The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Getaway

Last night of the trip, Gun's crashing in Tay and New's bedroom.

"If your guy was here he'd still complain about how his shoes are drenched in sweat."

"And the leaves get into his hair."

"And the mud ruins his trousers."

"HA! Too true. That high-maintenance prick."

Tay and New snicker as they recall how Tay's forgetfulness led to a detour they had to take to a rice field the opposite direction to Tay's family house.

"I don't know ... he's quite laidback to me." Gun argues.

"Yeah, so long as he has access on clean food, unlimited warm water and aircon—he is."

"Take those away from him and he's just this whiny prick. Your guy's a thorough city guy—he just can't tolerate inconveniences."

"So I was right, huh? He's a complete nag!" Gun chuckles.

"Haha yeah, couldn't argue with that."

Out of sudden, Gun sighs. "Will you guys still talk to me even when he's no longer my guy?" He asks. "Now that I'm starting to feel comfortable with you, too."

"Of course! The gang isn't supposed to make me exclusive or anything." Tay answers readily.

"Yet the name's Famous Five." Gun sneers.

"It's 'Fraternal'! I don't know why everyone keeps on mistaking it as 'Famous'. Even 'Fabulous', geez, we're not that self-obsessed." Tay grumbles.

"Why, are you thinking of ending things with him?" New turns to Gun.

"I don't know ...."

"What's the matter, Nong Gun?"

"Let's just say, he's invading my space."

"You're invading everyone's space." New deadpans.

"I know, haha! But obsessive boyfriend is my pet peeve." Gun sulks. "I'm not a girl who needs to be protected 24/7. I love my independence."

"The way you talk about boyfriends in general—is it just me or does it sound like my pengyou's replaceable?"

Gun shrugs. "Don't blame me. He's the one rushing into relationship."

"But I'm curious though. Do you really think nothing of him?" Tay wonders. "Because you said yes eventually. And not in the least being subtle about your relationship."

Gun sports a soft smile. "I think the way he commands the room, with authority or with his silly behavior, is very sexy, I can listen to him all day. And he deals with my impulses so well everyday was amazing until one day he woke up and decided to become a possessive prick. Everything went wrong from then on. He questioned and got ticked off over the littlest thing. It's like he's lost all trust in me." Gun sighs. "Are we past our honeymoon phase? But it's only been two weeks!"

"Hmm." New mentally compares Gun's perspective with Off's. "Why do I get the feeling that he's just not feeling appreciated enough?"

"But what else should I do? I've introduced him to everyone—Nong Pim, Grandma, my fans, even my coworkers. I've tried to meet him at any chance I've got, I hardly had time for myself anymore. In a painfully short time, he's gone to my house, my mom's grave, my million dollar account's profile picture. And he had the audacity to accuse me of putting some distance between us? Why don't he just move in with me at this point!" Gun grumbles in frustration. "I admit, I lack initiative. Doesn't mean I can't say no to his propotitions, no? And as it turns out, I always choose to compromise, aren't I?"

New chuckles softly. "Now, now. If he can't see it by himself, you just have to make him, no? I say, have a sit-down with him, Nong Gun, and explain to him your concern. And in return, try understanding his point of view."

"Yeah, I think more than us, it's him who needs to hear how sexy you think he is." Tay shudders at his own words. "And I'd say he compromises plenty, too, heh. In the past he wouldn't indulge anyone at all." He snickers.

"Heh. More like he's a changed man, altogether. From indifferent, almost heartless, to possessive—talk about extreme."

Gun studies the two of them. "Honestly, I envy your friendship. It's good to have someone who's got your back even when you're not around. I'm busy most of the time and in this line of job, it's hard to tell who cares about me or just my reputation."

New wordlessly moves to hug Gun.

Tay follows suit, enveloping both in a hug. "That's so sad, Nong Gun. I promise we only care about your reputation."

The three laugh at Tay's silly joke.

"Can I invade your friendship? Even after five, ten years. Will we stay together like this?"

From his back, New looks ready to correct Gun, but Tay quickly gives him the eyes and cuts in, "Yes. Of course, Nong Gun. But first you need to mend things with Off. I'm not choosing sides, nuh-uh."

Gun beams. "Deal! I'm doing it right this second, watch." He opens his phone and begins typing in Off's chat room, of which he hasn't replied to a single chat Off sent since their break.

'Papii, let's meet after I get back from Chiang Mai.'

'I'll pick you up at the airport?' Off's answer comes in a heartbeat.

'Sure, be there at four p.m.!'

Tay takes a peek from behind Gun. "Hehe he's so whipped!"

New hits the back of his head. "Leave them alone, Te."

*

Off doesn't need to say anything. The longing in his eyes is loud enough to move Gun. He walks toward Gun in a daze, stopping just a few steps before the small guy. His eyes, pensive but hopeful, peers into Gun's, as if asking for permission to come close.

That's all it takes for Gun to give in. Breaking into a soft smile, he opens his arms and let Off buries him in an embrace. His whole body turns rigid before gradually easing to the touch.

From above Gun's head, Off sighs in relief. "Damn. I've missed you, Teacup."

"And I, you." Gun breaks off their embrace to look at Off. "Papii, let's talk."

"Okay." Off steals another hug before drawing back for real. "My place or yours? Or do you prefer some neutral—"

"Yours, please."

"Hey, Peng. Have you waited long?" Tay appears from behind Gun, New in tow.

"Not really. Need a lift?" Off offers, one arm pointedly lingers on Gun's shoulder.

"Nah, you guys have some impending talk to do. I'll just catch a taxi with New." Tay offers a sincere smile. "I'll be waiting for the good news, okay Nong Gun?"

New hits his back. "Don't pressure him, Te." Then he turns to Gun, promising, "Whatever it is that you decide, we'll support you."

Gun breaks into a grateful smile and pulls New into a hug. "My support system. What would I do without you?"

Tay watches Off's expression gets darker by the second and hurriedly interrupts, "Then, we're going! See you, guys!" He pulls New and leaves the two to themselves.