#The Lion Heart

 

 

​The​ ​lights​ ​in​ ​the​ ​pub​ ​coupled​ ​with​ ​the​ ​upbeat​ ​music​ ​that​ ​was​ ​blaring​ ​right​ ​into​ ​my​ ​ears​ ​did​ ​nothing​ ​to​ ​make​ ​me​ ​feel​ ​like​ ​I​ ​was​ ​having​ ​a​ ​good​ ​time.​ ​If​ ​it​ ​hadn​’​t​ ​been​ ​for​ ​the​ ​promise​ ​to​ ​accompany​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​to​ ​treat​ ​their​ ​underclassmen[1],​ ​I​ ​would​ ​not​ ​have​ ​set​ ​foot​ ​in​ ​here.​  

​I​ ​looked​ ​around,​ ​ignoring​ ​all​ ​the​ ​glances​ ​of​ ​interest​ ​others​ ​had​ ​been​ ​sending​ ​my​ ​way.​ ​Any​ ​other​ ​time​ ​I​ ​would​ ​not​ ​hesitate​ ​to​ ​reel​ ​in​ ​my​ ​catch​ ​and​ ​end​ ​the​ ​night​ ​in​ ​bed​ ​with​ ​them,​ ​but​ ​I​ ​was​ ​just​ ​completely​ ​bored​ ​out​ ​of​ ​my​ ​mind​ ​tonight.​ ​Nobody​ ​and​ ​nothing​ ​had​ ​been​ ​able​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​at​ ​all. 

​“​Hey,​ ​I​’​m​ ​stepping​ ​out​ ​for​ ​a​ ​smoke.​”​ ​I​ ​told​ ​my​ ​group​ ​of​ ​friends,​ ​not​ ​caring​ ​too​ ​much​ ​whether​ ​they​ ​heard​ ​what​ ​I​ ​said​ ​or​ ​not.​  

​“​Aha​!​ ​Our​ ​Singh[2]​ ​is​ ​out​ ​on​ ​the​ ​hunt​ ​again​!​”​ ​Jet​ ​who​ ​was​ ​sitting​ ​next​ ​to​ ​me​ ​whooped​ ​out,​ ​causing​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​our​ ​friends​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​to​ ​stare​ ​at​ ​me​ ​like​ ​they​ ​could​ ​read​ ​my​ ​every​ ​move.​  

​“​Hunting​ ​my​ ​foot​!​ ​I​’​m​ ​just​ ​going​ ​out​ ​for​ ​a​ ​smoke​!​”​ ​My​ ​mouth​ ​twitched​ ​into​ ​a​ ​smirk​ ​at​ ​his​ ​nonsense.​  

​“​Oh​ ​no​ ​you​ ​don​’​t​!​ ​Don​’​t​ ​you​ ​feed​ ​me​ ​that​ ​lie,​ ​Singh.​ ​The​ ​last​ ​time​ ​you​ ​said​ ​that​ ​to​ ​me​ ​exactly,​ ​I​ ​got​ ​to​ ​see​ ​you​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​after​ ​with​ ​two​ ​of​ ​your​ ​toys​ ​of​ ​the​ ​night​ ​completely​ ​passed​ ​out​ ​right​ ​next​ ​to​ ​you​!​”​ ​A​ ​roar​ ​of​ ​teasing​ ​boos​ ​erupted​ ​after​ ​Jet​ ​said​ ​his​ ​piece.​  

​I​ ​shook​ ​my​ ​head​ ​and​ ​walked​ ​out,​ ​not​ ​paying​ ​too​ ​much​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​my​ ​friends,​ ​though​ ​I​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​them​ ​stage-whispering​ ​to​ ​one​ ​another​ ​still.​  

​“​My​ ​bet​ ​is​ ​on​ ​that​ ​girl​ ​in​ ​black​ ​that​ ​table​ ​over​ ​there.​” 

​“​Nah.​ ​My​ ​money​’​s​ ​on​ ​that​ ​one​ ​in​ ​the​ ​red​ ​tank​ ​top.​ ​I​ ​saw​ ​her​ ​giving​ ​Singh​ ​the​ ​eyes​ ​the​ ​minute​ ​he​ ​walked​ ​in​ ​here.​” 

​“​No,​ ​no.​ ​I​ ​say​ ​it​’​s​ ​the​ ​one​ ​at​ ​the​ ​table​ ​next​ ​to​ ​me.​ ​She​’​s​ ​following​ ​Singh​ ​right​ ​now,​ ​see?​” 

​I​ ​didn​’​t​ ​care​ ​for​ ​what​ ​they​ ​said,​ ​but​ ​I​ ​could​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​the​ ​woman​ ​at​ ​the​ ​next​ ​table​ ​really​ ​did​ ​follow​ ​me.​ ​I​ ​wasn​’​t​ ​in​ ​the​ ​mood​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​anyone,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​made​ ​my​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​bathroom​ ​before​ ​going​ ​for​ ​my​ ​smoke.​  

​This​ ​was​ ​the​ ​pub​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​and​ ​I​ ​frequently​ ​visited.​ ​I​ ​also​ ​was​ ​one​ ​of​ ​its​ ​shareholders,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​was​ ​quite​ ​confident​ ​I​ ​knew​ ​its​ ​every​ ​nook​ ​and​ ​cranny.​ ​The​ ​woman​ ​from​ ​the​ ​next​ ​table​ ​was​ ​still​ ​dawdling​ ​near​ ​the​ ​front​ ​of​ ​the​ ​bathroom,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​took​ ​another​ ​exit​ ​to​ ​go​ ​have​ ​my​ ​smoke.​  

​Cutting​ ​across​ ​a​ ​small​ ​alley​ ​led​ ​to​ ​the​ ​parking​ ​lot.​ ​There​ ​were​ ​not​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of​ ​people​ ​so​ ​I​ ​liked​ ​to​ ​come​ ​here​ ​to​ ​smoke​ ​in​ ​peace.​ ​Before​ ​I​ ​made​ ​it​ ​out​ ​of​ ​that​ ​dark​ ​alley,​ ​I​ ​heard​ ​a​ ​bunch​ ​of​ ​people​ ​making​ ​a​ ​ruckus.​ ​It​ ​seemed​ ​something​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​go​ ​down​ ​tonight.​  

​“​Hey,​ ​dipshit​!​!​ ​How​ ​dare​ ​you​ ​mess​ ​with​ ​my​ ​woman?​!​”​ ​A​ ​shout​ ​of​ ​anger​ ​could​ ​be​ ​heard​ ​from​ ​near​ ​the​ ​parking​ ​lot.​ ​I​ ​looked​ ​through​ ​the​ ​darkness​ ​and​ ​saw​ ​a​ ​boy​ ​surrounded​ ​by​ ​a​ ​group​ ​of​ ​his​ ​adversaries,​ ​3​ ​-​ ​4​ ​of​ ​them​ ​from​ ​what​ ​I​ ​could​ ​estimate.​  

