(Nam Nuea - Past)
By the time I managed to drag myself to my apartment door, it was already past 11 PM. Every time it rains, I always get home late. The Lat Phrao area is famous for its terrible traffic, and a little rain just makes it even worse. As I was about to unlock my door, I suddenly thought of someone in the room next to mine. I changed my mind and walked over to knock on their door instead. A moment later, the door opened, and a young woman in her pajamas gave me a familiar, gentle smile.
"Not in bed yet?" I asked, glancing into the room.
"Not yet. I just finished marinating the pork. Nam-Non was being really fussy too. He only fell asleep less than an hour ago. I'm not sure if he's coming down with something."
"Did you take him to the doctor yet?"
I took the liberty of stepping into the room and walked straight to the crib next to the bed. I placed my hand on the forehead of the six-month-old baby.
"He doesn't feel warm," I said, turning to look at his mother, who had followed me and was standing nearby.
"He doesn't have a fever, that's why I haven't taken him to the doctor yet."
I looked at Noon and nodded in understanding.
"And whose umbrella is that? I've never seen it before. Is it new?" Noon asked, looking at the white umbrella I was holding.
"No, it's not mine. A customer at the shop lent it to me."
As I said that, the image of that playful-looking guy flashed into my mind. He was so kind that it felt a bit unusual.
"Whoa... you've only been working there for a week. Are you already that close with the customers?"
"Not at all. We just met today."
"Really? Then why did he lend you his umbrella? What is he using now?"
It seemed like Noon was wondering about the same things I was. It felt more like that man intentionally came out to find me rather than just bumping into me by chance. He even walked back to his condo in the rain; he must be soaking wet by now. I hope he doesn't get sick.
"I have no idea. I ran into him while I was waiting for the rain to stop in front of the shop. As soon as he saw me, he gave me his umbrella and just walked home in the rain."
"For real? Is he hitting on you? I think you're being flirted with, Phi Nam Nuea!" Noon laughed playfully.
"Hey, are you crazy, Noon? He's a guy. How could he be hitting on me?"
"A guy?" Noon looked surprised.
I nodded. "Yeah... a guy."
"There are plenty of guy-on-guy couples these days. By the way, is he rich? I bet customers who can afford coffee that expensive must be wealthy," Noon concluded on her own.
"I guess so. He has a condo on that street, so he must be rich."
"Then you should just let him flirt with you! You'd live a comfortable life and wouldn't have to work this hard every day." Noon's eyes sparkled as she spoke, but I jumped in surprise.
"Are you out of your mind, Noon?" I argued, even though I knew she was joking. "I'm a man, and I have no plans to change my preference."
"Shhh! You'll wake Nam-Non. I'm just kidding," Noon hushed me, but she didn't stop teasing. "People don't care about that stuff anymore these days."
"Not for me. It's better not to get involved with rich people. We live in different worlds. Anyway, same time tomorrow, okay?" I cut her off and changed the subject before this conversation went on forever.
"Okay. But... you got home late tonight, Nam Nuea. I can go out and sell by myself tomorrow so you can get some rest."
"It's okay, Noon. I'm used to it."
"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.
I nodded. Then I remembered something and asked, "Oh, has he called to harass you again?"
"He just hung up a moment ago," Noon's face instantly turned stressed.
"What are you going to do? I don't want you going back to that jerk again," I said firmly.
"I'm not going back to a low-life like him," Noon confirmed.
"Good."
"But I feel so bad. You have nothing to do with this, yet you're taking responsibility for everything. I feel so guilty. You've worked so hard for me already." Noon looked sad and guilty.
"Don't overthink it, Noon. If I don't help you, who will? Come on, let's not talk about this anymore. I'm going to take a shower and head to bed. See you at 5 AM."
Noon looked like she wanted to say more, but since I cut her off, she had to stop. "Okay."
I walked out of Noon's room and sighed. This was another problem that had been stressing me out for months. Noon was worried and felt guilty, but I didn't want her to feel that way at all.
---in the early moring---
"How many sticks would you like?"
"How much per stick?"
"Two for twenty, or five for forty-five baht."
"Oh, then I'll take two."
"Would you like some sticky rice too?"
"How much is it?"
"Ten baht"
"Okay, I'll take one."
Noon handed me the two grilled pork sticks. I put them in a plastic bag along with the sticky rice before handing them to the customer with a thankful smile.
"Thank you! Please come again."
The customer took the food, smiled, and walked away. The next customer stepped up immediately.
"Lots of customers today, Nam Nuea. Looks like we'll sell out fast," Noon turned to tell me, smiling with hope.
I gave a small smile and turned to talk to the three or four customers waiting in line, answering the same questions over and over again. Most of them were working professionals rushing to their offices, with a few students scattered here and there. The food Noon and I sold helped curb their morning hunger during the rush hour. It might not be a perfectly balanced meal, but it's definitely better than having nothing at all.
