Chapter 44. A little boy.
I slept hugging a drunk person until I fell asleep. The faint smell mixed with a little alcohol made me feel strange, but it was still the smell of Phoon. Until midnight, when I woke up and discovered the person in my arms was gone.
"Phoon," I called softly, getting out of bed and going to look for him. I thought he'd gone to the bathroom. When I saw the small figure sitting in front of the refrigerator, I ran to her immediately. "Are you okay?"
"Ugh, it hurts."
I didn't answer. I grabbed his hand to help him sit down in the chair. "Did you fall?"
"I banged my head."
"Huh? Where?" I asked, worried, because there was always a little light on in our room in case Phoon woke up in the middle of the night. The dim light illuminated his face, and I saw a red mark on his forehead. "Ah, poor thing. Did you bump into the refrigerator?"
"Yes, I will answer."
"How dare he hurt the person who cleaned it?" I couldn't help but smile at this unconscious person, then went to get the equipment to treat the wound. A small impact wouldn't have been too painful. He must have been unaware when he hit the top of the refrigerator door. "Come on! Idiot."
Wait. Is he fighting with the refrigerator?
"Aren't you happy? Huh? I even cooked the chicken myself. If you don't like it, don't be born a refrigerator!"
"Phoon,"
"Are you defending him, Phi Fah?"
"No, I'm not defending him. Come sit down so I can tend to your wounds."
"I don't want to, I don't want to."
He seemed lazy when he was drunk. I thought nothing would happen when I fell asleep. I had to lift his stubborn body and put him back in the chair to apply the medicine and gently massage the wound on his forehead.
"Phi Fah can heal wounds; it's incredible. No wonder you studied to be a doctor."
"YES."
"No wonder you studied hard to become a doctor."
I frowned slightly, not knowing how to respond.
"Study hard, okay?"
"Yes. Now let's go to sleep."
"Doctor. Doctor Fah."
"YES?"
"Um, don't let Phoon know."
"What do you know about it?"
"Don't let him know you're glancing at others while studying."
"I wasn't looking at anyone. Why are you suddenly bringing up this story?" I asked as I carried him back to bed. "Did you go to the fridge because you were thirsty? Did you drink some water?"
"Don't change the subject. It's suspicious. Are you looking at someone else?"
"No, I don't know."
"Phoon knows. Everyone admires you, everyone."
"Everyone?" I asked, smiling, as I looked at the person moaning in bed. His face was bright red all the way to his ears. His eyes were half-closed, and his voice sounded soft. He's absolutely adorable when he's drunk.
"Everyone. Even when you go to the store, dogs follow you. I've seen it."
"I didn't notice. Maybe because I was buying food."
"That's not true. Don't deny it. You're the kind of guy everyone likes."
"Ah, I see."
"I remember everyone was watching you and taking pictures of you secretly. I didn't like it! I didn't like it! I wanted to gouge out their eyes."
"You don't like them?" I frowned. Did he mean he was jealous? He'd never shown any signs of jealousy before, perhaps because there'd never been a situation where he could be.
"I don't like it. They don't know how to take good pictures."
"Why can't they take pictures?"
"Yes, they didn't know. They shouldn't have taken the photo."
"So you don't want them to take pictures because they can't take them well?"
"I don't want your picture taken. Only I can photograph Phi Fah."
"Ah."
"I remember there was a girl named Mona. She was always calling you for help with studying. How much does she have to study? The semester hasn't even started yet! If you want to study, study alone and Phi Fah only talks to her!"
"It happened a long time ago, before you disappeared."
"I don't care. There are so many people."
"But I've never had anything to do with them."
"I don't know. But why do you have to be so handsome?"
"You've known me before. Since Phi Fah was so little." Phoon alluded to his small stature.
"You've known me since we were little."
When we were in kindergarten together, Phoon met Phi Fah before anyone else. How dare they say they like Phi Fah? Phoon has loved Phi Fah ever since we learned to write together.
I remained silent, watching the person who kept complaining. He was so adorable, I wanted to hug him.
