*Proofreader: azzianna
*The name of this chapter was based on the song of Scrubb (2011). This song was used in 2gether the series.

I like you.

I like you.

I like you.

I like you.

I like you.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I rolled over in bed, buried my face in the pillow, and groaned. If I were a girl, I would probably scream my lungs out, but I'm a man, most importantly - I didn't dare to scream 😚. So, all I could do was bury my face in the pillow and groan to relieve my embarrassment.

I like you.

This turn of events got me lying awake in a daze for three full nights because I was so confused about my own life. Why was the script twisted? I should be the one to say it, but whatever, it doesn't matter who says it first, because neither side lost. It was a win-win for both sides, right...?

But what I really wonder and don't understand is when did Phum like me? How did he like me? What part of my craziness stimulated him? And when a person likes someone, do they have to use a slave contract like he did to me? This guy showed love in a strange way.

[T/N: Peem knows he's crazy.]

There are the words have been running through my head for the last three or four days. Whether I was studying, sleeping, walking, or pooping (😒), there was only Phum's voice that said he likes me, there was only Phum's face when he confessed, filling my head.

The story between Phum and I spread even faster than wildfire. Haha, just exaggerating a bit. Actually, only people in our group knew.

After that unforgettable night when Phum confessed he liked me and I told him to flirt with me, I have upgraded my status from Ee Yen to Khun Ying La-Orn (are they in different stories?)

[*Ee Yen is the slave concubine, pragotanist in the lakorn Nang Tas.
La Orn is the protagonist in Flower Garlands for Three Men (mentioned in chapter 14). She was a noble woman who married to three noblemen.]

The slave contract between me and him has ended within less than two months. From being manipulated and harassed by that annoying Phum, I've returned the favor a little bit. Heh heh, you thought! Phum is still Phum. He is still the same spoiled brat and hasn't changed even a bit. The only thing that changed is our relationship, which is now in the "courting" phase.

That time, it seemed that the spirit of Kob Suvanant or Anne Thongprasom must have possessed me to make me say something like that. If I hadn't held myself back so hard, he and I would probably have gotten together by now. But have you ever heard that nothing that comes easy is worth having. However, now I know not to believe it. Whether it is easy or difficult, the value is up to us - therefore, if someone hands you something, remember to hurry up and grab it.

[Kob Suvanant and Anne Thongprasom considered Thailand's most famous actresses. They were the lead actresses in many Thai lakorns during the 1990s-2000s. Kob Suvanant played Ee Yen, the slave concubine that was mentioned earlier.]

So I had to create more value for myself. Hehehe. Well,  not so much - only a little bit, just enough to sound cool. The truth is, I was shocked and couldn't think of anything. My mouth went first, so I had to follow. Haha, even though right now, I'm so ready to put my heart on a tray and offer it to Phum (it's really to that extent).

As for my friends, all of them almost completely lost their minds. They learned the whole story (about me being Phum's servant) from that asshole Beer. I'll explain why I call him an asshole later. And since that day, each of my friends has been behaving strangely.

Starting with Tan: "Damn it, I almost died of a heart attack, you know? Peem, spill the beans—everything! Damn it, Why am I only hearing this now? Is this what made you all worried when you came to consult me? Fuck you Peem, remember this, you kept it from me, blah blah blah blah."

He would complain like chanting incantations, like this whenever he saw me. Oh, when you and Fang started dating, were you so open? You told me so much? I had never been shocked at all, right Tan?

Next, Pan, when he saw my face, he made a confused expression, his eyes wide-opened, and he would say things like this: "บองเค๊อ สะแร็กเฮา ตรึมจั๊ด พะรวดโอนเมียง" What the hell is that language? It's not Khmer, not Burmese or Vietnamese. Whatever it is, it doesn't make any sense.

[T/N: It's not Vietnamese, Peem. I'm 100% sure.]

As for Fang, this guy will come like the ghost in Ju-on to haunt you. He appeared quietly with a scary voice, "How much is the dowry? I'll tell Dad to prepare. You're only son, right? Heh heh, probably worth millions baht." --_--

Mick, he's like a combination of Fang and Pan, but he often went on monologue. "Probably because of global warming or stress. Yeah, that's it... They probably study too hard. No, it's not that. But it's not bad. Must be because of too much study. Yes yes, must be that. Ke ke."

