The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the messy room.
Tum jolted awake to the shrill ring of his phone. The sound cut through his haze of sleep. His hand fumbled for the device.
"Who is it?" rubbing his face as his blurry eyes squinted at the screen. He groaned, finally answering. "Hello?" his voice thick with sleep.
On the other end, Aey's sobs broke through his daze. With a quite trembling voice, he asked, "Tum where are you?" distant yet urgent.
For a brief moment, Tum's heart skipped a beat "Aey, are you okay?" Concern laced in his words. But before he could say anything else, the call abruptly ended, leaving him staring at the dead screen.
In the air, lingered a faint aroma. He glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings, the warm natural linen walls, several framed pictures, the messy bed, clothes scattered across the floor, and multiple used condoms. He looked around confusedly. His gaze fell on a nightstand photo, of Mhok and a woman, both at the beach.
"My head…" His hand reached up to his forehead as if the touch could make the headache go away. The ache was a painful recalled of that prior evening.
Trying to ground himself, to shake off the overwhelming disorientation. His heart raced when he realized he couldn't remember how he had ended up there.
Lying in an unfamiliar bed. Panic surged through him as he realized he was naked, his body sore, covered in bite marks and the blanket barely covering him. "Where am I?" he murmured, holding his head as he tried to sit up.
"What are you doing. Lie down, I'm making Tea, for your hangover" Mhok's voice echoed softly from a distance, breaking the silence.
"Supervisor what I'm l doing in your room?" The words barely escaping his lips.
"You got drunk last night, dummy. I didn't know where you lived, so I brought you to mine apartment" Mhok replied, he appeared in the doorway. Re-entering with a steaming cup in hand, the rich aroma wafting toward Tum.
As Mhok handed him his Tea, Tum's gaze landed on a faint scratch on Mhok's wrist. Mhok noticed his gaze and spoke quietly, almost hesitantly. "You fought me," following his gaze. "Last night, when I tried to… help. You bit me kept calling me Hin and begged me to…"
Tum froze. "To what?" His words slithering.
Tum attempted to sit up, only to be met with a sharp pain in his back, causing him to gasp. "What did you do to me?" he shouted, a mix of fear and anger flooding his voice.
Mhok glanced at the condoms before meeting his gaze. "Don't you remember?" He questioned, concern etched on his face.
Tum mind raced with fragmented memories. He curled into himself. Mhok's instinctively reached out to comfort him, wanting to wrap him in a warm embrace, but Tum's anger held him at bay.
"I'm sorry," Mhok murmured, his voice barely above a whisper but regretful.
"Why?" Tum's eyes blazed with betrayal.
"It's you, you forced me to sleep with you," Mhok confessed. Tum glared at him, fire igniting in his gaze. "You could have stopped me! Why didn't you?" His voice echoed off the walls, raw with pain.
"I'm sorry," Mhok pleaded, trying to hold Tum's hands, but Tum pulled away.
"I was a bit too rough. I had no idea it was your first. I will take responsibility for my actions." He took a long pause before continuing "Tum, stay with me. Let me make things right. You don't have to go to work today. I've called in sick for you. Spend it with me and let me take care of you." Mhok's voice was earnest. With that he stepped away preparing a shower.
The sound of running water filled the space. He returned a few minutes later, carefully slipped his arms beneath Tum, lifting Tum into his arms with ease. As he turned toward the bathroom, his gaze fell on a dark red stain on the pale sheets.
His grip on Tum tightened slightly as he carried him. "No, put me down!" Their bodies brushing as they moved. Tum's heart pounded at the touch, but his anger was stronger than his physical reaction. Tum protested, but Mhok was insistent, gently placing him in the bathroom sink.
"I can bathe myself!" Tum insisted, but Mhok was already pouring water over his hair, determined to care for him. His touch was gentle yet firm. "Stop! I can do it myself!" Tum repeated, but Mhok ignored him. "I saw it all last night," a teasing smirk curled at the corners of his lips.
The struggle between them was heated. Tum bite and pushed Mhok, trying to escape, but in the end. Tum eventually gritted his teeth and gave in, surrendering to Mhok's care. "Maybe… maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a try," he thought.
