chapitre N°5

[Hill's POV]

I sat down and started looking at my Facebook page. It seems the photo I just posted has become popular.

Recently, the hashtag #WhoOwnsTheWatch? has started getting more and more people talking about it, and they seem to be very curious. They're making various guesses, trying to guess the person's name. There are some names that are familiar to me, but there are also other names I've never heard of before.

Maybe no one knows who the owner of the watch is.

Even the owner of the watch may not realize it. I really want to know the expression he's making now: is he angry or embarrassed?

I tried to imagine the face of an angry little man, with a red face and a secret smile, alone. Shit... I must be in serious trouble.

I did it on purpose because I decided that a direct approach is the most practical way. I explained from the beginning that, believe it or not, there might be an opportunity, but if I do it little by little, he can easily distance himself.

In short, I want to catch my prey immediately. If I move slowly, my prey will probably notice first and run away. But no matter what method I use, there's always a risk. Right now, he probably hates me.

It's better to be hated than to feel his indifference, because if he doesn't care, it means he doesn't feel anything

I don't want to do it gradually like before, and the truth is, in our case, it's not that easy. I want to be clear and firm so he can see it from the beginning.

First, I have to take a risk and see his reaction.

I told everyone that now I have someone I'm seriously pursuing. At first, I just told the people around me, but the news spread very quickly. Bua said the shippers started getting into trouble. Actually, I didn't want to cause any damage, but I probably couldn't stop anything.

I worry about him. Maybe I'm thinking too much, but if I suddenly say I'm going to tease him, I'm afraid something will happen to him. He can only experience small things, like being stared at or underestimated. But that made me even more depressed; I didn't want to Not that such a small problem would happen.

Will it be too difficult if I announce it immediately and tell the others? No... I should be able to.

The next day...

I came to work at the club as usual. All this time, all the preparations were almost complete; only a few remained, and not completely perfect. This year's club is missing a lot of people. According to the plan given by the speakers, there is to be a dance to open the event, and then the MC will come to speak. There are several performances that are the responsibility of the club and the performance group chosen this year. And after that, as planned, the concert by the singer invited by the university will begin around 6 p.m

It's time to start working at the club. I assumed Ter wouldn't come today because he stopped working at the club since I posted my last photo. So I can guess, he seems to be trying to avoid me. Maybe I'm confused and thinking too much. I know the way to the dormitory, but looking for him there would be too rushed for me.

"Hill, Nong Ter hasn't been here for a few days. After we went out to eat, I haven't seen him yet. Is there something wrong with him?" Bua came to ask me.

"I guess not."

"But I tried calling several times and he didn't answer at all.

Maybe because of the Japanese food. He may have an allergic reaction."

"No, he's not allergic to Japanese food."

"He ate a lot that day. This shows he's not allergic.

"Besides that, his behavior when he eats is very funny. What kind of person is allergic to food who puts everything in their mouth until their cheeks are swollen?

"Is that so?" Bua said, still worried. She always cares beyond reason. But I also feel bad because I haven't seen his face in days.

Drrrttt.... Drrrttt....

"Oh, it's Nong Ter. He called." Bua picked up the phone, and I told her to turn on the speakerphone so I could hear him too

"Hello, Nong Ter. I've called you several times, why haven't you answered? Is there something wrong? I'm so worried." Bua said like a machine gun, with a series of questions after questions. The other party might be a little surprised by such behavior.

(I... sorry, uh... I just don't feel well.) The voice on the phone said so. But I immediately sensed that the person on the other end was still bad at lying.

"Really? Is it because of food allergies? Sorry, I shouldn't have invited you to eat at this restaurant."

(What?! Not... It's just a cold.)

"Oh really? But you've been missing for a few days. How long have you been sick?"

(Uh... maybe... two or three days.) His voice trembled a little; he probably didn't expect to face a question like this. But Bua doesn't seem to realize that something is wrong, or is it just me paying too much attention to Ter's behavior?

"Sorry, have you been to the doctor?"

