Archive of Our Own

They’re a ragtag group of mischief, is how people perceived them– then again, how could they not– Tan was in their group. But once you get to know them better, you’d understand that they’re not just friends. They’re a family. They’ve been through thick and thin together, they call each other parent’s mom and dad, they’ve shared clothing more than they share secrets.

Some would think Peem was the one with the brain cell in their tight knit group of friendship, but apparently it was Chain holding the voice of reason. Peem has his brain cell only when he’s not in a vindictive mood, which is, well, quite unpredictable.

The one who would reign them all back into their common sense with a whine and a disappointed face. It worked like a charm almost everytime– Tan would cease his bickering, Q would back down from whatever he was doing, Peem would deflate, and Pun would just pout.

They worked well together. Somehow they found their own part to play in their tight knit group, even when no one expects anything. After all, they’re friends first.

Tan was obviously the glue of the group as much as he’s the jokester. He’s always coming up with strange shit to do and weird stuff to say which causes them to laugh loudly together. He’s not afraid of Q’s silent anger or Chain’s scolding, he’s not weak to Pun’s wide eyes and insane ramblings. One thing he’d back down from would be Peem’s extremely mean kick. Most of all, he makes sure that everyone is keeping up and present.

Pun would be the dearest one out of all of them, he’s got that innocent smile that makes all grandmas pinch his cheeks. He looks trustful when he’s just an idiot like the rest of them. And at the same time he can commandeer all of them when he’s having enough clarity to spout some sense instead of some silly nonsensical words. Between all of them, the one with the clear leadership quality would be Pun. Tan may claim it’s him– but he’ll keel over and listen to Pun because the moment he makes sense- then that’s when you listen to him.

Q, on the other hand, Q was his oldest friend. He’s known Q far longer than his other friends. They’re two peas in a pod. They’ve shared paint brushes as much as they share tooth brushes during impromptu sleepovers. When you look at Q, you might see a grumpy surly man, but truthfully he’s their unmovable rock. He’s definitive to a point he can be offensive in his views, but Q had never been afraid to speak up and slap you back to reality.

And Peem? Peem himself is happy to be surrounded by all of them.

He found them separately, and suddenly they’re all together. Tan kept them close, Q reminded them of their goals, Chain stopped them from doing the stupidest shit and Pun kept their minds open.

He loves his friends dearly, and Peem doesn’t know what he’ll do without them.

–

He likes to observe them quietly– sometimes, when he decides to shut his own mouth and laugh instead.

So for a fact, he knows that Tan is downright bad for someone when he stopped pestering girls and boys left and right during their first year at Uni. It was astounding how Tan can spend hours yapping during their so called celebratory night without bailing to flirt with god knows who.

“You’re chipper.” Peem remarked, sipping from his drink quietly. Pun was already wasted and lying half on top of him, his hands slung across Peem’s body and his face was pushed up on his neck. He stinks like beer, and Peem is used to it by now that he barely crinkles his nose.

Q, on the other hand, was plastered on the table, he’s done with his entertaining duties in the bar, and had drank like a fish, while Chain stared back and forth between the two of them, the only other person who’s sober enough to catch the undertone of the somewhat interrogation.

“How can I not be?” Tan exclaimed happily, “All my friends are hereeeee!” He grins as he slides on the table with a dreamy look, leaning his head sideways.

Ah. This asshole is really in love with some unlucky guy or girl.

Peem shares a knowing glance with Chain, who grins back and patted Tan’s shoulder, shaking the engineering major who seemed stuck in his dreamy stupor. Tan hasn’t even drank that much.

“I’m happy… mhmmm very happy.”

Yeah right, there’s no way Tan isn’t in love with someone. If he wasn’t, he would be chasing other bar patrons where Q will threaten to tie him down to a chair. So. He’s certain that Chain has caught on to the implications, because Chain wiggled his eyebrow at Peem, who grins back.

“Well? Who is it?” Chain asked.

“Dunno who.” Peem answers, shrugging lightly, careful not to awaken the sleep deprived and gone Political science major draped on his shoulder.

