OOPS! MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS: BOOK 2.

Special voice number 3

[Podduang]

 

"Receive the ball"

"Hoy!"

 

I dodged with my head before reaching out to catch the ball that Dang passed to me. At that moment, Jin lunged closer, trying to grab the ball, but I leaned back to avoid it. One of his hands was gripping my waist, the other trying to snatch the ball. I elbowed him in the stomach, but that only seemed to make him hold on tighter.

 

"Jin"

 

I turned to look at Mandak, and taking advantage of the moment, he leaned down to smile. I passed the ball to Tum. And instead of Jin running after the ball, that jerk just put his arm around my waist! Jin chuckled softly at the grumpy face I was making at him.

 

"Hey, hey, Jin, stop teasing your boyfriend and help me chase the ball, you idiot!" I heard my friend Tos shouting from the other side. He was hunched over, out of breath after running after the ball all alone. We were playing keep-away on the beach.

 

"Release quickly."

 

I gently removed Jin's hands from my waist, one hand lightly stroking my lover's bare chest. He was shirtless, his bare chest a feast for the eyes. The sight of tourists walking by, particularly their short Libera shorts, was quite eye-catching. I averted my gaze, trying not to focus on that spot.

 

"That's crazy!"

 

I looked up and pouted at him, but Jin leaned in and gave me a loud kiss on the cheek before pulling away, amidst the teasing and cheers of my friends. But the hammering of the earth continues in vain because the culprit has already run off.

 

Today is the weekend. Coincidentally, Jin had an off-site meeting for Ronnalak in Hua Hin, so I arranged to hang out with my friends. He invited his friends along, so we decided to rent a large beachfront villa so we could all stay together. It was also not far from the hotel where Jin was having his conference—it's part of his father's family business. Actually, his wealthy father owns a vacation home around here, but Jin is too proud to get involved. 

 

I don't know much about his relationship with his father's family; Jin rarely talks about it. I only know that he's going to help out with Ronnalak's business. I heard his father gave him an entire floor of a luxury condo on the main economic road, plus a luxury car. But the lawyer uncle secretly told me that Jin initially refused everything, but he eventually accepted it.

 

Wow, my boyfriend is incredibly stubborn. I shook my head, chuckling, before turning my attention back to the game of keep-away. I saw Tos roll in the sand amid his friends' laughter. After a while, I decided to step away and sit down on the sand to rest. Not long after, Beam came and sat next to me. His adorable face was beaming with a smile that made my eyes squint. With one hand, he grabbed a piece of wood and wrote his name on the sand, then pulled out his Android phone and snapped a picture. He looked quite happy.

 

"Want me to take a picture for you, Beam?"

 

"Sure."

 

Beam handed me his phone and held up two fingers, smiling with his eyes squinted. He was so cute, especially the little ponytail he had tied up because his hair was getting in the way while we were playing keep-away.

 

"I really wish Uncle Dao could come too."

 

I furrowed my brows slightly because I'd never heard him talk much about his family. All I knew was that Beam was Jin's cousin.

 

"Next time, invite him." Beam shook his head slightly.

 

"He's not coming."

 

"Why?"

 

"Uncle Dao rarely leaves the house."

 

"Why?"

 

Beam was silent for a moment before answering.

 

"He's not feeling well. Before, he had to work hard to support me." I didn't dare ask further about Beam's parents, catching a fleeting glint in Beam's eyes.

 

"If it weren't for Jin, I wouldn't be able to come to the beach like this."

 

"This is my first time at the beach."

 

"Really?" I looked at him affectionately. "Okay then, let's go play. Let's play until we're completely refreshed. Come on!" I pulled Beam's arm, urging him to stand up. Beam looked surprised before finally following my lead and running along.

 

"Hey! A beetle!"

 

"Hurry up and carry Beam into the water, you guys!" I beckoned the others over. Of course, as soon as I finished speaking, Jin ran ahead, followed by Thiw and the others. They helped lift Beam until he was airborne, then released him in the middle of the water, amidst the cries and shouts of my little friends.

