OOPS! MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS: BOOK 2.

The Eighteenth voice. 

[Jin]

 

"Aren't there any prizes for delivery by car?"

 

I pulled my leg away when I saw someone glaring at me after I drove him back to his condo. Honestly, what I just said was to tease the shy person to make them embarrassed. They handed the helmet back and pouted.

 

"No way."

 

"You look cute when you're shy, in case you didn't realise it."

 

"That's way too much, Jin."

 

Phodduang put on a stern face and spoke in a serious tone, as if to reprimand me, but that demeanour made me feel good, thinking he was trying to hide his embarrassment, so I reached out and smoothed his hand. Its white cheeks are playing.

 

"Hmm" It made a sound in its throat as if to resist, but then stood still, allowing me to touch its cheek.

 

"Soft cheeks"

 

"You're so dazzling."

 

"I only do this with you."

 

"Let's hope that's true." It pouted at me.

 

"I'm only interested in you."

 

"And you know there's someone who secretly likes you, right?" The beetle asked with a smile.

 

"I kind of know."

 

"Seriously, she's so cute, don't you feel anything for her?" I smiled slightly and shook my head.

 

"Why?"

 

"Phu already has someone he likes."

 

"Actually, I've liked him for a long time."

 

The beetle looked interested.

 

"I often saw him sitting and watching his friends practice soccer."

 

"I've been watching you for a long time. Now that we're actually talking, it turns out there's a good relationship between our juniors." 

 

Phodduang pursed his lips tightly, his pale cheeks slowly turning a rosy red before he turned his face away.

 

"At first, he didn't want to talk to me. In fact, he hated the sight of me."

 

"Well, that guy was being really annoying back then." The beetle grumbled and argued.

 

"And now?" I leaned my face closer to it, and it averted its gaze.

 

"I don't hate them anymore."

 

"Is that all?"

 

The person in front of me darted around nervously.

 

"Aren't you at all shaken?"

 

"Don't say 'yes, sir' (in a polite way)."

 

"Why?"

 

"I lost."

The beetle made a soft sound.

 

"I guess I'm a sucker for guys who speak nicely," I asked with a smile.

 

"You already know the answer. Why are you asking?"

 

He slapped me on the head and punched me in the shoulder. It didn't hurt because he didn't mean to hit me seriously. So I grabbed his hand; if he punched again, I would grab hold and interlock our hands. We stood holding hands for a while until the beetle shook our hands and spoke.

 

"I think it's time to go home. It's late," he gestured towards the bike. "I'm not trying to kick you out," he said softly, making me smile.

 

"Just worried."

 

Does it know that these words make the listener feel happy?

 

"I don't want you driving home late," Phodduang said softly, his voice barely audible. "I'm afraid something bad might happen to you."

 

"Your concern makes me feel incredibly good, you know?"

 

"That's a reward for giving me a ride."

 

It sounded like he was saying it casually, but his demeanour contradicted that.

 

"I wish you'd deliver this every day." I smiled at him before letting go of his hand and putting on my helmet, preparing to start my engine. Just then, I saw a car drive past.

 

"That's James's car."

 

Phoddang's words made me furrow my brows immediately, because I felt a strong sense of familiarity with that license plate.

 

"What did you say?"

 

"Remember when I asked you to pick me up at the hospital today?"

 

"Why"

 

"I think the woman who was bleeding might be connected to James."

 

When I got home, Beam and Thiw had already arrived. As I walked in, they were sitting at the table in front of the TV, chatting.

 

"Oh, Jin."

 

I nodded at them before handing them the food I'd gotten from Aunt Amporn's house.

 

"Aunt Amporn sent some food. Have you guys eaten yet?"

 

"I'm still hungry."

 

Beam smiled before reaching out to take it and then went to unpack the food in the kitchen, leaving just me and Thiw, who was sitting and reading something.

 

"What are you looking at?"

 

Thiw didn't answer, but handed me the phone to look at. I sighed heavily at the news on the screen.

 

'The big news in the business world today is the death of Mr Achawin Ronnalak, the eldest son of tycoon Chanin, a prominent figure in the real estate business. A renowned development in Thailand.’

 

"Have you made your decision yet, Jin?"

Thiw asked in a calm voice.

 

"This doesn't even concern me."

 

"Before you came, the lawyer uncle came to your house. He just left a little while ago." I sighed heavily.

 

"I want to pretend I don't know about this, but you know what? I can't get this thought out of my head." They looked at me sympathetically.

 

"Ronlak needs you." That's what Thiw said.

 

I smirked. "He needed me when the business was at its peak," I shook my head. "But on the day I needed them, nobody wanted me."

 

"It's up to you to decide. Your life is yours, Jin. But no matter what you decide, you still have us."

