North: How much is your love?

Chapter 8: Last night & Ice green tea

[>> Johan <<]

Last night.

22:37

I slammed my phone down on the table in frustration when I saw the message was 'read', but there was no sign of a reply. The music in the cafe, the atmosphere, the sounds of people talking, everything felt familiar. It was just strange… I don't usually come to this place in this mood.

 

"Have you ordered yet?" Thit's voice rang out as he sat down opposite me, just as Hill walked around the table and sat next to me.

 

"Not yet, call them."

 

"Have you been here long?"

 

"Just arrived."

 

"Why did you call us out here?" Hill asked.

 

"Bored." That's all I replied because I really didn't know how to handle this kind of feeling, so in the end, I just called them over to sit and drink with me. Only Tonfah didn't come, and he's probably buried in his books.

 

"Do you really think we believe that?" Hill asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

"I thought I could trick them."

 

"Are you trying to trick me?"

 

"As soon as I arrived, they started asking so many questions, 'Have you eaten yet?'" I said, reaching for the menu and waving to a waiter,  "Meat, you order first." I handed the menu to the person opposite me.

 

"What do you guys want to eat?"

 

"Whatever you want, Hill, you call too," I said to the person next to me. He didn't seem to pay any attention to what I said.

 

"Anything is fine, it's up to you."

 

"Okay, fine," Thit ordered a bunch of dishes. Oh well, even though I didn't really want to eat, I couldn't just sit around doing nothing.

 

"What's wrong with you?" Hill kept repeating the same question until I turned to him, frowning angrily.

 

"I told you I was just bored."

 

"Yeah, I know it's your business."

 

"Yeah, that's right, it's my story," I said.

 

"What's that of yours?" Thit seemed a little surprised, but I didn't answer because I wasn't in the mood to talk anymore. I lowered my head and looked at my phone screen again.

 

Johan: Where are you?
North: I'm outside.
Johan:?
North: Just out playing.
Johan: With whom?
North: With a friend.
Johan: At 10 PM? 

Johan: Where are you?
Johan: Why aren't you answering me?
North: Calm down.
Johan: Tell me exactly where you are.

(Read)

 

Secretly taking on a part-time job. Did you think I didn't know? I suspected it the moment he said he was out there.

 

North's face looked so sad that I initially just guessed, but when he texted "I'm outside" and then went silent, I knew for sure. And that restaurant… You thought it would be hard to find? The waiters are dressed so conspicuously! Damned…Why am I so angry?

 

"Jo, what the hell is wrong with you?"

"What?" I replied irritably.

"I'm asking you, what the hell is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. You too. Why ask? It's okay." I replied directly to the person sitting opposite me. Why do these guys ask so many questions?

 

"Look at that face."

 

"What about my face?"

 

"Like… a shoe sole," Hill interjected, looking up from his phone at me, "Your face is like a shoe sole."

 

"Yeah, I'm annoyed, that's why I called you guys out here."

 

"Well, we came here to sit with you, didn't we?" I frowned and asked Thit, "Is that not allowed?"

 

"If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be sitting here. But what's bothering you? Normally, when you're in a bad mood, you don't usually come to places like this."

 

"Well, I'm bored. I don't know what to do."

 

"Really? What are you bored about?"

 

"You really want to know that much?"

 

"Just asking around."

 

"I don't know," I replied, then sighed softly, 

 

"Do you like people who lie?"

 

"Who could possibly like that?"

"Hmm."

"Who's lying to whom?" Thit asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise, took the beer the waiter brought and pushed it towards me. I took it and sipped a small amount.

“…”

"Tell me the truth, is this the first time you've been lied to? You've always known that you were lying to others, and that they were lying to you, and you've never seemed to care before."

"Just as I suspected?" Hill interrupted unexpectedly.

"It's probably because you're so good at guessing," I said, taking another sip of beer.

"Okay, that's it, no need to push any further."

"What's up?"

"Forcing it won't do any good," Hill said to Thit. "Just leave it as it is; he won't answer anything now anyway."

“…”

"Yeah, just leave me alone," I replied irritably.

"So, do you know how people lie?" Hill asked further.

"I see."

"See?"

"YES."

"What do you think?"

"Driving past."

"Or maybe they deliberately drove around it?" Hill said.

“…”

"This is my business."

