South; Beside the Sky. 

Chapter 43. Ten and a million.

 

Since we had a date that afternoon to celebrate together and the doctors had class, we left early in the morning. At that time, only North, Ter, and I were accompanied by the doctors. We sat in a store in the mall waiting for Daotok to come see a movie together. Foam had said he'd come in the evening because he was too lazy to go out in the scorching sun.

 

“It’s taking so long,” North began to complain.

 

"Dao drives very slowly," Ter said. "I've only seen him drive at thirty."

 

"Damn, when is it coming?"

 

"You know, he's careful when he drives."

 

"If you drive like that, you might as well ride a bicycle."

 

"Are you really going to watch that movie?" I asked again, just to be sure. It was North who had volunteered to choose the film. Sure, someone as afraid of ghosts as North would choose a horror movie... I don't know why, but maybe it's because he likes them. He's scared because he can imagine more than someone who doesn't watch them. It doesn't matter. He's the real guy."

 

“You’ll scream again in the movies,” Ter said, shaking his head slowly.

 

"What? Who's screaming? Someone like me screaming? That's funny,

Ter. Why should I scream? No."

 

"Hmm, we'll see later."

 

"So you're not scared?" I asked.

 

"Fear."

 

"So why watch horror movies if you're afraid of ghosts? You're weird."

 

"Hey, if you're not scared, why watch a horror movie? If there's no fear, where's the fun in it? What's wrong?"

 

"Yes, that's right." I frowned and nodded. "Did you tell Dao we're going to see a horror movie?"

 

“Yes, Dao said he can watch it; he likes horror movies,” Ter said.

 

"See, you've found someone with the same tastes as you."

 

"Dao really suits you."

 

"Has Dao ever tried to please you?" Ter asked. "Even though he doesn't like parties, he still came because you asked for a little help."

 

"Hmm, that's true." I nodded because every time I asked him to go somewhere, he always refused. This time, I tried begging, and it turned out that Dao agreed more readily than I expected. In fact, if Dao had refused again, I wouldn't have dared to insist further. Dao seemed like the type of person who didn't like parties or crowded places, especially if there were people he wasn't very close to. So, if I invited him like this, would Dao feel uncomfortable? Oh no, I just thought I wanted him to get out of the room and spend more time outside. I'd forgotten that Dao might feel uncomfortable. Not long after, Daotok entered the shop and sat down next to me.

 

"Did you order the movie tickets?" asked the newcomer.

 

"Huh? There you go. It airs in half an hour."

 

"Ah, a horror movie, huh?"

 

"Yes," I replied. "Hey, Dao, are you okay with the medical students coming tonight? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, that's okay. I'm sorry, I didn't think of that before. I didn't mean to force you."

 

"You want me to come with you, right, meow?"

 

"Try it."

 

"Okay. I'll come with you, no problem. I've already talked to all your friends."

 

“Okay.” I smiled at the person sitting next to me before Ter asked for a snack and forced Dao to try it.

 

"You always say everything is delicious."

 

"But it's really delicious, try it."

The person next to me didn't answer, just took a banana samosa, chewed slowly and frowned, worrying Ter.

 

"Don't you like it?"

 

"Reasonable."

 

"Eat more, more."

 

"This is a conspiracy to make us fat, right?" North said, taking something from his plate. "He doesn't want to get fat alone; he wants his friends."

 

"Shut up and eat!"

 

"Wow, pretending to be powerful!"

 

"By the way, with the start of the semester approaching, I'm reminded of my first day of college," I said, thinking back. "The anniversary of Phi Fah and Phoon is coming up."

 

"That's true," Ter nodded.

 

"Time flies. I remember when I found out Phi Fah was interested in Phoon... It was crazy."

 

"Why is Phi Hill friends with Phi Fah?"

 

"That's right," I nodded with a chuckle. "When he came looking for me at the race because I was lost with Foam, Phi Fah came to pick us up. My heart almost stopped beating. And when I heard Phi Hill was interested in Ter, it was even more shocking."

 

“From that moment on, I could already sense it,” Ter said.

 

"Really?"

 

"Yes, you look like you're about to cry."

 

"Oh, how embarrassing!" I frowned, a little annoyed. "I thought I hid it well."

 

"Phoon, did you hide it well?"

 

"YES."

We chatted for a while until the movie started. We sat in the centre, with North, Ter, and Dao. The movie wasn't too scary at first, but as it progressed, the tension grew. The person next to me began to curl up, lifting their legs and hugging them.

 

"Aaah!"

 

North?

 

What sound is this?

 

"No... don't do it! No, aaah!"

 

As soon as the ghost appeared on the screen, North got so scared that he leaned over and hugged me tightly, dropping the popcorn he was holding on me.

Very spoiled.

 

"Why did you pinch me?" North whispered after being pinched.

