OOPS! MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS: BOOK 2.

The 24th voice. 

[Anda]

 

[Two weeks before Anda died.]

 

I sighed deeply, looking at the young woman in front of me with pity. Beneath the mask covering half her face, I saw numerous bruises on her forehead and neck. She was sitting there, crying and pouring out the terrible things she had been through in detail. It was the beginning of my acquaintance with Am, because she was Andy's girlfriend. Honestly, our relationship didn't warrant us sitting here talking like this. She hates me because she loves James.

 

I don't know how far the relationship between this girl and my favourite male lead has gone, but the fact that she sent a cookie stained with red paint as a threat...

I shouldn't sympathise with her for driving me crazy to the point of paranoia for a while, but I happened to see her riding in a car with P'ithi once. She looked pleased to know that I am Itthi's younger brother. The events of that day would have ended with me believing that this woman was my brother's lover. But the reality was quite the opposite.

 

A young woman had been lurking around my condo, and that day, I wasn't careful and accidentally hit her with my car, injuring her. Am confessed to me that she was Andy's girlfriend and begged me to help her escape from a hellhole—a hellhole that was my own brother. That's the story...

 

The flood of information made me realise that while the anti-fans were sending me the doll stained with red paint, I had consulted my brother Itthi about it. I didn't know what my brother did after that until she told me everything. Itti investigated and found out that Am was an anti-fan. Taking advantage of her desperate situation, he coerced and threatened her, forcing her to sleep with Itti's boss in exchange for...

 

The guilt surrounding Andy, a secret that will last a lifetime—that disgusting truth left me speechless.

 

"Help me!" I sighed deeply until she handed me a flash drive.

 

"What?"

 

"All evidence"

 

"What evidence?"

 

"The terrible things your brother did."

 

That answer left me speechless. I couldn't believe my brother would do something like this. Was what I'd heard really true?

 

"And if this is true, why are you still sending me a doll stained with red paint?"

 

"I had to do this because I didn't want your wicked brother to know that you knew me."

 

I'm speechless.

"Trust me."

 

"I have nothing to lose. It's like being dead while still alive."

"..."

 

"Help me, please."

 

[One week before Anda died.]

 

"Are you crazy?" My father's harsh words left me speechless; all I could do was sit silently. The atmosphere in the room was now stifling. My father, sitting at the head of the table, had a tense, grim face, his anger clearly evident, not unlike my older brother, who stood silently with his arms crossed in a corner. Only my mother sat beside him, holding my hand and offering me comfort.

 

"Why did you give an interview like that?"

 

"I was just speaking the truth."

 

"Is it true that you're perverted, Anda!" His father slammed the table in anger. "I didn't raise you to be a transvestite or a gay man. "Aren't you ashamed to say something like that? Don't you think about your brother or me? Where will we put our faces if people find out my son is gay?"

 

"Just put your face back where it was."

 

"Anda!" My father shouted loudly again, and his movements, as if he were about to lunge closer, caused my mother, who was sitting nearby, to stand up and shield me from him.

 

"Stop! Don't do anything to my child!"

 

"Look at your beloved son. He's talking back and forth, showing no remorse for his actions."

 

"But it's his life. It's his future. Can't you let him choose for himself?" My mother said, her voice trembling, her hands outstretched to protect me. That sight brought tears to my eyes immediately. My mother was always like that. She was the one. The only one in the house who has always accepted me for who I am.

 

"That's why he became an actor, playing roles as a transvestite or a gay man, and in the end, he became something I can't accept. You never made me proud. Unlike your brother."

 

My father's words made me feel numb instantly. My beloved acting career, the career that allowed me to support myself without relying on family money. Instead, I was insulted for no reason, which made me smirk immediately.

 

"At least I'm doing an honest job."

 

I spoke with a trembling voice before glancing at my older brother, who was smirking nearby.

 

"I have never used public tax money for personal gain, never accepted bribes, or procured women to serve my superiors like your beloved son, Father, has done."

 

"You!"

 

Brother Itthi took a step forward and grabbed my collar so hard that I felt pain in my neck.