After the bath, Mhok carried him out. "Why is your heart beating so fast." Mhok teased. He dried him off, Tum lay shyly on the bed, clutching a pillow to his chest as he watched carefully, Mhok helped him get dressed. His body covered in bruises and bite marks from their night together. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "Tum give me a minute I will be back." Mhok whispered softly as he walked to the door.
When Mhok opened the door, his face paled, as if he'd seen a ghost. His expression shifted from shock to fear. Anong stepped inside. At 5'3, Anong was slender and elegant looking, with a beautiful round face and a narrow chin, complemented by rosy cheeks and bright, captivating eyes.
She embraced Mhok. Her vanilla perfume filled the room as she kissed his cheeks, her soft voice, almost teasing. "Hubby, miss me?" Anong murmured.
"I thought you were on a business trip," his voice trembling. Mhok stammered, trying to hide his discomfort. Anong was about to respond when she noticed Tum, glaring at them.
"Hubby, who is that?" she questioned, looking over Mhok's shoulder, he followed her gaze and saw Tum glaring menacely at him.
"A colleague from work," Mhok replied, the words tumbling out too quickly, panic written all over Mhok's face.
"Did she just call him hubby?. Isn't she the woman in the picture on Mhok's nightstand, locked in an embrace with him."Their body language speaks to a connection that feels more intimate than just friendship.
Tum's eyes burned with betrayal. He looked down at his hands, fighting to hold back tears. "Tum wait!, Tum, wait!" Mhok called, but Tum was already grabbing his bag, wincing as pain shot through him, stormed out of the apartment. Fleeing down the hall without sparring a second glance.
Mhok wanted to chase after Tum, but Anong held him back. "What's wrong with him. Why is he so heated. What happened to his legs?" Anong questioned, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"He got drunk last night and fell down the stairs," Mhok answered quickly, his voice strained, as though trying to cover up the truth. Tum could hear them talking. He felt the weight of betrayal settle in his chest, unable to hold back, tears escaped his eyes followed by his fist meeting the wall.
After Mhok's story was believable he questioned, "why didn't you call before coming, what if I wasn't around"
"If I did call, it's won't be a surprise anymore" she replied, her tone softer now. "Husband do you miss me!"
Outside, the sky was darkening, the clouds heavy with impending rain. Wiping his cheek every few seconds. Tum didn't know where he was going, but know that he couldn't stay there. He scanned his contacts for who to talk to. Then he dialed Aey's number, when the call connected, all he heard were Aey's sobs on the other end. No words were exchanged, but felt the weight of his friend's pain.
"Wait I'm coming to you" he said, stepping into a waiting taxi. The rain drop hit the taxi's window as the vehicle pulled away, he glanced back at Mhok's apartment, clenching his fist, that his knuckles turned white. In less than an hour, The taxi halted at a dimly lit apartment. Tum sprinted upstairs.
He found Aey leaning against the wall with his head buried between his legs. His bag scraping by the doorframe. It seemed he'd been kicked out of his boyfriend's apartment.
Tum rushed to his side, he knelt by him, gripping Aey's cold hands. Aey's collar was torn, and a faint bruise could be seen along his jawline. Tum gently removed his glasses. Seeing those injuries, his eyes darkened. "Did that jerk do this!," Tum growled. He stood up ready to hunt down Aey's abusive boyfriend Sam. Aey grabbed his wrist, stopping him. Tum stubbornly shook him off, but Aey held him back."
"He left me for her, because his family won't accept me." His eyes hallowed. Tears form in his eyes. Tum wordlessly pulled him into an embrace, wrapping his arms around Tum. He buried his face in Tum's shoulder, tears seeping into Tum's shirt.
Outside, thunder roared, Tum invited Aey in, helping with his luggage. Tum offered him a glass of water. "Slow down," Tum said, When he saw Aey, gulping down the water like this life depended on it.
"You've to tell me everything from the start. What do you mean his family won't accept you, didn't you meet them?." His tone shifted from casual to something more serious. Aey recounted his side of the story, Tum's anger flared again as he applied gel to his injuries.
"It's hurts, be gentle" Tum nodded. "Sam is a jerk, introducing you to the family as his best friend, and why stay for 3 years." Just then, Tum's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a series of texts from Mhok. Tum's eyes narrowed, scanning the messages. His grip tighten around his phone.