(Not yet).

"Then hurry up and go to the doctor, okay? It's been two or three days, and your condition hasn't improved. That's worrying. Hill has a car; he can drive you."

(No!!... Eh, sorry. I mean, I don't want to bother you. Thanks.)

"Don't hesitate. And do you have any friends with you?"

(No, my roommate is out.)

"Are you even alone? What should we do, Hill?" Bua turned to me and asked.

(...) The other end of the phone didn't say anything else.

"Then I'll take you to the hospital." I said into the phone.

(No, I'm going out.) Nong answered hurriedly. His voice became louder and easy to distinguish.

"Oh really? But sick people should rest." I thought he was really going to leave, so he called Bua to tell her first because he had been missing for a few days and might be feeling guilty. When I thought about it, I immediately headed for the car.

"Wait... where are you going?" Bua asked.

"I'm going to pick up someone who's sick. Please borrow your phone for a moment." I said, pressing the phone to turn it off for a moment before starting the car. I deliberately didn't let the person on the other end hear me. Bua was complaining behind me, but didn't stop me from doing anything. She probably thought I was going to take Ter to the hospital.

(If there are no more, I'll hang up.)

"Are you lying about the pain?" I didn't mean to scold him. I just want to keep talking to him. Why? Because if he talks to me again, he probably won't leave the room yet. From here to the new student's residence, it's not far, I just need to leave the university and drive a little further.

(I... I'm not lying. I'll hang up.)

"If you don't go to work, your working hours will be reduced You know that, right? >> It sounds a little threatening, but the reduction in hours for scholarship students is real. They'll start getting cut from the beginning of the school year.

(... Hah? Really?)

"Yes, your money will be deducted because you didn't go to work. If it's really cut, you can lose the scholarship." Actually, I'm just saying that for fun, he still won't lose his scholarship, hehe.

(... I don't want it.)

<>>

(...very painful.)

"Okay. Then I'll come get you." Even though I said that, I almost made it to his dorm.

(No!)

"Why?"

(...)

Nong refused to answer. He probably wouldn't dare slander me because I always act like we've just met. And I think he himself wants to pretend he doesn't know me. If that's the case, everything's fine for now.

"Then I'll come get you."

(No need!) Then the call ended. He probably didn't want to say anything else, but I had arrived in front of his dormitory. I thought someone would soon come downstairs looking panicked.

My assumption isn't wrong. Someone ran up the stairs wearing a black and white T-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers. He brought a camera, indicating he would take a picture.

As soon as Ter saw me, he made a surprised expression appeared on his face. He started acting like he didn't know what to do. I smiled at him.

"...Phi?" He avoided my eyes again, his face starting to redden. I walked over to him, and he looked even more surprised and immediately took a step back. Why are you acting like this? It's so cute and adorable.

"You don't look sick at all, it's good."

"..." The other party frowned, a little dissatisfied. It looks like I caught a total liar.

"Where are you going to take pictures?"

"..." Nong still didn't respond.

"Let's jump in the car." I got in and grabbed the little one's wrist to make him follow me, but he immediately snatched his hand away.

"No, no, no. I'm not going!"

"Don't be stubborn." I accidentally used a word I liked to use in the past, but he didn't seem to like it at all.

"I'm not leaving!" The little man is still stubborn. But his face and ears are clearly red.

"Okay, then I'll tell Bua that you're fine, but you lied about being sick to get time off." I threatened, while grabbing my phone and calling Bua's number. Of course, no one will receive the call because Bua's phone is in my car.

"...No, don't tell her." The person in front of me started to use a softer tone before frowning and looking at my face. Even though he immediately turned his face away again

<<< So get in the car." I walked over and opened the driver's side door so he could follow me slowly.

"Cheater."

"Only with stubborn people." I smiled as I gently closed the car door, walked to the driver's side, and immediately started the car.