​...Sounds​ ​like​ ​a​ ​group​ ​of​ ​thugs​ ​were​ ​about​ ​to​ ​gang​ ​beat​ ​someone.​ ​Excellent.​ ​Guess​ ​I​’​ll​ ​have​ ​a​ ​show​ ​while​ ​I​’​m​ ​enjoying​ ​my​ ​smoke.​  

​“​You​ ​lowlifes​ ​wanna​ ​gang​ ​up​ ​on​ ​me?​” 

​I​ ​stood​ ​there​ ​looking​ ​at​ ​the​ ​guy​ ​who​ ​was​ ​all​ ​by​ ​himself.​ ​He​ ​seemed​ ​rather​ ​young​ ​but​ ​it​ ​seemed​ ​he​ ​was​ ​handling​ ​himself​ ​quite​ ​well.​ ​All​ ​these​ ​people​ ​were​ ​ganging​ ​up​ ​on​ ​him​ ​but​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​was​ ​still​ ​standing​ ​there​ ​and​ ​not​ ​running​ ​away​ ​with​ ​his​ ​tail​ ​between​ ​his​ ​legs. 

​“​Who​ ​are​ ​you​ ​calling​ ​lowlifes?​!​ ​You​ ​steal​ ​from​ ​others​ ​and​ ​still​ ​dare​ ​to​ ​run​ ​your​ ​mouth?​!​”​ ​One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​guys​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​grab​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​by​ ​the​ ​collar​ ​but​ ​one​ ​of​ ​his​ ​companions​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​stop​ ​him​ ​just​ ​in​ ​time.​  

​“​Steal?​ ​It​’​s​ ​your​ ​fault​ ​for​ ​not​ ​doing​ ​a​ ​better​ ​job​ ​holding​ ​her​ ​leash.​ ​You​’​re​ ​the​ ​one​ ​letting​ ​her​ ​come​ ​make​ ​eyes​ ​at​ ​me​…​not​ ​my​ ​fault.​” 

​Hmm​…​it​ ​seemed​ ​he​ ​was​ ​not​ ​only​ ​handling​ ​himself​ ​well,​ ​but​ ​he​ ​also​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​know​ ​well​ ​how​ ​to​ ​push​ ​those​ ​other​ ​guys​’​ ​buttons.​ ​Looks​ ​like​ ​it​’​s​ ​showtime.​  

​“​You​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​shit​!​!​!​!​”​ ​The​ ​one​ ​who​ ​was​ ​previously​ ​pulled​ ​back​ ​by​ ​his​ ​friends​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​completely​ ​lose​ ​it​ ​and​ ​went​ ​for​ ​a​ ​hit.​  

​Pow​! 

​Whack​! 

​“​Ouch​!​ ​Motherfucker​!​ ​I​’​m​ ​gonna​ ​kill​ ​you​!​!​!​”​ ​It​ ​was​ ​a​ ​little​ ​unexpected​ ​that​ ​the​ ​one​ ​being​ ​attacked​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​duck​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​throwing​ ​punch​ ​and​ ​returned​ ​the​ ​gesture​ ​with​ ​a​ ​hit​ ​of​ ​his​ ​own​ ​at​ ​an​ ​impressive​ ​speed. 

​My,​ ​my.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​not​ ​bad​ ​at​ ​all.​ ​I​ ​think​ ​I​ ​am​ ​quite​ ​impressed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​punches​ ​thrown​ ​by​ ​this​ ​young​ ​buck. 

​“​Arrgghh​!​” 

​Thud​! 

​“​Ugh​!​” 

​From​ ​my​ ​standpoint​ ​somewhat​ ​of​ ​a​ ​distance​ ​away,​ ​I​ ​could​ ​see​ ​the​ ​boy​ ​being​ ​gang​ ​attacked​ ​wearing​ ​an​ ​oversized​ ​white​ ​shirt​ ​with​ ​two​ ​of​ ​his​ ​buttons​ ​undone,​ ​showing​ ​off​ ​some​ ​of​ ​his​ ​muscles​ ​and​ ​clavicles.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​wearing​ ​black​ ​skinny​ ​jeans​ ​ripped​ ​at​ ​the​ ​knees.​ ​From​ ​the​ ​way​ ​he​ ​dressed,​ ​I​ ​would​ ​not​ ​have​ ​pegged​ ​him​ ​for​ ​someone​ ​who​ ​could​ ​be​ ​so​ ​agile​ ​at​ ​fighting​ ​and​ ​hitting​ ​back​ ​where​ ​it​ ​hurt.​  

​I​ ​stared​ ​at​ ​the​ ​body​ ​that​ ​was​ ​neither​ ​too​ ​skinny​ ​nor​ ​too​ ​muscly​ ​as​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​kicked​ ​one​ ​of​ ​his​ ​adversaries​ ​in​ ​the​ ​chest​ ​before​ ​turning​ ​around​ ​to​ ​sucker​ ​punch​ ​the​ ​other​ ​one.​ ​To​ ​say​ ​I​ ​was​ ​impressed​ ​would​ ​be​ ​an​ ​understatement.​  

​As​ ​someone​ ​who​ ​was​ ​quite​ ​familiar​ ​with​ ​the​ ​rhythms​ ​and​ ​steps​ ​of​ ​these​ ​movements,​ ​I​ ​could​ ​tell​ ​you​ ​that​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​was​ ​more​ ​than​ ​used​ ​to​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​like​ ​this. 

​Guess​ ​he​ ​really​ ​is​ ​no​ ​weak​ ​sauce​!​! 

​“​Ugghh​!​”​ ​The​ ​one​ ​being​ ​kicked​ ​fell​ ​down​ ​in​ ​a​ ​cloud​ ​of​ ​dust.​ ​He​ ​quickly​ ​stood​ ​back​ ​up​ ​but​ ​was​ ​not​ ​fast​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​prevent​ ​several​ ​kicks​ ​that​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​delivered​ ​to​ ​his​ ​stomach.​ ​However,​ ​because​ ​he​ ​was​ ​paying​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​the​ ​guy​ ​on​ ​the​ ​floor,​ ​he​ ​was​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​protect​ ​himself​ ​from​ ​the​ ​other​ ​two​ ​guys​ ​attacking​ ​him​ ​from​ ​the​ ​back,​ ​allowing​ ​them​ ​to​ ​land​ ​a​ ​few​ ​kicks​ ​on​ ​him.​ ​Fortunately,​ ​he​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​bounce​ ​back​ ​in​ ​time​ ​and​ ​turned​ ​around​ ​to​ ​punch​ ​the​ ​other​ ​two​ ​with​ ​everything​ ​that​ ​he​ ​had​ ​got.​  

​Pow​!​ ​Pow​!​ ​Thud​! 

