You(r) Tuber Vol 1.

9 Chop-khun's Getting Closer

 

"This next song is for those people who say there's nothing going on, but the moment they break up with you, they're suddenly dating someone else. Who here has ever been cheated on? Raise your glasses high! Come on, hands up!"

 

The words of the charming male singer on stage, who'd been entertaining the crowd for a full hour, nearly made Chop-khun choke on his snack. The example he gave hit a little too close to home.

 

As soon as the first verse of the song, one that Chop-khun knew well, began to play, the audience's singing grew louder, competing with the singer's voice. Some people raised their phones to record videos, while others swayed to the rhythm at their tables.

 

Just like the person sitting next to Intouch now. Intouch glanced away from the lively atmosphere around them to look at Chop-khun, who was lightly swaying and singing along to every word of the song, even nailing the rap parts. He thought Chop-khun might be getting a little tipsy, judging by his more relaxed and cheerful demeanour than usual. After singing to his heart's content, Chop-khun grabbed another snack to munch on, alternating with sips of the little beer left in his glass. Chop-khun looked so at ease, a side of him Intouch had never seen before.

 

"Do you want me to tie your hair up?" Intouch asked when he noticed Chop-khun brushing his bangs aside with the back of his hand repeatedly, only for them to fall back into his eyes. The person being asked turned his gaze from the singer on stage to the one speaking to him.

 

"That'd be great. Could you help me out? It keeps getting in my eyes. Here's the hair tie." Chop-khun popped the snack in his hand into his mouth before extending his wrist, where a small hair tie was looped for Intouch to pull off, as his hands were greasy from the snack.

 

"I haven't had time to get a haircut. I'll probably have to trim my bangs myself when I get home tomorrow," Chop-khun grumbled, turning to face the taller man.

 

"Are you drunk?" Intouch asked cautiously as he pulled the hair tie off the pale wrist.

 

"I'm definitely not, don't worry," Chop-khun replied before lowering his head for Intouch to tie his hair up. Chop-khun always knew his limits when it came to drinking. Although this was a trip, it also had a work aspect. He couldn't afford to get drunk and lose control. Besides... he didn't want to be a burden to Intouch. They weren't that close, after all.

 

"If you start feeling dizzy, let me know, okay?" Intouch said as he gathered the soft hair into a small topknot and secured it with the tie in his hand.

 

"Okay."

 

"I haven't tied anyone's hair in a long time. Check if it's tight enough."

 

Chop-khun tilted his head slightly, testing the topknot. When he found it secure, he complimented the one who tied it. "Thanks. You're pretty good at this, In."

 

"I used to tie my little sister's hair for school when she was a kid."

 

"Ah, no wonder you're so skilled," Chop-khun nodded. Then, remembering that they'd grilled meat earlier, he asked to make sure, "Does my hair smell like barbecue?"

 

"I can smell it a little, but it's not bad," Intouch replied honestly. He could detect a faint scent of shampoo mixed with a hint of barbecue.

 

"Does my hair smell?" Intouch asked in return.

 

"Bend down a bit," Chop-khun told him.

 

When Intouch lowered his head, the smaller man leaned in toward the silky black strands.

 

"Oh, wow," Chop-khun exclaimed, scrunching his nose and furrowing his brows as he raised a hand to cover his nose.

 

"Is it that bad?" Intouch asked, about to pull away, but the clear voice interrupted him.

 

"Not at all. I was just messing with you," Chop-khun said, his furrowed brows relaxing into a wide smile. Intouch smiled when he realised he'd been tricked. He shifted his posture, resting his chin on his hand, and tilted his head to look at the person beside him, who was laughing so hard his eyes turned into crescent moons. The soft candlelight on the table reflected in Chop-khun's beautiful brown eyes, now more visible with his bangs tied up. With his hair in a topknot and his laughter making his eyes squint, he looked even younger.

 

"So, does it smell nice?"

