*This chapter hasn't been proofread.

Being a good student means knowing how to manage your time. When it's time to study, you should focus on studying. When it's time to play, you should focus on playing. Just like now, we're sitting around having a beetle fight. Creative, isn't it?

When I was in Chiang Mai, I used to catch beetles to play with, but I never thought that original Bangkok kids like A'Chai and A'Nueng would know about it. More importantly, where did they get them from? But let's not worry about that.

Because right now, we're having more fun than cheering for a Muay Thai match. Every time a beetle tilts, we cheer. If animal and insect conservationists saw us, we might get into trouble. But Q and Joe are really into it, sitting on the ground clapping.

"Hey, hey, hey!" The cheering sounds like cheering for Somjit Jongjohor at the Olympics.

[*Somjit Jongjohor is an amateur Thai boxer best known for winning gold medals in the flyweight division at the Beijing 2008 Olympics]

"Go for it, son!"

"Jab left, guard up, damn it."

"Elbow strike, that's it. Yeah, knee strike." Do beetles have elbows, Nueng? And can they guard, Q? Even though I'm confused by them, I'm squatting and cheering next to Q.

"You, all the guys huddled over there, are you going to the club meeting or do you want to get kicked out first, huh?" A sharp voice almost broke our circle. A pretty girl with an artsy look, typical of an art student, was standing with her hands on her hips, looking at us angrily.

"Here comes the mom!" Joe muttered, making us all annoyed. Chai quickly put his beetle back in the box, while Nueng was more upset than anyone because he was about to win.

"Club meetings are pure hell," I muttered softly. They nodded in agreement but quickly got up before the former Star of Arts faculty rip our heads.

"What are you mumbling about, Peem?"

"Nothing, Fai. You have bad hearing." Actually, your hearing is too good, my friend. Fai glared at me. Oh, that was close. Almost got bitten by her sharp tongue.

Fai was a former Star of Fine Art. At first, she fooled me with her beauty. She was atunning. Besides, I graduated from an all-boys school, so I hoped to meet some beautiful girls at university to brighten my life.

In the first term, everything went as expected. There were plenty of girls to look at. But as time went on, I started to feel uneasy. By the second year, we had developed a severe paranoia about the girls in our faculty because we began to see their dark sides.

Especially Fai, she turned from a beauty queen to ... Let's just say that a gentleman shouldn't gossip about women. From what I've seen with Fai, you can see for yourself.

"Q, where are you going? Don't even think about running away. Today, you won't escape from me." Q, who was sneaking off to the bathroom, had to stop. He moonwalked back like Michael Jackson.

"And how long are you guys going to keep staring at me? Go to the meeting, you idiots." Since no one moved, Fai yelled again. It didn't seem like she used much force, but her voice was so loud that we all jumped.

"With a mouth like that, no wonder you can't find a husband."

"Whether I can or can't is my business. Don't butt in, you little prick!" We all laughed at Q and Fai's verbal sparring.

We were herded into the club room, with Fai walking at the back like a prison guard. The old club members and the new team members sat in front, looking at us with pity, unlike Gigi, Katie, and their gang, who were waving excitedly at me and Nueng.

"Phi, Fai has brought the prisoners. Feel free to slaughter them," she sneered, sitting next to Jet, our club president. We took the remaining seats, and Gigi quickly moved to sit next to me.

"Soon, you guys will have to take over from us. Please pay attention to the work. Our faculty only has this many people. Good looks should be matched with good brains." Look, even the club president is like this. P'Jet couldn't fake it for long.

"Especially you, Chai. We're stepping down soon. You need to be more responsible, coordinate and communicate properly, or the work won't get done." He kept on lecturing, and we pretended to listen attentively.

Jet and his team were the old members club committee. The new team is us, the second-year students, who were just elected at the end of the year. But the old team continued working until we move up to the third year, when we'll start working for real.

In the meantime, we have to learn, study the work, and assist the old members. But as you can see, we're very interested in the work and very responsible. I guarantee that next year will be a great year for the arts faculty. Haha.

As for the club president, it's none other than my friend Chai, the same guy who was having a beetle fight earlier. He was the last one to walk in with his beetle box. I can already see the downfall of our faculty, Chai. The two vice presidents are from the music and creative arts departments, each with different duties and positions.

But there's one position that I don't know what happened with: the Chairman of Social Development and Public Service, which is Nai Nirandon Yodsawatin, aka A'Q. Haha, when I found out he was chosen, I laughed so hard.