[T/N: Mick, I think the reason is that global warming causes the Arctic ice to melt.]

Oh, he must have gone crazy for real.

Next, the two I wanted to stomp to death - Chan and (asshole) Beer.

"Pay up, Beer. You played unfair."

"You cheated. You knew the truth beforehand, you fucker."

"What the fuck I knew? I'm just smart. I told you that Phum would be the one to confess first. Peem is such a coward. Don't talk anymore, pay up."

Beer grumbled, reluctantly handing over a two hundred baht bill to Chan.

"Haha, I have money to fill up my car."

I closed my eyes and tried to suppress all the desire for vengeance and spread kindness in my heart. Am I only worth two hundred? Only as worthy as a few liters of gasoline, right, my fucking friends? As for anyone who thinks the sun shines out of Beer's ass, ptui, please eat on your words and swallow your saliva, because he is the worst of all.

Chan and Beer had been suspecting that there must be some secret between Phum and me. So he secretly investigated and found out that I might be Phum's servant. Man proposes God disposes. I had tried so hard to hide but still got caught anyway. What a waste of effort!

Moreover their brains didn't stop there. Their guts told them that Phum and I had something wrong* with each other. And when I went to consult with Beer, it confirmed what they thought. So the two of them even went as far as to bet on who between Phum and I would confess first. Motherfuckers! They used their intelligence for the wrong purpose, haiz.

[* Peem said "something wrong" in English. That's his word choice, not mine.]

Finally, the last two, they were the most severe cases among all my friends. It's my first time seeing Q and Toey being on the same side. Anyone passing by the Fine Art Building around noon must come to terms with this situation.

"Hoh....... Hee .......Hoh......... Hee ..........Hoh..... Hee..... Hoh ....."

"Hiwwwwwww!!!!!"

"Hoh....... Hee .......Hoh......... Hee ..........Hoh..... Hee..... Hoh.....Hiw! Who knows a handsome young man? Please introduce him to my friend. Who knows a pretty girl, my friend doesn't want her. He needs a handsome young man to make him his husband."

"Hiwwww!!!!"

Each of those jerks were holding banana leaves, malabar leaves and rain tree branches and setting up a parade and rapping Hoh Hee along with Q. They probably didn't know what Q and Toey's purpose was to do this (I don't know either). They probably thought Q was just teasing me so they just joined and followed him. You guys, please take pity on me. I'm so fucking embarrassed.

But where the heck did these bastards get the sugarcane trees? Were they taking the full procession of Khan Mak parade? The Hoh Hee were approaching. Soon they circled the marble table where I sat, completely lost in life.

[In Thai culture, the Khan Mak Procession is a pre-wedding ceremony where the groom and his family lead the parade carrying banana leaves and sugar canes and other traditional gifts that represent 'good luck', also the agreed dowry (Sin-Sod) to the bride's house. It is to prove that the groom is able to financially support and take care of his bride throughout the rest of his life.
T/N: "But shouldn't it be the engineering guys who lead the parade?"]

This was my life for the past three days.

Alright, there's a lot of bullshit. Better go take a shower and sleep. There's an exam tomorrow but I don't feel stressed at all. Well, when we're in a good mood, we'll be like this. Don't be jealous of me, hehe ^^

[T/N: 😝]

It might be this person who'll be right here

Filling your good days from now on

It might be this person, if it's this person

The world that was once empty will be different

I want you to try

Looking at me before it's too late

If you think I'm the one

Don't keep it in your heart all alone

(คนนี้ (This Person) – Scrubb. English lyrics: https://deungdutjai.com/2020/03/27/konneescrubb/)

I changed the ringtone recently. This song is solely for the one calling right now. This person's name is Phum. I've been receiving phone calls at this time, a little past 10 pm, for three days. The towel was still draped over my shoulders but I hadn't gone into the bathroom. I walked over to get my phone and answered it while laying down on the bed.

