North: How much is your love?

Chapter 14: Coffee Shop.

[>> North <<]

@Marry Me!

13:12

Stress…

I've lived almost 20 years and have never felt this stressed before…

"Sigh." I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my face. I was at a cafe with Ter and Thun, all three of us resting at the counter. I was using this break to think about my problem.

 

"I've never seen you this stressed before," Ter said, placing his hand on my shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Me too, this is the first time I've ever been this stressed."

"I told you to try asking Jo."

"No way."

 

"Why?" Ter asked again.

"I couldn't ask."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, you can't ask! Ter, you wouldn't understand me."

"Well, who could possibly understand you? Do you respect him? No need, just consider it another debt to your husband."

That's why I couldn't ask.

"Why?"

“Hey, you”, I sighed again, cutting short the conversation. No, absolutely not. I couldn’t ask Jo, “What do we do now? We’re almost here. Damn it, I wish I hadn’t been born so forgetful.” I lamented to myself.

 

"Can you tell me now? I don't know anything at all," Thun said, raising his eyebrows.

"North is going through a storm in his life, you know. But actually, if he asked Jo, everything would be resolved smoothly, but he's stubborn and refuses to ask. I even told him that if he was too shy, I could talk to him for him."

"No way, absolutely not. I'm not going to talk about money with Johan."

"So it's about money?" Thun asked.

"Something like that", I replied.

"Is there anything you need my help with?"

“…”

"Could you lend me around forty or fifty thousand dong, sir?"

“….”

"Are you crazy?" Thun said, gently tapping my head. "Who would lend such a large sum of money so easily? Normally, you'd need a proper contract to borrow that much."

"Hey, what should we do now? Should we just tell Mom the truth?"

"That's just how it is, what else can you do? Accept the reality."

"It's definitely ruined."

"What's broken?"

"My head would definitely be smashed to pieces," I said, shuddering and rubbing my arm as I imagined my mother's angry face. Just thinking about it made me want to cry.

 

"So why do you need such a large sum of money?" Thun asked further.

"It's like this, sir..." I began to tell the story, recalling what happened that morning.

Thump! Bang!

07:17

North's Mom: sending a picture
North's Mom: Good morning, son
North's Mom: Are you awake yet?
North♣︎: yeah
North♣︎: I hate your LINE username, haha
North♣︎: Can I change it?
North's Mom: Well, I only have one son
North's Mom: Why?
North♣︎: Nothing
North♣︎: You woke up early as usual. Today is Saturday
North♣︎: Sleep a little more to stay young and beautiful
North's Mom: Enough
North♣︎: Enough of what?
North's Mom: I'm beautiful enough
North's Mom: Everyone in the market is flirting with me
North's Mom: I said my son is in college, and nobody believes me anymore
North♣︎: Who dares to flirt with Mom North?
North♣︎: I'm completely impressed!
North's mother: You have such a smooth tongue!
North's mother: Are you going to work today?

North♣': Yes, I'm working at the cafe today.
North♣︎: I'll leave around the afternoon because the owner is busy.
North's mother: I'm too lazy to type; my eyes are tired. Can I call?
North♣: Yes, you can.

 

There's a call coming from: "Mom"

I immediately answered the call.

 

"Good morning, madam"

(Are you okay?)

"I'm fine. How about you, Mom?"

(Mom is doing great. How are your studies going? Don't overwork yourself, okay?)

"Studying is so intense, I'm exhausted."

(Maybe you should just drop out of school?)

"Oh my god, Mom, calm down, what do you mean by quitting school? People need to be educated, Mom. Getting into this school isn't easy. I've prayed at so many temples already." I said, trying to suppress my laughter at my mother's words.

(Mom was just joking. Keep going, honey. And what about the money? Is it enough? Manage it well.)

"Yes."

(Don't you dare buy anything secretly without Mom's knowledge, or you'll get a beating with a rattan cane!)

“Yes”, I agreed, glancing at the new computer on my desk that I’d bought two months ago. I’d secretly bought it without my mother’s knowledge, just saying it was for studying and working. But since I’d already bought it, I might as well have bought something worthwhile. Upgrading this and that cost quite a bit.

And absolutely do not let Mom know… if she finds out I bought it to play games, I'm dead for sure 😭

 

(So ​​you still have plenty of money saved, right?)

"Yes"

No, actually, there's almost nothing left… all because of this beloved computer.

 

(Mom called to let you know that Aunt Nuch is about to give birth. You're going to have an Uncle soon.)

"Really?" I asked, my eyes widening in surprise, then I suddenly remembered that Aunt Nuch was pregnant. She'd asked me to name the baby last time, but I'd been so busy I'd completely forgotten.

(Hey, do you want to talk to Aunt Nuch?)

"Yes, I'll tell you~"

(How are you, darling?)

"Auntie, why are you only telling me now? I completely forgot. I'm so sorry, I've been so busy lately."

(It's okay, university life is tough. Are you alright?)

"Yes. And you, Auntie? Is the baby being naughty?"

(She's so mischievous, I'm sure she'll be just as naughty as that girl. She's been kicking her aunt in the stomach all afternoon!)

"I really want to see my baby sister soon. So when will she be born?"

(She should be due on time in a week.)

"Congratulations, Auntie! I'll try to come visit when I have the chance."

(Remember that promise)

"Huh? What promise?" I asked, surprised, trying to remember.

(That's the promise to buy gold to celebrate your birth. You bragged about it so much at the family gathering.)

"Gold is happy to welcome you into the world."

Damned.

I remember now…

At the last family gathering, so many people came that when they found out my aunt was pregnant, everyone boasted about giving her gifts.

I also "accidentally" said I would buy gold as a gift when she was born, since I had a lot of savings back then.

 

"Ah, I remember now! But how much did you say you wanted to buy that day?"

(Those were just two or three coins. It was incredible. My mother and aunt were shocked, and so were our relatives. It's amazing how much money someone earns at that age.)

