OOPS! MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS: BOOK 1.

The Twelfth voice. [Jinna]

"There's a quiz next week, students."

 

As soon as the professor's voice faded, dismissing class for the day, the students groaned in frustration, while the professor merely smirked before walking away. As they walked away, my classmates in the section started to get up and continue eating lunch.

 

"The professor in that department is incredibly strict." Art grumbled.

 

"He has a smiling, kind face, but the exam questions he gives are incredibly difficult." Tos chimed in with his complaints, but what he said made me nod in agreement.

 

Professor Phak is a professor in the department we're studying in. The teacher is kind, but the exams are so tough that students talk about how difficult they are. Thinking about this, I can't help but think of Anda, who always scored at the top of his class. Despite working such a demanding job in the entertainment industry, he was a very bright student and still found time to study, earning top grades almost every time.

 

"I miss Andawa," Tos spoke up.

 

"If he were still here, we'd be studying late into the night like always," Art said softly, his eyes visibly saddened. Everything he said was true. For example, Anda was always the one who tutored his friends before every exam, but this time the tutor isn't with us anymore.

 

"Sometimes I wish Anda's story was just a dream."

 

"..."

 

"It's like it's still close to us, to the point where I can't help but wonder if he might not have committed suicide."

 

"You think the same way I do."

Tos nodded in agreement with Art's idea.

 

"Especially yesterday, when P'Kumbh almost got into a fight with James."

 

My friends told me about the series' protagonist getting into a fight with Anda's lover. Even though I wasn't there, I could tell what happened. Tense emotions must have been simmering at that time.

 

"Why?" I asked.

 

"Aquarius looked so angry at James that if we hadn't been there, those two might have beaten each other up."

 

"James used to like Anda, didn't he?"

 

"But our friends don't want to play."

 

I nodded in agreement because Anda had been dating P'Kum for quite a while now, even before he entered the entertainment industry by acting in a BL series with James. Anda once hinted that the male lead in the series he co-starred with seemed to be interested in him, but Andaman wasn't interested because he was in love with Kumbh. Although Anda's relationship with his boyfriend is kept secret from his fans and family, he has told his friends. It's been a long time, so we've known P' Kumbh for quite some time.

 

"I really want to know what happened on the day it occurred. It's a shame the CCTV cameras at the condo are broken."

 

"It's such a coincidence that I can't help but think that everything is just too much of a coincidence."

 

"But the fan club pressured Ronnalak to release the CCTV footage," I fell silent when I heard a name slip from my friend's lips. 'Ronnalak' was a name I didn't want to hear. The further I ran away, the more it was as if those things followed me closely. I don't want to get involved with those people.

 

"Hey, I have a question." I turned to look at Tos's face.

 

"The Andaman truck has a front camera, but nobody's talking about it. If he really started the engine and slept in the car, the camera should have recorded the sounds inside the car."

 

"Right?"

 

"yes"

 

I agree because I've ridden in Anda's car many times. It really does have a dashcam, but the investigators haven't mentioned any evidence.

 

"Yeah, that's strange."

 

Art nodded in agreement.

 

"I heard that some of the evidence at the crime scene has gone missing."

 

"What the hell?" Art shook his head in exasperation.

 

"Ever since Anda left, plus everything that's been happening, I think it's strange. I don't want to believe that Anda really committed suicide." I sighed heavily, causing both of them to look at me suspiciously.

 

"What's wrong, Jin?"

 

"Hey, don't be so quiet. We're getting worried."

 

I pursed my lips tightly before speaking. "I hear Anda's voice."

 

"What did you say?"

 

They exchanged uneasy glances. They knew I had a special ability, but I'd never really talked about it seriously. Especially since last year's accident, this ability has diminished considerably. But still, it hadn't disappeared completely, and I didn't mention it much, probably causing them to forget about it.

 

"What did you say, Jin?"

 

I sighed deeply before looking at each of them in turn. Those two automatically moved closer together. They turned their heads left and right, their expressions not very good.

 

"I hear Anda's voice."

 

"Damn"

 

"Woeful," They cursed almost simultaneously.

 

"Are you sure?"

 

I sighed deeply again before nodding.

