Chapter 2: Payback

"Hey, hey, you guys!!! What's going on? Peem, Phum?"

I tried to turn and look at the voice owner, but I could only turn my neck slightly because it was held tightly by large hands around my throat. The arms and wrists were incredibly strong and well-built. I'm impressed, a little more force and my neck would definitely snap.

I saw from the corner of my eye that Thaen - today's prince charming riding a white horse - was rushing towards me. On the other side, a group of tough-looking guys, about a hundred of them, were also approaching me closely. If I had to guess, they are probably friends of this grass-fed bull.

Coming in large numbers like this, I'm gonna die for sure. I invite you all to come and witness the experience of weak knees and wobbly legs, my first time in life, at the engineering faculty's football field right now.

"Do you know this shorty, Thaen?"

You're thinking just like me, buddy. I'm also wondering the same thing. Because earlier, Thaen just called this guy's name and the bastard called me "shorty" again.

"Yes, I know him. He's Peem, a close friend of mine. Let him go first, Phum." How touching. At least, before I die, I got to hear Thaen say that I'm his close friend. Because before this, I always thought you were a parasite. Forgive me, my friend. If there's an afterlife, we might end up sharing instant noodles again.

Thaen's face tensed up, walking slowly towards us, with his hand raised to chest level. I felt like the situation was familiar like I had seen it in a crime news report when the police were coaxing a drunkard who took his wife as hostage.

"I'm begging you, Phum. Stay calm, release Peem first, and then we can talk," he said clearly. With a statement like this, and an approach like this, I'm a hostage for sure. As for Phum, he is without a doubt playing the role of a thief.

But I'm secretly concerned about one thing. A guy like Thaen, who never begged anyone; Thaen, the old gangster, the head of the gang that always beat people up, now coming to beg, acting all meek and considerate. It's so odd. What is it? What is going on? My nosy mind wanted to come out again, but I couldn't because my throat was tightly squeezed. When will you let me go, you bastard? I can't breathe, damn it!

"He threw his shoes at me!!!"

"Ugh, that's because he calls me 'Shorty'!" I may be short, but I will not back down. Come at me. Do you think you're the only one who can complain? Just wait I'll let everyone know about this sooner or later!! Moreover, I think I'm tough enough so if I were to die, let me shut this dog's mouth first.

"You are short."

"Whether it's true or not, you have no right to criticize my body, you fucking dog!"

"Dog? How dare you call me a fucking dog?"

"Uhh, so what'? Huh? Why? You are one."

"You-"

"What-"

"Stop!!! Enough!!!"

"Who do you choose?!" Both this bastard and I stopped spitting at each other and turned to ask Thaen, ready to hear his answer. Thaen hesitated, looking back and forth between us with a troubled expression like he was about to cry. You don't have to hesitate, my dear friend. There's no reason for you to be indecisive. This choice is easy, because we are the bestest friends. I am your only answer. Just say it, easy peasy. Just say it, choose me, SAY IT!

"Um...uh..."

"Thaen!! I'm your friend!" we shouted together again. Huh, this guy is your friend? How come I don't know him? I thought as I tried to wriggle out of his grip but it's not working. Struggling on my own was tiring, so I stopped. Meanwhile, he kept staring at me, close enough to count his eyelashes. When he saw me stop, he turned to look at Thaen, then turned back to stare at me, then looked back at Thaen again. Are you trying to act tough?

"Phum, let's leave this matter, okay? Anyway, he's just a friend of Thaen. Don't make it a big deal"

Someone standing near Thaen spoke up. I saw it from the corner of my eye. I couldn't turn my neck because I'd been held by this lunatic until numb. When I caught a glimpse of that person's face, although it wasn't very clear, it was clear enough to see a gentle glow radiate around him. Like an aura of nobility and aristocracy floating around. When I saw his face, I wanted to use royal vocabulary. Most importantly, he was very tall. Another tall person around here? Unbearable! I'm so jealous. I wish I could be tall like that, towering over the fashion trends, so no one could mock me in broad daylight (calling me short at night is also prohibited)

"Yes yes, people are staring now Phum. Why don't you put this brat down?"