"Two taels of gold... Ah..."

(Don't forget! Remember to bring it when you visit Auntie during the birth. The baby said 'Thank you, Uncle North' as ​​soon as she was born.)

"That's going too far." I forced a smile.

(Seriously! Seeing two gold rings instantly transformed a newborn baby's eyes from barely able to open to big, round eyes!)

 

I talked to my mother and aunt for a little while longer, then hung up and sat there, my head in my hands, worried. Where am I going to find the money to buy gold for my niece now?

 

"You look so pale, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?" Ter asked as he came out of his shower.

"Ter... how much is one tael of gold?"

"I don't know, let me try to find out."

"Please find out for me."

"Okay, okay", Ter said, then pulled out his phone to look something up. Meanwhile, I started summarising everything in my head. Actually, I used to have a lot of savings, but I've already set aside half of it as a family emergency fund.

I just bought a new computer.

I just got my broken phone repaired...

I only have a little over ten million VND left...

 

"Hey, man! One only costs about twenty thousand (baht)!"

"Ter... don't joke around, man."

 

"Are you kidding? Look!" he said, showing me his phone screen. Nearly twenty thousand... it really was almost twenty thousand.

 

"Damn it, I initially thought it was only ten thousand dong, damn it, why did I have to be so quick-witted?"

 

"What's up?"

 

"I promised my aunt I'd buy gold as a gift for my niece. I promised two taels of gold, but I completely forgot that I'd used the money to buy a computer and get my phone repaired."

 

"Hey, how much money do you have left now?"

 

"A little over ten million."

 

"What about gold that costs twenty thousand dong per tael?"

 

"It's all over now", I said, rubbing my face. "If I told Mom I didn't have any money left, she'd ask where all the money went."

 

"He said he bought a computer and then modified it to play games. It's a computer that's almost half his height!"

 

“Back then, I didn’t know I was buying gold. If I had remembered, I wouldn’t have bought the computer,” I said honestly. I was just casually looking at computers at the time; I didn’t intend to buy something so expensive. But that guy Duen Nao kept praising this one and that one, saying they were powerful, and in the end, I have to admit, it was a really good computer, even better than the ones in the store. “If Mom knew I bought it to play games, I’d be dead for sure, so I couldn’t let her know!”

 

"So where do we make money now?"

 

"Yeah, maybe I should sell my game account? I have two accounts, I can keep one."

 

"You idiot, Mom." Ter shook his head, "But wait, you said you still have over ten million, right? You just got your phone repaired yesterday, too."

 

"That's right." I nodded because my phone screen was cracked like a spiderweb. It was probably because Day snatched it at the time that the touchscreen started malfunctioning, so I had to take it in for repair. I thought it would be cheap, but it turned out to be over ten million dong!

 

"Well, your machine is a new model, so you can't use cheap replacement parts. You have to send it to the service centre. A repair costing ten million dong? I'm shocked too."

 

"I was shocked. But I had to get it fixed because it was my fault, and the warranty wouldn't do any good," I said. When paying for the phone repair, I gritted my teeth, my gums aching. Thank goodness Duen Nao lent me his old phone; I would have been phoneless for days.

 

"When you buy expensive products, don't you think about how expensive repairs will be?"

 

"I didn't buy it. Jo bought it for me." I didn't think it would hurt so much when I had to pay for the repairs.

 

"Then why not let Jo pay for the repairs?"

 

"I…"

 

"Shy? He's incredibly rich, he might even buy you a new one."

 

"Don't be shy."

 

It's more than that. It's distrust. Is it fear that Jo would pay for my phone repair for free? My mouth isn't even fully healed yet!!

"So what's the final decision?"

 

"Let's wait and see what the paycheck is this month."

 

"That's not enough to buy gold."

 

"Can gold be purchased in instalments?"

 

"Huh? Who would let you pay in instalments with gold?" Ter shook his head, looking tired. 

 

"By the way, have you paid your tuition yet?"

 

“…”

 

"Not yet…"

 

"If you don't pay, your credits will be cut."

 

"Damn it… I haven't even paid my tuition yet. 

 

Oh my god… I shouldn't have rushed to fix my phone like that."

 

"See, it's because you're so forgetful. We haven't paid our rent for two months already. I think if the landlady cuts off the water and electricity in a few days, we'll be out of here."

 

"Damn it... Ter, do you still have money for rent?"

 

"Yes, I'm waiting to act alongside you."

 

"Could you pay me upfront? I'll pay you back later."

 

"Are you crazy? Do you think I'm rich or something?"

 

"Maybe I should ask P’Hill..." I said.

 

"Come on, just ask Jo directly. How many times do I have to tell you he's rich?"

 

"And you, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't talk about money with Johan?"

 

@Marry Me!

13:15

"Oh, in short, you forgot about the gold for your nephew, so you used the money to buy a computer, and then you forgot about tuition and rent because you took the money to get your phone repaired," Thun summarised what I had told him earlier.

 

"Yes, about that size."

 

"It's understandable, who wouldn't forget?" Thun said.

 

"Isn't that right? No wonder, Ter, right?"

 

"Getting kicked out of the place is probably understandable, Mom... if the landlady kicks me out, I'll be implicated too. If the water doesn't run or the lights don't work when I get back, I'll blame it all on you!"

 

"Why didn't you remind me to pay the rent? This is the second month already."

 

"I forgot too."

 

"See, everyone forgets. You forgot too."

 

"So what do we do now? He can probably explain it to Mom; at most, he'll get a few lashes for secretly buying a computer," Thun said.

 

"Just a few lashes, huh? My skin was peeling off! My mom – Nit – was the worst at the market. It really hurt. Just thinking about it makes me ache. No way, never! Being beaten by my mom is a childhood nightmare that still haunts me 😭."

 

"But tuition and dorm fees are important. Do you have enough money now?"

"I have a little over ten thousand."