 

"Can't accept the truth?"

 

"Shut your mouth, Anda."

 

"Don't mess with Am again."

 

My brother's fierce gaze flickered.

 

"What do you know?"

 

"Don't mess with my friend's fans."

 

My older brother, Itthi, smirked, showing no sign of panic at what he heard. At that moment, my mother quickly came and removed Itthi's hand from my collar.

 

"Itti, don't do this to your brother."

 

"Because his mother spoiled him like this, that's why he's weak and became a sissy."

 

"That's better than being a real man but only doing shitty things like you."

I retorted immediately.

 

"Hey, Anda!"

 

This time, my father jumped in and pulled my older brother, Itthi, back away, while my mother hugged me tightly.

 

"That's just baseless talk; there's no evidence. Your brother has been falsely accused," his father said curtly. "You have no right to slander your own brother like that, Anda. Apologise to him."

 

"Are you sure, Dad, that Itthi doesn't know about this? Dad..." I said, my voice trembling, "Both you and Itthi are law enforcement officers. Have you forgotten?"

 

"I was talking about the interview where you said you were gay, not about anything else."

 

"How long will our father keep turning a blind eye?"

"..."

 

"Your son tricked a woman into sleeping with a lecherous old man. That woman's life is ruined. At least the person who did it still has some humanity left."

 

"You love your job, you love your reputation, and you're ashamed that your son is gay, but aren't you ashamed that you're hiding the truth and helping evil people?"

 

"If my father's profession doesn't use the law for the sake of justice, then he should quit, because he is tarnishing the honour of an honourable profession."

 

Bloody smell

Slap

 

As soon as he finished speaking, my father's hand struck my face, making my head snap to the side. A sharp pain shot through me, and just as I felt something in my cheek...

 

"Stop talking, Riya Anda."

His emotionless tone and cold gaze shattered my heart.

 

[Five days before Anda died.]

 

"Why did you say that?"

 

The question came from my lover, who had just disembarked from a flight. He was still in his full pilot's uniform, looking like he was in a hurry, probably rushing straight from the airport. Fly away! My Aquarius brother knew about my interview from the very first day, but he was still deciding whether to fly to Europe.

 

"Would you like to sit down?" I said with a smile before handing him a glass of water. P'Kumbh shook his head and took off his suit jacket, so I walked over to help him.

 

"Anda"

 

"yes"

 

My lover reached out and touched the corner of his mouth, where the mark was still visible.

 

"Should I go meet your parents?"

 

I shook my head. It wasn't like my parents didn't know throughout our relationship. My mother had known for a long time, while my father turned a blind eye and refused to admit it. For who I am, my father was very angry with me because I gave an interview that made the story a big deal. He loves his own reputation more than anything else. As for my older brother, he's been trying to get to know my family all along, but to no avail. My partner has endured this secret relationship for so long, to the point where I sometimes feel selfish for not revealing the other person's identity.

 

"Brother Aquarius"

 

"yes"

 

"Thank you for your patience with me."

 

Brother Kumbh moved closer and gently kissed my temple.

 

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble and for putting you through this scrutiny," I hugged him. "Being in love with me isn't easy, is it?" Kumbh stroked my back to comfort me. "I know it's not easy, but I will never let go of your hand."

 

"I love you, Aquarius."

".."

 

"I love you so much."

 

"I love you so much, I don't know how I'll live without you."

 

"Why would you say that, E?" P'Kum gently stroked my cheek. "It's me who's going to live without Anda."

 

"You love me, don't you?"

 

I blushed and smiled shyly when the other person leaned down and kissed my cheek.

 

"The best moment of my life"

 

"Then let's stay together for a long time."

I'm nestled against his chest right now.

 

"yes"

 

We hugged for a long time until P'Kumbh pulled away to get something from a box for me.

 

"What?"

 

"He's complaining that his old headphones are broken."

 

"So you bought me a new one?"

 

"Hmm," P'Kumbh explained, "but it's an imported device. I'm not sure if the warranty will last a full year."