 

"Huh?" Chop-khun stopped laughing immediately, raising an eyebrow at the question. Seeing the sharp eyes softening and the corners of Intouch's mouth lifting into a smirk, he realised he was being teased.

 

"It smells nice, but like barbecue. We both need to wash our hair before bed. If we sleep like this, we might get hungry again," Chop-khun joked, drawing a smile from Intouch, who watched as he rummaged through the snack bag again.

 

"This is the snack I told you to try. Want some?" Chop-khun changed the subject, pointing to a bag of crispy banana chips.

 

"You sure you don't mind me having some?" Intouch teased.

 

"Of course not. Sharing makes it taste better. I bought this for both of us, remember?" Seeing Intouch's serious expression, Chop-khun wondered if he was being serious. He wasn't that stingy.

 

"I was just messing with you," Intouch said.

 

"Getting back at me, huh?" Hearing the exact same sentence he'd used to tease Intouch earlier, Chop-khun squinted at him before breaking into a smile. Intouch chuckled softly, sitting up straight and leaning back against his chair like Chop-khun. He reached for the snack bag, opened it, and popped a crispy banana chip into his mouth.

 

"How is it? Good?"

 

"It's good."

 

"See? I told you it's delicious," Chop-khun said proudly before grabbing some chips himself. The conversation paused there as they quietly enjoyed the live music together. Intouch occasionally took out his camera to capture the atmosphere, while their hands alternated reaching into the same snack bag. The beer in their glasses slowly disappeared as time passed. When the snack bag was empty, Intouch checked his watch before turning to Chop-khun.

 

"I'm going to get some footage around here. That way, I'll have some to use when editing," Intouch said, pulling out a pack of wet wipes from his bag. He wiped his hands clean and handed Chop-khun a wipe.

 

"Thanks. Do you need help with anything?" Chop-khun asked, wiping his hands until they were free of grease, then looking up at the man standing and checking his camera.

 

"No, I'll be back soon. If you need anything, call me. Don't wander off alone," Intouch said. Even though they were in a seemingly safe place, he wasn't entirely at ease, especially with alcohol involved.

 

"Okay, I'll wait here," Chop-khun nodded obediently. Wait a sec. Why did he treat me like a little kid?

 

"You sound just like my mom," Chop-khun remarked, his gaze implying he meant it. That made Intouch pause a little.

 

"Like your mom? I thought I'd remind you of something else."

 

Before they could clarify, Chop-khun saw Intouch run a hand through his hair casually before walking off with his camera, smiling. Something else? Like my dad?

 

After Intouch left, Chop-khun picked up his phone from the table to check notifications. He chuckled softly when he opened a message from his mom on LINE, which included a picture of Kati lying on his back, using Mantou's belly as a pillow. His slender fingers zoomed in on the image to get a closer look at his dog's round, pinchable belly. Kati was starting to get chubby. It seemed like both he and Kati would need to start exercising seriously when they got back. After replying to his mom, he opened Instagram. Seeing a single notification in his message box, he tapped on it, already guessing who it was. His account was private, and only a few close people ever replied to his stories.

 

And it was exactly who he thought it'd be.

 

Teerak (Replied to your story): Who?!

Khunkhun: Who what?

Teerak: The person in your story, duh.

 

Chop-khun frowned at his younger brother's message about the Instagram story he'd posted earlier that afternoon. He'd only filmed the scenery around the stream. What made him ask that?

 

Chop-khun tapped on the story he'd uploaded right after filming, and there it was: the person his brother was referring to. It's In.

 

The end of the clip had caught Intouch walking toward Chop-khun with his camera. It was only a few seconds long and from a distance, too. He had to hand it to Teerak for being so observant. Even Chop-khun, the one who filmed it, hadn't realised Intouch was in the shot. He quickly deleted the story, feeling it was inappropriate to post someone else without their knowledge, and then replied to his curious brother. 

