FISH UPON THE SKY CHAPTER 1

 

“Nah, where’s the report? Have you sent it to Professor?”

“I just did bring and deliver it to Prof.”

“Good! If this time our point gets deducted, you are dead meat!”

That’s the first hello from my classmate to me. Honestly, I want to answer “Yeah, you WILL be dead. Meanwhile my point will be fine.” But I am not brave enough to say it and can keep my head down and follow their ‘bully’ commando.

Truth to be told, I don’t have any right to protest toward anyone. I am just average ordinary guy that people never pay attention to. They only remember me when there’s group report or some research. Yeah, I am easy to be taken advantage of. They only use me when I can give them benefits, and kick me out when they already achieved what they wanted from me. Social communication is not needed nor to be mentioned.

It’s not easy for me to socialize with others. Have I told you about my personality and looks? Yeah, that’s the reason. Who wants to be friend with nerd like me? My only friend is senior from different faculty because we met couple times in café. And in the end, we’re being friends with each other. My world seems pretty small so I don’t have any will nor need to broaden my grey world further.

“You! Mueang Nan is in here. Go get your sweetheart!”, I turn my head, turning my attention to the source of someone talks. Some of the guys from Medical Faculty stands near him, looking at that small body who walk stairs with his friend.

That guy is Nan, star from Pharmaceutical Industry major and very popular to everyone’s eyes. And the most important thing is he has the same class with me. Even though that’s only object we share, and that is Quantitative Chemical Analysis. I really like chemistry.

[BUUUGH!!]

“Aww…”

“Are you okay? The guy who has face looks like Pompano fish bump to my little guy, pretend to kneel and take his fallen book.

(T/N : Pompano is marine fish species from Trachinotus genus and in the family Carangidae. Pompano can also refer to various similarly shaped members of the Carangidae or from Perciformes ordo. How the look? Their appearance is lanky, toothless (not like Night Fury cute Toothless from How to train your dragon), with forked tail and narrow base).
The gaze of my ‘star’ doesn’t even any have any will to change his pupil to dilate. (T/N : It means Nan doesn’t even have change of emotion from that gesture.) He only glances a little, tidy up his dropped books, and walks away. The plan to get his attention looks so fake. Whoever who can believe this stunt must be too stupid to realize it.

“No problem. I know you didn’t mean it.”

Gleg!

But Nan seems believe with that guy fake little stunt. I feel like I want to die, Oh God! With those tall body and good looking face even that guy got ignored by Nan, and he just laughs it off. So, what will happen to me?

(T/N: Did you get it? The guy who bumps Nan is actually handsome, Pee just mocks him that he looks like a fish out of jealousy. Hahaha.)

I am just ordinary guy where even people don’t realize my presence. How can he even notice me?

“Hi, my name is Pee. I am second year from Dentistry Major, same year with you. I like you for a long time. Would you consider me to flirt with you?”

Can you imagine that?!! I say that to him. In the end, he might just sneer at me because I dare to go over the line with him and doesn’t realize my own condition and situation.

For me, Mueang Nan is like ‘Fish Upon The Sky’, only one-sided love that can not be realized in any way. Who can touch the fish in the sky or find a star in the bottom of water. Like this one… our wishful of love equals with zero.

(T/N : Translator still grasp the meaning of the title. Generally, it means when someone wants something that almost unattainable. But fish in the sky? Star in the water? It makes me linguistically curious. Hit me up if you understand more, readers)

“We share the same class. You can sit still, let me take it and bring the books to you.” That big face guy is still trying to get close to Nan with those fake attention without no stop. My mouth is itchy, feels like want to say something.

“It’s okay. I will sit with my friends.” Nan points out his friend who gathers inside of the classroom.

“Oh sure!” that guy answer. That tall guy gives his way to my Nan to enter the classroom. I can only follow the shadow of that little back, imagining if I can raise my hand to touch that gentle shoulder, with my body fragrant that smells like white rose, maybe finally I can have beautiful dream all night long.