 

"Thank you"

 

I stood on tiptoe and kissed my lover's cheek. Just then, my cell phone rang. When I pulled away to answer, I saw that the caller ID belonged to...

 

"Who is it?" Brother Aquarius asked with a puzzled expression.

 

"She's a fan of James. Lately, I've been ordering snacks from her to the film set quite often." The mention of James made P'Kumbh pause slightly. He furrowed his brows, looking puzzled.

 

"Don't be jealous of James and me."

 

Aquarius is a totally jealous person. Especially knowing that the male lead in the series, who's my on-screen partner, seems to be getting involved with me, he's really not happy about it.

 

"James and I are just colleagues."

 

"Does our friend really just want to be friends?"

 

“I don't know." I shrugged.

 

"Anda"

 

Aquarius glared at me so sternly that I had to raise my hands in surrender before moving to hug my lover around the waist and speaking in a sweet, pleading voice.

 

"I can't control what he thinks, but what I know is that I only love P'Kumbh." 

 

Winning over P'Kumbh is easy. Just use a sweet, affectionate voice, hug him, and say "I love you." That's all it takes for my lover to soften up. P'Kumbh is my source of comfort. I want him to be with me for life. I want us to be together until the day we part. But I don't know how long life is or what fate holds. Where will this take us?

[Three days before Anda died.]

 

"Is the doll stained red again?"

 

Jin and the others leaned forward to look at the contents of the box and shook their heads.

 

"Should we file a police report?"

 

"Why report it?"

 

"Hey, this is a deliberate threat! That's definitely bad intentions."

 

Art spoke up as I looked at the doll covered in red paint and shrugged, "What's there to be afraid of? It's just a doll. Especially knowing who sent it..."

 

"Here it is," I sighed heavily, staring into the distance before feeling a tap on my shoulder.

 

"What the hell?"

 

"I've been calling you for ages, and you didn't even turn around. What are you spacing out about?"

 

"I have a few things to think about."

 

"What's the matter?"

 

I shook my head, looking at the picky Tos and Art, who were giving me questioning looks, while Jin sat there calmly, as usual.

 

"It's my business."

 

"Wow, being insulted for choosing [someone] hurts less than this."

They all glared at each other in unison.

 

"Hey, are you free today?"

 

"Why?"

 

"There's a freshman football final match at Don Yen, between our faculty and the Sports Science faculty. Want to come watch with us?"

 

"Sure," I said, my face immediately showing interest. "What about you, Jin?"

 

"I'm not sure what to do," Jin said.

 

"Interested in watching the sports science students... I mean, watching sports with us?" I asked with a smile.

 

"Mmm."

 

"Looking for sports science students?" I pretended to ask.

"Watch sports"

 

It sounded deep.

"Are you sure?"

 

As soon as I finished speaking, Tos and Art started whistling and cheering. It's not surprising, since the three of us had a feeling that Jin was interested in the kid. Some sports scientists.

 

"He smiled at me."

 

I raised my eyebrow at Jin in a way that would one-up him, as I glanced across to the opposite side of the field and saw someone smiling at someone else. ‘Phuddung’ was that person.

 

He's a lovely person and a really great fan. I often see him coming to support me at events, and he always brings snacks as gifts. Phodduang is both a wonderful friend and a great fan, and I know my close friends also want to "befriend" my fans. Unfortunately, last year's problems within our group escalated, leading to a rift between them. I feel sorry for Jin. He's been watching him for so long, and when he finally had a chance to talk to him, something always happened that made them dislike each other.

 

"So what?"

 

"You're good at everything, Jin, but you choose to be stupid about simple things."

 

"If you like him that much, why don't you tell him?"

 

"Like when you revealed the story about P'Kumbh, right?" I glared at him while Jin smirked, one hand reaching to press against the corner of my mouth that my dad had hit, making me flinch because I use concealer. The skin covers up the bruises, so they're not visible, but the pain cannot be hidden. Even a light touch will still hurt.

 

Speaking of the cause of the pain, I could only manage a faint smile. I guess I was showing too much emotion on my face, because Jin reached out and lightly patted my forehead.

