Chapter Text
I’m back! Please didn’t hate me! I started this chapter so long ago but I’ve been so busy because all this quarantine business. Working from home seems all fine and dandy until you have to do it and then your soooo busy and not having a fun time trapped at home. But that’s okay, I’m praying for those affected and doing my part by staying home, which I hope all of you are doing as well. I’m sorry it’s short but I wanted to get all your opinions on what should com next. I did read over it but if there’s any mistakes please forgive me. I’ll leave a little note at the end so make sure you go look at it! Love you alll, enjoy (oh and also this is starting in the morning of the last chapter, Kong’s view)
Fun fact: Today is Mother’s Day in the US. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there!
Kong walks into work while rubbing his face for the nth time that morning, still mulling over the dream from last night. It had drained him so much he had even considered not coming to work today but it was the dreaded Thursday when the project had to be fixed, so as future heir of the company Kong guess he shouldn’t miss today.
His feet lead him to the company’s drink stall, unconsciously craving some much needed caffeine. Fawn, a sweet looking girl, took Kong’s order for an iced coffee. Briefly, Kong wondered where Gun was as he gave Fawn some cash, putting the change in the tip jar. He shrugged it off though, not knowing the guy well enough to know his schedule. Kong also thought about buying Arthit a cup of pink milk but quickly dismissed the thought as soon as it arrived. Too much trouble, not enough thanks. He thought.
The drink came out quickly since Kong was late and no one was out getting their drinks, busy with work. Thanking Fawn, he took the cup and trudged to the elevator, groggily hitting the button to call the elevator. The doors opened immediately and he made his way inside, pressing the button for the second floor. Kongpob took a nice long sip as he rode the elevator, sighing contently at the taste. He closed his eyes, inhaling nearly half of his drink with one sip. He knew that today was not going to be his day, so this coffee would be his best friend. Kong found himself staring at the elevator’s doors, thoughts coming and going like wind.
Kong was brought out of his sleepy induced blank mind when a ‘ding’ sounded, letting him know the elevator had arrived. He stopped drinking and stepped off of the elevator, making his way as fast as his tired self could go to his desk. Kong nearly stepped on three people’s shoes before making it to his desk, everyone busily working. After another long sip Kongpob sat his nearly empty cup and belongings together on his desk, wanting to save the drink a little before having to go get another. He put his laptop on his desk but didn’t turn it on, wanting to check if his ‘boss’ had a desire to yell at him for being late and get it over with.
‘ Knock knock knock’ Kongpob knocked on the office door and stood for a moment. After no response, Kong cautiously tried the handle to find it locked. Was his boss also late? Kongpob turned around and looked over the second floor for any sign of Arthit. No Arthit, but Kong spotted New, who was heading past with a box of plastic parts that were presumably needed by a senior. Kongpob grabbed Newwiee’s arm to stop him and his friend looked annoyed before noticing it was his best friend.
“Oh, Kong, what do you need?” New asked, looking and sounding tired. Kongpob felt bad for his friend, making a mental note to invite him to the bar Friday night since he looked like he needed a break.
“Have you seen P’Arthit?” New looked at the shut office door before shaking his head.
“Probably went to the Sales department to get the numbers he needed. Thank goodness for that, we’ll hopefully be done with making the last of the products by the time he gets here. Let’s pray that nothing goes wrong and we have to remake more of these things, they’re already getting on my nerves.” Kongpob nodded, letting go of his friend's arm and motioning first him to go.
“Okay, see you at lunch Newwiee.” His friend left after Kong’s lame goodbye. With a huff of air, Kongpob heads back to the elevator, which was slowly filling with people. Kong slides in and hits the button for the third floor. The elevator was filled quickly, people hitting buttons for various floors and making Kongpob grateful that he only was going up one floor.
The door closed and Kong made sure to stay near the front since his stop was next. The ding sounded and Kong was never happier to leave the hot elevator than he was then. The doors closed behind him as he stood and looked around. His eyes felt dry, probably from crying this morning and lack of sleep, so he couldn’t see too well amidst the mass of desks with people calculating numbers. Kong went to rub his eyes, opening and blinking a couple of tim-
“Kong!” Kongpob jumped in surprise, just able to contain a yelp. He turned to his left, where the auditory attack came from. Kong looked up just in time to be pounced on by Frame. His friend threw an arm around Kong’s shoulders, giving him a friendly squeeze. “You came to visit me finally?” The happiness in the others made Kong smile.
“Mmm, I did, but I also came to see if-” A yell cut Kongpob off.
“Ohm! Where is the report recheck I asked you for!?” Kong cringed at the angry voice of P’Darli, waiing to the senior who didn’t seem to care about seeing him. Instead of being scared, Frame gave the elder his signature grin.
