Chapter 4

Working with Nue was interesting. She wasn't slow but she wasn't fast either and her presence has started to feel rather comforting in this cut-throat place where I worked.

When I wasn't putting her through some of the ropes on how the design business worked, I was showing her how to organize her files on the computer and using Microsoft excel. She had almost no knowledge of anything, but although it was tiring showing her everything from down up, it also felt much better to me than I would have thought before. The only problem was she wouldn't stop talking about Kongpob and trying to pull out information about us.

"Why do you keep asking about my relationship with Kongpob," I asked her as I showed her once again how to use the printing machine.

"It is the most interesting thing about you. Does it make you uncomfortable?" she had this strange innocence to her, even though with her straight dark hair, exceptional good looks and body, she would definitely not be single. It was like she wasn't quite the age she looked mentally.

"Do you have someone you like," I asked her.

Her round doe eyes blinked rapidly at me. "That's a strange question."

"What is strange about it."

"You know I am betrothed to Kongpob."

I tensed a little. "So? Do you like Kongpob?"

She released a breath and shook her head. "Well..."

Why was she thinking about it? Was I wrong in thinking that she didn't?

"I told myself I did for a while," she said, smiling. "I mean, for my entire life he has been the only guy I am allowed to be around. I thought since we would be getting married, it would be strange if I didn't like him. So I liked him."

"huh." So she likes him then.

Her hand covered her mouth as if hiding her laughter but I could see her shoulders trembling. My glare was quick and hot.

"Sorry," she said laughing out rightly. "I just couldn't help it, your face. Do you get this territorial about Kongpob?"

"What are you talking about?" I am not territorial about anything. I merely just wanted to knock myself for trusting in what she told me.

"I don't like Kongpob like that. I guess you could say that my ego was stung a little when he decided to call off the wedding but I was more curious about what kind of person would make Kongpob go against his mother."

"His mother?"

"She is practically the head of their house. You don't want to meet her, P'Arthit."

"She is the one pushing his marriage?"

"Yes. She is my father's cousin."

"Then doesn't that mean that you are both related?"

"Hardly, the blood is too thin to be considered related. Besides, it wouldn't matter to them anyway. They always get what they want. You have a hard fight ahead of you, P'Arthit."

I lowered my eyes and muttered. "Not really." Almost a week ago, Kongpob told me he loved me. He finally said it but that was all. He still hasn't changed how he treats me. He doesn't let me touch him, still sleeps on the couch, and I have been trying to convince myself that I didn't want more than that but I am fooling no one.

I know I said that I wouldn't give up or push Kongpob too hard anymore but at this rate, I wouldn't be able to make Kongpob so in love with me that he chooses me even after he finds his soulmate.

"What's the matter?"

"nothing." I printed the papers and turned away to return to my table.

Nue followed persistently. "Something is definitely wrong. What is your relationship with Kongpob? From how you act every time I ask you about it, you are really not dating. Then what are you doing?"

"Absolutely nothing," I said kicking my seat aside with a little more force than necessary. Sitting forcefully, I dropped the paper in front of her. "Now stop asking me all these uncomfortable questions and get to work."

She sighed and took a seat right after. "I know I am being a busy body but it's like an itch I just have to scratch."

"Huh?" my tone should have frozen her and made her return to her work without question but she merely slipped me her all-knowing smile and shook her head.

"Don't you want help?"

"Help with what," the words were out of my mouth even though I wanted to shut her down with cold silence.

"With Kongpob. I don't know, I think you need a little push."

"If I need it I will ask for it." my eyes scanned the computer page I had opened in an effort to tune out any more disturbance.

"Come on. I may not know a lot about love but I know how to set the mood. Like maybe a date or something."

I laughed without looking up. "What do you know about dates? Have you ever been in one?"

She spluttered and pushed her chair back with a loud scrape. "Hey." she pointed and said, "I would have you know that I have been on many dates, so many you can't even count it."

"With who?" my left brow went up.

"With Tom, Peter, Wesley. Tons of guys."

I blinked. "how come they are all English names?"

"Huh?" her flush looked painful on her skin. "They are %%%%"

"I can't hear you."

"They are video game characters!" she glared at me. "So what, it's certainly more than you have."

I scratched my head and didn't argue back. I should find this hilarious but it sounded kind of sad. "So you really aren't allowed to be with other guys."

"Eh?" she coughed, folded her arms, and sat back down. "Well obviously. Aside from Kongpob, I guess you are now the only guy I can be around."

"In that case." I looked at her, "do you want to go on a date?"

"Huh?" her expression was actually funny so I smiled. She has pretended to be smart and graceful this whole time but her look of surprise and then of happiness was interesting.

"Why all of a sudden."

"I don't know. I have nothing doing this weekend anyway. Maybe we could go to the aquarium. "

"Why the aquarium?" her head tilted to the side with honest curiosity.

"No reason. Is there anywhere you actually want to go?"

"Hmm. Yes, a ton!" her eyes were shining a little too brightly. Did I just get myself into something troublesome?

At home, Kongpob was taking a shower. It was rare to walk into the apartment without seeing Kongpob fully clothed. Kongpob seemed to think that wearing only his boxers around me or having just a towel around his waist would make me jump him. He was absolutely right. I can't trust myself.

I sneaked a glance at the bathroom door and walked over. "Hey, I'm back."

"Welcome back," his muffled voice came through the door. 

"Want company?"

"Sure."

"hm?" I blinked. Did I hear right? Did he just agree? What am I waiting for? I walked in ready to feast my eyes on a wet and naked Kongpob.

He was standing in front of the bathroom cabinet brushing his teeth, fully clothed. "Huh?"

He smiled with his occupied mouth. "Why so disappointed."