 

"When?"

 

"Often."

 

"What did it say to you?" Tos asked in a tense voice.

 

"I'm not the only one who heard it."

 

I reached into my backpack and pulled out the earphones I'd borrowed from Phodduang, placing them in front of both of them. They looked confused before speaking.

 

"These are headphones."

"of the beetle"

"The beetle could hear Anda's voice, too."

 

"Hoy!" They jumped in fright.

 

That afternoon, we were sitting in the engineering faculty library studying. Tos and Art went to look for books on one side, while I walked to the other. Besides reviewing for the exams coming up in a few days, I also had a design project to work on. While I was looking for books, I heard footsteps approaching. I listened intently because the sound of those footsteps sounded very familiar. That style of walking...

 

I spun around to look, but found only emptiness. There was no one behind me. But the sound of footsteps stopped behind me. This area was quieter than the others; there were hardly any people. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a male and female student couple several blocks away.

 

The silence and emptiness were broken only by the dim light from the ceiling shining down on the floor. Suddenly, I felt a gentle breeze pass over my body. But where would any wind come from in such a completely enclosed library? I pursed my lips, swept my gaze around again, and then spoke.

 

"You"

 

".."

 

"Is that you?"

 

I expected a response, but all I heard was emptiness.

 

"Anda, is that you? If it's really you, please do something to let me know that this is you," I said, like a madman talking to thin air, until I heard a faint voice carried on the wind saying...

 

"Jin"

 

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as if someone whispered in my ear. I whirled around, staring into the emptiness. My heart pounded. Although I was used to my own special sensations, when it happened to someone close to me, I couldn't help but feel excited. Above all, I couldn't help but tear up, because this was the voice I longed to hear again.

 

"Is that really you?"

 

"..."

 

"Why did you do this? Why did you decide to leave us like that?"

 

"Do you know how much we miss you?"

 

This time I heard Anda crying. That faint sound of crying made me feel a lump in my throat.

 

"Jin Jin...hiccup..." His voice trembled, "Help me...Help me!"

 

"What do you want me to help you with?" I whispered, looking around. 

 

"What happened that day? You didn't try to kill yourself, did you, Anda?" This time, his crying grew louder, the sound so painful that it made my heart ache. I wanted to see him, to hug and comfort him, but all I can do is silently stare at the emptiness.

 

"I miss you guys."

"I miss my parents."

"I don't want to die, Jin."

 

"Help me! *sobs* I don't want to die. Brother Kumbh! *sobs* I miss Brother Kumbh!"

That sorrowful voice was heartbreaking, and I couldn't hold back my tears. "If you didn't really kill yourself, can you help us find some clue?" I looked around. "I promise," I said firmly.

 

"We'll help you in every way we can."

 

"I don't want to die."

 

It spoke again before its voice faded. Just then, Tos and Art joined me. They looked surprised.

 

"What's wrong with you, Jin?"

 

"Hey, what's wrong? You look like you saw..." Art asked a question, but I refused to say anything. They exchanged uneasy glances, probably sensing the atmosphere around them.

 

"Don't tell me that...."

 

"Anda said he didn't want to die."

 

Their eyes widened so much they almost popped out of their sockets, and they practically jumped to hug each other. If Anda says he doesn't want to die, it means he didn't commit suicide. My friend didn't kill himself. I clenched my fists, remembering the voice of the deceased...

 

The pain and suffering are unbearable; I don't even want to think about how much agony Anda had to endure in the final moments of his life before he breathed her last. Just the thought that Anda's death was suspicious leaves me speechless.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"Walk slowly."

 

I helped the elderly woman into the house. Aunt Amporn turned and smiled at me, gently patting the back of my hand as she was about to sit down in the middle of the room. The elderly woman looked visibly tired. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the sofa. I walked to the kitchen to pour her some water. This morning, I had taken Aunt Amporn to the doctor for her routine checkup. Fortunately, she doesn't have any serious underlying conditions, but even so, we need to be careful about her high blood pressure.

 

I glanced at the healthy breakfast Beam had prepared for me this morning, and the fruit Thiw had bought the day before but hadn't quite finished yet. It was almost gone. It seems older people don't touch it much anymore. So I unpacked Beam's food, put it on a plate, microwaved it, and set the table.

