Just barge right in

Maiyuu was on my back, massaging my shoulders, a service he performs occasionally when I am in his good books.

Bad boy Kew phone called. I asked Maiyuu to answer the phone. 'Who is it?' said Maiyuu, who is nothing if not blunt.

'Beer', said Kew.

Kew, whose real nickname is Beer but who calls himself Kew to his friends, was taken aback by the strange voice on the phone.

'Maybe that's Kew,' I said.

'Is that Kew? Why not just say so?' Maiyuu said into the phone, sounding even more direct.

Kew was taken aback a second time. 'Who was that guy getting smart?' he said to me, when I finally took the phone off Maiyuu.

'I sound just like a straight guy these days...I don't bother with any of that polite gay stuff when I speak any more,' said Maiyuu, by way of explanation.

Kew has taken up learning guitar, and asked if he could borrow mine.

I hummed and hah-ed. The last time I lent him my guitar, I had to wait weeks before he would return it.

'If it is a problem, don't worry,' said Kew.

Really, he shouldn't have asked.

'That's the problem with Bangkok kids these days - they show no sense of restraint, modesty, or respect for other people's feelings,' complained Maiyuu.