"Fuck you! Who the hell are you calling a brat?"

I jerked my head back to look at the person who dared to call me a brat. One is a brat, another is a shorty. Even my parents have never called me that, you jerks.

I was ready to leap at that jerk when this asshole suddenly released my collar, causing me to lose my balance. In exchange, he blocked me with his hand, shoving at my forehead. All I could manage was extend my short arms out to attach, but it looked more like a flapping fish out of water.

The more I heard their laughter, the more irritated I became. Their laughter was insanely mocking, penetrating deep into the lower left chamber of my heart. I wouldn't have been so broken if I hadn't heard Tharn's laughter mixed in with those morons. I'm not a damn joke, you fucks.

"Damn it, Thaen! Are you laughing at me?" I exclaimed. Thaen quickly covered his mouth, suppressing his laughter with a guilty expression.

"No, bro, no, no," he said, shaking his head while holding back his laughter. "Phum, you see. Ai'Peem is just a bit crazy like this. He's harmless, no danger, never mean to anyone. Let my friend go, consider it a favor for me. If there's any issue, let's talk it out slowly. We're all friends, right?" He turned to ask for opinions from everyone, including the engineering guys ready to jump in at any moment. I'm confused. Why do they speak as if I'm the one at fault? That damn guy is the wrong one. Why should I beg for mercy from him?

The person in front of me grinned immediately as Thaen finished speaking, then started to tug at the collar of my shirt again. Oii, what the hell are you doing to my shirt? Or do you want it? I'll take it off for you. Let me go!!

"I won't let go!!! / You don't have to beg him!!"

Fuck, we spoke at the same time again. This is the third time already so it isn't a coincidence anymore. Fate? Heh, more like misfortune.

I stared straight at him. He also stared back at me in a nonchalant manner. His face is so clear. Smooth and fine skin, not a single pimple. Would it be weird if I asked for skincare tips now?

"Do you guys see that he hasn't realized anything at all?"

"Huh, the one who should say it is me, not you."

"Oh, really?" Is this such a big deal?

Amidst the war between us (no weapons, only eye contact), the bastard used his strange gaze to look at me from head to toe then reveal a smirk, he said...

"Hmm, take a closer look, you seem pretty cute. Since you're Thaen's friend, I'll let you go if you apologize to me first."

Oh, you motherfucker.

"Are you dreaming you jerk!? You kicked the ball and hit me, then had the audacity to insult me, and now you want me to apologize? Are you crazy or just plain stupid?" Keep waiting, wait until salt turns into sugar then I'll apologize. He gritted his teeth until his jawline tightened before he bowed down, lowering his face to speak close to my face.

"Well, you got quite a mouth huh? I have given you a chance to apologize. If you don't..." He paused for a moment, then spit out a sentence that made my blood boil, sizzle, and ready to burst.

"Bow to my feet, and I'll let you go."

Wow, wow, wow, I am speechless.

I could feel the rage building up inside me, making my muscles twitch and tremble, my body shaking uncontrollably. My eyes widened so much that they almost popped out.

"Bow down? Huh! Who the hell are you to make me bow down? The only person I'd bow down to is Lord Buddha! How the hell did you grow up to become so arrogant like this?? Rude and deranged, you think you're in a drama?

And with that, all my patience is gone, I finally reached the breaking point. When I saw that mischievous smile, I didn't need to wait for a court ruling or legal proceedings. I made my judgment by...

A kick to the nut!!!

"Oh!!!!! Fuckkk!"

That bastard doubled over, clutching his "junior", screaming without sound. His face turned various shades like Maybelline blushes.

Everyone was stunned by the rapid turn of events, like a thunderbolt striking. His friends rushed to check on him while he kept shouting incoherent words. Heh, no need to waste time checking because I guarantee there's no chance that his "junior" can't raise its head anytime soon. Even amid life and death situations, that dickhead still didn't stop glaring at me with murderous eyes, attempting to raise a finger to point at my face, but his hand trembled and fell to the side. What a pitiful sight.