 

"Sticky! Did you buy popcorn just to spill it on me or what?" I whispered back.

 

"Sorry, I was scared."

 

"Ugh."

 

I let him hold my arm. Or rather, he held it until he fell asleep. I'm not really afraid of ghosts; I'm just shocked by some scenes. I glanced at Dao and saw that he was also hugging Ter. What was this? Once the movie was over, he finally let go of me, and I felt so relieved as we left the theatre.

 

"It's not that scary: their reviews are exaggerated."

 

“Really, North?” I joked, showing off my arm covered in red pinch marks.

 

"Did you bite my shirt too?!"

 

"Hehe," North smiled nervously, scratching his head.

 

"This one is full of saliva!"

 

"Ahaha."

"Stop laughing like that!"

 

“North is a coward,” Dao said.

 

"Ter hugged you too. Why didn't you tell him anything?"

 

"I didn't hug him, I just hid. I'm a normal person, but North is a super coward."

 

It's natural for people to be afraid. Everyone is afraid of ghosts!

 

“Not with me,” Dao said.

 

“Me neither,” I replied.

 

"Liar! Who wouldn't get scared watching a horror movie?"

 

"The director is just trying to scare us," Dao explained. "Imagine there's a camera following the actors. It's no longer scary. The ghosts are just made up and everything is set up. All the props are already set up."

 

"Ah, that ruins everything. It's no longer funny," North said with an irritated pout. "Your heart must be numb, Dao."

 

Then we went to lunch. Since the medical students had classes all day, we had to stay there too. At noon, during break, Phi Fah usually called me, and today was no different. We chatted a bit and then hung up. I saw Phi Hill and Phi Jo, also called Ter and North.

 

"Everyone seemed to be having a great time talking to their partners."

 

"Aren't you interested in finding someone?" Ter asked jokingly. Dao shook his head.

 

"NO.

 

“It would be nice if someone took care of you,” I commented.

 

"Now I have someone to take care of."

 

"Who?" we all three asked in unison.

 

"Should I say it?"

"Give us a tip!"

 

"He is very important."

 

"How important is it?"

 

"The whole world."

 

"Wow, as important as the whole world, Dao?" North began to joke. Ter and I looked at each other, a little embarrassed, while Dao smiled calmly, without the slightest shame. "Why are you so romantic?"

 

"Romantic?"

 

"Yes, the person who hears it will definitely be embarrassed."

 

"I don't think he feels embarrassed."

 

"Wow, why are you so insensitive?"

 

"Yes, he was cold to us, but still."

 

"I want to see the photo."

 

"I have a photo."

 

"Look! Look!" we shouted, startling Dao, who pulled out his phone. Did he really want to show it? So easy! Why hadn't he said it before? And Dao, who had always been secretive! What kind of person was so important to him?

 

"Here it is."

 

"Huh? This..."

 

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

 

"What?! Why are you showing a picture of a cat?!" North exclaimed, because the picture Dao was showing was of a black cat.

 

"This is the person I love."

 

"That's not a person, that's a cat! You have to say it's an important cat!"

 

"Equally important!"

 

“Wow, that’s the first time you’ve spoken so loudly!” North and I were surprised, as was I, because Dao usually spoke in a soft, gentle voice.

 

"This is... the famous Khun Jon?" asked Ter.

 

"Yes, Khun Jon is my world."

 

Dao is a true cat lover. Ah, that's why he seemed cold towards us.

 

"So, you work for?"

 

"Exactly. To buy the best food for Jon."

 

"Wow, I worked all night until I was admitted to the hospital just to buy some cat food," North whispered, making me laugh. It was adorable. Unconditional love for your cat.

 

"And why is his name Jon?"

 

"His name is actually Kachonsak; we call him Jon, so it's shorter."

 

"What's that, Kachonsak, for cat?" North whispered, and I had to hold back a laugh. Dao always gave things funny names, like the stuffed cat he gave me, which he named Supaporn.

 

Ah, that's why he gave me the cat doll: because he likes it.

 

"Do you call me 'cat' because you like cats?"

 

"Yes, yes, I like cats," Dao said happily. Now I understand why he always calls me a cat. But why is he so happy? I've never seen him smile so much before... Is it because he's looking at John's photo? Wow, the power of cats is incredible!

 

“Oh, so the money you saved to move was for…?” Ter asked, as if he’d just realised it.

 

"Yes, I'll take Jon with me. Pets aren't allowed in the dorms."

"Ah," we nodded, finally understanding why Dao worked so hard. Not just to pay for the motorcycle, but also to take care of Jon.

 

“What do we do now?” I asked, since it wasn’t time to celebrate yet.

 

"Karaoke, what do you think?"

 

“Yes, I agree!” North immediately replied because he loved to sing.