​I​ ​stood​ ​there​ ​drinking​ ​in​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​before​ ​me​ ​with​ ​an​ ​indescribable​ ​feeling.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​like​ ​there​ ​was​ ​some​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​magnetic​ ​pull​ ​that​ ​called​ ​for​ ​me​ ​to​ ​make​ ​my​ ​way​ ​toward​ ​him.​ ​The​ ​light​ ​from​ ​the​ ​street​ ​lamp​ ​that​ ​shone​ ​against​ ​his​ ​face​ ​showed​ ​me​ ​a​ ​clearer​ ​view​ ​of​ ​the​ ​little​ ​brat​’​s​ ​face.​ ​The​ ​frame​ ​of​ ​the​ ​face​ ​was​ ​shapely​ ​while​ ​the​ ​nose​ ​was​ ​small​ ​and​ ​high,​ ​a​ ​good​ ​match​ ​with​ ​lips​ ​that​ ​were​ ​bright​ ​red.​ ​His​ ​shoulder-length​ ​hair​ ​was​ ​a​ ​light​ ​brown​ ​and​ ​his​ ​snowy​ ​pale​ ​skin​ ​was​ ​delicate​ ​enough​ ​that​ ​I​ ​could​ ​see​ ​the​ ​drops​ ​of​ ​sweat​ ​along​ ​his​ ​hairline​ ​on​ ​the​ ​forehead.​ ​That​ ​lithe​ ​body​ ​was​ ​constantly​ ​moving,​ ​protecting​ ​himself​ ​from​ ​kicks​ ​and​ ​punches,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​I​ ​was​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​see​ ​his​ ​eyes​ ​clearly.​ ​However,​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​that​ ​pale​ ​arm​ ​with​ ​visible​ ​veins​ ​and​ ​the​ ​fist​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​it​ ​pounding​ ​away​ ​at​ ​those​ ​thugs​ ​coming​ ​at​ ​him​ ​was​ ​so​ ​enthralling​ ​that​ ​it​ ​made​ ​me​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​tear​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​away.​  

​I​ ​was​ ​rather​ ​surprised​ ​at​ ​myself​ ​for​ ​thinking​ ​that​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​before​ ​me​ ​was​ ​so​ ​mesmerizing​…​I​ ​really​ ​just​ ​couldn​’​t​ ​imagine​ ​how​ ​captivated​ ​I​ ​would​ ​be​ ​once​ ​I​ ​got​ ​a​ ​clear​ ​look​ ​at​ ​the​ ​man​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​me.​  

​I​ ​was​ ​so​ ​deeply​ ​enthralled​ ​that​ ​I​ ​did​ ​not​ ​notice​ ​when​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​was​ ​kicked​ ​in​ ​the​ ​stomach​ ​had​ ​scrambled​ ​away.​ ​As​ ​for​ ​the​ ​other​ ​two,​ ​once​ ​they​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​stand​ ​up​ ​again​ ​after​ ​being​ ​punched​ ​so​ ​many​ ​times,​ ​they​ ​also​ ​hurried​ ​off​ ​after​ ​their​ ​friend. 

 

 

i

 

 

 

​“​Hahhh​”​  

​I​ ​could​ ​hear​ ​the​ ​sound​ ​of​ ​that​ ​lithe​ ​body​ ​greedily​ ​breathing​ ​in​ ​air​ ​while​ ​a​ ​smooth​ ​hand​ ​wiped​ ​away​ ​at​ ​the​ ​sweats​ ​on​ ​his​ ​forehead.​  

​...That​ ​really​ ​ended​ ​much​ ​quicker​ ​than​ ​I​ ​thought,​ ​I​ ​concluded​ ​grumpily​ ​to​ ​myself.​ ​However,​ ​I​ ​guessed​ ​the​ ​sound​ ​of​ ​my​ ​audible​ ​sigh​ ​was​ ​louder​ ​than​ ​expected,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​brat​ ​turned​ ​back​ ​to​ ​where​ ​I​ ​was​ ​standing.​  

​“​Who​ ​is​ ​it?​!​ ​I​ ​said,​ ​who?​!​!​!​” 

​I​ ​was​ ​rather​ ​amused​ ​at​ ​how​ ​the​ ​rascal​ ​(​as​ ​that​ ​was​ ​what​ ​I​ ​would​ ​be​ ​calling​ ​him​ ​for​ ​now)​ ​was​ ​acting​ ​like​ ​a​ ​child​ ​throwing​ ​a​ ​tantrum.​ ​He​ ​really​ ​did​ ​not​ ​make​ ​me​ ​wait​ ​for​ ​long,​ ​as​ ​said​ ​rascal​ ​came​ ​over​ ​and​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​grab​ ​my​ ​collar,​ ​allowing​ ​me​ ​to​ ​lock​ ​eyes​ ​with​ ​him.​  

​Thump​! 

​Those​ ​beautiful​ ​eyes​ ​full​ ​of​ ​fire​ ​made​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​skip​ ​a​ ​beat.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​like​ ​I​ ​was​ ​pulled​ ​deep​ ​into​ ​those​ ​eyes,​ ​sinking​ ​deep​ ​into​ ​the​ ​hot​ ​fire​ ​of​ ​the​ ​emotions​ ​behind​ ​them. 

​...No​ ​further​ ​question​ ​needed.​ ​I​ ​really,​ ​really​ ​could​ ​not​ ​take​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​off​ ​him.​ ​I​ ​smiled​ ​to​ ​myself​…​guess​ ​I​ ​really​ ​found​ ​myself​ ​something​ ​that​ ​would​ ​keep​ ​me​ ​entertained​ ​for​ ​quite​ ​a​ ​while​! 

​“​Are​ ​you​ ​really​ ​going​ ​to​ ​bite​ ​everyone​ ​without​ ​even​ ​taking​ ​a​ ​good​ ​look​ ​first?​” 

​I​ ​flashed​ ​him​ ​a​ ​smile​ ​as​ ​he​ ​glared​ ​back​ ​at​ ​me,​ ​furious.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​furious​ ​that​ ​I​ ​slapped​ ​his​ ​hand​ ​away​…​he​ ​really​ ​was​ ​nothing​ ​more​ ​than​ ​a​ ​kid,​ ​after​ ​all. 