“Damn. Could’ve had some blackmail material.” Chain said with resignation. The conversation floats around in deaf ears since 2 of their group have passed out and Tan is still grinning stupidly while probably imagining romantic scenarios with his secret crush or whatever.

After that night, Peem and Chain didn’t talk about the mysterious crush anymore. They’re too laid back to pester Tan, and it’s not like Tan is behaving out of the box, so it was majorly forgotten. And also–

Because Chain is somehow behaving strangely too. Not just him, Pun too. Perhaps it was a long time coming, but Peem thinks it was somehow hard to swallow the fact that his best friends are in love with each other.

How. Fucking. Lucky.

He’s mostly filled with envy because that is the most convenient type of love– even if he himself cannot imagine a reality where he might be in love with either Tan, Q, Chain or Pun. He loves them all dearly, yes, but not so much as he wants to kiss them. Peem shudders at the imaginary image in his head. Yuck.

The signs starts small– because in a way, Chain will always have your back, but when he has Pun’s back, he’s awfully gentle and considerate about it.

And when’s Chain is stressed, it’s always Pun who’s by his side first, as if the man had grown a Chain specific radar.

“How did you know he failed his test?” An eleventh grader Phuwin had asked Pun– they shared the same classes, while Chain was in a different class on his own.

Pun looked contemplative for a while, before answering matter of factly. “How can i not know– he hates foreign languages!” He shrugs easily with a grin, as he dragged Phuwin to the cafeteria to grab some snacks for Chain.

Young Peem thought that Pun had awesome deduction skills, but then Pun could not– for the life of him, figure out why Tan was mad at him when Pun ate more than half of Tan’s ice cream. Which almost ended up in a fist fight. So apparently it was just his Chain specific radar going off in his system.

He didn’t even realize that it was probably love between the two of them, because Chain was always dating girls, and Pun had only dated a few times but it never ended well. The two would cry about it to each other and laugh about it the next day. Which is a crazy concept itself.

Peem could not get it around his head how can one love someone else so sincerely, that it doesn’t even seem to bother them to see each other with someone else— or perhaps his friends are just dumb. They don’t know they are– well, in love with each other. They’re just that stupid. Even if Peem thinks it was obvious that Pun and Chain cares deeply about each other.

But knowing his friends, it was probably the latter. Too dumb to realize their own simmering and quiet romance.

“Even if your eyes are wide open, it doesn't mean you can see the most obvious things in front of you.” Peem mused, staring at how Chain catered to all of Pun’s whiny needs while they ate in a traditional food stall.

That silenced the group while Peem stares forward absentmindedly, sighing as he played with his food, blatant to the worried look shared between the four of his friends.

“Okay. The fuck are you on about?” Q narrowed his eyes, his chopsticks half raised in front of him, his noodles slipping into the bowl.

“Ah… he’s changed major to philosophy.” Tan said sagely. “What an astounding change! Congrats Q! You’re now officially the only artist in the group!”

“Shut up.” Peem said, rolling his eyes at the two menaces beside him, completely oblivious to the romantic scenery between their friends which is happening right in front of them in real time.

“You spit as much shit as Pun does these days.” Q murmurs, shoving his gangly elbow to Peem’s stomach, who gave him a nasty side eye.

“Hey!” Pun argued back, erasing whatever lovey dovey stupor he has with Chain who was busy wiping Pun’s shirt because the man spilled his soup. “I gave more shit than you and Tan combined!”

“And that's a compliment for our dear Peem.” Tan said impishly, slinging an arm around Peem before addressing him. “You’re too lovely sometimes people think you’re not part of us.”

That caused Peem to snort– “There’s nothing lovely about me.” He jokes– because no. There really isn’t.

People don’t know Peem past his smile and his kindness, which is true and real and very him. He’s sincere about it. But at the same time, Peem was as much of an asshole as his friends were– perhaps even worse when he’s feeling awfully protective and vindictive. Which has now rarely happened. Funny how people put you in a pedestal and decide to delete your somewhat nasty side for their own sake. Peem’s not some game character.

“Exactly. It’s crazy how no one does not bat an eye when it comes to you being a menace like the lot of us.” Q says in a disbelieving note.

