Chapter 3: Exchange

"Where the hell are you taking me? Do you think you're some Hong Kong mafia movie hero? In this city, there's law and order. Doing this kind of thing falls under kidnapping. You can end up in jail, you know? Did you hear what I said? If you don't want to end up having prison meals then let me off. Can't you understand Thai? I said, let me off the car. Stop the car, stop it now!" I shouted and screamed like a madman, but that guy (don't want to call his name, disgusted) remained silent, unmoved, and unresponsive.

It was as if my voice didn't reach his eardrums. He kept his eyes on the road and drove way over the speed limit. He really doesn't value life T.T

"Do you know how many criminal offenses you are committing right now? From kidnapping to imprisoning me, depriving me of freedom, to reckless driving, intimidation, and threatening?"

The only response was a long honk and swerving lanes, cutting off the eighteen-wheeler. I didn't even have time to think of my parents' faces yet, only felt immense fear in my heart and turmoil in my stomach. Even if I didn't die in an accident, my heart might give out from the stress of this maniac's driving skills. He drove like a thief running away from cops. I know your car is powerful, but can you stop driving at such neck-breaking speed!?

Oh, I just noticed that this car is a sports convertible. Damn, didn't expect to ride in one, but is this considered a blessing or not? I couldn't bring myself to answer either. If it weren't for this terrifying situation, I might be screaming at the chance to touch the car.

For now, let's focus on surviving first and admire the car later because the way this maniac accelerated was like Dominic in Fast & Furious. Even the movie fans might come and yell at him: Why are you in such a hurry to die???

"I'm reporting you to the police and claiming damages. You'll be charged and fined for sure if you don't let me go. Don't forget that 3 witnesses saw that you were the last person with me."

"Uh"

I recited a whole mantra, speaking a hundred words of wisdom and you responded with just an 'Uh'? Geez...encountering someone intimidating like this, I thought this kind of character only existed in movies and dramas. What a waste of a handsome face.

Like a divine sculpture crafted with love, but gives an incredibly intimidating aura. Those dark eyebrows furrow thoughtfully, and the intense gaze feels like the ocean abyss-beautiful yet terrifying because it's too deep to understand what he's thinking right now. The lips, lightly colored, remain tightly closed; if a smile were to appear, it would be a smile that only slightly lifts the corners of the mouth. Enough to portray a priceless and perfect masterpiece of art.

No matter how exquisite it is, this art is lifeless, lacking in spirit. That's what I felt and sensed from this man. For today, I'll end the basic art lesson here.

"I-I'll call the police"

"Go ahead. You can use my phone" I'm not surprised anymore why he dared to do such a thing. Coming to kidnap me at the university, he must not be afraid of jail or the law anymore.

"My father is a policeman"

"Heh"

"What's funny? Do you think I'm lying? You can ask my father or Thaen if you don't believe me"

"Just now, you were still insulting me, saying I used money and power. And you, using your father to threaten me. How is that different from me?"

"You study Fine Arts?"

"If yes, what will you do?"

"Is everyone there deranged like you?"

"Yeah, there are some. In the field of art, you have to think a lot, find ideas, use imagination; be open-minded and inspiring. The work requires both thought and feeling. It's exhausting -physically and mentally-before completing each piece. We're talking about physical health and mental well-being being drained without knowing how much." I paused when I realized that I had unintentionally gone with the flow and led to a conversation. But it was about academics, how can I not respond?

"Are you mocking me? Accusing art students? You might face additional charges. And what about you? Do all you Engineering students like to use violence to solve problems every time?"

"When did I use violence?"

"Uh, better ask if there's a time when you didn't use force"

This is a tactic of deflecting and buying time. When you can't come up with an answer, respond with a question. Because I couldn't figure out when he uses his power either. Oh, when he dragged me into the car, I guess.

"Who do you think you are? Some hero from Pisan's Lakorn?

(T/N: Pisan Akraseranee is a Thai lakorn (drama) director, known as a "sadistic director" because he directed dramas that have main characters hit/ slap each other and end with a kiss :))

"I use force? I'm the one who had to stay at the hospital because you injured me, in case you forgot"

"Really? End up in the hospital, huh? And what did the doctor say? So, you're all better now, right? Wait." Man, I'm tired of myself.