"How much is the tuition fee for our department?"

"Sixteen thousand."

"You've already run out of money just for tuition fees?"

"Yeah. How much would you get for selling a kidney?"

"You still haven't given up on selling your kidney, have you!"

"How much is my dorm room fee, Ter?"

"Dividing it up, that's about three thousand per person, so for two months it's six thousand."

"Oh my god, what do I do now? Ter, can you lend me some?"

"Even if I had the money, I wouldn't give it to you because it's not a small amount."

"Thun, what about my salary? It's almost the end of the month," I asked Thun, intending to ask Yad for my salary as well. At least I'd have money for tuition and dorm fees.

"Yeah, I was planning to talk to everyone about this. I said I was busy this morning because someone wanted to buy the shop. Actually, this shop belongs to my sister, but I had to go help out with the matter."

"Buying the shop?"

"That's right. Initially, my sister didn't want to sell either, but the other side pressured her a lot. After much negotiation, she finally agreed to sell. Their offer was good too."

"So, this shop is about to be owned by someone else, huh?" I said regretfully. Why does it have to change hands right when I'm in such a tight spot?

"Yes, they're processing the paperwork; it should be finished soon."

"Who wants to buy it?" Ter asked.

"I don't know who the real buyer is because they sent a representative to negotiate, a young woman. I asked her why they wanted to buy it, but she said she didn't know, only that her boss wanted this shop."

"Wow, why do you want to buy so much? You must really like this place, huh?" I asked.

"Probably. The offer they made was really good. My sister couldn't refuse it. I was surprised that they were willing to spend so much. They must be very rich, but I don't understand why they would want such a small shop."

"What kind of proposal is it?" I asked curiously, "But I don't think this place is that small."

"That's a secret."

"Wow, how stingy."

"So, do we need to get acquainted with the new owner?" Ter turned to me and asked.

"What if they're mean? What if they get angry and fire me? I'm too lazy to look for a new job now," I sighed. I thought working with Thun would be fine because I could even sometimes skip work a little.

"They probably won't fire me. As for the salary..."

"I'll keep the same rate, but the new owner seems to be going to increase wages. Try talking to them to see if they can increase my daily wage. There's still a whole week left in the month."

"Oh, that's great! You'll even get a raise. Who knows, maybe you'll earn thirty thousand a month. If you don't get rich today, when will you?" I joked.

"Thirty thousand dong for just weekend work? My God, if it were me, I would have fired you the moment you dared to ask for that."

"Ter, you always ruin people's dreams." I pouted. Just kidding, but getting thirty thousand for a weekend job would be insane.

"Oh, by the way, I heard you're close with Johan now?" Thun asked. I felt a little awkward because his voice sounded somewhat reproachful.

"Well… not exactly close friends, but we know each other better now," I answered honestly.

"Is he flirting with you?"

"Uh... I guess so," I replied uncertainly. Johan had never said he was flirting, only that he liked me. But his actions were more than just flirting.

"North, I warned you," Thun said sternly. "Johan is a medical student, a real ladies' man, and everyone knows that. I told you so, so why are you still letting him approach you? Be careful, you might get tricked."

“…” I couldn’t respond and didn’t know what to say.

"So many beautiful, kind girls like him, and in the end, did he choose you? I'm not saying you're not good, I'm just worried about you. Think carefully. Isn't it strange? You didn't know each other before, and now he's suddenly getting close. Maybe he just wants to play around."

"Don't be angry with me, I'm just worried about you. It's really a scandal."

"Uh." I glanced at Ter awkwardly. Ter looked back at me with an equally awkward expression. Why did the atmosphere suddenly become so heavy?

"But I heard Johan has ended all his other relationships," Ter interjected.

"I'm not so sure, though, because it's hard to change a flirtatious nature. How much can you trust when you've just met someone? If you get deceived, it'll be heartbreaking, so leave yourself some room to manoeuvre," Thun said seriously, leaving me with nothing but a wry smile. Arguing now would only make things worse.

"I only said that because I wanted what's best for you," he said, gently stroking my hair as if trying to comfort me. I forced a smile, but he wouldn't let go, continuing to play with my hair. It would be so impolite to push his hand away now, wouldn't it?

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

The doorbell rang at the shop.

"Welcome!" I greeted the newcomer.

EH…

Johan…Why are you here?

 

Jo was wearing his student uniform even though it was Saturday, but his shirt was untucked, and he seemed to be in a bad mood. I looked at the newcomer with a confused expression before he walked up to me and pushed Thun's hand away.

 

"Hey!" Thun said, sounding rather displeased, but Johan didn't seem to care at all.

 

"P’Hill." As soon as P’Hill entered the cafe, Ter immediately called out to him and walked over. P’ Hill was also wearing his student uniform; could he have a class today?

 

"Ah!" I cried out when Johan unexpectedly pulled me to my feet. "Wait... wait a minute," I said as he pulled me along, but Thun called me back first.

 

"Wait a minute, what are you doing? Where are you taking my employee?" Thun said in a displeased tone. Johan didn't answer, but just turned to look.

 

"Is he your employee?"

 

"Yes, why?"

 

"Not."

 

"Huh? Not what?"

 

"It's not yours. Go home."

 

Johan spoke calmly and then pulled me up the stairs to the upper floor. I shook my head at Thun, implying, "It's alright." It was quite busy today, but the top floor was reserved for guests, so it was empty. Johan sat down on the chair hanging by the window, pulled me onto his lap, hugged me close, and rested his chin on my shoulder.

 

"Um... it's..."

“…”

"What's wrong, sir...?"

"Tired."

 

"Huh?"

 

The last time we saw each other was two days ago, I think. I heard Jo had urgent work and was busy, so I only managed to send a few text messages. Shortly after, Hill and Ter also arrived, carrying snacks and drinks. Ter paused for a moment when he saw Jo hugging me.

