Suddenly, his cell phone rang, prompting him to rise and investigate the caller's identity. To his disappointment, it was his friend Pharm on the other end of the line. Despite the long, heavy sigh that escaped his lips, Kieran knew he had to answer the call. His heart's desire was for Pharm to accompany him on a journey through each province of Bangkok. "Sawatdee khrap," he greeted his friend, before collapsing onto the bed once again. "Sabaiidi mai?" he inquired about Pharm's well-being.
Pharm's voice crackled over the phone, as he asked Kieran a question that left him feeling curious. "Have you had a chance to peruse the university's official Facebook page post?" he inquired.
As Kieran rubbed his throbbing forehead, he admitted that he had not yet seen the post in question. In response, Pharm chuckled lightly and teased Kieran about his lack of awareness. "Come on, Kieran, I don't want to spoil the surprise for you. You should go and check it out," he suggested with a mischievous tone.
He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose himself before responding. "Sure, I'll look into it. But let me be clear, if this turns out to be bad news, it won't change our friendship. I value our relationship more than any single piece of information." He chuckled, thinking back to the times his friend had played pranks on him. "Although I have to admit, you've got quite the reputation for pulling one over on people. Remember that time you convinced me to touch that leaf and I ended up with a nasty rash? That wasn't funny."
His friend laughed in response. "Oh, come on. That was just a harmless case of nettle rash. I didn't think it would be that bad."
"Well, I didn't know that at the time," he sighed.
"Sorry Nong."
"Maybe next time you'll ask me to climb a rocky mountain in Chiang Mai like you did with Ayne, in the hopes of securing a brighter future for him. But it looks like that didn't quite work out, huh? Imagine his score in probability eleven over sixty. Damn." He teased, flashing a grin.
His friend's expression turned serious. "It wasn't a joke. Check the university's latest post, you'll be surprised. t was worth the climb."
"Speaking of which," he said, changing the subject, "do you mind if we grab some kanom krok? I've been craving those coconut rice dumplings all day. Could you ask your mom if she can make some?"
"Sure thing, let me give her a call," his friend replied with a laugh. Despite the serious conversation they had just had, they were able to shift gears and enjoy the simple pleasure of a sweet treat with a friend. "Mom is in the kitchen now, cooking dumplings and Thai Roti you'll also love it."
Suddenly, his stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything yet that morning. The thought of a delicious dessert made by his friend Pharm's mother made his mouth water. He could practically taste the sweet, gooey goodness. "Hey, do you think your mom could make some of that dessert you were telling me about? I'm dying to try it," he asked his friend over the phone.
"Of course, my friend! It's on me, no charge," Pharm replied with a grin.
"Thanks, man. I can't wait to try it," he said eagerly before ending the call and heading to his computer to check the university's Facebook page. He couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and anticipation for both the dessert and the news he was about to discover. As he scrolled through the page, his eyes widened in surprise and joy. "Yes! This is amazing news," he exclaimed to himself with a smirk.
He couldn't wait to share the good news with Pharm and indulge in some delicious dessert at the same time. The thought of savoring the sweet treat while celebrating the news with his friend made his mouth water even more. He eagerly awaited the dessert's arrival, knowing that it would be the perfect accompaniment to the exciting news he had just discovered.
Kieran had reason to celebrate as he had achieved a top-five score on his entrance exam. Overwhelmed with joy, he couldn't resist jumping up and down in excitement. However, he soon realized that his parents were not present to share in his elation. They were recently having a vacation in his Mom's hometown Baguio City, Philippines, while Kieran was on a different stay in Saem Choi. Meanwhile, Arthit was residing in a condo located in Bangkok and was only able to visit his family once because of his work as a doctor.
Kieran couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as he realized that his father's absence wouldn't have made a difference in his happiness. In fact, if Kieran had shared his entrance exam score with his father, he knew it would only bring disappointment and further pain. Kieran's father had always viewed him as a burden and a source of shame for the Suttiprapha family due to his homosexuality.
Kieran had suffered countless instances of mental, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of his father. His mother was the only one who defended him, but her protection only seemed to anger his father even more. Kieran's father's family also despised him for his sexual orientation, making him feel isolated and unwelcome in his own family.
As Kieran descended to the living room, he was taken aback to find Arthit present. Perplexed, he was unsure of Arthit's purpose for being there and remained uncertain whether Arthit had any obligations that day.
Without hesitation, Arthit inquired about Kieran's results from the entrance exam, seemingly already aware of the outcome. Despite his surprise, Kieran maintained a stoic demeanor, prompting Arthit to offer his congratulations. Upon observing Arthit's attire, Kieran couldn't help but notice that his white t-shirt was marked with bloodstains. Before he could utter a word, Arthit promptly addressed the matter at hand.
"An unfortunate incident has occurred on Rama Bridge," he stated in a somber tone, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.