"If he can't answer, he's always like this," Hill said, then bent down and glued his eyes back to his phone to text his boyfriend as usual. Even though Hill was out with friends, he was still clinging to his boyfriend, which was really annoying.

 

If you asked me what I hate about Hill, I could only answer one thing: I hate how he knows so much about me. And it seems like he knows even more every day.

 

"Hill knows about this?" Thit asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I already know."

"You know everything, you bastard." I cursed without even looking at him.

"It wasn't hard to guess; I had a vague idea beforehand."

"YES."

 

"Are you planning to sit here in silence forever?" Thit said about ten minutes later, after chatting with someone who had just come to say hello and left. They probably noticed how quiet the atmosphere at the table was and asked.

"Are you going home?"

"I'm new here," I said.

"But I want to go home," Hill said.

"No."

"Keeping your husband?"

"Your father's the one," I retorted. Yeah… Another thing I hate about Hill is the constant teasing. Teasing Hill about that would be fun, but I'm not in the mood for jokes right now.

 

"Uh... sorry." I turned around when I heard a girl's voice standing next to the table.

"Yes?"

"Uh... could I have your LINE ID? My friend likes you." I accidentally smiled at her, and she smiled back shyly. Actually, she was cute, and this kind of situation isn't unusual; I encounter it all the time.

 

"No," Hill interrupted, making me turn sharply to look at him. Hill glared at me with an annoyed expression, forcing me to sigh.

"Uh... no, sorry," I said, smiling. She looked a little sad, forced a smile, and turned away.

 

"They look just like a married couple," Thit said in surprise. "What do you call this kind of thing?"

"Is that a mouth or a heel?" I cursed at him again.

"Then why not give it to them? Normally, you give your LINE ID to everyone who asks." The guy opposite me still looked confused. He's right, but I didn't want to explain.

"The tiger is about to retract its claws," Hill said.

"Really?... and then what?" Thit raised an eyebrow. "Explain it clearly."

"It's hard to explain," I said.

"You're making it difficult for him."

“…”

"Yeah."

"Annoying," Hill said, his voice slightly sharp. Actually, lately Hill and I have been like this all the time, though we haven't actually argued.

"He refuses to say anything. I guess we'll have to use a spirit summoning spell to find out."

"Hill, calm down," Thit said, trying to calm him down.

"I've calmed down now."

"Can you tell me?"

"Do you want me to tell the truth?" Hill asked. I sighed and nodded. Whatever, they'll find out anyway.

 

"Ah... I see."

"Surprised?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, but it's not shocking. That kid lied to you, that's why you're so angry with your friends, right?"

"Yeah, roughly so."

"Don't you realise?"

"Realise what?"

"You're extremely interested in that kid."

“…”

"Yeah, just tell him, I'm too lazy."

"Are you admitting it, Jo?"

“…”

"Yeah."

"So what did the kid lie to you about?"

"He hid his part-time job from me."

"That's all?"

"So what?"

"What's the big deal? Why don't you let the kid go?" Thit asked, surprised, and I frowned at him unconsciously.

"That kid just wanted to earn money to pay you back."

"But that's a bar!"

"So what?"

"So what?" I repeated his words, completely bewildered.

 

"So what then?"

"Damn it, I'm not talking to you anymore." I interrupted, annoyed.

"You're worried, aren't you, you dog? You're worried about him, but you won't say anything. You don't care about other people, but you lie to that kid, pretending you're not worried," Hill interjected.

"Don't worry, there's nothing to worry about. You probably sent Thap along to guard the place, right?"

"How do you know?" I turned to ask Hill.

"Just by looking at your face, I can tell. With that kind of physique, you definitely sent Thap to supervise North when he was working at Slot Out. If anyone acted suspiciously, you'd deal with them immediately, rotating the person supervising each day to avoid suspicion."

"You know everything about me," I muttered. That's why I hate that kind of behaviour from him. He's so good at guessing that he knows everything.

"Which tower is that? Oh, your uncle's son works for your father, huh? Are you a mafia member?"

"Admit it, are you worried?"

“…”

Yes, there is.

"Tell me why you're worried."

“…”

"Look at them," I said, getting angrier the more I thought about it. "Last time there was that incident at the bar, what if I hadn't been there? He might have been expelled." 

 

That night, North went drinking and got drunk. He had no self-control whatsoever. He just did whatever he wanted? And the reason for the fight was ridiculous, too, fighting over an ex-girlfriend? It was pointless. Do you think he can take care of yourself?

