My Ride, I Love You

by Patrick Rangsimant

  “Ehhh!” Tawan frowns at me.

  “But you made a face that begged for help from me. I thought you needed my help to finish the drink.”

  “Nahhhhh.” I shake my head, drawling the syllable.

  “I want you to come sit here, in case your Mork gets drunk and needs your lap as a pillow.” I give him a bratty and cheeky grin. The remark earns me a loud cheer and boo from the whole crowd in the drinking party at my motorcycle taxi station.

  “Too cheeky! If all your senior drivers want to kick your ass, I won’t help you. Just so you know.”

  Tawan pouts at me before turning back to continue his conversation with Miss Ai.

  “Miss Ai, these guys are usually this wild and lively?”

  “Yes, doctor.” Miss Ai nods. “You’re becoming a sister-in-law of this fam, you have to get used to it.”

  Tawan laughs. “Nope, I’m not. I’m a brother-in-law.”

  I chuckle. “Tawannn! Don’t spout such a lie here. They’re drunkards, not fools. No one will believe you’re the hubby.”

  Tawan gives me a death glare.

  “Why? I can be the husband, can’t I? What part of me doesn’t say husband?”

  I sip my drink, wiggling my eyebrows at him.

  “Well, let’s say even a blind person can see you’re the wife. Hahaha!”

  “Hmph! Don’t let your guard down, or you’ll see what I can do.” He feigns a threat.

  That doesn’t scare me, though. I pull him closer and put an arm around his shoulder. “Okie dokie, I won’t let my guard down. That’s scary.”

  Miss Ai takes this opportunity to move and sit next to P'Fueang.

  “Congratulations, Mork. You got accepted into a continuing program. Only two more years and you’ll get a bachelor degree in engineering, right?”

  I nod. “Yah, Miss Ai. Don’t worry, though. I’ll still drive the mototaxi here from time to time. I won’t just disappear, I promise. I can still pick you up and drop you off.”

  “Yea, Mork, ya can come back and drive here when ya got a free day. But if I friggin' find out ya go and drive for Grab, I’mma kick yer ass hard!” P'Fueang fixes another glass of drink and passes it to me. “Pass this to the doc, man. Congrats, doctor, for continuing your education too.”

  “Thank you, P'Fueang.”

  Tawan takes the glass and takes a sip instead of a full gulp, because he notices my side glance. Well, I’m worried about him, you know. I don’t want him to drink too much. He gets drunk quickly.

  In the past two years...we’ve been happy.

  Just like the first day we started going out.

  Tawan finished his internal medicine training and continued further training, now in cardiology (I don’t quite understand, but Tawan said it’s the same thing for heart doctors) and I finished my high vocational certificate as expected and passed an exam to enter a continuing program in the College of Industrial Technology, which belongs to King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok.

  So, the older drivers at my station held a party to celebrate our success. Tawan has become a member of my mototaxi fam for a while now. Since after he became my boyfriend, to be exact. Everyone here acknowledged it and was glad for us, especially P'Fueang and Miss Ai. As for my Loong and Ar, well, those two were more than glad. At least the process of getting their medications and the doctor appointment are easier now.

  The boy Khai might be too young to understand the word “boyfriend” so he only knows that from now on, his P’Mor will be more than just P’Mor. I haven’t taught him to call Tawan Mama or Papa yet, because it seems a bit too much and my mom might not quite like it. I’ll just let it happen naturally later.

  My mom? I didn’t directly tell her what kind of relationship it is between Tawan and me. But when I brought him along to Chumphon on a Songkran visit, perhaps she kind of figured it out. Judging from how she didn’t mention it, I guess it doesn’t bother her that much. At least she got used to Loong and Ar’s couple already.

  And honestly, she tried so hard, and failed, to talk me into continuing my education. But once I’ve been with Tawan, I started to pursue higher education. She must have realized that this relationship has set me on a path of improvement, to become a better person. This must have been one of the factors that made her accept it. Moreover, she already has a grandson, Khai. I don’t think she’ll want another one… Right?