 

"I'm okay, Jin."

 

I'm really okay. I'm fine.

 

After the freshman competition ended today, we all went out for drinks at a bar near the university.

 

"How long has it been since we've had drinks together?" Art said, raising a glass of liquor to his mouth with one hand.

 

"It's rare for Andaman to have a day off to eat with us."

 

"I guess it's a good thing that my news is trending right now. My car broke down, and I needed to go to the service centre anyway," I said with a smile. 

 

"So I took the opportunity to decline some work."

 

"Hey, I was going to ask where your car is. I've seen you using Itthi's car lately."

 

"Oh, it's like the car remote key's battery is dead. Sometimes the car locks up, and I can't open it with the key. Also, the air conditioning isn't working very well, so I just used it."

 

"I'll park it at home and have P'Itthi send it to the service centre for repairs."

 

"Oh"

 

"So I've been able to take a break from work lately."

 

"Yeah, that's good. You have such an optimistic outlook, my friend." Tos teased.

 

"The exams are coming up soon, so it's perfect. You can help us with the tutoring."

 

"Oh, I forgot I have an event to attend."

 

"Don't try to act innocent, you bastard."

 

They all started cursing because they knew I was just pretending. I felt sorry for them. Unless it was too much trouble or I really needed to do the work, I would always help tutor them.

 

"Okay, okay, tutoring is fine, but you have to buy me a drink."

 

"I'll even throw in a week of BBQ pork at Suan Luang Park for you."

 

"Go place an order for perfume for Andaman first," Jin spoke up, and his words made Art look flustered before he spoke in a low voice.

 

"Oh, I almost forgot."

 

"There it is."

 

I pointed at my forgetful best friend, who's always like this, before bursting into laughter. Meanwhile, Tos and Art nudged Jin on the shoulder before He nodded towards me. "What the hell?"

 

"They want to ask."

 

"Subject?"

 

"It's white, that's it."

 

Jin spoke up, gesturing towards the two of them. They moved closer and looked around. I followed his gaze and saw a pair of eyes...At least a couple of other couples are glancing at me right now.

 

"If you're uncomfortable, how about we move to another restaurant?"

 

I shook my head, not really paying attention to the stares from other people. This was my time off with my friends, so it was normal to feel this way. Public figures are often under the scrutiny of the general public. Especially lately, with all the negative news surrounding me, I'm naturally attracting a lot of attention.

 

"I don't have any problem with it, but will you guys feel uncomfortable sitting with me? Your friend is involved in scandals every day. Aren't you guys ashamed?"

 

"Anda," Tos called my name in a stern voice, "What crazy thing were you thinking?"

 

"Yeah, we've been getting drunk and throwing up at each other at the bar for years. What's there to be ashamed of about something like this?"

 

You're comparing yourselves to each other in a way that makes you unable to accept yourselves, Art. Your words remind me of the time our gang got completely drunk in front of the shop during our freshman year.

 

"Don't be so sentimental."

 

"Your eyes are red too, you idiot, Anda."

 

"You guys..."

 

"You still have us, Anda," Jin said softly.

 

"I know."

 

"If you really knew, you should say, 'We're not stopping tonight until we're drunk.'"

 

[One day before Anda died.]

 

"Do you think the perfume I pre-ordered will arrive in time for P'Kumbu’s birthday next month?"

 

"It should be here in time." Art looked up from his phone to answer.

 

"Art, do you think it's possible to set the date and time for sending emails?"

 

"okay"

 

"Teach me."

 

Art looked confused before turning to help me. Just then, Jin and Tos walked over.

 

[The day Anda died.]

 

Today I have a date with my Aquarius partner, who will be returning from a flight. We're having dinner at my condo, but I accidentally forgot my flash drive. I brought Jin's midterm assignment with me, so I stopped by the soccer field where Jin and Tos practice every evening to drop it off. When I walked in, I saw Jin standing and talking to Phodduang.

 

"Wow, Jin, now that you've said you're trying to win over Phodduang, you're really working hard to score points," I couldn't resist teasing him.

 

"Do you need anything?"