Hmph…

He's just good at talking. Just imagine if I didn't come, if someone else drove him home, if he caused trouble at someone's house, then you'd see how big the consequences would be. And that 200,000 dong debt isn't even a quarter of what I can handle.

 

"Ah... sigh, our friend is in serious trouble," Thit said. "He's seriously ill... very seriously ill. His mouth is also so bad that he refuses to open it at all."

"But what I want to know is why things turned out this way with that kid."

"Actually, the reason is quite long," Hill said, "But I think the main reason is because of that kid."

"What do you call him... he's the kind of person Jo can't handle."

"What?"

"Weaknesses."

"More than just taste."

!!!

"Hill," I called.

"Star?"

"You're talking too much."

"YES."

“…”

"Since you refused to say anything, I had to speak up for you."

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

[>> North <<]

He gave me money? Three thousand!? No way…

That's not right, I don't think so! There must be something wrong!!

 

North♣: Really for me?
North♣: Don't joke around, hyung.
North♣: It's not going to be deducted from the debt, is it?

(Read)

...he read it but didn't reply.

Damned.

It's a really unpleasant feeling.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

[>> North <<]

 

I walked from the parking lot to sit at a nearby stone table. The weather was quite pleasant this morning, but the sun would probably get too strong later, and I couldn't possibly sit here listlessly all morning. Maybe I should call someone to pick me up and take me to the department. But what would I do at the department when I have classes in the afternoon? The question should be: Why am I waking up so early?

 

Oh well, complaining is useless now that I'm here. I scrolled through my phone's contacts. Ter is out of the question because he doesn't have a car. Sket and Ikkyu are even worse, because if they knew I was here, they'd interrogate me until there was no clue left. Finally, I called Duen Nao again.

 

(It's only early morning, you bastard.) Duen Nao answered the phone, his voice sleepy and irritated, (I only went to sleep at four in the morning, you know!!)

"Oh, really? You've been playing games too late."

(I have afternoon classes! It's so bright... What do you want? If you're just calling to annoy me, I'll kick you.)

"Don't be so angry. I didn't tease you... Well, I didn't mind. But now I need your help with something."

(Not available.)

"Listen to me first."

(Go ahead and speak.)

 

"Come pick me up. I'm lonely being alone."

(What are you picking up? Where's your husband?)

"Husband, my ass! I'm serious. Come pick me up!"

(Where should I pick you up? Where do you want to go?)

"Go to the department."

(I told you, we have class in the afternoon.)

"I'm in the medical department. I can't go anywhere because I don't have a bike. Jo brought me here and then just dropped me off."

(Oh, okay… so you're planning to just sit and wait at the department, huh?)

"Right."

(Let's walk.)

"From here to the Faculty of Engineering? Wow… It's as far as the mainland to the Andaman Sea!"

(I'm too lazy. But wait, Tiger has morning classes, right?)

"Oh, right! Ask him for me, and come pick me up."

(Damned!!)

"What's that? Who are you cursing at? Are you cursing at me?" I said, startled by Duen Nao's sudden outburst.

(Wait a minute, man...)

 

(Ahhh!! Gently!! Nao!! Gently!! That's enough, it hurts so much!!) Tiger's voice boomed through the phone. What the hell? What happened? Why is Tiger yelling like that?

(Done) Duen Nao returned to the call, but this time with a breathless tone, (You've been making me tired since early morning.)

"What's wrong? What happened? What's the matter with Ger?" I asked.

(I kicked him.)

"Huh?! Why did you kick him?"

(He was half-asleep and hugged me. No wonder I felt annoyed! Damn it, that jerk, that's why I kicked him awake.)

"Calm down," I said, laughing. Oh my... I felt sorry for him and found it funny at the same time. Tiger is such a clueless idiot; he wanted to hug someone but got caught.

(Ger! Get up right now!!)

(Wait a minute! I'm in so much pain! I just woke up and got kicked, oh my god…)

(What time do you study?)

(Nine o'clock, why?)

(Go pick up North, he's in the medical department.)

(Oh, that's a different route. It'll waste gas.)

(Speak up for yourself!) Duen Nao said, then handed the phone to Tiger.

 

"Oh, you can't hide anything at all," I teased.

