The Gamer and his awkward boy (English Translation)

6

Co-translator : babibubego

6. Confidently
When was the last time Thee installed the alarm

It must have been long enough for this lazy man. For a man in his twenties whose job is to play games, he doesn't want to be bothered by the noise, so he doesn't need an alarm clock to be part of his life. He just wants to eat and sleep.

But for today Thee woke up early because Saturday morning is the day he promised to go to P'Tap's place to do renovations. Everyone will help each other to do renovations without paying repairmen.

Because P’Tap’s child will be born in a few months, so Thee agreed to help him to buy expensive paint from his own saving to paint the walls to make it look nice and comfortable. Laem helped move the computer table since last night so that it piled up like a tower. As for Jack, he should have helped, but he was late, for him better late than not coming at all.

Thee really like dressing up. He was often punished for being pretentious during his life, but it wasn't his fault if he felt handsome, he only received what God gave. If someone says that Thr33Gamer is narcissistic, they are just jealous. Because if they find out because his handsomeness can make half the world lost.

Damn this handsome guys is really dangerous

He doesn’t take a long shower today like every day. Thee just wear a T-shirt, shorts and old sneakers ready to mess up all kind of color. The tall young man stop in front of the dressing table, pick up a hat and put it on. His eyes saw a red cheeked yellow pig doll.

The long leg stepped forward, stopping in front of a computer desk, which was the only spot that was clean when looking the entire room. The young man looked at the unbranded doll stupidity. An unknown doll that even a children knows is a cheap doll that is only used to challenge people to play the game, including him.

Thee were very good at playing games, but it was the result of his training not because of talent. He practiced more than anyone else until he could make guides for the others. Meanwhile, playing basketball and the game of claw dolls is something he cannot do well, this is because he has never really practiced for a long period playing those games.

He took the first photo of the doll he got without uploading it to Instagram as usual, because he wanted to keep it in a place where only he could see it. Maybe for others it is an ordinary achievement, but for someone like him it is one of his extraordinary achievements.

Derya MK12 : P’Thee, I arrive at Chatuchak. Actually Soh can take the bus to P'Tap's shop, so P'Thee doesn't get tired of having to pick up Soh. Soh also has a map, so Soh won't get lost.

The first doll is especially from that naïve boy.

Thee took a taxi to pick up Nong. It took him about an hour and a half due to traffic jams in Bangkok, where the population in Bangkok has reached about eight hundred million people and today Thee will take bus number 29 after a long time, because Nong said

‘Taking a taxi is expensive to P'Thee's destination, could cost nearly two hundred baht, and Soh didn't want to split the fare, better take the bus.’

That kid knows it

They arrived at P’Tap’s shop at nine o’clock. The wall side restaurant is open like you haven’t seen for long time because there are three people helping to move the desk to the middle.

“Why are you so slow?! Bastard!” a close friend threw an apron and Thee accepted it with one hand.

“P’Jack said this is the first time that he wakes up early in the morning. Oh!Oh! But who is this?” Laem smile and pointed to Soh who was smiling lightly and give wai.

“This is Nong De.”

“I saw P’Tap guess it right.” Laem clapped his hand once and almost fell because of being hit by P'Thee.

“When did you tell me about it?”

“I speak in my heart.”

“I want to see it, bring it here.” P'Tap stood up and looked at Soh from head to toe. Like he was watching his karma and suddenly returned to the restaurant as if he had seen a ghost who died from stomach ache after eating too much.

P'Tap returns in a brightly colored lace apron and makes eye contact with Soh, then throws the apron at him which he accepts very awkwardly, “That was worn by Nong De …”

“The apron I bought to paint is gone, that's all that's left. It was my wife's sister's cooking apron. You have to wear it. You are like out from Bang Rachan Era. Don't blame me, if you say you're coming I will definitely prepare it for you.”

“It’s okay, P’. Because I'm here to ...” He looks at his apron then looks around looking for help from people “Does anyone want to exchange?”