 

I'm so embarrassed in front of Ter 😭

 

"Hello, P’Hill," I greeted him. Both had just arrived and sat down on the nearby sofas.

 

"Yes," P’Hill smiled in response to my greeting.

 

"Hello, Johan," Ter said, but Jo seemed to only nod slightly in response.

 

"Do you have a class today too?"

 

"Yes, the professor made the appointment," P’Hill replied.

 

"Wow, studying must be really hard."

 

"That's normal. What's abnormal is that Jo went to school today."

 

"What's wrong?" Johan asked.

 

"The teacher is about to write your name off the list."

 

"If it weren't for the upcoming midterm exams, I wouldn't go to school at all."

 

"Where are the other two?"

 

“Fah went to get his stuff. Arthit will be a little late. Anyway, we had a dinner date,” Jo replied in a somewhat tired voice. I want to get out of here so badly… I mean, Jo, aren’t you embarrassed in front of your friends at all? 😭

 

"Again?" P’Hill shook his head slightly and turned to ask Ter, "Have you eaten yet?"

 

"Yes, I've already eaten at the restaurant. Have you eaten yet?"

 

"Not yet. Can you make something for me to eat?"

 

"Oh, we should leave the cooking to North," Ter said. I made a blank face at his comment. Me?

 

"The other day, he baked some cakes as part of his home economics class and brought them home for me to eat, but I choked on them! How strange."

 

"It was a new culinary experience, I told you so!" I replied proudly. That day, I gave one Nao, but he gave one half to Ger. Afterwards, Ger called me, bragging about how Nao made the cake for him… Thinking back, I feel sorry for him, but it's still funny.

 

"Why didn't you share some with Jo?"

 

"I don't like sweets," Jo said.

 

"Oh... by the way, Jo, North wants to talk to you about something," Ter said, as if suddenly remembering something.

 

"Hmm?"

 

"Wait, what's going on?" I turned to look at Ter, confused.

 

"Well, that's the thing, I don't have the money to pay the tuition."

 

"Tuition fees?" Johan asked. I looked at Ter and muttered a curse under my breath. Ter, I clearly told you not to say anything!

 

"It's nothing, really... nothing at all."

 

"Just say it."

 

"There's really nothing wrong, sir."

“…”

 

"He... like, Ter just said that, there's really nothing to it." I tried to convince him that nothing was really wrong, but it didn't seem to work.

 

"Hill."

 

"What?"

 

"Blindfold your lover."

 

"Huh?"

 

"YES!"

 

Before I could think any further, Johan loosened his embrace, turned me around slightly, his large hand grasped my chin, and he unexpectedly leaned down and kissed me without warning. My eyes widened in astonishment.

 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hill seem momentarily stunned before turning to look at Ter. I don't know what I was doing anymore, but a moment later, I unconsciously squeezed my eyes shut as I felt the heat engulf me. Johan gently squeezed my cheek to make me open my mouth, deepening the kiss. His hot tongue explored my mouth in rhythm with the strong kiss, though not as intensely as the last time.

 

I unconsciously responded to that rhythm, my hands gripping his shirt tightly, my heart pounding as if it would leap out of my chest. In that instant, I quickly pushed him away.

Hill and Ter are still here…

 

“…” Johan finally pulled away from the kiss when I pushed him away. My heart was still pounding, my breathing was rapid, and my whole body, especially my face, was burning hot. I immediately turned away because I couldn't bear his gaze. I tried to get up, but he pulled me back into his arms. Even though it was just a short kiss, the taste lingered on my lips… And every time he kisses me, it’s like this. That feeling lingered even after the kiss had ended…

 

"Jo."

 

"Huh?"

 

"That's going too far."

 

"Really?"

 

"Sigh." P’Hill let out a soft sigh, and Ter opened his eyes and looked at me with an extremely embarrassed expression.

 

"Um... it's..." Ter said hesitantly, turning to look at P’Hill, his face flushed.

 

"Don't look at me like that, honey."

 

“Uh… um.” Ter looked extremely flustered. “Ter, don’t make that face, I don’t know what to do anymore,” Hill said. “Uh… I, um, I’ll go downstairs and help Ney a little bit.” Ter stood up, but Hill held him back.

 

"Don't leave yet."

 

"Uh..."

 

"Jo, you have to take responsibility," Hill said to Jo.

 

"I told you I was blindfolded."

 

"Yeah, it's like I don't even exist here."

 

"Just like you used to do," Johan replied.

 

"He's about to die of embarrassment."

 

P’Hill!!

"So, can we talk now?"

 

That kiss just now was because I refused to say it, right...?

 

"Well... there's really nothing wrong," I said, because I absolutely didn't want Jo to know about this.

 

"Hill."

 

"What else?"

 

"Take your boyfriend out of here."

 

"Uh..."

 

"Wait! No, no!" I quickly stopped him. "Okay, okay, you can say it, but can we talk about it later?"

 

"When?"

 

"Um... can I leave work now? I have to go to work."

 

"No."

 

"Huh? No way, I'm working, what if I get fired?"

 

"Nobody's going to chase you away."

 

"How would you know? I really have to go to work. Besides, this floor is reserved for guests who have made reservations." I said, trying to pull my hand away from him, but I couldn't.

 

"I already made a reservation."

 

"Huh? Really? When? I didn't know anything about it. But... I have to go now." I tried to break free because I really couldn't take it anymore. I needed to retreat and compose myself.

 

"Are not."

 

"Oh my God, brother..."

 

"Do you really want to go?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then go pack your things tonight."

 

"Yes?…"

 

"Go to bed with me."

 

"Huh? How can that be?"

 

"And then what?"

 

"Yes... Please let me go first," I said, sighing inwardly. Why was he such a forceful person? Before Johan would let go of me, I immediately jumped up and hurried out of the room, with Ter following behind.

 

"Ter."

 

"What?"

 

"Don't be so quiet."

 

"It's not that I want to be silent... It's just... I can't speak, it's like I'm mute," Ter said, then raised his hand to rub his face.