(Normally, I can hide it because I always wake up before him. But you, you woke him up. Damn, you ruined my fun!) Tiger sighed, his voice so dejected that I felt sorry for him. If I hadn't called Duen Nao so early, he probably would have gotten a little more hug.

 

"Oh come on, I didn't know. Come pick me up, I'm in front of the Medical Faculty now."

(What? Do I have to do this for the person who ruined my happiness?)

 

"Hey, that's a way of saying you don't know anything, Ger!"

(I already told you my name is Tiger. Why do you keep calling me Ger?) It's so annoying. Okay, I'll come pick you up later. Just wait there in front of the department.)

"Don't forget your promise to treat me to some green tea," I repeated from yesterday.

(Yeah, yeah, you devil.)

 

Finally, Tiger gave me a good scolding, but I didn't feel it much. Looking around, this place seemed strange, probably because I don't usually come here since it's in the opposite direction from my department. There aren't any classes nearby either. And rightly so, what would engineering students be doing near the medical faculty?

 

I didn't have to wait long before I saw Tiger, wearing his student uniform, riding his big bike up in front of me. I forgot that Tiger also rides big bikes.

 

"Get on quickly."

"You're already grumpy as soon as you arrive. Where's my helmet? I have to wear a helmet to drive safely, you know."

"I'm not giving it to you. Just let you crash your bike and die."

"Why are you so angry with me?" I laughed, and only then did Tiger reluctantly hand me his helmet. I took it and put it on.

"You're lucky. I don't let just anyone get a ride on the back of my bike easily," Tiger said as I struggled to climb onto his. Why does this scene feel so familiar?

 

"I've seen Nao sitting there all the time."

 

"Nao doesn't count because I only intended for him to sit in the back. I bought this helmet for Nao, too."

"How obsessed are you with my friend? But I have to admit that that hat really suits Nao, the orange colour." Nao likes orange, you know. 

 

After I settled down, Tiger started the engine, and the cool big bike rode off. I'm not an expert on bikes, so I can only comment on aesthetics. Tiger's bike is also very nice, but it's a different model from Jo's. 

 

We rode for a while before arriving at the department. Luckily, It wasn't as fast as It was this morning with Jo; I would have probably had to recite my prayers again.

 

"So, how was that kick this morning?" I asked, handing the hat back.

"Oh my god... It's so damn good!"

"Wait!" I interrupted, "High?"

"It felt like a cat's paw slapping my face... so incredibly soft. It was like being in heaven. All I wanted was... Nao, kick me again! Kick me some more!"

 

Um...

How should I respond?

 

That guy Tiger… look at his face. Please, don't use that handsome face for things like this, okay? It's ruined the image. I want to take a picture and post it on the page so badly. He looks like a devil, and this is supposed to be the representative face of my engineering department…

 

"You pervert, you devil."

"Huh?"

"You're probably the only person in the world who gets kicked and still enjoys it. So you've become a masochist now, huh?"

 

“Probably. But seriously, Nao kicked so hard, it felt like my guts were going to burst, and I couldn’t fight back. I couldn’t even raise my arms to block it,” Tiger said as we walked towards the Gear field.

 

"Why couldn't you block it?" I asked, frowning. "You could have just raised your hand to shield yourself, couldn't you?"

"Nao said it was in the way. He told me to put my hand down."

"Oh my god, he's the perfect, well-behaved boyfriend," I said.

"Yeah, I was raised on… that kick."

 

We stopped in front of the canteen. In front of us was a coffee shop with a ridiculously long line. Why is the coffee selling so well today? Normally, there's a steady stream of customers, but I've never seen a line this long. The canteen is about to burst, I'm sure. Ah, it must be because of that post on the page saying the engineering department's coffee shop is selling well because Jo came to buy from afar. My God, what kind of fame is that?

 

"It's packed like hell, isn't there anywhere else to eat?" Tiger muttered. "I guess I won't be able to drink your green tea now."

"No. I have to drink." I stood my ground.

"Look at the line of people. By the time it's your turn, you'll probably have finished studying already."

"You're exaggerating. Go get in line," I said, giving an order. Ever since I found out about Tiger and Nao, he hasn't been defying me anymore. It's called... knowing weaknesses… Only a few people, including Tiger's friends and me, know about this. And if you ask how I know… I overheard it by chance.

 

"Damn, how did you end up being someone like you? You've used me too much." Tiger grumbled, "Yeah, just 'green tea' (a slang term for manipulative women), right? You're happy just because you have 'green tea', aren't you?"