“But you’re definitely not as prone to terrorize someone for our sake compared to high school.” Pun added.

“Was I that terrifying?” Peem questioned, somewhat embarrassed at his high school self.

“The you in high school? obviously.” Chain agrees, “People fear and love you equally, have you seen your own side eye? The teachers fear you Peem.” He adds honestly.

“That’s not true.” Peem counters, “Our teachers adore me. But fear me? Probably not– other students Maybeeee, but for the stupidest reason ever–”

“You made someone cry because they stole my shoe!”

“They shouldn’t have stolen your shoe in the first place!” Peem snips, slamming his hand on the table. “I stand by my statement. The teachers should’ve punished them worse.”

The others just rolled their eyes at his statement.

“Doesn’t mean you can just make him cry with your long winding speech about how apathetic he was, and how the teachers are neglecting education through punishment– I swear you know when to hit and how to hit hard, Peem.” Chain said evenly, giving him a judging look.

“But then, I apologized.” Peem smiled sweetly at Chain who raised his hands, ceasing to argue.

Tan clapped his hands, “Fellas, look at this face, this is why people adore you even with your slightly feral attitude.”

“He’s like a mean cat.” Q mumbles. “I get why your dad called you Cat.” This time, Peem elbowed his bestest friend in the ribs, causing the other to choke on his noodles.

“That– that face is the one causing us trouble. Especially since Uni you’ve mellowed down your mean side.” Chain supplied, Pun nodded seriously along with him.

“I don’t get it.” Peem says instead , scrunching his brows.

“And you don’t need to get it, my dear friend.” Tan said, slinging his hand tightly around Peem and pulling him, “It’s just that sometimes this–” He gestured at Peem’s whole everything, and pinching his cheeks. “Is a beacon for trouble. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? Good god, man, please wear your hair down sometimes, won’t ya?” Tan jokes.

Peem rolled his eyes– he does not get the context, but then again his dearest beloved friends do love to spout some bullshit.

After that derailed conversation, Peem decides he’s the one who noticed whatever was brewing between Chain and Pun– not much contemplating because he always gets sidetracked because of his own friends. The point is, he notices things about his dearest, beloved, shittiest friends.

But what Chain had said was alao true, he mellowed out is protective streak when it comes to his friends, he’s nit as prone to anger anymore, not as much as highschool. The hormones were going haywire to be honest. But so has his friends.

Tan was still boisterous and impulsive, but he’s a touch more sentimental and somber. Chain still speak senses to the them as if he was preaching, but he lost the worried furrow in his brow— more relaxed. Pun, obviously, still speaks nonsense, but he rarely second guesses himself when making a decision. They’ve grown. But nothing really changes.

And as for Q, sure he’s still Peem’s favorite grumpy, surly artist ever. He’s not change, but he’s grown… sweeter.

With Q, it was easy to see how he was in love, and how it slowly softens his surly persona, not by much, but enough for Peem to notice.

Peem does not say anything, he does not talk about it, because Q will never admit to anything unless Peem presses him hard enough— and he’s not going to put Q in spot like that. So he observed silently. But truly, it shows how Q loves to draw flowers more. It’s an adorable trait of his that Peem never quite got over making fun of. They’re art styles truly differ from each other.

Q with his sharp edge and deep meaning, the intricacies bleeding into one harmonious image that still screams abstract, yet easily pleasing and stimulating at the same time. While Peem prefers to show his art without any hidden implications, he connects his feelings to nature and how life could mirror the ever changing weather, it was raw and harsh and awfully true. Truly they’re two sides of the same coin.

So when Q begins painting in lighter colours with shapes that show vaguely of bouquets and petals, that was when Peem figures that oh– the girls and boys Q had dated were nothing compared to whomever is residing in Q’s mind and heart.

He smiles behind Q’s shoulder– his best friend not at all aware of what Peem had discovered with his kind eyes.

“What are you smiling at.” Q points out.

Well– he’s not that unaware, apparently.

“Just admiring your slightly different approach.” Peem says sincerely, because it was true. He had always admired his best friend’s art since they were young. He’s familiar with Q’s style and color picks. They have totally different style.