Ever since Noon moved into the room next to mine over three months ago, we've had to wake up and sell grilled pork at 5 AM every single day. Noon was abandoned by her husband even though they had just had a baby together. She came to me as a last resort, and I would have been heartless not to help her. After all, Noon is my younger sister, and her baby is my nephew. I let her rent the vacant room next to mine. At first, I thought about sending her back home, but I was afraid our parents would be upset, so I decided she should stay here for now.
She hadn't been home for over a year, claiming she was busy with school and activities during the semester breaks. In reality, she was pregnant and had dropped out. Not long after moving in with her husband, they broke up. That jerk already has a new girlfriend, leaving Noon alone with their baby. I truly despise how cold-hearted he is. If I ever see his face, I'm not sure I could stop myself from hurting him.
Since Noon hasn't finished her degree yet, she didn't know what kind of job she could get, especially since she has to care for a small child all day. I suggested she sell grilled pork in the morning. We came up with our own marinade recipe, invested in a large rice cooker for the sticky rice, and bought a food cart. That was enough to start making a living.
We didn't even have to look for customers because there were plenty right here in the apartment building. We could barely keep up with the demand. Bangkok is crowded; as long as the food doesn't taste terrible, someone will buy it. We make almost two thousand baht a day, and after expenses, we're left with a little over a thousand. Some days are better than others, but we sell out every day. Originally, Noon wanted to split the profit 50/50, but since she has a baby to care for, I only take thirty percent. Noon can't sell alone because she frequently has to run upstairs to check on the baby, so I stay by the cart to do most of the selling. Once the baby is a bit older, things should be more convenient.
We finished selling all the grilled pork around 9 AM. Usually, if there's anything left, Noon takes over while I head off to work. Even though my shift doesn't start until 11 AM, I always make sure to arrive early. I usually allow two hours for the commute. If the traffic is truly terrible, I'll give in and take the sky train just to make sure I get to the coffee shop by 10:30 AM.
As soon as the shop opened, customers started pouring in. Many of the people living around here are regulars, and I'm beginning to recognize quite a few of them. That fair-skinned guy was standing in line as usual, looking very sharp in his outfit. Seeing his face reminded me of his umbrella. I had gone out of my way to place it where I'd definitely see it, yet I still managed to forget it. I don't even know how I can be this forgetful.
When it was Typhoon's turn, the tall, slender guy tested me immediately.
"The usual, please."
If it were any other customer, I might not have remembered, but I knew exactly what Typhoon liked to order.
"I forgot to bring your umbrella," I said softly, not wanting the other customers to overhear.
"Give me a smile first."
Typhoon didn't seem to care about the forgotten umbrella at all. Instead, he just asked for a smile. I didn't know why he wanted one, so I gave him a confused smile—but that seemed to really please my "special" customer.
Typhoon pulled out his wallet to pay the amount I told him. Inside, there wasn't just money; there was also a business card. I took it and placed it near the cash register, then handed him his change and receipt.
As he reached out for the receipt, Typhoon suddenly pulled his hand back and covered his nose before sneezing softly. I narrowed my eyes, wondering if he had caught a cold from walking in the rain last night. However, since I was working, I couldn't ask too many personal questions, so I could only watch him with concern.
Typhoon sat at his usual corner, enjoying his coffee and his favorite French-style ham and cheese sandwich. I could hear him sneezing every now and then. Every time I looked over, he was always smiling at me. I couldn't help but think about what my sister had said—that this guy might be "hitting on" me. It was strange; he didn't look like he liked men at all. I wondered why he would be interested in another guy. After he left around noon, I didn't think about him again until I finished work.
Once I was on my usual bus home, I pulled out Typhoon's business card. I didn't care about the other details; I looked for his mobile number first. When I found it, I took out my phone, dialed the number on the card, and hit call. Typhoon picked up almost instantly.
(Hello, Typhoon speaking.)
"Hello, Khun Typhoon. This is Nam Nuea, from the coffee shop near your place."
(Oh,) Typhoon drew out the word. (I was wondering who it was. Too bad I was busy all day, so I didn't get a chance to stop by.)
"I see," I replied, a bit confused. I wasn't sure if he was saying I should have invited him over. But anyway, back to business. "I'm really sorry I forgot to return your umbrella. It completely slipped my mind."
(Don't worry about it. You can return it whenever you're ready.)
"Thanks," I hesitated for a second before asking, "Uh... Typhoon, are you feeling okay? I mean, are you sick?"
(Just a little cold. I went to the doctor already, and I'm feeling much better now.)
"I'm so sorry. It's my fault you caught a cold."
(It's not your fault at all, Nam Nuea. Don't overthink it. Oh, and from now on, you can just call me Typhoon. How old are you?)
"Oh... I'm twenty-four."
(I see. You're a year younger than me. Just call me Typhoon, I don't mind at all.)
"Okay, Khun Typhoon... I mean, Typhoon," I said, still feeling a bit shy about calling a customer so familiarly.
(Was work tough today? Did anyone give you a hard time?) Typhoon asked, his voice sounding genuinely concerned.
"No, but some of the others got a bit of it. It's just part of working in service, I guess."
(Hang in there, Nam Nuea. Don't quit on me yet. It would be terrible if I went to the shop and didn't see you there.)
"Why's that?" I asked, puzzled.