  I look at Tawan...my life partner.

  He looks back at me and smiles.

  “Tawan...I have something to tell you.”

  “Hmm...what is it now, Mork?” He looks a bit tipsy and he’s blushing a little, but I know he’s still functioning well, not drunk yet.

  “You’ll start your super specialized specialty training, and I’ll be studying for my bachelor's degree. I think...our lives have progressed one more step.” I carefully recite the speech I arranged in my head earlier in the evening.

  The whole crowd goes quiet.

  All eyes are fixed on us.

  All ears listen to what I am about to say next.

  “I think it’s time…”

  I pause, then inhale deeply and exhale slowly.

  “It’s time we move in and live together.”

  “Tawan, I don’t want to pick you up and drop you off by motorcycle everyday anymore. It’s nice, and I’m not lazy. But I want us to be together, just like Loong and Ar.

  I want to wake up to seeing your face everyday, Tawan… Except on the days when you’re on duty. I want to see you before my bedtime every night. In the past two years, we’ve been together a lot already… But for me...it’s still not enough.”

  I take his hand into mine and touch it on my chest.

  Just like when I asked him to be my boyfriend.

  “Come and live with me as a couple, Tawan.”

  The whole drinking crowd cheers so loudly it embarrasses me. But I can’t complain. This kind of scene always ends up like this. Tawan looks a little embarrassed and drunk. His blushing face becomes deeper red and it’s so adorable.

  “That’s okay, Mork. Well, it’s a yes. I’m glad you asked.”

  When he gives me his answer, it feels as if someone set off a firework and it booms in my head.

  “But…” Wait, what? With that word, it’s like the firework fest suddenly dies down.

  “But what, Tawan? What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “But there’s one thing you must do first.”

  He bites his lip a little, before looking like he has decided it, and continues with a serious expression on his face.

  “I’m using the word ‘must’ now, Mork. This is serious. Before we move in together, we really must do this, otherwise…”

  His face looks a little grave while talking, and I feel the tips of his fingers turn quite cold.

  I tighten my grip over his hand to let him know whatever it is, I am willing to do it.

  “What is it, Tawan? Just tell me. I’m ready to do anything.”

  He looks up into my eyes…

  “You must go and meet my father first…”

  ……………

  Ending like this means there’s a sequel, maybe? :D

  Please stay tuned for Mork and Tawan’s and other pairings

  in the series “My Man, I love You.”

  - Ransimant -

  From the Translator

  When I first heard from a contact that there was a Thai author who was seeking a translator to work on one of his books (M/M book, on top of that) for an English edition, I didn’t think much. I only wanted to do it because I’m into this genre. To my surprise, I found out the said author was Dr. Pat, whose FB articles I’ve read quite a few times. More surprisingly, I had bought his e-book (Thai version of My Imaginary Boyfriend) the previous week. Therefore, I was both excited and nervous about this project and whether or not I would live up to his standards.

  The story between Mork and Tawan is endearing and totally adorable, with an abundant dose of wisdom one can apply to real life. Som
e of what happened or were said in the story even hit too close to home for me and have also given me an epiphany. It is truly a wonderful story and I feel honoured and blessed to receive the opportunity to translate the book from Thai to English. Dr. Pat is also an incredibly pleasant person to work with and work for. His patience and friendliness towards my endless barrage of questions about this work during my translation process were unmatched. Thank you for giving me the chance to work on such an amazing project.

  Last but not least, thank you to all of the fans, on twitter and FB, and those who have been supportive and patient with me, cheering me on for the past several months. Thank you for many helpful suggestions and feedback comments that helped refine this translation. I do hope all of you enjoy it and find that it is well worth the wait. Thank you.