“Err… What are you waiting for? Standing here stupidly? Don’t you want to go in, idiot?”
I get rid of my super sweet day dream and back to reality. I am not handsome, idiot, my thick glasses, my teeth with braces. What now? Don’t let Pee stand out.

I said that to myself since first year, until now… still the same.

This course takes parts in quite large of majors. It is included in almost Medical faculty and health faculty. Usually some of first years and second years will attend this course. But not rarely, even some of the third years still join this course, such as some of third years from industrial major. Where I sit, I can see left corner is occupied by Nursery major, in the mid row, there’s Medical faculty guys, and on the right corner, the Pharmaceutical Industrial major sits, where that ‘star’ also sits and smiling now.

So where I sit, if you may ask?

I sit in the upper side from his peer, close enough with the audio control room, the distance is like 3 million light years from my dream guy. At least, this is the closest distance that I could afford.

“Please, be quiet! We will continue the course from our previous subject.” After entering the class, the professor starts the lesson. One thing for sure, I pay my attention for my lesson, even though I still steal a glance one or two from my ‘star’.

And some time later…

“Please send one of representatives from your major to finish this training.”

“Argh!” Those frustrated shouts got me laugh. There are no easy words to finish this training. Try it. It’s one of the ways to lose face in front of other majors, it’s always has been.

“The medical faculty will soon send the representatives. Why are you seem reluctant?”

“Go Dr. Sutthaya. Quick!” I saw the middle row, there’s some guy nod in panic because he’s nominated in absolute to be their representatives.

“yeah yeah yeah yeah.”

Noise of applause and cheers can be heard from the guys in the middle row when someone stand up and walk out straight to the front of classroom in a grand manner. That doctor, wear black rimmed glass, formal attire, but why still looks so good? I grumble.

“Okay then, this is him from Medical Faculty.”

Yeah, not surprised how he can get so handsome.

“For Pharmaceutical industry major, please send your representative.”

“Mueang Nan, Mueang Nan, Mueang Nan!” almost everyone in the classroom chant my star’s name. That little guy is getting red till it reaches his cheeks, and then smile coyly before he stands up and walk forward to the front of classroom beside that glasses guy.

Ugh, why they look so good together.

I want to cut his face and put it on me, and maybe that way I can get closer with my star.

“Now from Medical major” the professor calls again.

(T/N : I know you guys might get confused because Sutthaya already from Medical, but the source of translation actually write Medic again so please mention me if you found the correct faculty name.)

I saw that pompano fish looking guy stands up with applause around him.

“hah!” another handsome guy.

Why all the representative gets chosen is good looking. Are you crazy? Why everyone chooses based on looks. Hey, what is that? Why he’s getting closer with Mueang Nan, and Nan also smiles back at him.

Without realize, I stand up in a huff. Because I am pissed.

“Ah, who’s standing there? Are you being representative from Dentistry major?”

Oh shit! Out of anger, I stand up without reason and because I only want to look at Nan better. Why become unlucky like this.

“Come, please step forward. Don’t want to miss out from others.” Said the professor.

“Go ahead, Idiot! You’re the best one in class, don’t make us lose a face.” I can only stand stiff, take a deep breathe, before stepping forward in slow time. Other faculties give no applause, not even I want to admit that. The situation is very quiet, even drops of water would be heard.
Every trembled step, till it stops in front of class.

Rrrrrrr~

This is the very first time I am on near distance with my crush, even though I am separated only by that puffy Pompano face. Now I am taking a deep breath, I intend to take a nice fragrant from my baby, but sadly I can only smell the armpit odor coming from that medical guy who looks like a fish near him.

“Where is the representatives of Veterinary Major? Come on, faster. You already stood up. The one from Nursery faculty too. Ready to fight!” And finnally the nursery faculty gives their representatives name from Academy Fantasy.

(T/N : talent show like American Idol that famous in Thailand, Indonesia has too circa 2000 haha)

At the same time, people at the front start to make conversation among themselves.

“How are you these nowadays, Nan?” that voice comes from that Medical guy (T/N : not the pompano one, guys, Dr. Sutthaya if you’re still catch up). They seem already knew each other for some time.

