Hill
I sat down and started looking at my Facebook page. It seemed like the photo I had just posted had become popular. Recently, the hashtag
#Who_Owns_That_Watch? had started getting more and more people talking about it and it seemed like they were really curious. They were making various guesses, trying to guess the person's name. There were names that were familiar to me, but there were also names I had never heard of before.
Maybe no one knows who the owner of the watch is. Even the owner of the watch may not know. I really want to know what expression he is making now, is he angry or embarrassed?
I tried to imagine the angry little man's face, with his red face and his secret smile, all by itself. Damn it... I must be in serious trouble.
I did this on purpose, because I had decided that a direct approach was the most practical way. With this method, there might be a chance. If I approach too slowly, he might easily distance himself from me. In short, I want to catch my prey quickly. If I move slowly, my prey might notice it first and run away.
No matter what method is used, there is always a risk. Right now, he probably hates me. It's better to be hated than to feel indifferent, because if you don't care, it means you don't feel anything.
I didn't want to do it as gradually as before, which in my case, wasn't as easy. I wanted to be clear and firm so that he could see it from the beginning. I have to take a risk and see how he reacts. I told everyone that I now have someone I'm seriously pursuing.
At first, I just casually told the people around me, but the news spread really fast. Bua said that shippers were starting to create trouble. I didn't really mean to cause a mess, but I probably can't stop anything now. I'm worried about him.
Maybe I'm thinking too much, but if I suddenly say I'm going to go after him, I'm afraid something will happen to him. He might experience little things, like being stared at or looked down upon. But that just makes me even more depressed, I don't want things like that to happen.
Would it be too much if I just announced it and told everyone? No... I should be able to do that.
****
The next day...
I went to work at the club as usual, during this time all the preparations were almost finished, only a few were left, not completely finished. This year's club had very few people. According to the plan given by the teachers, there should be a dance to open the event, then the MC will come and speak.
There are several performances which are the responsibility of both the club and the performance group chosen this year. After that, according to the plan, the concert of the singer invited by the university will start around 6 pm.
I assume Ter won't come today since he stopped working at the club since I posted my last picture. It's easy to notice that he's trying to avoid me. Maybe he's confused and thinking too much. I know the way to his dorm room, but looking for him there would be too hasty for me.
"Hill, Nong Ter hasn't been here for a few days. After we went out to eat, I haven't seen him again. Is something wrong?" Bua came and asked me.
"I don't believe so."
"But I tried calling him several times and he didn't answer at all. Maybe it's because of the Japanese food. He might have had an allergic reaction."
"No, he is not allergic to Japanese food."
"..."
"He ate a lot that day. That proves he's not allergic."
Also, his behavior while eating was very cute. What kind of person would be allergic to food, yet still put everything in their mouth until their cheeks swelled up?
"Is that so?" Bua said, still looking worried.
She always worried beyond
reason. But I also felt bad because I hadn't seen his face in days.
Drrrttt.....
Drrrttt....
"Oh, it's Nong Ter calling."
Bua picked up the phone and I quietly told her to put it on speaker so I could hear too.
"Hello, Nong Ter. I've called you so many times, why haven't you picked up? Is something wrong? I'm really worried."
Bua fired like a machine gun, with one series of questions after another. The one on the other end of the phone might be a little surprised by such behavior.
[I... I'm sorry, uh... I just don't feel well.]
The voice on the phone said that, but I immediately felt that the person on the other end was still bad at lying.
"Really? Is it because of a food allergy? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have invited you to eat at that restaurant."
[What?! No... it's just a common cold.]
"Really? But you've been missing for a few days. How long have you been sick?"
[Uh... maybe... two or three days.] His voice sounded a little shaky.
He probably didn't expect to be faced with a question like this. But Bua didn't seem to notice anything wrong, or was it just me who was paying too much attention to Ter's behavior?
"Have you been to the doctor?"
[Not yet.]