[*Nai (นาย) a familiar term of address to a male friend]

Today's meeting was about finding volunteers for the university sports event. Most of the girls quickly volunteered because they wanted to meet guys from other universities. Fai seems to be the leader in this. Be careful not to lose out because you don't know how to consume local resources, girls!

[T/N: They found it so challenging that they decided to give up and seek opportunities in another promising land.]

Next, we discussed the camp for teaching kids how to play with paints, which will be held in Kanchanaburi this year and organized with the Architecture department. High school students who are interested have already signed up (Secretary P'Toy just mentioned this, I remember). However, the issue is that the Architecture department hasn't sent the list of their members yet. What a mess!

Lastly, the seniors gave us a talk about dividing tasks and preparing for the freshmen orientation for the next academic year. They told us to start discussing it. We listened attentively and behaved properly, except for Ai Q and Ee Green who were wrestling (Green was trying to wrestle Q, and Q was resisting). P'Jet had to scold them several times. But honestly, we were quite serious about the meeting. After it ended, the room became chaotic and noisy. I couldn't tell who was talking to whom.

"Are you in heat (ติดสัด), A'Green? You're sitting next to me and moaning," Q complained to Green. The only katoey who dares to approach and desire the taste of Q.

"If สัด (f*ck) with Q, Green will be glad to." She clung to Q's legs and continued to moan.

"Oh, I forgot to remember that you are amphibious. You like to fuck animals as a hobby," said Q, untying Green's gecko hand.

"Your mouth! Even a katoey like me is embarrassed. I hope you get a man as a wife. Oh, dear heavens!!!" Green raised their hands in a mock prayer.

[T/n: Your wish has been granted, Green!]

I sat and laughed at the two people who were about to sleep together. It's good that Gigi went to talk about work with the seniors, otherwise, I would have ended up in the same situation as Q.

"Shorty, I have a job for you." I looked up at A'Fai, who was standing in front of me with a deadpan face. Hell has come to visit me, I wanted to retort. I wanted to curse back at her Are you really that tall? But she was indeed of standard height.

"What is it?" I replied curtly.

"Go get the list of people going to the volunteer camp from the architecture club for me."

" Why me?"

"Because you're a man and my assistant. Don't refuse."

It wasn't because I was her assistant or a man, but because it was Fai, so I had to comply. She stood with her hands on her hips, looking at me. Her eyes signaled that if I didn't follow her orders, I'd be dead. And how could a gentleman like me refuse a lady's request?

"Where and from whom?"

"At the architecture club room. I've already called them to let them know someone will come to get it."

"Can't they send a fax or an email?"

"Will it kill you to walk and get it for me?"

I couldn't hold Fai's gaze for long, afraid she'd eat me alive. She looked like a fierce dog. "Alright, I'll get it."

"Good boy, handsome. May you get a beautiful wife like me. Haha!" She laughed villainously and walked off to see P'Jet. If she were as beautiful as you, I'd take her, but if she had a mouth like yours, I'd pass, Fai.

[T/N: Half of your wish has been granted, Fai.]

"Q, come with me to the architecture club." I nudged Q, who was playing a game on his phone. He'd been playing since the meeting started. He looked up at me, frowning, looking confused. He looked left and right.

"Who are you? Do we know each other? I think you've mistaken me for someone else. Bye." He walked away just like that. That damn friend of mine.

In the end, I had to walk to the Faculty of Architecture alone. Where is the club room? Oh well, I'll call Fang and ask."

"Hey, Nai, wait up, Nai!" Someone's voice called out from behind. I stopped scrolling through my contacts for Fang's number and turned towards the source of the voice. A tall, scruffy, cool-looking guy was walking briskly towards me. With that hairstyle and good looks, he seemed familiar. I looked around but didn't see anyone else. Was he calling me?

"Me?" I pointed at myself as he came up, panting in front of me. I had to look up to talk again. Why can't any of you be short like me?

[T/N: Me 😀 you can talk to me without looking up.]

"Yeah, มึง (you)." Just a moment ago, he was calling me "Nai" "Do you remember me? The one who slapped your head?" That was memorable. I thought for a moment, and the sharp, handsome face of the guy who smacked my head in the cafeteria stood in front of me. Oh, it's that guy. Should I slap him back to settle the score?