"Yes, a special green tea, less sweet, with added whipping cream, okay?"

"Probably."

"Well, never mind, it doesn't really suit us."

"You're a slippery eel."

"Give me two more sandwiches, with ham filling."

"Huh, you initially said it was only green tea?"

"I'm hungry, and I haven't had breakfast yet. Buy some more pastries or something. I'm starving. Buy a lot, you're treating me."

"Mom, the nickname 'electrical engineering devil' didn't come about for nothing, and now I understand," Tiger said, then went to join the line. I sat nearby, starting to feel a little sorry for him because the line was really long.

 

And right now I'm scrolling through Facebook…

 

MaPrang: Northhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh haha

MaPrang: What did Emy do to Johan?
North♣: Huh?
North♣: I didn't do anything, unnie.
North♣: Why?
MaPrang: He asked me to deduct money from you three times already.
MaPrang: I just found it strange and asked what you did.
North♣: Huh!!
North♣: Three times already, unnie??
MaPrang: Yes, he just told me.
MaPrang: So the total is 200,404.50 baht.
MaPrang: I can pay 4.50 baht for you.
MaPrang: Let's make it a round 200,400 baht, okay?
North♣: Noooooo!
North♣: (sends sticker)
MaPrang: No, what? Don't want to deduct anymore?
North♣: Noooo… I mean, don't deduct it!
North♣: sending sticker
MaPrang: The sticker is so funny, haha
MaPrang: I'm going to work. I just stopped by to say that
MaPrang: If you transfer money, remember to let me know beforehand.

 

And then Prang disappeared…

What the hell? They gave me 3,000 baht and then deducted 1,000 baht?! What's their heart made of?! And what else is this? What did I do to get charged three times?! 

 

I decided to text Johan. Actually, I didn't want to bother him while he was studying… but this is a big deal, 1,000 baht!

 

North♣: Brother…
North♣: Why…
North♣: Why did you do that to me?

(Read)

Hey, you read it but didn't reply.

Before I could even think or yell, a pile of sweets and green tea was placed on the table. Looking up, I saw Tiger raise an eyebrow at me before plopping down opposite me.

 

"Wow, that was quick!" I asked, raising my eyebrows. The line was so long, how did they get theirs so fast?

"Get in line."

“…”

"He's a real jerk."

"Isn't that cool?" Tiger asked.

"Nao doesn't like bad boys."

"Okay, then I'll go return it."

"You devil, forget it. But seriously, how did you get it so quickly?"

"When people saw me standing in the line, everyone was like, 'You go first,' and it went on like that until I was at the front of the line."

"Wow, the power of the handsome moon."

"It's normal, that's just how handsome I am. Did you know, my boyfriend is Nao – Duen Nao."

 

“…”

"Sigh, I'm happy when my friend is happy. Luckily, I haven't had any nightmares yet." I said, sighing. Oh my god, what's wrong with everyone around me? Thankfully, I'm still normal. Then I started drinking green tea with cake without any hesitation, and Tiger ate too. He'd just woken up and hadn't had breakfast yet.

 

"Oh, I was going to say something," Tiger suddenly said, his mouth still full of cake, "Your shirt is nice."

"This shirt?" I repeated, then looked down at the shirt I was wearing—it was Jo's shirt. It was really nice, I hadn't even noticed. And it was comfortable to wear too.

 

"It's gorgeous. If I remember correctly, this is a limited edition, right?" He said, reaching for the sleeve to examine the fabric.

"Well, I didn't have time to buy it because my dad wouldn't let me go due to school commitments. I couldn't even order it online because the stock was too limited."

 

"You couldn't go shopping because you were busy with classes?" I wondered. Couldn't you just go shopping after class in the afternoon?

 

"Min only sells these in the UK; they're limited edition."

 

Oh my god, that's amazing! So I'm actually wearing a shirt bought from the UK? And it's a limited edition too!

 

"Are you selling it? I really like it, it's gorgeous." He asked, his eyes sparkling. Tiger was the type of guy who loved designer brands, fancy shoes, trendy clothes, and apparently even car modifications.

 

"Ten thousand." I pretended to say it jokingly. That made the person sitting opposite me widen their eyes.

 

"Really? I'll buy it, give me your bank account number."

