Chapter 5: Smile

I walked out carrying all the bags because the security guard said that the mall was about to close. From midday when the mall was bustling with people now hardly anyone left. I clenched my jaw and felt a mix of anger and frustration. Who the fuck is he? Where did this asshole come from that he dared to do this to me? I'm furious. So furious at Phum for making me sit and wait here.

But what I'm even more angry about is myself for foolishly waiting for him. As I got angrier, my mood worsened. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to throw all the stuff in my hands. Especially when I knew they belonged to that jerk, I wanted to stomp on them and destroy them all, but if I did that, it might end up as me being stomped on instead.

Haizz, in the end, how did Peem's life have to be at the mercy of someone like Phum? It's only the first day and I'm already at a loss. Will I survive this?

"Let's go krub" I told the taxi driver after successfully squeezing myself and the shopping bags into the car. Oi, even though I'm inside, I'm still upset about him leaving the stuff behind with me. Damn you, Phum.

"Hey nong, you're a guy but you're good at shopping huh?" the taxi driver smiled and teased, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

"It's not mine, Phi"

"Ah, for your girlfriend, eh?" I almost choked on my saliva. Girlfriend's? Ugh, this is the worst. It's not mine, and it's definitely not my girlfriend's either, damn it!

"I guess you must love your girlfriend a lot, huh, nong? Buying things for her and bringing them back home. That's how young love tends to be. Back in the day when I was still a handsome young man like you, I did the same thing" Hm?? Handsome like me? Don't take it personally but the only thing our faces have in common is the black eyes. I just smiled awkwardly, too lazy to deny the taxi driver's assumption.

I was both exhausted and sleepy, and then I had to encounter this cheerful, and funny taxi driver. I just wanted to yawn, don't engage in conversation so I can doze off, please! I mumbled the directions to my home, not even sure if I got them right. I quickly paid and hurriedly got out once we arrived. I think this Phi should stop driving a taxi and go compete with P'Nose instead. Who knows, he might become a rising star. What kind of person talking nonstop?

(T/N: Udom Taepanich (stage name Nose) is a Thai stand-up comedian, artist, and writer)

"I'm back!" I announced softly. At this hour, who else would be around? Uncle Pui must have gone to bed since 8 pm. I dragged my tired body to my room, and as soon as I lay down, I was almost asleep.

"Oii!!!" I jumped at the green-faced ghost emerging from the bathroom. My sleepiness is gone completely.

"What's up, my handsome nephew? It's just Ah'Pui, your most beautiful uncle. What are you surprised for, huh?" I looked at the person, not entirely sure if it was a person, covered in green clay all over the face, with only the eyes visible, and lips could barely move when speaking. This figure claimed to be my uncle.

(T/N: "Ah" is a way to address your parent's brother - your uncle)

"Is it really you?" I asked, still not convinced.

"Well, yeah, dude. Don't act like you're scared of me. And where the heck were you, coming home so late? If your mom knew, she would come shave both our heads" Uncle Pui acted all dramatic, exaggerating in the most feminine way possible. Just with this, you'd probably know by now what gender my uncle is...

Doesn't matter what gender my uncle is, he is a good person. Very very good person, but his bad side is no less. As for details about my family, leave it for another day and I'll tell you about it.

"Peem went to eat with a friend" Uncle Pui squinted his eyes at me.

"And why did you bring back so much stuff?"

"Um, it's my friend's stuff. They asked me to keep it." Dodge, keep dodging the question Peem. How successful it'll be, not so sure.

"Hmm, a friend? If it's your girlfriend just say it, I won't tease you" And standing here giving mocking glances isn't called teasing, right? Why does everyone have to think that this belongs to my girlfriend?

"Yes, a friend. I don't have a girlfriend" Uncle Pui made a face as if he didn't believe it. Please do believe it because this is the only truth I've said so far.

"Are you sure you didn't buy things for a girl, young man?" Uncle Pui teased playfully with a wink and chuckled.

"Hoyy, not at all! I'm sleepy, will go to bed now. Good night, sweet dreams, m'lady"

"Really~ don't try to hide" I turned around and raised my eyebrows at Uncle Pui and quickly opened the door to the room.

