We are...คือเรารักกัน (We are... we are in love)

Chapter 21: Happy New Year (Part 1)

*This chapter hasn't been proofread

Today is December 31st, the last day of 2010. Normally, I would celebrate New Year's with my family and relatives. But after my parents moved to Chiang Mai, they returned during the first year to celebrate with me in Bangkok. The second year, I brought my friends up north to celebrate in Chiang Mai.

The third year marked a separation due to distance: The father went one way, the mother went another, and the son end up drunk somewhere else. Last year, I counted down with four friends at Tan's house. But this year, I'm not with family, not partying with friends, and not going anywhere. Instead, I'm spending a special night at home with someone special.

I'm eagerly bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one with Phum—just the two of us.

Everyone gives importance to New Year's Day, organizes many activities, and celebrations. But when I'm with Phum, I realize that today is no different from any other day. Because every day with Phum is a special day for me.

"I'm hungry, Phum."

"Call and order something." Phum answered, but his mind must have gone out to help little Conan solve the case. He was more interested in Conan than me. His eyes are glued to the TV without blinking. Well, I wish little Conan would shoot an anesthetic needle right into your eyes and blind you.

"I'm too lazy to wait. I want to cook on my own. Come help me. I'm preparing a feast fit for an ancient Chinese emperor. Let's do this, hurry up!" Finally, I managed to drag him into the kitchen.

I don't want to brag, but I've learned how to cook. My teacher was Muek Paul (a distant relative of Khun Muek Daeng) Haha. Actually, Aunt Pui taught me. The menu that I made and succeeded in was... uh... instant noodles with eggs and morning glory. Simple yet satisfying!

[*Muek Paul — Paul the Octopus (หมึก/muek/ squid) is an octopus who gained worldwide attention for his uncanny ability to predict football match outcomes during the 2010 World Cup.
MomLuang Sirichalerm Svasti (nickname McDang (หมึกแด /Muek Daeng/), descended from the royal family, is a Thai food expert, chef, and writer.]

"Didn't you say you were going to cook the emperor's recipe? This is just instant noodles." Phum stood and shook my head since I started to unwrap the packet until the noodles were cooked. My brain must have been swollen by now.

"Just instant noodles, even you can do it. It's done. Bring some water." I put the pot on the low table in the living room. Phum carried chopsticks, spoons, and water bottles and sat down beside me. I'd like to eat straight from the pot because I was too lazy to wash dishes.

Phum, that rascal, he swiped all the pork and eggs for himself. So, I summoned my inner demon and sticked my head into the pot to reclaim my share. But he stubbornly sticked his head in just like me. That's how we ate it—our heads bumping against each other, competing from the first bite to the last. Yet, we both ended up satisfied.

After we finished eating, he and I went back to my room to play games and watch cartoons while waiting for the countdown.

"What time is it, Peem?"

Phum was sitting at the end of the bed playing a game while I sat leaning against the headboard playing with his iPhone 4. I heard him asking, but I didn't want to answer because I was busy wondering about something.

"Peem"

"..."

"Shorty!" Phum's voice became more intense, "Did you hear me? I'm asking what time it is."