 

"Do you want to have your nose steamed?"

 

"That's great, thank you," I said, taking the bottle of incense.

 

"Finally, Johan… oh my god… I’m your friend, and I’ve never seen you in that state before. That scene still haunts me."

 

"Ter... delete it, how far have you gotten?"

 

"Just a little bit, you looked shocked, I was startled too, then Hill covered my eyes."

 

"Just covering your eyes?"

 

"Yeah, Jo was really bold. He acted like I was invisible. Oh my god, thinking about it makes me so embarrassed, I don't even dare look you in the face," Ter replied in a trembling voice. "It was the first time I'd ever seen people kiss so close."

 

"Just get out of here, please."

 

"But it's you! Maybe I should get used to it? Will that happen again?"

 

"No, no, no, that's enough! If you say that, I... oh my god, why doesn't anyone think about my heart? I'm about to have a heart attack and die!"

 

"Your face is so red."

 

"Ugh... Ter, I... oh my god!"

 

"It's like your heart is short-circuiting, calm down, take a deep breath," Ter said. I tried to take a deep breath as he instructed. We were talking as we went down the stairs.

 

"I don't see how this helps at all."

 

"So what's that all about? When did you two start dating without telling me?"

 

"Things are a bit complicated, and we're not in love yet."

 

"What? You're not even a couple yet, and you're already kissing?"

 

"You asked the exact same question as Nao. But I'll tell you later, let me rest for a bit now."

 

"Yeah, yeah, don't forget to tell them."

 

"Then why are you even talking about tuition fees?" I asked, somewhat annoyed.

 

"Well... that's good, isn't it? After all, he helped you."

 

"Uh... I'll tell you about that later."

 

When we got downstairs, I saw Thun getting ready. As we approached, he didn't look happy at all and seemed very angry…

 

"Why did you just follow him when he dragged you along? I tried to help," Thun grumbled. "And look at his eyes, they look like he wants to kill me. And he even pushed my hand away, so impolite."

 

“…”

 

"Is that how a suitor should behave? It's obvious he's untrustworthy. Is he going to force you into anything?"

 

“…”

 

"Oh, no, there isn't."

 

"What are you doing upstairs? You can't even see the security cameras."

 

Luckily, the camera couldn't view it 😭

 

"It's nothing, I was there with Hill too," Ter chimed in. That's right... There was Ter and Hill too 😭

 

"Why didn't you refuse outright? Or were you bribed?"

 

"Huh? You mean Jo?" I asked, frowning.

 

"Yeah, you don't need to indulge him in everything like that. Besides, he's being a bit excessive; holding hands and being so possessive is practically harassment."

 

"Um... but he didn't buy me anything." Honestly, Johan never bribed me; he always forced me.

 

"It sounds like you've developed feelings for him."

“…”

 

"Um... actually... It's almost like that." I told the truth, otherwise P’ Thun would probably keep misunderstanding.

 

"North, how many times have I told you?" Thun continued in a displeased tone. Ter frowned, his face also showing his displeasure; he probably just wanted to escape from here to keep things calm.

 

"Yes, I understand."

 

"But you still let him fool you?"

 

"No, it's not that serious," I said, taking a deep breath. Maybe I should say something; it seems Thun really doesn't like Jo at all.

 

"I didn't mean to say you were lying, but I've heard the rumours about Johan before. It's not like I don't know anything."

 

"And you still accepted it? You're that obsessed with it?"

 

"P’Than, please calm down first," Ter interjected.

 

"But I don't care. Whether the rumours are true or false, I don't care, but the fact that he's good to me is true. In the end, he might actually deceive me, but what's clear is that what he did made me open up to him. That's all."

"I'm not a complicated person either, so I don't know how to prepare. In the end, if it collapses, let it collapse."

 

"Ah..."

 

"So I lost?"

 

"P’Thun..." I accidentally called out his name. How did things suddenly become so dramatic?

 

"Sorry, I must have been a little too hasty. I'll be right back." Thun said, then stood up and left the counter, leaving Ter and me sitting there, staring at each other in bewilderment.

 

"What was that atmosphere just now?"

 

"I think Thun is… well, not doing very well. It's always been my fault, always avoiding the issue and refusing to speak frankly even once."

Because I saw Thun as a good senior, I didn't dare say outright that I had no feelings for him. I showed some of it, but it wasn't clear enough.

 

"Has Thun ever told you he likes you?"

 

"It hasn't reached that point yet; he's just casually flirting, not being proactive at all, just like normal courtship."

 

"But you were really cool just now. Now I believe you're actually a simple person."

 

"Well, that's what I think. How many people do you think have already told me about Jo? But whatever, why overthink it? If I like him, I like him. If I worry too much, it's not me. In the end, if my heart is broken, then so be it."

 

"Just like the quote, completely drunk."

 

"Yeah, something like that."

 

"Seriously, aren't you afraid of anything?" Ter asked, his curiosity clearly visible. "If I were you, I'd be completely panicking."

 

"It's not that I'm not afraid, it's just that I don't care. Since I met Jo, I've never seen him being unfaithful."

 

"You're definitely not the jealous type, are you?"

 

"Yes, but there are exceptions, if they're too much."

 

"You're completely the opposite of Jo."

 

"What?"

 

"Hill said Johan is extremely jealous, but only with you."

 

“…”

"Feeling embarrassed?"

 

"Yeah. Why are you teasing me? And if it were you, wouldn't you be embarrassed?" I was getting a little annoyed. Then the doorbell rang. Another visitor?

 

"Hello, sir. Oh?" ​​Ter greeted, then paused slightly upon seeing who had arrived. "P’Fah, P’Arthit, hello."

He's a friend of Hill and Jo — two other people too…

Wow, you've chosen only handsome guys as friends!

 

"Ter, I was wondering why you were in this cafe, turns out you work here?" Fah asked in a friendly manner. What the heck, is this Johan's friend? I can't believe it, they look so different!