 

"I stopped by to drop off the flash drive with my midterm assignments."

 

"Where are you going after you're done?"

 

"I have a dinner date with my boyfriend. Aquarius is free today."

 

"Uh, and what's in the box?"

 

"Oh, it's a ghost doll...Andy, my anti-fan, sent it to me." I looked at the item in my hand and shook my head. "Sometimes, I can't help but wonder what would happen if I disappeared or died. Will these people feel any sympathy for me?"

 

"What kind of thing are you saying, Anda?"

 

"I was just saying, Jin."

 

"Take care of yourself these days," Jin said seriously. "If possible... don't sleep in your car anytime soon."

 

"Why?" I was surprised by its serious demeanour.

 

"I want you to be careful about this, Anda. Be very careful."

 

"Mmm."

 

I waved goodbye to him and walked away, before driving straight to my condo. Just as I was about to turn into the condo parking lot, P'Itthi called me. I was wearing my Bluetooth headphones, so I answered immediately.

 

"yes"

 

"Where are you?"

 

"I'm on my way back to the condo."

 

"Your mother and I want to talk to you. Can you come home first?"

 

"yes"

 

I sighed deeply before turning the steering wheel in another direction. When I arrived home, my parents were waiting in the living room, while my older brother, Itthi, stood in one corner with his arms crossed.

 

"Break up with him, and leave the industry to study abroad for a while. Wait until things calm down, then come back." My father's words left me speechless.

 

"What if I don't go?"

 

"You have to go," my father said curtly. "If you don't do as I say, never set foot in this house again."

 

"Father", I called out to my father, my voice trembling.

 

"Your older brother is about to get a promotion. The negative rumours about you are affecting his career." 

 

I just smiled before looking at my brother. "Is this a job that involves using connections, like finding women to offer to your superiors in order to gain power?"

 

"I never did what you're saying."

 

"Really?" I stared directly into P'Itthi's face. "All of that—accepting bribes, human trafficking, and running a pyramid scheme." P'ithi's expression changed instantly.

 

"What did you say?"

 

"This isn't just empty talk; I have evidence."

 

"You!"

 

"Do not!"

 

My father rushed over and pulled my older brother, Itthi, back away, while my mother hugged me tightly. My mother looked quite shocked by what she had heard and began to cry.

 

"Your brother was framed."

My father took the blame on my behalf.

 

"Dad, just because I'm like this, you don't believe me?"

 

"But I can't accept who you are."

 

My father's words left me speechless before tears streamed down my face. My vision blurred as I looked at him, while my mother hugged me tightly. The sound of my mother's sobs made my heart skip a beat.

 

"Mom."

 

My mother held me behind her before turning to face my father.

 

"You are so cruel. When I was pregnant with Anda, I had severe morning sickness. I was afraid of everything, afraid the baby wouldn't survive. I once asked, 'What if I were to have another son in my womb?' Anyway, even though you wanted a daughter. Do you remember your answer that day? You yourself that you would love your child no matter what gender they are."

 

I burst into tears immediately.

 

"And today, the day your son has chosen who he is, chosen his identity, where did your love from that day go?" The father turned his face away before lowering his eyes.

 

"Mom," I called out to my mother, my voice trembling.

 

"It's you who has disappointed me. I can accept whatever happens to our child, as long as he's happy. But what I can't accept is that you've forgotten your promise. Talking to yourself, you're someone I don't know at all."

 

I cried from the moment I drove away from home until I reached the parking lot under the condo. I don't know how much time passed. I was sobbing uncontrollably, and suddenly felt a sharp headache. I fumbled for the painkillers nearby, opened the bottle, and took one, but today the pills looked different from usual. They weren't the painkillers I usually take, even though they were in my usual bottle. I didn't pay much attention to it, quickly shoved them in my mouth, and swallowed with water. Meanwhile, Itthi called me.

 

"yes"

[I left something in your car.]

 

"What did you say?"

[Last week, when I took your car to the service centre, I think I left something in the car.]

 

I nodded, remembering that my older brother had indeed taken the car in for repairs.