  - Orawadee Meesook -

  * * *

  [1] P'Por - “พี่ปอ” Literally big brother Por or senior Por. P' (พี่ /pʰîː/ sometimes transcribed as “phi”) is pronounced like the letter P, but with a different intonation. It is a Thai gender-neutral kinship term used to address an older sibling or cousin, or an older individual who is close with the speaker. It can be applied in front of a name or nickname and can also be used as a standalone pronoun.

  [2] Internship - In Thailand, it is a period during which postgraduate medical students practice in the real field, usually for three years, before returning into the academic environment and continuing their education in a specialty residency program.

  [3] Nong Tawan - “น้องตะวัน” Literally little brother Tawan or junior Tawan. น้อง /nɔ́ːŋ/ is a counterpart of พี่ /pʰîː/ and is used for addressing a younger individual. It is often omitted, as a speaker usually addresses a younger person by the name or a more common pronoun.

  [4] House Staff - Similar to attending ward staff, a senior residency doctor or dentist in a hospital who often also supervises or educates the students in their respective department.

  [5] Duty Handover - (Handover, for short) refers to clinical handover where doctors or nurses pass over the duty, the cases, and the patient care in their responsibility, along with relevant information to their colleagues who are taking over the cases or assigned for the next shift. The procedure could be difficult and time-consuming depending on the complexity, severity, urgency, as well as the amount of the cases.

  [6] Soi - A small street or a side street branching off a main street.

  [7] Electronics Tech. Voc. Cert. - Electronics Technician Vocational Certification.

  [8] Queue - refers to a motorcycle taxi driver’s right or turn to receive a passenger. At a specific station, all drivers are on standby in a line, or as if in a line, waiting to be hired. Each driver has one spot in the line and will get a passenger when it is their turn in the rotation.

  [9] Thai Salute - (ไหว้ /wâːj/, pronounced Wai) A Thai traditional greeting gesture. It is expressed by holding both hands in front of the chest with palms pressed against each other while keeping all fingers straightened and closed together.

  [10] Loong - (ลุง /lūŋ/) Refers to either a mother’s or father’s older brother or cousin, or a person who seems older than the speaker’s parent(s). Can be used in front of a name or as a standalone pronoun.

  [11] Yum - A type of Thai spicy dish with main ingredients of thinly sliced onions or shallots, chopped chili peppers, and lime juice, seasoned with sugar and salt to taste. Usually made and served cold.

  [12] Ar - (อา” /ʔāː/) Pronounced like “Ah” but with long vowel sound, a gender-neutral pronoun meaning “father’s younger sibling or cousin” or any individual who seems younger than the speaker’s parents. In this book, spelled “Ar” to avoid possible confusion.

  [13] Thai loincloth - “Pha-Kao-Ma” in Thai, refers to a type of multipurpose cloth with rectangular shape, usually with distinct colors and stripes or plaid patterns. It can be used in place of many things such as a turban, towel, sash, sarong, and makeshift sack. It is believed that the name was derived from Persian word “Kamar band.”

  [14] Tawanork - Pronounced Ta-Wan-Ork, is the full form of Tawan’s first name. “Tawan” means the sun, while “ork” means to exit or to emerge. Tawanork literally means “sun up” which refers to the “East.”

  [15] Daonuea - Pronounced Dao-Nuea, means the North Star.

  [16] Line - A team. Also a zone in the ward. With a large number of beds (patients) in each ward, the ward doctors are divided into smaller teams consisting of medical students and doctors of various seniority levels. Each team takes responsibility for the patients and cases in their assigned line, with a ward chief overseeing all of the lines. This is to organize and improve thoroughness and patient-care efficiency as well as ease of management as opposed to thinly spreading everyone’s attention across the whole ward.

  [17] Likay - Pronounced Li-kay, a form of Thailand’s musical folk theatre.

  [18] Cheer Meeting - Also known as Freshman Activity, is a group activity where first year university students get together for various projects for a length of time, mostly athletic or recreational, under the supervision and with help from their seniors of various years.

