Work Text:
Gulf doesn’t want to take part in the « Secret Santa weeks » at the office he works at. Don’t get him wrong, he loves Christmas, the mood, and everything that comes along, it’s just that he has always been unlucky with his matches so far. He picked up the names of coworkers he didn’t know much about or who weren’t really involved into the game, which frustrated him a little. Also, his Secret Santa from last year has made him do so many embarrassing things in front of his team like smelling other people armpits or spin around himself twenty times then try to walk straight. That Secret Santa’s mission ended with him tripping over his own feet, bumping into the copy machine before breaking his right arm in the fall. So this year, Gulf is dead set on not participating in the event. He might come off as a bit of an asocial but it’s not like everyone working in the office is going to play Secret Santa either. In the 3 years Gulf has worked here, Great, the News editor has never joined the fun and nobody ever complained about it. So Gulf thinks it’s safe for him to turn the offer down.
But that was without counting on his good friend slash co-worker Max, who comes to his cubicle just before lunch break, all smiles as and tells him he wrote his name for the secret draw. Gulf, unimpressed, stares at him for a total of five seconds before giving his attention back to his computer’s screen. Max doesn’t get the message, or more like he totally gets it but doesn’t want to drop the matter until he has it his way.
“We are drawing the names in half an hour in the break room. You have to come and pick one.”
“I’m not doing Secret Santa this year.” Gulf doesn’t even look at his friend as he speaks but gets dragged backwards as Max grabs the backrest of his desk chair and pulls him away from his computer to make him face him. Gulf tilts his head to the side in defiance.
“You love the Secret Santa Weeks Gulf. You can’t give up on something you like.”
“Yes I can.” Gulf tries to move his chair around but Max’s hands are holding on too tight. “Max, I need to work.”
“What you need to do is come with me to the break room, draw a name and get ready to be an awesome Secret Santa.”
“What I need is you to leave me alone so I can focus on the article I have check.”
“You know you don’t have a choice right? If you don’t join us, we’ll be an odd number of participants. We can’t be an odd number.”
“Your problem, not mine. Just pick two names and be the Secret Santa for two people. I’m sure you can manage both.”
“No I can’t. Come on Gulf, that’s gonna be fun!”
Gulf rolls his eyes and stomps on his friend’s feet so he can go back to his work. Max eventually loosens his grip on his chair and reluctantly leaves, grumbling something Gulf can’t hear.
When lunch break comes, Gulf heads straight to the lunchroom, bypassing the break room on purpose. He ignores the phone call Max gives him and focuses on the fried rice in his plate, mind busy wondering whether he should eat that big chunk of fried egg first or go for the last shrimp instead. He ends up putting both on his spoon and savoring the taste, half chocking on it when someone calls him.
Well, not just someone, Mister Jongcheveevat. The company’s CEO. Gulf’s eyes grow wide and he tries to collect himself, hoping he doesn’t look too startled. He fully knows he does. The shrimp and egg are swallowed without being munched and Gulf quickly stands up, smoothing his shirt out and wiping his hands over his slacks.
Mister Jongcheveevat, their boss, the big big boss, hardly ever comes to the company’s lunchroom because he is either eating out or in his office. The man is always busy, which sounds quite normal for a CEO, and even if he isn’t unapproachable, Gulf can’t really say he meets him on a daily basis. Which is all fine with him knowing he finds it extremely difficult to focus on anything but the man’s beauty. Gulf thinks it’s ridiculous for him to bear a crush on his boss, the same way it’s so cliché for said-boss to be the tall, fit, stylish and utterly attractive CEO every romance novels depict.
“Yes?” Gulf’s voice trails off, nervousness growing in the pit of his stomach. His boss doesn’t look mad but there must be something important for him to come here, out of all the places. Gulf hopes he hasn’t screwed up the latest article editing or that he isn’t about to get fired. He can’t be fired. Not two weeks before Christmas. Not ever. He needs the job. He likes it there.
“Your coworkers are waiting for you to start the Secret Santa drawing.” Resisting the urge to groan, Gulf wonders if it would be misplaced to tell Mister Jongcheveevat that he has no intention to take part in the Christmas festivities this year. “Tul suggested I came looking for you myself.”