 

"It's up to you," I said,

 

"No problem," Dao added. We went to karaoke, but Dao and I didn't sing. I didn't sing because I didn't like it very much, and it embarrassed me. Dao just listened. North almost monopolised the mic, though he sometimes let Ter sing.

 

"Jon, wow!" North exclaimed as he walked beside me, watching Ter and Dao talk about cats. When it came to cats, Dao was always as cheerful as ever. It was strange to see him so happy. "I've never met a true cat lover before."

 

"Yes, he is truly devoted to his cats."

 

"Yes, he works hard. I thought he owed a family debt, but it turned out it was for his cat."

 

"At least the goal is clear."

 

"At first I thought he had a secret partner. What a disappointment! I felt defeated."

 

"He was adorable. He called me and Jon 'cats.' I was so confused."

 

"Yeah, that's weird," North laughed. When we got outside, the sky was overcast. "It looks like it's going to rain. This morning it was sunny."

 

"Must be Jon's power," I joked, making North laugh. "Dao, what did you ride home with? A motorcycle?" Ter asked.

 

"I'll go before it rains."

 

"Are you sure? What if it rains on the way?"

"Don't worry. I'll see you at the restaurant." Dao headed toward the motorcycle parking lot. Shortly afterwards, Phi Fah's car arrived. He rolled down the window and told us to get in.

 

"Phi Hill and Phi Jo are already at the restaurant. It'll be difficult if they all arrive at the same time."

 

"Oh, I see," North and Ter replied from the backseat. The car sped away from the mall. I looked out the window, hoping the rain would stop before Dao reached the restaurant. Riding a motorcycle in the rain was dangerous. We arrived at the restaurant before it started, and Dao was already waiting for us, along with Phi Hill, Phi Jo, and Foam.

 

"Phi Arthit isn't coming?" I asked.

 

“He said he had an appointment, but he left a message saying he was glad you passed the test.”

 

"Ah, I see." I nodded, sitting down at the table just as it started to rain outside. "Good thing we got here before it started raining," I commented to Dao, who nodded slightly back. We carried the food to the table. Ever since I met Ter, I've often eaten at barbecue restaurants. We always celebrate with a barbecue. When I returned to the table, I saw liquor there.

 

“Did you order anything to drink?” I asked Phi Fah.

 

"The North asked itself that."

 

"Hey, I feel like a drink. It's been a while since I've had a drink," North said, pouring himself a glass and offering it to Phi Jo. "Want one?"

 

“No, thanks,” Phi Jo shook his head.

 

"Telephone, Tear, Dao, Foam."

 

"I'll have some," Foam said, handing the glass to North. I hesitated for a moment, since I hadn't had a drink in a while, then looked at Phi Fah for approval.

 

“Just drink it, don’t worry. I’ll take care of you,” Phi Fah said.

 

"Okay, North, versamelo."

"Ter, do you want?"

 

"NO."

 

"Ter, do you want?"

 

"NO."

 

"Ter, do you want?" North repeated the question until Ter frowned.

 

"Hey, I already said no."

 

"My friend doesn't want to?"

 

“Bastard,” Ter muttered resignedly, handing the glass to North.

 

"Dao, my friend, do you want?"

 

"Who is North's friend?"

 

"Ah, okay, always Dao."

 

"I'm kidding. I ride a motorcycle, how can I drink?"

 

"Oh, I forgot. Okay," North said before raising his glass. We also raised our glasses in toast. "Let's celebrate, Typhoon passed the test. Hurray!"

 

Our celebration continued with more drinks. The restaurant had so many drinks in stock that I wondered if it was a restaurant or a bar. But when I looked closer, I discovered that the shop next door was a bar. They seemed to be collaborating.

 

North is the most skilled at mixing drinks. He keeps doing it, and I think I'm starting to understand why people say engineering students are drinkers, given North's skill at mixing drinks and, more importantly, the fact that his superiors don't try to stop him. After a while, Ter was the first to appear drunk. His face was red all the way to his ears. His eyes started to roll.

 

"Let's sing again!"

 

"Why are you screaming?"

"North! Give me another drink!!!"

 

"You're already very drunk."

 

"Okay, okay." North had to quickly make Ter a drink and leave. Ter was usually the nicest person to everyone, but why did he get so grumpy when he was drunk?

 

"Goodbye? Hey! Are you slow?"

 

"Ouch! Calm down! You're a fake saint. When you get drunk, your true nature comes out." When he was taking so long to prepare the drink, Doton tugged at his ear.

 

"Shut up! Can you shut up?"

 

"You're a big bad, aren't you? Oh, Phi Hill, please! My ears are going to fall off."

“Ter, come here,” Phi Hill approached Ter, as if he couldn’t get angry, so he hugged him tightly.

 

"Ugh, I like Phi Hill better."