  [19] OrChem. - Short for Organic Chemistry.

  [20] Thai-Style Wash - Traditional Thai bathroom usually has a water bin or a large container, storing clean water for use. To take a traditional Thai wash, a person stands and uses a water dipper to repeatedly scoop up water from the large container and splashes it onto the desired parts of their body.

  [21] Buffalo - In Thai cluture, an insult figuratively refers to a dense or stupid person.

  [22] Because Ar is a gender-neutral kinship term, usually refers to a younger sibling or cousin of father, sometimes it can get confusing when hearing the pronoun without knowing the context or background.

  [23] Win-motorcycle - Widely-used Thai slang meaning a motorcycle taxi, their station, or the person who’s the driver. Usually shortened to “Win-motorcy,” “Win-mo-cy,” or, most often, just “Win.”

  [24] Skytrain - BTS Skytrain, commonly called BTS or Skytrain for short, is Bangkok’s elevated mass transit system.

  [25] Let Me Take Care of You - “ให้ฉันดูแลเธอ” (Hai Chan Du Lae Ther) in Thai name, a song sung by Ronnadet Wongsaroj (Namm).

  [26] Malaeng Por - Literally means Por Insect, Thai word for dragonfly.

  [27] Kilo - Short spoken form of kilometer. 4 km is About 2.48 miles.

  [28] Sapodilla Plum - A sweet-smelling fruit. In this context, it refers to a bad breath from too much alcohol because some people compare the smell to overripe sapodilla plum, unpleasantly sweet and sour.

  [29] Ganghan - (กังหัน) Pronounced gang-han, a Thai name or nickname. Literal means (wind) turbine.

  [30] Wake Up, Ladies - “Wake Up ชะนี The Series” by GMMTV. The title is sometimes translated to “Wake Up, Bitches” which is more accurate in colloquial meaning.

  [31] mototaxi - Short for motorcycle taxi.

  [32] Lower Phahon. Rd. - Lower Phahon Yothin Road. In this context, Lower refers to the approximate area along the road where the designated number of the side street (soi) is lower compared to other parts of the road, e.g. Phahon Yothin Soi 3, Phahon Yothin Soi 11, and the likes. Areas with higher numbers could be referred to as Middle and Upper, respectively.

  [33] In Thai culture, a person’s head is considered a sacred or restricted part of the body. It is generally rude to touch a person on the head without permission, especially when the person is not a child and not younger than you. Some exceptions may apply depending on levels of intimacy and interpersonal relationships. In this context, Tawan’s internal complaint is meant as a jest.

  [34] Krathong - A small buoyant vessel (sometimes called a float) crafted from common natural or synthetic materials such as banana trunk slices, banana leaves, styrofoam boards, paper sheets, ice, or bread, and decorated with real or crafted flowers and leaves. Loy Krathong literally means “Float the
vessel.”

  [35] BMA - Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the local government of Bangkok

  [36] Mallumpati - A classification of airway visibility. The score depends on the degree of airway obstruction inside a person’s throat.

  [37] Dongfang Bubai - A fictional character from a Chinese martial heroes novel by Jin Yong. Dongfang Bubai's main weapons are flying needles.

  [38] Serng - A type of Northeast Thai dances, generally accompanied by music with a fast tempo. In some variations, the dancers perform it using a domestic household object, while the choreograph mimics daily routine or actions that involve the object.

  [39] Curry and Rice - A direct translation of a broad term referring to a wide range of dishes that can be eaten with or put on top of steamed rice, including, but not limited to, curries.

  [40] Tid - (ทิด /tʰît/) A Thai term of address which is also used as a prefixed title for a man who was once a monk. It is generally believed that it was derived and shortened from the word บัณฑิต /ban˧.dit̚˨˩/ (pundit or pandit in English) which means a learned person.