Their classmates praised Q’s level of intricate detail that could measure up to their Professor’s standards, and Peem would just beam proudly at his friend, one hundred percent agreeing with his class mates that– yes, Q is awesome.

“Aha, I get what you’re saying Peem.” Fai said enthusiastically from Q’s other side. They grin at each other before eyeing Q's art work once again.

“It’s so… touching.” Peem hummed, noting the gentle strokes of brush, “And… fresh.” He ads, admiring the bright and citrusy color choice. Very summer like and bright. It was vibrant. It was blooming, with hunts of white that seemed to carry an air of innocence.

“It’s like being fond.” He whispered, the words escaping his mouth before he noticed.

He notes that Q’s ears are burning red. The man drummed his fingers repeatedly on his thigh, for once stopping to paint as if he was caught red handed. Fai was oblivious about all of it, still fawning over Q’s immaculate technique. But Peem notes the redness in his best friend’s neck.

He also noticed Q’s eyes shifting between him and the painting. Instinctively, because Tan’s bad habit had brushed off on him, but also because Peem’s a menace, he pulled Q’s ear until the other nearly fell off his chair.

“You little shit!”

They chase each other around the art room with bright laughter.

He’s glad that his friends are happy and comfortable enough to feel a certain type of endearment. To feel so fond of someone. To enjoy life with romance. He’s never felt that way before— never really had the desire to.

Love feels sacred and distant. He used to wonder how his parents fell in love. It was bewitching and intoxicating in a way, with how precious it was. Peem had never felt that way. He doubt people feel that way about him too. It seemed to much of a risk to fall in to a feeling so deeply for one person without being certain of its ending.

His friends has the courage to feel that way, and it was exhilarating enough for Peem, he feels with them and for them.

It was nice. And it was enough.

–

Peem was the kindest person on earth. He was godsent. He was a gift, he’s their beating and bleeding heart who has no hesitation to help others even if it costs him. He was theirs– as much as they were his. W will always be thankful for Peem.

After all, Peem founded them.

Q had been the first. A borrowed paint brush became a pat in the back, and next thing they know they were joined at the hip. There’s nothing momentous or grand about their chance meeting– but Q does know when Peem had smiled at him despite his harsh look and words, he knew Peem was going to be an important person in his life.

People might think he may be in love with Peem, but Q’s certain he isn’t. Perhaps he had been for a moment at a first glance.

Nothing beats Peem’s smiles. Ever. And Q will beat the ever living shit out of someone who erases that smile.

The next one had been Tan, who surprisingly– made a fucking pass on Peem who was kind enough to give him a handkerchief after Tan lost fighting god know who. Peem had snorted at the other, and smiled back. Told him he was a funny guy. Then Tan sticks around, before he knows it, they’re always together during lunch.

Somehow, Tan’s somewhat crush had swerved and developed into a full blown friendship since he begin to drag around Peem and Q along with him. And well because in a way Peem acquired two mean guard dogs who chased away any suspicious person who seemed to want to take advantage of Peem’s kindness and selflessness.

“You’re not trying to hit on him anymore, right?” Q asked out of the blue during their study date– well, no longer study date since Peem is passed out on the couch while the two of them are chopsticks deep into their instant noodle.

Tan snorts, not at all offended, “Nope. I love Peem– like i love you man, we’re cool” He shrugs, “Anyways, didn’t you see me scared the shit out of fucking Tiran? That guy is a freaking creep.”

Q shudders, “A real creep.”

The conversation was never brought up again– but between Q and Tan, they’re pretty much also keeping any potential suitors away, for Peem’s own good. The both of them are self-proclaimed playboys, so, well, takes on to know one.

Pun stumbled into their trio after Peem convinced him to wait out the rain in school because of course they all had forgotten their umbrella. Peem dragged a half soaked Pun into the art room, where Tan and Q had camped out to wait out the rain– no reason to risk getting sick because midterms are closing by.

“This is Pun.” Peem said easily, with a half smile, “Pun meet Tan and Q.” He gestured to both of them. “He’s trying to catch his death by going home in this storm without an umbrella or a raincoat. Clearly he’s an idiot– just like you guys.”