Haizzzz

I dropped the things on the floor and lay down on the bed. Although I was exhausted from the whole day, I couldn't sleep. My eyes refuse to shut as I can't stop thinking and feeling resentful towards Phum. I'm a person with feelings since I was still in my mother's womb, I've never had to wait this long for anyone.

Thinking about it made me want to swear again, that fucking jerk! Just cursing out for a short while and my body couldn't take it anymore. My eyes started to close but before I fell asleep, there's something I want to confess: the handsome Ai'Peem will not take a shower today. Haha, well, I'm exhausted. Goodnight ^_^

~~I still miss you, ah ah ah ~~

Oh my gosh, who the heck is calling at this hour? I was just falling asleep and startled awake. I groggily searched for my phone with a grumpy expression.

I'm tired; I want to go back to sleep.

"Hello, who's calling?" Honestly, I want to curse them out. Disturbing others so fucking late.

(It's me)

"Me who? I don't have any friend named me"

(Fuck you, don't mess around. I'm Q) Oh, Ai'Q. I sat up and leaned against the bed head, shook my head to get rid of my drowsiness.

"What's up? I'm so sleepy already"

(Where have you been?) - I frowned as soon as I heard the question

"Just around. What's your problem?"

(Well, you ran out of the class out of nowhere, you bastard. I was shocked and didn't know what was going on. And on top of that, I called and you didn't answer.)

"Ohhhh," the long "oh" was me just understanding what Q was referring to, but the other reason was that I "oh" to buy time to come up with a lie. Lately, I've been lying to my friends a lot.

"Nothing, just that my uncle's friend just came back from Papua New Guinea." Shit, now I'm lying across the ocean. I can't think of anything, the later it was, the sleepier I got; my brain processed everything so slowly.

(Papua New Guinea? And then?) Q's asked, sounded uninterested. It was like it's your uncle's friend, what does this have to do with you?

"Well, I had to go pick him up, didn't I?" that should suffice, yeah? "I'm sorry, man, for not letting you know in time. I was in a hurry, I was afraid my uncle's friend would wait too long" I quickly explained as soon as I noticed he was quiet.

(Uh, well, I don't really know what's going on, but don't do this again, okay? Heck, I was scared, thought someone died or something.)

"Fuck you." I smiled even though I just swore at him. The more I realized that Q was worried about me, the more I felt guilty for lying to him. "Q, I'm sorry." I apologize for lying. Damn it, I don't like this feeling at all.

(Hey, no need to apologize, I'm not mad. I was just worried. Ai'Thaen also called and scolded me for not taking care of you. He was going to invite both of us to have dinner, and when he asked where you were, I said I didn't know, and he scolded me big time) Wow, my friends are something else.

"Aw, do you guys love me that much?" I asked with a heart that was ready to burst. Haha, this fit to be a plot for a novel.

(Of course, we do, so we can ask you to pay our food, hahaha)

"Oh fuck you, Q. If that's all, I'm going to sleep." my asshole friend, my heart sank into a bottomless pit while that Q was still laughing endlessly. Damn it, crazy how I could be deceived easily and got messed around like that. After a few more words to say goodbye, I cut the call.

At first, I thought I wouldn't take a shower, but I was already up. I decided to take a refreshing shower and then go back to sleep. Tonight was another night where I slept very well. I dreamed of a crocodile slamming its tail into Phum's face. Haha, it was so satisfying. This is the first time in my life that I want to turn a dream into reality.

From swearing to myself that if I ever came face to face with that Phum guy, I would smack his mouth until blood poured out. To now, I have to bury that thought as deeply as I can.

Because of the situation unfolding right in front of me now. Phum told me to meet him at the old gym behind the civil service department. I've been standing here for a while now, but I didn't dare to walk in. I was just looking from a distance, peeking out from behind the door.

Phum stood and smoked a cigarette, watching his minions stomping on someone. Just seeing his face got me mad, but seeing what he and his group were doing, I'd stay away and don't interfere. These guys weren't afraid of anyone or anything. Even in the university, they still dared to pick fights.