“That’s no, no.” Thee covered Soh's mouth while shaking his head. After he let go of his hand, the boy made a sad looking face as he still looking at his apron. Soh immediately covered his face after realizing that P'Thee was holding his phone.

“Camera man!” Soh lowered his apron a little and his screaming sound was heard throughout the shop. To the point that P'Laem gasped and made his hair dyed brown.

“Shia! The son of the full moon! My head is not Creep*.”
*Creep is a MOBA (two team game) monster. Win by beating the other party’s house until it breaks.

“Son of the full moon?” Soh raise his eyebrows suspiciously. P'Tap and P'Laem who heard him burst out laughing. Even Jack, who never opened the mic and spoke in the game, closed his mouth when he met P'Thee's eyes. What is the full moon?

“My name is mother Wan.”

“You can’t understand my friend.” Jack thought he said it because his friends were a little crazy.

“Oh your mother’s name is Wan. I understand now.” He said flatly.

“Funny? Put it on! Go!” Thee put his apron on Soh chest before putting brightly colored lace apron into himself then throw jokes to his friend.

“He…King Kong made up a girl.” <- Ai’ Laem.

“My eyes definitely blind!” <- Ai’Jack.

“I can’t let my wife wearing that apron anymore.” <- P’Tap.

“So cute P’Thee. Wanna take a picture? Wait Soh will help to take it.” The young man looked at the caretaker without saying anything. The teaser actually felt embarrassed, but he didn’t want to make Nong uncomfortable, because this was the first time Nong met the team. But Nong had made jokes with them.

“So cute, why don’t you wear it yourself?” Soh always teased P’Thee, but Soh laughed and smiled until his eyes closed made P’Thee contented.

“Soh didn’t want to be cute here, but P’Thee is so cute, your fan will love it.”

“A handsome like me, will always looks good in anything. I know it!” He covered himself with narcissism and put on the apron. While Soh trying to put his apron alone, trying to tie the rope by himself. P’Thee looks to Soh and help him with the rope.

“More romantic than you, P’.” Laem whispered to P’Tap who can’t take his eyes off from them.

“Are jealous, my wife?”

“Ugh!” That bastrard’s face, stroking his arms hard with a sentence that he often blows out on live for the audience to scream, he didn't know if this was acceptable.

Seeing the team's attitude, the person who invited Soh to join the team felt he had to take responsibility for looking after Soh, so he couldn't let his teammates keep teased him.

“Are we still going?” P’Jack is the only one who brings everyone back to the main issue today.

P’Thee turned around and turned to look at Soh, “Tie a rope for P’.”

“Tie for P’Thee.”

The boy who was called raised his eyebrows and looked at the one person standing behind him. He smiled as he plays amid the spike sound. “Did Soh tie it too tight?”

“If it’s Nong De, you have to use the word interpreter.”

“Taken back up….” If Soh don't mind, Thee wish Nong De was happier than seeing the ugly faces of the older brothers today.

“It’s ten years too early.” P’Thee raised his eyebrows and walked over to get the brush, roller, paint can, and gloves before talking to P’Tap. Probably in less the minute he will come back with his equipment.

“Are we going to paint the same parts?”

“Yes, the third one has been given the first primer. It took two more times to give the actual color.” Laem headed to the wall in the corner of the shop and put old newspapers under it. “You can't mess with the tape that's attached to it, right?”

“Yes, I will paint it slowly.” Soh looked at his gloves and dipped the roller, and begin to smear white on the wall. Before leaving, Laem makes sure Soh can do it without needing his help.

“P ', you ...” Laem approached Thee. He took glance at Soh from behind before pulling Thee to another wall. “How is the story?”

“What about the story?”

“Well, so when did you make him take off his mask? I guess it's hard.” Pointed out the opposite hand so cheeky. “Tell me.”

“No, I just pull it off accidently.”

“Shit! It’s hell so broken, P’!” He thought it would take some effort. “Then, is he mad?”

“Of course, I didn’t miss it.” Thee nodded.

“I am okay.” Laem shook his head before they turn to look at the new boy’s work which a bit above expectation, because this was his first time, but he still give it try to it. “How do you persuade him?”