​“​Who​ ​are​ ​you?​ ​What​ ​decent​ ​person​ ​would​ ​be​ ​hiding​ ​in​ ​the​ ​shadows​ ​spying​ ​on​ ​other​ ​people​ ​like​ ​this?​!​”​ ​Those​ ​bright​ ​eyes​ ​and​ ​the​ ​slightly​ ​hoarse​ ​voice​ ​that​ ​was​ ​unleashing​ ​its​ ​whole​ ​screaming​ ​power​ ​on​ ​me​…​the​ ​more​ ​I​ ​listened,​ ​the​ ​more​ ​I​ ​could​ ​feel​ ​the​ ​urge​ ​to​ ​squeeze​ ​those​ ​lips​ ​shut​ ​and​ ​to​ ​teach​ ​him​ ​a​ ​lesson​ ​on​ ​not​ ​acting​ ​like​ ​such​ ​a​ ​wild,​ ​rabid​ ​dog.​  

​“​Who​ ​would​ ​want​ ​to​ ​spy​ ​on​ ​such​ ​a​ ​weakling​ ​like​ ​you?​ ​So​ ​weak​ ​that​ ​you​ ​allow​ ​your​ ​opponent​ ​to​ ​kick​ ​you​ ​in​ ​the​ ​back.​ ​If​ ​that​ ​guy​ ​had​ ​a​ ​weapon​ ​on​ ​him,​ ​you​’​d​ ​be​ ​on​ ​your​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​hospital​ ​right​ ​now​!​”​ ​Man,​ ​do​ ​I​ ​want​ ​to​ ​know​ ​what​ ​he​ ​will​ ​do​ ​now​ ​that​ ​I​ ​have​ ​insulted​ ​him​ ​like​ ​this. 

​“​You​!​!​...​ ​Ouch​!​!​!​ ​Ugghh​!​!​!​”​ ​He​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​come​ ​at​ ​me​ ​but​ ​I​ ​did​ ​not​ ​give​ ​the​ ​rascal​ ​a​ ​chance.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​fast,​ ​but​ ​not​ ​fast​ ​enough.​ ​I​ ​grabbed​ ​that​ ​beautiful​ ​wrist​ ​and​ ​twisted​ ​it​ ​toward​ ​his​ ​back​ ​while​ ​pushing​ ​him​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​wall​ ​I​ ​was​ ​leaning​ ​against​ ​previously.​  

​The​ ​guy​ ​was​ ​shorter​ ​than​ ​me​ ​by​ ​quite​ ​a​ ​bit,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​had​ ​to​ ​bend​ ​down​ ​to​ ​press​ ​myself​ ​against​ ​his​ ​back. 

​Hmm?​ ​How​ ​could​ ​a​ ​guy​ ​who​ ​had​ ​sweated​ ​so​ ​much​ ​smelled​ ​so​ ​good?​ ​My​ ​suspicion​ ​made​ ​me​ ​decrease​ ​the​ ​distance​ ​between​ ​my​ ​front​ ​and​ ​his​ ​back​ ​even​ ​further. 

​“​A​…​ah.​ ​Let​ ​me​ ​go​!​!​”​ ​He​ ​must​ ​have​ ​felt​ ​very​ ​uncomfortable​ ​being​ ​pinned​ ​against​ ​the​ ​wall,​ ​but​ ​there​ ​was​ ​no​ ​way​ ​I​ ​was​ ​letting​ ​him​ ​go​ ​easily.​ ​His​ ​scent​ ​was​ ​so​ ​enticing,​ ​and​ ​it​ ​was​ ​my​ ​mission​ ​to​ ​find​ ​out​ ​where​ ​exactly​ ​smelled​ ​the​ ​best.​ ​  

​“​If​ ​you​ ​want​ ​to​ ​ambush​ ​me,​ ​you​’​re​ ​ten​ ​years​ ​too​ ​early​ ​for​ ​that,​ ​you​ ​rascal.​”​ ​I​ ​whispered​ ​against​ ​his​ ​ears.​ ​I​ ​guessed​ ​I​ ​was​ ​too​ ​captivated​ ​by​ ​that​ ​soft,​ ​sweet​ ​scent​ ​because​ ​I​ ​carelessly​ ​loosened​ ​my​ ​hold​ ​on​ ​him,​ ​allowing​ ​the​ ​young​ ​buck​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​me​ ​to​ ​twist​ ​his​ ​hand​ ​free​ ​and​ ​elbow​ ​me​ ​in​ ​the​ ​stomach​ ​in​ ​retaliation​ ​before​ ​turning​ ​around​ ​to​ ​face​ ​me.​ ​Luckily,​ ​I​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​deflect​ ​his​ ​punch​ ​away,​ ​as​ ​it​ ​looked​ ​like​ ​it​ ​would​ ​land​ ​on​ ​me​ ​as​ ​heavily​ ​as​ ​his​ ​elbow.​ ​  

​Well,​ ​well,​ ​well.​ ​I​ ​am​ ​quite​ ​intrigued,​ ​you​ ​rascal​! 

​I​ ​quickly​ ​grabbed​ ​both​ ​his​ ​wrists​ ​and​ ​pinned​ ​them​ ​against​ ​the​ ​wall,​ ​placing​ ​my​ ​body​ ​on​ ​top​ ​of​ ​his​ ​for​ ​good​ ​measure.​ ​Let​’​s​ ​see​ ​how​ ​he​ ​could​ ​escape​ ​when​ ​I​ ​took​ ​such​ ​care​ ​to​ ​restrain​ ​him​ ​so.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​in​ ​an​ ​especially​ ​good​ ​mood​ ​as​ ​a​ ​result.​  

​ ​ ​“​I​ ​told​ ​you​…​you​’​re​ ​ten​ ​years​ ​too​ ​early.​”​ ​The​ ​one​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​me​ ​was​ ​in​ ​quite​ ​a​ ​hissy​ ​fit.​ ​He​ ​tried​ ​to​ ​move​ ​his​ ​legs​ ​and​ ​lift​ ​his​ ​knees,​ ​but​ ​it​ ​was​ ​not​ ​his​ ​lucky​ ​day.​ ​If​ ​I​ ​did​ ​not​ ​release​ ​him,​ ​there​ ​was​ ​just​ ​no​ ​way​ ​he​ ​would​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​move,​ ​and​ ​it​ ​was​ ​not​ ​my​ ​plan​ ​to​ ​release​ ​him​ ​any​ ​time​ ​soon.​ ​My​ ​curiosity​ ​about​ ​where​ ​on​ ​his​ ​body​ ​would​ ​smell​ ​best​ ​was​ ​not​ ​satiated​ ​after​ ​all. 