"That's a different issue. Don't compare apples to oranges. What you're doing right now is forcing me to comply with you. This is psychological coercion, making me feel scared and unsecured"

"Oh? You seem very scared right now" So fucking annoying. Well, I wasn't really afraid of him at all. What I mean is, I know he's not going to kill or harm me, but I'm still worried because I don't know where he's taking me.

"Ok, let's have a nice chat" I'm smart, I know when to attack and when to retreat. Can I dodge this? Answer...yes I can.

"Not in the mood to talk"

"Oh," I said. But you said we need to talk. "Nah, let's talk. If we don't talk, how will we understand each other?" He turned finally but looked more like he wanted to chew my head off.

"Well I've thought about that day, it was probably just a misunderstanding. No one wanted something like this to happen, right? You didn't hold back your emotions, I acted on my emotions. We both made mistakes, and we can't go back and fix anything. But we can choose to move forward. I promise you, from now on, between us, there will only be memories. Let's go back to living a normal life, just like people who used to know each other. Nothing is binding us anymore, okay?"

"What are you talking about?"

"About us"

Wow, I didn't think I could be this persuasive. It was the first time his gaze shifted from the road ahead to me. But his furrowed brows suggested he didn't quite grasp what I was saying. I wonder if this guy truly understands Thai. Look, he let out a hard sigh, even turning up the A/C.

"Sit quietly. So annoying"

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and recited a prayer. Fine, if I die, then I die. I lunged to grab the head of that arrogant jerk.

"Oy, let go! Are you insane? We both might die if you don't let go!"

"Are you going to park now? Huh? Are you to park the car?" I gritted my teeth and told him to pull over.

"Oiii!" He finally steered the wheel and stopped on the side of the road, but still didn't let me get off. He stopped because he wanted to pull my head too. We held each other's head like it's nobody's business.

How much time had passed, I don't know, but it felt as long as eternity. The sound of our breaths echoed in the narrow space of the chilly car, steam fogging and sticking to the clear glass. Each of us looked like we had just been through a battlefield. Clothes are disheveled, revealing chests rising and falling with each breath. We were almost unrecognizable, yet both sides refused to part from each other even though one eye was getting swollen. Who's going to win this year's Pulitzer Prize? If not Peeranut, myself, then who?

2

"Let go" he ordered.

"You let me go first" I fight back, hands curling into his nape before pulling him back until his face was facing up. His hand also pulled at my bangs until my neck tilted.

"Let go" the voice became more intense.

"Then count from 1 to 3 and let go together"

"Ok"

"1..2..3"

Of course, no one lets go. The chicken sees the snake's tail, and the snake sees the chicken's breast.*

*Thai idiom means two people know each other's secret.

"Fine, that was just a test. Now I'm going to take it seriously, let go for real. 1..2.."

And then there was a phone call that came to save my life. He and I both pushed each other away quickly. Shit, he scratched his nails under my eyes but I managed to twist his ear as well. Not so bad after all.

He answered the phone, spoke a few words, then hung up before he squinted his eyes at me.

"Sit still and be quiet. I'm not going to kill you, but if you cause trouble again, I won't guarantee"

"Fine"

I sat quietly as he commanded for the safety of my life and my property, though I barely had any on me. He dragged me around with him everywhere. From the port to customs, then to a warehouse in Samut Prakan.

Go to the factory in Bang Pakong. The water's level rose and fell like the mood of this guy sitting next to me at every stop he made.

Seemed pretty busy. I noticed that every place he came to, someone was waiting to welcome him, showing respect. And the person who talked on the phone with him before was probably his mother. I don't have any supernatural ability to guess, but I heard him say "yes" (krab). When he finished handling each matter, he called to report that everything was done: "yes Mom" (krab khun mae). Mae \= mom

However, dear mother, do you know what we are doing at the house by the sea?

"Whose house is this? Why did you park the car? Are you up to something, or is it some kind of hideout for criminals, a secret mafia den to destroy your evidence?" I looked around cautiously.