"Why did you grow up like that? Why did you have to be so handsome? Why did you have to be so smart? Why did you have to be so kind? Why did everyone have to like you? When I was little, there weren't that many people who wanted you."
"I don't know what to answer."
"You don't have to answer. Phoon just complained. Does Phi Fah like little children?"
Did the topic just change?
"Yes. I like it. Why?"
"So does Phoon! I want lots of children running around the house, making lots of noise. But you'll become a doctor and probably won't have time to play with them. The children will love me more."
I started frowning when I heard him mention children. Oh, you want a lot of children? It'll be a challenge.
"I'll be the best father. I won't let my kids get bullied. I'll send them to good schools, introduce them to good friends, and give them lots of love. Phi Fah, why don't you answer?"
"You haven't asked for anything yet."
"What do our children call us?"
"Um, I don't know. What do you want them to call us?"
"Phi Fah will be busy working, right? Will you have time for the kids and Phoon?"
"Yes, Phi Fah will make time for you guys."
"Phi Fah must be a good father."
"Are you hungry?"
"Huh? It's already two in the morning."
"Phoon will cook for you."
"Wait, you better go to sleep." I stopped him as he was about to get up. This drunk Phoon was talking about a lot of unrelated things.
"It's getting late, let's go and rest."
"I don't want to sleep, I'm not sleepy."
"But you're drunk."
"I'm not drunk. Why do you deny it?"
"Discuss?"
"You deny it!"
"Phoon, don't be stubborn."
"Are you going to scold the children like this?"
"If they're stubborn, yes."
"No, if you scold the children, I'll take them away."
Will he take them away?
"Mom doesn't let the children meet Dad!"
Wow, that's really adorable.
"Mom, don't be cruel to Dad.
Wait, is he asleep? Yes. It was true; he had fallen asleep. I sighed involuntarily. Managing him when drunk was a challenge in itself. I made him comfortable, lying down next to him, hugging him, and covering him with a blanket. Then I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
"Does your head hurt?" I asked as we ate breakfast. Phoon seemed a little weak after waking up, probably because he'd drunk a lot the night before and had also woken up in the middle of the night, groaning.
"A bit."
"Take the medicine after you eat, okay?"
"Yes. What time is Phi's class?"
"It's ten o'clock. Do you want to meet Ter?"
"I can?"
Phoon nodded slowly. Today, as usual, I had class even though it was the weekend. As I was getting ready to leave, something occurred to me.
"Phoon, do you remember what happened last night?"
He seemed to remember, judging by the shocked expression and blush on his face.
"So? What's the answer?"
"What... What happened last night?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just that you asked me about the kids."
"Children?!"
"About the name."
"Oh yeah, I was drunk, it was silly."
“How often do you think about children?” I asked him, ignoring his excuse that he was drunk.
"I was just thinking about adoption, that's all."
"So, have you thought about what they should call us? You say 'Father' and 'Mother.' Will you run away with them if Father is vicious? He's so cruel. So how can Father survive?"
When I woke up, I barely remembered anything. I just felt a little dizzy and had a slight swelling on my forehead. I tried to remember what had happened the night before. When I was drunk, I often bumped into things and spoke incoherently. I remember waking up in the middle of the night because I was thirsty. I banged against the refrigerator door and fell to the floor. After that... I got angry with the refrigerator.
How embarrassing! And it all happened in front of Phi Fah. Plus, I teased him. To make matters worse, I called him Dad and told him I was running away with the kids. Oh, Phi Fah! If I could go back, I'd faint. Why would I wake up? I was so embarrassed last night.
"Did I really say that?!"
"I should have recorded the conversation, like when Phoon said he wanted to record Phi Fah.
"I don't remember anything. Phi Fah, it's time for you to go to class."
"There are still thirty minutes to go."
"No, you have to go now."
"Oh, like when you told me to study hard?"
"Ah Fah!"
"Yes, why?"
"Phoon will get angry and take the children away!"
Good heavens! I said it without realising it! My words, born of embarrassment and awkwardness, seemed to amuse Phi Fah immensely. He smiled and laughed, making me frown even more and feel even more uncomfortable.