There was no sound in the car except for the air conditioner and the soft music from the radio. In fact, I was a little nervous. I was once again in front of someone I never thought I'd meet again. And also, our breakup a year ago was a big disaster. He might be nervous too, even more nervous than me, but he tries to stay calm and look out the window all the time, and he seems tense. I continued driving on the road, quietly glancing at the person next to me from time to time.

"Where are you going?" he asked after a long silence.

"To a spot for taking pictures with a beautiful view. I know just the right spot. Very suitable for photography. You may have never visited, so I'm sure you'll like it."

[End Hill's POV]

[Ter's POV]

A few days ago

At that moment, my heart began to feel different. Even though my brain firmly ordered me not to do. I turned my head and read the statement written by someone over and over again, to make sure I wasn't blind.

This is my watch and this is my plate. What does he mean by someone else...?

If what he means is someone else, why did he do that? But if what he means is me, then I will ask, why did he do that?... Although my heart is still stubborn, it continues to ring and beat fast; experience tells me... Whatever you do, I shouldn't be interested, right?

Yes... There's no chance for him to enter my heart again... I thought about it that way. Shit, it's just a picture and I'm already like this

"Ter... are you okay?" North's familiar voice drifted towards me and pulled me out of my daze

<< I'm fine, don't I look fine? >>>

I put on a normal expression.

"No, you suddenly look confused. Is it because of that photo?"

North asked, pointing to my computer screen with P'Hill's message.

"No, I was just a little shocked."

"Hill Ratchakit, oh Dr. Hill? Do you know him too?"

"Oh, so you do?"

"There's a lot of talk about him."

"Oh, really?" I wonder whether I should tell North or not...

But, better to say it, at least I still have someone to talk to.

Can he give me some advice?

"Did you see the caption? What do you think?"

"It looks like he's flirting with someone." He paused for a moment. "Did you see the person sitting in front of him?"

"It's me. I'm the one sitting across from him," I sighed. "I told you, the senior invited me to eat."

"What!!!" North looked surprised and looked at me in disbelief before turning back to look at the screen again.

"Hmm, you can be careful, pay attention to the clock." I raised my left wrist so he could see the watch I was wearing.

"When I saw it, I was still shocked."

"Damn, that's really shocking! And he's a man too." He frowned.

"I don't care what gender it is. But I think he already has a girlfriend."

"Yeah, I've seen a lot of news about that."

"Oh, I heard that too."

"Have you known each other before?"

"We go to the same school."

"It's not entirely a lie, but I'm still not ready to tell him everything now.

"Have you ever talked before?"

"A little."

"Does he show any signs that he likes you or is interested in you?"

"NO." From what I've seen at the school reunion, there was nothing strange. I'm the only one who's really paranoid.

"But he still wrote a caption next to her picture like this. What do you think?"

"Me? Wait, I didn't think of that." I said.

"Wow, every girl on campus must be crying. Why don't you try talking to him first?"

"No, I don't want to."

"Are you going to refuse?"

"Maybe, I don't know yet. Maybe he was just joking." I said. In my opinion, teasing like this is what I hate the most.

"It's difficult, you might feel very uncomfortable, especially with the seniors in the club, right?"

"Hmm, I'm in trouble."

"Come on, it's okay. But don't ignore it. If you really don't want to, just refuse."

"Uh."

I'm thinking about it again. The conviction I thought I wasn't broken has started to diminish.

Hhhmmm....

I can't do it, can I? The post destroyed my refusal to go to the club for a few days because I deliberately wanted to avoid his face. And I know it's not good because Phi Bua has called several times, but I haven't answered a single call. He might be worried.

The best thing for me is to call him back to apologize and also say I'm sick so he'll stop worrying. Then, Take a walk and take a picture.

North isn't in the room either.

Yes...

Even though I told you clearly that I wasn't feeling well...

So, why was that person suddenly in front of my dorm and dragging me to the car!!! Damn, what am I doing in this car with that person? This man is so cunning.

Even though I just told myself to stay away from him, those words immediately slammed back into my throat.

Who said doctors are handsome and kind? He even threatened me!!