"You must watch a lot of murder movies and let your imagination run wild, huh?" He spoke curtly as if completely fed up.

"Say whatever you want. You're not me" I raised my voice and refused to get out of the car. He grunted annoyingly.

"Shut up and get down. Hurry up, I'm tired"

Huh, must I apologize when suddenly a random lunatic dragged me to his car and rode across the province. I'm sorry that I was trying to save my own life and deafening your ears"

"Fine, suit yourself" He got out of the car before leaning down and saying: "If I were to do something, I would have done it a long time ago. No need to drive this far. Before, you kept demanding to get off. Now I give you the chance to do that, and you don't take it"

"I...I need to be cautious, can't trust you. Then why did you bring me here?" I coughed softly. The person listening took a deep breath, staring at my face for a moment before closing the car door loudly. He walked quickly into the house without looking back. I gasped, my mouth slightly open, and blinked repeatedly.

"Because there are people like this in the world that Buddha taught about tolerance"

I entered the house, and inside, there was hardly anything. It seemed like a vacation home by the sea left by wealthy people for occasional leisure. Occasionally hire someone to clean, then remember oh, we have a wonderful house by the sea, let's go stay there. I'm not being sarcastic, I envy him. I looked around while Phum walked back and forth, talking loudly on the phone.

"Uh, I know. I had to go take care of some stuff for Mom. I just got here, what's going on? Well, I came here to give it to you. Why don't you use Thaen, so fussy!"

He hung up the phone and dropped himself on the couch. "So annoying" he crossed his arm and sulked like a spoiled child. When he noticed me looking, he cleared his throat and put on his usual blank face. Heh, what a weirdo.

"I want compensation for damages" He started, leaning back on the sofa in a comfortable manner.

"What damage? What do you need compensation for? What are you saying, sleep-talking?" It might not fit the current situation, but I can't help but laugh. Haha, compensation, oh my!

"I want to emphasize again that I had to go to the hospital because I was assaulted by you."

"Ohh, so it's true? I thought you were just joking. Have you recovered yet?" Excuse my laughter once again, dear everyone. "Can't help it, why did you tease me first? And you still haven't apologized even once."

"Sorry"

Hah? I chuckled, blinking in confusion.

"Wait a minute"

"Now it's your turn. Apologize to me"

"Wait, hold on. Slow down. Don't come at me with your chicken-like antics, trying to chase me away recklessly. I have nothing to apologize to you for because everything that happened is your fault. From the beginning until now, you're the only one at fault." As I finished speaking, Phum pressed his lips together, using his tongue to push against the inside of his cheek. Probably close to losing his patience. He leaned forward and stared at me.

"The medical expenses, medication costs, and doctor's fees, in total, were over 200,000 baht. Out of goodwill, I reduced it to an even 200,000. You pay for it."

"I sincerely apologize. I was wrong, completely wrong. It's not your fault at all. It's me. I am the only one who is wrong, entirely wrong." He hadn't finished speaking yet, but I interjected faster than the speed of light.

"Two hundred thousand. Pay."

"Go sleep at which fucking hospital? Did you rent the entire floor at Bumrungrad*? Just a little nudge, why is it so expensive?"

(T/N: Bumrungrad International Hospital: one of the best hospitals in Thailand)

"You can look at the receipt, I have it" He sneered. I thought he would offer something else.

But I don't have money, let alone 200,000. Even the printing cost 200 baht, I had to borrow from a friend."

"In that case, I have an option for you. Come work for me to pay your debt"

"What kind of job? If you tell me to sell drugs, kill, or traffic people, you got the wrong person. I won't accept these jobs. I squinted at him distrustfully. He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

"Why do I have to make you do something like that? Can you stop using your imagination for a moment? The task I'm assigning you is not difficult, just something simple, like..." He stared at me, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly in a mocking smile, and uttered a sentence that left me speechless.

"Just be my slave for a month or two."

Fuckkkk

"I'm not forcing you. You can choose to do it or not. Do what makes you comfortable."

He spoke calmly, leaning against the sofa, relaxed. I could only blink and try to regain consciousness.

