Behind the Scenes

SCENE FIVE: PRAN TALKS

Even though I just scolded him a few days ago, this shameless, nasty asshole still hasn't reflected on himself.

Peeking at the culprit, I heave a sigh. I place the cutter and bagasse down and speak in a low voice, trying to draw attention from the rascal on the couch. He's playing on his phone with the plush bunny in his embrace.

"Pat."

"Hmm?" he murmurs, still not looking up from the device in his hand.

"Pat."

"Hmmmm?"

"Napat!"

"Whoa!" Getting shouted at, he's startled and turns his panicked face to me. "Why did you shout? You startled me."

"How many times have I called you?"

"So hot-headed."

"My head's been cool for an hour already."

I frown and nod at the food and snack dishes that have been emptied for an hour. The guy who had the food left it like that until it's gotten crusty. I've seen them there for a while, and he's showed no sign of getting up to clean it. Now I had finally lost my patience.

"Get up and wash the dishes right now."

"I'll do it in a minute. Playing a game."

"Wash the dishes, then you can play the game."

"Let me deal with this one first. I'm so close to encountering the boss... Hey!"

"I'm confiscating it."

I used the chance when he was focusing on the screen and let his guard down to snatch his phone. The phone owner screams as I lock the screen.

"That's my new record, Pran!"

Pat kicks a fuss like a child but I don't care. I put the phone down beside me and continue building the model. The immature guy mumbles cuss words and sits near me.

"What the hell?" I glance at Pat and ask in a plain voice while he's staring at me.

"What are you doing?"

"Do I look like I'm washing the dishes?"

"No, there's no water and bubbles."

"Stay away. I'm working, not playing around."

"Can I help with the cutting?"

I narrow my eyes warily. What now? A lazy guy like him offers help? Did he eat something strange? I hope he didn't eat the food off the floor.

"Are you possessed?"

"Let me help. And you wash the dishes in exchange."

I sigh wearily, knowing Pat was up to something. He would never offer to do anything for free.

"You eat, you wash."

"You know I hate doing the dishes."

"You never like making anything clean."

"But I like your shower cream."

"Go to hell," I cut it short and the punk goes quiet. I can tell without looking up that Pat is plotting something. He won't give up so easily.

"Let me do the cutting for you. You've been doing it since the evening that your fingers got all red. Moreover, do you trust me enough to let me do the dishes? How can you know if I clean up the oily part and all the bubbles thoroughly? They're your dishes, you know. You have to use them."