Pun waved at them, with a grin that may rival Peem’s, “Your friend is very convincing.” He had said. “He said that if I walked home during this light drizzle I might get sick, miss the midterms, and fail to become a politician.” he exclaimed.

Q shares a bewildered glance with Tan, and next Peem who seemed amused by their newest addition.

“It’s literally storming outside.” Tan said, for once dumbfounded.

Pun laughed and sat down, half wet and dripping, accepting a towel that Peem of course somehow managed to procure, “All obstacles will look small if you look at the bigger picture!”

“Yeah… the big picture is a storm that may end up causing a goddamn flood.” Q deadpans.

Pun grins and patted Q’s back, “That’s the spirit!”

And after that their group gained another additional member who can match Tan’s crazed ramblings and ideas. Q thinks he might feel exhausted with how energetic his friends are, but then there’s Peem being the buffer to the crazed duo.

And finally– they meet Chain. Who– funny enough, is as much of a playboy as Q and Tan was.

Q was heartbroken when Jen did not even look his way, already chasing another man, and so Peem being their kindest friend decided to investigate out of his own curiosity about this other man.

“Meet Chain.” Peem grins, standing in front of the other three with one hand on his pocket, the other was on Chain’s shoulder. “This is the guy the girl you had been chasing with had fallen in love.” He said to Q.

“You’ll move on,” Chain said sagely, “Jen’s kind and everything– but really, she just needed a friend. And I was there for her. Nothing more developed, but she seems to believe in herself more.”

“What the fuck.” Tan whispered. “What the fuck is happening— where dis you find him?”.

Peem smiles at Tan.

Q blinked, unsure and preplexed— he’s nit going to hit Chain out if jealousy, since his crush wasn’t even that deep, but yeah, how the hell did Peem found this guy. “O… kay.”

“Wow, is that a quote from a movie?” Pun exclaims instead with excitement.

Chain furrowed his brow, “No. It’s not.”

“It definitely was!”

And because Pun was one hundred percent certain it was a quote from a movie, all five of them ended up watching some old rom com to satisfy their curiosity. Chain had insisted it wasn’t – it was his own conjured wise words. The two of them argued until they’re red in the face and Q was bawling with laughter at how ridiculous the situation was. Tan was absorbed in the movie and once in a while hitting their arguing friend with a pillow. While Peem passed out, so full with snacks.

That was how the five of them meet all through out high school, and their bond solidifies with each encounter and each sleepover. They still fight sometimes, and they still have each other’s backs.

That was also how Peem gained 4 trained guard dogs instead of one.

Q had been adamant to make sure the others see how people may try to take advantage of Peem. So he might’ve instigated their protectiveness— sue him, Peem was his first friend.

“I don’t think he’s ever dated.” Q said after one of their drunken nights— Peem is safely in the bathroom while the others gathered in his room.

“I don’t think he should date anyone unless it’s a fucking angel.” Tan murmured.

“He won’t be dating anyone until he dies, then.” Pun summaries.

Q and Tan shared a grin.

Chain pinched his nose, “Knock it off you two, one of these days he’s going to fall in love. He’s in uni. We all are. We just gotta make sure he does not fall in love with some asshole.”

“Aw Chain, you always know what to say!” Pun grins, hugging him tightly, swaying back and for since he’s still very much intoxicated.

“That’s everyone— everyone’s an asshole.” Tan pointed out drunkenly with a sight.

“Who knows— it’s Peem. Maybe he can will the shitty behavior of someone with his kindness.” Chain mused, patting Pun’s head whos’s draped all over him.

Q snorts, “It’s be funny if Peem falls for someone he got off on the wrong foot with.” They laughed at how ridiculous and impossible the situation would be.

Famous last words.

–

Change is a thing that all must encounter.

Moving to Bangkok was a change. Going to Uni was a change. Falling in love. Dating. Having new friends. They’re all changes in life.

One thing that doesn’t change, would be Tan, Q, Pun and Chain chasing away any men or women who dared get close enough to Peem.