"Um, what's up?" I said only three words but smiled until my cheeks ached. To be honest, I'm still embarrassed with Phum. I'm not used to it.

(Sleeping yet?)

"Not yet"

(Where are you?)

Hey man, where am I supposed to be at this hour if not home?

"Home. Stupid question."

(What part of the house?)

Do you really want to know or are you just messing with me?

"In the bedroom. I'm lying on my bed talking to you on the phone. Do you have any other questions?" I grabbed the brown buffalo and slammed it on the bed. I thought of the face of the person who threw darts at balloons and got this plushie. Someone please stop me from smiling so much.

[T/N: Do you need a hand? 🖐️ ]

(I'm hungry)

"Oh, you're hungry? Go eat. My family doesn't do rice and curry delivery business."

(Let's go, eat with me, please!)

Pleading all the time >_<

"That's funny, it's 10 p.m already ."

(So what, don't talk too much. I'll go get you.)

"You're forcing me."

(I'm not. I just want to see you.)

His voice, fierce and unyielding, lacks gentleness. Yet, against all reason, I..............>//////<................. Aw, I'm blushing so hard!!!

"Go away." I was so embarrassed, especially when I heard his laughter the other end.

(You haven't showered yet, right? No need to. Let's go eat first, then go back and shower later.)

[T/N: Phum, I don't think he has a plan to shower.]

"I haven't agreed to go with you yet, Phum." I said cheekily.

(Hurry up, the mosquitoes are biting me. )

It felt like we're talking about different things. And the background noise was getting louder.

"Huh? Do luxury condos have mosquitoes too?"

(My condo doesn't have mosquitoes. But in front of your house, there is an army.)

"In front of my house!!!"

I rushed out onto the balcony. Phum was standing next to his beautiful car. He was holding the phone to his ear, looking up at my room and stomping his foot. Oh my gosh, did he ever think about telling me before coming here?

Finally, I let him park the car in the yard, then took him on the white Nong C to enjoy the cool breeze. We didn't go anywhere far, just the fish porridge stall right at the entrance to the street.

Nong C Honda Cub (it suits Peem)

Unluckily, that nosy Toey caught us in the act because his house is in this area, just three streets down from my house. He just got back from skateboarding with his friends. Usually, if he doesn't go to dance practice, then he skates at the park nearby. I've been dragged to watch him play before. Pretty cool, I have to admit.

But Toey's glance and greeting made me want to jump into the soup pot of the chicken rice shop next door.

"Oh, did you move in Hia Peem's house? Heh heh."

He smirked and narrowed his big eyes, staring alternately between me and Phum. So he got hit in the head by Phum. When I managed to chase him away, I was exhausted. And I could see my future clearly that tomorrow would definitely be a mess. This story must have reached the ears of all my friends for sure. In addition, the storyteller must spice it up a lot. If the UK has BBC, China has CCTV, Toey would be Thailand's PBS.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked Phum while looking at the menu, waiting for the waiter to come and take our order.

"I don't know, you decide."

"Oh, didn't you say you were hungry?"

"I'm hungry, so you can't order?"

Believe me guys. This guy, the most spoiled of them all, always does as he pleases and revels in forcing others. I looked at him with a not-so-friendly gaze. Not long after, the waiter came and took the order.

"What would you like to order?"

"I'll have the shrimp porridge and..."

"I'm allergic to shrimp."

"Oh?"

"Then take two rice porridge with sea bass, fish salad, tom yum ruam mit, luak jim, stir-fried water spinach, nam tok, stir-fried chicken with ginger, and fish with three-flavor chili sauce."

[Don't scroll down when you're hungry 😂]

Yam pla (ยำปลา - Fish salad)

Tom Yum Ruam Mit (ต้มยำรวมมิตร - Thai spicy seafood soup)

Pla luak jim (ปลาลวกจิ้ม - steamed fish with a flavorful dipping sauce)

Nam Tok (น้ำตก) is either a soup (often served with noodle) or a meat salad. Since Peem ordered only one portion, I guess it's a meat salad

ปลาราดพริกสามรส - Fried fish with sweet chili sauce

Phum stared at my face, bewildered. He probably thought that I'd gone overboard. Well, he told me to order so I ordered. Did Nong waitress get all that noted?