I stood there, watching him gasp for breath for about two seconds, then quickly ran away, ignoring the threatening growls. I paid no attention to the calls from Thaen. When I got far enough from the scene, I had no idea where to go. The anger was terrifying. My heart was pounding rapidly. I had to tell myself to breathe in and out slowly. I loosened the grip on my clenched fists, realizing I had been holding tension since who knows when. I swallowed the dry saliva in my parched throat. Closing my eyes, hoping that the rhythm of my breath would calm me down. But the next moment, my eyes widened and I shouted loudly

"Oh shit! I completely forgottttt!"

(T/N: dude forgot his slippers :))

It had been three days since the most shocking and nerve-wracking event in the life of this young man with the worst luck of the year. A short span of three days can't make me forget what happened, but people loving a perfect world like me sometimes pretend to forget the misfortune that was brought by that dickhead. I must express my gratitude to the main supporters, all the teachers, who willingly ordered extra work for the students until I almost had no time to dwell on other miseries in life. Because making sculptures and clay models is even more miserable than performing acts of merit for the Buddha. Hallelujah!

I still live my life as usual (procrastination is the norm). However, deep down in my heart, I secretly worry and anticipate that Phum (just recalled the name of the party involved now and probably won't forget anytime soon) might show up and cause trouble again.

When the anger slowly dissipates, clarity arises. It has just dawned on me that what I did might have been a bit too much. Now, I find myself nervously contemplating whether Phum will come back to haunt me or ambush me. Just verbal arguments already seem like a headache to someone who prefers peace and avoids confrontation like me. Yet here I am getting involved with an engineering student. How 'amazing'.

I don't know if that guy is going to bring his friends to gang up on me. Thinking about it too much is making me lose my sanity. Plus freaking Thaen keeps insisting on introducing his wife, but blaming him wouldn't be fair. Because the one who's wrong in every aspect is that bastard, Phum. So he should be the one writing me a letter to apologize.

After that incident, Ai'Thaen came to tell me about the backstory of how he and that guy met during high school, telling me that Phum is another buddy of his. They've known each other since high school. Their relationship was like those characters in Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters - gangsters ruling the city, car racing, gunfights, fighting over girls, all kinds of stuff. I immediately got the picture because, in the past, Thaen, Shane, and Q used to call themselves gang leaders, leading a group of delinquents. As that Phum bastard, he was probably the same but from a different school.

(T/N: Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters (2499 อันธพาลครองเมือง) is a 1997 crime drama film about young Thai gangsters in the 1950s)

Ai'Thaen told me that Phum was like a devil among humans, and, fortunately, there's still a little humanity in him. He described him so terrifyingly that I thought Devadatta had reincarnated.

(T/N: Devadatta is one of the disciples of Lord Buddha, also his biggest enemy)

Thaen jokingly said that back then, he had never met their faces, didn't know each other at all; just hearing each other's names was ear irritating enough. Because they're rivals, they watch out for the other's behavior. Wait a second, let me pause for a moment. I'm confused. If you hate him, why bother following his life? Does it not affect your mental health? What do you gain from doing that? It doesn't make sense, Peem doesn't get it, dear teacher.

Looking back, Thaen admitted that he was self-contradictory and crazy at times (quoted Thaen directly, nothing added. I am just retelling the story exactly as told, after all, I am the prince of the gossip industry). Later on, they had nothing to do and were bored, so they found each other to fight, fight until bloodshed. Just fights between young, hot-blooded teenagers who dislike each other, never to the point of wanting to kill someone.

And then, one unexpected day, a dreamlike event unfolded. If this were an action movie, it would probably be the crucial climax of the story. The two protagonists, who had been at odds with each other due to their opposing sides, discovered the truth that they were both deceived by a secret organization. They joined forces to eliminate the organization and the evil villains that sought to dominate the world. You see, anyone can come up with a Hollywood movie plot. Thaen didn't narrate this part; I'm adding my own flair for dramatic effect.