 

Before inviting the homeowner to lunch, I saw the back of an elderly woman sitting and looking at a picture of her son and his family. Sitting in a corner, for a fleeting moment, I saw her wiping away tears. That brought back memories of last year.

 

'Dead End'

 

The sound of the moon echoed in my head, and suddenly the face of Aunt Amporn's son came to mind before I throttled my motorcycle and followed him home.

 

"Auntie, is Pira home?"

 

'Pira just went out with his wife and child.'

 

I remember that day, after hearing Aunt Amporn's answer, I rushed out, riding my motorcycle to catch up with Aunt Amporn's grandchildren. I chased after them in my car and kept calling until they answered. I stammered, telling Pira to stop the car. Before I could explain anything, I saw a black SUV collide head-on with a truck that appeared out of nowhere. Meanwhile, I was hit head-on by a pickup truck that had crossed into my lane at high speed.

 

'Don't go against anyone's destiny.'

 

'Why, Luang Da?'

 

"If you do that, you're the one who'll suffer, Jin."

 

I arrived too late. Pira and his family died instantly at the scene, while I sustained no other injuries except for one knee.

 

'Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear'

 

That was the treating doctor's answer. An answer that felt like a bolt of lightning to my heart, because it meant my future in football. This was a warning...when you want to defy fate, you will know that some things are possible, and many things you must not cross.

 

I sighed deeply, walked over, and patted the elderly woman on the shoulder. She turned and smiled at me through her tears.

 

"Auntie,"

 

"Let's go have a meal."

 

"Jin, you don't have school today, do you? You've been with Auntie since this morning. I feel bad bothering you."

 

"I'll leave after I finish eating," I replied that I had a lab class at the faculty at 3 PM, before helping her to a table inside the dining area.

 

"Really? So Jin will be having lunch with Auntie today, dear?"

 

"yes"

 

I smiled in response. Just then, I heard the doorbell of an elderly woman's house ring. I peered through the glass door and saw both Beam and Thiw. They all stood by the gate, waiting. Beam waved and greeted them with his usual sweet smile, while Thiw stood with a neutral expression.

 

"How did you guys get here?" I asked as I walked to the gate.

 

"I wasn't going to let you score all the points with Aunt Amporn alone," Beam grinned. "So I called Thiw to invite him to have lunch with her." I nodded slightly before turning my face towards Thiw.

 

"You got in on it, too, huh?"

 

"Beam told me to give him a ride."

 

"He's definitely tricked you, Beam. I heard there's an event at Thiw's faculty this afternoon, isn't there?"

 

"Well, Thiw didn't say anything, did he?" Beam turned to talk to Thiw. "You're not busy with anything, are you?"

 

"Mmm."

 

"See?"

 

Thiw paused for a moment before nodding slightly. This means he's definitely skipped work. I shook my head. They've gotten too used to being indulged.

 

"And how is your aunt doing?"

 

Thiw's question made me pause, because even though there's nothing to worry about with an elderly person's physical health, their mental state isn't always good. We suffered a major loss last year. Of course, the silence they received answered everything.

 

"It's not your fault, Jin."

 

Beam reached out and squeezed my shoulder.

 

"Is that so?" 

I sighed deeply.

 

"If I had arrived sooner that day, things might not have turned out this way."

 

"No matter what, Pira and his family will have to go anyway," Thiw said calmly. "You can't defy fate, Jin."

 

"Yes," Beam nodded in agreement.

 

"But if Phu had arrived sooner, some people might have survived."

 

They shook their heads in disagreement.

 

"Don't do that again, Jin," Beam said, his voice trembling. "We don't want to lose you." He gently shook my arm, his face showing considerable worry. I sighed deeply and found myself thinking about Anda. The fact that Anda is contacting me for help right now. Is this something supernatural, to the point of defying fate? And if so...what would the trade-off be?

 

[Phodduang]

"Phod Duang"

“....”

 

"What are you spacing out about, Phodduang?"

 

"Watch out, beetle!"

