Part 23

                                    

                                          
"I don't think I am able to come—" Kao wanted to continue, but the phone call ended suddenly.
"Oh no," Kao feared Gulf might be upset with him, so he tried to call again but received no response.
"Mr. Nattawut, explain to us what is going on! We need answers!" The directors were impatiently waiting for Kao's response.
"Dad, please handle this first," Ja guided all the directors to the meeting room.
Kao groaned. He sent a signal to his assistant, who left immediately.
Kao entered the meeting room, where all the directors were raising their voices, demanding answers. Kao answered their questions one by one, but after 10 minutes, they were still going on. Kao was speaking when his assistant suddenly entered.
"Don't disturb Dad," Ja said firmly, stopping Kao's assistant. He noticed something and wanted Kao to stay longer.
"This is urgent, Mr. Ja," Kao's assistant walked towards Kao, but Ja stepped in front of him.
"This is an order. Do not disturb my Dad," Ja said firmly once again.
Kao was so focused on talking to the other directors that he missed the tension between his assistant and his son.
"I am sorry, Mr. Ja, for being rude, but my boss is Mr. Kao, not you. All the years I have worked with Mr. Kao, I know this is the issue that is most important to him. So, excuse me," Kao's assistant passed through Ja and went towards Kao.
Kao raised an eyebrow at his assistant. His assistant whispered something, making Kao's eyes widen.
"I have to go!" Kao immediately headed for the door, but Ja stepped in front of him.
"Dad, how can you leave us unanswered? Has this problem been solved yet?" Ja deliberately raised his voice to attract the attention of the other directors.
They all stood up and asked many questions, making Kao clench his fists.
"Enough!" Kao raised his voice, demonstrating his authority. All the directors fell silent, intimidated by Kao's tone.
"I hired you to solve problems for me, not to have me solve yours! If you can't do it yourself, then quit! This includes you, Mr. Ja," Kao's tone sent a shiver down Ja's spine. Kao had never spoken to him like that before.
"Let's go," Kao then went outside, running towards his car.
------
"Urgh," Gulf slowly opened his eyes, feeling a heavy sensation in his head.
He remembered being on the phone with Kao when a car came from the side. Thankfully, Gulf had quick reflexes and avoided the car, but he fell and hit his head on the road.
Gulf turned around and saw Kao's head on the bed, holding Gulf's hand. Gulf moved his hand, waking Kao up.
"Gulf? Finally, you woke up, dear. I was so worried about you. I am so sorry for not being there. It's my fault, dear. I should have come to you instead of being distracted. I am sorry, dear. I..." Kao started firmly, but his voice weakened at the end. His eyes were filled with tears.
Kao had been blaming himself throughout the night. He couldn't sleep until 4 a.m. because of his guilt. If only he had gone to Gulf earlier, nothing would have happened.
Gulf slowly sat up with Kao's help. Kao couldn't bring himself to make eye contact with Gulf. He even distanced himself due to guilt. Gulf was relieved to see Kao first when he woke up.
"Khun..." Gulf slowly reached out to hold Kao's hand. Kao remained still.
"Khun, look at me," Gulf said in a clear voice, but Kao shook his head, bowing down.
"P'Kao," Gulf said, making Kao look up, surprised by the nickname.
"What—" Kao couldn't believe his ears.
Gulf saw Kao's reaction and chuckled. Kao's eyes were red and puffy, signs that he had been crying since yesterday. Gulf cupped Kao's cheek and smiled.
"You finally looked at me," Gulf spoke softly.
Kao immediately pulled Gulf into a hug, with apologies spilling from his mouth. He promised never to let Gulf be alone again.
"You are late, so it's all your fault," Gulf lightly hit Kao's chest. His eyes grew teary as he remembered the hurt he felt upon seeing the picture.
However, Kao being here erased any doubts about his love for Gulf. Kao had left everything to be with Gulf, which touched Gulf deeply. He knew whatever Ja was accusing was wrong; Kao did love Gulf genuinely.
"I am so sorry, dear. You can be mad at me, yell at me, dear. I promise not to leave you alone again. It's all my fault," Kao kept hugging Gulf tightly, afraid he would leave.
"You are forgiven, but don't leave me again," Gulf returned Kao's hug, and Kao nodded vigorously.
------
Kao went to get Gulf's lunch when Bright came to visit. Bright panicked upon receiving a call from Kao.
"Are you okay?" Bright asked, making Gulf smile to reassure him.
"About P'Kao... What are you going to do?" Bright asked directly. He had seen Kao crying because he felt guilty for Gulf.
Gulf bit his lip. He knew his feelings for Kao but was still afraid. Kao had shown him many things, but would he still get hurt like in previous relationships? He knew Kao was not like that, but...
Bright saw the hesitation in Gulf's eyes and decided it was time to tell the truth. He sighed and held Gulf's hand.
"Gulf, I love you. I have loved you from the start of our friendship until now."
TBC