"Hey, slow down! I won't be satisfied if they die so quickly" He used the tip of his shoe to crush the cigarette he had just dropped on the ground before walking over and stomping the same foot on the chest of the unfortunate man who lay there, completely covered in blood.

From what it looked like, it seemed that guy wouldn't be able to even sip on porridge. That guy must be completely out of it. Phum squatted down beside that person, with him were Thaen, a blonde-headed guy, and a handsome guy just like the last time I encountered them. They stood there looking like this was a regular occurrence.

"Remember in that rotten head of yours, don't mess with me. And tell your sister too, stop messing with me before I can't keep my patience anymore." Phum's cold, calm voice was something that sent shivers down my spine. My hair stood on end instantly.

If he treated me like he did to that guy, I'm surely dead. From now on, I'll do my best as your slave. I promise.

It's better to be his slave for 2 months than to die under his feet in 2 hours

When he finished speaking, he had his underlings carry the poor guy away.

"Mick, what time is it?" He turned to ask the blonde one. Oh, this guy who called me a brat last time was named Mick.

"4:40. Someone's thinking about you, tick tock, haha" Mick responded with a cheerful expression on his face. This one seems to have a teasing, playful attitude just like Pun in my group.

"I thought there was something fun to watch. Heck, that's all there was?" Thaen made a bored face. Seeing Thaen and Phum together like this made me gasp for breath.

"Acting like there was nothing, just now I thought you were going to pounce on that kid again." The handsome one smiled wickedly at Thaen.

"You're no different, Beer" Ah, this handsome man's name is Beer. Damn, he's handsome, and the name suits him too. Is there any justice in this world?

"Okay, if you're done biting each other then go back" Phum gestured with his hands to dismiss his friends.

"Hey, what about you?"

"I have an appointment," he grinned. Oh no, don't say that. Don't tell anyone you have an appointment with me. Just now I've made myself shrink to the point I'm practically blending into the wall.

"With whom?" Ai'Thaen exclaimed. Please, hurry and go, I begged you and I swear I'm not imagining things but Phum glanced directly at where I was standing, but it only for a quick moment.

"Well, whoever it is is my business. You guys can go now."

"Hmm, changing the atmosphere, huh? Well, saying you have somewhere to go like this makes me curious," the guy named Mick with either a short tongue or a cleft lip, spoke unclearly.

Beer and Thaen smirked evilly, before shrugging Phum's shoulder. What's up with these guys? Mick puffed his chest and then punched lightly onto Phum's chest, saying, "My buddy."

Not long after, those three walked away, hugging each other's shoulders. The moment the back of A'Thaen vanished from my view, I felt a huge relief flooding over me.

"You're late"

"Hoyy! Scared the fuck out of me!!" I didn't know when Phum came to stand behind me. When he saw that I was shocked, he smirked.

"Your face is pale. Do you have kidney failure?" My face is pale because you startled me. Another reason was the picture of the incident just now that Phum did, it got me scared as well.

I wondered why he didn't stomp on me like he did with that guy. Why did he let me be his slave instead? Is it because I'm friends with Thaen so he was being considerate? Wow, I just realized that being friends with Thaen has its benefits. Or maybe doing this was more satisfying to him. Damn, I think this made more sense.

"Yesterday I told you to wait, why didn't you wait as I said?" I turned around and looked at that Phum so fast my neck almost snapped. What did he say? Fuck, my blood is boiling now.

"Fuck you, how dare you say I didn't wait!? I sat and waited for you for 4 hours until the mall closed. Next time you want to go on a date and shop, no need to bring me along and make me wait with your things. Your things, it's not like there weren't a lot. I was exhausted and hungry, and yet you still dare to say I wasn't waiting?" I spitted out in one breath.

By the time I realized it, a chill ran down my spine. What did I eat to be so daring? Was it going to lead to disaster? This time, I'm surely doomed. I swallowed the saliva down my throat, not daring to look at his face, but I could sense that he was emanating an aura around me.