I told him I was sick and would be leaving the room. But as soon as I got out, I found him standing there with his handsome face pressed against the car. The worst part was, I brought a camera that was used as evidence that incriminated me.

Damn, I'm caught in a trap!

Phi Hill drives quietly. Even though the air conditioning is cool, it feels like a heater. My body is warm. Outside, the sky has been dark since this morning. We don't need to rely on the weather forecast to predict that it's going to rain. It would be fun to take pictures near the foot of the mountain.

But I'm sitting here! And I don't know where I'm going! The luxury car moved towards a small alley, and soon I could see the temple. Temple? Did he take me to the

temple?

The car was parked in a small parking lot, and a sign in front of it said it was a temple.

But inside, it doesn't look like a temple at all because it's very spacious and there's nothing but a forest around it.

"Have you ever been here?" the person next to me asked softly.

"Never..."

I replied softly.

"Then I'll be your guide," Phi Hill said before getting out of the car. I unfastened my seat belt, and before I knew it, Phi Hill had already come over and opened the car door for me.

Ah, why is he trying to be polite?

I didn't say anything, even though my whole body was covered in sweat.

I just held the camera and slowly followed the taller person. Hill seems a little taller than last year Probably between 180 and 182 centimeters. He had a good body shape before, but after entering university, he seemed more muscular. But not scary enough, just enough to make girls scream. His handsome face always smiles gently, and the way he speaks doesn't change at all, polite and gentle.

Even though he only wears casual clothes, shirts and jeans, he still looks outstanding and perfect. Who doesn't like that? Whoever likes it, it's up to you. But I won't be eaten anymore.

The tall figure suddenly turned around and smiled at me. I automatically turned my face away. Oh, I shouldn't have stared for too long. I heard Phi Hill laugh.

I didn't dare look at him; it was normal. I just saw him from behind To be honest, since we met, I've never seen his face once, so I don't dare...

"This is an old temple. In the past, this area was an untouched forest, so this temple is very spacious. Moreover, it is very close to nature. This is the Lanna architectural style. Most of the walls are made of bricks. This area has just been expanded and rebuilt, but still retains the unique Lanna character. I think it's very charming," Phi Hill said charmingly. He can definitely be a guide

[ex: The classic Lanna-style temple in northern Thailand][The Lanna kingdom, independent for several centuries, was then successively under the rule of the Burmese and then the Siamese, before being incorporated into Thailand]

I listened attentively, then turned to photograph the flowers growing along the road. The atmosphere is good; today the sun isn't too hot. He waited for me to take a picture without complaining, and I even saw him smile a little secretly.

"Very nice picture." The loud voice from behind made me jump. I don't know when Phi Hill secretly came to see the picture I took.

"Uh... Don't look," I said before leaving. Shit... What should I do if I have a heart attack? Oh, is my face turning red again?

I hope the color doesn't get too red to the point where it gives him the satisfaction of being able to laugh at me.

"Be a photographer for me." A sweet smile like that.

I'm very allergic to you, honestly, it's not just me In the past, when the girls in my class saw him smile like that, it almost made the whole room scream. It's really heartbreaking, so I'll avoid it without seeing it in person.

"No, it's just a waste of memory." I don't think it's too serious, but I don't want to, so I can only blame my camera's memory. Sorry about my darling camera.

The other party laughed quietly in silence.

"Oh, I rarely let anyone take my picture."

"I see there are a lot of pictures of you everywhere." On the

Facebook page, many people asked to take a picture with him. Why did he say he rarely does it?

"Have you seen my picture too? I'm so happy." The other said, with a big smile.

"Someone shared it." I tried to use a normal tone so he wouldn't know. Deep down, I was really nervous.

"But at least this way you can see it, right?"

"I don't know." I avoided answering in a low voice. I saw a small path leading into the forest, and it looked very mysterious. The other party must have realized I was staring, so he started to explain.

"That's just the entrance to the monastery. Did you see a caretaker there?"

Oh, right.