 

This time, it wasn't just the sound, but the force of the loud shove that pushed my shoulder, making me step back. I stood there stunned as the basketball flew past my face. I narrowly avoided the sound and looked for the source, only to find a group of first-year students standing and staring at me. They looked startled and quickly bowed, apologising for throwing the basketball in my direction. Of course, because I was distracted, I almost got hit in the face by the ball. Luckily, Dang saved me, but even so, the way he pushed me back made me stumble and twist my ankle.

 

"What are you spacing out about? I've been calling you for ages, didn't you hear me?"

 

I gave a weak smile because I didn't actually hear him call. All I could think about was Jin. He'd been acting strangely yesterday, and it made me uneasy.

 

"Hey, why are you walking so strangely?" Boom asked when he saw me limping.

 

"I wasn't watching where I was going, I was daydreaming and almost got hit in the face with a basketball."

 

"Oh, are you alright?"

 

"Just a sprained ankle, all because of this guy," I glared at my friend, "He pushed me too hard."

 

"Well, you were spacing out yourself."

 

"Yeah, thanks, you damn friend."

 

I made a face at him before following my friends. In the meantime, I saw Jin dropping Beam off at his faculty on his motorbike. Of course, he saw me too, so he parked and walked over to me.

 

"What's wrong with your leg?"

 

"Oh," I said, glancing at my leg, "I sprained my ankle."

 

"Where? Does it hurt?"

 

"Today!"

 

Jin leaned closer until I had to step back.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"I want to see your ankle." It reached out and grabbed my ankle.

 

"Don't touch it, it's dirty."

 

I hesitated, quickly moving my foot away as he examined my ankle for a while. That handsome face, so intently scrutinising my ankle, made me feel a strange palpitation, and I had to put one hand on my chest.

 

"It's not swollen."

 

When Jin looked up, I quickly averted my gaze from his.

 

"Uh... um..."

 

"Pod"

 

"Huh?"

 

"What did I just say?"

 

"Oh, uh...it's not swollen."

 

He smirked before shaking his head from side to side.

 

"What time do you finish school today?"

 

"Why"

 

"Phu has something that Anda wants to talk to you about."

 

I accepted almost immediately.

 

That evening after school, I helped out the seniors at the football field for a while. The football team didn't have practice that day because the field was being maintained. It was a temporary repair, but I had to help my seniors pack up a little of the practice equipment. 

 

I didn't stay out until it got dark before I messaged Jin to let him know we were done. Shortly after that, he rode his motorcycle to where I was. Apparently, he was helping out a professor at the faculty, which wasn't far from the stadium, so it didn't take long. It was a long time after I messaged them.

 

"Ah"

 

I easily reached for the helmet, put it on, and immediately hopped on the back of the motorcycle. Then Jin steered the two-wheeled machine along. We drove along until we stopped at the roadside stall run by an older gentleman, the same one I had eaten with the last time.

 

"Let's stop for a bite to eat first."

 

I nodded, followed him down, and sat down at a table. While waiting for my food, I caught sight of a small boy holding a basket of snacks, who repeatedly bowed respectfully whenever someone expressed interest in buying them. The boy's face was dirty, but his eyes sparkled. He walked around diligently, tirelessly selling his wares. The kid walked over and stopped at our table. Before he could even open his mouth to say anything, Jin beckoned him to sit down.

 

"Have you eaten yet?" It asked the child a question that surprised me, as the child shook his head in response.

 

"It's so late, and you haven't eaten yet?"

 

It's not really late, just a little after 7 PM, but at this time, the little one should be resting.

 

"They're not all sold out yet."

 

"Okay, then I'll buy all of this, and then we can sit down and have a meal together."

 

I glanced at the few remaining candies in the basket. Any other child would be delighted, but the reaction of the child in front of me made Jin lose his composure. I smiled because the little child hesitated, as if wanting to say something.

 

"May I take this rice home to eat with my father and sibling?" The younger sibling asked hesitantly, looking rather apprehensive.

 

"So, who are we living with?"

 

"I'm with my father and my younger sibling. May I take some food to my sibling as well?"

 

"Then sit and eat with me until you're full."