Aey noticed the change in his demeanor. "Are you okay?, Tum, are you okay." Tum forced a smile, but didn't reach his eyes. He gave a quick nod. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Aey hesitated for a moment. "Tum, I'll be heading to my night shift at the bar soon. Can I get a key to the house?, l might disturb your sleep when I get back, I'll help with the bills too." But Tum was absent minded. He recall when he saw Anong. He turned to Aey.
"I have a friend," he said, Aey leaned in curiously. "Well, he just started working at this big company. You know, one of those places where people would dream to work in.
Well, They had a party, and he ended up getting drunk. His supervisor brought him home."
"Here's the twist." Aey leans forward, intrigued. "They had se..sex, and he promised to take care of him. But here's the thing. You're not sure about that, though. But his girlfriend showed up. She might be his girlfriend, or maybe not. I can't quite figure it out. But She was all over him."
"You mean he was completely ditch after a night together" Tum sigh "Are you talking about yourself?" Aey question "I don't know… You've been acting a little off"
"No, it's my friend," he replied quickly.
"That hickey on your neck gives it away." Tum adjusted this shirt trying to cover up the mark.
The Four Seasons bar was known as one of the crowded bar in Bangkok. It bustled with music. The scent of alcohol mixed with cigarettes filled the air.
Noonak, a charming womanizer who couldn't help but flaunt his wealth. Lounged in the bar surrounded by his three affluent friends.
In the VIP section, Noonak leaned back in the chair. A sly grin playing on his lips. His eyes raked over Taiwan's body. His fingers brush the rim of the glass, reflecting the glint in his eyes.
Taiwan, a dashing bachelor from a prestigious family. Gene, a married man from an old-money lineage and Ice known as Toa, remained stone faced, his eyes sharp, not showing a hint of emotion. He didn't need to flaunt anything, his presence alone commanded respect.
Toa risen to power after inheriting his family's empire. He owned a handful of businesses, his mother's beloved restaurant, his father's prestigious hospital, and of course the casino. He glanced at Gene, his expression unreadable. "It better be a good reason why you called me over," he muttered, his tone cold and indifferent.
Gene gave a nod. "I have a surprise. My wife is pregnant so today's drinks are on me" They cheered toasting to Gene and his wife. "Didn't you bring her. Where is your wife Taiwan asked. "She had something to do at the company."
"Congratulations" Noonak mumbled playfully "Daddy Gene." At that moment Tim rushed to Toa's side, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Sir, you're back!" He laughed, extending a hand for a shake, but Toa ignored him completely, his gaze distant.
Without missing a beat, Tim quickly scrambled to fulfill the request. "Get me the usual," Toa muttered. Tim hurried off, nearly tripping over his own feet in his eagerness.
Gene leaned in closer to Toa, his curiosity piqued. "What did you do to make him so loyal to you?" he whispered.
Meanwhile Noonak gazed was fixed on Taiwan, licking his lips viciously. "Have you seen enough" Taiwan asked, in a serious tone but Noonak didn't acknowledge him. He leaned in close to Taiwan's ear. "We aren't related by blood we are just friends," Giving Tiawan a wink.
"Kids, I'm going to get busy," Noonak sang as he picked up his wine glass with an effortless flick of his wrist, taking a slow sip. His gaze briefly flicked back to Taiwan as he turned away, his attention drawn to the music and atmosphere.
"Once a playboy always a playboy. Non collects admirers like trophies." Gene mumble as they watched Noonak seamlessly command the dance floor, spinning a pregnant lady in his arms.
Gene leaned back in his seat with his drink in hand. However, Taiwan's gaze had shifted elsewhere. His eyes weren't on Noonak, but were fixed on Toa's abs, a little gap showing through his shirt.
Taiwan had already cataloged every detail. The way his shirt clung to his muscular frame, the graceful arc of his neck, the sharpness of his gaze, the way his lips barely moved. Ice didn't need to impress anyone but pulled him in more than he expected. Taiwan's eyes lingered for a moment too long, watching Toa.
His thoughts were interrupted when he realized Toa was staring. He quickly pulled his gaze away, his fingers brushing through his hair trying to regain his composure.