 

"Yes, that's right. P’Hill and P’Johan are on the top floor."

 

"Okay, so can we order now?"

 

"Okay, I'll bring it up," Ter said.

 

"Have Hill and Jo ordered yet?"

 

"Hill has called, but Jo hasn't yet."

 

"Really? Then could you call him for me?"

 

"Never mind, I'm too lazy. Let him order it himself," Arthit replied. "What should he order... an Americano, I'm so sleepy."

 

"Okay, I'll have a latte then. Can I pay now?"

 

"Just pay the bill now, Fah." Then Ter took care of taking the order and processing the payment.

 

"Oh, and this is… Ter's friend, right?" Fah asked while waiting for his change. I raised my eyebrows slightly in surprise.

 

"Oh, yes. This is North."

 

"OH…"

 

"That name sounds familiar."

 

"Is he the girl Jo is trying to woo?" Arthit's question made me feel incredibly embarrassed. How was I supposed to answer that?

 

"Ah, North is in the electrical and electronics field, right?"

 

"Yes." I nodded in greeting to them both.

 

“I heard Hill said you’re Ter’s friend. This is the first time I’ve met you. My name is Tonfah, and this is Arthit.” I smiled in response. Wow, Tonfah has such a friendly aura. Hill isn’t even as friendly. Actually, he’s only nice to Ter, not to others.

 

"Poor kid," Arthit said, "My friend is… really badly affected."

 

"What's up?"

 

"That Jo is really messed up. If he could tie North up at home and watch alone, he probably would have done it already."

Huh? Wait a minute, Arthit, what do you mean? 😭

 

"Really? It's gotten to that point?"

"Yeah, you really regret not coming to watch that day."

"Why? What happened?"

“Hill cursed Johan out, saying, ‘You can be mean to whoever you want, but not to my boyfriend’s friend.’”

"Jo is completely speechless."

"Why? Is he very angry?"

"No, he can't argue back."

"Jo? I really wanted to see her. I wish I had gone with her then," Fah said, with a slightly regretful expression. "No wonder those two have been acting so strange lately, always arguing whenever they talk."

 

"You can't mess with your boyfriend's family, can you, North?" Arthit teased.

"It's not that bad," I replied, smiling awkwardly.

 

"But Jo's doing better lately because he doesn't hang out with girls as much anymore. I think I can remember this person's name now, right?" Fah asked.

"I think you remember now."

 

"Tell her to study properly or help me with my work, because I'm so fed up. I always have to do group assignments alone, and I have to report her problems to the teachers," Fah said, sighing. Hearing about 'doing group work alone' made me feel sorry for her.

 

"Jo is busy."

"If you're too busy, just drop out of school."

"Fah, you're so cruel."

"You too. I've erased all your names and put only my name on it now."

"Hey, why can I only submit your name? The teachers said we should do it in groups."

"What a nuisance," Fah said. "I'm leaving now. You'll bring the drinks up later, right?"

"Yes, sir," Ter replied, and then Fah and Arthit went upstairs.

 

“Is that a friend of Hill and Johan?” I asked while making coffee. “Such different personalities! I’ve had my suspicions ever since I met those two guys.”

"Yeah, I think so too. They're always looking like they want to argue. When I first saw Hill and Johan together, I thought they were about to fight."

 

"And what about Fah working on the group alone? That's so sad."

"I heard there are four of them in the group. Only Fah wants to study seriously to become a doctor. Hill is being pressured by his family, and Johan and Arthit just applied for fun, and unexpectedly got accepted, so they decided to study."

 

"Yeah, that's right, Jo told me the same thing. But you're studying to be a doctor, how can you survive if you don't really love it?"

"There you go. Since Hill isn't being pressured by his family anymore, he hasn't been as serious about his studies as before. And as for Johan and Arthit, you've seen it yourself, that's why Fah said you should advise Johan to study properly. But he's smart, so he'll probably still get through it."

 

"What advice? I don't even understand the lesson myself. Just thinking about studying makes me stressed, and I don't even have money for tuition. It's a real struggle."

"Tell Jo."

"Damn..."

 

"New customers?" Thun asked as he walked in and saw us making coffee. There was a faint smell of cigarette smoke… probably just finished smoking.

"Yes, there are two of us. Oh, and the third floor is reserved, right?" I asked. If there were reservations, I should know, and Johan said it was already reserved.

 

"No. Oh, I forgot. If you don't reserve it, you can't use it."

"But Jo said he already made the reservation," I replied.

"No, no. Let me go tell them to come out first," Thun said. Ter and I exchanged bewildered glances. This wasn't good; if Thun went out now. Just then, the doorbell rang again. I turned my head to look in that direction.

It's Prang...

"Oh, Ms Prang!" I greeted her as she walked in. It seems I'm meeting a lot of familiar faces today. She was with another woman whom I didn't recognise.

 

"Oh? Do you two know each other? Hello, ma'am." Thun asked with surprise, then turned to greet the newcomer.

"Hi. Oh, North, why are you here?"

"That's the question I should be asking. Are you here to buy coffee, Ms Prang?"

"No, no, I've brought the new manager. Thun, this is Khim. She'll be managing the shop from now on. I've already informed everyone, so you can go home now."

 

"Ah... so my job at this place is over, huh? I feel a little sad," Thun said, a hint of regret on his face.

 

"A new manager?" I asked, bewildered.

"Yeah, I told you this place has changed owners, so I won't be coming here anymore."

"So you're the one who brought the new manager in?"

Wait…Don't tell me...

 

"Yes, that's my boss. Oh, it's Jo, Jo bought this place."

!!!

“…”

"North, why are you reacting so strongly? Why do you look so shocked?"

"...Is that Johan?"

"Yeah, she's my boss, and also Khim's boss. I don't understand why Jo wants to have this place and that place, making us employees suffer terribly. But since the boss isn't here, it's okay to gossip a little, right, Khim?"