“Still the same. My major courses don’t seem difficult yet. How about you, Mork?”

(T/N : Dr. Sutthaya nickname is Mork, pay attention fellas, my gut feeling this the Seme of this story)

Oiii, what a sweet voice. What did my star eat for being this ethereal beauty? > / / / <

“Same. But nowadays the first year is in the middle of preparation for Moon and Star, so they need to practice little bit. Nan, come to my major to give a help sometimes.”

“Sure, I will come by.”

That second quite time is only last for short time before the big face guy starts to join the conversation.

“How’s Nan in the club?”

“Yeah, I just join the volunteer development club. It’s department’s club.”

“Good. Can we go to camping together with other guys from pharma too?”

(T/N : Pharma short from pharmaceutical industry, Nan’s major)

“Ah, my name is Nil.” He introduces himself. He makes doe eyes and sad lips like lost child but still look handsome, I am so jealous. I swear we both use similar glasses why the different is like brick and concrete (like heaven and earth). Damn it.

Now the course is moving in the process. The guy from Medical faculty won the homework that being shown in screen projector, the remaining needs to wait. And all this time, I can look at Nan, but his eyes got blocked by that medical guy. It’s been a year since I can only look at you from a far. And today we can get closer, very close in distance, and yet whey it feels like you’re still in the sky, out of reach.

“And you, what club do you join?” there’s another voice is talking, but I keep my silence. I assume he’s talking to someone else.

“You… You… “ There is slender fingers touch my arm gently and lean his body upfront, turn back to see me and smiling.

World seems stop moving. I dumbfounded as if got lightning struck down on me.

“Huh… What?” I ask in stuttered voice.

“What club do you belong to?” Oiiiiiiii. This is real. Can I stretch my body for a moment? The ‘Star’ is talking to me. The feeling is like indescribable. I feel so excited and happy at the same time till I go numb. What should I do?

“…in Tennis club.”

Look at me, it’s too ordinary. Feeding the fish is more like Pee’s task.

“Interesting, can you give me free pass to sit and watching the club too?”

“Su… sure…”

He is indeed a ‘Star’. Even when people don’t notice me and see me like a dog’s poop, he’s still kindly open the conversation first.

Huuuuui….

“What is your name?”

“Me?” I point at myself. I blink my eyes furiously because I don’t believe that this is actually happening.

“Yeah, you.”

“Pee.:

“I am Nan.”

“I know, even when you don’t say it.”

I even know his height, weight, his proportion, what his favorites food, favorites drink, and the place he loves to hang out. And all the guys he ever loves, I know all about it.
Know all about him. I am like the Midas touch in stalking city.

“Er… there’s something that I would like to say.”

“The Pharmaceutical Industry will lead this training.” Said Professor, stopping our conversation.

“Say it later.” Nan waves his hand before he goes back to his seat. He quickly explains how the training will go later.

It’s fine. There’s still lot of time to get used myself with this, but I feel like doesn’t have enough time to cleanup 100 mad gangsters in the steep back rows of seat.

What makes my angel can be so enchanting!

After the period ends, I don’t stand a chance anymore to get close with Nan because he’s already surrounded by his friend and guys from other majors and faculties who come to flirt with him or do something with no stops. Actually, I also have something that I want to give it to him, but maybe not today.

Hopefully in the few moments in the future, we still have a chance to talk more… in heaven.

In the afternoon, me and P’Pae, the only friends that I have. He is majoring in Architecture in the third years and leader of his year. He has odd personality, talk in foul way, but his way of thinking is way much better than what we can see. With those plump face, disheveled long hair, not many people dare to get close to him.

That’s it. People like us don’t have many friends to hang out with, and we meet with each other.

“Monkey Pee, are you not going to eat these?” he asked that while munching spoonful of rice in his mouth.

“No.” I said that even though I honestly still want to eat it.

“So can I have it?” he ask me that while taking chicken in my plate. Those gurgles giggles got me in the inside. But what else I can do. He eats so well, at least three portions. Seeing that makes me feel pity to his mom in his house.

