2009

"Kong, don't wear that sweetie. It's so worn out. There's a few holes in that t-shirt. Wear one of your new ones. Let's go shopping tomorrow."

"It's okay mom. I don't need to dress up."

Kongpob's mother frowned looking inside the bathroom to see her child standing in front of the mirror wearing his holey t-shirt again. She puts the breakfast down on the table, and walked over to her son.

Kongpob was looking in the mirror, and combing his fingers through his mop of hair to the side. He has so much hair, he doesn't know what to do with it. He usually has it cut super short, almost to the point of a buzz cut. That way he doesn't have to frequent the barbershop so often. He also let's it grow out to the point that he can tie it up before cutting it again. He really doesn't care much for it as long as it doesn't get in his way of seeing.

"Did you hear me? Let's go shopping tomorrow morning before you walk the dogs. You know, before the restaurant opens." Kongpob's mother stood leaning on the bathroom door frame.

"Why? I don't need anything. I already have new shirts I haven't worn yet. Mom, you should just sleep in for a bit tomorrow. Sunday is the only day we're not open for breakfast." Kongpob tried to put his contacts on. He doesn't like them, but glasses are not an option today.

"You need new pants mister. They are all crop pants now. You have shot up like a beanstalk overnight. If only you would gain some weight with that. People probably think I starve my child." Kongpob's mother smiled looking at her baby that's no longer a baby. He's suddenly a young man. How did 15 years go by just like that? She misses his baby voice so much. Nobody knows that she cried the night she realized her baby's voice had changed when he called her mom instead of mommy.

"It's okay. I can just cut them into shorts like these. It's basically hot year round. I just need uniforms for school." Kongpob said proudly of his freshly cut denim shorts.

Kongpob picked up his toothbrush, and put some toothpaste on it before bringing it to his mouth.

"No. We are going, and it's final. Let's get a haircut too." His mother ran her fingers through his thick hair.

Kongpob just nodded as he continued to brush. There's no point arguing. His mother is as stubborn as it comes.

Satisfied that her son has agreed, the mother went back into the kitchen to get some milk for her son. She is desperately trying to get her son to put some meat on his bones. Who would believe she runs a restaurant, and her food is damn good when they take a look at her only son?

"So, what are you doing today? Basketball?" Kongpob's mother asked as she sat down.

"No. Our Paws Cause Club is having a car wash fundraiser. We are washing cars today to raise money for the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. It's going to be fun."

"If it gets too late into the day, just rest at home. Okay?"

Kongpob takes a sip of his milk. "No. I should be back before five. I can still come in to help with tables or delivery. When is dad coming back?"

"Tuesday afternoon. He will be home by the time you get back from school." Kongpob's mother said as she placed another fried egg on her son's plate.
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"Dad, let's take the car in for a carwash. There's one at Suankularb Wittayalai School. They are doing a fundraiser for Elephants. Jane is helping her brother Aim there." Krystal tells her dad excitedly from the back seat.

"Doesn't Jane's brother go to an all boys school? Why is she there?" Arthit asked with a raised eyebrow at his sister.

Krystal turned to glare at her twin brother. "Yeah, he does. So what? It's a fundraiser, and I just said she is there to help out. We should go and support a good cause dad." Krystal whined rocking her father's seat from the back.

"You just want to see boys." Arthit mumbled under his breath as he turned to stare out the window. His sister and her friends are so boy crazed.

"Honey, the car does need a wash. Why not?" Arthit's mother chimed in.

"All right. I guess it's fine. We still have plenty of time before we are supposed to be at your uncle's house." Arthit's dad made a left turn heading towards the school.

"Yes! I'll get to see Jane. I barely get to see her outside of school now since we have moved." Krystal told her parents, and they smiled warmly.

Their family had moved to the opposite side of town since last year because their father's new job. Their new house was a lot closer to work. The whole family was sad to say goodbye to their old neighborhood that they've lived in since the twin's birth, but it was a necessary move.

Fortunately, the twins didn't have to switch schools. Arthit was so relieved that all his hard work to get into their junior high school did not go to waste.

Arthit noticed that they had arrived at Suankularb Wittayalai. This all boys school was originally the school Arthit wanted to attend for junior high and high school. However, since his parents wanted him and his sister to go to the same school, this school was ruled out.