 

"Yeah," Beam, who had just walked out carrying some food, said. "No matter who you are, whether it's Jin, the one we've known since childhood, or the heir… You, Ronnalak, are still our friend, just like before."

 

I nodded and gave them a small smile.

 

That night I couldn't sleep. Beam and Thiw's words kept replaying in my head until well past midnight. I still couldn't fall asleep. Jin, you know, if I could go back in time, I would want to spend as much time as possible with Peera and my grandchildren. Aunt Amporn's words from that evening popped into my head.

 

"If I could go back in time, I would want to help Pira right away. Thank you so much, son. I appreciate your kindness to Pira and his wife and children."

 

"Aunt Amporn and P'Peera are family to me."

 

"Time is precious, Jin. Everyone wants to spend as much time as possible with their family and loved ones."

 

"Jin, remember this, my child. While you still have time, while there are people you love and a family you can go back to, you must cherish these important things because human existence is uncertain. Today you meet them, tomorrow you may part. When the day comes that you have to let go, you won't regret not cherishing the most important things in your life."

 

That statement reminded me of something my lawyer-uncle had been asking about all along.

 

"Mr Ashwin is in critical condition and won't last much longer. Your father is also ill. Now Ronnalak is having a hard time. All the business partners are talking about Ron. This trend is now in decline because there's no one to carry on the tradition."

 

'You mean an illegitimate child who will carry on the family legacy?'

 

'Just having the bloodline of Ronnalak in you, Jin, is enough.'

 

The bloodline that was discarded in the past is now in demand for the future of a shaky business. How painful.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

[Podduang]

 

Social media detective @SecretNews

'Andy, the suspect who owns the red-stained doll sent to #Anda, has been found. She is currently hospitalised due to illness.'

 

'In a coma at a hospital.'

 

I furrowed my brows the moment I saw this news, and what was even more shocking was the image accompanying the tweet. I wouldn't have felt anything, but that woman in that picture is Am, my condo neighbour. The Am, who was bleeding profusely and hospitalised, is Andy's boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. What is this all about?

 

That pretty girl with the sweet face is the one who tried to send those scary things to Anda. It seems she has bad intentions towards my friend. Why does Ms Am hate Anda so much?

SalitaIlI @libertyrees

 

"If Andy sent something like that to #Anda, does that mean Anda's death was suspicious? I don't want to think that Anda was harmed."

 

"It hurts. My heart is racing. Why does she have to go through something like this?"

Stop it, please. You're acting like I'm too cute. @dewdew2

 

'What's going on? # Did that woman assault Anda? If so, are you crazy? What are you doing, interfering with my child? What did Anda do to you?'

 

I want to wear flip-flops and then wear them to @dfcvis.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the woman was bleeding profusely and was admitted to the hospital. The reason she was identified as Andy #Anda is still unknown, but there are rumours that it stemmed from jealousy.

 

Pattaya doesn't sell curry puffs... huh? @Kareepup225

"Let me tell you something. A. is dating a male actor who used to flirt with #Anda. A. found out that her boyfriend used to flirt with Anda, but Anda wasn't interested because he already had a boyfriend. A. got jealous and sent Anda a doll stained red, kind of like she was trying to get angry. What the hell is wrong with you? Go stop your own people, kid! What do I have to do with this?"

 

You mean love. @sderr

Someone said this woman was seen lurking around #Anda's concert venue. I'm attaching a picture; she was acting like a stalker. That's an incredibly bad intention.

 

Najaw"ngmengsi @NajanaJa

This case has so many twists and turns. I feel so sorry for #Anda. Even though he’s gone, things aren't peaceful. I really want him to get justice. He was such a lovely person. Why would anyone think of harming my child?

Mumme Dao Anda @mysun0

 

My head hurts from all this. The other day, the condo security guard confessed to stealing from a car, and today there's news about Am. There are just so many suspects!

 

"Yes, but I'm rooting for the officers. I want #Anda to receive justice, if he was really harmed."

 

I sighed heavily. Reading those messages made me feel bad, especially one tweet saying that Am was in a relationship with a male actor.

Firstly, I became jealous and treated Anda badly, which made me involuntarily think back to the day she got into a car with that male actor.

Isn't that too much of a coincidence?

 

I was scrolling through my phone when I heard footsteps and shouting outside my room, so I opened the door. I went to take a look inside and saw several police officers and building management staff standing in a crowd in front of a room at the end of the hallway.

That's Am’s room.

 

Out of curiosity, I walked over to take a closer look and saw officers using tape to cordon off the area, designating it as a controlled zone.

Looking around, my eyes caught sight of a man in a black, plainclothes police uniform.