"Heh Heh" Huh? Laughing. Who's laughing around here? There was only that bastard and I. My mood right now is far from laughter, so it must be that damn asshole. I raised my head and looked at him again. Yeah, it's him.

"What's so funny?" Did he go crazy from hearing me curse at him? I thought he was going to kick me in the face, pull my ears, or maybe even rip my guts out. But I don't understand this kind of reaction. Simply put, I can't keep up with his emotions.

"Laughing at your foul mouth," He said, throwing everything-bag, jacket, and books to me. You fucker, I'm not a basket for you to throw whatever you want. But I still managed to catch everything from him anyway.

If I dropped one of his stuff, I would surely end up like that kid who was beaten earlier. Phum walked straight to his car, while I staggered along behind. Have some pity on me, will you? Heck, if someone like him could understand the word pity he wouldn't treat me like this already.

"Hey shorty, walk faster. Do you have human legs or snail legs? So fucking slow" Damn you, cursing at me again. You see he's cursing me again. There's no one around for me to complain with except you readers.

"Damn you, if you're in such a hurry, why not just leave from yesterday?"

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, hehe" I gave him a "super friendly" smile, but still cursed at him secretly. Damn, sharp hearing like a dog.

"Don't let me know what you said or I'll make your head bleed." Oh, you cruel bastard, sadistic, evil, ruthless bastard!

"Can you drive, shorty?" As we walked towards the beautiful, familiar Mercedes that once took me around Samut Prakan, I suddenly got a shiver. I stood and stared at him in confusion before my little brain started working. Asking like this means he must expect me to take on the role of the driver for sure. So:

"No, I don't know how to drive" I shook my head until my neck almost broke, but the truth is: I can drive hehe. So what? Why would I drive for him? Sitting in the passenger seat like a boss and letting him drive is better, heh.

"I should have known your shrimp brain can't drive. Why are you still standing there? Get in the car!!" Just that and you gotta yell? Meh, I don't care; it's ok. Getting scolded in exchange for not having to drive is a fair deal.

Phum steered the car into a place with a huge sign saying: Sakyim Boxing Camp. I fidgetted, squirming in my seat, as we pulled into the place. I had been so quiet the whole ride. I turned to look at Phum, but he remained as impassive as ever.

"Hand me the backpack and water bottle from the backseat" Once the engine shut off, he tossed me the car keys to lock the car and motioned me to hurry up and follow him. I just sat there, not following what he said. I didn't even get to ask him why he brought me here, he already walked inside. Oh no no no, it can't be true right? He didn't bring me here to be his training partner, right?

"So slow" Phum turned and looked at me as soon as the shadow of my head popped inside the gym. Look at the stuff I had to carry, so heavy. Unlike you sauntering around carefree with empty hands. I quickly set everything down on a nearby bench then hurriedly asked:

"Why did you bring me here?" He tilted his head to look at me while leaning against the wall. His gaze irritated me to the core.

"I came to work out, and you, as my servant, must serve me. Don't forget that, moron," Phum chuckled lowly. Ah, so he's using me as a water boy.

"Did you think we came here to watch Kungfu Panda?" Neh, sarcasm.

"Oh yeah? I thought you came to see a rocket launch" I retorted in return. He pushed my head away. I wasn't sure if it was intentional or if he just wanted me dead. His force was so strong my head nearly hit the floor.

Once he finished manhandling me, he grabbed the backpack and headed towards the changing room. I noticed that other boxers who were training, or even the trainers and coaches, all showed a certain level of respect towards it. What the hell?

While waiting, I kept looking around the place. Whoa, there were almost 10 boxing rings. I could hear the kicks and punches, and it felt exhilarating. Oh, there were even little kids, and some cool girls too.

Actually, I enjoy watching boxing - Muay Thai, international boxing, world boxing, even wrestling. I can watch all, but if I truly like one, it's Muay Thai. It's not just a form of exercise, but it also makes good use of your free time and, plus it also preserves Thai culture. Ooh, that was awesome, nong!

As for Phum, I would like to put him in another category. I will assume that the reason why he came to boxing is because he likes violence.