 

Khunkhun: He's the cameraman for my channel.

Teerak: He's so fine.

Khunkhun: How can you even tell from that far away? You've got sharp eyes.

 

After sending his reply, Chop-khun locked his phone screen and looked up to find the cameraman they'd just been talking about. But come to think of it, Intouch was indeed someone whose looks stood out, even from afar. Just like now. Even with Intouch walking around with his camera at a distance, his aura seemed to radiate all the way over here. A face that could inspire envy. And that's when Chop-khun noticed a cute-looking woman approach Intouch and hand him her phone. The two talked briefly before she took her phone back and returned to her table. It wasn't hard to guess what had happened, but he had no idea if they'd take things further.

 

Chop-khun hurriedly averted his gaze when Intouch turned in his direction. Did he see me? Well, it's not like it matters. It's none of my business anyway. Probably nothing to worry about. Feeling a bit self-conscious, he picked up his beer glass and took a sip, shifting his focus to the stage where the singer was performing a laid-back song that matched the atmosphere perfectly.

 

The fair-skinned man began to immerse himself in the surrounding nature. The cool breeze, the cold beer, and the live music- it was all so good. Chop-khun let his thoughts drift aimlessly. The atmosphere was so perfect right now, so much so that he didn't want to go back to work. Just thinking about work gave him a headache. He still had several projects lined up before he could clear his schedule. The mere thought made his back ache. He didn't know how life was for others nearing thirty, but for Chop-khun, back pain was his constant companion.

 

"Are you sleepy yet?"

 

Chop-khun snapped out of his wandering thoughts when a familiar voice asked as Intouch returned to the table. He tilted his face up to look at the taller man.

 

"Not yet."

 

"Do you want to stargaze, Khun? I found a great spot by the stream where the stars are really clear."

 

"That sounds perfect. I've been wanting to. There are too many trees here, and it's hard to see the sky clearly," Chop-khun replied, not hesitating since it was something he already wanted to do. It'd been a long time since he last went stargazing.

 

The two made their way to a camping chair by the stream, where no tree branches obstructed the view of the stars above. The area was deserted since everyone else had gathered at the activity area. Aside from the lantern provided by the campsite, the surroundings were lit by strings of small orange lights decorating the area. The spot offered a clear view of the star-filled sky, so picturesque that Chop-khun couldn't take his eyes off it.

 

"You can play the guitar?" Intouch asked, as he noticed Chop-khun had brought along a guitar, which the campsite had also provided.

 

"I learned to play years ago, but I only play occasionally. Lately, I've been playing the piano more. When I saw they had a guitar here, I thought I'd give it a try," Chop-khun replied, his gaze still fixed on the stars above.

 

"What was the first song you learned to play?" Intouch asked, continuing the conversation.

 

"Hmm, let me think," Chop-khun squinted, absentmindedly brushing his lower lip with his finger as he tried to recall. "I think it was Dazzling (W813)' by Basketband. Do you know them?" he asked, turning to Intouch once he remembered.

 

"I've heard some of their other songs. Can you play it for me?"

 

"I'm not sure if I still remember the chords. Let me try," Chop-khun said, picking up the guitar beside him and adjusting the strings slightly before strumming a few notes. After a few attempts, the song's familiar intro began to play. 

 

Chop-khun's soft voice followed as he sang the first verse, his eyes focused on the guitar strings, as he wasn't that experienced. The soothing sound of his voice blended harmoniously with the gentle flow of the stream below. His fingers pressed the chords as best as he could remember, while Intouch watched him intently, captivated by the performance.

 

Chop-khun had a beautiful voice. Intouch already knew this from watching his YouTube channel, but hearing it live was far better than through speakers. However, before he could finish even half the song, Chop-khun's soft laughter replaced his singing. He'd strummed the wrong chords toward the end and couldn't continue.

 

"It's been so long. This is all I can remember. Do you play the guitar, In?"