“I have a method.”

“P’ listens to me.” Pointed out his hand on Thee’s board shoulders, “You can’t force everyone in this world, that’s true that you are very kind, but it’s only work for women. The kid is even looking more nervous.”

“I’m not forcing him. Believe me, just ask him.” They meet each other’s eyes, when Soh turned around, Laem hurried painted the walls as if nothing happen.

“If it was me, I would report you to the police to arrest you, search your room.”

“But I don’t have any malicious intent. Okay I was wrong, I won't do it again, are you satisfied?”

“Well, I'll let you go this time.” Laem peeked at Soh and watched him from time to time, “Now about skin ship.”

“What else? You're getting too involved, Laem!”

“Is he not too young? Ever since he came to see this and share the same technology.”

“Why are men can’t be together?”

“You must be close first, my friend. The more you force it and announce it in the middle of a live, the more embarrassed it will be. It’s feels like a dog that died because its neck was cut.”

“But that child didn’t die.”

“Oh damn you!” He massaged his forehead and left P'Thee who was annoyed and likes to think a little. Laem doubted if P'Thee always did skin ship, but that's not the reason it anyone.

*****

Painting takes several hours to complete. For the relationship between teammates and new boy is quite good, Soh did not remain silent when being asked and joined in teammate’s jokes, the atmosphere was quite pleasant.

In the evening, P'Tap orders pork to eat and invites them to eat together. He also ordered beer to thank the kids who helped him paint the shop. It is normal for a child like Soh not to drink.

They chat about the strategies they will use when competing, and Soh participates in planning. Whether it’s deceiving the opposite team’s killer or a way to help a friend at the moment the killer has to make decisions in a short time.

Thee are so amazed by the idea that Soh had, even he never thought about it. He did not sense any awkwardness in his team to fill the hole at “Pooy Brothers”. The boy describes Jack's character in a humble and inconspicuous voice.

After a while, Laem stand up and announce that he will be re-shafting DotA2 and turn serious about the game for a big goal.

“The ices run out.”

“Soh will go out to buy it. P sat quietly and ate.” The four brothers looked at Nong De affectionately with his willingness to help his P, because they didn't seem to want to be disturbed.

“Love me, Nong De!” Laem make a heart shape with his hand.

“Seven Eleven is not very far. Go out and turn right then just going straight.”

“Okay, just wait, Soh will buy it first.” He stood and grabs his bag to take out his purse. But P’Thee held his hand even though he had not taken step yet.

“Don’t go alone. Do you want get robbed in the middle of road?”

“Are there many thieves around here?” Soh look scared. Soh look at the road, when the sky is dark, the atmosphere is different from day time.

“I’ll go too.” Said P’Thee. Laem poked P’Tap elbow. Even he’s closet to P’Thee, but his P never so worried about him.

“It’s okay P’Thee, you don’t have to walk with me.”

“Are you not afraid?” ask P’Thee and meet Soh’s eyes as if he wanted to read his mind, and Soh shook his head in response.

“Yes, I’m afraid. Cruel people.”

“Oh easy, you just have to grow quickly.” P’Thee scratching Nong De’s chin, then he brushed P’Thee’s hand off.

“Okay….Owhhh!” They both turned to the sound of a man who had not finished speaking, shouted mysteriously.

“Are you okay, Jack?”

“There are ants! I've asked my friend to bring some insecticide, watch Jack get bitten here.”

“…” Jack looked at Laem with anger, after he squeezing his arm. Make Thee and Soh looks confuse.

“If you want anything else, just give me a call.”

“Oh hurry up and go back. So we can eat again.” P’Tap brushing his hand, then when he saw the two of them walked out and disappeared into darkness, he slapped the marble table loudly.

“What is it?” they were asked and laughing. The young man with half face race lifted his hair before facing his senior who rudely spilled questions on him.

“Why you lending him a car, Jack? Let’s just walk and chat.”

“And riding a motorcycle to talk to each other is it bad?”

“After running whether to extend the time? I am tired. I'll go back to the dorm.” Laem shook the big man, “P did it.”