“Uh.. Is the table available? Can we share place?” the sweet nectar of voice opens the conversation. I stare at the person who stand near me, and got lost in my subconscious where it’s also sweet.

“Mueang Nan… Do you remember me?”

“Pee..Uh.. Can I join your seat? Everywhere is full.”

“Ah… Okay.”

I move quickly to the corner end of the table, give enough space for Nan and his three friends to sit, P’Pae doesn’t seem happy because he needs to drag his tushy from his food.

Some times ago, I question myself, do I have good personality? How about now turning into A Capuchin brother?

(T/N : Capuchin or The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin is one an autonomous branch of the first Franciscan order of religious men in Catholic church. The characteristic of this order is being humble and act brotherly towards others, I guess being kind. I quote from Mr. Wikipedia, feel free to search for more.)

“Have you order your food?” My voice is stuttered to start conversation. Not just the voice trembled, the armpit is we too.

“We have. Now they’re preparing our order. We will take it later.”

“Hey, you there! The flower bouquet in the middle of lake is tilting. Fix it!”

The loud voice comes from P’Pae who’s shouting from side of cafeteria. How damned the timing right now, we eat in the side of the lake. Right at this moment is also the preparation activities for the incoming festival. So the devil of leader of student body is in the middle of supervising and control everything.

“Calm down, P’Pae.” I try to calm him down.

“I told them to get those being fixed soon. Why nobody get up and do it. Hoy!” he cusses again one more time. Mueang Nan and his friends can only look at P’Pae with indescribable look. It’s not their fault if the feel scared.

“I am the president. It is my duty to supervise and control in order everything is going smoothly.”
Cuss and eat at the same time. The spoon makes movement in warp speed till there’s nothing food left in the plate in very short time.

“Pee, I have to go first. There’s important mission that I need to get done.” He pats my shoulder roughly and walk away.

I saw there’s someone who actually try to climb the flower bouquet in the middle of lake in the 12 PM afternoon. As expected, he sure can create something that unthinkable before by anyone. His eccentric is as odd as my look.

Now the only thing left is Nan, beside me.

“Hoiiiii, Pat.” The girls around our table makes a ruckus and make around them crumble. I move my attention to search the person with that name. That tall figure is very familiar. He who’s coming is Nan’s boyfriend. This guy is very handsome because he’s the Moon of Management Faculty, only him who can wear white uniform shirt with folded arms and jeans and looking so good.

He keeps walking up to front, surrounded with lots of tease and flirtations from people, I see that the little guy shows his little smile when that guy is getting closer.

“You Atthanol, come here!” the other guy walk in angry mode toward his boyfriend who hide behind Mueang Nan’s back.
Oh, he can smell his body fragrant. I can’t even smell it. This makes me jealous.

“What’s wrong?”

“No need to hide behind your boyfriend. Come here. We have something important to talk about.”

“Okay then, I will pick you up this evening.” That handsome face looks down his head to level down with his boyfriend and whisper something. Me who has amazing radar, can hear anything better than True Visions.

“Yeah.” That big hand put one stem of red rose beside Nan and then go. Making the little guys looks shy because my friend’s teasing, now this turn me to pierce my eyes (observing).

He is handsome, rich, and romantic. That words enough knock me down and go.

How can I compete with him? It’s even impossible to make Nan like the other guy, let alone me.

“Our order is ready. You just seat and enjoy the flower.” Said his friends tease Nan before everyone stand up from their seat to take their ordered food in different stalls.

He doesn’t even look at me.

After all, he is the fish upon the sky, trying to reach him from here is already enough for me.

I quickly finish what’s left on my plate, before I stand up, suddenly I remember there’s something I want to give him where now I have the chance to do it, so I take it out and put it on the table with green lime color post it on it.

He likes to eat Souffle so I bought it for him with the note that I have prepared before. Then, I put another two items on the table, beside the cake. This is grape flavored tooth paste and its tooth brush.

“Souffle – for your tummy. After enjoy it, don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

I just want him to remember me as dummy dentist who has crush on him.

I swear if I have him, I will take care of him well, love him, protect him and let him go.

Let this becomes the story in the future.

[end of chapter 1]