 

"Huh? Are you really going to buy it?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I was just joking, and I even tried to inflate the price because I knew it was real.

 

"Of course. But why is it so cheap? Is it a fake?" He frowned suspiciously and examined the shirt again.

"And you call that cheap? That's ten thousand dong!"

"Well, I don't know the exact price, but it's definitely not less than twenty thousand. Are you selling it?"

 

"Not for sale. I was just kidding, this isn't mine," I said, shaking my head. I knew it was expensive, but I didn't think it would be that expensive. Knowing the price made me want to take it off and fold it up right away.

 

"Oh, your husband's stuff? The one you said borrowed an extra jacket from?"

"Again, huh? Husband and wife? What husband and wife?" I retorted, pouting.

"You just want to show off your rich husband, right?"

"Okay, let's stop talking," I interrupted.

"Thank you for the meal!"

"Yeah, leave it there."

"Okay, then I'll delete Nao's picture," I said, pulling out my phone. Since I'm the only one in the group who knows about it, Tiger often asks me to take pictures of Nao and send them to him. I don't understand why he has to ask me to take pictures when they're in the same class.

"No, no, leave the thank you for now, but I'll send Nao's photo right away on LINE~"

"Okay, okay." I immediately sent him the picture of Nao dozing off in class yesterday.

 

"Oh my god, so cute!! I can't stand it!! Where is the restroom?!!"

 

"Wait, calm down first." I quickly intervened. Whether joking or serious, it was still a bit creepy. "Calm down, take a deep breath... damn it, hey, I wonder if Nao knows there's a pervert who likes him so much."

 

"Pervert? You're talking nonsense. *Sob* So cute, what kind of person is he...?"

"Okay, I'm going to school now. What about you?"

"I'm still sitting around here because I have classes in the afternoon."

"Oh my god, what do you do while you wait?"

"Just play on my phone, or just sit like that."

"Do you think I care? You're so confident."

"Honestly, you hate me, don't you, Ger?"

"It's good that you know. But you can go to school with me too; the teacher won't say anything."

"Forget it. Between playing on my phone and going to school, which do you think is better for my life?"

"Okay, sit down and relax. But your phone is almost out of battery."

"I have a power bank. And I also have mosquito repellent."

"Why on earth did you bring mosquito repellent with you?"

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

09:03 am
North♣: Are you planning to read this and not reply at all?
North♣: I don't want to bother you.
North♣: But could you explain the deduction a little bit? 

(Read)

 

09:42 am
North♣: So what about that 3,000 baht?
North♣: You gave it to me and then deducted it again?
North♣: Can I return the money to you? Haha 

(Read)

 

10:23 am

North♣: Just kidding, who would actually dare do that? Hah

(Read)

 

I sat alone in the Engineering Faculty building amidst the crowds. I kept texting, but nobody replied, so I was incredibly bored. Honestly, Johan shouldn't have brought me to school this early. I have classes in the afternoon, so I've been waiting here since morning... It's just so depressing.

What's wrong with him? He read my message but didn't bother to reply. If he's busy, he shouldn't read my messages... isn't this just ignoring me? 

 

12:04 pm

Johan: ?
Johan: Why are you texting constantly?
Johan: Are you that bored?

 

Ah! He replied! He replied right during his lunch break. So he just got his break…

 

North♣: I'm free.
North♣: I'm super free!
Johan: Yeah.
Johan: Then go do something useful.
North♣: Oh my god ; – ;
North♣: I have so many questions.
North♣: You deducted money from me…
North♣: Why? Why did you do that to me 😭? And three times! I don't even remember what I did.
Johan: Not surprised.
North♣: Not surprised about what?
Johan: Because you can't remember.

 

Oh my God, people's mouths... Is there a single day I don't get insulted?! And on top of that, I never get an answer to any of my questions!

 

North♣: Please tell me so I won't do it again next time,
North♣: So I won't get charged again

 

The message showed "read," but he didn't reply, making me unconsciously sigh. I'm not sure whether he's incomprehensible or I'm misunderstanding. When I started feeling hungry, I remembered it was lunchtime. But honestly, I wouldn't dare spend Johan's money. What if he suddenly asks for it back and I don't have the money to pay him back? That would be terrible!

 

Johan: How are you getting there?
North: Huh?
Johan: Black Ninja.
Johan: Who is that? Black Ninja?

Ah… you mean Tiger’s big black motorcycle, right? But how did Johan see it?