[T/N: He's as small as a puppy, yet his appetite rivals that of an elephant.]

"What would you like to drink?"

I looked at Phum's clear face. It's late so drinking a Pepsi isn't good.

"Just water please."

While waiting for the food, I didn't know what to do. I looked at the guy across from me, he kept smiling mischievously. So I shifted my focus elsewhere, looking at the chef. Then I stuck a straw into the ice in the glass and played with it. I didn't dare look at Phum.

Damn it, Phum you bastard. He knew that I didn't dare to look at him but he still stared at me.

"Heh heh, what's wrong with you, Shorty?"

"Wrong how?"

"Nothing."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you... seem weird... maybe."

"I'm not being weird. I'm just not used to it."

"Not used to what?"

"Us... you and me... like this." I pursed my lips, feeling a bit awkward.

He smiled a little and threw a tissue at my head.

"Why don't you like this version? You like me being brutal, sadist huh?"

"Shit, it's not like that. It's just... uhm, I don't know. So what the hell happened? Why did you invite me to eat at 10:00 p.m?"

"Don't you understand human language? I told you, I wanted to meet you."

[T/n: I don't know that one can talk like that to the person he is pursuing.]

"Uhm, I think you should be a little indirect. How do you want me to answer this? >////<"

"You don't have to answer. I want to see you. It's not a question. It's a statement. Just you being aware is enough."

He said with a very deadpan expression but the listener almost slammed his head on the table.

>////<

"Heh heh, are you embarrassed?"

"Sitting with the two of us like this, of course I am, Ai Sat."

"If you're embarrassed, it means I'm successfully flirting with you."

He bent down to take a sip of water, yet his eyes remained locked on me. Oh my gosh! Where did you learn this pose? Who did you practice with? It's so effortlessly cool, and it's playing havoc with my heart.

"Huh, that'll be the day." I gave him a mischievous smile.

And before the two of us could slip into our private worlds, two large bowls of sea bass porridge were placed in front of us. And the food that was ordered kept coming. Is this just for two people or did you order it for your secret child as well? The whole table was full, but it's me who ordered all of them, keke. But wait, there was a spicy stir-fry. Who ordered it? Damn Phum, it's definitely him who ordered it.

"Can you eat spicy food now? You ordered the spicy stir-fry."

"I order it for you."

"I'm just asking if you can definitely eat it. If you die, I won't be able to compensate your parents for their loss."

"Oh, you have a duty to eat so just eat. Don't talk too much."

[T/N: 10 points for Phum.]

Phum and I ate a lot while teasing each other. Sometimes he's starting it, sometimes I tease him back. I even stepped on his foot under the table. I snatched some fish from his bowl. This food fight continued throughout the meal.

This fish porridge stall wasn't particularly outstanding compared to others, but tonight, I don't know why, I feel that it's especially delicious. And I can't believe that we finished the food that was all over the table. When we finished eating, we asked for the bill. I suggested we split the bill but Phum pushed my head gently.

"I can take care of just one puppy." Short and simple, you can scold me for free.

I walked over while rubbing my belly to find my beloved Nong C, which was parked on the sidewalk opposite the rice porridge shop. But when I was about to get on, Phum grabbed the key from me.

"I'll drive."

On the way here, I was the driver. But this time he seemed eager to take the handlebars. I looked at Phum hesitantly. Can Khun Chai even drive a motorcycle?

"Can you definitely drive a motorcycle?"

"Oh, I won't let you die."

"I'm an only child. My parents love me very much."

"Peem!"

"Uh, here."

It's all good. I was so full. It's good that I could sit comfortably behind the driver. Just hope he won't take me to measure the road.

The cool breeze hitting my face was not too strong as Phum was driving slowly. A small bike with two men on the road at 11:00 p.m, the chilly wind made me feel comfortable. There was only the sound of Nong C and occasional passing cars. The orange street lights and the empty roads have become so familiar that I've grown accustomed to their silent company.

