Chapter 42. Splendor.
After Phoon's short trip to Japan and birthday party, we returned to Thailand. We didn't have much time and had to continue our studies. It must have been another fun time for Phoon, because besides meeting his mother, he also had fun with his friends. That day, after a day of taking photos, we rode the Ferris wheel and finally had dinner at a restaurant to celebrate. The next day, we returned to Thailand. Phoon was busy editing the birthday photos and video for several days. Plus, he wouldn't let me look at it first. He said he'd finish everything first and then show it to me.
Looking at the clock, it was already past 8:00 PM. Today was another late-night class. I told Phoon to go get something to eat first, and believe me, I felt guilty knowing we'd never have this time together again, because I had an early start to class the next morning. I slowly opened the bedroom door, put my bag on the floor, and looked for the person I'd been searching for all day. I saw Phoon sleeping on his computer desk. So I approached carefully to avoid waking him, then opened the screen where he was editing the video.
I looked around for a while and couldn't help but smile. I saved everything he'd left unfinished before closing the computer, then slowly covered the sleeping person and carried them to bed. He must have been tired after sitting at the computer all day. I closed the curtains and turned on the bedside lamp before going to the bathroom, showering, getting dressed, and heading to the kitchen table, where I found some dishes already set, wrapped in plastic. Phoon must have been just the ticket, right?
I removed the plastic wrap, heated it, then removed the rice and waited for the food to heat through. After finishing my meal, I placed the plate in the sink. I checked whether the person sleeping was still sound asleep. When I thought they were, I closed the bedroom door and went to make coffee to prepare for tonight's study.
My life before dating Phoon was pretty ordinary and boring. I went to college during the day and studied at night. I went to school the next day. When I had free time, I studied more. That's all. Now that I have a boyfriend, some things have changed a bit. It seems like those boring days have become more colourful.
I often study late into the night. It's a habit I've grown accustomed to. Even before I passed my medical school exam, when I started studying, I read even more. Phoon would usually come over to my house to watch TV or listen to music on the couch, and he would watch me study until he fell asleep. Something's been on my mind lately. Ever since I took him to Japan, I haven't been doing very well in my midterms. I can't say I didn't do well enough, because I felt like I'd studied hard. But when the actual exam came around, there were a lot of questions I didn't know the answers to.
Exams are like that. It's impossible to pass them all due to their difficulty and level. The higher the level, the more difficult the exam. Since I've never failed so many exams before, I'm disappointed. The grades came out as I expected. I knew from the exam that they would be at that level, more or less. Even though everyone agreed that I had scored better than most, it still wasn't good enough for me. It was hard to break the habit of putting too much pressure on myself. Plus, when I heard the results, my parents said they thought I could do better, which put even more pressure on me. They weren't pressuring me, but as I said, they expected me to do better, that I would be so-so.
Well... there's no point in thinking about it. Let's focus on the present. I spent over an hour concentrating on the study paper in front of me until I had to rest my eyes. Tired, I sighed, feeling exhausted. I got up from the table and went to the bookcase to look for old study papers. I searched here and there and found an old cigarette pack. Oh, I forgot about the cigarettes. I haven't smoked in months. When I quit, I didn't smoke very often, so I didn't think much of it. When I took them out, I found a Post-it on the pack that said:
Don't smoke too often. I'm worried. ~Typhoon~
I couldn't help but smile as I read the note. Phoon must have found it while cleaning the room. He thought I was still smoking. Besides, he didn't ask or say anything. I took out the note and tucked it behind my notebook to keep it safe, then threw away the pack of cigarettes. When I found the study paper I wanted, I resumed studying. Almost an hour later, I heard the bedroom door slowly creak open. I turned and saw that the person who had been sleeping had woken up and was lightly rubbing his eyes. He seemed confused and approached me.
"Can't you sleep?"
"Um, what time is it now?"
"It's almost midnight."
"Oh, I didn't realise Phi was back."
"I came back at eight. I saw you sleeping on the table."
"Why didn't you wake me? I haven't showered yet; I must be ugly."
"No problem."
"No, I have to shower first," Phoon said, before grabbing his clothes and heading to the bathroom. It took only about ten minutes before he emerged in his simple pyjamas. "I'm awake now."
"After you shower, how do you sleep?"