Tan didn't go into much detail on this part. He just mentioned that he once helped Phum and another friend who was attacked by students from another school. Even though they survived, Phum had to be admitted to the ICU while Thaen was also stuck in bed sipping porridge for almost a month. After that, their sworn enemies transformed into best buddies until now. Why does this sound like an autobiography of Dang Bireley and Pu Bottle Bomb*? Should I check Thaen's back for a tiger tattoo, too?

*characters in Dang Bireley's and Youngster Gang

After listening to Thaen's narration of those stories, I tried to search in my memory for Phum but couldn't find any. Phum and I probably haven't crossed paths before, but Ai'Thaen, you did with me. It was the time when Thaen was admitted to the hospital, and he told me that he was avoiding a stray dog running across the road in front of his car so he lost control and ended up crashing into an electric pole. Damn, I even complimented him for being so cool, willing to sacrifice his life for a dog. I ran in and out of the hospital to visit him for an entire month. If I had known you were going in there for that reason, you'll get a wreath instead of the damn soy milk, you fucker! I should just let you die, let you suffer by yourself.

After listening to Thaen's story, I realized that Phum is a dangerous species-do not approach, do not feed. He graduated from an all-boys private school with a long-standing reputation. It's a prestigious Christian school where all the wealthy and influential young men study. While others were focused on their studies, he seemed to be on a mission to defy every school rule. It's hard to believe that he managed to graduate.

Given Phum's character and behavior, I predict that he's unlikely to die soon. I'm quite surprised that he has managed to survive until now without being expelled from school, caught, or shot. However, when Thaen discreetly revealed that Phum's family owns some businesses in Thailand, it instantly made sense. Money talks, right? If there's money, you can survive. Welcome to Thailand!

Tackk!

"Oi! Ouch! That hurts." Only one person slaps with such force. Damn it, Ai'Q.

"Already distracted early in the morning."

It really was him. Q raised his eyebrows provocatively and greeted us before placing the mid-sized wooden frame on the stone table by the Faculty of Fine Arts building. This is a sanctuary for us in the early morning, afternoon, evening, and even late at night.

This area is used as a hangout spot when we can't come up with plans. Plus, there are plenty of entertainment options around. You can watch live Muay Thai, take a shot of white liquor, get your hair braided, or even smoke a cigarette. There's also weed too. I know it's not good, but sometimes engaging in not-so-good activities for temporary happiness is hard to resist, right?

Simply put, this place is a haven for art lovers, those seeking inspiration, and dreamers aspiring to be artists renowned worldwide. However, today, it's just a place for people with pending work and stress. Oh, and back pain too. Not everyone is here for inspiration; some are just trying to get some sleep right now.

"Ever since you flirted with that engineering student, you seem a lot more tame"

"Bullshit! When have I ever flirted with anyone?"

"Then what did you do that made him leave you in peace til now?"

Q spoke, laughing and teasing. Seeing my distress, he laughed even louder. It's been 3 days, and he hasn't stopped teasing. I was so tempted to grab the pencil sharpener to sharpen his annoying face.

At first, when Q found out that I had an issue with the engineering students, he was ready to pounce and beat them up. But once he knew who my counterpart was, he backed off. Then, he repeatedly asked which Phum it was. Was it the Poom he had in mind? If so, how did I manage to survive? Which temple did I worship at? Who helped me out? Hmph, nobody did except myself, because I can stand up for myself.

"How did you know about this?" I asked.

"Yesterday, Ai'Thaen called and told me the story. It was hilarious. This story will never go down, you'll be famous until the day you die" he bluntly said. Every one of my friends was like this, unfiltered mouth. "The other guys haven't shown up yet?" Q asked, snatching the pack of sticky rice and grilled pork from me to eat. Being this hungry indicated that last night, he didn't go back home for sure. If Q slept at home, his mom would have packed him food before he came to school.

"They probably won't come today. In the workshop, there are only Fai and Pang sleeping. Did you not go drinking with them last night?"