"Then go to the doctor quickly, okay? It's been two or three days and your condition hasn't improved. That's worrying. Hill has a car, he can take you."
[No! ... Uh, sorry. I mean I didn't mean to be a bother. Thanks.]
"Don't be shy. Do you have friends with you?"
[No, my roommate is out.]
"Are you alone? What should we do, Hill?" Bua turned to me and asked.
[...] The other end of the phone said nothing more.
"Then I'll go and take you to the hospital," I said over the phone.
[No, I'm going out.] Nong hurriedly replied. His voice becoming increasingly agitated.
"Oh, yeah? But sick people should rest."
I thought he was really going to leave, so he called Bua to tell her first because he had been missing for a few days and was feeling guilty. When I thought about it, I immediately walked to my car.
"Wait... Where are you going?" Bua asked.
"I'm going to pick up a sick person, please let me borrow your phone for a moment," I said after grabbing the phone and muting it for a moment.
I deliberately didn't let the person on the other end hear me. Bua stood complaining behind me but didn't stop me from starting the car and driving off. She probably thought I was going to take Ter to the hospital.
[If there's nothing else, I'll hang up.]
"You lied about being sick?"
I didn't want to scold him, I just wanted to keep talking to him. Why? Because if he was still talking to me, he probably
wouldn't have left the room yet. It wasn't far from here to the freshman dorm, I just had to leave the university and drive a little further up the road.
[I... I'm not lying. I'll hang up.]
"If you don't come to work in the club, your hours will be reduced, you know that, right?"
It sounds a bit threatening, but the reduction in hours for scholarship students is real. They will start being cut from the beginning of the school year.
[...Huh? Really?]
"Yes, they will cut your money because you didn't come to work. If they really cut it, you could lose your scholarship."
Actually, I just said that for fun, but you still won't lose your scholarship, hehe.
[...I don't want that.]
"So, are you really sick?"
[...very sick.]
"Okay. Then I'll come pick you up." Even though I said that, I'm already almost at his dorm.
[No!]
"Because?"
[...]
Nong refused to answer, he probably wouldn't dare to speak ill of me since he was still acting like we had just met. I think he himself wanted to pretend that he didn't know me. If that was the case, everything was fine for now.
"Then I'll come pick you up."
[There's no need!]
Then he ended the call, probably not wanting to say anything else, but I had
already arrived in front of his dorm building. I expected that soon there would be a panicked-looking person running down the stairs.
My guess was right, someone came running down the stairs wearing a black and white t-shirt, dark jeans and sneakers. He was carrying a camera around his neck, indicating that he was going to take photos somewhere. As soon as Ter saw me, he had a surprised look on his face. He started acting like he didn't know what to do. I smiled at him.
"...Phi?"
Avoiding my eyes, his face began to turn red. As I walked up to him, he looked even more shocked and immediately took a step back. Why are you acting like this? He's so cute and adorable.
"You don't look sick at all, that's good."
"..."
The other party wrinkled his nose, a little dissatisfied. It seemed like I had caught a liar.
"Where are you going to take photos?"
"..." Nong still didn't respond.
"Let's get in the car."
I grabbed the little boy's wrist to get him to follow me, but he quickly slapped my hand away.
"No, no, no. I'm not going!"
"Don't be stubborn."
I accidentally used a word that I liked to use in the past and he didn't seem to like it at all.
"I won't go!"
The little boy was still stubborn. But his face and ears were visibly red.
"Okay, then I'll tell Bua that you're actually fine and you lied about being sick to get time off club work."
I threatened, grabbing my phone and dialing Bua's number. Of course, no one would pick up the call, with Bua's phone being in my car.
"...No, don't tell her."
The person in front of me started to use a softer tone before frowning and looking at my face. He quickly looked away though.
"Then get in the car."
I walked over and opened the passenger side door for him to climb inside.
"Cheating."
"Only with stubborn people."
I smiled as I gently closed the car door, walked around to the driver's side and quickly started the car.