Suankularb Wittayalai School is the oldest public high school in the country. Many famous historical figures were alumnis from this school. Arthit really liked places with rich history, and culture. The school was also known for their interactive learning programs. Their students had many educational field trips demonstrating the practically of each subject. And that's exactly how Arthit preferred to learn. Although, Arthit still doesn't know how they would prove calculus to be useful in everyday life.

Their car rolled into the parking lot. There's surprisingly quite a few girls here too. They were all holding up signs either showing elephants, or 200 Bahts car wash. Everyone looked happy and cheerful. There was loud music blasting outside.

"Dad, I'm going to look for Jane. Call me when the car wash is done." Krystal practically jumped out of the car.

"Arthit, did you want to get out too? The line looks pretty long." Arthit's mother asked before returning her attention back to the latest gossip magazine in her hand.

"No. That's okay." Arthit just sat back, and looked out the window.

After all, it's not like he knows anybody here. There were four cars ahead of them. So, why stand around in the scorching heat instead of staying inside the car with AC. They only washed the car's exterior anyway. Arthit looked outside through the tinted windows of their car. There must be at least thirty teenagers here just washing cars. They were all in casual clothes instead of their school uniforms.

Arthit smiled looking at all the kids that were soaked from head to toes. Some had bubbles on top of their heads. Some were chasing others with soapy sponges. Some were dancing and bopping to the music. Many were lip syncing to the tune as they sprayed water on the cars with their hose. It was more like a party with all the fun they seemed to be having. Arthit thought for a second, he wouldn't mind being one of them. It would definitely be more fun, and meaningful than sitting at his uncle's house. He simply hates listening to his uncle and aunt brag about their cousin's over exaggerated achievements.

A boy knocked on Arthit's father's window, and his father rolled it down. "Hello Mister. Thanks for supporting us. That will be 200."

Arthit turned to look at his dad pay for the car wash. The boy was standing really close to the car, so Arthit can only see up to his neck. His whole body was wet. His now see-through white t-shirt was clinging to his body like a second skin.

Arthit's father handed the exact change to the boy, and the boy stuffed the bills into his fanny pack that was hanging onto the side of his hips.

Then the boy bent down with a great big smile, and some soap suds on his face. "Thank you mister. It shouldn't take too long."

"No problem." Arthit's father smiled back at the boy. The boy stood up, and ran back to his group of friends.

Arthit watched almost without blinking his eyes. He doesn't know the boy, but that bright smile the boy flashed had him grinning silly too. His eyes followed the boy until he turned around the corner where he could no longer be seen.

Kongpob ran inside the tent to grab a few refreshments for his friends. He was soaked from head to toe, but he didn't care. This is why there's no reason to wear a new shirt.

"Excuse me. Are you selling those drinks?"

Kongpob turned around to see a boy with very pale skin behind him. "Uhm, they're not for sale, but here. You can have one." Kongpob smiled, and tossed a bottle of juice to the boy who caught it with ease. He believes he has seen him earlier inside one of the cars.

Kongpob puff some air trying to get his bangs to go to the side so water would stop dripping down his face. It was annoying, and a bit ticklish.

"Are you sure? I can pay for it." Arthit smiled. He's not even sure why he is smiling so much. He found the boy very friendly, and something else that he does know how to describe.

"It's not a problem nong, but I have to go back outside now. Bye." Kongpob said to the cute boy with dimples before running back to join his friends.

"Thank you Phi. Bye." Arthit waved to the retreating back of the smiley boy.

Arthit climbed back into the car happily sipping his juice. He saw people holding drinks in their hands earlier, and he just wanted to buy one for their long drive. He didn't expect to get a free drink from that same smiley boy.

"Bye Jane! I'll see you Monday." Krystal got back into the car.

"How is Jane? Is she soaked too?" Their mother asked.

"Yep. Head to toe. P'Heng and P'Tew are completely soaked too. They are so handsome." Krystal said swooning.

"Krystal!" Their father said shaking his head.

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AN: Here's some fluff for all my sweets. ❤️

***Suankularb Wittayalai School really is Singto's high school (secondary school).