"I'm a god if I can go, damn it. I finished my assignment and was knocked out yesterday. It's a good thing I didn't drive here; otherwise, you'd see me on the first page of the news: Tragic death of a male student. A young, handsome male student crashed into an electric pole and died. It is suspected that he fell asleep due to overworking on his studies"

"Haizz, poor light pole..." What a narcissist, still concerned about your face when you're about to die. "So, where did you sleep last night?"

"Hah! Are you my wife to question where I spent my night? Worry about yourself first before asking about me. You started a fight with an engineering student in your first feud, and among millions of engineering students out there, you still managed to mess with Phum, I'm impressed! Hahaha!" Q laughed with his mouth full of rice. "Destiny leads to death, anything is possible. When the time comes, even a toothpick can kill. I believe it!"

"Oi, you don't have to scare me, Q, because I know no matter what, you all have to help me." I shrugged and grabbed a new pack of pencils to sharpen. Q grunted softly, rejecting the offer.

"Who? Who is going to help you? I'm out of here because the last person on Earth I want to deal with is Phum. So, cut me out of this" The only thing I want to cut out right now is your neck, you fucker Q! Do you have to say that? Am I not terrified enough already!??

While I may return to live a normal life as if nothing has happened, there were some moments I thought about what if Phum wants to take revenge. With his wealth and power, I'm just a small duckling - squeeze, and I'll die immediately. It's scary because he probably can handle me easily. He could just command someone to follow me, then when he saw an opportunity, he'd capture me to torture, chop me into pieces. Ahhh, I shouldn't watch too many movies, now my imagination runs wild to this extent.

"Ah ah ah, you're starting to get scared, huh? Scared huh? Why don't you go beg him, maybe he'll forgive you, or else you might disappear without a trace." After Q finished speaking, he laughed loudly once again. He was just trying to scare me. Ai'Phum is just an ordinary person like anyone. What power does he have to harm someone's life so badly?

"Fuck you, Q, stop barking. I don't believe it... Oii, who the hell just slapped my head again?" Hit it, smack it until my brain falls out, you guys.

"What's up? Heard that you went to cause a ruckus? Reserve a spot in the temple yet?" A soft and sweet like candy, bathed in poison, voice talked. It could only be Ai'Shane.

"Waiting for you to go together, news spreads so fast huh" I turned to look at the voice owner, who was smiling brightly with sparkling eyes. The handsome guy from the Dentistry Faculty tossed a bag of snacks onto the table before sitting down on the other side. Meanwhile, Q, like a hungry man, lunged for that bag, opened it, and quickly devoured its contents.

"Thaen came to sleep in my room last night when he called you." Shane turned and talked to Q. "I was just listening next to him". Fucking Thaen, is there anyone left in the solar system who doesn't know about me and Phum? I'll just tell Thaen to send out an announcement at once."" I'm really surprised to see that you're still alive. Thought we would only meet again in hell."

"Too bad, pal. I thought about going down to say hello to your old man, but since I didn't see him, I went back up first." Shane laughed, and I laughed along. Heck, I was being sarcastic. I can tell that they were all conspiring to make me scared. I understand that, but what I don't appreciate is that my friends, these guys, all know Phum while I don't have a clue who that guy is?"

"Did you skip class, Doc? Came to see us this early" Q asked while half his mouth full.

"I attended, but the teacher dismissed the class early so I stopped by to check on my friend to see if he's still breathing"

"Not finished yet, you jerk! Still not finished!" I muttered weakly. Both of them burst into laughter. Then, we changed the topic and continued chatting. Ai'Shane often came by to visit, come play with us occasionally. Whenever he showed up, he brought snacks and treats. Sometimes he just came to sit, watch birds and trees, and walk around looking at art displays. Then after about twenty minutes, he would leave. He said he enjoys the atmosphere here, he likes weird people in my faculty, as it was uniquely comforting to him."

"Q."

"Yeah?"

"What were you doing at my faculty yesterday?" Shane concluded his question, I immediately paused with the knife in my hand. As for the one being questioned, he scratched his head, looking at Shane as if he didn't understand Thai. He made a puzzled face, gesturing with his hands and fingers, pretending not to comprehend a simple question. I bet there must be something going on for sure. He vanished during lunchtime. He didn't go for a drink with friends, and he didn't return home.