******
There was no sound in the car except the sound of the air conditioner and the soft music from the radio, I was actually a little nervous. I was once again facing someone I never thought I would meet again.
Besides, our breakup a year ago was a huge mess. He's probably nervous too, even more nervous than me, although tense he tried to stay calm by looking out the window the whole time. I continued driving on the road, secretly glancing at the person beside me from time to time.
"Where are we going?" he asked after a long silence.
"A place to take pictures with a beautiful view. I know a good spot. It's perfect for photography. You've probably never been there before, so I'm sure you'll like it."
****
Ter
A few days ago.
At this moment, I feel my heart beginning to tremble. Even though my brain firmly ordered me not to, I turned my head and read the statement someone had written over and over again, to make sure I wasn't imaging things.
That's my watch and that's my plate of food. Are you referring to anyone else...? Whether he was referring to someone else, or if he was referring to me, then I must ask, why did he do this?...
My heart is still stubborn, it keeps beating and pounding; experience tells me... No
matter what you do, I shouldn't be interested, right?
Yeah... There's no chance he'll ever get back into my heart... I thought so. Damn, it's just a photo and I'm already like this.
"Are you...? Are you okay?"
North's familiar voice came to me and woke me from my thoughts.
"I'm fine, don't I look okay?" I put on a normal expression.
"No, you seem confused all of a sudden. Is it because of the photo?" North asked, pointing at my computer screen that displayed Phi Hill's post.
"No, I'm just a little surprised."
"Hill Ratchakit, oh Dr. Hill? Do you know of him too?"
"Oh, so you know him?"
"There is a lot of talk about him."
"Ah, really?"
I was thinking of whether I should tell North or not... But, it's better to say it, since at least I still have someone to talk to. Could he give me some advice?
"Did you see the caption? What do you think?"
"..."
"It seems like he's flirting with someone." he paused. "Do you know who the person sitting in front of him is?"
"That's me. I'm the one sitting in front of him," I sighed. "I told you, the seniors invited me out to eat."
"What!?"
North looked shocked and stared at me in disbelief before turning to look at the screen again.
"Hmm, take a good look at the watch." I said, raising my left wrist, so he could see the watch I was wearing.
"Now I see it, I'm in shock. Damn, what a surprise! And he's a guy too." he frowned. "I don't care about the gender. But I think he has a girlfriend."
"Yes, I saw a lot of news about it."
"Have you met before?"
"We went to the same school."
It wasn't entirely a lie, but I wasn't ready to tell him everything yet.
"Had you ever talked to him before?"
"A bit."
"Had he shown any signs that he likes you or is interested in you?"
"No."
From what I saw at the school meeting, there was nothing strange. It was just that I was very paranoid.
"But he still wrote a caption next to your photo. What do you think?"
"Me? Wait, I didn't think anything about that" I said.
"Wow, all the girls on campus must be crying. Why don't you try talking to him first?"
"No, I don't want to."
"Are you going to reject him?"
"Maybe, I still don't know. Maybe he was just joking," I said. I think this kind of joke is what I hate the most.
"It's difficult, you probably feel very uncomfortable, especially with the older people in the club, right?"
"Hmm, I'm in trouble."
"Come on, it's okay. But don't ignore him. If you really don't want to, just say no."
"Um."
I'm still thinking about it. The belief that I thought would be unshakable is starting to fade away.
Hmmmm...
I can't do this, right? That post ruined my refusal to go to the club for a few days because I deliberately wanted to avoid seeing his face. I knew it was
definitely not good, because Phi Bua called many times, but I didn't answer any of the calls. She was probably worried.
The best thing for me was to call her to apologize and also tell her I was sick so she would stop worrying. Then I'll go for a walk and take pictures. North was not in the room either.
Yeah... Even though I clearly said that I wasn't feeling well...
So why did that guy suddenly appear in front of my dorm and drag me into the car Damn, what am I doing in this car with this guy? This guy is so cunning.
Even though I had told myself to stay away from him, seems I've betrayed my own words.