Gene gave knowing chuckle. Noticing the shift in Taiwan's demeanor. "He's not your type," Gene remarked casually, he followed Tiawan's gaze. He thought Tiawan was staring at Aey from across the table but all along, his eyes were fixed on Toa.
Taiwan leaned back in his chair, his eyes were locked on Toa before he spoke again, this time serious. "I don't have a type." He said it loud enough for Toa to hear.
Gene, glancing at Tiawan with a teasing smirk. "Why have you been single for years. Is there a reason for that?"
"Do you like me?" Taiwan question
"No! I'm married,"
"Good, then mind your business" Taiwan shot back. In a serious tone.
Shaking his head, Noonak turned to Toa. "What about you? How is your wife?"
"When did I give you in invitation to my wedding. That crazy lady can't be my woman!. She tried to rape me last night" Toa replied, rage evident in his tone.
Toa mind raced with figment of memory from the night. He recalled how she undressed in front of him. He remembered stepping back, trying to keep his distance, and locked himself in the restroom. Turning on the shower. And finally the knock on the door slowly stopped. Gene laughed, but when he saw Toa's serious demeanor, he fell silent.
Okay, wait. Just slow down, You've got to tell me everything from the start. What do you mean she tried to rape you?" His tone shifted from casual to something more serious
"She wants me for a family alliance, not for love!" Toa words laced with rage leaving out the grimmer details.
Taiwan held the glass tightly, he always prided himself, his composure, and the ability to stay calm and collected in any situation. But the conversation stirred up unfamiliar sense of frustration and jealousy deep inside.
Taiwan's actions, driven by jealousy, he picked up a glass of wine, hoping to draw Toa's attention. His eyes landed on a stranger in the corner. The person was alone. Taiwan made their way over, he approached the stranger, seeking validation from an unexpected partner. "Mind if I join you?" Taiwan asked
The person looked up, eyes assessing Taiwan for a brief moment before nodding. "Sure"
Gene, who had been watching from a distance, exchanged a look with Toa, who seemed just as puzzled. "This is the first time I've ever seen him act like that," Gene remarked. "Taiwan's never the type to go after attention like this. What's going on?"
Taiwan face was hard to read, watching closely as he tried to strike up a conversation with the stranger, their laugh slightly too loud, their movements a bit too exaggerated.
Gene still watching Taiwan. He'd never seen him like this, so out of character, so vulnerable.
Back at the table, Taiwan gaze flickering to Toa every few seconds, but Toa was still lost in their own world. "Trying to make your crush jealous?" the stranger said.
"Yeah, maybe" Taiwan trailed off, staring into their glass, their fingers tracing the rim. "I guess, I'm just trying to figure out where I stand. The stranger lean in, intrigued but not prying. "Sounds complicated."
Taiwan chuckled bitterly. "It always is."
I think Taiwan's finally starting to show what they've been hiding. Maybe it's time to step in." Gene hesitated, unsure whether this moment of vulnerability. After all, sometimes even the strongest people needed someone to lean on. And maybe tonight, that someone needed to be Taiwan. Toa engrossed in his phone, didn't notice Taiwan glancing at him.
Gene seems to remember something he lean in closer, "There's something I need to show you." He looked around suspiciously before showing Toa 5mins video on his phone. "How did you get that" Toa question. "There's more, Wait here" before heading to his car to fetch the documents he wanted to show Toa.
Taiwan, glanced over at Toa, who sat by himself. He wanted to confess his feelings for him, before he could take a few steps forward, his eyes caught something. Toa leaning close to Tim, whispering something in his ear. The moment felt intimate, and before Tiawan could react, Toa and Tim were walking off together.
He looked at Toa not like a friend but like a lover. Jealousy burned through Taiwan, his emotions clouding his judgment. Forgetting his allergies to alcohol, immediately grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down.
Gene caught sight of Toa's back as he walked away with Tim. He wanted to chase after him but something caught his attention. When his eyes met with the stranger sitting next to Taiwan and saw what he was given to Taiwan, Gene shouted echoed causing him to stop.
"Are you crazy? What's wrong with you? He's allergic to wine, why would you give it to him?!"