But tonight, everything seems strangely alive. Was it because eating tasty food helps improve my mood or because I had Phum come in as a new companion in this same old path? It's probably because of him that has made my life not as lonely as in the past.

The hem of his shop shirt fluttered slightly with the wind. I looked at his hair that was blowing in the wind, looked at his back that should be wider. Phum is tall but his body is thin, like those teenage model types in the magazine. It's probably because his bone structure is small. As I watched him, I couldn't help but smile. Just looking at him makes me smile and feel so at ease. I wished this road would go on forever.

"Phum!" I put my face close to his shoulder untill I could smell his perfume. I didn't have to shout against the wind because we have now stopped at a red light.

"Yeah"

"Do you seriously like me?"

"Well, I think so."

Can I have a more solid answer? Hmph!

"So are you really going to court me?"

"I'm doing that now, aren't I?" He turned his head slightly and looked back a bit before pulling back to drive again when the traffic light turned green. Since I was born, I have courted girls three times, and this 4th time I'm getting courted.

[T/N: Liar! You once said a tomboy flirted with you. You even talked to them.]

"What do you like about me?"

"Uhm. You like to ask questions. Your brain works slowly. You often make stupid faces, act all stubborn and quirky. It's weird and cute. I like it."

I couldn't find any good points in what he said. But even so, I still smiled. At least you like me, Phum ^^

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Everything. Oh, also for the meal today."

"Ah, if you feel grateful then hurry and become my faen quickly."

Phum brought me and Nong C to our house safely. I got off and stood beside the bike but Phum was still sitting on Nong C. He put down the kickstand and put his feet on the footrest before turning to me.

"So, you're going home now?" I couldn't act right when Phum was staring at me like this.

"Kicking me out?"

"No, just asking."

"Huh, why do you ask? If I don't go back, where will I sleep? 😏" He smirked, his eyes twinkling.

You pervert! What are you thinking? My meaning is, will you come in and have a drink in the house before returning to your condo?

[T/N: Can't blame Phum 😂]

"Sleep in the garage."

"Heh 😑"

".................................."

".................................."

We're quiet. But it's not an tense atmosphere like before. It was more like we were immersed in good feelings.

"When is your aunt back?"

"In two days, maybe. You can't sleep here. Aunt Pui doesn't allow it."

"Uh, you're alone, so lock the house properly. If you hear any strange noise, don't go out."

"Oh, what if a thief breaks into my house?"

"You call me."

"Whoa, Khun Phum is a police officer?"

"Even if not, I'm sure I'll definitely get to your house before the police."

"Oh, it's safe around here. Not so much happening." I pursed my lips, smiling until my cheeks ached and teasingly nudged his leg. Phum nodded in understanding.

"Are you having an exam tomorrow, Phum?"

"Yeah, in the morning. What about you?"

"Oh, morning too. Then you go home and get some rest. It's late."

"Ok, I'll come pick you up tomorrow."

"Hey, no need to, I can go myself."

When his offer was rejected, he began to look at me fiercely. So I had to retract my word and allowed him to come pick me up. Then I hurriedly opened the gate for him. I stood there waiting for Khun Chai to drive away so I could close it. And it seemed like I was still doing the job as his servant.

"Peem, come here." Phum beckoned to me. He opened the car door but didn't get in yet. He hung his left arm on the door frame and looked at me steadily as if to let me know If you don't want to die, you better come here. What the heck is this? I didn't want to see him go mad so I walked towards him.

"What...?" and when I still wasn't prepared, he pulled me close, bent down, and touched his lips to mine.

OoO

>//////<

"Dinner fee."

^^ A deep, pleasant voice told me with a sweet smile. But I stood there frozen like a rock. I don't know how long I had been standing there like that. I heard the sound of the car leaving a long time ago but I was still frozen. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Just now... we kissed, me and him, Phum and I, he kissed me!!!!!!!

Did I get overcharged for the porridge today? But it's okay, it's worth it because it's... delicious.

By the way, where are the stairway to my house?

TBC >>>>>>>

Translator's note: Peem, Peem!!! Is your value only worth a bowl of fish porridge? "Create more value"??? I shouldn't believe in your bullshit.