"Jett!"
"..."
"What's with you, man? You've been zoning out all day. You look like someone who got laid and then ghosted."
"Pae!! You-"
I sat up straight, eyes bulging. Pae, are you psychic or something? Honestly, I've been through my fair share of bedroom battles, but this time... This time, even a warrior like me walked away with wounds. Wounds!
"If something's up, just say it. Stop spacing out."
"It's hard to explain."
"Fine, whatever, dude."
"Why so mean? My heart is fragile."
Then, he smacked me hard on the head-probably to bring me back to reality. I sighed and took a long sip of my iced milk, only to choke on its sweetness. Pae rolled his eyes. I bet he's going to gossip about me to Duang later. Duang, who is probably snuggled up somewhere in Chiang Mai with Khun Qin right now.
People in relationships... I don't wanna deal with them.
"Seriously, what's up?"
"Don't push me."
"Alright, I'm out."
"Pae... Have you ever truly loved someone?" I emphasized the "truly" to make sure he knew I was dead serious. Pea, with his scruffy beard, sighed. He's probably got a date with his wife. That's why he's rushing through this meal.
What the hell.
Everyone's got a partner these days.
"I'm asking about the last time you really meant it."
"Prachein, listen-"
"If you stall one more time, I swear I'll pour this soup over your head, you damn-"
"You're so dramatic."
"Just get to the point!"
"Fine. I hooked up with someone. The usual."
"AIDS exists, you know."
"I always use protection, thank you very much."
Pae shook his head, chewing on an ice cube like a stressed-out person. He's scolded me about my lifestyle plenty of times. But come on, it's not like I sleep around that much! Just... not with the same person, that's all.I'm just a carefree guy, right?
"So, here's the thing. I woke up to a cold sheet. You get what I mean?"
"Nope. Explain."
"I woke up, and he was gone."
"And? What were you expecting? Breakfast together? A temple visit? That's hilarious. It was a one-night stand. You wake up first, you leave. Same
17