[*มึง /meung/ impolite & potentially offensive
นาย /naai/ informally]

"Yeah, I remember. Why are you calling me?"

"No reason. You looked familiar, so I called out. What are you doing at my faculty?"

"Are you studying architecture?" He smiled handsomely and nodded. "I'm here to get the list of people joining the art camp."

"Do you have to come in person?"

"Yeah, your department never sends it. We've asked multiple times. Maybe they don't know how to send emails." The cool guy chuckled. I was insulting your department, and you're laughing? But it's good I met him, so I don't have to call Fang. "Where's your faculty's club room?"

"Turn left, go straight, then left again, and you're there."

I was confused. I don't study architecture, so I can't visualize the buildings from his directions.

"Want me to take you there?" Now that was easier to understand.

"Sure, consider it making up for slapping my head."

"Don't be silly. I already paid for your meal. I had to spend money for nothing."

"Yeah, and I got slapped for nothing too." He laughed and reached out to push my head. "Hey, that's rude."

"What? Just a little push. What's your name? I'm Kluen*." I frowned at him. Who names their kid "wave"? Huh.

"Peem"

"Are you studying fine arts? Your face doesn't seem to match." He chatted while leading me to the club room.

"So, what should I study with this face?"

"Medicine or pharmacy. People with baby faces usually study those."

"Thanks for the compliment. With your old face, architecture suits you."

[T/N: 😂 Fang, where're you?]

Kluen smiled a lot. Whatever I said, he smiled. Even though we just met, and the first time we met, he hit me. But now, he chatted like we were old friends.

The club secretary apologized profusely for forgetting to send the list, making me walk here myself. But she's beautiful, so I'm not mad. I always forgive women. I'm not a flirt, though. At least there's one person, Fang, whom I won't forgive.

"Thanks, man," I said to Kluen as we walked out to the front of his department.

"Yeah, no problem. Consider it an apology for slapping your head. Hey, Peem, are you going to the camp this time?"

"I don't know. I want to go, but my friend isn't going."

"Really? Then can I have your number? In case I go, I can ask for details."

I gave my number to Kluen and reminded him to decide quickly because the camp is at the beginning of next month. He promised to think about it as soon as possible.

"Peem, I'll call you tonight."

Kluen shouted after me. I turned back and nodded at him. No need to rush that much, man.

[T/n: He's already late.]

...................................................

Today, Phum picked me up earlier than usual because there's a drinking party at his place tonight, so we had to hurry back to prepare. We stopped to buy supplies before heading back to the condo. As soon as we got back, before I could finish unpacking, he dragged me into the room to change clothes. Hmm, what are you thinking? ^^

"Hey Phum, you have a tattoo?" I asked in surprise, looking at Phum who had his back turned. He had taken off his student shirt and was rummaging for another shirt, even though the housekeeper had neatly arranged them by color. He made a mess of it. Phum turned to look at me lying on the bed watching TV. He frowned, looking displeased about something.

"Just noticed?" he asked in a flat tone.

"Yeah." What's he sulking about now? Or maybe he doesn't like people commenting on his tattoo.

"When we were doing it, you didn't look at me at all?" Damn it. What the hell are you asking?

"Well... well... it was dark then. I couldn't see."

He sighed and shook his head, then went back to rummaging through the closet. So, he's upset that I didn't notice. Well... who could remember anything in that situation?

I looked at his smooth, white back with the tattoo on his shoulder blade. It looked really cool beyond description. I had thought about getting a tattoo too, but I was afraid my dad would cut me off from the inheritance, so I didn't dare. Phum is really too cool for words.

"Can I take a closer look?"

He turned to look at me, his hand paused in the middle of putting on a shirt, and he walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. I moved closer to get a better look and couldn't help but touch it. An eagle spreading its wings, not a traditional Thai tattoo, but a graphic one that looked powerful and authoritative.

"How long have you had it?"

"Since Mathayom 6 (US grade 12)"

"Don't you regret it? Your skin is really nice. Hey!!!" Suddenly, he pushed me down on the bed. My head almost hit the headboard. Then he climbed on top of me with a mischievous smile.

"Your skin is even nicer than mine, Peem. Only a few blemishes, huh?" I really hate his fox-like laugh.

"Damn, get up." I felt both heavy and embarrassed. Who wouldn't be? Phum wasn't wearing a shirt, and his body was pressed against mine. Even though we've been there before, it doesn't mean I'll get used to it. Most importantly, those sharp eyes of his were intentionally sweeter than usual.