 

The entire table fell silent as Ter spoke like that, then finally fell asleep in Phi Hill's arms. That hothead had lost his power, huh?

 

"Why do I feel awkward when he calls me 'Phi'?"

 

"Come on, Phoon, continue."

 

"I think the brewer is getting drunk too."

 

"I'm not drunk yet."

 

Drunk and loud. I wonder what North and Foam will be like. Time passed. Foam started getting drunk and fell asleep at the dinner table. I should have called his roommate to come pick him up. Dao said he'd call. I also saw North's eyes go blank.

 

"Why are you so strict, Phoon? I thought you had a high tolerance."

 

"I'm starting to get a headache too."

 

"Let's have a race."

 

"Are we the same?"

 

Phi Jo and Phi Fah raised their eyebrows slightly, looking at each other, as if wanting to see what these two, already quite drunk people, would do. Phi Hill excused himself and drove Ter home. Foam was now unconscious, and it was just North and me.

 

“Phi Jo, please take another turn for us,” North said, pushing everyone in front of him toward Phi Jo.

 

"Are you sure?"

 

“Jo likes to make strong drinks,” Phi Fah said,

 

"No problem," I replied. "Just make sure your glass is full. It's a matter of pride, isn't it, North?"

 

"Yes! Phi Fah, don't interfere."

 

"They're both pretty drunk."

 

"What should we do?" asked Phi Jo.

 

“Forget it,” Phi Fah replied.

 

"Okay," Phi Jo said as he started mixing our drinks. I didn't know why we were doing this, but my mind was so foggy I didn't care. I raised my glass and downed it in one gulp, like North. When I was younger and more rebellious, I drank a lot, so my alcohol tolerance was pretty good.

 

“Can you still stand?” North asked in a heavy voice.

 

"Yes, you?"

 

"I'm a tank."

 

"Why are you such a good drinker?"

 

"I drank every day with my neighbours."

 

“Have you been an alcoholic since childhood?” I asked.

"I've been telling you since I was three."

 

"You're a first-class liar."

 

"One more drink," we toasted. I let the bittersweet taste sink down my throat and took another sip before my vision began to blur. But then I saw North pass out.

 

"Yes! I won." I stood up, happy to have won, and raised both hands. But because I was drunk, I fell, but Phi Fah caught me.

 

"Yes, you win," Phi Fah said. My eyelids felt heavy, so I closed them.

 

"Let's go home, Jo."

 

“Good,” said Phi Jo.

 

“The phone called you,” Phi Fah said.

 

"Oh, what's wrong, Meow?"

 

"Foam?"

 

"His friend took it."

 

"Hmm, Dao, come home safe and sound."

 

"Yes, that's fine. See you later. Congratulations on your graduation."

 

"Yayyyy." I gave Dao a thumbs-up without looking, but then I felt like I was being carried. I heard Phi Fah open the car door, put me in the seat, and buckle my seatbelt. I fell asleep until I woke up to find my body lying on a soft, familiar bed.

 

“Hmmm,” I muttered, feeling uncomfortable.

 

"Let me clean up first."

 

“Hmmm, don’t go.” I moved my hand before they grabbed it.

 

"I'll just get the cloth. Wait a minute."

"No, don't leave Phoon. No matter how wonderful the person you meet is, don't leave Phoon." I said hoarsely, trying to get up, but Phi Fah hugged me first.

 

"What are you talking about?"

 

"I do not know."

 

"Are you thinking about something because you're drunk?"

 

"I know I'm not the best person, but I love you so much, Phi Fah. I've loved you for a long time. No matter who comes near me, I never care. If it's not Phi Fah, there will be no one else. Even if Phi Fah doesn't choose Phoon, it's still Phi Fah."

 

"Yes, I know. I promise I won't go anywhere."

 

“Really?” I asked again.

 

“Yes, then why do you think all these things?” Phi Fah asked in a deep voice, gently stroking my head.

 

"Phoon found... in a courtyard."

 

"Plant?"

 

"Someone said I wasn't right for Phi Fah."

 

"OH."

 

"Phoon doesn't care what anyone thinks. But I fear that one day there will be someone more suitable for Phi Fah than me." I expressed everything I'd been thinking all day. I tried not to think about it, but the fear persisted. I didn't want to say it because it would hurt. But with the power... of the alcohol coursing through me, I finally said it.

 

"Others don't have the right to decide who's right for Phi Fah. I'll be the one to choose who I want by my side. And if that person isn't you, then no one else will."

 

"Be my boyfriend, don't look at anyone or be interested in anyone. Just look at Phoon."

 

"Baby... You too, look at Phi Fah, okay?"

"I know. I love you. I love you more than anyone in ten universes and millions of galaxies!"

 

"Thank you. I love you too. You're the best in ten universes and millions of galaxies."