“However, that ...”

“I know why you can't compete to the end.” Laem looked at the two seniors in turn.

“What do you think?” Jack turned the roast pork over quietly before looking at his watch. “I know you don't like Bella, but don't make matters more complicated, the two of them are dating.”

“Oh so that man has a plan?” P'Tap whose brain was sluggish could only receive information.

“Now our society is more open, LGBT you know.”

“Then?” Jack frowned. “Although Bella often makes dramas on Facebook, she's not stupid, she does it because P'Thee doesn't pay attention to her.”

“P’Thee tried to pay attention, but it was never enough. Jack know that P’Bella wants P’Thee stop playing game.” For a long time the spikes will protect your wing, don’t worry, brother, I’ll help. “Why trying so hard? It’s exhausting.”

“For example, P'Tap promised to go on a diet, but when he saw his food, he couldn't stop eating.”

“This is a story P'Thee has chosen and he wants to live with.”

“Don’t you get mad at P’Bella?” Laem is heartbroken that the other party doesn't agree.

“I don't know Bella the way you know her. But if Ai'Thee really loves his girlfriend, as his friends we only can see him from distance?” Tubtap saw two of his juniors arguing about something uncertain, for him he didn't have any opinion because he had a wife and children he had to take care.

“And if someday P’Thee likes other people, let’s say…” Laem’s voice softened, he won’t stop until he is satisfied with the answer from Jack.

“I’ll have a large set of pork belly with liquor.”

My brother will going to do this.

*****

“Does P'Thee going to P'Tap’s café often?”

“About once or twice a week, would you like to come again?” Thee looked at the person walking next to him. This walk to Seven Eleven felt longer than before. But, Thee were very happy about it, so he could chat with Soh a little longer.

“I want to come, but my dorm is too far, it takes an hour and a half to arrive.” Thee laughed lightly as he put his hand into his pants pocket. Nong De wants to come again which is a good sign, Thee is very happy with the development even though this is the first time Nong De has met his teammates.

“If you have time for Saturday, just come. Playing in the cybercafé and playing at home is very different. You know it?”

“I know, I used to play with my friends when I was in 5th grade. But I was punished by my mother at that time, because my mom didn't like me playing to the cybercafé.” Thee turned to the little boy and thought that ‘playing games involving the family would be a difficult thing.’ So he paused to think.

“Me too.”

“Pardon?”

“My parents don't like me going to cybercafé either. You could say they are very anti-gaming.” They stare at each other with Soh's wide eyes.

“I believed in Nong, so I tell you about it.”

“So P'Thee too….”

Quiet

Soh saw the smile on P'Thee's face, it happened because he expressed the same thing. Soh scratched his neck while looking at the road. Let the silence around them for a while.

Soh felt awkward, but for a moment he felt that P'Thee was in a bad mood. It showed in his eyes, or was it just Soh's thoughts?

“My family opened two gold shops in Yaowarat. And they want me to continue their business after graduation. But I didn't want to do that, so I decided to continue my master's degree overseas a little longer to escape”

Thee is not a very open person, for example, even if you are close with this fierce man, he does not necessarily open up stories about his personal life, but for Soh, Thee couldn't understand why. Maybe because Soh is very talkative or because Soh is a trusting person.

Or because Thee believed that Soh would not betray him. He didn't want to wait too long to get close to Soh as he had planned in mind.

“When I returned to Thailand, my parents talked to me about the family business. At that time I said ‘Thee would become a rich E-Sport player, Thee hoped that father and mother would support Thee.’ At that time my father was angry, because he thought he should let me continue playing games all my life and said ‘why don't you stop being a kid?’ but did you know that times have changed, even if it doesn't change other people's views.” Thee shook his shoulders because he felt the shirt was tight, when he looked down, he saw Soh holding his shirt and looked at him with eyes that looked caring.

That this kid was worried.

“What's with your face? Do you pity me?”

“Soh doesn't feel sorry for P, but Soh is worried.” That Soh's voice is whispering. Thee laugh and put his hand over Soh's head before making eye contact with Soh to let him know he's okay.