Who said the doctor was handsome and kind? He even threatened me! I told him I was sick and was going to leave, but as soon as I came out, I found him standing there with his beautiful face, leaning against his car. Worst of all, I have a camera with me which was used against me.
Damn, I'm caught in a trap!
Phi Hill drove leisurely, although the air conditioner was cool, the car felt like a heater. My body feels hot.
Outside, the sky was dark since this morning, we don't need to rely on the weather forecast to guess whether it will rain. It would be nice to take pictures near the foot of the mountain.
But I'm sitting here! And I don't know where I'm going!
The luxury car turned into a small alley and soon I could see a temple.
Temple? Was he taking me to a temple?
The car was parked in a small parking lot and the sign in front said it was a temple. But inside it didn't look like a temple at all because it was so big and there was only forest around it.
"Have you ever been here?" the person next to me quietly asked.
"Never..." I replied softly.
"Then I'll be your guide," Phi Hill said before getting out of the car.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and before I knew it, Phi Hill had come to open the car door for me.
Ugh, why was he trying to be polite?
I didn't say anything, even though my whole body was covered in sweat. I just held the camera and slowly followed the taller person.
Thinking of it, Hill seems a little taller than last year. Probably between 180 and 182 centimeters. He had a good body shape before, but after entering university, he looked more muscular. But not scary, just enough to make girls scream.
That handsome face always smiled gently, his way of speaking didn't change at all, polite and gentle. Even though he was only wearing normal clothes; a shirt and jeans. He still looked outstanding and perfect.
Who wouldn't like him? Whoever likes him, I don't care, whatever. Because I won't be fooled anymore.
The tall figure suddenly turned around and smiled at me. I automatically looked away. Oh, I shouldn't have stared for so long. I heard Phi Hill chuckle. I don't dare to look at him, it's dangerous. I only saw him from behind. To be honest, since we met, I haven't stared at his face even once, so I don't dare...
"This is an ancient temple. In the past, this area was all a forest area, so this temple is very large. In addition, it is very close to nature. This is the architectural style of Lanna. Most of the walls are made of bricks. This area has been expanded and rebuilt recently, but it still maintains the uniqueness of Lanna. I think it is very beautiful," Phi Hill said in a charming tone. He could definitely be a guide.
I listened attentively, then turned around to take pictures of the flowers
growing along the road. The environment was good and the sun was not too strong today. The other party waited for me to take pictures without complaining, and I even saw him secretly smile a little.
"What a beautiful photo." A loud voice from behind made me jump. I don't know when Phi Hill came to secretly see the photo I took.
"Uh... Don't look," I said before walking away.
Damn... What should I do if I have a heart attack? Oh, will my face turn red again? I hope it doesn't turn so red that it gives him the satisfaction of making fun of me.
"Be my cameraman." He said with such a sweet and gentle smile.
I'm very allergic to him, honestly I'm not the only one. Back then, when the girls in my class saw him smile like that, it almost made the whole room scream out loud. It was heartbreaking, so I avoided him without looking at him directly.
"No, it's just a waste of memory."
I don't think it's that bad, but I don't want to, so I can only blame my camera's memory.
Sorry, my dear camera.
The other party laughed softly.
"Oh, I rarely let anyone take my picture."
"I see a lot of pictures of you everywhere."
On Facebook, a lot of people ask to take pictures with him. Why does he say he rarely does?
"Did you look at my photos too? That makes me happy," said phi, smiling widely.
"Someone shared them."
I tried to use a normal tone so he wouldn't know I was really nervous deep down.
"But at least this way... you saw them, right?"
"...I don't know." I answered, in a low voice.
I saw a small path leading into the forest and it looked very mysterious. The other person must have noticed me looking at him, so he started to explain.
"This is just the entrance to the monastery. Do you want to see further in?"
"Ah, sure."
"Come on."
I excitedly started to follow the man in front of me. As I walked, I came to an old staircase made of small bricks, next to the stairs were two giant statues, next to them were shops selling souvenirs and offerings to the monks.