See, here’s the thing. Peem may be the most vindictive one out of the group, he’s protective of them, and will not hesitate to cut his own skin to keep them happy and safe. He bailed class to tend Tan’s wounds after his fights– he’s always the one cleaning their scraps and bruises after any fight or falls. He kicked a guy for making fun of Pun. He berated a girl who spread lies about Chain. And he always stood up for Q.

He kind and mean like that, he’s aware if someone’s up to no good– but only when it concerns his friends. When it comes to Peem himself, it was as if he'd been blindfolded.

It got worse during Uni, because Tan’s got eyes and Peem was attractive— especially since he’s lost some of his prone to anger behavior.

Well, unless you counted the soccer field incidents where Peem introduces Phum to a whole new level of pain and pettiness. Yikes. Tan flinched at the thought.

So, they made sure there’s always someone staying with Peem during their night out because Peem always accepts drinks from strangers. During art class Q will be the one sitting next to him, and now they’re roping Fai into their schemes.

Chain is on outdoor painting duties, and Pun finds time to walk Peem between classes.

They are protective like that.

When Kluen shows signs of attraction– warning signs are blaring inside Tan’s brain. Thankfully, the other three seemed to catch up on Kluen’s definitely not so friendly smile. Guy’s simpering over Peem like a damned peacock. Ever the leader and bold one when things matter, Pun was clear and bold about it, not missing a beat when he questioned their newest so called friend with a smile that was mean enough, regarding his intentions to join the camp.

And Kluen in retaliation had been bold about it either, he didn’t shy away, he states his intentions that yeah, he’s hitting on Peem.

No– nope, nuh-uh. Not this strange guy who’s first encounter was hitting Peem in the back of his head. Intentionally or not, he hurt Peem— even if Peem has forgiven him, Tan definitely, had not. Not in his life will he get a chance to even smile at his best friend. Nope—

Tan was getting agitated about it, the fucking smug smile–

“You okay?” Fang’s sweet, sweet voice was like a cooling balm, bringing Tan back to reality and dampening the urge to lunge and stab Kluen’s smug face with a fork.

“Yep, yes, of course my baby, my beautiful perfect babe. With you by my side? all is heaven.” He smiles sweetly at his concerned lover, who was looking at him with a curious look.

He’s thankful there was no follow up after Kluen’s bold declaration. Peem seemed awkward about it— almost put out and somewhat uncomfortable , but not that uncomfortable that may cause Q to strangle Kluen. Chain still looked contemplative while Pun was straight on glaring with a smile.

The awkward tension was broken by Peem himself who chuckled— albeit awkwardly, while eating his spaghetti once again.

He can’t believe Kluen managed to pass their radar. Son of a bitch. He shares a glance with his friends and decided that with Peem’a disinterest— they don’t need to intervene too much as long as Kluen plays nice about it. Still, things never got this far, obviously it was somewhat uncomfortable for Peem.

Somehow after that—

Peem stuck together with Phum. Fucking Phum. The guy who nearly got his balls destroyed by their calm and zen artist, for good reason. Looking back, Tan should be the one who kicked Phum’s balls because he knew how much hard work Peem puts in his works.

But perhaps Peem is just quick to forgive as he was quick to anger.

Maybe Pun or Chain filled in the no Kluen situation to Phum, because wow, Peem was apparently quite close to Phum. He’s thankful that the two of them manage to look past their first encounter. What a bad way to start a friendship.

That was apparently a warning sign.

That Phum was smooth enough to pass through all of their radar.

—

It’s different from when Kluen had admitted his intention to go to their trip.

This time Phum had said it with confidence, about how he feels for Peem, and there was not an amount of discomfort or hesitation in Peem’s face, instead, Peem looked excited.

He seemed flustered— yes, in a good way, probably slightly embarrassed.

Chain stared, he himself feeling butterflies in his own stomach as he watched how pleased Peem was. His friend who never shown any interest, is blushing like some adorable rom com main character! Chain wants to cheer along wtih Peem. Then, he averted his eyes to Phum—

The fucker who managed to butter up their friend without any one of them noticing. He did not look scared or at all worried about any rejection. He seemed certain and sure— almost playful, almost as if this back and forth has been going on for quite some times.

Well damn.