​Hmm,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​was​ ​sniffing​ ​his​ ​neck​ ​just​ ​then.​ ​Guess​ ​I​ ​manage​ ​to​ ​find​ ​another​ ​interesting​ ​spot.​ ​Look​ ​at​ ​that​ ​little​ ​drop​ ​of​ ​sweat​ ​dripping​ ​down​ ​along​ ​his​ ​jawline​ ​that​ ​he​ ​clenched​ ​so​ ​harshly​ ​in​ ​rage.​ ​I​ ​wonder​ ​what​ ​that​ ​tastes​ ​like​…​.​  

​“​Let​ ​go​!​!​ ​Hey​!​ ​You​…​you​ ​bastard​!​ ​What​ ​the​ ​fuck​ ​are​ ​you​ ​doing?​!​”​ ​His​ ​shout​ ​of​ ​alarm​ ​from​ ​the​ ​guy​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​me​ ​was​ ​loud​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​shatter​ ​my​ ​eardrums.​ ​Why​ ​the​ ​heck​ ​was​ ​he​ ​making​ ​a​ ​ruckus?​ ​I​ ​just​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​know.​  

​“​Let​ ​go​!​ ​Ouch​!​ ​Why​ ​the​ ​fuck​ ​did​ ​you​ ​bite​ ​me?​!​”​ ​So​ ​he​ ​was​ ​acting​ ​like​ ​a​ ​wild​ ​beast​ ​that​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​tamed.​ ​I​ ​nibbled​ ​along​ ​his​ ​jawline,​ ​down​ ​to​ ​the​ ​space​ ​between​ ​his​ ​neck​ ​and​ ​shoulder.​ ​The​ ​more​ ​he​ ​thrashed​ ​about,​ ​the​ ​more​ ​force​ ​I​ ​put​ ​into​ ​my​ ​touch​ ​as​ ​I​ ​intentionally​ ​bit​ ​harder​ ​onto​ ​his​ ​skin,​ ​making​ ​sure​ ​he​ ​felt​ ​pain​ ​from​ ​every​ ​nip.​ ​The​ ​louder​ ​he​ ​cried,​ ​the​ ​harsher​ ​I​ ​left​ ​my​ ​mark​ ​on​ ​him.​  

​“​You​…​you​ ​motherfucker​!​ ​Let​ ​me​ ​go,​ ​damn​ ​it​!​”​ ​I​ ​finally​ ​learned​ ​that​ ​the​ ​little​ ​rascal​ ​not​ ​only​ ​smelled​ ​divine,​ ​his​ ​taste​ ​was​ ​also​ ​most​ ​pleasing​ ​to​ ​me​! 

​“​Ouch​!​ ​Damn​ ​it,​ ​you​ ​scumbag​!​ ​I​ ​said​ ​let​ ​me​ ​go​!​ ​Damn​ ​it​!​!​”​ ​I​ ​pinned​ ​him​ ​down​ ​harder​ ​as​ ​the​ ​body​ ​underneath​ ​mine​ ​moved​ ​around​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​get​ ​free.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a​ ​taste​ ​of​ ​his​ ​clavicle​ ​when​ ​I​ ​heard​ ​someone​ ​interrupting​ ​us.​ ​Che​!​  

​“​Hey,​ ​Neua[3]​!​ ​Is​ ​that​ ​you?​ ​Where​ ​are​ ​you,​ ​man?​”​ ​I​ ​was​ ​rather​ ​peeved​ ​when​ ​that​ ​noise​ ​moved​ ​closer​ ​to​ ​us.​ ​I​ ​exhaled​ ​at​ ​what​ ​a​ ​shame​ ​it​ ​was​ ​and​ ​loosened​ ​my​ ​grip​ ​on​ ​his​ ​wrists.​ ​The​ ​rascal​ ​quickly​ ​pulled​ ​his​ ​hands​ ​from​ ​my​ ​grasp​ ​and​ ​pushed​ ​me​ ​away.​  

​Pow​! 

​“​This​ ​is​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​you​ ​bastard​!​!​”​ ​Heh​!​ ​His​ ​hit​ ​really​ ​packed​ ​a​ ​punch​ ​as​ ​I​ ​thought.​  

​“​Hey,​ ​what​ ​happened,​ ​Neua?​ ​Are​ ​you​ ​OK?​” 

​I​ ​turned​ ​toward​ ​the​ ​direction​ ​of​ ​the​ ​noise.​ ​Guess​ ​it​ ​was​ ​his​ ​friend​ ​looking​ ​for​ ​him​…​though​ ​I​ ​must​ ​say​ ​that​ ​voice​ ​sounded​ ​awfully​ ​familiar. 

​“​Hey​!​ ​Bro[4]​ ​Singh​!​!​ ​What​ ​happened?​”​ ​I​ ​raised​ ​my​ ​brow​ ​in​ ​surprise.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​a​ ​small​ ​world​ ​after​ ​all.​  

​...I​ ​had​ ​seen​ ​the​ ​little​ ​rascal​’​s​ ​friend​ ​at​ ​my​ ​faculty​ ​before.​ ​If​ ​my​ ​memory​ ​served,​ ​he​ ​was​ ​Jet​’​s​ ​underclassman​ ​and​ ​his​ ​name​ ​was​ ​Nut.​ ​I​ ​had​ ​met​ ​him​ ​a​ ​few​ ​times.​ ​That​ ​I​ ​was​ ​out​ ​at​ ​this​ ​pub​ ​was​ ​because​ ​Jet​ ​told​ ​me​ ​he​ ​was​ ​treating​ ​an​ ​underclassman,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​guess​ ​it​ ​was​ ​this​ ​guy.​  

​“​You​ ​know​ ​this​ ​prick?​!​”​ ​I​ ​could​ ​hear​ ​the​ ​rascal​ ​asking​ ​in​ ​rage​ ​as​ ​he​ ​looked​ ​like​ ​he​ ​was​ ​ready​ ​to​ ​tear​ ​me​ ​a​ ​new​ ​one.​ ​Heh​!​ ​Guess​ ​he​ ​would​ ​have​ ​to​ ​save​ ​his​ ​revenge​ ​for​ ​later.​  

​“​Hey,​ ​wait,​ ​wait,​ ​wait​!​ ​Calm​ ​down,​ ​man​!​ ​Did​ ​you​ ​have​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​with​ ​him?​!​?​!​?​”​ ​Nut​ ​quickly​ ​pulled​ ​back​ ​the​ ​little​ ​rascal​ ​before​ ​he​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​jump​ ​on​ ​me.​  

​“​Neau,​ ​I​ ​mean​ ​it,​ ​calm​ ​down,​ ​pal.​ ​Oh​ ​Lord.​ ​You​ ​can​ ​fight​ ​anyone​ ​you​ ​want​ ​but​ ​not​ ​with​ ​Bro​ ​Singh.​ ​Damn​ ​you​!​” 