"It appears that the victim's condition is quite severe. The attending physician must remain at the hospital to provide the necessary medical attention," he continued, his words laced with a sense of urgency.
Despite being off duty, Arthit felt compelled to recount the events leading up to the accident. "As I was driving across Rama, I witnessed the horrific aftermath of the collision. The car had overturned, and the driver was in a precarious state. Without hesitation, I sprang into action, rushing to the victim's side to assess the situation," he recounted, his tone tense with the memory.
"The injuries sustained by the driver were grave indeed. Had I not been present, he may have lost consciousness and succumbed to his injuries," he concluded, his words bearing witness to the gravity of the situation.
Why did Arthit explain and narrate the incident? he doesn't care. And as to why Arthit felt the need to share his account of the incident, it could be speculated that his noble intentions stemmed from a sense of duty and responsibility towards his fellow human beings. That was why Arthit was Mr. Pornthip's favorite son.
"Rama VIII is my favorite bridge," As Kieran waxed poetic about his fondness for the Rama VIII bridge, his words were infused with an unmistakable passion that bespoke a deep-seated admiration for the iconic structure.
For him, the bridge held a special significance, having served as the backdrop for a chance meeting with Hardin, a moment that had forever etched itself into his memory.
Arthit, however, was not in the mood for reminiscing. "We're not here to talk about favorites, Kieran," he chided, his tone laced with a hint of impatience. "We're discussing a serious accident that has occurred."
Undeterred, Kieran suggested that Arthit must share the news with his co-doctor friends at the hospital, a notion that elicited a wry chuckle from Arthit. "Oh, how thoughtful of you," he quipped sarcastically.
"Aw," Arthit muttered.
“Well—”
"So, you can do everything since Dad wasn't around," Arthit said quickly.
"I'm just so tired of everything, Pee," Kieran finally spoke, his voice laced with a hint of exhaustion.
Arthit's response was measured, his voice tinged with a sense of understanding. "I know, Kieran. Dad can be old-fashioned at times, but we have to respect his wishes," he offered, his tone gentle yet firm.
As Arthit rose from his seat and began making his way toward his room, Kieran's words cut through the silence once more. "So, do you plan on seeking out a man too?" he asked, his words laced with curiosity.
Arthit's response was swift and unequivocal. "Never," he declared, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Dad would have a fit if both of us brought home a son-in-law," he added with a wry chuckle, the tension between the two brothers finally breaking.
Kieran turned to the door when suddenly there was a knock. When he opened the door, the happy faces of Pharm and Ayne greeted him.
"Congratulations to all of us," they said happily at the same time.
He smiled and greeted them back. "Yes, congratulations. I never thought an id*ot like you Ayne would pass the exam.” He laughed. "Come in."
Ayne shrugged. "That's what we called 'Miracle."
When they sat down in the living room, Pharm put down the dessert he brought. He smiled. "Thanks." He smiled.
Pharm beamed. "Welcome, Nong."
Kieran sighed and looked at them with his sad looks. "The truth guys, may I know, did you find yourself sometimes getting rid of me or even disgusted? Other people threw hate and insult me ​​for who I am. Whenever I met people in the street or any place, they looked at me and laughed, they said I am an immoral, scourge, pestilence, and a hoodoo or my parents' bad luck. I'm f*cking tired of listening to people saying, I'm a f*cking fag and likes to get f*cked in the ass.”
Pharm and Ayne looked at Kieran with empathy and concern. Ayne reached out and put a hand on Kieran's shoulder. "Kieran, we would never think of getting rid of you or being disgusted by you. You're our friend, and we accept you for who you are."
Pharm nodded in agreement. "And as for those people on the street, they don't know you. They don't know your struggles or your story. They're just small-minded and ignorant."
Kieran sighed again, feeling a bit better that his friends were supportive. But the weight of the insults and hate he had endured for so long was still heavy on him. "It's just hard, you know? To feel like you don't belong like you're an outcast. Sometimes it feels like it would be easier to just be someone else."
Ayne squeezed Kieran's shoulder. "But you are who you are, and that's something to be proud of. You're brave and strong for living your truth, even in the face of hardship. And we're here for you, no matter what."
Pharm added, "And if anyone tries to hurt you again, we'll stand up for you. We won't let them get away with it."
Kieran felt a glimmer of hope and gratitude for his friends. Maybe he wasn't so alone after all.
Kieran smiled at his friends, feeling grateful for their presence. They had always been there for him, through thick and thin. He opened the lunch boxes and took a deep breath, savoring the delicious aroma.
As he took a bite, he couldn't help but feel lucky to have friends like Pharm and Ayne. They were always there to support him, no matter what.
"Oh, I forgot to bring cold drinks. I gotta go out now and buy," Pharm said, standing up and walking towards the door. But then he suddenly stopped, his face growing serious.