 

"I do. I used to be in a band with my friends back in university."

 

"You played the guitar?" Chop-khun asked, meeting his gaze.

 

"Yes."

 

"So, you must be really good. Can you play something for me? What was the first song you learned?"

 

"I started playing when I was a kid, so I don't remember the first song. How about I play the most recent one I learned instead?"

 

"Sure, anything's fine," Chop-khun said, handing the guitar to Intouch before resting his chin on his hands, propped up on the wooden table. Chop-khun was curious to see what kind of music Intouch would play. He really couldn't guess.

 

The smooth intro of an acoustic guitar filled the air as Intouch's skilled fingers strummed and pressed the chords with ease. Just from the first few notes, it was clear he was talented. Before Chop-khun could think much more, Intouch's deep, velvety voice began to sing. Chop-khun recognised the song immediately. It was 'Rely on Me (W)" by Tanont Chumroen.

 

As the first verse played, Chop-khun shifted his gaze from the guitar strings to Intouch's sharp features, only to find those dark eyes already looking at him.

 

"I'll never make you sad," Intouch sang.

 

"..." Chop-khun thought Intouch's voice was even more captivating when he sang than when he spoke. His heart, which had been beating at a normal pace, began to race as Intouch's unwavering gaze stayed on him. In the end, it was Chop-khun who had to look away first. The song ended, but the sound of his pounding heart lingered.

 

"You have a great voice, In. I really like this song," Chop-khun said, saying the only thing that came to mind. It wasn't exactly awkward, but Chop-khun still didn't know what to do with his hands.

 

"Thank you. I'm glad you like it. I'll sing for you again sometime," Intouch said with a soft smile.

 

"Alright," Chop-khun replied quietly, turning his gaze back to the stars above. They might've spent too long stargazing because by the time they returned to the activity area, the surroundings had grown silent. The music from the band had stopped, and the other guests had all retreated to their rooms. Now, only the sounds of insects and the occasional rustling of leaves could be heard. The area was pitch dark, save for the small orange lights along the pathways, which, while pretty, did little to ease Chop-khun's unease. Isn't it too quiet? And too dark.

 

"If you're going to shower, can you come get me at my tent first?" Chop-khun admitted his fear. The communal bathrooms were a short walk from the tents, but showering alone in such a setting was too scary for him.

 

"Of course," Intouch agreed. Even if Chop-khun hadn't asked, he wouldn't have let him go alone. When they reached the tents in the silence of the night, they each went into their own to grab their shower supplies and pyjamas. Once ready, they walked together, carrying their baskets of toiletries to the communal bathrooms.

 

Inside, the bathroom stalls were all open. Chop-khun chose the stall next to the one Intouch entered. The cold night air made him shiver, and he hesitated for a moment, realising there was no hot water here. Bracing himself, he quickly turned on the shower, washing and shampooing as fast as he could. He didn't want to keep Intouch waiting. The bathroom was eerily quiet, with only the sound of water hitting the floor. As he showered, his teeth chattering, the sound of water from the stall next to him suddenly stopped, making him anxious. In won't leave me here alone, right?

 

"In?"

 

"Yes?"

 

Chop-khun let out a breath of relief at the response.

 

"Just a moment, I'm almost done."

 

"Take your time."

 

Not long after, Chop-khun hurriedly put on his long-sleeved pyjamas, though it was a bit of a struggle with the wet floor. He wrapped a small towel around his head to catch the dripping water and stepped out of the stall, finding Intouch waiting for him, already dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt and grey pyjama pants, towel in hand as he dried his hair.

 

"Have you brushed your teeth yet?" Chop-khun asked.

 

"Not yet. I was waiting for you."

 

Hearing that, Chop-khun nodded and walked to the sink. He pulled out his toothbrush and toothpaste from his basket and began brushing his teeth alongside Intouch. He felt that the distance between him and Intouch was gradually shrinking. Spending time together like this allowed him to see a more casual side of Intouch. Chop-khun could only hope their working relationship would continue to go smoothly.