"Your sanity is seriously questionable, shorty." Speak of the devil.

"What? I..." I turned to retort but got stunned for about thirty seconds. Phum, in a tight dark green V-neck t-shirt and dark blue shorts, branded clothes from head to toe. Damn cool!!

Wait, don't admire it too much. So what if he's tall, fair, and handsome? I don't see anything special. Huh, but that's enough to write down in Thai history that Phum is the most handsome boxer. He scowled at me when he saw me frozen. You must be confused with me. I'm confused too.

"I'm going to practice. You stay here and watch over things, got it?"

"Uh, I know, so many orders!" With that, he tossed me his iPhone and a Lacoste genuine crocodile leather wallet with quite an amount of money. My heart almost dropped to the floor.

Fuck! You can't just throw me an iPhone like that. If I didn't catch it and it broke, would you be willing to trade for my BB as a replacement? Did you think the iPhone was a toy or something? Throwing it like that. It's worth tens of thousands of baht, you know.

(T/N: BB \= Blackberry dumb phone, not smartphones. This story was published in 2010, so iPhones/smartphones were not as generic as now)

Today I learned something new about Ai Phum. Besides being moody, hard to please, and annoying, he also likes to throw things. Being around him will probably help me improve my skills in various areas, I guess.

After giving orders, Phum headed to the boxing ring. He wore black gloves and practiced alone with a sandbag because he didn't have a training partner. Looking at the way his feet and hands are moving, he is not playing around. Each strike was heavy. So scary.

I was also surprised that people like him would be interested in sports or exercise like boxing. I thought that a handsome, high-class guy like him would prefer sports like golf or tennis. Guess he's still Thai after all.

While waiting for the young master Phum's power show, I killed time by sitting and chatting with friends on BBM. Ai Shane's status was so lame: Not short, not tall, plus a tight alley. It's getting old now my friend. After playing for a while, I got bored. I looked left and right and saw Phum's iPhone. Hehehe, the clip you blackmailed me with is in here huh? You're done!

I checked to see Phum was still focused on fighting with a punching bag and was not paying attention to anything else. Nice! I quickly grabbed the phone, but turned out...it was locked and required a passcode. Damn! So careful, but turned out...it was locked and required a passcode. Damn! So careful, you evil bastard! Haizz, so bored!

Let's take a walk to soothe the boredom. Oh, since we're here, let's take a tour of the boxing gym for the first time and see what it's all about. But if we're going for a stroll, I have to grab the phone, wallet, and Phum's car keys to put in my bag. Ah, what a mess!

I walked around watching others practice, letting Phum train on his own. Hearing the sound of punches, my stomach churned, and I felt uneasy. It was supposed to be a good day, but suddenly I felt a chill down my spine. Imagine getting kicked in the ribs, ahh just thinking yet I can feel the pain already.

"Hey kid, are you new? I've never seen your face before" I was slightly startled when someone called out when I was focused on the big and muscular guys, trying to figure out who could beat whom. I turned and faced an uncle who looked like he was in his late 50s but still looked tough and intimidating.

"Oh, yes."

"Are you here to practice boxing?"

"Um, no, sir. A friend invited me here." Well, not really a friend, and it wasn't an invitation, more like he forced me and dragged me along.

"Ah makes sense. You don't look like can even survive one punch" I nearly tripped over my own feet.

"Ao, Uncle, why do you say that? Don't underestimate me. Try to feel the force of my punch. Ready?" I readied my stance, preparing my left and right jabs, but Uncle just smiled in amusement, I ignored it, shifting my feet back and forth, fully prepared.

"Shorty!! What are you dancing around for? Come over here!" o_O I almost choked on my saliva. I stopped everything I was doing. The corners of my mouth twitched, and I clenched my teeth, turning to Phum who was standing with a bored face. What dance? Dam you, I was showing my martial arts skills.

"My friend's calling. Consider yourself lucky, Uncle. I'm outta here." Uncle chuckled. Hmmph, what's so funny?

I'm not lying, Phum was calling me. Making people wait is not good (is it?).

"What's up?" I walked over to Phum.

