Warnings: Implied MCD.
Kongpob leaves Arthit some voice messages.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“P’Arthit, you really need to change your voicemail greeting. Anyway, I’m guessing you’re in a meeting or something. I’m just getting off work right now, and I’m about to head to the market to buy dinner. Do you want anything specific? I was thinking that maybe if you’re up for it, we could go to that noodle shop you like. The one with the really good meatballs? We haven’t been there in a while. Right, well, call or text me when you get this. Or…maybe I should’ve just texted you. But I’m an exception, right? You won’t just ignore or delete my voicemails? I’m kidding. See you later, P’Arthit. Love you!”
Message recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“You’re really going to give people the wrong idea about you with that message. Please let me help you record a new one. Anyhow, I’ve just finished dinner, but you’ve probably gone to bed by now. I hope you’re at least taking the time to have a little fun on this business trip! You always did say you wanted to go to Seoul, you closeted koreaboo. Don’t think I haven’t heard you singing Into The New World in the shower when you think I’m not home yet. Don’t worry; you sound great, P’Arthit. You have a nice voice. I bet the food there is great. Bring me back some snacks, please? I think I deserve a reward for having to be away from you for a whole week. Other types of rewards are always welcome, too….you’ll probably have woken up by the time you hear this, so good morning, my love. I hope you have a great day ahead. Bye, now. Love you!”
Message recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“I—never mind. P’Arthit you need to come home. Like, right now. There is a monster in our kitchen. It’s enormous, and hairy, and its antlers—is that what they’re called? Feelers?—ah, who cares? The creepy things on their heads! They’re like, a foot long! I can’t remember where you told me the bug spray was. In any case, I’m pretty sure that it would still survive whatever I throw at it. I read somewhere that cockroaches will outlast even humans because they adapt too easily. Why?! Who decided that we need their existence?! Never mind, just please come home ASAP! I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and stuffed the crack under the bathroom door. Do you think I should’ve turned on the exhaust first? ….Ha, you know, it feels kind of weird standing in the shower fully clothed. The last time I did that was, well, you know about that. Kidding. I love you. Oh, you’re almost out of shampoo, by the way. I’ll get you the nicer kind next time I’m at—”
Message recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“P’Arthit……I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. You’re right. I shouldn’t still be doubting that you love me. I guess I just got insecure because M and May are now engaged, and Knot and Tob got married, and…I want that, too. I know we can’t, legally anyway. And I know it’s silly to whine all the time about something that we can’t even do. I just…I want that for us. I don’t mean a wedding or a ring, or any of the fancy parts. I want…I want to grow old with you, and share a life with you forever. I realise now how crazy it was to suggest we move to a completely foreign country just to be legally recognised, especially when we don’t speak the language….
…I love you. So much.
…I hate this couch. It’s so lumpy. But I deserve it.
…Are you asleep yet? I hope you’re not still ang—
—Kongpob! Just get in here if you’re going to mutter to yourself all night.
Krub, P’Arthit!”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Phiiiiiiiii…….did you knowwww? Margheritas have…*hic*…alcohol in them. I thought it was…a pizza? Anyway…I drank a lil’ bit…hehe, okay more than a lil’ bit….oops, oh my gosh, sorry…no…no, I’m goooood, thank you…you’re fantastic. Bye! …Aaanyway, where was I?….Hehehe…Tew brought some of his work friends today, and one of ’em tried to…to hit on me! Me! I…ha…I told them that my boyfriend is the most wonderful on Earthhh. Iz truuue! I even showed ’em a picture…hehe the one where you sent me a kissy face…I love that pictuuure…..you’re soooooooo handsome. You’re extra pretty without clothes…hehe…they all agree! You shoulda come with me…so I can show you off. But iz ok…I know you’re tired after work. Did I tell you marg..marga…something. It’s not a pizza! Funny that…I looooove you. I…oh no…I need to…I…—”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Okay, I know you’re still at work, and I really hope your presentation went well. You deserve every bit of recognition you get, and no matter the outcome, I’m so proud of you. About dinner tonight, I’ve got a little surprise waiting for you. Nothing elaborate, don’t worry. But I think you’ll really like it. I’m excited; I think this is a new beginning for us. Can’t wait. See you soon. Love you!”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Hi, P’Arthit. Is everything okay? I’m…just at the restaurant. Did something happen at work? Or are you stuck in traffic? I hope you didn’t drive. You never manage to stay awake in the taxi, I don’t want to imagine you behind the wheel after work. Anyway, call or text me. I’ll be here. Love you!”