"Don't be angry. You're not going to take the children, are you? That would be too cruel," Phi Fah said in his usual sweet tone, without any mockery. Then he stood up and approached me, hugged me from behind, and kissed me softly on the cheek.
"Ugh! Why are you always teasing me?" I complained as I scrubbed the dishes harder, my face feeling hotter and hotter.
"Don't get angry."
"I won't be mad if you stop teasing me."
"I can't promise you that," Phi Fah said, letting go of the hug. "Oh, and as for the kids... Phi Fah will be a good father to them. Don't worry."
His words made me turn to look at him. How could he say that without a hint of shame? Phi Fah leaned over and kissed me softly. I was shocked, but before I could react, a sweet smile appeared on his face.
"Let's go. I'll take you to meet Ter."
"YES."
I took his outstretched hand and we walked out together. While I waited for the elevator, I couldn't stop thinking about the night before, feeling increasingly embarrassed.
"What is it?"
"Nothing!" I blurted out as we both stepped into the elevator, causing Phi Fah to look at me in confusion. "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"About last night?"
My surprise made me stare at him involuntarily.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Excuse me."
"You don't have to apologise. Can you tell me what you're thinking?"
"I won't drink anymore!"
"Why? You're cute when you're drunk."
"Cute? Even more embarrassing. Phi Fah, leave me alone, or I'll hit my head on a pole!" I said with a serious expression. I was referring to the pole on the first floor of the apartment building.
"You don't need to threaten to bang your head. You're still recovering from the impact with the refrigerator door the night before. Should we replace the refrigerator? It sounds like you have a problem."
"Hi Fah!"
"Yes, why do you call me so often?"
"Ugh!"
"Okay, I won't bother you anymore," Phi Fah said with a kind smile. I was still sulking, embarrassed, and upset from the teasing that morning as we walked to the parking lot. Phi Fah opened the door for me, then turned to get behind the wheel. The luxury car sped off.
"What's wrong, Phoon? Your face is all red. Is Phi Fah bothering you again?" Ter asked as I sat down on the sofa in the cafe. Today was another holiday, but since the medical students still had class, we didn't have much to do. We decided to meet at Phi Gib's Cafe.
"What? Nothing!"
"You look nervous," North joked. Today, it was just me, North, and Ter, because we had no plans. We were just waiting for the medical students to finish their exams.
"You said it was nothing, but your voice sounded nervous."
"What happened last night? Did you do anything strange while you were drunk?" As soon as I asked, they both looked at me in shock. "You seem nervous."
"No, it's nothing! Why do you ask me?" Ter replied, visibly nervous.
"You're not good at hiding things!"
"What's wrong, North?"
"Why are you angry? Are you still drunk?"
"I'm not drunk anymore!"
"Why not?" North joked, making Ter blush and throwing a nearby doll at him. "Ouch! They get aggressive when they're embarrassed."
"And why do you ask that, Phoon?"
"Well, last night it seemed like nothing happened, but while I was showering, my memories suddenly came flooding back," I began. "I remember everything from when I got drunk and woke up screaming in the middle of the night, damn it," I continued, rubbing my face. "Just remembering it still embarrasses me. What did you do, Phoon? Phoon doesn't like it. Phoon just wants to take pictures of Phi Fah. Why has he become so handsome? Why do so many people like him?"
"Phoon has loved him for a long time."
I really want to thank myself for being drunk enough to say all this. Otherwise, I never would have told Phi Fah.
"What are you doing?" asked Ter.
“I don’t want to talk!” I said, quickly turning away.
"Come on, tell me so I can help you feel less embarrassed."
"You're not going to make fun of me?"
"Oh, I won't make fun of you."
"I don't believe it."
"If I make fun of you, criticise me. I won't get revenge," Ter said.
"Really?! I love Phi Hill more than anyone in the world. Ouch! Ter, you hurt me again!"
"Don't slander me!"
"What slander? All the witnesses at the table were silent at that point, you savage," North said. It made me a little uncomfortable. I still remember Ter's face when, drunk, he said that. "Oh, so that's more or less why you said that," North continued.
"Yes, that's true. But I was thinking about the children. Have you ever talked about the children?"