"Water" Huh? Water? Your water is in your body, dumbass. I thought cheekily.

"What the hell are you thinking about? I meant go get me water" Did he read my mind or something? Man, that's scary. But honestly, I'm more scared of my own thoughts.

"Uh, okay." I walked over to grab a bottle of water and a sports drink. Past experiences have taught me not to guess what Phum might want. It's better to prepare things and let him choose for himself.

"What were you talking about with Uncle Sak?" The way he drank water was damn cool. He probably didn't notice how cool he looked when drinking water. Haiz, I'm so jealous. Oh, he asked about Uncle Sak.

"Who's Uncle Sak?"

"The one you talked to just now. Uncle Sak, owner of the gym."

"Hah!!! Owner!?" >o< Nicely done Peem! Almost got in trouble with the owner of the boxing gym. You really want to die young, huh? Ai Phum looked at me confused. He shook his head and went back to practice.

After nearly an hour, it was over. Phum went to take a shower and change clothes before heading back. Before leaving, Uncle Sak stopped by to talk to him and even walked us to the car. I felt embarrassed and could barely look at him, but I took the opportunity to apologize to Uncle. He was very kind, completely different from the tough exterior. He said I was funny and cute. I don't know if I'm happy to hear that.

"Khun Phum's friend is very funny"

"Well, he's not always like that." Even though I was putting things at the back, I could still hear Phum talking.

"Khun Than is doing alright?" Why do you have to be so polite to a nasty kid like Phum?

"He's great. You should go visit him,

he complained to me all the time." I pursed my lips and mimicked Phum's voice. Yes, good. Fine.

"Uncle wants to go too. But during this time, many kids in the gym are competing in competitions. So Uncle is busy, but please say hello to your father for me."

"Alright, then I'm heading back."

"Sure, feel free to come again when you're free, Phum."

"Yes. Hey shorty, still not done yet? Hurry up."

"Uh, all done! So grumpy. We'll be leaving now. Sorry again, Uncle," I rushed to talk to him before Phum exploded.

"Ao, this kid, I said it was okay. If you're free, you can come over, and I'll help you train Muay Thai."

"Sure, sir. I'll head back then. See you, Uncle," Phum and I bid farewell to Uncle, and then he got in the car to go home. Haha, this is my first time at a boxing camp. It was so much fun, except I almost got punched by the gym owner. Always looking for trouble everywhere you go Peem.

"Hey," we've sat in the car for a while. My stomach was protesting: hungry!!

"What?" He answered briefly without looking at me.

"I'm hungry." This time, he turned to look at me. But if he was going to stare like that, it was better to look at the road. It was already 8 pm, and I was still in the growing stage (though I probably won't grow any taller than this).

"So troublesome"

"Well, I'm hungry. If not, stop the car I can go back on my own."

"Did you think I'd give you a ride?"

"Ao" I was taken aback. Yes, I thought he would give me a ride, but now I know I was wrong. Whatever, not a big deal to go back on my own.

"What do you want to eat?" I turned to look at him again with confusion. I'll reconfirm what I said before that I couldn't catch up with the mood of this guy.

"Wonton noodles, there's a shop right there." I looked and saw a small shop by the roadside.

"Dirty" Ouch, that's harsh.

"Uh! The roadside food is not suitable for a fancy guy like you. Whatever, park the car, I'll get off then."

"I mean you are dirty. Haven't shower yet and you want to eat in the middle of all these people?"

"Uh, well...I don't see a problem with that." The conversation ended as Phum turned off the car and parked on the sidewalk, while my face froze, unsure if I should be angry at him for calling me dirty, or happy to be able to eat with this idiot.

As I thought, when we walked down, people were staring at us. Even the people sitting in the chicken rice and pork leg shop next door were looking. Come on, Phum and I are not made of steel or something.

This restaurant only had about 4 or 5 tables. Even though it was a wonton noodle shop by the roadside, it offered quite a variety. I chose to sit at a table inside, fearing that if I chose one by the roadside, Phum wouldn't dare to eat.

"What do you want, young man?"

