Chapter Text
Three months later.
Mim thinks she's doing pretty well.
Her life is finally getting back together, and with everyone's hard work Mimetta is thriving again, making many groundbreaking achievements and reaching milestone after milestone.
For the first time in a long while, she feels worthy of her father's endless praise, her mother's encouragement and Bonnie's unwavering support.
Everything is just falls right back on track.
Mim has proven every person who ever doubted her because of her age wrong. She's capable of far more than they expected, sometimes even the impossible like signing contract after contract with Eve's brother, who now openly sees her as an equal competitor.
Speaking of Eve.
"Hello gorgeous."
Mim leans casually against the doorframe while posing like she belongs on the cover of a magazine.
The annoyance instantly melts off Eve's face the moment she sees Mim.
"Wow, sneaking up on me and attacking me with flirting first?"
Eve smirks.
"I'm really rubbing off on you, huh?"
"I learned from the best." Mim shrugs proudly before stepping inside the condo, only to stop short in confusion.
Eve's condo is a lot more different since the last time Mim visited, it's spotless and it's weirdly empty.
"Did this place just go through a raid or something?" Mim jokes, but before real concern can settle in she spots two large suitcases placed against the kitchen wall.
"Hm? Are you going somewhere? Or moving into a new place?" Mim blinks.
"Um... I'm going back to France." Eve avoids her eyes almost immediately.
"What?" Mim stares at her.
"Why so suddenly?"
Eve sighs tiredly, dragging a hand through her hair.
"Yeah, I only found out the other night too." "So honestly I'm just as unprepared as you are."
Mim can't believe they're somehow standing in this situation again.
Back then, after graduating college and living together as roommates for years. One day Mim came to a conclusion that she had seen enough of the city, had explored every corner and experienced everything the city had to offered. She's ready to return home.
Eve had fully supported her decision, she even crying while helping Mim pack and dramatically begging not to be forgotten once Mim became a powerful CEO.
They had said goodbye at the airport believing it might truly be the last time they saw each other.
And now Eve is the one leaving.
"O okay... but you'll come back, right?" Mim let out a nervous laugh.
"I mean this is basically a vacation, isn't it? So of course you'll come back eventually, this is your home too."
"Mim." Eve steps closer and gently takes both of her hands.
"I'm afraid that's not the case."
Bambi eyes gazes into deep blue sea, Mim search Eve's face while waiting for her to continue.
"My dad wants to open a headquarters there so it's either me or my brother."
"And since his performance here impressed my dad, he wants me to managing or at least... gives it a try."
The two of them laugh weakly because they both know how desperately Eve has spent her entire life to stay out of family business.
"Umm, do you need any advice?" Mim asks innocently.
"Oh yes, please." Eve grins brightly.
"If I'm actually going to take this seriously and do it well, who better to ask than the incredibly talented Mim Rattanawadee?"
Mim giggles freely.
"Alright ass kisser. You'll survive."
Her sass has evolved tremendously over the years.
Once their laughter subsided, Eve gently rubs her thumbs over Mim's knuckles.
"I had this crazy idea... of asking you... to come with me."
"But I know." Eve cuts herself off abruptly and immediately breaks eye contact.
"Aww, Eve." Mim cups her cheeks softly as tears gather at the corners of her eyes.
Blue once again became the color that represents sadness and sorrows.
"I'm sorry, Eve." Mim sighs, brushing her thumbs over Eve's perfectly crafted cheekbones.
"I know, I know." Eve shakes her head quickly before forcing a smile.
"It's okay. I'm fine." She says, holding Mim's hand against her cheek.
"When are you leaving?"
"At the end of the month."
...
"This sunday!?"
Eve gives a tiny nod.
"Ooh Eve, you should've told me sooner."
"Way sooner."
"I..." Eve exhales.
"I didn't know how to tell you, Mim. It's just... it's just that I was so quick to agreed to my dad's offer that I barely processed it myself. "
"And you were so happy lately and I was also insanely happy seeing you like that too."
"I didn't want to drop this bomb on you."
"Uhhuh, which is exactly why you should've told me sooner." Mim rolls her eyes teasingly.
"Ugh." Eve groans in defeat.
"We could've spent much more time together."
"Right, right. Let's all act like you haven't practically been living here for months already."