"Hey. Don't try to avoid me because... I saw you" Shane spoke slowly, emphasizing each word. I was almost flapping my wings, ready for some fun.

It's time to have some fun, hahaha.

"See? See what? You probably saw the wrong person." Is there a sound that can surpass the pitch of musical tones? Let me give it to Q to borrow. I laughed with satisfaction. I never thought I would be able to get back at him this quickly. Instant karma is real woohoo.

Q's eyes darted left and right, looking suspicious. With clear evidence like this, you don't need further investigation. Shane is a crossbreed between a human and a dog. He'll bite and won't let go. If he wants to know, he'll find out. That's his advantage, but also a disadvantage for us. Because there's nothing that can pass through his eyes.

"You won't admit it?"

"Damn it, how the hell did you find out?" Finally, Q reluctantly admitted. Shane and I burst into laughter together. "You didn't attend the lab at the Medical Building yesterday. I made sure to check your schedule beforehand."

"So what were you doing at my faculty?" Shane asked again. Are you catching a thief or something? So good at interrogating others.

But what was Q doing there? I'm curious too. But what I'm more curious about is who allowed someone like him to enter the Dentistry faculty. He looks like a gangster no matter how you look at him. Even if he was a heartthrob to the girls with his looks, the security guard definitely wouldn't be swayed by it. Simply put, Ai'Q dresses improperly from head to toe, so how did he manage to get into the building?

"I went to eat."

"Normally, you just find food around here."

"I want to change the atmosphere."

"OI you liar, then why didn't you go when I invited you to eat with Thaen?" I helped Shane with his investigation. If he had gone with me that day, there wouldn't have been any trouble happening to me. This is now a personal grudge.

"Alright, I went to have lunch with N'Ming. Are you satisfied yet? Fuck"

"N'Ming? Which Ming? Your girlfriend's name is Jen, isn't it?" I questioned. Q, who seemed annoyed before, now looked even more irritated.

"Is it N'Ming who is the first-year cheerleader?" Q nodded, his expression completely different from when he heard Jen's name.

"Does she know that the person she had lunch with already has a girlfriend?"

"Oi, if you're going to talk like this, you might as well insult my mom"

"Oh, yeah, Narumon" Ai'Q laughed when I said his mother's name. I was about to open my mouth to curse him again but Shane stopped me.

"Are you courting Nong Ming? Since when? Why didn't you tell me, maybe I can help" but your expression tells otherwise Shane.

"Jeez, you're gonna help or steal her for yourself" Q retorted.

"Nah, we promised not to touch each other's exes or sisters. I remember it well. People who are being pursued by my friend as well," Shane said with a smile before casually taking a bite of the grilled meat. Your attitude doesn't seem like someone who keeps promises much right now, just FYI.

"Let's put the Ming matter aside. I want to know about your intentions with P'Jen. What are you planning to do? If you keep going like this, that's an asshole move, Q. You gotta clear things first with her before you court or date someone else."

"Honestly, I think P'Jen knows. She's not dumb. When are you going to stop acting like a jerk? Just let Shane be a jerk alone."

"Ao" Shane, who had just preached to his friend a moment ago, choked on air, raised his hand in salute. Meanwhile, Q sat there with a dry expression, not bothering to eat anything. He took a deep breath, lifted one leg, and propped his knee on the chair.

"Before we date, I've already told Jen how I am"

Let me step in for a moment, what my friend says is true. No matter how much of a jerk Q is, before he dates anyone, he tells them how he is, and if you can accept it, then date him. If you can't take it, then end it.

The theory that humans enjoy challenges might be true. Plenty of good people to fall for but you won't, instead you fall for assholes. Q's past relationships are all like this. Many of them thought they could change him, they would be able to stop it, but from what I've seen, it's been proven that no one has ever succeeded.

From the perspective of someone who has never experienced love like me, I think that love is complicated to understand. It's more challenging than explaining why sometimes our hearts reject positive feelings from good people and choose those we feel are right, even if they may not be as good. I can only hope that one day my friends, including Shane, Q, and Thaen, will meet someone right for them and stop hurting anyone, including themselves.