"How would I know" the stranger responded. Gene pulled him away from the bar. But before they could take a step further, Tiawan's legs buckled. He collapsed to the ground, couching violently, his face flushed and struggle to breathe. "Somebody call an ambulance!" Gene shouted.
At the back of the bar. Toa's bodyguard guarded the exit to avoid people walking in on them. In a dark corner Toa's tall figure towered over a man tie up in a chair. "Please Mr Toa I'm begging you. I will tell you whatever you want, Mr Toa," he begged, "please forgive me. I have a family."
"If he confesses, I'll get you what you asked for," Toa whispered, his voice low and purposeful.
Tim's eyes lit up at the promise, and without a word, he exited the room, his step quicker, as if a new energy had sparked within him.
He returned and offered Toa a chair with a grin. "This'll be interesting."
Toa took a seat, his expression cold and calculating, waiting for his enemy to crack, and sing like a bird.
"Where did everyone go?" Noonak scoffed, frustration clear in his voice. "Who throws up in the middle of sex?." He snapped his fingers at the waiter. "Get me some wine."
He glanced at the waiter's name tag, his eyes narrowing. "Aey…" Noonak called out. "Listen, I'm in a bad mood. If you're willing to make me happy, I'll spoil you. For every piece of clothing you take off, I'll give you a thousand, Easy money. What do you think?"
He slammed the stack of money across Aey's face. The crisp bills fluttered in the air. "Such a pretty face working as a waiter is really heartbreaking" but Aey didn't even look up. His hands were steady as he continued pouring the drink, the glass filling slowly. It was as if Noonak didn't exist in this moment.
Noonak's jaw tightened. He had never been ignored like this, especially not by a nobody like Aey, who knew the rules of the bar. Aey was supposed to play his part. But instead, he remained stoic, almost as if Noonak's presence was inconsequential.
His eyes darkened, and without a second thought, he gestured to one of the nearby security guard. His voice was cold, his words sharp. "Get him to kiss me," he demanded. "I'll give you whatever you want." The security guard hesitated, clearly unsure.
Aey, looked up finally. However, didn't even acknowledge Noonak's request. He finished pouring the drink. His eyes met Noonak's, unblinking, that told Noonak he wasn't an easy target. "I don't do that" Aey said, his gaze unwavering.
Noonak's grip on the edge of the couch tightened, his fingers digging into the smooth surface. Aey wasn't scared, neither was he intimidated. And that, more than anything, seemed to push Noonak over the edge.
His anger simmered. No one had ever stood up to him like this before, not without consequence. Noonak tried a different approach.
"My dad's the president of Dhir Corporations," he casually mentioned, swirling his drink. "And my mom, well, she's a judge. Not that I'm one to boast," he added, though the words practically dripped with pride.
Aey didn't even acknowledge him. He asked "Sir is there anything else you need."
In a world where everyone bent to his will, where he was used to having control over every situation, every person. Aey's refusal was nothing short of shocking. And worse still, he was completely nonchalant.
Noonak's jaw clenched, gritting his teeth. Aey was the first person to remind him that not everyone could be bought.
The security , was quietly observing him. He'd seen Noonak get angry before, but this felt different.
Noonak took a step forward. "You think you can turn me down? No one can refuse me," His voice carried a chilling warning. "Do you know who I am?"
Aey didn't flinch. His hands were still steady as he wiped the counter, unbothered. "No, did you forget?."
The response hit Noonak hard. He expected people to want to be near him, to crave his attention. He was used to getting what he wanted.
For a moment, it seemed as though Noonak was going to lash out on a nobody like Aey to show him the consequences of turning him down. But held back.
His hand hovered over his glass for a moment before he finally picked it up, his fingers curling around the stem.
"How about I will brief you a little" Noonak sneered, his tone threatening. "My friend is Toa, your boss, and he owns this bar. And you have offended me, tell me how do you apologize and make it up, or you might get fired."
Across the room, Tum had been listening in on their conversation. He walked in. His sharp gaze settled on Noonak, and without missing a beat, he leveled a cold stare at him.
"Asking my friend to sell himself for money because you're in a bad mood is one craziest thing I've heard," Tum's voice was calm but deadly. He was no stranger to confrontations, unlike Noonak. Tum's power was earned, through respect and he made it clear that he had no patience for the game Noonak was playing.