"Hey! Not nice!" Mim slaps her arm lightly.
"And I never heard you complain like ever, so quit being stingy. You're old."
Eve's flabbergasted, she looks personally attacked.
"Excuse you! You cannot call me old when we are literally the same age, Rattanawadee."
"Besides, I don't complain because you're lucky I find you cute and I also enjoy your company."
"Tsk, tsk."
Mim absolutely loses it, laughing uncontrollably before pulling Eve into her arms.
"I'm going to miss this, Eve."
"Yeah, me too." Eve gently fixes Mim's hair.
"I'll miss you."
"Oh, you have no idea Mim. You might probably still see my face after the plane has already takes off."
Mim giggles.
"I'll be there to witness it."
-
On Sunday, as they walk side by side through the airport. Mim can't stop herself from imagining what would happen if she actually accepted Eve's offer and left with her.
Well, clearly her parents would definitely be cool about it. Bonnie however, would physically drag her off the plane before she could even form a second thought and left Thailand without her again.
When they reach the gate, Eve somehow senses that something feels off about Mim.
"You know." Eve starts.
"If you changed your mind. I have another ticket saved."
Mim shoots her a joking glare, though she can't tell if Eve is actually serious.
"You keep it for yourself or maybe resell it, make some quick bucks."
Eve throws her head back, laughing loudly.
"Okay, okay, worth a shot." She shrug.
Mim doesn't laugh this time, she simply opens her arms
"Let's get this over with."
"Quickly before I actually change my mind." Mim grumbles childishly.
"Yes, miss impatient."
Eve wastes no time pulling her into a tight hug, struggling slightly to rest her chin comfortably on Mim's shoulder.
...
"I love you, Mim."
...
Mim blinks slowly, tightening her arm instinctively draping around Eve's neck since for her this is the first and only time she's ever heard those words from her. Mim doesn't dare question the meaning behind those I love you but she knows it's sincere, completely sincere.
And the only response Mim can give is equally honest.
"I love you too, Eve."
"Thank you for everything."
Mim understand she owes Eve more than those words after everything Eve has done for her.
...
Mim hears Eve swallow quietly against her shoulder, knowing Eve is fighting back her tears just as hard as she is.
Then suddenly.
"Yep!" Eve sprung up and brushes imaginary dust off Mim's sleeves.
"This is great that I get to see your face last." "More chance I'll be able to dream about you later."
"Ugh." Mim groans while wiping her tears away.
"Of course. It's all part of my evil plan to make sure you never forget me, Langton."
"Never! Not even after how many beautiful faces I meet over there." Eve pats her chest proudly.
"Hmm, better keep that promise." Mim raises an eyebrow.
Right then, Eve's boarding call echoes through the intercom.
The two of them exchange one last bright smile.
"I should run now before you kick me through the gate yourself."
Mim can't believe it, Eve's another level of silliness.
"Yeah, you have about two seconds. My leg is already twitching."
Eve grins happily as she slowly backs away toward the gate.
"Oh, hey, one more thing!"
"Don't forget to stop by one of the best bakery around here." Eve says mischievously, as if she isn't the one leaving right now.
"I won't."
"K, tell P' I said hi."
Then Eve gives Mim an exaggerated salute before disappearing into the crowd.
Mim let out a long sigh, she could already feel the heaviness settling in her chest just thinking about it. But before heading back to the company, she still had to make another stop.
Her destination like Eve said, was one of the best bakery around here and a place Mim knew the roads to by heart.
-
Standing in front of Benyapa's Oven, Mim carefully rehearsed what she was going to say and imagined how the conversation would go before gathering enough courage to push the door open.
"Welcome to Benyapa's Oven, how can I... CEO of Mimetta?" The young girl behind the counter pauses, trying to figure out if she's mistaken.
"Uh... yeah, just call me Mim."
"Right, of course. I called you that because I didn't know your name until now, but I know about your company though and... I also know you and my boss.."
The girl trails off, realizing she had just embarrassed herself and totally made a rambles.
"I... I'm sorry, um, how can I help you?"
Mim gives her an awkward smile.
"I'm looking for P'View. Is she here by any chance?"
Mim hoped she'd be here or all those pep talks would need another week to reschedule.