​“​Why?​!​ ​He​…​he​…​.​”​ ​Neau​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​at​ ​a​ ​loss​ ​for​ ​words.​ ​The​ ​changing​ ​of​ ​emotions​ ​on​ ​his​ ​face​ ​did​ ​nothing​ ​to​ ​enable​ ​him​ ​to​ ​speak​ ​out.​  

​“​Nothing​ ​to​ ​it.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​just​ ​a​ ​little​ ​misunderstanding.​”​ ​I​ ​turned​ ​to​ ​inform​ ​Nut​ ​of​ ​what​ ​went​ ​on,​ ​wiping​ ​the​ ​corner​ ​of​ ​my​ ​mouth​ ​with​ ​the​ ​back​ ​of​ ​my​ ​hand​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time.​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​I​ ​was​ ​able​ ​to​ ​taste​ ​a​ ​bit​ ​of​ ​blood.​  

​“​B​…​but,​ ​hey​!​ ​Bro​ ​Singh,​ ​you​ ​were​ ​punched​!​”​ ​Nut​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​in​ ​shock.​ ​Rightfully​ ​so,​ ​as​ ​it​ ​would​ ​take​ ​something​ ​real​ ​special​ ​for​ ​someone​ ​to​ ​land​ ​a​ ​punch​ ​on​ ​me.​  

​“​Why​ ​are​ ​you​ ​so​ ​shocked,​ ​Nut?​ ​This​ ​motherfucker​ ​sure​ ​deserves​ ​it.​” 

​“​N​…​Neau,​ ​don​’​t​ ​be​ ​like​ ​that.​ ​You​…​just​ ​tell​ ​Bro​ ​Singh​ ​you​’​re​ ​sorry​ ​now​!​”​  

​“​Hey,​ ​no​ ​way​!​!​ ​It​’​s​ ​him​ ​who​ ​has​ ​to​ ​tell​ ​me​ ​he​’​s​ ​sorry​!​” 

​“​You​…​just​ ​trust​ ​me,​ ​man.​ ​Say​ ​you​’​re​ ​sorry.​” 

​“​Don​’​t​ ​worry​ ​about​ ​it.​ ​I​ ​already​ ​said​ ​it​ ​was​ ​just​ ​a​ ​misunderstanding.​ ​You​’​re​ ​Jet​’​s​ ​underclassman,​ ​right?​ ​He​’​s​ ​waiting​ ​for​ ​you.​ ​You​ ​should​ ​hurry​ ​inside.​”​ ​I​ ​quickly​ ​cut​ ​him​ ​off,​ ​or​ ​else​ ​this​ ​matter​ ​would​ ​be​ ​dragging​ ​on​ ​still.​  

​“​Y​…​yes,​ ​sir​!​ ​And​ ​you?​” 

​“​You​ ​go​ ​in​ ​first.​ ​I​’​ll​ ​continue​ ​with​ ​my​ ​smoke.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​too​ ​bothered​ ​by​ ​a​ ​rabid​ ​dog​ ​before​ ​to​ ​fully​ ​enjoy​ ​myself.​”​ ​I​ ​said,​ ​flashing​ ​a​ ​smirk​ ​at​ ​the​ ​one​ ​facing​ ​me.​  

​“​You​ ​scumbag​!​” 

​“​Oh​ ​goodness​!​ ​Neau,​ ​I​ ​said,​ ​calm​ ​down​ ​man.​ ​Then,​ ​please​ ​excuse​ ​us.​ ​We​’​ll​ ​go​ ​in​ ​first.​”​ ​I​ ​was​ ​secretly​ ​laughing​ ​at​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​the​ ​young​ ​buck​ ​being​ ​dragged​ ​inside​ ​the​ ​pub​ ​by​ ​his​ ​friend.​  

​Heh​!​ ​A​ ​true​ ​rascal​ ​indeed.​  

Neau…​was​ ​it​…​. 

​I​ ​guess​ ​my​ ​life​ ​from​ ​now​ ​on​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be​ ​considered​ ​“​boring​”​ ​anymore. 

 

 

 

i

 

 

 

​I​ ​returned​ ​inside​ ​the​ ​pub​ ​once​ ​I​ ​finished​ ​my​ ​cigarette,​ ​but​ ​I​ ​could​ ​not​ ​find​ ​the​ ​one​ ​I​ ​was​ ​in​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​with​ ​before. 

​“​Hiiiiiiiii,​ ​Singh.​ ​Let​ ​us​ ​take​ ​a​ ​look​ ​at​ ​your​ ​face.​” 

​“​Wow,​ ​I​ ​was​ ​so​ ​stunned​ ​when​ ​I​ ​learned​ ​that​ ​you​ ​were​ ​punched​!​” 

​“​Hey,​ ​hey​…​don​’​t​ ​tell​ ​me​ ​that​ ​you​’​ve​ ​lost​ ​your​ ​touch​ ​and​ ​that​’​s​ ​why​ ​someone​ ​has​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​hit​ ​you​ ​like​ ​this​!​”​ ​The​ ​teasing​ ​poured​ ​in​ ​non-stop​ ​from​ ​my​ ​friends.​ ​I​ ​paid​ ​them​ ​no​ ​mind,​ ​only​ ​flashing​ ​them​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​smirk​ ​and​ ​then​ ​drank​ ​from​ ​the​ ​glass​ ​in​ ​my​ ​hand.​  

​“​Well,​ ​won​’​t​ ​you​ ​tell​ ​the​ ​doctor​ ​what​ ​ails​ ​you?​ ​How​ ​many​ ​punches​ ​did​ ​you​ ​take?​ ​Did​ ​it​ ​hurt​ ​a​ ​lot?​”​ ​Jet​ ​continued​ ​to​ ​tease​ ​me​ ​still.​ ​As​ ​for​ ​whether​ ​it​ ​hurt​ ​or​ ​not​…​. 

​“​It​ ​did​ ​hurt​ ​quite​ ​a​ ​bit.​”​ ​I​ ​answered​ ​with​ ​a​ ​chuckle​ ​as​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​back​ ​to​ ​the​ ​young​ ​rascal​ ​that​ ​I​ ​was​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​forget. 

​“​Wow​!​ ​Hey,​ ​that​ ​Neua​ ​must​ ​have​ ​been​ ​something​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​out​ ​such​ ​a​ ​compliment​ ​from​ ​Singh.​ ​Ha,​ ​ha,​ ​ha​!​” 

​“​Shame.​ ​He​ ​and​ ​his​ ​friend​ ​just​ ​excused​ ​themselves​ ​and​ ​left.​ ​I​ ​didn​’​t​ ​get​ ​a​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​interview​ ​him​ ​how​ ​he​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​tame​ ​our​ ​Singh​ ​here.​”​ ​A​ ​roaring​ ​round​ ​of​ ​laughter​ ​could​ ​be​ ​heard​ ​as​ ​a​ ​result​ ​of​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​being​ ​quite​ ​pleased​ ​with​ ​how​ ​I​ ​was​ ​apparently​ ​brought​ ​down​ ​a​ ​notch. 

