The Gossip of BL [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 46 : Let's Start!

The two men approached the walking street, and the sound of Chiang Mai's folk music became louder. Kan had been grumbling about going there since the afternoon, but after walking around Chiang Mai all day, exhaustion almost forced him to cancel his plans. Fortunately, P' Book mentioned returning to the hotel for a nap around 4 p.m. because he could not take the sun's heat any longer, so Kan could also rest.

When evening arrived, he was startled awake by the senior knocking to wake him up. Despite his groggy state, he got up immediately. He looked at the time and was surprised to see that it was already 6 p.m.; what he had expected to be a quick nap had turned into them oversleeping.

The two walked down the street until they reached the market entrance. Thai and foreign pedestrians crisscrossed in a dizzying crowd. Even though Kan had planned to stroll here, the sheer number of people on the walking street made him want to go back to his room and stay.

"Too many people," Kan complained mildly.

"It's normal."

"I did not expect so many. The flight we arrived on was also relatively empty."

"Do you think Chiang Mai has only one flight per day?"

Kan looked at Book with surprise after hearing the sarcastic remark. He admitted that, when he spoke, he did not consider the facts. But what Book said was absolutely correct. He was frequently perplexed by his own lack of reasoning.

"Are you still hungry?" Book inquired as they entered the walking street area.

"I am hungry, P'. But I am not sure what to eat."

"Why do we not take a walk around first? I believe we should get some snacks to eat while walking.

"Okay."

After reaching an agreement, the two headed straight to the food zone. The stalls were crowded with unfamiliar and unusual menu items, the majority of which were likely northern Thai dishes. However, neither Book nor Kan hesitated, particularly Kan, who stopped at nearly every stall, eager to try something new. Book did not mind, happily sampling with the younger one and even paying for the food at each stop.

A cool breeze blew through as they walked, accompanied by northern Thai music and conversation. The majority of the people appeared to be tourists, judging by their faces. If asked if he enjoyed walking down this street, he would say yes because he was able to sample a variety of delicious new foods. However, the atmosphere was less pleasant; the supposedly cool weather became hot and stuffy in the crowded area.

"Let's go back," Kan told Book, who was buying a fresh fruit shake after snacking on the way.

"Why?"

"It is hot, and I do not want to walk around anymore."

"Okay, let us get some fried mussels from that stall on the corner first and bring them back to the hotel in case we get hungry later."

"Okay, P'."

After his shake, Book led the grumpy younger one to the fried mussel stall and promptly ordered. Kan made no complaints about having to wait for a while.

It took them a long time to return to the hotel. After buying the mussels, they took a leisurely stroll back, stopping occasionally for Kan to take photos, which seemed to lift his spirits after being stuck in the cramped market earlier.

The late-night silence, combined with the constant cool breeze, provided a pleasant atmosphere for the two of them. As they photographed each other, a familiar sensation returned to both of their hearts. Kan realized he should not be doing it, but he could not stop himself. He tried hard to suppress his thoughts and feelings, but Book's cuteness made him powerless to resist. Book, for his part, could not bear his younger friend's alluring gaze.