“Already sent P’Darli~” He said in a singsong voice. “Check your email.” The silence from the lady’s desk seemed to indicate her seeing the report. Frame chuckled before turning his childlike gaze to Kong.
“So Kong, I was thinking that we need to do some catching up..want to go to the bar this weekend?” Kongpob couldn’t seem to not smile when Frame acted so childish, as if they weren’t the same age.
“I was actually thinking the same thing. I was invited to go see someone perform at a bar tomorrow night and was going to invite some friends to go.” Frame’s smile was so bright at his words.
“Ooooo, yes!” The other responded. Kong chuckled at his reactions.
“But no flirting! My fragile heart couldn’t handle you flirting with someone else.” Kongpob teased and his friend’s childish smile turned into naughty smile. Kong sometimes forgot that Frame wasn’t as innocent as he tried to seem.
“No promises…” Frame said before leaning in close to Kongpob’s ear. “If you don’t want me to flirt then just make sure I’m occupied .” Kong pushed his friend away at the suggestive words. Frame laughed, not bothered by the push. He hooked his arm back around Kong’s shoulders before continuing, childlike again. “You think Max will want to come too? Let’s ask!”
Before Kong could argue Frame was dragging him to Max’s office. The door was shut but the light was on, suggesting Max was inside. Frame opened the door without a knock, pulling Kong so they were both in the door frame.
“Hey bro, Kong is..” Frame paused, seeing someone sitting opposite his brother. “..oh, hello P’Arthit.” Kong could see the nervous expression of his friend, guessing it was because of Arthit being the other’s head hazer. They both waied, Frame pulling Kong closer to not take his arm off the other’s neck. Kong didn’t think too hard on this gesture, since they have been pretty close all of their lives. “Sorry for not knocking, I didn’t realize someone else was in here.” Frame gave Arthit the playful smile Kong knew from experience fluttered hearts. The other just returned the gaze with a cold face.
“Frame! God, when will you ever be professional?” Max said, fingers pinching his nose in exasperation. Frame gave his brother an apologetic look that wasn’t really apologetic since nothing like this troubled Frame.
“No, it’s okay, you weren’t interrupting any business talk, although I am still waiting on those final checks.” This was the first time this morning Kong heard Arthit’s voice and he felt amused for some reason at the stern voice he used, as if he knew Arthit well to know that the hazer voice was just a front. Frame chuckled nervously and let his arm fall off Kongpob’s shoulder before raising them in a wai to Arthit and then to Max.
“That reminds me P’, I have a few things I still need to work on…” Frame backed out of the office before quickly heading to his desk. Kong wished to leave with his friend but knew he couldn’t since he finally found the man he was looking for. Kongpob stood awkwardly in the doorway not sure what to do. Thankfully Max waved a hand for Kong to come inside, not letting the silence become too long.
“Don’t just stand, take a seat and get comfy. I’m sure it’ll be a minute before all the rechecks are done.” Kongpob didn’t miss the glare Arthit shot Max, who just laughed and smiled.
Kong walked in and took a seat in the chair to the right of Arthit. The latter didn’t acknowledge Kongpob, instead playing with his shirt cuffs. This saddened Kong a second, who looked at the elder before turning his gaze to Max. Max cleared his throat before speaking again.
“So Kong, bet it’s fun being Arthit’s intern right?” Kongpob opened his mouth to answer but Max continued speaking, addressing Arthit. “You know Arthit, Kong here is quite the flirt. I hope he doesn’t try to flirt too hard.” Kong was caught off guard by the statement. He could feel Arthit look up at Max.
“Really?” Arthit looked sideways at Kong, sounding surprised at the fact. Kongpob didn’t really know what to say.
“Ohh, the biggest flirt! In highschool he had the ladies falling over themselves for him. In college it only got worse when he won two spots at the Moon competition. Guys and girls alike were trying to get with him nonstop. Bad boys looks but a good boy attitude; the type of guy that moms love and exes hate. Kong didn’t settle though, always ‘ too busy for a relationship’ . I know that people can be too busy for relationships but for Kong this is BS! He just breezed through school with perfect grades. I’ve got a theory on why he’s never settled.” Kong became more and more embarrassed as the other talked him up. What the hell Max!? The other continued to talk, ignoring a flustered Kong.
“It’s because of this perfect mold he’s got for who he wants and no one fits it. Everyone’s too this or too that for him. It doesn’t stop his flirting though, making all the ladies - and guys - swoon.” Kong felt his cheeks heat up a little as Arthit turned to look at him, one eyebrow raised. Kongpob cursed mentally, wondering why he was so shy. Arthit looked away from Kong before he could spontaneously combust.