 

Once they finished brushing their teeth, they carried their baskets out of the bathroom. Chop-khun felt refreshed now that all the stickiness was gone.

 

"It's a shame we have to leave tomorrow. I don't want to go back yet," Chop-khun said as they walked back to their tents.

 

"Why don't we stay another day?"

 

"I can't. I still have a ton of work waiting for me. Next trip, let's plan for three days so it's not so tiring."

 

"I'm fine with whatever you decide," Intouch replied.

 

"Really? What if I want to stay for a month?" Chop-khun teased, narrowing his eyes at the stoic man walking beside him.

 

"Let me know in advance, and I'll clear my schedule for you," Intouch replied calmly, glancing at Chop-khun, whose face lit up with a smile.

 

"Wow, you'd give me a whole month? But will I even have the time?"

 

As they chatted and walked, they reached Chop-khun's tent. He thanked Intouch and confirmed their plans for the next day. After their conversation, Chop-khun turned to zip up his tent when a sudden noise came from the roof.

 

Plop!

 

Both Intouch and Chop-khun turned sharply toward the source of the sound. Chop-khun jumped in shock when he saw a large gecko on the ground near his feet. Before he could react, it scurried into his tent.

 

Shit!

 

Chop-khun froze, still in shock. It'd almost landed on his head, and it was huge! What now?

 

"Do you want to sleep in my tent?" Intouch's voice broke through his panic, bringing him back to reality. Chop-khun turned to look at Intouch, who seemed just as startled. He could only nod in agreement. It was already late, and trying to catch the gecko would mean they wouldn't get any sleep.

 

After Intouch zipped up Chop-khun's tent to keep the gecko inside, the unlucky man followed him to the tent beside his. Chop-khun glanced around the interior, illuminated by the dim orange light from a single hanging bulb. It wasn't much different from his own tent, with two mattresses placed side by side and a single blanket. "Dry your hair first, or you'll catch a cold," Intouch said, handing a small hairdryer to Chop-khun, who was still standing at the edge of the mattress.

 

Once they'd both dried their hair and settled everything, the two lay down on opposite sides of the tent. Chop-khun pulled the blanket up to his chin to ward off the cold, but he noticed that he'd taken most of it, leaving Intouch with only a small portion. They were lying too far apart. The problem was that there was only one blanket, and he had to share it with Intouch. The thought of keeping some distance while sleeping was almost out of the question. This is all because of that one gecko! Will In feel uneasy having to sleep this close to me?

 

"You can take the blanket. I'm not cold," Intouch said when he noticed Chop-khun trying to share the blanket with him. His large hand gently pulled the blanket back toward Chop-khun.

 

"How could I take it all for myself? It's freezing, and I'm the one who came to sleep in your tent," Chop-khun sat up and once again divided the blanket to share with the person beside him. "Let's just share it," he added.

 

After a brief exchange, which didn't take long since it was already late, they ended up moving their pillows closer together. The blanket now covered both of them, ensuring neither had to endure the cold. The light in the room was turned off, leaving the space in complete darkness. As Chop-khun lay awake in the dark, he heard Intouch's calm voice break the silence.

 

"Someone asked for my LINE today." Chop-khun immediately recalled the moment from earlier in the evening that he'd witnessed. That must've been it.

 

"Oh, the cute one, right?" Chop-khun blurted out, hastily covering his mouth with his hand after realising what he'd just said. Now Intouch would know he'd been watching

 

"Yes, she was cute... but I didn't give it to her," Intouch replied.

 

Silence wrapped around them for a while, long enough for Intouch to think that Chop-khun might've fallen asleep.

 

"Why not?" Chop-khun couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer. Intouch was quiet for several seconds before finally responding.

 

"Because I don't like women."