 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​So​ ​he​ ​went​ ​home,​ ​did​ ​he?​ ​No​ ​matter.​ ​He​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​get​ ​away.​ ​Once​ ​I​ ​have​ ​set​ ​my​ ​sight​ ​on​ ​someone,​ ​they​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​escape​ ​my​ ​clutches​ ​even​ ​if​ ​they​ ​wanted​ ​to. 

 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​My​ ​friends​ ​continued​ ​to​ ​talk​ ​and​ ​babble​ ​while​ ​I​ ​only​ ​half​ ​listened​ ​to​ ​them.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​just​ ​thinking​ ​about​ ​this​ ​and​ ​that​ ​when​ ​I​ ​realized​ ​that​ ​all​ ​I​ ​knew​ ​about​ ​Neua​ ​was​ ​his​ ​name​ ​and​ ​nothing​ ​else.​ ​I​ ​also​ ​had​ ​never​ ​seen​ ​him​ ​around​ ​the​ ​university. 

​“​That​ ​Nut​…​is​ ​he​ ​your​ ​underclassman​ ​in​ ​the​ ​same​ ​faculty?​”​ ​I​ ​asked​ ​Jet​ ​when​ ​I​ ​caught​ ​a​ ​little​ ​snippet​ ​of​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​talking​ ​about​ ​the​ ​welcome​ ​ceremony​ ​of​ ​new​ ​freshmen. 

​“​Yeah.​ ​We​ ​went​ ​to​ ​the​ ​same​ ​school.​ ​I​ ​asked​ ​him​ ​to​ ​join​ ​us​ ​for​ ​a​ ​drink​ ​so​ ​we​ ​could​ ​all​ ​make​ ​acquaintances​ ​but​ ​his​ ​friend​ ​had​ ​that​ ​fight​ ​with​ ​you​ ​first.​” 

​“​Not​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​exactly.​ ​More​ ​like​ ​a​ ​bit​ ​of​ ​misunderstanding.​”​ ​I​ ​said​ ​as​ ​I​ ​sipped​ ​my​ ​drink​ ​as​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​table​ ​began​ ​to​ ​shift​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​me. 

​“​That​’​s​ ​what​ ​I​ ​thought.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​guys​ ​were​ ​in​ ​a​ ​real​ ​fight,​ ​you​ ​wouldn​’​t​ ​let​ ​him​ ​survive​ ​long​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​crawl​ ​back​ ​to​ ​his​ ​friend.​”​ ​Ton​ ​teased​ ​in​ ​a​ ​“​I​ ​know​ ​what​ ​you​ ​are​ ​like​”​ ​tone. 

​“​But​ ​that​ ​Neua​ ​is​ ​still​ ​something​!​”​ ​Man​ ​continued​ ​from​ ​where​ ​his​ ​friend​ ​left​ ​off.​ ​I​ ​continued​ ​with​ ​my​ ​drink,​ ​waiting​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​information​ ​from​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​who​ ​were​ ​well​ ​on​ ​their​ ​way​ ​to​ ​becoming​ ​fully​ ​drunk. 

​“​Yeah,​ ​totally.​ ​At​ ​first​ ​glance​ ​he​ ​seems​ ​like​ ​such​ ​a​ ​delicate,​ ​pretty​ ​boy.​ ​I​ ​wouldn​’​t​ ​have​ ​pegged​ ​him​ ​for​ ​someone​ ​so​ ​agile​ ​in​ ​a​ ​fight.​ ​Nut​ ​once​ ​told​ ​me​ ​that​ ​he​ ​just​ ​moved​ ​back​ ​from​ ​abroad.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​quite​ ​notorious​ ​in​ ​Hong​ ​Kong,​ ​always​ ​getting​ ​into​ ​trouble.​ ​His​ ​family​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​ship​ ​him​ ​off​ ​to​ ​America​ ​to​ ​teach​ ​him​ ​a​ ​lesson.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​lucky​ ​his​ ​older​ ​brother​ ​begged​ ​them​ ​not​ ​to​ ​on​ ​his​ ​behalf,​ ​so​ ​he​ ​got​ ​to​ ​return​ ​to​ ​Thailand​ ​with​ ​his​ ​brother.​ ​The​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​he​’​s​ ​transferred​ ​to​ ​our​ ​university​ ​smack​ ​in​ ​the​ ​middle​ ​of​ ​the​ ​semester​ ​is​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​tell​ ​you​ ​how​ ​much​ ​influence​ ​and​ ​money​ ​his​ ​family​ ​has.​ ​I​ ​mean,​ ​it​’​s​ ​the​ ​middle​ ​of​ ​the​ ​semester​ ​for​ ​the​ ​international​ ​section​!​”​ ​I​ ​ordered​ ​them​ ​another​ ​bottle​ ​as​ ​a​ ​secret​ ​reward​ ​to​ ​Jet​ ​for​ ​doing​ ​such​ ​a​ ​good​ ​job​ ​telling​ ​me​ ​all​ ​this​ ​information. 

​“​Nut​ ​told​ ​me​ ​that​ ​since​ ​our​ ​university​ ​is​ ​quite​ ​far​ ​from​ ​his​ ​brother​’​s​ ​house,​ ​Nuea​ ​took​ ​this​ ​as​ ​his​ ​lucky​ ​break​ ​and​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​live​ ​alone.​ ​In​ ​exchange,​ ​he​ ​has​ ​to​ ​behave​ ​himself,​ ​or​ ​he​'​ll​ ​be​ ​under​ ​some​ ​strict​ ​locks​ ​and​ ​keys​ ​in​ ​the​ ​future.​” 

​“​But​ ​I​ ​think​ ​putting​ ​him​ ​under​ ​locks​ ​and​ ​keys​ ​is​ ​not​ ​such​ ​a​ ​bad​ ​idea.​ ​I​ ​mean,​ ​the​ ​minute​ ​he​ ​reached​ ​the​ ​pub,​ ​didn​’​t​ ​even​ ​get​ ​a​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​sit​ ​down​ ​properly​ ​in​ ​fact,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​get​ ​into​ ​a​ ​fight​ ​already.​” 

​“​Hey,​ ​I​’​m​ ​on​ ​Nuea​’​s​ ​side​ ​in​ ​this​ ​matter.​ ​That​ ​girl​ ​was​ ​in​ ​the​ ​wrong,​ ​making​ ​eyes​ ​at​ ​him​ ​and​ ​chatting​ ​him​ ​up.​ ​Who​ ​could​ ​have​ ​known​ ​she​ ​already​ ​has​ ​a​ ​man?​ ​If​ ​it​ ​were​ ​you​ ​guys,​ ​would​ ​you​ ​know?​” 

​“​You​ ​do​ ​have​ ​a​ ​point​ ​here.​ ​By​ ​the​ ​way,​ ​is​ ​he​ ​really​ ​so​ ​good?​ ​Singh,​ ​did​ ​you​ ​see​ ​when​ ​he​ ​was​ ​ganged​ ​upon?​”​ ​Man​ ​turned​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​me​ ​for​ ​clarification. 