"Thank you so much. I've never felt so relieved in my life"

"If you don't want to do it, just pay the two hundred thousand. You can pay in installments. I'm being generous." He started speaking with a mocking tone. Honestly, at this point, I don't even need his mockery. I was so irritated that my head was about to be on fire.

I jumped up, stared at him, and shouted

"When do you want to start? Tell me now!"

The bench area in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts was never quiet in the morning. In fact, at any time of day, our faculty was never at peace. Because we are open 24/7, competing with convenience stores owned by capitalists. Artists do not live for art; they live to work. Teachers allow us to leave, arrive late, be absent, or even die, but we have to submit our work first. Regardless of major or year, we all share the same fate. That's why the faculty is never quiet and lonely. People are always here. Even if you come at 2 a.m., you will see people molding, painting, sculpting, and welding.

There are rehearsals for performances, people jogging for exercise, and even playing Ouija. From fishing in the pond to charcoal grilling, you could see things you never thought you'd see. We gather everything here in one place, available to see at any time, choose all you want. I left the house since cock crow, intending to avoid Q's face, and planned to sleep at the sculpting workshop instead. But that failed because he was already there. Judging from the condition and scent wafting in, Q must have slept here last night. And it wasn't just him staring at me; there were also Shane, Thaen, and even Pun, all gathered here as a complete team.

I'm not sure why are they all here, and also don't know how much Pun knows about what happened. I could never guess what he was thinking or feeling. Or he might not understand what's going on, but seeing his friends do it, he does it too. I'm afraid it would be the latter.

You guys seem quite free, huh? Seriously. Yesterday I escaped from the tiger, and today I had to deal with crocodiles. I guess I'll have to go make merit tomorrow. The way their eyes look at me, it's like they want to penetrate the depths of my soul and suck out every detail of what happened yesterday.

But it seemed that my lying skills had been defective since birth. All 4 of them didn't seem to believe much, and I don't intend to spill it all. Whatever they try to pry out of me, I won't budge. Being a slave for someone isn't something to be proud of, you know. How embarrassing it is, and when will these guys stop staring at me? Anyone, please help. Peeranut is scared.

"I-don't-believe-it"

The choir singers can't even beat these guys at how unison they were. Great teamwork, but it would be even better if they used it right.

"I don't believe it" Ai'Pun emphasized sternly before subtly winking at me.

"It's impossible. How can Phum not do anything to you? That is so not in his nature"

"Uh, not possible," Pun said, following Q. He crossed his arms over his chest, frowned, and rubbed his chin back and forth. I got tired just watching it.

"Well, I, for one, don't believe it. Someone like that guy, Phum, never lets go of people he targets easily. You better tell us now, what did he do? We'll go take care of it for you"

Hah, acting all clever now! Yesterday, I didn't see you defending me like this. Watch it, you're going to get it later, fucking Thaen! It's all your fault for bringing him to me.

"You guys are weird, asking stupid questions. If he did something, how can I bring my handsome face for you guys to see right now, huh my friends?" Q slapped me for my overly excessive self-praise. "I'm telling the truth. Believe me, he didn't do anything to me" - all the head grabs, eye plucks, and ear pinches are my doings.

"He took me to talk and clear things up. He told me to apologize, it wasn't even a big deal. Just an apology yet he brought a whole Mercedes Benz to pick me up, haha" I laughed dryly. Recently, there was no more skin on my side because all the bones could be seen.

When they received firm confirmation from me, all four of them exchanged glances as if consulting each other silently. I took the opportunity to quietly sigh, which I had been holding in since who knows when. Damn it, because of that damn guy, now I have to live in paranoia.

When I looked up, I was met with four pairs of eyes that were staring at me with eyes that weren't very friendly and normal. They looked like psychos. Not that they weren't psychos daily already. The more they stare, the scarier it gets. Oh god, stop it already, you're giving me the creeps. Right from the start when we were just sitting and chatting, I already suspected they would interrogate me. Ai'Thaen even climbed onto the table and sat close to me, so close that his hair almost touched my nose.

"Are you sure Peem?" It was Shane who asked.

"Of course" I shifted my gaze back and forth between them, even I felt suspicious of myself. But why does Pun have to smile so weirdly, slyly, and crookedly? Not just Pun, but the others were all staring at me.