"Of course she is. She's like obsessed with this place, I rarely see her take a day off." The girl casually complaints her boss of being a workaholic.
"Great."
...
... "Oh! You need to talk to her." "Don't worry, I got you."
"P'View! Mim's here to see you." The girl yells over her shoulder toward where View is, probably in the storage room.
"Coming!" The two heard View's voice.
Mim nods in relief.
"I'll go take a seat and I'll also have one slice of banana cream pie, please." She presses lips into a straight line upon facing the young girl overly cheerful expression.
"Good choice, coming right up."
-
"Liking the banana cream pie?"
Mim looks up at View, who greets her with one of her signature smiles.
"Yes, P'. I didn't think you would bring it back to the menu."
View chuckles, sitting down opposite Mim.
"Ever since it made a comeback during the holidays, many people have loved it so now it stays as an everyday cake."
"Hmm, as it should. It's delicious." Mim giggles, taking another bite.
"Here's your drink, enjoy."
"Thank you so much."
Mim beams excitedly at the drink almost like a kid on Christmas, but she notices something is not quite right from the younger girl scrunched eyebrows as she places the drink in front of her.
When the girl left their table, Mim asks View the thing thats been bugging her.
"Did she just give me a strange look, P'?"
"Huh? What? Of course not."
View actually pays no mind to what Mim's talking about, she's way too busy admiring her. Mim's beauty is always ten times more lethal whenever she's dressed in casual clothes.
"Yeah I don't think she was giving me a mean look, but there was something you know?"
View mindlessly nods along before Mim's drink of choice catches her attention.
"... um... maybe this is her first time meeting someone who drinks matcha latte without any sweetener."
"WHAT!?" Mim reacts instantly, her body leans forward in complete shocked.
"No way I'm the only one." "I'm sure tons of people drink it this way." She tries to make a case for herself.
"Totally, but I get why the poor girl is traumatized." "I mean, it's kinda weird to me as well." Her tone is half teasing while she waits for Mim to laughs, thinking it's a funny matter.
So when View receive Mim's furrowed eyebrows, she immediately starts stammering.
"I... I mean everyone enjoys things their own way and it... it's just your way is not my way or... or her." View feels the needs to swallow her own tongue.
"Hmm, anything else P'View?"
View pauses, calculating carefully in her head the percentage of survival and if she still have time to write a will.
"And... I think without sweetener it tastes straight up like drinking grass juice mixed with a splash of milk."
...
"Wow." Mim's speechless. "Wow."
"I."
"Thank you for letting me know that I have the most horrible taste ever, P'."
View's eyeballs almost pop out of her sockets as she strongly explains to save herself.
"No no no. That's not what I mean at all, Mim."
"Like... like at all."
"Everyone should enjoy their drinks however they want if it tastes delicious to them."
"Hm. Even when it's absolutely weird, P'?" Mim quirk an eyebrow, testing.
"Absolutely! Because who are they to judge? Besides, as long as you like it then that's enough for me." View double checks her words and realizes how they might cause a little misunderstanding.
"Ppft." Mim cackles first.
"Ppft." View quickly joins her.
"Hoo, it's not every day I get to learn a new thing about myself." Mim pretends to fix her tie.
"And it doesn't take away the 'Miss Perfect' title from you."
Mim stops her motion halfway.
"Me? Oh, come on P'View. The title was literally created for you."
"Uh, uh." View shakes her head, totally disagreeing.
"Yep, it's true. Just ask anyone." Mim tilts her head to the side, nodding convincingly.
"Mmh, yeah, then since it was created for me. I'll have no choice but to share it with you." View lightly slams her hand on the table, indicating it's a judge's hammer in court.
Mim once again laughs loudly to the point where tears start forming in her eyes.
"Jokes aside, I'm here for an important reason P'View."
View raises her hands, showing Mim she has her full attention.
"Oh, um before I get into it."
"Eve said hi. She sent her regards."
View thought Mim said it was important.
"That's nice of her, Mim. I thought she would've come with you?"
She's genuinely confused, knowing how close they are and how the two are roommates for quite some time.
"Um... well, I actually just came from the airport."
"Airport?"
"Yes. Eve's going back to France, P'." Her tone changes a bit sadder.
