We are [ENG]

Chapter 9: The Consultant

After I finally admitted to myself that I had developed a crush on that crazy tough guy to the point where I even asked to stay over at his place, we arrived at his room around 2 AM. I thought I'd pass out the moment I stepped into the elevator, and as soon as we reached his place, I was ready to crash. But of course, Phum had to assert his dominance as usual, forcing me to take a shower before bed.

I argued with everything I had, insisting that I'd just sleep on the couch and that it wouldn't bother him if I skipped the shower. But jackpot! It seemed like he was feeling generous, telling me I could sleep in his room instead.

His reason? He didn't want to run multiple air conditioners because it would waste electricity. He also claimed it was for saving energy and doing his part to help the planet. With that kind of reasoning, I felt like I couldn't really refuse. So, fine. I showered, put on the same pajamas I wore the night before, and got into bed.

The problem wasn't getting into bed; it was how to sleep. I laid there with my hand on my forehead, trying to calm down my heart, which was racing like crazy. What was I so excited about?

"Shorty." Phum's deep voice came from next to me.

No pillows between us either. But why would we need one? We're both guys, right?

"My name's Pheem."

"Shorty."

Clearly, my desire to be called by my actual name wasn't going to happen. Oh well, he's been calling me that my whole life. I guess he can continue.

"Yeah? What do you want?"

"I've been thinking. If you behave well, I might shorten the two months."

"No need."

"Huh?" He sounded like he turned to look at me, but I didn't dare face him.

What if I felt even more flustered? That wouldn't be safe for either of us. What am I even thinking?

"I'm a man of words. Two months means two months." I replied, even though a small voice inside my head whispered that I secretly wanted to stay near him.

That small whisper managed to overpower all the bad memories of what he'd done to me in the past and the things he'll likely continue doing for the next two months.

"Hmph. Fine. But remember, I gave you a chance. Don't come crying later."

"That day won't come. Now go to sleep. I'm tired."

"You dare give me orders?" Suddenly, Phum sat up and glared at me. The room was dark, but my eyes had adjusted, and I could see him clearly.

"What's your problem? Ugh, go to sleep! Ouch! What the hell? That hurt!"

He hit me square in the face with a pillow. Damn it, now I was starting to get angry. I sat up and smacked him back, aiming right at his head.

"Shorty!!! You want to challenge me, huh?"

"Yeah, I want to know what's so great about you that I should be afraid of." I shot back, ready for whatever came next.

And so, the great pillow fight began.

At first, I was at a disadvantage physically, but I made up for it with speed, managing to hit him twice in a row. Phum changed tactics and tried to smother me with the pillow, covering my face and cutting off my air supply.

Was he really trying to kill me? Of course, I fought back. Just because I'm smaller doesn't mean I can't put up a fight!

We tussled for a while, and soon enough, I was out of breath. Not surprising, given my lack of exercise.