 

"Jin! Thiw, stop teasing Phu!" I chuckled softly before jumping in surprise when Dang, Tum, and Boom grabbed me.

 

"Damn! What are you going to do to me?"

 

"I'm taking you to go swimming."

 

"Let me go!"

 

They dragged me away amidst my curses, but eventually I couldn't resist their strength, and they threw me into the water. I squeezed my eyes shut and held my breath, terrified of the water. It went up my nose, and I choked, but even so, I still choked. I struggled to get out of the water, trying to stay afloat because even though the sea wasn't very deep here, it was still dangerous to lose my balance. As I closed my eyes and wiped the water from my face, when I opened them again, I saw Jin standing right in front of me.

 

"How are you?"

 

"Stinging sensation in the nose"

 

It shook its head.

"I don't understand what they're playing at all."

 

I burst out laughing.

 

"Just a moment ago, you and Thiw were teaming up to throw Beam into the water, you bastard!"

 

"It's just shallow water, not like they threw me from this far."

 

"Come on, they're just playing a prank."

 

Jin let out a deep sigh, so I swam closer to him and clung to his broad shoulders.

 

"Turn around quickly."

 

It complied easily, so I immediately mounted it. I wrapped both my hands around its neck and my legs around its waist. Jin made it easier by using his hands to lock my legs against his body.

 

"That's relaxing." I grinned widely, resting my face on the back of its neck. Looking a little further, I saw Beam chasing after his friend, looking quite mischievous.

 

"I wish I could stay and travel for a longer time," I mumbled to myself, because it's been a while since I've been on a trip like this, probably since my parents decided to start their restaurant business abroad. Sometimes I feel lonely because both Satang and I are studying hard; we laze around in our rooms during our free time. Even when I invited Satang to come hang out, he had a study session with his friends.

 

"What are you thinking?"

 

"I miss the old days. If my parents were still in Thailand, I would come to visit often."

 

"Your parents must love you very much."

 

After Jin finished speaking, I hugged him tighter.

 

"Jin"

 

"I never had a time like that when I was a kid. Just struggling to make ends meet, finding odd jobs, was exhausting. I never even thought about going on a trip," Jin said softly. 

 

"Back then, I, Thiw and Beam used to work as dishwashers at restaurants, save up money, and planned to go to the beach, but we never actually did."

 

*Beam said it was his first time at the beach.*

 

Jin chuckled softly. "It's not just Beam, even I'm here for the first time."

 

Its answer made me feel quite fond of it.

 

"Good," I whispered in his ear.

 

"What are the advantages?"

 

"My first time at the beach is with my boyfriend."

 

I felt a little embarrassed saying it myself. Jin chuckled softly before taking one of my hands and kissing it gently.

 

"The sea, which was said to be salty, now feels sweet."

 

"Don't tease me."

 

I pretended to hit him on the shoulder.

 

"It hurts."

 

"Just beat them until they hurt."

 

"You like to abuse your boyfriend physically."

 

"He's whining over something so minor, but he doesn't complain at all about the incredibly tough soccer training."

 

I shook him hard before my face contorted in panic as Jin twisted around, locked his arms tightly around my waist, and pulled me underwater. In my shock, I accidentally swallowed. The sea receded further because I couldn't breathe properly, until it leaned its face close and kissed me beneath the surface.

I was stunned. Before I knew it, I was in its embrace, letting it kiss me like that. I don't know how long it lasted until it brought me above the water. Jin smiled.

 

His cheerful face completely ignored my stern expression. Damn it.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

That evening, we bought some seafood and cooked it together. They set up the grill in front of the house. I helped Beam and Boom prepare the food, while the rest of them arranged everything. Meanwhile, Jin briefly went back to the seminar at the hotel. Apparently, there was some activity planned for the evening. I overheard Nick mentioning it, but I wasn't really paying attention. Jin told me he'd be back by 9 PM at the latest. It's past 9 PM now, and he still hasn't shown up, even though our guesthouse and the hotel are less than a kilometre apart.

 

I sat peeling grilled shrimp, my eyes craning towards the entrance. After, I don't know how long, my cell phone rang. An unknown number that I haven't saved.

 

"yes"

I answered the call.

 

[Mr. Phodduang, this is Nick.]

"Yes, Mr Nick."

 

The frantic tone on the other end of the line immediately made me worried.

 

[Mr Jin]

"Why, Jin?"

 

[Mr Jin was in an accident. He's currently in the hospital.]

 

I stood there, feeling like my ears had gone deaf. Boom, who was standing nearby, noticed my reaction and came over to shake me.

 

"Phod Duang"

"Uh..."

 

"Are you okay?"

 

"Boom," I stammered, naming my best friend. "Take me to the hospital."

 

"What happened!"

 

Booms’ cry made their friends turn to look. After that, they took me to the hospital that Nick had sent the location for. It was a private hospital. It wasn't far from the hotel, and we arrived at the hospital at almost 10 pm. I hurried to find Nick, who was already waiting for us. He looked a little stressed.

 

"Nick," I grabbed Nick's arm, my eyes scanning the surroundings, "Where's Jin?"

 

"Mr Jin is safe now. He's resting in a private room."

 

I can't breathe. That answer relieved me, because I had been so worried the entire way to the hospital. It felt like a heavy stone was weighing down my chest.

 

"What happened?" Tos asked.

 

"When Jin was driving, a drunk driver cut in front of his car. Luckily, Jin only sustained minor injuries. As for the other driver, it seems they hit the median and went off the road."

 

"They must be seriously injured."

 

"Serves them right," Art said emotionally. 

 

"Drinking that much and then driving and causing trouble for other people sharing the road." I sighed heavily.

 

"Take me to Jin, please, Nick."

 

I followed Nick to the recovery room upstairs. Since it was a private hospital, it wasn't very crowded, and besides, it was quite late. So I followed quietly, not wanting to disturb the patients in other rooms, until I stopped at one room.

 

When I opened the door, I saw Jin lying motionless in a patient's gown. There was gauze wrapped around his head and on one of his elbows. Its condition brought tears to my eyes. Didn't you say it wasn't anything serious?

I slowly walked closer to it before reaching out and gently stroking its pale cheek.

 

"Jin", I called out to him, my voice trembling. Not long after, Jin slowly opened his eyes and gave me a faint smile.

 

"Does it hurt a lot?"

 

It shook its head.

 

"I thought I wouldn't see you again." It spoke softly, its voice slightly trembling, and I could not hold back my tears.

 

"Don't cry."

 

"I'm alright now, see?"

 

"You're so wrapped up you're practically a mummy!"

 

It chuckled softly before clutching its stomach and wincing, probably from the pain of the bruises on its abdomen.

 

"Why are there so many of you here?" It asked, sweeping its gaze across its friends.

 

"We were worried about you. Phodduang completely lost his mind, you know, when Khun Nick called," Tos gestured towards me. "That's why we came to keep you company."

 

"Thank you very much, guys."

 

They chatted for a bit before their friends, and Nick excused themselves and left. Now it was just me and Jin in the room. I slumped down into the chair next to me. Our hands are still clasped together.

 

"Were you very surprised?" Jin asked, squeezing my hand gently.

 

"Mmm."

 

"I was completely at a loss for what to do at that moment."

 

Jin reached out his fingertips and gently wiped away the remaining tears. "Sorry to startle you."

 

I nodded slightly before moving my head to rest on his uninjured arm, letting it stroke my head.

 

"Jin"

 

"yes"

 

"Phu just understood."

 

"What is it about?"

 

"Back then, when Dang got injured, and Boom cried like she was going to lose her mind, I didn't understand much. Until today, the day you got injured." I burst into sobs.

 

"I've only just realised how much it hurts in my heart."

 

That hand gently stroked my head.

 

"I'm right here. I didn't go anywhere."

 

"I know."

"..."

 

"But it still hurts in my heart when I think about seeing you injured."

 

"Where does it hurt? Let me know."

 

I immediately smiled when the injured person was about to get up and blow on my wound.

 

"Look at yourself first."

 

"Hey, even like this, I still have the strength to hug you."

 

"Show me how to do it."

 

I raised my eyebrows and looked at Jin, who was lying there with his arms outstretched, waiting.

 

"Huh?"

 

"Come here and hug me," he said with a wide, pleading smile. "Hurry up, hug me. You can hug me as your boyfriend," I said, before he could even react. I threw myself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

 

"I think I'm addicted to your scent," Jin mumbled against my neck. "The doctor gave me sleeping pills earlier, but I still couldn't fall asleep. But now that I smell you, I'm incredibly sleepy."

 

"If you're sleepy, go to sleep. Get plenty of rest."

 

"Phod Duang"

 

"Huh"

 

"Would you mind?"

 

I pulled away from it and stared at it intently.

 

"Can I borrow your shirt?"

 

"Ya"

 

"We probably won't be able to cuddle tonight."

 

That would be terrible. Even if the bed was comfortable, I shouldn't climb into bed with a sick person who isn't in good physical condition yet.

 

"Can I sleep while sniffing your shirt?"

 

I sighed deeply, meeting the gaze of the sick person who was making a pleading face. When Jin is sick, he's like a little child. His pale face was flushed with fever and the wounds. It's probably inflamed. If you don't get plenty of rest, it won't get better.

 

"So what am I going to wear to sleep now?"

 

"Nick brought my suitcase. It's in the closet."

 

I sighed, walked over to the wardrobe, and grabbed a shirt. It was just a plain T-shirt.

 

"Can you take off your shirt and change here?"

 

"You're sick, Jin. Don't cling to me too much."

I glared at him until he snapped.

 

"Can't you at least provide some service to the sick person?"

 

"What kind of sick person is as perverted as you?"

 

"Take it off!"

 

"You bastard!"

 

I gave him the middle finger before slipping into the bathroom, taking off my own shirt and putting on Jin's instead. At that moment, I pulled up the collar and sniffed Jin’s shirt... he still smelled the same. I smiled at myself in the bathroom mirror and walked out, handing him my shirt. Jin took it and sniffed the clothes loudly. That reaction made me smile even more.

 

"You're too crazy, Jin."

 

"Are you bullying a sick person?"

 

"If you're sick and acting this clingy, I think you're cured."

 

It shrugged, then unfolded my shirt and wrapped itself in it, acting like a child. I moved to adjust the blanket and cover it again.

 

"Go to sleep, you big kid."

 

"Mmm."

 

I moved away and lay down on one side of the sofa, watching the patient fidget for a while. His hand still clung to my shirt; he was like a clingy child. I'm sleeping under a worn-out blanket; the only difference is that Jin is lying there smiling, hugging my shirt tightly. He probably doesn't know that I've unconsciously pulled up his collar again and taken a deep breath. Its body odour was so strong it felt like it was sleeping right next to me.

 

"You're groping my collar."

 

I froze, my hand gripping the collar of my shirt tightly. Jin looked up and turned towards me.

 

"Does it smell good?"

 

My face instantly turned red.

 

"Talking nonsense."

 

I was trying to change the subject, not wanting to admit it easily.

 

"And does it smell good?"

 

"Yes"

 

"Uh, what?"

 

"Wow, it smells amazing."

 

"Smells amazing!"

 

"It smells just like you're hugging me."

 

"So, shall we really cuddle to sleep?"

 

"Go to sleep, you bastard."

 

I sang along. After that, everything fell silent as we lay there looking at each other in the darkness before bursting into laughter. I didn't want to admit it, but… I have to admit, I like the smell of it too.

We smell like each other.