View rests her lips on the rim of her cup for a moment before slowly taking a sip, processing the news.
"Oh. I'm so sorry."
Placing a hand on top of Mim's, she really means it because she understands Eve's role in Mim's life.
"I know how important she is to you."
"It's fine, P'." Mim gently brushes it off.
"I mean, it's sad but it's her decision and I fully support her."
"Yeah, it's fine."
"I'm fine, P'." Mim smiles, giving View's hand a light squeeze.
View nods, smiling back timidly.
"Right, back to the main event because I'm definitely not here to talk about Eve."
"Take all time you need, Mim."
Mim does as told and takes in a big gulp of air.
"I want you back."
Both of their eyes widen before Mim panics all over the place.
"I mean back as the director of marketing, P'View!" Mim mentally swears at herself.
"Not... not.. I mean.. not that." Someone save her.
View quickly swoosh in to rescue Mim from a panic attack.
"I understand."
"... thank you, P'."
"So you want to rehire me?"
"Yes! I think even though it's not shown on the surface, the team needs you, P'View."
"Huh? I've read all about their successful projects. Seems like they're doing pretty well."
Mim halts, she didn't know View was keeping tabs.
"It may look like it, but there are still a lot of struggles they're facing, P'."
Mim notices it's starting to work on View so she pulls out her next card.
"And Bon also needs you."
"What? Bonnie?" View's almost in disbelief.
"She admits to me that having you there helps her be more productive."
"Woah, and coming from her?"
"Yep."
"I finds it's hard to be true."
"But it is P'View! Honestly the most valid opinion I've heard." Mim can already smell the victory.
"Hmm." View is normally easily swayed when it comes to Mim, and this time is no exception.
"Seriously P'View. Mimetta needs you, your team needs you, Bonnie needs you."
"I also need you."
"You and Bonnie are like my right and left arms, and to operate the company smoothly, I need you both."
...
"Wow, I didn't know you thought of me like that, Mim."
View slightly leans back in her chair, crossing her arms while looking around the room.
"But the bakery..."
"I understand your concern, P' and I'm not telling you to pick and choose."
"The bakery is still gonna be your main thing while you can just treat your job at Mimetta as a side hustle."
View is baffled by this, feeling unpleasant pressure.
"What? Since when is working at a multi billion dollar company considered just a side hustle, Mim?"
"Ooh, please. I've met people applying in just for the fun of it." Mim thinks View is exaggerating it a little.
"Agreed, but that's not who I am."
"Besides didn't you already sign my resignation letter?" "It means if I want to come back, I'd have to start from desk level."
"Uh huh." Mim takes another bite of the pie, grinning to herself.
"And... you're smiling." View can't help but smile like a fool too.
"I never sign your letter, P'View. I shove it into the drawer later that day and it's been there ever since."
"So technically, I'm offering you back your position, P'."
...
"The board.."
"P'View! The CEO of Mimetta is literally going against company protocol to invite you back." Mim gestures with her whole body.
"I forgot that." View mumbles back. It seems like she truly misses the key point of this conversation. Mim isn't someone randomly offering her a life changing opportunity but she is the CEO of Mimetta, the owner of the company.
-
"P'View, no pressure, okay?"
The two stand at the counter.
"If you accept the job, come into my office on friday. We'll sign another contract together."
View only nods continuously, wondering why Mim tells her there's no pressure and then immediately gives her a deadline.
"I should be on my way now." Mim checks the time on her wrist.
"How much do I owe.." She turns to the cashier.
"It's on the house, Mim." View butt in.
There is no way Mim will ever pay at Benyapa's Oven, even her parents agree.
"That's not good for business, P'View." She hears the young employee whisper.
"Shush. Put it on my paycheck."
"You get paid?"
View discreetly scolds the young girl.
"Don't be silly P', besides it couldn't be good for business."
The younger girl snickers behind View, she isn't expecting Mim to say the same thing.
"No, it's not that.. my parents always say to never charge you."
View blows it up a bit but doesn't mean it's not true.
Mim looks skeptical for a moment before seemingly accepting the response.
"I still couldn't just leave."
Then she pulls out a thousand baht and puts it into the tip jar under View's and the girl's eyes, one in extreme shock while the other looks almost horrified.
"A little tip for great service."
