My Moon, Chapter 22 pg 4
My Moon, Chapter 22 pg 4
“And I don’t need an apology from you either.”
“What do you want then?”
Thud!
As soon as the question left his mouth, Panli’s fist slammed into Merk’s face with such force that he stumbled back several steps. Merk shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the dizziness. He touched the tip of his nose, where blood was trickling out, then looked up to meet Panli’s eyes.
“You’re the one who wants this... Is this what you wanted?” Merk, trembling with rage, wiped the blood from his nose and prepared to lunge at him. “You piece of trash!”
“Merk, stop!”
“Phii, stay out of this!!!”
Panli watched as Merk tried to push past Phii Prab, who was holding him back to keep him from attacking. The initial flicker of fear in Merk’s eyes had turned into pure hatred. Phii Prab was shoved hard by Merk, stumbling to the left. Now free, Merk charged straight at Panli.
Panli stepped back to maintain just the right distance. Merk, thinking he was retreating out of fear, closed in faster. But as he got closer, Panli lifted one leg and drove his foot into Merk’s chest with full force, sending him crashing to the ground.
With adrenaline pumping through his veins and anger burning hotter than fire, Panli could no longer restrain himself. He raised the helmet in his hand above his head, aiming to smash it down on Merk’s skull to draw some of his filthy blood. But before he could, his helmet was held back. Panli turned to see who had stopped him.
“E-enough...” It was Phii Dom who restrained him. Then Phii Prab stepped up beside Phii Dom and said, “Panli... please, I’m begging you. No matter what, he’s still my junior.”
Phii Dom must have noticed his temper starting to cool, so he finally let go of the helmet. But in truth, his boiling anger hadn’t subsided at all; the helmet was left by his side as before. He nodded to the two seniors.
“Yes, alright…”
He responded with a calm tone and expression before turning to look at Merk, who was sitting on the ground clutching his nose. Panli pushed his tongue against his cheek. He tried to hold back, to weigh his options, but when the memory of that day’s events flashed vividly in his mind again, Panli made a decision to say and do something…
“This time… for everything you did to Klaijai.”
Thud!
“Argh, ouch! You damn bastard! You piece of shit!”
“Panli! That’s enough, stop!”
Panli kicked Merk hard in the stomach again. Merk collapsed flat on the ground, groaning in pain, prompting Phii Prab to rush over to check on him. Panli pointed at Merk, who was struggling to sit up with Phii Prab’s help.
“I’ve made Klaijai smile again… If anyone makes him cry again…”
“…”
“I won’t let them off.”
“…”
“Don’t mess with Klaijai again…”
“…”
“Do you understand what I’m saying?!”
“Merk, just agree, damn it!” Phii Prab said.
“Uh, yeah!”
Panli shifted his gaze from Merk once he got a response, then turned to Phii Dom, who was staring at Merk without blinking. “Phii Dom…”
The one called turned to look at him and nodded. “If I hadn’t stopped you… Merk would’ve been done for.”
“I’m sorry for putting you and your friend in a tough spot…” Panli turned to Phii Prab, then raised his hands to wai in apology. “Sorry, Phii Prab.”
“Uh, yeah, I get it… Merk did screw up.”
“You’re done with him… Go get some rest, Panli.”
“How’d you get here? Want me to give you a ride?”
“I drove. Don’t worry about me. I’ll stay and chat with Prab for a bit.”
“Alright… I’ll head back then.”
“Uh… rides well, doesn’t it?”
Panli nodded in acknowledgment before giving Merk one final stare, likely the first time the latter chose to avoid his gaze. He walked away from the area toward his motorcycle. As Panli straddled his red bike, the helmet that nearly became a deadly weapon was placed back on his head. His sharp eyes glanced at his hand turning the key, the deep red bruise on the back of it serving as a reminder…
Klaijai…
I told you I’d protect you.
I meant it, truly.
I did it, truly.
And… I love you, truly.
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