 

North♣: My friend, his name is Tiger.
North♣: What's up, brother?
Johan: Your friend?
North♣: Yes.
Johan: Ah…
Johan: Have you eaten yet?

North♣: I haven't eaten yet.
North♣: And what about you?

 

Wow, the conversation between Johan and me now feels just like a normal chat! Oh my god, I'm so emotional, I want to cry. Since we met, we've hardly ever talked like this before.

 

Johan: Why haven't you eaten yet?
North: Well… I don't have any money.
Johan: Not enough money?
Johan: Are you going to eat a whole elephant?
North: No, not at all, who would eat an elephant!
North: I just… I don't dare spend your money.
Johan: Why?
Johan: So you didn't eat breakfast either?
North: I did eat, sir.
North: My friend, Tiger, treated me. Haha

(Read)

 

He read it again but didn't reply. What's wrong with him? This has happened so many times! He left me waiting for his message for almost five minutes...

 

MaPrang: Noooorthhh, here we go again.

Wait! Why is it Prang messaging me? My heart is already pounding just from seeing her name in the chat.

 

North♣: Prangggg haha
North♣: Your messages are never good news.
North♣: I'm going to block you.
MaPrang: Calm down!
MaPrang: Don't block me. If I block you, who will tell you about the money?
MaPrang: Come and let me know that Johan deducted money again. Haha
MaPrang: I'll summarise everything after I finish eating this afternoon.
MaPrang: Just in case he deducts more. Haha

 

What the heck, another deduction! He deducts money for every little thing. What kind of person is he? But this time, I guess it's probably about Tiger treating me to a meal. We just talked about that, and then he disappeared.

 

North♣: Tiger is treating us to a meal, and that's not allowed?
Johan: I didn't think you knew.
Johan: Actually, you're quite smart.

 

Johan!! Being called stupid by you is less painful than this! Has anyone ever told you how vicious your tongue is?! And then there's your constant teasing and provoking!

 

North♣: I didn't know. Who would have thought you'd be angry about that too?
Johan: Now you know.
Johan: You're taking my money just to play with it?
North♣: Are you crazy?!
North♣: Who would play with money?!
Johan: Yeah.
Johan: Then use it.
North♣: You're really giving it to me? Like, you're just giving it to me for real? 

North♣: It's not like there's some kind of trick involved, is there?
Johan: Trick?
Johan: With you?

 

Okay, I give up. I won't argue anymore. Can you please stop saying such harsh things? My heart is broken...

 

North♣: Yes…
North♣: Use it if you want, then I'll go eat dinner first, okay?

(Read)

 

I got up from my usual seat, squeezed through the crowd, and went into the cafeteria. The conversation I'd been hoping for, a normal one, lasted less than five minutes. Then he yelled at me. Oh my God, I initially thought he'd become nicer because he'd actually give me money to spend. But wait… I still don't know why he deducted money from my account three times.

 

16:23

I was slumped over in the back of the classroom, next to Duen Nao, who was yawning with his chin resting on his hand. Across the room, Ikkyu was taking notes for a bit, then looking away, and Sket was sitting next to him.

Studying from noon until 5:30 without a break is truly cruel. The subject is so incredibly difficult to understand; I can't concentrate on anything at all. Tonight I still have to work at Yah's shop with Ter from 6 o'clock. I wonder if I'll have time to eat beforehand. Damn, I completely forgot to check my timetable for this semester.

 

"North," Nao called me.

"What?"

"Lend me your jacket."

"What else?" I asked again.

"So cold."

"Yeah, I know. I'm North, nice to meet you."

"This ridiculous joke should just disappear."

"You played that game yesterday, too."

"Oh well, just give me the coat."

"Are you really going to push me like that?" I asked sceptically. "Are you planning to share your jacket with me? I’m freezing like a puppy. Look at Sket sleeping there, it's like he's in the morgue."

"You cursed him out quite a bit," I said, chuckling softly. If Sket had heard that, he'd probably be cursed back. Luckily, he was fast asleep.

 

"You know it's cold in here. Why didn't you bring a jacket?"

"Well... please, let me share some of the warmth from your jacket. No, actually, let me share your husband's jacket."

"There! That's why I'm not lending it!" I said, pouting. What the heck is this "husband's shirt" nonsense? These kids have been teasing me terribly all morning.