'Little!!!?' Both of their thoughts collide while Mim looks completely casual.
"Oh god Mim, this is too much."
"It's a tip for the bakers and the employees, P'View." "Not for you."
"I know but."
"Thank you so much, Mim. Hopefully I can continue serving you next time." The girl excessive bows makes Mim giggles joyfully.
"I'll definitely come back."
"See, P'View? You should learn from the younger generation."
View huffs, letting the fact that Mim just called her old slide.
"I'm going, bye guys." Mim waves.
"Bye, Mim! See you next time!" The girl yells excitedly while her boss only gives a thumbs up.
"P'View, your ex is so freaking cool."
"Of.."
"How in hell did you pull her before?"
"You need to teach me all your tricks, P'."
"Where are you going, P'View? Wait, I have lots of questions."
View has already stormed off into the back, probably sulking with the other workers.
______
Staring at the nameplate: CEO Rattanawadee.M attached to the outside of the large wooden door, View cannot recall anything that even comes close to beating its aura.
"Oh, P'View. Hey." Bonnie greets View at the door.
"Hi, Bonnie." View adds an awkward chuckle at the end of her sentence.
There's still some awkward tension between them even though Bonnie has said she was only angry few days after the incident and she was actually more upset when View suddenly and aggressively accused Mim than about the backstory of their breakup.
"She's waiting for you."
"Yeah... um... how's work?"
'Seriously!? What's wrong with me?' View thinks someone should sedate her and keep her away from this embarrassment.
Bonnie laughs, finding View's awkwardness amusing.
"Very good, P'. I just finished discussing our new investment with Mim."
"I'm sure she'll fill you in later."
View nods.
...
...
"Oh! I... I should." View points to the door behind Bonnie.
"Yes, you should P'."
Bonnie takes a step aside and as View walks past her.
"I'm really glad you're here today, P'View." She gives View a gummy smile.
"Me too, Bon." View returns one right back.
-
"P'View!" Mim stands beside her desk like she's expecting View, which she is.
"Hi."
"Here I am." View grumbles, she can feel her anxiety raises up a notch just by standing before Mim's chocolate brown eyes.
Good thing is Mim doesn't seem to pay it any mind.
"Yes, and I have your contract ready to be signed right here."
She slides the contract toward View along with a smile that can brighten any rainy day.
View comes closer and without hesitation, she picks up the pen and signs down her signature.
"You... don't read it, P'View?" Mim is at a loss for words.
"Do I need to?" View smiles down at her sheepishly.
"Whatever works for you, P'."
"More advantages for me." Mim half smirks.
"Hmm, yeah now that I think about it." View teases back.
...
"P'View."
"Mim."
They stare at each other in surprise.
"Um you go first, P'."
"Right, now that I'm officially back, I'll need to catch up on our new projects and stuff." View uses her hands to act it out better.
On the other hand, Mim takes note of how this matured, older version of View is somehow even cuter and more attractive to her, almost like View is igniting something new in her all over again.
"P'View, how come you're my first sexual awakening, first love, first heartbreak, and still my last love?" Mim says out loud while continuing her observation.
"Yes. Wait.."
"WHAT!!!"
View is about to throw up as she replays Mim's words in her head.
"You.. you.."
"You heard me, P'View."
"It's quite strange. It's like in this lifetime I can only ever fall in love with one person."
She looks as if she's genuinely trying to make sense of it.
"And it's you."
Mim confidently nods to herself.
View gawks so hard her jaw probably touches the floor.
"M.. Mim."
"You know P', this is so odd. Like just take a look at Eve. Sure I like her, love her even."
"She's drop dead gorgeous, her blue eyes are worth going to war for, and she's so well mannered."
"Um.." View doesn't want to hear this.
"But even though Eve is all that, I still can't remember any moment where I've ever developed feelings like that for her."
"Unlike you, P'."
"You're clearly also very, very beautiful, well mannered, well behaved, almost like a prestigious daughter stepping out of a book."
"Oh well, you do get a little too stubborn and unreasonable sometimes."
"Woah, okay if you're about to roast me, I'm out of here Mim." She turns her head to the side while crossing her arms over her chest, seemingly fuming.
Mim quietly laughs before closing the gap between them.
"What I'm trying to say is."