"Yeah, that's right. When it comes to making mistakes, he's definitely number one," Khim added.

"Actually... he's right here."

"Huh? Where?"

"Jo is upstairs," I said.

"Oh no, this is bad. How did he end up here? Luckily, I didn't take Khim around the cafe, and we were just chatting."

"Wait a minute. Johan bought my shop?" Thun asked.

"Yes, that's right. Do you know him?" Prang turned to ask.

"Oh... are you really going all out like that?"

"What?"

"It's nothing, sir. I'll take my leave now," P’Thun said, looking rather unhappy. "I'll go ahead, I'll get back to you later."

"Yes, sir." Ter and I nodded in greeting, watching Thun leave the cafe with a rather unhappy expression on his face.

"What's wrong? Why is Thun acting like this all of a sudden?" Prang asked, frowning.

"It's nothing. But... so Jo is really the new owner of the shop?" I asked again to be sure.

"That's right, Khim will be managing things here in his place. And don't worry, Khim does a great job." Ter and I bowed to Khim, and she smiled back.

"Oh my god, I don't know what I'm thinking. I'm already swamped with work, and now I want another shop. And who has to worry about it all? It's me, Prang. Sigh, what kind of secretary am I, feeling like a slave? But oh well, as long as there's a bonus, I'll do it."

"Why did Johan buy this shop?" I asked curiously. I had found it strange when Thun first mentioned someone wanted to buy it. Now that I knew it was Johan, I was even more surprised.

"I don't know either. But hey, why are you working here?"

"Oh, my friend and I work part-time at this restaurant."

"Oh, really? Well, I think something's starting to go off. Jo even bought a bar recently."

"A bar?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

"Yeah, the bar is called Sold Out."

!!!

Damn...Jo bought the shop, and now he's really planning to kick me out?!

"North..."

"YES…"

"You're definitely dead, man."

“Absolutely… Why would you do this to me? I want to cry. But… he wasn’t planning on kicking us out, was he?” I asked Prang with a glimmer of hope.

"Huh? I'm not sure either. I guess it depends on Jo. But why would he kick you out?"

"What if one fine day, he suddenly decides he wants to kick me out? Oh my God, Ter, I'm so incredibly sad!" I said, leaning my head on Ter's shoulder like someone who had lost all hope.

"Besides, if I don't work here, there's nowhere else that'll hire me. I've already asked at all the restaurants near the school." As I spoke, I felt like crying inside. Without this place and Yad's Japanese restaurant, there really was no hope left.

Jo is really…

That's so cruel to me 😭

"Are you planning to buy another restaurant?" Ter asked. Hearing that, I froze. Oh right… don't tell me…

"Oh yes, that Japanese restaurant. I'll go meet with the owner tomorrow to discuss it."

“…”

"Calm down, there might be many other Japanese restaurants besides just this one," Ter said, trying to comfort me.

"It's a Japanese restaurant right on the corner of the alley, near Charoensuk Street. I think the owner's name is Yaah."

“…”

Damned.

"Damn it, I haven't paid my tuition, and I don't have my dorm room either," I said in utter despair. "That's so cruel... does he have any humanity left?"

"What's wrong? You work at that restaurant too?" Prang asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes..." I nodded absentmindedly.

"Ah... I understand. Good luck, North. Oh, and one more thing. Your motorbike... did you crash it down the mountain?"

"Huh? No, why?"

"It looks terrible, and the repairs will cost several thousand. Okay, I'll just add it all to your debt."

"Wait a minute, sister! A few thousand dong? Just replacing a tyre shouldn't cost that much. Back home, the most expensive thing is at least two hundred."

"It's not just a tyre replacement, it's a whole bunch of parts replacements. That's why I asked, did you really crash into the mountain?"

 

It must be that bastard Day! If he just wanted me not to run away, deflating the tires would have been enough. Why go to such extremes?! He did something awful to me, and now he's making me pay for the repairs too! 😭

 

"I don't want to include the car repair costs in my debt," I said honestly, because if I did, it would become a huge debt I couldn't possibly repay...

 

"But, I don't have the money to pay,… damn it, Ter…"

 

"Are you cursing at me again?"

 

"I was just expressing my admiration!"

 

"Mom, I'm drowning in debt, my life is a storm. How much would a kidney fetch...?"

 

"Come on, stop talking about selling your kidney."

 

"So… will Khim be managing the shop now?" I turned to ask Khim.

 

"Yes, that's right, I need your help. Actually, I already know everything about the shop, so it shouldn't be difficult at all."

 

"Yes... could you give me a raise?"

 

"Well, that depends on the owner, right?"

 

"Damn it..."

I uttered the familiar phrase again, raising my hand to rub my face. What am I going to do with this life now?

 

"I find it both pitiful and funny," Ter said.

 

"What are you laughing at, you dog...?"

 

“Okay, I’ll go first then. Jo’s up there, right? Please send my regards. I still have some things to take care of for Jo. Bye, see you later, Khim.” Prang waved goodbye to us and hurried out of the cafe.

 

"Wait a minute, Khim," Ter said, pulling me outside. "Hey, why are you so nervous? Jo likes you, so he'll definitely help you."

 

"Ter, I told you already, you wouldn't understand."

 

"What don't you understand? Tell me."

 

It's a condition for repaying the debt, that's all. Oh my god, how can I tell anyone about this? Just thinking about it makes me embarrassed.

 

"It's hard to explain."

 

"Then go talk to Jo. Ask him if he plans to fire you now that he's bought the place."

 

"Yeah, I was going to ask him, but I'm not ready to meet him yet..."

 

"You're embarrassed about the kiss, aren't you?"

 

"Ter... you really are..."

 

"That's all the advice I can give you right now. Hang in there! Are you planning to go see him? Take Fah's and Arthit's coffee with you too, we've been talking for a long time, so the coffee's probably all gone by now."