"W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?"

And I swear, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't ask this question at all.

"You traded your body to save yourself, didn't you?"

I was stunned, shocked, bewildered.

How the hell did you guys come up with that???

After that, the group broke apart. They all got up and ran everywhere like bees breaking a hive with me chasing them and kicking their asses. Their laughter was so loud you could hear it echoing back. People in the area turned to look at us and even clapped their hands to cheer.

That's nothing unusual here. Everyone did their own thing and played their own games. Art enthusiasts often admired and joined in with laughter regardless of whether they knew the reason behind it. All four of them laughed until tears fell and snots were running. Pun was the first to run in, hugging my neck and whispering that he chose me. Then, he pointed at the other three calling them: Mudbloods. And so we have a new victim.

They ganged up and beat Pun, with me being the one to grab him by the neck and lock him under my armpit. Haiiz, even if life threw some bad things our way, with crappy friends like these, they'll probably help us get through it...I hope.

This morning, I attended an English class with students from other faculties with a level of consciousness that wasn't at its peak. Normally, I already have barely any consciousness, but today was even worse. I felt both sleepy and exhausted from waking up early, and then I got to exercise by chasing those bastards.

I knew that they were just teasing and playing around, but damn, how could they think I would willingly trade my body? We almost ended up fighting to the death just by meeting face to face. When would we find time to think about each other? Thinking about it made me feel resentful-resentful against those friends with their sarcastic remarks, resentful against that crazy bastard who proposed a lunatic idea like something came out from the Rattanakosin period when slavery had not been abolished. Resentful to myself for making a deal with the devil.

But at that moment, in that situation, I felt like I was a drowning person. So whatever was thrown at me, I had to take it. I don't know who's not afraid of death, but I do. Whoever said I'm a coward, so be it. I just want to survive. 200,000 baht? Right now, in my account, there are barely 3,000 baht and it's only the sixth day of the month.

I guess I'll have to live off instant noodles for a while. Hearing me tell you this might sound funny, but it's not funny at all. I had to find a way to vent this anger and the back of Ai'Q, who was sound asleep right in front of me, happened to be the excellent sacrifice. Why do you sleep during class? Why don't you pay attention? People who don't pay attention must face consequences, right? Time for a backslap.

You damn friend. I smacked Q's back with a loud, crispy smack. Even the teacher standing at the front of the class heard it, turning around to see what had happened. I quickly raised my hand to apologize like I was guilty. As for Q, who was hit by my thunderous hand, woke up abruptly, glaring at me with hatred. However, he couldn't do anything because the teacher was watching. The other students who witnessed the incident burst into laughter, unable to hold it in.

Ahh, I'm starting to feel a bit better after feeling exhausted for several days. It feels like those days are causing distress. To cap it all off, ending with a slap on the back adds insult to injury. I haven't been so lucky lately. Maybe I should invite Q to make merit and offer some offerings to the monks.

But before I could invite my dear friend who was casting spells at a girl from another group. A melody that was my ringtone sounded through the room. Shit, I forgot to mute.

Sorry once again, teacher. I'm a Bodyslam fan, I love P'Toon. He is my idol, he's like the divine god and I am his faithful disciple. I listened to him more than my parents because if there had been no P'Toon that day I don't know where Peem was going to get the baggy pants like the ones he's wearing now.

Q turned to look with questioning eyes because I had let the phone ring for too long. Not only the teacher but also other students began to show interest and cast half-suspicious glances at me, wondering when I would answer the phone. I quickly muted the sound and lowered my head slightly in apology, also checking the number that dared to call and interrupt while Khun Peem was concentrating on absorbing knowledge.

Huh??? Whose number is this?

"Hello?"

I ducked under the table to answer the phone in a whisper. I still dare to answer in class, but if I had known in advance who was calling, I would never answer it.

(I'll give you 10 minutes. Come see me at the faculty. If 10 minutes pass and I don't see you, I'll charge a penalty of 1,000 baht per minute)

As soon as he finished speaking, he hung up immediately. No fuss, no wasting time. Brief, concise, easy to understand, and straight to the point.

As for me...RUN!!

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