 

I know Jin was teasing by inviting him. Judging from his expression and demeanour, the little kid probably really wanted to go home and eat with his family.

 

"I was afraid my father and younger sibling would be waiting."

 

"Really? Then should I order some lunch boxes for Dad and your sister? And I don't need these snacks; we can save them to sell another day." Jin offered the kids the money for the snacks he'd bought in advance, but the children shook their heads.

 

"No."

 

I immediately furrowed my brows.

 

"I sold it to you, so you should keep my item. Give it back to me. It's like I got your money for free."

 

"Don't you like it when I give it to you for free?" Jin asked in a gentle voice, the same tone he used with the little child, and I couldn't help but smile. Yes, I was smiling as I looked at his handsome face.

 

I'm continuing the conversation with the little child. Who would have thought that a man with such a blunt and rough demeanour could be so gentle with small children?

 

"No, thank you." The little child still stubbornly refused.

 

"Okay, then I'll take over. Here's the money."

 

"Thank you"

 

"Once you've got the food, hurry home. Don't stop anywhere. It's late and dangerous."

 

"My house isn't far. It's just a short walk."

 

"Mmm."

 

I watched the little boy walk home with his lunchbox, my eyes sparkling. It's surprising that even in such a big city, there are still so many people who lack opportunities and support. This is the time the boy should be resting, but I saw him working to earn a living. It was heartbreaking to see. Tomorrow, I'll have to file a complaint with the relevant authorities. I wonder how his father and younger sibling are living.

 

Even if I say this, I don't expect any change. After all, it's addressing the symptoms, not the root cause. The real cause is inequality stemming from the social system's structure. Some children are born into wealthy families, while others are born into lower-class families. Just the origins are different; the difference between parents alone is like night and day. It's no wonder we often hear the saying, "Some children are born far ahead of others."

 

"Why are you treating the kids to a meal?" I rested my chin on my hand and asked.

 

"I've been hungry before, I've gone without food before. I know firsthand what it feels like to have nothing to eat. In life, all you need is rice. Having a full meal, a home to return to, and loved ones waiting for you is good enough. I know it can't compare to people who have money and opportunities to acquire these things easily, but for those who have nothing, just being able to eat a delicious meal is enough to bring them overwhelming happiness."

 

I fell silent after he finished speaking. Does Jin even realise that besides his handsome face, his heart is equally good? This is bad. I put my hand over my heart, which was beating so fast.

 

That meal, I ate in silence until he dropped me off at my condo. I believe he must have noticed something unusual about me, which is why he asked me about it.

 

"Are you okay, Phod?"

 

I shook my head quickly, not daring to make eye contact with the other person.

 

"Didn't you say you wanted to talk about Anda?"

 

"It's late tonight," he replied with a smile. "And you don't look so good."

 

"It's ok."

 

I lowered my gaze to the floor.

 

"You're avoiding me."

 

"Damn," I muttered, "Don't get your face so close."

 

"You're acting strange, Phodduang."

 

"Jin"

 

"Huh?"

 

"Jin, get your face away from me," I pursed my lips tightly. "Don't you know it makes my heart flutter?" Jin fell silent. He smirked and reached out to playfully stroke my cheek.

 

"Your face is red."

 

"Damn it, don't play like that!" I frowned before pausing when I met those sharp eyes.

 

"Two minutes"

 

"Ha"

 

"I'll give you two minutes."

 

"W-why?"

 

"Hurry up to your room," it whispered, "before I kiss you."

 

Kiss or not?

Are we going to kiss? I didn't know how to react until his handsome face leaned closer.

 

"Only one minute left."

 

"But you said you wanted to talk to me about Anda."

 

"Right now, I can't control myself. I really want to kiss you, Phodduang," he whispered. "So hurry up and go upstairs."

 

"..."

 

"Because if you stay here, I'll pull you in and kiss you. I'll kiss you until I'm satisfied."

 

Damn it!

 

"Hmm"

 

Before I knew it, I was the one pulling his face closer, and I tilted my head back, ready to receive him as he leaned down to kiss me.

 

"Mmm."

Jin really did what he said he would.

Because he just stood there kissing me... kissing me until he was satisfied.