I climbed the stairs carefully, not forgetting to take pictures. As Phi Hill led the way, I tried not to pay attention, but out of the corner of my eye I saw
that he was still staring at me.
What was wrong with him? Couldn't he stop staring at me like that? Anyone who was being stared at like that would be nervous!
As you walk up the stairs, on the right there is an exhibition of religious art and on the left there is an observation post. In front of it there is a wall with a tunnel. I saw some tourists, but not many. Some even went into the tunnel. I think that is the highlight here. Surprisingly, I have not seen a Buddha statue to worship.
"The temple is actually inside."
"Ahhh..."
"Do you want to go see it?" Phi Hill asked.
I couldn't refuse, since I hadn't seen something like this before and had to see more. I went in, took off my shoes and put them in the designated spot for the shoes of visitors. Phi Hill told me to go in first.
The interior was almost dark, lit only by the soft yellow light of the candles. Glancing around periodically, I was amazed by the patterns painted on the walls and ceiling. With its beauty, just by looking at it you can see how much effort people put into making it. It's an image blurred by the passage of time.
The smell of scented candles and fresh flowers flying everywhere makes me think about how romantic the atmosphere is. It's like we've entered the world of Lanna in the past.
"Ter, look to the left."
I turned my head towards the voice of the person behind me. On the small path, a little farther down, there was a Buddha statue standing there.
Phi Hill and I raised our hands together in worship. Then, as we walked the other way, we found another Buddha statue, as well as some on the walls of the cave tunnel that looked like a rock cliff.
I was so excited to see all of this for the first time, that I suddenly forgot who I was with. Suddenly, I made a misstep and almost tripped on the uneven path, but Hill was able to catch my arm just in time. I don't know if I had thought of it or not, but he always looked out for me and acted like this. Well, he's like that naturally. Not just with me.
We walked to the exit and passed through the back of the viewing platform. My heart wanted to continue to that point, but we didn't have shoes, so we had to walk back the same way.
Tic...
Tic...
Damn it... it started to rain. We didn't have umbrellas with us, so the two of us and the other tourists had to hide next to each other in front of the tunnel entrance to wait for the rain to stop.
It seemed like it was going to be a long time, because the raindrops kept falling until the front looked like a curtain that made it almost impossible to see anything on the other side, even the wind got stronger and blew the raindrops away.
Pluk...
Pluk...
At that moment something enveloped me. I turned to look at the person standing next to me.
His shirt?
Phi Hill took off his shirt and put it on me. And all that was left was the shirt he was wearing underneath. He turned around and smiled softly at me.
Hill... is so kind.
I crouched down to hide my burning face. I was sure my cheeks were so red it reached my ears. My heart started beating faster and faster until I was afraid it would explode, damn it...
What kind of crazy doctor is this guy? Does he want to make me have a heart attack and die?
"Th...thanks," I said quietly.
He probably didn't hear it because the sound of the rain would have drowned out my voice.
"You are welcome."
Oh, did you hear it?
Phi Hill's smile was still as gentle as ever. I didn't know
how to feel at ease. In front of us was a curtain of heavy rain and behind us was a tunnel of candlelight.
"Can I ask you something?"
"No" I replied, not even looking at the tall man.
"Come on..." the doctor pleaded.
"What?"
"Can I hold your hand?"
"..."
Damn it... my heart is going to break! Don't faint, Ter! I slowly reached out my hand towards the other person until I felt the warmth radiating towards me, as Phi Hill gently took my hand.
Honestly, I was so embarrassed that I now had to look away.
DumDum... DumDum... DumDum... DumDum...
Damn, my legs are starting to feel weak!
"Can I ask you one more thing?"
"No!" I quickly replied.
What is this? Are you going to ask me to hold your
shoulders now? At this rate, I won't be able to breathe anymore!
"One last thing."
"Just tell me. What else?"
"Can I flirt with you, Ter?"