 

"Did you forget something, sir? I'm in the car."

[Wait there, I'll be right there.]

 

Although I didn't understand anything, I sat and waited for my brother for a while. In the meantime, I reclined the seat, turned off the engine, and rolled down the driver's side window slightly.

 

Why am I so sleepy?

 

I was drowsy because I had a heavy head and badly wanted to sleep. Normally, the painkillers I take regularly don't even affect my sleep. I don't know why...I dozed off for so long that I heard a rustling sound, like someone rummaging through something. I tried to squint, but my eyes felt so heavy. I forced my eyes open again and saw the short figure of the condo security guard taking something out. The headphones were bought for me by my boyfriend.

 

"No...don't."

I grabbed the security guard's arm. He was quite startled to see me awake and tried to violently shake his arm free.

 

"Hoy!"

 

"Don't take my things."

 

But feeling so weak, I didn't have the strength to hold him back. The thief was startled and quickly shook his hand free before hastily closing the door. A loud noise was heard, then they fled. Just before the door closed, I heard something fall to the floor. I tried to force myself to sit up, my hands flailing around, but my head felt incredibly heavy. My vision was blurry, and I struggled to open the door, but I had so little strength. Looking out the window, I saw P'Itthi there. I tried to stand up so he could see me.

 

P'tithi looked at me with a neutral expression. He slowly moved and bent down as if to pick something up from outside the car, before my phone rang. My phone started ringing. Using my last ounce of strength, I fumbled for the object making the noise and answered.

 

"Another older brother"

[Anda]

 

"Help! Help me!"

My voice was trembling as I spoke.

 

[Where is the evidence?]

I immediately burst into tears.

 

"B-brother..."

[Please don't be angry with me.]

 

"vigorous"

[You brought this on yourself.]

 

"Why"

(You know too much, it's making my boss uncomfortable.)

 

I was startled when I heard the door lock, and then the engine was started with the remote in Itthi's hand. The air conditioning was turned on, and the blast of cold air hit my face, making me feel icy cold. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt my body go limp. I stared at my brother's face, which was looking at me with an indifferent expression. The person in front of me wasn't the brother I knew.

 

"I love you."

 

There was no answer from the other end of the line; only the phone signal was cut off. In my mind, I pictured myself in the past. Because I was born prematurely, I wasn't very strong and was smaller than my friends. When I was a child, my older brother always protected me because I was often bullied by the other kids. I used to cry and whine, begging to ride on my older brother's shoulders. He was annoyed at first, but eventually he gave in because he couldn't stand my messy hair anymore. That's a memory I have of him. I will never forget.

 

My older brother, Ittis, complained, but he always gave in. But as we grew older, we started to drift apart. I began to express my own preferences, while my brother was ashamed of who I was. He was indifferent, and I began to distance myself. We no longer spoke the same language. My once kind brother became a stranger, like a monstrous evil. The estrangement moulded him into someone I didn't recognise at all.

 

We all have our own world. But I only realised today that his world had to go on without me. I lay there watching the driver's side window slowly slide up to close completely, blocking out all outside air. The engine sounded like the sound of the remaining time in life

 

My eyelids slowly closed completely. In the meantime, I thought of my lover's face. By now, my older brother, Kumbh, must be waiting for me to have dinner. I regretted that the headphones he bought were stolen... Brother Kum, I'm sorry.

 

I think of my father's furious, distorted face the day he found out I revealed my identity. I see my mother embracing me on the day I felt...Unwanted by my family, I had my mother as the only light that shone on me. I love you, Mom. It's a pity that I won't be able to take you to the doctor again. I'm so sad... that I haven't been able to repay the immense love from the only woman in the world who loves me with all her heart. I don't want to die. I miss Jin and the others. I'm sorry for breaking my promise. I probably won't be able to go drinking with you guys anymore. There's no tomorrow for us to study together. Just the thought that there won't be a tomorrow makes me suffer, and I sob.

 

In the final moments of life, countless memories slowly flooded back into my mind. I don't know how much time had passed.

 

Anda closed his eyes, letting his tears flow before his last breath.