Typhoon sounded a bit flustered. (How should I put this... Anyway, which days do you have off?)
"Tomorrow."
(Oh, great! Do you have any plans for tomorrow?)
"Yes, but only in the morning. I sell grilled pork every morning," I told him honestly. I've never been ashamed to tell anyone about my side job.
(Wow... you're so hardworking.)
"I'm not rich like you, Typhoon. If I'm not hardworking, I won't have anything to eat." I still found myself adding "Khun" out of habit, but he didn't seem to mind.
(That's good. I like hardworking people like you.)
The phrase "I like hardworking people" made me pause for a second, but I let it slide for now. "Khun Typhoon, did you want me to do something for you tomorrow?"
(Don't call me 'Khun' anymore. Just 'Typhoon' is fine,) he said with a playful, firm tone. (It's nothing, really. I just wanted to talk to you.)
"About what?" I asked innocently. I couldn't imagine why someone like him would want to talk to me.
(I just want to get to know you. Is that okay?)
"Get to know me?" I asked, unsure.
(Yes. I want to know more about you,) Typhoon confirmed.
"Why? I'm just a regular guy with nothing special about me."
(Oh, there's plenty. Trust me.)
I frowned, my forehead wrinkling in confusion. "Hmm... okay. Then where should we meet?"
(Should I pick you up? We can figure out where to go later. I haven't thought of a place yet.)
"That's not a good idea. It's far, and the traffic is bad. Let's just meet near the coffee shop where I work."
(No, it's fine. I'll pick you up tomorrow. Is 11 AM okay?)
"The time is fine for me. I wake up at 4:30 every morning anyway. But I feel bad making you drive all the way here."
(I told you, don't worry about it. Let me pick you up. You're around Lat Phrao, right?) He actually remembered, even though I had only mentioned it once.
"Yes," I answered shortly. It seemed like he was determined to come get me no matter what, so I didn't know how to say no.
(I'll call you tomorrow for directions. This is your number, right? I'll save it.)
"Yes, this is it. Uh... Typhoon?"
(Yeah?)
"Can I ask you something directly?"
(Sure, go ahead. I'll answer if I can.)
Now that I was about to ask, I hesitated. After thinking it over, I changed my mind. "Actually... I'll wait until tomorrow to ask."
(Alright. I'll have my answer ready. Are you on your way home now?)
"Yes."
(Man... getting home this late every day and waking up so early. Aren't you exhausted?)
"I'm used to it." Talking to him was starting to feel more natural.
(Don't forget to take care of yourself. Working this hard all the time can ruin your health.)
"I don't have many choices. If I don't work, we'll starve. I have people to take care of."
(I see.)
"Are you at your condo now?" I asked back.
(Yeah, just got back a little while ago.)
"Oh, am I bothering your rest?"
(Not at all. I was actually hoping to talk to you. I've been waiting by the phone for a long time.)
"Waiting for my call?" I repeated, surprised. I couldn't understand why he'd be waiting for me.
(Of course. Why else would I give you my business card?)
"I guess that makes sense," I went quiet. The more we talked, the more I realized Noon might be right, and I didn't know how to handle it.
(You have a nice voice, Nam Nuea. I like listening to it.)
I found myself making a stunned face right there on the bus. In my whole life, no man had ever complimented me like that.
(Are you still not home yet?) Typhoon changed the subject when he noticed I was quiet again.
I was lost in thought for a moment before answering. "Oh... not yet. I just left a little while ago."
(Really? What time do you usually get home?)
"Around 11 PM. If I'm lucky and the traffic isn't too bad, maybe 10:30."
(That's pretty late. Don't you want to find a job that doesn't keep you out so late?)
"It's hard to find. I just started this job, so I have to stick with it for now. If something better comes along, I'll see."
(That's fair. Better than having no job at all.)
"Uh... I think I should let you go now. I don't want to take up any more of your time. Especially since you're not feeling well and might need to rest."
(I can keep talking. Don't feel bad. I thought you might want someone to talk to on your commute so you wouldn't feel lonely.)
Lonely? I wasn't sure if I was lonely. Maybe I was just so used to it that I didn't notice anymore.
"I'm used to it. I think you should get some sleep. I already feel bad enough for making you sick."
(Hey, don't overthink it. At least I survived! I'm fine. Anyway, I'll call you tomorrow, Nam Nuea.)
"Okay, Typhoon. Goodnight."
After hanging up, I sat there lost in thought. If anyone had seen my face right then, they would have seen a giant question mark plastered all over it. Who exactly is this guy? Does he want something from me? Or does Typhoon actually like me, just like Noon said? What if he tries to do something inappropriate to me tomorrow? Just the thought of it was terrifying.
But then again, I already gave him my word. It should be fine, right? Our builds aren't that different; I think I could hold my own and manage to escape if I had to.
Wait... why am I getting ahead of myself?
What if Typhoon really tells me tomorrow that he's hitting on me? How should I answer him? Even though, deep down, I've wanted someone in my life after being single for so long... but for heaven's sake! I'm still not ready for that "someone" I've been waiting for to be a man!!!