Perhaps it has been going on longer than they have noticed. Peem can be secretive when he wants to be, and with their new level of business in Uni, things must’ve slipped away.

With the whole group being too focused on Q and Toey, Phum really did manage to cozy up to their friend, manage to cause Peem to feel things. New things. Tan seemed as astounded as he was, his expressions changing from disbelief, to annoyance, to anger and back to disbelief. He’s gaping like a fish.

Q seemed somewhat defeated as he stares at Phum, glancing once at Peem exasperatedly. Ah-ha. So perhaps this asshole had an inkling and decided to shut up about it. Chain’s going to beat his ass later.

Then stares at Pun— who has the audacity to wink at him. But clearly, judging from his startled and anticipating look, he’s just as surprised as Chain was. They all were. This was Phum, the rich engineering kid no one dares to mess with because he has a filthy rich background and a mean older brother, he’s fierce, quiet and distant. Phum who became their friend throguh mutual connections— albeit the sour first impression with Peem.

Phum who got kicked in the balls by Peem. Phum who manage to destroy Peem’s painting with one kick.

How in the hell…

Chain shakes his head. He wonders how hatred can translate into love, but then it’s Peem.

Well, as long as Peem’s happy about it. If he’s not then Chain’s can always stretch his leg and kick some dickbags.

—

“So— was it love at first kick?” Pun questioned straight to the point.

Peem snorts, “Who knows.”

Pun booed loudly, “Boo! You’re no fun Peeeeem! come on— don’t you ever ask him? What made him a goner? He’s so down bad for you it’s astounding.”

And that’s true, Pun was nit exaggerating. He’s being honest. They’re sprawled on the floor, Q, Tan and Chain are all on the bed above them, listening and watching with curiosity.

Peem, for once, looked sheepish. “I never asked.” “Really?” Chain piped in, surprised. “Yeah— I never… Well, maybe because I don’t know what to expect.” he said sincerely with a contemplative look.

“What fucking nonsense!” Q called out from the bed. He glanced over to where Peem and Pun are sprawled on the carpeted floor. “He can write a book about you, about how insane he is for you— might as well switch major into literature.”

“Bro is head over heels— obviously not as much as I love Fang—“ Tan cuts in, “But seriously, he’s that serious about you.”

“He’s going to spout some nonsense about how perfect his boyfriend is, and the worse thing he can say about you is probably how your friends are the most annoying people he’s ever known.” Chain added.

Peem buried his face in his hands, but there was no hiding the redness in his neck and ears.

“Shuuut up! You don’t know that! We’re new about this— I’ve never— He’s never—“ Peem stopped talking, fumbling in an adorable flustered mess.

Q seemed to give in and ruffled his friend’s hair, “Like Tan said, he’s that serious about you. We don’t know when and how exactly he’s fallen for you, but he agreed to all the shit we’re giving him if he makes you cry.”

“What.”

“Wait shit—“

“Q!!!!”

“Damn it Q!”

“Seriously man?!”

After a collective round of cussing and blaming each other—

Pun, Tan, Q, and Chain are somehow seated on the floor while Peem glared at them, standing with his arms crossed and hair askew.

“You guys gave the shovel talk to my boyfriend?””

Tan rolled his eyes, “Oh, now he’s confident about his boyfreind.

“I didn’t even gave your boyfriends shovel talks!” Peem raised his hands.

“Lies!” Pun cllaed pointing at Peem accusingly, “You threaten both me and Chain! In front of us, together! You gave us a shovel talk! Back me up here babe!”

Chain nodded, “That was awfully efficient of you, not gonna lie.” Chain shrugged. “But yeah, that was sort of uncalled for!”

“That’s because I love you both.” Peem said sweetly. Pun rolled his eyes, this man really.

“You’re a mean, mean man. Fang is scared of you!” Tan accused next.

Peem’s eye widened, “I never said anything bad or mean to him.”

“Yeah, but he’s scared of you for some reason.” Tan countered suspiciously.

“Must be your infamous donkey kicks, Peem.” Pun murmured, Peem flick’s his forehead playfully before pouting at Q.

“Q! Come on man, I said nothing to Toey, right?” Peem called out, his final straw.