"I'll have the Tom Yum Wonton Noodle Soup with extra wontons, please." I shouted my order, then turned to ask Phum, who was silent.

"What about you? What are you having?"

"....." still silent.

"Hey you, Auntie is waiting"

"I don't know how to order," he said quietly, then glanced towards the street. Damn, who is this? Did some ghost possess him? Get out now!

"Huh??"

"I don't know how to order!!" This time, he looked angry, making me struggle not to laugh.

"Then same as me, please. Also, 2 bottles of Pepsi with ice. Thank you" I looked at him. I wanted to burst into laughter but didn't dare, fearing he might punch me and knock my teeth out. So, I just smiled, holding back my laughter until my stomach hurt.

Phum sneered and then shot me another menacing glare. Usually, I would probably be intimidated by his behavior, but right now, he just looked like a kid throwing tantrums.

"This place doesn't have a menu. I don't know what to order," he said coldly. Hah, you arrogant, snobby, stuck-up jerk.

"That means you've never had wonton noodles before." It was a golden opportunity to tease him so I had to grab it!

"You airhead! I've eaten before, just not in a restaurant like this. These restaurants, if I want to eat, tell the housemaid to buy." Oh wow, this guy was snobbier than I thought. Thought these only existed in movies and dramas; guess what they say is true: reality is more intense than drama.

"Uh uh, just say you can't order is enough. No need to make a fuss about it." I laughed at him. I didn't laugh at him for not knowing how to order; just thought that it was somewhat cute.

"Alright, here you are."

"Thank you. Can I have an extra bowl of soup?" Auntie smiled kindly and went back to make a large bowl of soup for me. Phum sat staring at the noodle bowl intently.

"Here" I handed him a spoon and chopsticks. "Give it here, I'll mix it for you" Didn't even know how to order, wouldn't expect him to know how to mix this properly.

"I can do it myself, don't bother," he said. Once he confirmed that, I let him handle it. However, I secretly saw that he just followed what I did. Haha, would you look at that? Honestly, I didn't season much because the noodles and wontons were already tasty. So, I let him enjoy his food while I ate mine.

"Ee-it-at-y?" I tried to lift my head to talk to Phum with a mouthful of noodles. Phum looked at me as if he couldn't bear it. I shrugged, not caring. I'm not a shy little girl who has to sit and eat in small bites in front of a young man. This is just how I am. I don't care. I just kept eating, paying no attention to Phum.

"Damn spicy!!"

"Hmm?" I looked at him, confused. Oh ho!! His mouth was red, his cheeks were red, his ears were even redder, and he was sweating all over his face. I wanted to burst into laughter. Ai Phum can't handle spicy food!

"You can't eat spicy food?"

"No! I just...I just don't like it," he insisted. I wanted to burst into laughter and tease him, but couldn't help but feel bad for him. He was like a kid. I put my hand on the ice cup that Auntie brought out until my hand went numb, and then I reached out to touch Phum's lips with it.

Perhaps it's because I didn't have time to think of anything. Perhaps it's because I just wanted to help him relieve the spiciness. But it was as if someone had pressed a button to stop everything around me. Something about the moment I met his dark, intense gaze I felt an emotion rush through me so quickly.

"What? What made my heart beat so fast until I felt this warm feeling in my chest?

"Ah, sorry...um just...sorry" I quickly pulled my hand back as soon as I snapped out of that crazy trance. Was he going to smack me for daring to touch him? But it looked like Phum was puzzled himself by what just happened. He shook his head and said:

"Yuck, your hand is salty" he said while attempting to blow his mouth to relieve the spiciness.

"Fuck you, next time I won't help you. Danm it the atmosphere is ruined" The first sentence was to yell at him, but the second sentence I mumbled to myself. But...

Just now he smiled. Ai Phum smiled.

I wish I had an 8-megapixel camera to capture this rare shot of the year. It was the first time I had ever seen him smile so widely.

To be exact, it was the first time I ever saw him smile. Perhaps it was because of his smile or something, I don't know, but that left me frozen again.

But what I know now is that Phum's smile is very beautiful!

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