...Anda's older brother. He seemed to recognise me, so he walked closer. I immediately bowed respectfully to him.

 

"Hello, Mr Itthi."

The other party returned the greeting.

 

"Are you the people I met at the event with Jin?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

I nodded and then leaned forward to look into the room.

 

"Is there something wrong with Am’s room?"

 

Brother Itthi furrowed his brows.

 

"Do you know the owner of the room?"

 

I nodded.

 

"Have you known each other for a long time?"

 

"No," I shook my head. "I've only met her twice. But the other day she was bleeding profusely, and I happened to see her, so I took her to the hospital."

 

"I saw you at the hospital yesterday."

Brother Itthi paused, furrowed his brows, and then nodded.

 

"Regarding the case, it's already this morning, and there's still no progress."

 

Anda's older brother looked at me before letting out a deep sigh. His face showed worry. 

 

I recalled the day Itthi begged Jin to talk to Anda's parents. I wonder how they are doing now. How much pain must parents feel losing their beloved son without the true cause of death being revealed? Meanwhile, it seemed the authorities had found additional evidence. Actually, I wasn't even allowed to go in and see, but in the commotion, I tiptoed closer until I could see the object. The box was full of numerous bright red dolls, and there was even a cutter among them. I was stunned.

 

"Is this for Anda?"

"yes"

 

"So, Anda might have been murdered, right?"

Brother Itthi turned sharply towards me.

 

I sighed deeply. Honestly, I can barely concentrate on studying right now. It's especially quiet this holiday weekend because Satang went to an academic camp yesterday. It makes the atmosphere feel really peaceful today. There are two police officers standing guard outside Ms Am's room. As I listened intently, everything became quiet.

Meanwhile, I kept checking my phone until I saw a message from Jin saying he'd be coming to teach swimming to kids at the condo today.

 

Pp.Phodduang: What time do you finish teaching?

JinJinna: It's almost five o'clock in the evening.

 

Pp.Phodduang: Hmmm

Jin.Jinna: We're done. Shall we watch a movie?

Pp.Phodduang: Yes.

Jin.Jinna: Okay...see you later.

 

Since we had a serious heart-to-heart conversation, I feel like Jin has become gentler somehow. And no matter how many times I hear "yes, sir" from him, I still haven't gotten used to it. I know Jin is polite and gentle, but this side of him is rarely seen, and he only shows it to those he loves and respects. Of course, I feel good seeing this side of him, because deep down, I also feel good about being important to him.

 

While waiting for Jin, I cleaned the room. I took out the bedsheets from Satang's room, cleaned them, and picked up the trash. Luckily, the room's owner wasn't home, so I took the opportunity to clean his bedroom, which was incredibly messy. I also cleaned the trophy display case in one corner, which was full of medals. My younger brother is a smart kid; he's won many awards in academic competitions, but he's also lazy.

 

While cleaning the display case, my eyes caught an ancient, curved bullet coin on the headboard. The ends of the silver coin are coiled together and stamped with the Garuda emblem. The silver coin is encased in a small frame, like a necklace. My father once told me that his ancestors used to work at the Royal Mint and each collected silver coins, passing them down through many generations. Eventually, my grandfather had the silver coins framed and made into a necklace as a birthday gift for my younger brother and me.

 

Mom always told us to always bring it with us whenever we had to travel long distances or go to another province, but my younger brother forgot. Don't even get me started!

My younger brother's coin, which Dad gave me, I've only worn a few times. Thinking about it, I should probably keep mine in the drawer under my dressing table. I glanced back at the old coin again, feeling a strange warmth and security in it.

 

At the movie theatre.

 

"What show are you watching?" A whisper in my ear made me flinch slightly. I glanced at the culprit, who was standing behind me. Right now, Jin and I are choosing a movie to watch. 

 

Actually, we're pretty much the same size, but he's a bit taller. And because he plays sports, his muscular arms are really well-defined. Even in his favourite soccer jersey and faded, ripped jeans, he still looks incredibly good. His hair was loose, falling over his face, because he had just finished teaching swimming. The freshly dried ends of his hair, not styled with a towel, made his sharp features look noticeably younger, especially when he's smiling like this.

 

"I don't know."

 

"What kind of movie are you looking for?"

I shook my head because I really couldn't choose. Lately, I've been wanting to see both thrillers and animations. I couldn't decide.

 

"I want to watch both. I can't choose. Help me pick one." He smiled slightly, leaning over my shoulder to help me decide. Damn, our faces are too close! "How about this one? I heard you wanted to see it."

 

"How did you know?"

 

"I saw it being shared on Facebook."

 

"Are you stalking my Facebook?"

 

"I watch it every day."