​“​He​’​s​ ​quite​ ​something.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​three​ ​against​ ​one​ ​in​ ​under​ ​five​ ​minutes.​”​ ​I​ ​answered​ ​honestly. 

​“​Wowwwww​!​ ​That​’​s​ ​impressive​!​” 

​“​You​ ​know,​ ​I​ ​think​ ​dear​ ​Singh​ ​here​ ​finally​ ​has​ ​got​ ​himself​ ​a​ ​rival.​ ​That​ ​Nuea​ ​sure​ ​reminds​ ​me​ ​of​ ​Singh​ ​collecting​ ​the​ ​notches​ ​on​ ​his​ ​bedpost​ ​when​ ​we​ ​were​ ​first​ ​year.​ ​Ha,​ ​ha,​ ​ha​!​” 

​“​Yeah,​ ​definitely.​ ​Why​ ​don​’​t​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​bet​ ​whether​ ​Nuea​ ​would​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​collect​ ​enough​ ​notches​ ​on​ ​his​ ​bedpost​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​up​ ​to​ ​Singh​ ​or​ ​not?​” 

​“​I​ ​say​ ​he​ ​can.​” 

​“​Me,​ ​too.​” 

​“​I​ ​say​ ​he​ ​can​’​t​!​ ​Don​’​t​ ​forget​ ​that​ ​Singh​ ​pretty​ ​much​ ​had​ ​almost​ ​all​ ​the​ ​pretty​ ​girls​ ​from​ ​the​ ​2nd​ ​to​ ​4th​ ​year​ ​already.​” 

​I​ ​began​ ​to​ ​knit​ ​my​ ​brows.​ ​How​ ​in​ ​the​ ​world​ ​had​ ​this​ ​been​ ​turned​ ​into​ ​my​ ​story? 

​“​Nonsense.​ ​I​ ​think​ ​I​ ​better​ ​head​ ​home.​”​ ​Now​ ​that​ ​I​ ​learned​ ​what​ ​I​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​know,​ ​there​ ​really​ ​was​ ​no​ ​point​ ​for​ ​me​ ​to​ ​stick​ ​around. 

​“​Come​ ​on​!​ ​Wait​ ​a​ ​bit​!​ ​We​’​re​ ​still​ ​having​ ​fun​!​” 

​“​Another​ ​bottle​ ​is​ ​on​ ​me.​ ​You​ ​guys​ ​enjoy​ ​yourselves.​”​ ​As​ ​a​ ​thank​ ​you,​ ​I​ ​continued​ ​this​ ​last​ ​part​ ​mentally. 

​ ​“​Hail,​ ​Sugar​ ​Daddy​!​ ​Thank​ ​you​ ​so​ ​much​!​ ​You​’​re​ ​so​ ​kind​ ​today.​ ​All​ ​right,​ ​guys,​ ​let​’​s​ ​go​ ​wild​!​!​”​ ​And​ ​I​ ​could​ ​not​ ​help​ ​but​ ​smile​ ​at​ ​their​ ​crazy​ ​antics. 

 

 

 

Translator​’​s​ ​Notes: 

 

Background​ ​information:​  

-​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The​ ​legal​ ​drinking​ ​age​ ​in​ ​Thailand​ ​is​ ​20,​ ​so​ ​it​ ​is​ ​rather​ ​common​ ​to​ ​see​ ​student-aged​ ​patrons​ ​having​ ​drinks.​  

Having​ ​pale,​ ​snowy​ ​skin​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​attractive​ ​in​ ​Thailand. 

​[1]​ Thai​ ​schools​ ​and​ ​universities​ ​have​ ​a​ ​system​ ​of​ ​upper​ ​and​ ​underclassmen,​ ​as​ ​Thai​ ​culture​ ​values​ ​seniority.​ ​In​ ​universities,​ ​students​ ​with​ ​the​ ​same​ ​ID​ ​endings​ ​from​ ​the​ ​same​ ​faculties​ ​will​ ​consider​ ​themselves​ ​the​ ​direct​ ​upper​ ​and​ ​underclassmen​ ​of​ ​one​ ​another​ ​(​and​ ​this​ ​support​ ​group​ ​can​ ​be​ ​traced​ ​back​ ​for​ ​years).​ ​They​ ​are​ ​supposed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​close​ ​to​ ​one​ ​another​ ​and​ ​the​ ​upperclassmen​ ​will​ ​traditionally​ ​help​ ​the​ ​underclassmen​ ​out​ ​with​ ​matters​ ​such​ ​as​ ​lending​ ​them​ ​their​ ​class​ ​notes​ ​from​ ​previous​ ​semesters​ ​or​ ​treating​ ​them​ ​to​ ​occasional​ ​meals. 

 

​[2]​ Singh,​ ​our​ ​protagonist,​ ​can​ ​be​ ​directly​ ​translated​ ​as​ ​“​lion,​”​ ​so​ ​any​ ​hunting​ ​and​ ​animalistic​ ​metaphors​ ​are​ ​a​ ​result​ ​of​ ​this​ ​name. 

 

​[3]​ Nuea ​can​ ​be​ ​directly​ ​translated​ ​as​ ​“​north​”​ ​(​thus​ ​his​ ​social​ ​name)​ ​or​ ​“​above.​” 

  

​[4]​ As​ ​Thai​ ​culture​ ​values​ ​seniority,​ ​people​ ​are​ ​often​ ​addressed​ ​based​ ​on​ ​their​ ​age​ ​difference​ ​from​ ​the​ ​speaker.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​not​ ​uncommon​ ​to​ ​call​ ​a​ ​complete​ ​stranger​ ​“​grandma​”​ ​if​ ​said​ ​stranger​ ​is​ ​an​ ​old​ ​woman.​ ​The​ ​“​Bro​”​ ​here​ ​is​ ​a​ ​term​ ​of​ ​respect​ ​paid​ ​to​ ​an​ ​older​ ​male,​ ​just​ ​old​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​be​ ​the​ ​speaker​’​s​ ​older​ ​brother. 

  

magemage