 

"Uh-huh..." I nodded vaguely, "You go first."

 

"Okay, I'll go get the coffee first."

 

"YES."

 

Then Ter hurriedly carried the coffee cup upstairs. I… I should probably talk to Johan. But… could I text him first?

 

North♣: Hey 😭
North♣: Did you buy the shops? Both shops and the bar too.
Johan: You know already?
North♣: Yes, Prang came earlier.
North♣: She brought the new manager, too, Khim.
Johan: Yeah.
Johan: Good that you know.
Johan: Grab an Americano and come up here right now.
North♣: You won't kick me out, right 😭
Johan: Come up here.

 

I stood in front of the top-floor door with my Americano, took a deep breath, and let it out. Suddenly, I felt too scared to face Jo. But… Ter is here, so it’s okay. Wait, Ter was there earlier, but he couldn't help at all 😭

 

As soon as I opened the door and stepped in, all eyes in the room turned to me. Johan was still sitting in his usual chair. Fah and Hill seemed to be studying, with Ter sitting beside them. And Athit was lying down playing on his phone.

 

"North, you're making an Americano, right?" Arthit asked as soon as he saw me.

 

"Ah... yes. What is it, sir?"

 

"I knew it, only Jo could handle this kind of drink."

 

"Huh?" I raised my eyebrows, not understanding.

I walked closer to Jo and placed my coffee cup on the small table in front of him.

 

"It's terribly bitter."

 

"If you complain too much, you don't have to drink it," Jo said.

 

"I'm not drinking any more, I can't handle it. Only you can drink something this bitter. How did you even make it?"

 

"Yeah, I'm fine drinking alone."

 

“…”

 

"It stinks," Fah said.

 

"Are you saying you want to humiliate Arthit?"

 

"Me too?"

 

Johan pulled me onto his lap again, his arms loosely wrapped around me. I tried to struggle free but couldn't. Arthit immediately looked annoyed at the sight.

"Annoying."

"I find you annoying, too."

"Act as if you're not even in the room."

"What do you choose?" Jo asked.

"Terrible violence."

 

"Hey, Jo," Arthit called, "You bought the shop without saying anything, so pay us for our coffee."

"Why should I pay?"

"Aren't you going to treat us? It's your restaurant, after all."

"Hmph, it's just a few coins for coffee."

"He's spent it all on prostitutes," Fah chimed in.

"Who are we entertaining?" Jo asked.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Arthit replied.

"Get out of my shop."

"Have you actually walked around your shop yet?"

 

Well… you guys are friends, but it's like you hate each other.

 

A little while later, the lively conversation in the room resumed. Apparently, the guys had a test and had arranged to meet here to study. Ter and I excused ourselves, not wanting to disturb them. Unfortunately, getting Johan to let us go was incredibly difficult. The highest level of intimidation he could offer me was threatening to fire me 😭

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

"Just borrowing it like that? Just saying 'borrowing' like that?" I asked again. It was almost time for my shift change, so I decided to try talking to Johan. Just a try, because I had no other choice.

 

"Yeah, what else were you going to say?"

 

"Did he give it to you?"

 

"Of course, it's just loose change."

 

"Calling forty or fifty thousand dong 'small change'? Oh my god, it's giving me goosebumps."

 

"Ter, let's go home. Should we stop by the dorm?" Hill asked Ter as he came downstairs, probably having finished studying.

"It's okay if you don't come," Ter replied, and the other three men went downstairs one by one. Khim went in to talk to Johan for a while, then Johan came over to me.

 

"Did you stop by the dorm?"

"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have anything to change into."

"If you're not going to come, wear my clothes."

Huh… then why are you asking? 😭

...

 

Then everyone went home, each in their own car. And all of their cars were really nice. Honestly, if I hadn't witnessed the argument earlier, I would have thought they were friends through a selective process. But now, it looks more like they were forced to be friends.

 

It only took a short while to reach Johan's apartment building, and it was still daylight. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I still have to work at the cafe, but I don't know what to do. The owner of this cafe always seems to want to fire me 😭

 

"Ah..." I involuntarily let out a sound when Johan pulled me down onto his lap again. But this time I turned my face towards him, so I was sitting with my legs spread apart on him.

 

"Uh..." I turned my face away, not daring to look him in the eye. I tried to move away, but was held back.

"Could you please let me go first?" I said, my voice sounding uneasy.

 

"What's wrong?" Johan asked, his voice serious.

 

"To be…"

“…”

"Can you let me go first?" I repeated, this time more pleadingly.

 

"Do you want to tell me properly?" he asked, then leaned his face even closer. I instinctively recoiled. Why get so close?

 

"It was… about a month or two ago, I used up all my savings to buy a computer, and then I forgot that I had promised my aunt at the last family meeting…"

 

"Let's finalise it."

 

"Could you lend me about forty or fifty thousand dong? ...but it's okay if you don't mind..."

 

"Okay."

“…”

You don't even need to think about it, do you? 😭

 

"Oh... thank you, but I..."

 

"Pay the deposit first."

 

“Umm…” Johan put his hand behind my neck, pulling me closer. The moment our lips touched, I squeezed my eyes shut. My hands rested on his shoulders, and I instinctively tightened my grip as I felt the warmth seep deep inside. His hot tongue explored every nook and cranny, gently biting both my upper and lower lips. The rhythm was slow, but the sounds of our lips touching were so embarrassing that my mind went numb.

 

My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest, and I was breathing so heavily I was almost out of breath. His arms were wrapped tightly around my waist. I don't know how much time passed, but finally, Johan slowly pulled away from my lips.

 

"Brother..." I called out to him, my breath still ragged.

 

"Hmm?"

 

Johan looked straight into my eyes. Perhaps because of our sitting positions, we were very close, so when he looked closely...

 

"Well... I was wondering..."

“…”

"Aren't you tired of me?"

 

"Let's see if I get tired of you."