 

"Why don't you borrow from Tiger? He's sitting at the front," I said, pointing towards Tiger, who was sitting at the front of the class. Even though we weren't in the same major, we did have a few subjects in common.

"No, it's sitting too far away."

"Text him to bring it over."

"I'm really worried about it."

 

What's with the shyness? If you even open your mouth and say you're cold, Tiger will probably strip off all his clothes and give them to you, except for his underwear!

 

"Okay, let me text him," I said, then took out my phone and sent a message to Tiger: "Hey, can I borrow your jacket? Nao says he’s too cold."

I saw him holding his phone, reading a message, and less than ten seconds later, he took off his jacket and asked someone to pass it to the back of the classroom.

 

"The person sitting above sent this down for someone named Duen Nao~" The girl in front turned around and handed us a huge coat.

 

"Thanks!" Duen Nao took the coat, then turned to me and scolded, "You're such a fuss!"

"Huh? But you said it was cold?"

"It's like I'm stealing someone's coat now. It's cold, right?"

"No, he likes the cold."

"You mean… the weather is cold?"

"...Uh."

(Actually… I don’t dare joke anymore)

 

"I don't like his coat," he said, but still took it off and put it on.

 

"Oh, you're not wearing anything?"

"I already said I don't like his coat. I don't like anything about him, even if he lent it to me."

"Why?"

"Because it's expensive. I'm afraid of damaging it. Before, I accidentally stepped on one of his shoes, and it got scratched, and I was so stressed out because he's the type who takes really good care of his things."

"Oh, you don't like wearing expensive clothes, do you?" I said.

"Well, this coat probably costs a few thousand, maybe even close to ten thousand. Tell me the truth, would you dare wear it?" The person next to me raised an eyebrow and asked, leaving me speechless.

 

Damn, after hearing that, I just want to take off my shirt and cover myself up as Nao did

Ting!

Who else sent this message...?

 

Johan: Where are you?

You're asking the same old question again...

 

North♣: I'm in the department.
North♣: I'm studying.
Johan: What time do you finish studying?
North♣: 5:30.
Johan: Where are you planning to go after studying?

 

I stared wide-eyed at the chat screen… Oh my god, I don’t know if it’s going to rain, but why is Johan asking me where I’m going first today? No more being so bossy like before! I want to cry! The whole world should remember this moment!!

 

North♣: I guess we're going to eat lunch.
North♣: Then go to work.

 

I answered truthfully because I had a shift at the Japanese restaurant with Ter today. I could tell Johan about this, but I absolutely couldn't tell him about working at a bar.

 

Johan: Are you going with Ter?
North: Yes.
North: Hill will come to pick you up.
Johan: You're letting Hill come all the way here to pick you up?
North: Yes… he usually picks me up anyway.
Johan: And you even chose to have dinner with him?
North: Yes… so what?
Johan: You're such a burden.
North: Oh 😭

 

"Oh, oh~ who are you chatting with~" Nao, I don't know when he crawled over to peek at my messages, teased me. I didn't hide my phone and let him continue reading.

"Oh my goodness, talking to your husband, huh?"

"Husband, my foot! Are you blind? I'm getting yelled at right now!"

 

"That's quite sweet."

"So sweet, it's giving me a heart attack! He just told me I'm a burden to P’Hill!"

"That's right."

"Ugh," I drawled, "What kind of friends are you, not even taking my side!"

"Well, it's the truth. Don't you realise it yourself?"

"I know... but Ter said it's okay," I said, sounding dejected. Initially, I didn't intend to be a third wheel between them, but Ter said it was fine.

 

"You trust Ter, but the car belongs to Hill. Think about it, if it were you, would you rather go out to dinner alone with your boyfriend or have an extra… burden?"

"Nao, please don't call me a burden!" I whined. Why is everyone so cruel to me? 😭

"You wouldn't want to be squeezed into that garish pink atmosphere either, would you?"

"Honestly, it felt like torture. They were so sweet to each other, love was everywhere, and I felt like I was going to melt in the middle."

"Well, you're just a burden to P’Hill, aren't you?"

"You didn't have to be so blunt!"

 

North♣: So what should I do now?
North♣: I don't have a car, how am I supposed to get to work?
North♣: I don't want to bother you, P’Hill either.

17:28

Johan: Yeah.
Johan: Then come with me.
Johan: I'm already in front of your department.