"I don't think I love Jen."

"Oh." I and Shane both looked at each other.

"Well, fuck it. Why bring up this topic?" Q lowered his head as if talking to the grilled pork in his hand.

"I mean, I don't know if it's love. Do you get it?"

"No, I don't," I quickly replied. "You guys are in a relationship, and people in a relationship should love each other. Isn't that right?"

"I don't know," Q sighed. "Being in a relationship is like agreeing to do good things together. We care for each other, but I don't know if it's love or not. I like her, and I know Jen likes me too. So we date, but I don't know which part of this would you call love"

"Go tell her to break up. Trust me, no one has to waste time, both you and Jen."

Shane was thinking the same thing as me. If you can't continue, why not end it? P'Jen won't waste her time and tears. She is a very lovely person, both personality and appearance. More importantly, P'Jen has been in a relationship with Q longest among all his previous girlfriends.

"I don't know, honestly. I caught Jen talking to her ex, so we argued and then distanced ourselves. So, I... Well, that's it. I went to have a meal with Ming."

"In short, both of you are shitty."

"No.the shitty one is me. Jen is good, really good, but I don't know. I want her to be the one to suggest breaking up. At least, I'll be able to say that it's Jen who dumped me." Ugh, what a man, so manly. I want to spit in his face for this kind of logic. Why does it matter who speaks first, in the end, you two still break up anyway. Everyone, take notes. I'm telling you love is complicated. Don't fall for guys who only have the appearance.

"I understand that it's your business, but the reason I speak is because I care. We're all grown-ups now, so let's think about things carefully before doing anything." Preacher Shane said it well, but...

"Before you teach others, please take the time to reflect on yourself first, my friend" I turned the conversation over to the other asshole, Shane. We won't allow anyone to float in comfort. Drowning each other's bubble is our group's specialty.

"Our Shane is already a good person. What else do you need to see, my friend Peem?"

"Eoyyy!" Ai'Q let out a fake puking sound.

"Does your goodness mean sleeping around?" Both of them burst into laughter.

"Damn, bro, you're asking straight to the point."

"Uh, I'm not like that anymore" Shane chuckled, almost making no sense. "And what's not good about sex? It's a natural thing. We are born from sex, right?" Shane said with his usual relaxed smile.

"Still not good. Good people don't do things like that."

"What's good or not good? Who can

say? It's a philosophy." I and Queue exchanged glances as Shane spoke. The fed-up look and rolling eyes automatically came on our faces. Ai'Shane laughed and continued speaking, "Talking about "good person", what do you use to measure? On what criteria are you basing on? Just because I don't believe in the idea of one husband, and one wife, does that mean I'm not a good person? Even though in some societies, having multiple husbands or wives is considered normal. You're using your thoughts, your beliefs, to judge my way of life just because it differs from yours. Is that fair? It doesn't seem very fair, does it?"

"Don't play games with me, you smooth talker!" I squinted, pointing my finger at Shane. He burst into laughter, nearly choking on his sticky rice.

"I'm not playing any games. I just want to tell you about my case. I don't have a girlfriend, I don't want to have any love or commitment with anyone. So, it's not wrong for me to go anywhere with anyone who willingly accepts my proposal. It's a win-win situation for both parties." As Shane finished speaking, Queue put down the grilled liver and applauded. They got along well.

Truthfully, I knew Shane's perspective on love and relationships, but I teased him just for fun, and he knew it too. We always tease each other.

"Peemmmm!!!"

I was startled as suddenly there was a scream calling my name from behind. No need to guess who it was. I turned around, ready to scold the one person who dared to spread my story without permission. Unforgivable! But who is that person walking behind Ai'Thaen? I tried to take a closer look, he seemed familiar; tall body with undercut hairstyle, such a clear face like this... Shit!!

"Ai'Phum!!!"