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“P’Arthit? I…don’t know if you got my texts. Where are you? It’s been almost an hour. Let me know what’s happening, please? Love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Gah, this damn message. P’Arthit, please. The restaurant is closing. Where are you? I’m starting to get worried. Did you forget we had plans or something? …Anyway, I’m on the way home. Maybe you are, too. Please call me back…..love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“P’Arthit, I don’t know what happened, but I’m calling the police. Please, if you’re okay, just please…please call me or let me know in any way. I-I’m…I need to hear your voice. I just need to know you’re okay. I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“…….”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“…….”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“…….”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“I miss you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“I know you don’t like seeing me cry. But I can’t help it…I’m…it’s not fair. It’s not fair. I was going to—you were going to…sorry, I just…I miss you so much, P’Arthit. I wish you were here…The bed feels so empty……I love you. I always will.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Hi, again, P’Arthit. I know I shouldn’t, but I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss bickering with you. You always stood so firmly in your opinions and I always admired you for it. Everything seems duller now. I miss you. Nothing is the same. Except that I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“Mae thinks I’m silly for still paying your phone bill. She doesn’t get it. She thinks I’m willingly wallowing instead of trying to get back on track with things. I don’t know, maybe she’s right. But I can’t just forget. We were going to apply for civil partnership, P’Arthit. I don’t care what anyone says. You think I’m being childish, don’t you? Well, allow me this one, because I’m never taking my ring off, and I’m taking your gear with me to the grave….Anyway, I miss you every day. I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“You have a ridiculous amount of stuff, you know? Your parents gave me full permission to do what I wanted with your belongings, including your childhood stuff. I had no idea you had this many Pokemon cards. I’m definitely keeping those, by the way. Why do you have so many books on baking? You don’t even bake. I miss your cooking. I tried to make myself breakfast the other day and set off the smoke alarm. It was a mess. The smell didn’t subside for a week! I ended up buying food in the end. Maybe I should go home for meals more often. But you always made the best omelettes. Anyway, love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“P’Arthit, I got a cat! I found her stuck in a drain hole on my way home yesterday. I was going to drop her off at the shelter, but then she put her paw on me when I was bathing her and that was it. I was gone for her. She doesn’t have a name yet, but I’ll figure it out soon. She’s so tiny, but she’s got a little temper. She gnaws—not hard—on my hand when I try to pet her or give her kisses. Ha, kind of like you. I hope you don’t mind, but I moved some of your comic books to the study to make room in the living room for a cat tree. I don’t think she can use it just yet; she’s too small for that, but I know she’ll love it eventually. You would’ve loved her. Say hi to P’Arthit, kitty! Anyway, I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“I took the cat to the vet today. I…may have made a slight error in judgment. It’s a boy kitty, it turns out. Anyway, I’ve named him Oon. He’s taken a liking to your sock drawer. He’s fantastic. Just like you, P’Arthit. I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“You would’ve made a great father, Arthit. I remember how my nieces loved you immediately and it was like they’d forgotten all about their biological uncle. Oon can only meow, but I’m sure he agrees, don’t you, Oon?
Mreow….
Right. See? By the way, did you know that cats have nine lives? I know it’s dumb to be thinking about that when he’s still pretty young, but I hope you’ll look after him before his next life until I get there. He’s tripled in size since I found him. Sometimes I wonder what it would’ve been like for us to have a kid together and watch them grow up. It’s a nice thought, isn’t it?…I’m okay. I’m not sad. I just miss you. Having Oon helps when I feel lonely. He would love you, I just know it. Because I do. Anyway, I love you.”
Message Recorded.
He-hello? Is it recording? —Yes, P’Arthit, it’s recording—Oh, right. Um, this is Arthit. I’m…busy or something so leave a message. Maybe I’ll get back to you. —P’Arthit, you can’t say that!— What? It’s not a guarantee I’ll reply! —Well, no, but—BEEP!
“The funniest thing happened today. Not funny like, humorous. Funny like weird. I was on break at work today and went to get pink milk at the café downstairs. You know, the one with the gossipy barista. Anyway, it’s crazy, but I could’ve sworn…I thought I saw you. I don’t know, I’m probably just imagining things because…wow, it’s been two years now, hasn’t it? …Sometimes it feels like just yesterday. But I’m getting better, P’Arthit. It doesn’t hurt as much most days now. I still miss you every day, but like…I don’t feel like crying all the time anymore. You won’t get jealous if I don’t call you anymore, will you? I’m joking. I’ll still talk to you when I can, until the day I can kiss your face and make you turn red again. I love you, P’Arthit.”
Message Recorded.
Not proofread. I know I’m technically supposed to be on hiatus, but I just felt like writing something sad-ish this morning. Anyway, have a great week!