"I am getting up, aren't I?"

"Phum, you asshole, I mean get off me. What the blemishes are you talking about? Damn, you're heavy." I struggled under Phum's body. He was lying on top of me like this, do you think I wouldn't feel heavy?

"Heh, I remember exactly where all your moles are. Want me to tell you?" He smirked, looking at me with his sharp, flirtatious eyes.

"No need, damn it, you're heavy. Get up!"

He laughed and got up to put on a shirt. I glared at him, panting, but before I could start cursing him, he jumped back on top of me on the bed. I was about to protest, but he touched my forehead first. Your mood changes so easily.

"Do you still have a headache?"

I shook my head as Phum checked my temperature with the back of his hand. There was no sign of teasing or annoyance, so I just lay still, letting him hug me and kiss my forehead, waiting to see what would happen next. I still didn't trust him.

"Move over, I'm uncomfortable. You'll catch my cold." My voice probably sounded muffled because my face was pressed against Phum's chest. The faint scent of fabric softener made me feel relaxed.

"Then let it be. If you don't get a fever, do you know what I'll do?" He asked, but his mouth was already hovering around my cheek and forehead. His arms tightened even more, like a python.

"I can guess." With a face like his, he was only thinking about one thing.

"Good, then get better quickly because I miss you." He lifted his head and kissed me as soon as he finished speaking, making my body and heart melt completely.

I have very low immunity to you, Phum, do you know that?

"Miss you too!"

...

..

.

The noise woke me up. Those guys must have arrived. But where did the person who was hugging me tightly until I fell asleep go? I walked around groggily, feeling dazed from sleeping early in the evening. When I came out, they had already gathered in a circle.

"They say that women who lose their virginity look more shapely, better, and more beautiful. Do you think this theory applies to men?" As soon as Pan saw me, he loudly asked the room.

'Why?' Chan quickly asked, overly curious, while looking at me with a mischievous smile.

"I think Peem looks more radiant, and even cuter than before. He has bloomed."

[T/n: 😳]

"Fuck you, Pun, what nonsense are you talking about?" I walked over and slapped his head as he lay sprawled on the sofa, with a bag of Lay's on his belly and a glass of liquor on the floor. Truly privileged, while others sat on the floor, this guy lay on the sofa.

"Or do you want to argue?" He quickly swallowed his snack and sat up. "You guys went all the way to Hua Hin. You probably didn't just build sand pagodas, right? But if that's true, I'll take Phum to become a monk. Haha."

"Give it your all, Pun. We played with him yesterday," Tan gave his permission. They all laughed, and as the odd one out, I had no choice but to find an ally. I walked over to Phum, who was smiling and sipping his drink. He moved over and pulled me to sit next to him.

"Where's Q?" I asked about the troublemaker who was nowhere to be seen.

"He has a girlfriend, so of course, he has to be with her. Why would he hang out with single guys like us?" Chan replied, only to be scolded by Fang, who said, "Single only when you get out of bed, huh?" This made us all laugh. Chan smiled at the praise and handed me a glass.

"Want some?"

"No, my throat hurts. I'm afraid of getting sick again."

"Good, then make us some drinks." Huh, I thought he was concerned for me.

As for Q, he's really quick. This morning he introduced her as a friend at the faculty, and by evening, they're already a couple. But the girl is really pretty. I even stared at her until Q scolded me.

"And did Toey and Matt come on bicycles or what? Tan, call Nong!" Fang ordered his boyfriend.

"Damn, using me."

"Are you going to call or not?" How could Tan disobey Fang?

While Tan was calling Toey to ask where he was, Pun dragged Mick close and pretended to whisper but spoke loudly.

"Tan has 'wife-phobia'*."

[โรคเกลียมัว /rôhk gliia muua/ (colloquial, slang)
gliia muua -> gluua miia (กลัว /gluua/ scare; เมีย/miia/wife) -> henpecked) and leukemia is pronouns loo-kee-miia]

"What is 'wife-phobia'? Explain it, please." Yeah, when two crazy people talk, it looks interesting in its own way.

"'Wife-phobia' is similar to leukemia but worse. It's resistant to medicine but not to wives. It's incurable and can be fatal if very severe." Then they both giggled, only to get slapped on the head by Fang. We all laughed, suspecting that Tan might be in the final stage of 'wife-phobia.' Hehe.