Tum's eyes slid dismissively over Noonak, an expression of clear indifference. "You are his friend, I didn't notice you earlier. Come on. The more the merrier." Noonak smiled. Tum ignored ready to leave but Noonak reached for Tum.
"Did I let you leave?" Noonak grip Tum's wrist. "I find you so good looking, cute, and sexy at the same time. Come spend the night with me, and I'll give you lots of money"
Tum felt disrespected, before Noonak knew it, his teeth sank into his hand. His grip on Tum's wrist weakened immediately, Noonak yanked his hand, his face twisted in pain he winced, his body jerking back instinctively.
He had underestimated Tum, thinking that money and power would be enough to control him. "You bastard!" Noonak growled. Tum reached out for Aey.
His grip firm but gentle, ensuring Aey he was there to help. He pulled Aey toward the exit. The onlookers whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between Noonak and Tum's retreating figure.
Noonak's fury deepened. He wasn't used to being so easily dismissed, and this, more than anything else, seemed to strike a nerve. His face twisted, as he took a step toward. A sharp shout rang from behind. "Do you know the implications of your actions?"
Tum didn't stop walking. His expression remained neutral, unreadable, as he continued to pull Aey toward the door.
Noonak's face contorted with rage. " if you walk out of the door, you're fired"
Aey paused, his back to Noonak, but his words were calm, almost dismissive. "Okay" he replied without hesitation. There was a beat of silence before Tum spoke. "Let's go, find a new job Aey"
As Tum and Aey walked away, the hum of the room faded. Tum kept his eyes forward, ignoring the warning from Noon.
The moment they stepped into the hallway leading to the exit, Tum exhaled slowly. Aey remained silent, walking beside him. "You okay?" Tum finally asked, his voice softer now
Aey didn't respond right away, his eyes still slightly distant as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… I think so."
Tum nodded, his own anger slowly fading, replaced by a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Just then Aey touched his pocket, searching for his phone. "Nothing." He patted himself down, growing frustrated.
"I must've dropped it when I was pouring the wine for that brat," he muttered under his breath. Turning to Tum, he said "Wait here. I won't be long, I'm just going to the bathroom."
He didn't go to the bathroom. Instead, he strode straight toward Noonak. Lounge with a whiskey. Noonak spotted him approaching and smirked, He had a look of rage but when their eyes met he felt a sense of pride.
"Changed your mind? Smart. You really don't want me as an enemy." Aey bent down, searching for his Phone.
"I'm someone you can't afford to offend. That's why you're back to apologize. Aey Stood Up after finding his phone he barely glanced at him.
Noonak's expression flickered. "You're not here to apologize." After seeing Aey picking up his phone. "That's fine," he said coldly. "You can make it up to me by bringing your friend to my car." His gaze drifted, past him, clearly looking for Tum.
Noonak's phone lights up. He answers, turns on his heel, and walks away. Aey watched him go. Before leaving
The next day, at nearly 8 in the morning, Tum rubbed his eyes, remnants of a restless night clinging to him. He stumbled to the bathroom, and a glance in the mirror made him scream.
His shorts were stained, memories flooding back. "NOOOO!", his voice echoing through the apartment.
After showering and getting ready for his appointment, he found Aey had cooked breakfast with a note: "Don't starve." He smiled, walking to the fridge for a glass of water, after he hurriedly left.
A few knocks at the door interrupted Pum's despair. "Come in," after seeing Tum disheveled state he asked "What happened to you, didn't you sleep well last night" looking at the dark circles under his eyes.
After their conversation, Tum exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him. As Tum moved through the hospital, he passed a slick-suited man trailed by two female nurses and a doctor, all vying for his attention.
Toa, known for his cold demeanor, people don't dare get on his bad side. When Tum saw Toa's face, recognition hit him like a slap. The mole on the bridge of his nose, his jet black hair, with a rare white mallen streak in his middle of his hair, that balancing his striking features that draw attention.
He was fine until the incident from the restaurant. "Isn't it the guy from my dream," he thought. The mere sight of him made his anger boiling within him .
"Hey old man, STOP right there." An extremely cold voice rang out causing them to stop in their tracks and looked back at where the voice had came from, Tum glanced at Toa, pointing an accusing finger at him"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME"