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Macau wants to be anywhere but here. The main family house may be much bigger than theirs, but it feels so constricting than anything else. Nothing here is funny aside from Cousin Khun and his three bodyguards, but the rest are just bad.
He sighs; today is the mandatory Theerapanyakul meeting where everyone needs to dress nice and play nice, like the doll that they are. Even Macau, who's not involved in the business, must show himself and act as the loving youngest child of the family. He longs for the same sense of liberation that his cousin Kim enjoys. This meeting takes an hour or two of pitting the heirs against each other. It's suffocating and disgusting.
With a fake confident smile, he arrived at the back of the house where he saw cousin Khun's fancy carps. They are happily swimming around the pond, so unrestricted and unbothered. A complete opposite of Macau's life. He picked up small stones and started throwing them on the pond, mindful not to hit any of them.
How lucky can a fish be compared to him?
Why does it feel like the fish is more important than him?
Why does the fish have so much freedom, and why does he not?
Macau is so lost in his thoughts that he fails to notice someone is already standing beside him. A guy, definitely a bodyguard, is observing him and gives him a genuine smile. He was stunned to see the smile because all he receives in this place is a fake obligatory nod or sneer.
"Looks like you are having a problem, nong." The man starts, sounding so curious. This guy is probably new because aside from Cousin Khun's bodyguards, no one approaches him here freely.
"That's none of your business." He answered and ignored the man. He continues throwing, and the guy observes, maybe making sure none will hit the fish.
"That's true, but you seem like my little brother's age and height. You can say it's just the big brother instinct on me that's kicking in." The guy replied nonchalantly that Macau was taken aback.
"You should be careful; the last time Khun Nu's fancy carps got hurt, he made someone wear a mermaid outfit and let them swim in the pool." The guy said, grimacing. Macau looks at him and chuckles at the image that pops up in his mind.
"So, how was swimming as a mermaid feel like?" He asks.
"Did I say it was me? It could be someone else." The guy replied, avoiding eye contact.
"Come on, Phi. Was it fun?" Macau prodded for fun.
"Why do little brothers always have to be so annoying? But of course, it's not! Do you even know how embarrassing that is?" The man said, and Macau giggled, imagine a man taller than him with a mermaid tail and accessories.
Cousin Khun is the most creative.
"Wow, I'm happy to make you laugh over my misery. My name's Porsche. And you are?" Porsche said.
"It's so funny to imagine. Mine is Macau." Macau replied, there's no need to be rude to a man who's been patient with him.
"Macau? As in the place? Like Khun Vegas' name?" Porsche asks. Just how new is he?
"He's my big brother," Macau said proudly.
"Oh, shit! You're like my youngest boss, and I didn't even know? I hope you don't mind my audacity Khun Macau." As Porsche responds with feigned politeness, Macau can't help but chuckle. Looks like someone is not really into their job.
"Porsche, I hope this doesn't offend you in any way. But you look like someone who does not fit into this world; why are you here?" Macau asks with great curiosity.
"None taken. Here for my little brother, for him to be fed, safe, and educated." Porsche replied proudly, without a hint of regret.
"You, big brothers, always like to take the hero roles and make a decision you didn't even know if your little brothers agreed." Macau rants. Porsche may not be Hia, but Macau already knows they are both self-sacrificing big brothers.
"Because even before the little brother comes into the world, the big brothers already swore to protect and love them at all costs, nong," Porsche replied.
"But, how about your little brother's feelings? Is he happy that you are sacrificing yourself for him? Did you even consider thinking of what would happen if something terrible happened to you? Then you left your little brother behind, all by himself!" Macau said, getting a little work up.
'cause I'm not happy, Hia.
You're not supposed to sacrifice for me, Hia
What will I do if you are no longer here, Hia?
"Oh, you, poor nong," Porsche said and hugged him. Macau didn't even resist, a little shaken from all of his thoughts. He was just worried about Hia, but Hia didn't even listen to him.
"My little baby, my little sun, my Porsché, I raised him since he was a three-year-old little baby, you know? He's been mine since our parents died. I'm both his big brother and his parent. My Chay may not be happy about my decision, my sacrifices, and how many times I turned down his offers to help, but that's what I must do to ensure he stays alive and happy. You may feel angry that big brothers don't seem to consider your opinion about this matter, but nong, we see the harshness of this world you did not. We don't want our little ones to see the same thing. It's our love for the little ones that make us do things; because we know that our little ones love us just the same. All Khun Vegas wants is to make sure you're happy. And big brothers are too stubborn to die early; we must see our little brothers be happy first." P'Porsche said, still hugging him.
"You're too chatty, Phi," Macau complained half-heartedly.
"You'll be surprised to learn how my little sun is ten times more chatty. And I believe you have a meeting to attend, nong. Now move, my little rock star." P'Porsche said, and Macau chuckled while following his guide.
Macau may not truly understand to what extent Hia will sacrifice for him, do for him, and cares for him, but after he speaks with P'Porsche, all his resentments and doubts fade away.
He goes back to the meeting hall, Hia eyeing him and P'Porsche curiously, and continues his act as the well-behaved youngest member of the family.
---
Macau usually avoids visiting the main family's house unless it's absolutely necessary. However, ever since meeting P'Porsche, he has begun accompanying Hia to family gatherings more frequently. Hia always needs to meet with Cousin Kinn, and P'Porsche is one of Cousin Kinn's bodyguards, which enables Macau to spend time with P'Porsche.
"Heh, aren't you a little hardworking today, my little rock star?" P'Porsche said as he entered the room that he was currently staying in. He's looking at the homework Macau decided to bring with him while placing the snack and drinks he brings.
"I have to submit these tomorrow and unfortunately, Hia couldn't find the time to help," said Macau, his eyes glowing as he gazed at the delicious Thai fried banana P'Porsche had made for him. His favorite!
"How about a snack break, and I'll help you after?" P'Porsche said.
"I don't mean to sound impolite, Phi. But can you help me?" Macau asks. Porsche lightly bumped his head and chuckled.
"I just look stupid, nong. But I'm knowledgeable about schoolwork, who will teach my little sun if I'm stupid? Right?" P'Porsche replied, well, that makes sense.
"If I get an A on this homework, then I'll never doubt you again, P'Porsche!" exclaimed Macau as he eagerly dug into his snacks. He was just joking, but P'Porsche seems confident in himself.
Instead of waiting for Hia or thinking about how he will fail the subject, Macau does it with P'Porsche. Phi explained the answer to him and added something his instructor left out. Macau may have learned more with P'Porsche than with his instructor.
When his papers were returned, Macau did a double-take at the A+ sign written on it. His instructor is more surprised than him and makes Macau answer some follow-up questions, which he aces with ease, all thanks to P'Porsche lectures. He happily shows it to Hia and P'Porsche, and they say that they are proud of him.
---
"You're too cuddly, Phi," Macau grumbles as he is embraced by Porsche.
Today, Macau is back again at the compound, but he's disappointed not to see P'Porsche, because it's his day off. Luckily, Cousin Khun's smiley bodyguard takes pity on him and brings him to the quarter he shares with P'Porsche.
"My little sun loves cuddles, my little rock star," P'Porsche replied sleepily.
When Macau entered the room, he tried to wake up the other and invite him to play games. P'Porsche takes one look at him, then drags him to bed and starts cuddling.
"What seventeen-year-old likes cuddles, P'Porsche?" Macau asks, no longer protesting.
"Chay does! You don't?" P'Porsche answered.
"Hia didn't like too much physical touch," Macau said. He feels, than hears, P'Porsche chuckling at his answer.
"Do you miss him, Phi?" Macau asks.
"I miss him so much. This is the longest period I haven't seen him." P'Porsche replied as he hugged Macau tighter.
"Why can't you go home and spend the day off with him? He probably misses you so badly," Macau said. Earlier, he thought Phi would go home for his day off, and his visit was wasted, but Phi's roommate brought him here.
"I can't. I can't leave the compound like that, I'm still a newbie. I also don't want to put him in danger, you know, working here is not the safest." P'Porsche replied.
"Tell me something about him. Phi?" Macau inquires.
P'Porsche started his super long story about the baby he raised, who's now living on his own in their house. Macau recently discovered that he and P'Porsche's younger brother go to the same school. Although he is only a month older, P'Porsche's younger brother is a bright and well-mannered child who never fails to bring him joy.
Macau is content that after their talk P'Porsche seems lighter. Looks like talking about his little brother made Phi happier. Once Phi is done getting ready, he and Macau spend the day playing around.
---
Macau did some investigation, today's Monday, and he's asking his classmate about someone named Porsché
"Are you serious, Dude? He's literally one of the top students we have!"
"He's amazing! He's almost perfect, but he's a shy kid."
"Good kid too. The nicest one here, even the bullies didn't even bother him."
"Rumors had it that his big brother is a taekwondo champion, that's why no one bothers him."
"As he said, he's a shy kid but when someone approaches him to ask for help, he's more than willing to lend a hand."
"Happy but a little bit introverted too. He may have only one friend."
That's the answer Macau gathers. So, P'Porsche is not lying about his little brother. Well, Macau is too busy in his world to even bother knowing anyone aside from his classmates. You can't blame him for not knowing an amazing student named Porsché Pichaya Kittisawat.
Now, Macau is on a mission. According to his investigation, Porsché is at the school library from 3:15 pm to 5:00 pm. Macau's a good investigator, maybe he should ask Cousin Kim to take him as his assistant. Anyway, he wants to see P'Porsche kids for his mission to be completed.
"Excuse me, can I sit here?" He started the moment he spotted Porsché. The other eyed him and all the vacant seats around them, then nodded.
"Sorry to disturb you, but my classmate said that I can ask you for help with my studies. Like tutoring, I can pay don't worry. I wonder if you have time? I'm Macau Theerapanyakul." Macau asks. Well, that's half true.
"Um, but I'm not that great. You might get disappointed. I'm Porsché, but you can call me Chay." Chay reply. Did P'Porsche get all the confidence?
