Episode 12

Chen returned early from his home, and his roommate Anurak noticed something seemed off.

Chen! Why are you back so soon? Anurak asked.

I couldn’t sleep, Chen replied, his voice a little flat.

Oh, okay… How was your weekend with your new brother? Anurak asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Chen paused, not sure how to answer. His mind wasn’t in a good place. He didn’t feel like talking about it.

Anurak noticed the silence. You seem a bit off today. You know, you can talk to me about anything. I’m here for you.

Chen sighed, feeling a bit irritated. It’s just… I don’t know. I’ve been thinking a lot about my stepbrother. We’re getting along, but I feel weird. When he talks to other people, I get jealous. I want him to focus only on me. I just… I want him to laugh with me, cry with me. I feel crazy, but it’s driving me mad.

Anurak raised an eyebrow. Sounds like you might be in love.

Chen looked at him, stunned. Is that even possible? I mean, he’s a guy, and he’s my stepbrother.

Anurak shrugged. Love doesn’t care about labels, Chen. If you feel something for him, it’s real.

Chen’s mind raced. But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if he likes someone else?

You won’t know unless you talk to him about it, Anurak said, a little more seriously now.

I don’t know what to do, Chen admitted, rubbing his forehead. I just… I need some time to think. That’s why I came back early.

Well, you’re not going to figure this out by just staying at home, Anurak suggested. Why not stay away this weekend? Maybe space will help you clear your head.

Chen wasn’t sure, but it sounded like a good idea. Maybe. I’ll think about it. Thanks, Anurak.

Meanwhile, Dunk was busy preparing for an exhibition. He couldn’t focus on work, though. His mind kept drifting back to Chen. Dunk was struggling with his own emotions.

Why can’t I stop thinking about him? He thought, frustrated. I’m trying to get things done, but every time I think of Chen, I just… lose focus. That annoying face of his… Why can’t I just forget about him?

It was the weekend again, and Dunk couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness. He kept glancing at the door, secretly hoping Chen would walk through it. But Chen wasn’t coming home. Dunk sighed and, unable to hold it in any longer, asked his mom, Where’s Chen? Why hasn’t he come back yet?

He said he wouldn’t be home this weekend, Dunk, his mom answered. Why? You miss him?

Dunk hesitated. I’m just curious. That’s all.

Well, if you really want, I can give you his phone number. You could call him, she offered, sensing Dunk’s restlessness.

Dunk wasn’t sure. He felt torn. Should he call? What would he say? Finally, he grabbed the phone and dialed.

Chen picked up quickly. Hello?

Dunk froze for a second before blurting out, Why didn’t you come home?

Why? Did you miss me, Dunk? Chen teased.

Stop being an annoying bastard. I just asked, Dunk replied. How do you know it's me though?

I just know, Chen replied.

Will you come next week? Dunk asked.

I'm kind of sorting out my mind, Chen explained. I’ll be back soon, but… when I return, I have something to tell you.

Dunk’s heart skipped a beat. He wanted to ask, "What is it? What is he going to tell me?" but he said "Okay".