The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Deal

Later that night, when Tay's out to who-knows-where as usual ....

"What is it? What's the emergency? You're scaring me, P'New!" Gun breaks open their dorm room door, gesturing to his phone where New just messaged him a very short 'SOS'.

New turns away from his laptop, calm as cucumber. "Oh hey. Were you around? Sure got here fast."

"Yeah I was just finishing up with Kit. What is it?"

"So Te invited me to Chiang Mai last week."

Gun frowns. "And?" Not like it's New's first time there or anything.

"And uh, officially meet the big family."

"...Oh." Gun's face falls.

"Yeah." New nods solemnly. "Let's just say not everyone's taking the news well."

"P'New ...." Gun closes the distance and cradles New's head in his arms. "I'm so sorry. What can I do for you?"

"Well, you're kinda the unregistered child in Vihokrat family. I thought you'd know what you can do for me."

"Heh. Well, what's the matter?"

"His brother just keeps blowing up my phone and it starts to annoy me." New growls. "At this rate, I can't get anything done. Should I just block him? But then he'd turn to Te."

Gun pulls back. "So P'Tay doesn't know?"

"Nope, and I don't plan on telling him."

"I understand." Gun nods, knowing that's just putting Tay in an awkward position. And knowing Tay, he'd just blame himself and drown in unnecessary misery. "Have you tried answering the call?"

"Several times, yeah. Just to humor him. He'd just come up with nastier insults every time."

"Let me talk to him." Gun pulls out his phone and rings Tan. New gawks at his impulsiveness but says nothing. "Twin! You busy? Can we talk?"

'Ayeee Twin! Long time no speak. Why, what's the matter?'

"I'm gonna put you on loudspeaker, okay? I'm with P'New rn." Gun says calmly.

"P'New as in ... my brother's, urgh, 'boyfriend'?"

"Watch it. But yeah."

"...Okay?" The hesitation in Tan's voice bounces around the room. "I didn't know you know each other."

"We do. But first, I believe congratulations are in order. Have you picked the date for the wedding?"

"Twin! Not yet but thanks! Hey, you should definitely come if you can make time. You know, what with your busy schedule and all." Tan chuckles. "I'm sure Grandma Nart would love to see you again."

"I'll see what I can do, yeah?"

"Hey, congrats, man." New chirps in.

There's a pause before Tan answers. "...Yeah, thanks I guess."

"Hey, what's with the gloomy mood? Aren't you happy that your brother finally found his one?"

"I would, if P'Tay's the one for him, too." Tan snorts, easily taking the bait. "But, apparently, he doesn't even have the privilege."

"I told you, my parents are homophobics. Coming out is simply out of the question. They'll make me come home for sure. And stop seeing your brother altogether. Is that what you want? To rob your brother of his happiness?"

"At least he's acknowledged then. Even as a threat. Come on, what could possibly be worse than being denied of existence?"

"Why bother? Why ruin what we have now? We won't be together in the end anyway."

"Why bother getting into relationship then?"

"Because sometimes, that's the only way for two people to be together." Gun answers calmly, rendering Tan lost for words.

New sighs. "I understand that you feel like your brother's being treated unfairly—"

"Darn right he is! He's Vihokratana's golden boy, the polite, charming, bright, and beyond talented boy with a promising future, and his lover dates a girl to hide him? I'm sorry but you should admit that he could do better!"

New grimaces, not bothering to stand up for himself because all Tan said is nothing but facts. But Gun doesn't share the same thought.

"P'Tay's happy with him. Isn't that all that matters?"

"Someone else that treats him the way he deserves might make him happy all the same."

"Yet he dated no one until P'New."

"Who knows? He just haven't met them yet."

"Or he's made up his mind. Did you know that some nights, P'Tay has trouble sleeping?" Gun says abruptly.

"Huh?" Tan sounds surprised. "No ...."

New turns to Gun, trying to read the smaller guy. But Gun just waves at him, motioning that he got this, and keeps talking. "Did you know that P'Tay overthinks a lot, or that P'New's always been the anchor that holds him steady?"

Tan sighs in defeat. "No."

"Then, I'm sorry but you should admit that you have no right to judge a relationship you know nothing about."

"But, Twin ...! I'm just looking out for him, okay!"

"That's all? It's not your own ego speaking, or because P'New happens to be a dude?"

"Yes, I'm genuinely worried about P'Tay. He's too nice for his own good."

"Most of the time, yeah." Gun chuckles agreeing. "Then, let's make a deal."

"What deal?" Tan sounds defensive.

"We all have P'Tay's best interest at heart, so, video call your brother sometime. Ask about P'New. If his face doesn't light up, if his smile isn't blinding, then feel free to go back on harassing P'New. But if he looks genuinely content and in love, give me your word to leave them alone." Gun pauses, then adds, "You'll know it's rehearsed if P'Tay scolds you, because as per now, he still has no clue you've been on P'New's back."

"...Very well."

"K, then we'll be waiting for the good news! Bye Twin."

"Yeah, bye."

New makes sure the call has ended before turning to Gun. "Is it a good idea, though? To challenge him like that. I'm not trying to prove him wrong or anything. I'm just trying to earn his respect."

"You know when I first met P'Tay I thought how scary it must've been to be that transparent. I could read him like an open book without even trying. Me, who wears my expression like a shield. Later I found out it's his strong suit and his honesty is exactly what attracts people to him. Like we find comfort in that somehow." Gun smiles up to New. "Trust in P'Tay's sincerity, P'New. That's a trait so uncommonly used as a strength and yet he manages to pull it off. This time, too, let it win Tan's respect for you."

New chuckles, talking to himself. "Is it considered cheating if I say I love you?"

"Aww P'New I love you too!"