"Nonsense. Everyone recommended you the moment I ask." Another half true.
"If you want, then we can give it a try. I have rules when it comes to my tutoring." Chay answer.
"It's a deal then! Let me see the rules and we can start now!" Macau responded.
Starting that day, Macau spends all his afternoon with Chay for their tutoring session. If P'Porsche is good, Chay is great. And Phi is not lying about Chay being ten times more chatty than him, the moment they found a common ground, Chay started talking his ears off.
Initially, he spends time with Chay solely for the sake of his mission. However, as time goes on, he realizes how much he is genuinely enjoying his company during their tutoring sessions, and he eagerly looks forward to their next interaction.
As per their tutoring contract, when Macau's papers were returned with an A, A+, or B+ grades, which shows how much he has improved, he sent the payment to Chay. The others tried telling him that he didn't need to pay or what, but since they have a contract, Macau wins.
Their interaction didn't stop there, he made sure to be friends with Chay even outside the school premises.
He may or may not also tell Chay that he looks familiar, like his big cousin's new bodyguard named Porsche. Chay immediately asked him hundreds of questions which Macau answer happily. He may or may not also tell Chay that P'Porsche's job is tight in security which didn't allow P'Porsche to have a chance to go home and check on him. Chay is sad about that, but he's happy to know that his Hia is not in danger and is doing okay.
Now, going back to his mission. It's now time to complete phase two.
Today is another P'Porsche day off, but Macau will visit him later, he needs to meet someone first.
"Hi, P'Kinn. Can we talk?" Macau asks. He and Cousin Kinn, P'Kinn, become close through P'Porsche influence. But that's a story for another time.
"Sure thing, nong. What is it?" P'Kinn asks, putting down his tablet and having all his attention on Macau. That. That's sweet. To show that he's more important than work.
"Can you lend me, P'Porsche? Like for a day only." He pleads. P'Kinn raises his eyebrows at him and contemplates.
"Didn't your brother already ask for Porsche last time? You too?" P'Kinn inquires.
"Well, it's about P'Porsche and his little brother, Chay." Macau tried again.
"Little rockstar, we will not be able to enter an agreement if you are reluctant to tell me everything," P'Kinn said. Uh, that nickname again, P'Porsche should stop calling him that and P'Kinn should stop copying him.
Macau explains what he's been up to lately and his mission. P'Kinn listens patiently. And ends up amused by Macau's antics.
"Okay, fine. I'll lend him to you. Good luck with your mission." P'Kinn finally agreed. Macau excitedly hugs and waves him goodbye.
"Hi, P'Pete! Oh, you're not going to join me and P'Porsche today?" Macau asks when he spotted the others leaving their quarters. Like P'Kinn, he also becomes too close to P'Pete through P'Porsche's influence. But never thought he'll call three people in his house Phi. Anyway, that's also a story for another time.
"I can't, nong. I'm on duty today." P'Pete answered, ruffling Macau's hair.
"Oh, I visit on your day off then!" Macau responds as he hugs his P'Pete.
They parted ways after some joking. P'Pete is nice, if he has a brother-in-law he wishes it would be him. P'Porsche is already his brother-in-law through P'Kinn's.
Now, for the third and final phase of his mission. Take P'Porsche with him!
"Rise and Shine, P'Porsche!" He shouted while opening the curtains in the room to let the lights in.
"Hey! Where's my cuddle? And why are you so late today?" P'Porsche complained.
"Today's not your day off! P'Kinn just agreed that you'll be my bodyguard for today. Now, move. I need to see my friend and I can't leave all by myself!" Macau explains happily.
"What the? You're getting rid of my day off now? Where's the entitlement coming from?" P'Porsche said, he tried to sound mad, but he was smiling suspiciously at Macau while moving to prepare.
"The entitlement comes from being your nong. Please move faster, Phi. I can't have him waiting for too long." Macau said.
"Easy. Just give me a moment." P'Porsche replied.
After some time, Macau and P'Porsche are on their way and he asks Chay to go. It's a little near the Kittisawat houses and far from both the main and minor family compounds. What's funny is P'Porsche not even getting suspicious of the pathway they are in.
When they arrive he asks P'Porsche to sit with him while he waits for his friend. P'Porsche argues that as a bodyguard he should stand at the side, but Macau wins the discussion.
"Are you on a date, my little rock star?" P'Porsche asks playfully.
"Ew, Phi. I still like to live -"
"Hia?!?"
Macau didn't finish his sentence as a very excited Chay comes near them. Chay jumps and hugs P'Porsche tightly while sniffling. Macau smiles as he concludes his mission success.
Macau, P'Porsche, and Chay enjoy the whole day together. They eat around, go to the amusement park, laze around the house, talk, and laugh. The happiness P'Porsche and Chay show is all worth the planning Macau did.
P'Porsche is an unexpected big brother he got and Chay is a best friend he never knew he needed.
Macau returns to Hia in a happy mood. Spending time with the Kittisawat made me a little sentimental and there was just an urge to also spend time and bond with Hia.