Just by placing a hand on View's arm, she secures View's eyes back on her as well.
"I love you, P'View. I don't think I ever stop loving you."
"Not when I just start understanding myself, understanding love and definitely not when we break up."
"Meeting Eve only makes me more aware of it."
"That I am incapable of loving anyone else the way I love you."
...
"It has to be you, P'View."
View is bawling her eyes out, wishing on every star that this is real and not one of her most beautiful dreams.
"What I did.."
Mim shakes her head while cupping View's cheek down to her height.
"I was never hated you, P'. I was mad, yes, but also at myself and it was the only acceptable reaction back then."
"Yeah." View lets out a teary chuckle.
"Took me a few tries before I quit." Mim gently jokes and beams when View's arms wrap loosely around her waist.
"I forgive you P', even though there's nothing to forgive in the first place." She tells her anyway because she understands View needs it.
"And since you've had your fair share of being selfish P', this time is my turn."
"I want to be selfish and ask you to be my girlfriend again, P'View."
View cries harder and has to close her eyes so her tears won't blur her vision of the love of her life when she gives her answer.
"I only have one answer, don't I?" View whispers, she can already feel the ghost of Mim's lips.
"You have other.."
View immediately claims her lips but totally submits to Mim's control, obediently following her lead.
Their kiss is passionate with untamed desire, bringing both of them unimaginable euphoria.
When they part but stay close, once again drowning in each other, once again inseparable.
"I love you so much, Mim. More than anything."
"Thank you for giving me a second chance to be part of your world. I promise I'll do right by you."
Mim would've believed View words as they are, but she's content upon hearing the determination thick in her voice.
"I love you, P'View. No matter what." She rubs her nose against View's, who instantly nuzzles into the crook of her neck.
"This might sound ridiculous but am I fired again?" "If so, it's definitely worth it."
"Hm?"
"One of your rules."
"Ah! Easy fix, P'View. I trust you can be excellent at both."
"Mmh."
_____
Months pass and nothing drastically changes, at least not for Mim.
The universe must've decided she and View would eventually overcome the past and reunite their love, so when they announce their relationship nobody even tries to act surprised.
Everyone just took the news, approved and then moved on with their day.
"You guys know you're still the second hottest couple, right?" Bonnie sits in Mim's chair, laughing at her own joke.
"Yes only if there's an actual ranking for that."
"So I can witness you being a sore loser." Mim plays along, flipping through documents.
"Doubt it."
"Oh, hey how are Eve's convincing plans going? Any improvement?"
Bonnie laughs, remembering when she first heard Eve wanting View to open Benyapa's Oven in France since she loves their cookies so much.
"Though P'View is tough to persuade, I think she's about to give in anytime now. Eve's tactics are solid, and it's also hard to overlook her charm."
"True, so there might be a chance they'd become business buddies?" The two cackles.
It would be hella funny if that happened.
"Right, I have a task for you Bon."
"I need you to proofread this and then educate the employees on this specific issue."
"Huh? What is it?" Bonnie accepts the paper from Mim's hand, and asks.
"Some new company policy Bon, nothing you haven't done before."
"You've already thought of more ways to torture them?" Bonnie giggles.
Mim rolls her eyes.
"I'm going, Bon."
"Ooh have a hot date?"
"Indeed."
"Have fun, Mim. Don't forget to wear protection!" She probably shouldn't have yelled that last part so loudly because Mim immediately sends daggers her way.
"Don't test me Bon!"
-
"Read it."
"Read it."
"Seen it."
"Seen this as well."
"Memorize it."
Bonnie frustratingly runs her fingers through her hair, Mim must be pulling a prank on her because after turning so many pages and reading it so many times, Bonnie doesn't spot a single new thing in there.
That's until Bonnie remembers what Mim did when they attended the fundraiser and she rushes to searches for those tiny notes. She finds two suspicious notes on the sides of the paper and she almost flips Mim's desk over after reading them.
*No one in the company is allowed to flirt with or make any romantic advances toward marketing director View Benyapa except Mim Rattanawadee, and vice versa.*
*Anyone who attempts to do so will be punished and face unimaginable consequences*
"No freaking way."
"You've got to be kidding me."
"Mim Rattanawadee!!!"
The end.