 

You could have just refused, couldn't you? Answering so directly like that will make the listener's heart flutter.

 

"Uh... I think I'll go buy some popcorn."

 

I scratched my head in frustration before running off to buy popcorn, leaving Jin to handle the movie tickets. While I was busy choosing flavours, I jumped when I looked up to see Jom, the guy Jin used to fight with, grinning at me. Looking over his shoulder, I saw a couple of his soccer friends standing not far away.

 

"Are you here to watch a movie?"

The guy asked.

 

"Mmm."

"Do you like this flavour of popcorn?"

It's conversation-inducing.

 

"Yes"

 

"Something's acting weird today. Ever since that incident where Dang got a cut eyebrow, I haven't seen him show up for practice anymore," Jom smirked before leaning closer.

That startled me so much that I recoiled.

 

"So, you're watching a movie alone? Come with me."

 

Jin appeared out of nowhere and stood next to me, then pushed me back, so he was facing Jom.

 

Jom looked at me, then at Jin, and smirked.

"Come watch a movie with me, you know? Do you have a problem with that?"

"Are you two here to watch a movie together?"

It narrowed its eyes at us.

 

"You've made a habit of being nosy about other people's business."

 

"Hey, I'm just surprised. Last year, your group was doing so well."

 

"To answer politely, I would say it's a private matter. But if you want the answer I'm giving, then you're being nosy." Jin spoke in a calm voice.

 

"Wow, that must be big news, huh? The engineering and sports science students seem really close," Jom said before joining his friends. I stared at Jin's hand, which was gripping my wrist tightly.

 

"Jin, let's go to the movies."

 

I could barely understand the movie because Jin was so quiet. He didn't say anything until we finished the movie and were about to leave. Today I brought my car because I planned to buy some personal items for the house, so Jin volunteered to drive me and left his motorcycle at my condo. While we were stopped at a red light, I couldn't stand the silence anymore and spoke up, just as he spoke up as well.

 

"What's wrong with you?" / "What do you think of me?"

 

We looked at each other.

 

"You speak first."

It nodded towards me.

 

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so quiet?"

 

"Thinking"

 

"I think"

 

"I'm thinking about what Jom said just now."

Jin spoke up.

 

"Don't pay attention to what he says. He has a mouth, so he'll keep talking."

 

"no"

I immediately looked confused.

 

"It's nothing."

 

"He once asked..." Jin stared at me intently, "What are we to each other?”

 

"Uh..."

"I don't have an answer for him because we're nothing to each other, just people I talk to."

 

 I pursed my lips tightly.

 

"Phod Duang"

"Mmm."

 

"Do you think I'm good enough?"

"....”

 

"Good enough to be more than just someone you talk to, huh?"

 

"Jin"

 

When he suddenly asks me that, I don't know how to react.

 

"Kindness isn't the only quality that makes people love each other."

 

"Really?"

 

"It depends on personal preference."

 

"So, do you like me?"

"..."

 

"Do you like me at all, Phodduang?"

 

I kept my head down, not daring to make eye contact with the driver until he parked at the restaurant where he used to take me to eat regularly. I followed him inside.

 

I sat down at a table and quietly watched Jin walk away to order food from the owner. Meanwhile, the owner glanced at me and smiled before turning back to talk to Jin. We didn't have to wait long before the waiter brought a table full of food.

 

"Why did you order so much?"

 

"He gave it to me as a freebie."

 

"Plus?"

 

I furrowed my brows, my expression unreadable, as I recalled something he'd once said. ‘Sometimes soccer players like to bring their girlfriends to eat.’

 

"He said he brought his boyfriend out for dinner today."

 

"you"

 

My face was burning hot, and my hands were clumsy, not knowing what to do.

 

"Can you accept that you're my boyfriend yet?" Jin asked with a smile.

 

"What's your name?" I asked him.

 

"Why?"

 

"Come here."

 

"Ask me again."

 

I rested my chin on my hand, looking at his face and smiling.

 

"What's your name?"

 

"Jin"

 

"That's a nice name."

 

"I've never had a boyfriend with that name either," I replied with a smile, while the other person chuckled softly. And if someone were observant, they would have noticed that at that table, I let him hold my hand and refused to let go.

 

"So now you're dating a football player?"

 

"Yeah, I'm dating an engineering student."

Damn, that's embarrassing.

 

"Hello, my engineering student boyfriend," Jin said with a smile before extending his hand for a handshake.

 

"Hello to you too, fellow sports science student!" I winked at him twice. It felt awesome.

 

I furrowed my brows when I felt my phone in my side pocket vibrate, indicating an incoming message. When I pulled it out, I was stunned by the message.

 

'Don't meddle in Anda's affairs if you want to live.'