ATOATS [Prologue - 7]

Chapter 3

The next morning, the young patient, with dark rings around his eyes, walked down to the living room to meet his guest and someone who was uninvited. He found two men who looked polar opposite seating on a luxurious Baroque couch. The doctor-to-be who was in his shirt and trousers -- all preppy and true to his style -- smiled to his brother-from-another-mother who was yawning as he walked in.

"Didn't have enough sleep?"

"Hi, P'Tay."

Thien lifted his hand to greet the other man, not answering what had kept him up all night. He went to bed when the dawn almost broke after staying up to read Thorfun Charoenpol's tearful tragedy.

Then, the ashen face turned towards the other main in the room who was dressed in a Hip-hop costume with mouth and nose rings, looking like a savage.

"What brought you here, Tul?"

His racer friend gave a wide, mischievous grin.

"My damn car. A Hummer. Dad imported the latest series."

A pang shot through Thien's head. He dropped down on the couch next to Taychin.

"Don't fuck with me. It's still early. Why didn't you call me first?"

Tul glanced at the medical student and chuckled.

"If I didn't show up like this, I'd never find out that you've come out of the closet with a guy waiting to see you the moment you wake up."

Thien snapped. The slim figure sprang to his feet, lifting his leg as if to kick Tul's handsome, playful face. Taychin stopped him first.

"Come on, Thien. I don't mind."

"But I do! If I was gay, you'll be the first one who gets it in the ass, you punk!"

The young man shouted furiously at his friend.

'But I do...'

The vehemently defensive stance made Tul chuckled until his shoulders shook. Even if they had known each other since forever, he was just a friend from the racing gang. They stayed out of each other's business and this was the first time he ever set foot in Thien's house.

"Sorry, man."

Tul lifted his hands in a mock defeat because he didn't want to overwork his friend's new heart.

"I've got some free time so I just wanted to drop by. Looks like you already have a guest. So, I'll excuse myself."

"Wait!"

Thien called at the tall, muscular form that rose to his feet and was heading towards the front door. Tul turned around, cocking his eyebrow to ask 'what?'.

Thien rolled his eyes as if the cogs in his brain were turning.

"Can you wait for me outside?"

He turned toward the man who actually had an appointment with him.

"P'Tay... see..."

The almond eyes showed concerns.

"You want to go out with your friend, is that it?"

Taychin smiled lightly because he knew he was right.

"I don't mind. But please don't do anything that will make your mom strangle me later."

"We'll grab a bite."