“Yes, once,” Ter and North replied simultaneously.
"So what did they say?"
“I asked,” North said, “but Phi Jo said he doesn’t like children, so I don’t think there will be any.”
“Oh, I talked to Phi Hill and we wanted to adopt,” Ter said.
“Um, yes, I want to adopt too,” I said, reaching for the glass of water in front of me.
"Does it sound crazy? I don't know. Honestly, I'm only a freshman and Phi Fah is already in its fourth year."
"It'll be over in a few years, right? And besides, you were just talking about it."
"So what did Phi Fah say when you raised the issue?" North asked.
"WELL."
"He said he would be a good father."
"Damn. Phi Fah is Phi Fah. Hot as a microwave," North joked. "Good.
"And last night, when I was drunk, I said I was going to take our son away from Phi Fah, you know?" My words made Ter and North look at each other. "That's because I was drunk and didn't want to sleep, and then I said if Phi Fah got violent, I'd take our son away from him."
"I feel sorry for Phi Fah. How would he feel if his son were taken away from him?" North laughed. "I feel so embarrassed just thinking about it," I said, rubbing my face.
"How could I say something like that? And I still have the nerve to tell Phi Fah to study hard.
"You're so rude." Ter and North laughed even louder. "Did you tell Phi Fah to study hard?"
"Candies."
"Who in the world is more serious about studying than Phi Fah?"
"You shouldn't be so drunk, buddy."
"You're amazing, Phoon. But drunk people are like that." Ter patted me on the shoulder comfortingly, still laughing. "If you think being embarrassed while drunk is bad, look at North. If being embarrassed while drunk is bad enough, it's even worse when he throws up on Phi Jo, like he did the first time."
"Enough, let's not talk about this anymore." North raised his hand to stop Ter. "Don't change the subject from Phoon to me. Besides, since Phi Fah is going to be a doctor, he probably won't have much time. No, Phi Fah said he'll become a doctor first. After he gains experience, he'll replace his uncle."
"Phi Fah's father is the principal, right?"
"Exactly. He also owns a private hospital."
"Really?" North looked surprised, as if he'd just found out, then grimaced as if he'd just remembered something. "Why didn't I know? Oh, oh, oh. Now I remember. That private hospital with so many branches, huh?"
"Yes, so the pressure he's under is enormous. I'm worried, but I don't know how to help him, and the only thing I can do is try to take care of him," I said, unconsciously hunching my shoulders. It wasn't just Phi Fah who was under pressure; so were the people around him, including his uncles, aunts, and everyone else involved in the hospital.
“Yeah, the pressure is always there,” North said with a pout.
"Phi Jo is like that too, right?"
"Exactly, it's inevitable. It's like a test you have to pass. It's not easy running such a renowned private hospital."
"Yes, I understand." I nodded slowly.
"You did your best," Ter said. "But the owner of a hospital with so many locations—wow, he must be rich. Studying medicine and then running a hospital is appropriate, right?"
"Could it be that they're friends because of their looks and social status? I'm starting to suspect so," North said. "Phi Hill will also inherit his father's company, right? And his father is also friends with Phi Jo's father."
"Exactly," Ter nodded. "But why are you asking me this now? You should have suspected it a long time ago.
"I suspected it from the start. Well, people who are alike attract, right? Like you and me, when it rains, pig shit flows."
"I don't feel comfortable with this expression," Ter frowned.
"But you guys are kind."
"Us?" I repeated.
"Mmm, being with you is like being in a fragrant flower garden. I don't want to be too idealistic, but deep down you're good people. Unlike my engineer friends. Damn, it feels like hell on earth."
“That bad?” Ter asked, not quite believing it.
"When we talked, they seemed normal. They seemed fine."
"Has anyone ever spoken harshly to you?"
"NO."
"Yeah, they said not to talk to Easter, but look at them talking to me." North pouted, annoyed.
"Oh. Hey guys," I said, remembering my camera in my bag. I hadn't intended to take pictures, but it had become a habit. I liked carrying my camera everywhere, even if I didn't take it to school.
"The light is nice today, it's not too hot."
"Hmm, right," North said. "Why?"