"Come on."

I started to see something In front of me, I was very excited. As I walked, I came to an old staircase made of small bricks. Next to the stairs were two giant statues, next to which stood shops selling souvenirs and offerings to the monks.

I climbed the stairs carefully, remembering to take a picture. When Phi Hill led me up, I tried not to pay attention, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw that he was still looking at me.

What's wrong with him? Can't he stop looking at me like that? Anyone who looks like that must be tense!

As I climbed the stairs, to the right was a religious art exhibition and to the left was the observation station. In front of it was a wall with a tunnel. I saw a few tourists, but not many.

Some even went into the tunnel. I think this is the highlight here.

But I didn't see a Buddha statue to worship.

<<< The temple is actually inside. >>>

"Ahhh..."

"Do you want to go see it?" Phi Hill asked. I probably won't refuse, because I just saw something like this and I need to see more. I went in, took off my shoes, and put them in the prepared spot. Phi Hill told me to go first.

The interior is almost pitch black, lit only by the soft yellow light of the candle. Glancing up at it periodically, the patterns painted on the walls and ceilings amazed me.

From its beauty, just by looking at it, you can see how The point people have in making it. It's a dark picture because so much time has passed. The smell of scented candles and fresh flowers flying everywhere didn't make me stop thinking about how romantic the atmosphere was. As if we had entered the world of Lanna in the past.

"Ter, look to the left." I turned my head toward the voice of the person behind me. It was a small path, a little deeper. There was a standing Buddha statue. Phi Hill and I raised our hands together in worship. [The sign of "greeting/respect"] Then, when we walked in the other direction, we found more Buddha statues as well as some on the wall of the cave tunnel that were rock cliffs. I was so excited to see all this for the first time, until I suddenly forgot who I was with. At one point, I made a mistake and almost tripped on an uneven path

But Hill was able to grab my arm in time. I don't know if I think about it or not, but he always takes care of me and behaves like that.

Well, he's like that naturally. Not just with me.

We walked to the exit and passed the back of the viewpoint. My heart wanted to continue to that point, but we didn't bring shoes, so we had to come back the same way.

Plop...

Plop...

Shit... it's starting to rain. We didn't bring umbrellas, so the two of us and some other tourists had to hide side by side in front of the tunnel entrance to wait for the rain to stop. But it seems like it's still a long way off, because that the raindrops fall continuously until what seems to become a curtain in front of us is barely possible to see anything on the other side; even the wind gets stronger and carries the raindrops away.

Plop...

At that moment, something enveloped me. I turned my head to see the person next to me.

Shirt?

Phi Hill took off his shirt and put it on me. And all that was left was the T-shirt he was wearing underneath. He turned around and smiled gently at me.

Hill... he's very kind.

I crouched down to hide my burning face. I'm sure my cheeks must be very red, even to my ears. My heart began to beat faster and faster

fast until I'm afraid it'll explode, damn it...

What kind of crazy doctor is this? Does he want me to have a heart attack and die!!

"Thank you," I said softly. He probably didn't hear it because the sound of the rain would make my voice muffled.

"You're welcome."

Oh, did he hear it? Phi Hill's smile was as sweet as ever. I don't know how to feel calm. In front of us is a heavy curtain of rain, and behind us is a tunnel of candlelight.

"Can I have anything?"

"No," I replied, without even looking at the tall man.

"Come on..." the doctor begged.

"What is it?"

<>>

Shit... my heart's going to be broken! Don't faint, Ter!!

Slowly, I reached out to him until I felt the heat radiating off me, while Phi Hill gently grabbed my hand. To be honest, I'm too embarrassed to the point where I have to throw my face away now.

Baba-baba... Baba-baba...

Baba-baba... Baba-baba.

Shit, my legs are starting to lose their balance!!

<>>

"NO!" I replied quickly.

What else is it?

Will you hold my shoulder?

If you do, I won't be able to breathe!

"One more thing."

"Just say it. What else?"

"Can I sue you, Ter?"

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***