We Are...Our Love Story - Novel Translation

Chapter 8.1: Loy Krathong

(T/N: Loy Krathong (Thai: ลอยกระทง) takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, typically in November. The festival is a time to pay homage to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and to express gratitude for the water resources that are essential to life and agriculture in Thailand. During Loy Krathong, people released decorated floating baskets, called "Krathong," onto rivers, canals, and lakes. These krathongs are usually made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. This symbolizes letting go of negative thoughts and bad luck, and it is believed to bring good fortune in the coming year. Loy Krathong celebrations often include cultural performances, traditional music and dances, fireworks, and feasting on delicious Thai cuisine.)

Coming back from Phum's place, I thought I'd get to enjoy a good sleep, but before my head even touched the pillow, my damn friend called as if he was on duty.

(On the full moon day of the 12th month, the water rages and floods the fields. All of us, men and women, even ladyboys and transgender, go to Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong~)

"What's wrong with you, Q?"

(Loy Krathong, today is Loy Krathong)

"So? What does it have to do with me? I'm not going"

(Okay, see you at 7 pm and come pick me up. I practiced guitar so my hands are swollen, can't drive. Wear a plaid shirt)

"Oi, hey Q..." I froze, confusingly staring at the phone for a few seconds. Did I not convey my message clearly or was the receiver drunk?

And just now, what did he say? I didn't understand anything, I only heard the last words like "pla-pla". Pla what? I couldn't understand his language deficiency, so I had to call him back.

(Wassub, girl?) Look at the way he answered with a slurred accent. Must have rolled his tongue a lot to do that.

"What girl you bastard. It's too late at 7 pm. The later the more we'll be stuck in traffic"

(C'mon girl, even if we go early we'll float krathong late anyway. Or do you want to go see the parade? Haha)

I heard the word "parade" and it gave me the creeps, because last year, I represented the university in the parade. Dressed up nicely and all, but then I was totally sandwiched between the girls, it was so embarrassing. It was that asshole Q who nominated me.

As for him, he went to show off his good looks and score points with the girls by singing.

"Uhh, fine, fine. Have you already told the others?"

(Of course, girl. Don't even need to ask, we always go together every year). Seeing us being weird and crazy like this, but we always celebrate the festivals together, you know? We always prioritize our friends first, even if they have a partner. Except for Valentine's Day, all of them disappear for 3 or 4 days, leaving me alone. Haizz, those damn jerks!!

"Alright, I'll pick you up soon"

(OK girl, remember the plaid shirt. Jub jub, see ya) Heck, so what he said earlier was a plaid shirt.

My friend, Q, has this chronic condition that can never be cured; that is making everyone in the group wear the same clothes. Normally, people only make group shirts when they're about to graduate or split up, right? But with Q, man, whenever he feels like it, he just goes ahead and makes them. I don't even have money to buy art supplies because I have to pay him for the shirt printing. Where do I find a plaid shirt?

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Q and I arrived at the university around 8 pm. The traffic wasn't too bad, but finding a parking spot was a nightmare; we should have taken the BTS train instead. But the real reason I was late was that I was waiting for Khun Chai Q to finish getting dressed. I don't know what 10+ steps routine he followed, but the scent of his cologne nearly knocked me out. Plus the plaid shirt hurt my eyes, it was purple-red.