Love Director [ENG]

Chapter 30: Important

[Heh, so what happened next?]

"Damn it, Phi Aphros. This isn't funny. At first, I thought Plerng would snap out of it quickly, but now it's Thursday, and he still hasn't talked to Phi Sin. Phi Sin's been waiting at the faculty, but Plerng keeps making excuses. The other day he said he had to go home to get something. Yesterday, he claimed he had to run an errand for Phra Phai. Today, he said he had to go see you. Phi Sin looked so sad when he left." Paint said.

[No, he's not making excuses.]

"Huh?"

[He's at my house crying until he falls asleep.]

As the sky darkened and the lights illuminated the ground, Paint had just finished showering when he noticed a missed call. When he called back, Phi Aphros immediately asked if Plerng had any problems. Paint explained what he knew, only to find out that his friend was indeed at Aphros' house.

"He didn't go back to his room?"

Paint had heard Plerng's excuses every day, but he hadn't realized his friend was serious. Despite Plerng coming to class every day with red eyes, Paint knew Plerng was usually the type to confront issues head-on. If Plerng wanted something, he'd act on it. If he was upset, he'd say it. He never kept things bottled up. It seemed Paint had underestimated the severity of the situation.

Crying himself to sleep? That's serious.

[No, I came home late today and found Plerng asleep on the sofa. I tried waking him up, but he didn't stir. There was a strong smell of alcohol. I just carried him up to bed and then called you to find out what's going on.]

"He was drunk?"

[Seems like it.]

Phi Aphros didn't elaborate, but having been friends with Plerng for years, Paint knew better. Despite Plerng's cute and playful demeanor, he could hold his liquor better than anyone in their year. He could outdrink the film studies students. But then, the iron-livered Plerng passed out drunk.

"Should I come over to check on him?" Paint asked, glancing at the clock, ready to change clothes even though it was already 11 PM.

He knew how much Plerng and Andrea worried about him during New Year's, and he cared about them just as much.

[No need, I'll take care of him. Despite what you might think, I've been changing these kids' diapers since they were little. One drunk nephew is no problem.]

Paint knew his phi had raised Plerng, but he couldn't quite picture Phi Aphros, who was too lazy even to load the washing machine, changing diapers. But maybe... it was cute.

[You're thinking something weird, aren't you?]

"No."

[You went quiet. You think I wouldn't know? Want me to change your diaper too, Paint?]

"Phi Aphros!" Paint's eyes widened, but the person on the other end ignored his outburst.

[I can't guarantee you won't end up messier, though.]

Why did Pain have an image of himself covered in...?

[Heh, quiet again.]

Paint was at a loss for words. He'd spent so much time with Plerng and never had thoughts like this. He usually kept Plerng in check, but Phi Aphros' comments sparked something in his mind. Especially after seeing his phi wrapped in just a towel, he couldn't help but wonder how warm his phi's body would be without any clothes. Damn it, why was he feeling hot all over?