"n-nothing." My face was flaming. "Why is the water running?"

"I was preparing a bath for you. I know you like it body peeling hot."

I sighed. "Not today."

I left the bathroom with my shoulders drooping. My disappointment was probably glaring by now. I have shown all my cards. I wanted to take things between us a little further but the stalemate is so powerful.

"What's wrong? Rough day?"

"Not really. Hm. "my eyes looked him up and down and he was mouth watering. I used to force myself on him but after he told me he loved me, I don't know why I can't make myself take the initiative anymore.

"P'Arthit?"

"Did you eat?" I asked hurrying towards the kitchen. "I brought some pasta and—"

"Actually, I made dinner. You know..." he walked to the kitchen counter and sat on a stool. "I have decided to work in my father's company."

"I thought that was after you get married."

Kongpob has been living on his family's money without seeming to have any plan for a career. I thought the reason was that it was already decided for him that he would get married and take over the family business but Kongpob doesn't plan on getting married. I don't know what he was planning to do in the future but I didn't think working for his father was one of them. After all, Kongpob still had four months to decide.

"I'm not getting married. "He didn't add any more. There was some secret that Kongpob had and it was about him and his soul mate. I was sure of it. There was only so much prying I can do so I am waiting for him to open up about it himself when he is ready.

"But that's sudden. " I turned my back on him and began to load the food I bought into the freezer. It wasn't everyday Kongpob cooked and I liked to eat his cooking. It wasn't anything special. As a spoilt rich boy, he didn't have an ounce of cooking skills, but he would lazily watch cooking shows every now and then and create some really good meals. It just shows how much of a good student he is. This is why I was sure even though he has never worked before or had done any serious studying, Kongpob would do well in his father's company. Still...

"I wanted to come work with you, remember? I have been thinking about it for a while."

"So because I said that you couldn't that's why you are going to your father's?"

"hm?" he raised his head higher and asked, "what is the problem?"

"Nothing."

He sighed and came around the counter. I watched him come with my shoulders hunched. Kongpob placed his hands on my shoulder. "Whatever you are thinking is not it," he said with a smile.

"What am I thinking? You can't know what I am thinking."

"Something along the lines of, if he works for his father then it's only a matter of time before he complies and gets married? "

"That's too detailed," I said, scowling.

He laughed and nudged my chin. "I am right, aren't I?"

"You don't have to work."

"Yes, but I get bored. All I do is wait for you all day."

My face heated. "Wait for me?" I couldn't steadily meet his eyes.

He pulled away with a satisfied nod. "You know, when you are not around it is all I can do not to come see you at work. I miss you a lot, P'Arthit."

What is he saying? I know he is always sweet with his words and he did say that he loves me but...this is a little over the line. What am I supposed to do about that?

I noticed his hands moving towards my face and ducked my heart racing. "Tomorrow! I am going out with Nue."

Kongpob's hand paused and withdrew. "Nue? Why, is it a work thing?"

Changing the subject was a good idea but why did I have to bring up the awkward date I suggested out of nowhere. "Yes, uh no. I just want to take her out."

"That's rare?"

I began to ready the food. "What is rare about it."

"You doing things like that." He returned to the other side of the counter with an easy smile on his lips. "That's nice of you, P'Arthit."

That's nice of me? Why is it that Kongpob only seemed to get irrationally jealous when it is Rin, but everyone else he just waves away? Wait. Was I trying to make him jealous? I don't understand my own thought process.

"Do you want to come..." eh? Come? I am inviting Kongpob out with me. That's right, we have never been on a date. Is it still  a date if another person is there?

"Can I?"

"If you are free."

"Sure. I am always free."

We began to eat in almost silence as I let myself fall deep in thought. Kongpob's decision to go work for his father worries me. I knew that it wasn't rational but if Kongpob suddenly finds his soulmate there, or worse his father learns about Kongpob's plans to not get married to Nue, they might do something to force it. Honestly, that side of Kongpob's life looked daunting. It wasn't just his soulmate I had to worry about, I also have to deal with his family and the hell they are going to bring.

I still remember how they had their bodyguards chase us like criminals when we tried to leave Kongpob's wedding. Kongpob's family isn't going to let him just do whatever he wanted and they would certainly make life hell. That could all begin very fast.

"What is going through your mind, P'Arthit?"

"hm, I was just wondering if maybe it would be better for you to come work with me instead."

"Huh?"

I met his eyes and saw pleasant surprise. "Wouldn't it be easier on you that way?"

"Yes, plus I get to be with you."

"That isn't the point." I gritted my teeth and glared at him. "Kongpob, the thing is, my father would never accept you. He barely accepts me. I don't want him to tell me not to be around you anymore."

"Well even if he did, you don't have to listen."I met his eyes pointedly and he said, "Oh. Rich families are the same everywhere."

"So, if you can then let's pretend not to know each other at work."

"Um, no... I don't want to. I can at least be your schoolmate, can't I?"

Well, was he anything different? Right now we didn't have a label for our relationship. I just know I am crazy about Kongpob. I needed him. Even if it was hard since he didn't need me back, I don't want to give him up and I don't want to think about how I would have to let him go in the future. Somehow, I have to gain Kongpob's complete love. I have to do something that would make his heart completely mine.

"I guess..." I said as if I hated the idea and began to eat.

THE AUTHOR HAS SOMETHING TO SAY: thanks to everyone who voted and commented on the story. I really appreciate you guys cause I now want to try writing a little more. I didn't mean to say the story itself was pointless, just that it could have been shorter but as of right now I don't know how to tell it differently. My update time is still random. I failed to post this chapter earlier because of network troubles, I hope that gets fixed soon. anyway, this is till next time.