“My angry dad told me, ‘if you want to go, just go, you disobedient child to parents.’ so I took my stuff out of the house. I went to England and wanted to prove that I would not starve even if I became an E-Sports athlete.”

“You will not starve, P’, Soh is confident if now the game world is very broad than before, for example, the league race in China, Soh sees a large hall with red carpet, some people get out of cool cars, fans waiting to shake hands. If there is a chance Soh wants to be a part of it, and hopes that one day Soh's parents will understand. Maybe it will take a long time, because the development of E-Sport in Thailand has not developed so much.” Soh repeat his words clumsy but consoling, as if he didn’t said right now, he would have shade blood turn tears as he recalled a fight at home.

“Of course, but we have to win in the league race in Thailand first. Then after that we can go to the league with foreigners.”

“We?” the younger man blinked his eyes, pointed to his self and the broad chest of other man. Thee smile and nodded.

“Yes, we will get there together.”

*****

“My part is very neat like a professional painter. Let the little ones who visit the store know that P'Thee made this. Do I have to leave my signature here?” At the end of the story, the walls are painted with a cat-style memento making the game at the cafe double.

“Annoying!” Laem look at the shameless man, Jack and Tubtap agree.

“Pay attention to me P'Tap.”

“Laem lift your feet.”

“Get down P!” Said the boy looking at the older person.

Laughter sounded from inside the cafe, the five of them pulled the tables and chairs to the same place and fix the cables before they returned home. Tubtap looked at the younger children and gave thumbs up. Meanwhile, Thee and Laem argue with each other unlike Soh and Jack who only hang up once and smile while admiring the shop.

“You think Jane would like it?”

“I like it, it doesn't matter like Thee's girlfriend.”

“Shut up.” said the tall man looking at the shorter boy. But when he talks about Bella, he opens his cell phone quickly and finds many offensive messages saying she doesn't care if Thee is with friends and doesn't expect to look for her again.

“There will be more drama on Facebook in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...”

“I think it will come to 20 baht.” When Jack pulled his wallet out of his pocket, he smiled at P'Tap to confirm it.

“I'll go home.”

“So you're coming back because your girlfriend is waiting, P'Thee?”

“I do not live together,” he said at the end looking at his teammates, “we will meet again later.”

“Good luck then.”

“You are the first, serve you right.” Thee pointed at Laem's head to blame the bastard and turned his head and invited Soh to go home together.

“P'Thee didn't answer your girlfriend's message? At least she would feel calmer.”

“Nothing will make her feel at ease, except if P apologized. P will talk again later when she feels calmer.”

“Oh okay.” Soh nodded slowly, worried to see P'Thee is not in good mood.

“What time is it now?”

“Now ...” Soh looked at the clock on his cellphone screen. “Twenty-six minutes before midnight.”

P'Thee nodded and walked to the end of the street, they both waited on the sidewalk waiting for the taxi to come. “P'Thee goes ahead, Soh will be waiting for the next taxi.” said Soh when a taxi stopped in front of them

“Up,” those eyes don't seem pushy, but it makes Soh go awry because she doesn't know what's on P'Thee's mind. But finally Soh still got into the taxi with P'Thee.

“Going towards Muang Ek, uncle.” Thee told the taxi driver. Then looked at the person sitting next to him who was busy opening messages

“Soh…”

For a person who always only heard Nong for his nickname, he was shocked when P'Thee called his real name. But why are his hands so sweaty.

Soh looked at P'Thee in the dark, he couldn't guess what P'Thee was thinking. Is it stressful because his girlfriend is upset? If he said ‘you were too annoying’ would that make she even angrier? Arm often says that drunken people are more honest about their feelings, for example sending messages to their girlfriends to hurt them.

Probably should have sat silently as usual. If P'Thee's feeling gets better it will go away on its own. But not so sure when returning to the condo, maybe taking a fresh shower can help relieve P'Thee's troubled feelings. Or maybe his girlfriend was waiting to talk to P'Thee, they were dating after all.

But…… I'm worried

“Are you going to sleep with me tonight?”