior's birthday.

 

"Khonfu, listen to Papa sing. Remember it so you can sing with your friends, okay?"

 

"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down. 

Never gonna run around and desert you, my kratong."

 

"Duang, please stop," I say, scolding him as he starts rambling nonsense. He laughs, clearly amused, before we begin floating our krathong. It feels more like a ceremonial gesture than anything serious. Meanwhile, Khonfu looks utterly confused, trying to figure out what these humans are up to.

 

"All done. May the wish come true," Duang says.

 

I observed Khonfu for a while. Normally, corgis are extremely attached to their owners, but since Khonfu has two owners, she seems to have taken Duang's side more seriously. I tend to buy her lots of treats but rarely let her eat them, worried about her weight. She's already chubbier than her peers. Duang, on the other hand, doesn't buy much because I scold him, but he always sneaks treats to Khonfu anyway.

 

"Come on, follow Papa. Good girl, over here," Duang calls Khonfu to put on her leash. He stands there, debating whether to carry her or use the leash. Finally, he shouts to me as I stand by the balcony, watching our ice krathong slowly melt.

 

"Quinn, I'm going to carry her. I don't want to leash her; I'm afraid someone might step on her."

 

"Okay."

 

"Alright, let's go, sweetie. Ready for an adventure?"

 

"Woof!"

 

"See? Your daughter is programmed. Just say 'adventure,' and her ears perk up," Duang says, scooping Khonfu up and holding her close.

 

I turn off the air conditioning, switch off the lights, check the room, and lock the door before following him to the car.

 

"The traffic is terrible," I grumble. It's probably because people from outside are coming to float their krathongs at the university. There are events, food stalls, and photo spots.

 

Duang nods, turning the steering wheel as he searches for a parking spot. Khonfu clings to the car door, eagerly watching the scenery outside. She seems especially excited to be out and about. Suddenly, I think about renting a house with a yard where Khonfu can run around.

 

"Babe," I say.

 

"What is it?"

 

"Let's rent a house."

 

"You're getting ahead of yourself," Duang replies.

 

"Seriously, my room is a mess, and there's so much stuff-yours, mine, and Khonfu's. I want her to have space to run around."

 

"Then it has to be a single-story house. I read somewhere that corgis shouldn't climb stairs."

 

"I'll ask my parents. They might know of a good place. We can move during the break."

 

"You're really doing this for her, huh? Khonfu, Papa's planning to move houses for you," Duang says in an excited tone, which makes Khonfu so happy that she jumps onto his lap.

 

I chuckle softly, watching the two of them chat endlessly about gardening and home decorating. Seeing them happy makes me happy, too.

 

"You better behave, sweetie. I'll carry you myself," Duang coos.

 

Ever since that university page posts pictures of Khonfu and us, people keep asking to take photos with her. Duang knows I don't like strangers getting too close to my dog unless they're close friends. So, he politely smiles and says, 'Khonfu gets nervous around people. I'll hold her; you can stand next to us for the photo! And from then on, he takes on the role of posing for pictures with Khonfu and whoever asks.

 

"Oh my god, Duang and Quinn!"

 

"Ahhh, Duang's smile is so cute! Holding the puppy like that, my heart is melting. He's husband material!"

 

"Calm down. He's here with his boyfriend."

 

"Quinn doesn't even seem human. He's like an angel."

 

Duang gives a small smile to those calling out to him-some are friends, others are seniors. The photo requests are endless. Some people are considerate enough to take sneaky shots from afar. By the time we reach the spot where we're meeting our friends, Khonfu is so overwhelmed by all the attention that her ears droop. Poor thing.

 

"We're here!"

 

"Ahhh, Khonfuuu~-" Duang hands Khonfu over to Priew to hold give a small smile in greeting as Jettana comes over and hugs me tightly. He always acts like he's small, even though he's three or four centimetres taller than both Duang and me.

 

"Pae isn't coming. He ran off with his girlfriend. Mr Quinn, can you hug me to comfort me?"

 

"It's okay," I say, patting his shoulder lightly.

 

Duang glares at him nonstop. He always tells me Jettana is a troublemaker. Honestly, I can see it, too-he's quite cunning.

 

"Date someone, so Duang will stop sulking."

 

"Oh, please. He gets jealous of everyone around you. If Khonfu were male, he'd probably die of heartbreak."

 

"That bad?"

 

"Yes. No one loves you more than me," says Jettana.

 

"Can you stop hugging my boyfriend for one minute?"

 

"I'll answer that right now, Duang-no, I can't!"

 

"Quinn, come here. Khonfu's getting too hyper. I can't handle her anymore."

 

I get called away from the ongoing war between Duang and Jettana. Khonfu is indeed hyper, snapping playfully at everyone's fingers as they hold her. Her teeth aren't sharp, but I know it still hurts. I lean in close to Khonfu, who is being held tightly by a friend.

 

"Sweetie, don't bite people."

 

"Duang! Your boyfriend!"

 

"What now?"

 

"Mr Quinn just called the dog 'sweetie' and used a cute tone with her. My heart can't take it!"

 

"Hey, babe!"

 

"Here comes the jealous one."

 

"You can't be this cute in front of others."

 

"What did I do, babe?" I ask.

 

"You did it again!"

 

Jettana stands there, holding his head, laughing to himself. Just a year ago, they were strangers. Now, they're dating and raising a dog together. He can't help but feel genuinely happy for them.

 

As for me? Hah, I don't need a date or anything like that. Jettana's only request to the goddess of the river tonight is to win the lottery jackpot so he can use the money to solve the problem!

Genius!