"I like this kind of light."
"This isn't fair at all," Ter whispered to North in a low voice, frowning and looking uncomfortable. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Why?"
“Let’s go for a walk,” I said.
"Oh, I already know," Ter sighed. "If he says the light is good and he has free time, he'll definitely invite us over to hang out and take some photos."
"The sun isn't too hot, are you okay?" I asked because Ter is allergic to the sun. His skin shouldn't be exposed to the sun for too long, otherwise he'll get a rash or something. But today the sun isn't too hot, and there are lots of clouds, perfect for a walk!
"Hmm, okay, but I'll wear a long-sleeved shirt."
"Great! Where do you want to go? How about the zoo?"
"What makes you want to go to the zoo?" North asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you want to take pictures? No, no. Oh, can you sit down? I'm lazy," North said.
"No, no, North, can you? I want to come. I want to come with you. Come on, come with me. If I go alone, I'll get lost and be eaten by lions. Don't you care if something happens to me?"
"Is it really necessary to make a drama like this?"
"Yesterday I beat you in a drinking contest. The loser has to do whatever the winner asks."
"Did we agree on this?"
"Otherwise, why are we competing?"
"Oh, okay. Let's go then." Finally, North agreed to come. As for Ter, he was already planning on coming. The three of us decided to go play at the zoo. "I have to tell Phi Jo first."
“Me too,” said Ter.
"Why did you tell Phi Jo too? Isn't that too much? Hey, you already have Phi Hill, isn't that enough?"
"I mean, I have to tell Phi Hill. Why are you complaining so much?"
"Oh, okay, I'll go first," North said. Before I pulled out my phone to contact Phi Fah via LINE and tell him I was going to the zoo with Ter and North, they thought I'd leave a message because I was studying and couldn't answer.
Typhoon: Phi Fah
Typhoon: Phoon will go to the zoo with North and Ter.
Typhoon: to take pictures.
Typhoon: Don't worry, I'll be careful.
Typhoon: I'll take a picture of you.
Shortly after, the message was read and Phi Fah called. I answered, confused, and saw that North and Ter were also receiving calls at the same time.
[A zoo, huh?]
"Yeah, that's okay, right?"
[Sure, be careful.]
I told you to be careful.
[There's nothing wrong with repeating it, right?]
"Yes of course."
[Okay, don't walk too much. Use the zoo train to avoid getting too hot. Take care of your things and stay with North and Ter so you don't get lost. If you get lost or anything happens, call me immediately. Understand?]
"Understand!"
[Good. What time will you be home?]
"I don't know. What time do you finish class?"
[Three in the afternoon.]
"So, after class, you can pick me up at the zoo. Okay?"
[All right.]
"Okay, study hard."
[You said that last night.]
"You're still kidding me."
[Haha, just kidding. See you later.]
"Yes, see you later."
I hung up the phone and saw that North and Ter had finished talking too.
“What did they say?” I asked.
“Okay, I told you to be careful,” Ter said.
"Oh?"
"Phi Jo asked me why I went to the zoo in such a hot place, then told me to take care of myself."
"Okay, let's go!" I said excitedly, quickly getting up and leaving the bar. I turned to see that North and Ter weren't moving with the same enthusiasm.
"Come on, hurry up," I complained. "Don't be so slow!"
“Yeah, yeah, let’s go,” Ter said, raising his hand to sound more enthusiastic, then took out his cell phone.
"What is it?"
"Hehe, Phoon, Phi Fah told me to hold your hand."
"Oh?"
"So you don't get lost. He told me to take care of you."
"Yes, Phi Fah told me the same thing," North added. "He said not to lose Phoon."
“Losing Phoon? What is Phi Fah thinking? I’m not a child,” I said, frowning.
"But it's true, we have to keep an eye on you. If you suddenly disappear, it'll be a big problem," North said. "Stay away from us. We don't want to search the entire zoo for you."
"I know! I won't get lost. I'm 21, not a seven- or eight-year-old who got lost at the zoo."
“Yeah, yeah, come on, 21-year-old TyPhoon,” Ter said mockingly, as he followed them into a taxi headed to the zoo.