“Hmm, that’s weird, he’s never flirted with me..” Kong was slightly shocked by the lie. Kongpob hadn’t flirted with the other for a little bit, true, but in their first real meeting Kong definitely used his smile to his advantage before Arthit became an angry monster. Max looked as shocked as Kong internally felt.
“ Really? You seem like just the type for him to flirt with, given your cute blushing face when embarrassed.” Max turned his attention from Arthit to Kong now. “Arthit is a soft, shy guy once you really know him.” It was Kong’s turn to give Arthit a raised eyebrow. True to Max’s words, the other was blushing adorably. Even the glare directed at the Sales manager was cute to Kong.
“Max, this is not the time for sharing your little stories, I need those reports.” Kong chuckled inwardly at Max’s unapologetic apologetic look, so similar to his brother’s.
“You know what, I’ll go check on them right now.” Max headed out the room quickly. If Kong was in his right mind he would have wanted to make Max stay so he wouldn’t be alone but the shy look on his seniors face made his mind a little distracted. Kongpob gave Arthit a naughty look, similar to that of his childhood friend’s, when the elder looked over.
“Shy, huh?” Even his scowl is cute! Kong thought before he could stop himself. Okay, so he couldn’t lie to himself, Arthit was good looking - anyone with eyes could see that. Why was he just noticing how cute he is now? Arthit looked away from Kong.
“Shy my ass, Max is just trying to make me look bad.” Kongpob nodded although he was obviously not convinced.
“So you aren’t affected by flirting?” Arthit quirked an eyebrow and locked eyes with Kong. The eye contact made Kong feel so daring for some reason, he could see the effort Arthit had to put into forming his next sentence. A smirk graced his own lips without permission.
“Of course not, I have a girlfriend, remember?..Why?” Kong brushed off the words, having an idea of the real relationship between Arthit and his ‘girlfriend’. After meeting Nam Kongpob may have asked Wad about her. Wad was a little reluctant to share but backed up Namturn’s words, giving a tiny bit of background.
Kongpob stood and lazily walked to Max’s desk turning to lean on the edge of it. Kong knew he looked very handsome like this; if Arthit was at least a little bit attracted to him Kong was sure the other’s heart would flutter.
“Flirting with a coworker seems dangerous but I’m up for danger.” Kongpob thought aloud. He turned his gaze to the ceiling, his heart rate increasing a little as he planned his next words in his head. “I never get involved with someone who is already in a relationship, but...toxic relationships are different.” Kong glanced down to see if he could tell what Arthit was thinking. The other was visibly confused. Kong was very serious in this moment; as much as he liked to flirt, he really felt for people who were in a bad relationship.
“ Toxic relationship?” Arthit echoed. Kong explained what he had found out.
“A little birdy told me that your girlfriend isn’t really reciprocating your feelings...being together for, what, 3 or 4 years now? There would have been some indication that she was really over her last boyfriend.” Arthit didn’t respond, seeming to be in his own head. Kong gave him a few moments but the other didn’t seem to snap out of it. A sentence came into his head suddenly and it flowed out of his mouth without Kong having a chance to think about what it meant.
“You deserve more than unrequited love.” Kong wasn’t sure where the sentence came from but it got a reaction out of the other. Arthit’s breath hitched and surprise was obvious before he scowled at Kongpob. When Arthit stood and stalked to the door, Kong knew he messed up.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t get into my personal life. Whoever your little ‘birdy’ was, tell them to fuck off.” The elder growled before opening the door and striding out. Kong’s chest hurt as he softly cursed at himself. Good job Kongpob . With a big sigh, he pushed himself to stand and walk to the door that Arthit just walked out of. Looking out, the other was gone, but Kong saw the slow closing door of the bathroom and knew he must have gone in there. He wasn’t going to follow him though, knowing that the elder would definitely not appreciate his presence.
Kong bit his lip and berated himself mentally. Why are you always like this when you’re alone with him?? Can you not be rational for two seconds to actually not say something to provoke the other? Kongpob really confused himself. Why couldn’t he just be normal around the other? He had no clue what about Arthit made him lose his brain and just let random words flow like water from his lips. Every time someone would leave upset and Kong always blamed himself no matter what happened.
Make yourself useful then, and maybe Arthit will just ignore you instead of piling loads of papers on you. Kong walked out the door and towards Max, who had some files and papers in his hands - hopefully finished checks. Maybe this alone time from Arthit would do him good though, he unconsciously thought, because then he can get his thoughts straight and figure out why the boss gave him word vomit.
Okay so, I’ll give all an option to choose from but I do have an idea of what I want to do. Should I skip all the work stuff for Thursday, like getting reports and making sure everything, and just go to Thursday evening, OR do you all want to see that? Comment and let me know^^