"I'm going to be sleepy soon. What time will you study until tonight?"
"Until two, I think."
"Then I'll keep editing the video. Phi Fah, don't peek."
"I won't do it."
"Well, I don't want to know if you cheated."
"Yes, yes." I smiled unconsciously at Phoon's attitude. "Can you encourage me to study?" My request made him lean in and kiss my cheek.
"Enthusiasm!"
"Add more."
Phoon frowned slightly before leaning in and kissing my other cheek. When I said I needed encouragement, I meant a kiss on the lips, but that was enough. I smiled contentedly as Phoon walked away, his cheeks slightly flushed, sat down at his desk, and put on his headphones to continue editing videos and photos.
After a few hours of sleep and a shower, I felt refreshed, so I spent some time editing the videos. Then I remembered that the test results would be announced the next day, which made me nervous. The clock read 11:55. Five minutes to go!
I opened the exam results page, but the site was down. Oh my God, this happens every year! I couldn't sit still because I was so excited, but I tried to calm down when I saw Phi Fah studying...
I refreshed the page, looking at the clock. The seconds ticked by, making me increasingly nervous and excited. My heart pounded as midnight approached. I tried to reload the page, but my hands were shaking. I was so excited I felt like I was about to explode, but I couldn't make a sound.
"Come on..." I muttered. The results had to come. How long will this site be down? Finally, the page is loading! I held my breath as I watched the blank page slowly open. I had done it!
“Aaaaah!” I screamed unconsciously, making Phi Fah turn his head in surprise.
"Phoon! What's wrong?"
"Hi Fah!"
"Yeah? What's wrong?" Phi Fah got up and ran toward me.
"I did it! I did it! I passed the photography exam!" I shouted with joy, almost incomprehensibly. I looked at the screen to confirm. Phi Fah saw the results and smiled happily.
"Congratulations—" I didn't wait for him to finish and immediately lunged at him. Phi Fah was a little surprised by my sudden embrace, but he immediately returned the hug.
"I did it! I did it!"
"I'm so happy. I told you you could do it."
"Thank you for believing in me. I did it!" Phi Fah gently put me down. I was so happy I could barely contain myself. All those months of studying had finally paid off. Phi Fah gently stroked my head. I gave him a wide smile. I have to show off! I picked up the phone to call someone else. The last person I'd spoken to online was Ter. I called him right away, and he answered right away.
"Have!"
What's wrong? Why are you screaming?
"Haven't you slept yet?"
You didn't just shout my name, you shouted a whole sentence! I was taking Phi Hill to study. What's wrong?
"I passed the exam!"
What?
"I got accepted into the photography department!"
Hey, congratulations! That's awesome, let's celebrate tomorrow!
"Of course, we can't miss this opportunity!"
Yes, yes. Did you tell the others?
"Not yet, you first. I'll call the others now."
Well, is that all?
"Yes, I just wanted to prove that I passed the exam."
Okay, goodnight then.
"Good night."
I checked my chat and called Foam. He answered right away. Of course, I screamed with joy, and he congratulated me too, saying we'd celebrate the next day. His voice sounded like Ter's. The call didn't last long because he was sleeping and only woke up to answer me. Then it was North's turn.
"North!"
Why are you screaming? What's wrong?
"Haven't you slept yet? Are you playing? I don't know."
So what's up?
"I passed the photography exam!"
Really? Congratulations! I knew you could do it.
"Yes, we're celebrating tomorrow."
Okay, we'll think about it later. I'm still playing.
"Addicted to video games, can't you sleep?"
I play while my friend Phi Jo studies.
"Ah, okay. Goodnight."
Goodnight, Phoon.
After hanging up with North, I immediately called Daotok.
"Daotok!"
If your voice is shaking, something is wrong.
"I passed the photography exam!" I didn't shout as loudly as before; I didn't want to scare Daotok.
Really? Congratulations! You're truly talented, I'm not surprised.
"We'll celebrate tomorrow."
Celebrate?
"Yes, you're coming, right? I invited the others."
I don't think I can come. I'm sorry, but I'll give you a gift later.
"Why? Aren't you free?"
Um, yes.
"Come on, Daotok, you never join in the celebrations. Please, just for a moment."
"Please."
Ok, tell me the place and we'll meet there.
"Great! Why are you still awake? Don't tell me you're working."
Then I won't say.
"Jobs?"
YES.
"Okay, cheer up. Sorry to bother you. Get some rest."
Mhm, goodnight, Phoon.
"Good night."
My mission of calling and disturbing everyone, that is, telling them I'd passed the exam, was accomplished. I turned and gave Phi Fah a broad smile, still brimming with enthusiasm.
"I'll pursue the honorific title, hehe."
"Of course you can."
"I'll do my best. As a disciple of Phi Fah, I won't let Master feel embarrassed," I said in a firm voice, saluting like a soldier, which made Phi Fah smile a little.
"At university, I can only help you with the basics. You're already good at photography."
"Yes." And I hugged him again, filled with happiness. Phi Fah hugged me back.
Phoon has succeeded Fan. I must break this good news to Mom, Aunt Nuan, and Aunt Phrae.
The boys had planned to celebrate together today. They booked a restaurant for Saturday, since everyone was free. But I had class, so I let Phoon stay with his friends starting this morning, since we were having dinner together later. Being alone in your room must be boring.
I left him at the mall because he said they were going to eat and see a movie. I hope they don't cause me any trouble. Phoon seemed to notice that I'd been worrying a lot lately, so he was closer to me, showing me more affection. Anyway, he'd always been affectionate. He knew I was stressed about school, and trying not to worry wasn't easy. He always took care of me, preparing meals, cleaning the apartment, and doing everything he could to help me.
"Fah!"
“What’s up?” I asked a friend who had come over during the break.
"Explain it to me; our group doesn't understand it."
“Sure,” I explained the material, slightly modifying the teacher’s explanation to make it easier to understand.
"Thanks." He smiled, and I smiled back out of courtesy. "Hey, Fah, is that person on your Instagram your partner?"
"Yes, why?"
"Okay, that's nice. You're still young, huh?"
"So sweet. We've all been saying how adorable your couple is; it really touched us."
"Ah... thanks."
"I'd like to meet him in person. What faculty is he in?"
"He will specialise in photography."
"Oh, I'll take a look. I looked at his Instagram, and it's all pictures of you."
I didn't answer, just smiled. We talked a little longer, then he left.
“Jo,” I called to the person sitting next to me.
"What is it?"
"Did anyone ever say the North is sweet?"
"Yes, sometimes. Why?"
"Do you like it?"
"NO."
"So it's not weird, right?"
"I don't know," Jo replied. "It's not that it's weird or not. I just don't like it."
"I see." I sighed. While it bothered me a little that someone would say Phoon was cute, now that I thought about it, it was a good thing that people thought my classmate was adorable. They only paid him compliments. If they could tell from a photo that Phoon was cute, would they have said so more when he started his new college?
"What is it?"
"When Phoon studied veterinary medicine, many people appreciated him."
"Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?" Phi Hill frowned, a little confused. "Yes."
"YES?"
"Yes," Ter said, "many people, both seniors and classmates,"
"Many people?"
"Yes, that's what I heard."
"How many people?"
"I do not know."
"How did they approach Phoon?"
"I do not know."
"And what did Phoon say?"
"Maybe he's pushing them away."
"Maybe? Why is that possible?"
"They just love him, it's not like they bother him, right?"
"No, that's not the case."
"Thank goodness." I breathed a sigh of relief. Even though it was over, if anyone ever disturbed Phoon, he wouldn't feel comfortable.
“When we get into the photography world, there will be a lot more people interested,” Hill said.
"Yes." I shrugged, not thinking too much about it.
"Do you like it when people look at your partner?"
"No, but even if they did, why should I care? Phoon just looked at me."
“You’re so annoying,” Jo said, laughing, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
"Are you proving that Phoon loves you more?"
"No, I'm not bragging. It's the truth." I joked, which only made them angrier.
"This is another level of ostentation," Thit said. "Hill and Jo are annoying, but you, Fah, are the worst."
"And you, Thit, have you nothing to boast about?"
"IT?"
"Yes, do you have anything?"
"How could I get one?"
"Are you talking to someone?"
"My dad hasn't even spoken to me lately."
“Hasn’t your dad unblocked you on LINE yet?” Jo asked, laughing.
"Yes, please tell my dad to unblock me. You have his LINE, right?"
"Yes, yes. You are truly pathetic, my friend."