I held my breath, almost forgetting to breathe. Phum walked towards us with a grim expression. It was like he had just eaten a hornet's nest. Before my brain could command to find an escape, he already came close and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt. You like my shirt's collar, huh? Both of my friends jumped up ready to fight, while Thaen hurriedly ran to hide behind Shane. I turned to look at my friend with murderous eyes while Thaen acted like he was about to burst into tears. Don't act pitiful, you bastard.

Why-did-you-bring-him-hereeeeeeeee!!!! !

"You hurt me badly"

Phumm bent down and whispered in a spine-chilling voice. He was gnarling like a puppy with itching itching teeth. I'm going to die. I'm going to die for sure. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed my shirt collar and dragged me away. I didn't have time to regain my footing, stumbling over as I got pulled by him. But luckily, Q was able to grab my arm in time.

"Where the hell are you taking him? If there's any problem, you can just talk to each other right here." Q said in an equally stern voice. I never imagined that a friend who had been cursing at me like a dog for years would come to my defense and care about me this much. If I don't admit that I'm deeply moved, I'd already choked up. It's even more touching than watching a One-Liter of Tears.

(T/N: 1-Liter of Tears is a 2005 heart-touching Japanese drama about a girl who suffered from a degenerative disease and died at the age of 25. I cried buckets watching it T.T)

The bastard, Phum, turned to glare at the 3 of them released my shirt collar, and grabbed my other arm. The current situation made it seem like I was caught in the middle between two fierce tigers, ready to tear me apart into two halves. Dear all the gods above, please come save this poor child.

"I'm not going to do anything to your friend. I just want to talk to him a bit. You guys don't need to worry or get involved. If you want this matter to end well."

This should be considered a good thing, right? The word 'good' varies for each person, as Shane said. Because I don't think this is a good thing for me right now. He said he won't do anything, just talk. What a kind and ethical person, unlike that piece of shit Thaen. Well, not hurting me is considered a good thing. Why bother using force? It's not worth it. The future for young men like us is still long. It's better to love each other instead.

"Since we've known each other, this is the first time I've heard you speak in long sentences." Shane chuckled. Uhm...is this the time for you to praise this bastard's speaking skills? Ai'Shane!. Are you fucking serious? Q turned to make eye contact with Shane as if communicating with some spiritual energy. As soon as Shane nodded slightly, Q slowly released my hand...wha...what...what is going on? Wait!!!! You guys can't just throw me out so easily like this!!!

"Fine, we won't interfere because it's a matter between the two of you. Go settle it. Besides, I believe your words. Bring my friend back without a scratch, ok?" Hoi, Shane but I don't believe him!!!!!

"Don't worry, bro. Phum is a person who keeps his promises. You'll be back in one piece" Ai'Thaen, you still dare to speak to me you shameless piece of shit?

"One or ten pieces... Why the fuck did you bring him here??

"I'm sorry na Peem~~ I had no choice"

"I'm sorry, really. I had no choice, P'Mam." You didn't have the choice, so you chose to kill me like that? Thaen hid behind Shane, still raising his hand to greet me apologetically. Why does it seem like Thaen is strangely submissive to Phum? What makes you want to sell your friend like that? You damn bastard!

"Time's up. Now get in the car!" I wish I was being pushed to heaven's gate. But no, Phum pushed (shoved) me forward. When I refused to walk, he grabbed my arm and dragged me away instead.

"Hey, help me, guys help me! Shane, help me!"

But all three of them stood there like statues. I hate statues! Guy, help me, damn it! Are you waiting for him to kill me first!?

In the end, I was led away, distancing myself from my friends and the crowd. I squirmed, struggled, cursed that bastard, but nothing seemed to work. Oh, I thought of something good.

"Fine, fine. I'll apologize. Let me go first" I stopped struggling and tried using a soft trick on him, but...

"Apologize? Too late. I won't accept it."

The phrase "won't accept" hit me like a gust of wind, as if my life had come to an end at that very moment. Then he grabbed me and shoved me into the car before speeding off, making my head almost hit the dashboard. I glanced back at my 3 best friends until they faded out with my heart crying out,

"If I survive and come back, I'll hunt all of you down. Thaen, you will be the first one you damn traitorrrrr."

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