Before long, there was a loud, annoying knock on the door. Why didn't they use the doorbell? No need to guess who it was. Beer got up to open the door. Matt walked in with a big smile, carrying bags of food, while Toey looked grumpy as if he'd been in a fight with a dog.

"Sorry, bro. Traffic was bad," Matt said, sitting down next to me. He must have been really thirsty because he grabbed a glass of liquor and downed it in one go. Where the hell had you been, Nong?

"What traffic? The roads were clear when I came," Fang asked.

"Red lights, Phi. Haha."

"Go die." Fang kicked Matt, but he dodged.

"And what's up with this guy? Why so gloomy?" Toey sat down next to Chan, leaning his head on Chan's shoulder.

"Toey's going to get drunk."

We all shook our heads at Toey's childish behavior. Good thing Q didn't come; otherwise, Toey would be even more stressed.

Men and alcohol must be true friends. As for me, I could only sit and watch them. It's not that I didn't want to drink, but Phum wouldn't let a glass of alcohol get near me. So, I ended up mixing drinks for them. My saliva must have dripped into several glasses. You guys must have rabies, especially Toey. I could barely keep up with making drinks for him.

"You have to try new places, man. It's super exciting." The current topic is places to make love. The one who came up with the idea is none other than Pan.

"Tan and Fang must have done it in every corner of the room," Beer said. I turned to look at Fang because Beer wouldn't say something like that unless it was serious. But instead of being embarrassed, Fang raised his eyebrows and smiled wickedly, while Tan puffed out his chest and patted it like King Kong. What are you guys so proud of?

"Only behind the cabinet and the TV are left, right?" Nong Matt commented.

"That's for geckos, you idiot."

"But I think it's worth a try, Fang," Tan was also crazy, making sweet eyes, and playfully resting his head on Fang's shoulder.

"Go try it yourself. By the time I climb up there, I'll be out of the mood. Worse, I might fall and break my neck."

"Are you guys serious?" I asked the couple, and they both laughed.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

[T/n: I know it's off the topic but I want to share with you this masterpiece. I watched it a long time ago with my friends.]

As the night went on, they started getting really drunk. Drunk people are funny; they like to do weird things. Pun was standing and talking to the bathroom wall about who knows what. I, still fully conscious, had to drag him out.

Now he's passed out, with Tan following closely behind, and Mick is another one down. The rest are still holding on, but the most worrying is Toey. Normally, he doesn't drink this much. Today, he hasn't been smiling or joking around like usual.

When I asked him what's wrong, he said nothing. It's rare to see Toey smoking, but now he's sitting on the balcony, smoking who knows how many cigarettes. We don't often see Toey like this, and we don't want to see him like this either."

Fang, I think your Nong is acting strange," I said, looking at Toey. Fang nodded in agreement.

"Is he heartbroken?" Beer guessed.

"Someone like him, heartbroken? He's as much of a player as Chan. No way he's heartbroken," Fang threw shit at Chan.

"Why are you talking nonsense, Fang? Who would be as faithful as you?" Chan retorted.

"Guys, stop bickering. Phum, ask Matt what's wrong with his friend," Beer suggested. Phum nudged Matt, who was dozing off.

"Matt, hey Matt."

"Yes, bro?" Matt slurred, clearly very drunk. Was he conscious enough to answer?

"Why is Toey so down? Do you know what's wrong?" Phum coaxed Matt, who was too drunk to think straight. He hiccuped, looked at us, and started pointing randomly.

"How can he not be, Phi? He's in pain. My friend is hurting."

"Speak quietly, Matt. What's Toey hurting about?" I said, worried Toey might hear.

"Are you guys pretending to be stupid or are you really that dumb?"

"Hey, Matt!" Fang exclaimed.

"Fang, he is drunk. What do you mean, Matt? Tell us," Chan coaxed.

"He's hurting because he saw P'Q with a girrrrl" Matt slurred.

We were all confused, looking at each other in bewilderment. Q came with his girlfriend, so why would Toey be hurt? It didn't make sense.

"I'm confused. What does Q have to do with this?" Chan asked, echoing my thoughts. Matt frowned at us even more.

"How could he not? Toey loves P'Q."

OoO

>o<

UoU

"What?!" we all shouted, waking Pan up from his sleep. I looked out at the balcony, and Toey was still staring off into the distance.

Toey loves Q. How is that possible?

End of Chapter 25 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>