“First of all, you’re crazy if you shovel talk Toey, kid’s an angel.” Pun cuts in.

Q raised both hands in a surrender gesture. “Pun’s damn right. And yes, Peem. You didn’t.” He nods, before glaring back full force, “But that doesn’t mean I won’t scare the living shit out of Phum! He’s made you upset already multiple times before you both started dating! Of course I got shits to give!”

Peem pinched the bridge of his nose, somewhat at loss and embarrassed and faltered at the same time. Q’s always there first hand to witness Peem’s sea of emotions, so obviously Q did gave the meanest shovel talks in history to a point where Phum actually gulped— but no need to tell Peem that.

“It’s just a precautionary action, Peem, come on. Out of all of us, you never dated, people get close to you without any pure intentions, can’t you see us getting a bit worried because Phum made moves without any of us noticing?” Chain said with honesty, grinning helplessly at the the artist.

“Caught us off guard.” Tan agreed. “He should thank Fang for existing.”

“To be fair, you were all busy with your own love stories. And that’s perfectly fine! You don’t need to act like some guard dogs.” Peem sighed. “Yeah buddy, sure, if you’re certain about it.” Tan said without an amount of sincerity. Peem glared at them, before continuing. “Sure we started of with bad terms—“

“Enemies terms, even.” Tan and whispered. “Craziest meet cute ever in my life.”

“Shut up Tan.”

“You had a fist fight with the so called love of your life.” Q deadpans.

“I just… I was worried you might scared him off, I know you have good intentions, and I will always be thankful, but Phum…”

Peem went silent— there’s a certain redness in his eyes where he mgiht burst out crying and if tomorrow Peem’s eyes are swoolen red then the four of them are getting their asses whipped by Peem’s beloved, protective boyfriend. God it sucks to have sucks that Peem’s got a perfect boyfriend they can’t haze a little.

So Pun burst into an incredulous laughter, “I don’t think anything can scare him off and away form you!”

That thankfully seemed to be the key to erase any trace of self doubt in Peem’s face.

“You really think so?” Peem asked— in a way still so innocent and new about this. He sounded small and unsure, that something deflates in Pun’s chest.

Because what Chain said was true. Peem never dated— was never attracted to anyone in a romantic way before. Perhaos it was somewhat a mistake to gatekeep their friend frim the realm of romance, but they can’t help but feel somewhat protective. It’s cliche— really, but Peem will always be their too kind friend.

“I don’t think so.” Pun shrugs, “I know it.”

Because Peem truly found a mirror to himself.

Phum was hard on himself when it comes love. Pun hadn’t known that much about Phum, but he heard in passing when he’s talking to Mick. How Ohum kept himself at a distance without any expectations to anyone. He strayed away from any person who shows him interest because everyone seemed to want something from him. He’s rich and handsome, and he’s got connections everywhere. No one truly has any pure intentions too, when it comes to Phum.

He guarded his heart solidly. Mick and Beer and Fang are the only ones who manage to break down those walls.

Sure, Phum grows on them, as much as they grew on him with each meeting, so that’s progress.

But meeting Peem changed that.

Perhaps it was love at first kick. The kick seemed to be a wake up call for Phum to wake up and act on his feelings. For Peem, Phum willingly gave the key to his heart— and also maybe key to his apartment.

They were good for each other.

“You’re good for each other.” Pun said with a smile, pulling Peem down into a hug.

“Group hug!”

They all fall into a pile of five human beings on Peem’s carpeted room. It feels like old times in Peem’s old bedroom in Chiang Mai— only now, they’ve grown in inches, and emotions. Pun feels warm, happy and content.

His hand reach Chain’s as the hug Peem in the middle who seemed to be torn from wheezing and crying, he shares a glance with his lover who smiles at him lovingly. Ah, here comes the butterflies.

“Our cat’s all grown up.” Tan huffed.

“Stop being sentimental.” Q cuts in shakily.

“Thank you.” Peem murmured somewhat wetly.

Pun hides a smile in Q’s shoulder.

“Doesn’t mean I’m not going to wring his neck if he hurts you.”

“Shut up babe.”