The news should be surprising, but it isn’t really. Tul, a good friend of the boss, is also his department Editor-in-chief and Max’s booty call. They are supposed to be secret hookups but Max can’t keep a secret for life and confided the truth into him someday after their fifth quicky. Gulf isn’t sure who knows about them, perhaps nobody as the two men are indeed very subtle about what happens in the bathroom’s company, but he knows about them and he could bet his life Max told Tul he didn’t want to join the game this year. It’s the only explanation Gulf can find.
“I…” Gulf starts, hesitant. He can’t bring himself to tell his boss the truth, now that he has come all the way to get him. Gulf is three hundred percent certain it’s exactly why Max told Tul about his game’s refusal, because it would leave him with no other choice than getting into it. Not that he can’t say no to his boss, Gulf is totally big enough to stand to his ground, but he can’t bring himself to tell Mister Jongcheveevat he walked to the lunchroom for nothing. CEO’s time is precious. “I totally forgot.” The lie easily slips past his lips. That’s the best excuse he can think of.
Mister Jongcheveevat doesn’t get mad at him for forgetting about the Secret Santa Weeks, he simply advises him not to make his team wait any longer. Gulf doesn’t even finish his plate, he discards his tray and rushes back to the break room. Max welcomes him with a smile so big he is afraid his friend’s face might break in two.
One after the other, his co-workers pick a name written on a paper thrown inside a Christmas stocking. For a moment, Gulf wonders if he can fake-drawing a name but finally decides against it. He puts his hand inside the stocking, the tips of his fingers grabbing a piece of folded paper and shows it inside his pants pocket before getting out of the room to go back to his cubicle.
Gulf only unfolds the paper once he is sat at his desk. His first reaction is to fold the piece of paper then unfold it again, hoping the name written on it will magically disappear and change into someone else’s. He does that a few times, only stopping when the paper is all wrinkled and about to fall into pieces. The name written there is still the same.
Suppasit Jongcheveevat
The writing is neat and elegant but the beauty of the letters doesn’t sweeten the pill. Out of all the people joining for the Secret Santa Weeks, Gulf had to pick his big boss. It’s even worse than having to be the Santa of someone you don’t like.
Max is so going to hear from him but the whole thing about Secret Santa is that you have to do your best at staying anonymous, so, as much as Gulf wants to complain that he has been matched with his boss, he doesn't utter a word to Max. Remember him not being able to keep a secret? Gulf doesn't want his friend to spill the truth and blow his cover up.
What bothers Gulf more than keeping his match secret, is not being able to ask advice on how making the experience fun for Mister Jongcheveevat without crossing any lines or work etiquettes. There's a reason why all his co-workers whisper that afternoon about how relived they are that they haven't picked their CEO's name. Their reaction isn’t different from the past years, they are simply voicing their relief because being Secret Santa for the boss is too much pressure even though their CEO has been nothing but sweet and nice every year during the Santa’s revelation.
Still, it doesn't lessen Gulf's nervousness and the game hasn't even started yet that he is already anxious at the idea of doing something Mister Jongcheveevat won't like.
Desperate situations call for drastic remedies and Gulf decides to put out feelers by creating himself a new email address to message his boss. It's a little bold but Gulf believes it to be the safest strategy.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Secret Santa
Mister Jongcheveevat,
I know how busy you are but please allow me to bother you for a minute.
I have been lucky enough to draw your name for this year Secret Santa, yet I am not sure which direction I should take as you are the CEO and I fear upsetting you.
Am I allowed to give you funny tasks or should I stick to treating you some sweets and other Christmas delicacies?
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Your Secret Santa
Gulf hits the send button and forgets about the email for the afternoon. He is only reminded about it when it bings and a little window appears at the bottom of his computer screen, indicating a new email.
From: [email protected]
Subjet: RE: Secret Santa
Dear Secret Santa,
This is very considerate of you.
Don't hold into account the fact that I am the CEO. The Secret Santa Weeks are held for everyone involved to have fun, you and me included.
I trust your Christmas spirit and believe you won’t make me do anything that might impact the company negatively.
You may not believe it but I like having fun too.
Looking forward for those two upcoming weeks.
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat.
Indeed, their CEO isn't a man with cold heart and constant frown. He smiles and speaks well, says hello to everyone he meets during the day and comes to his department every week to connect with his employees. Mister Jongcheveevat isn't one of those feared CEO where staff try to avoid bringing files and reports because they are scared to step into his office. Mister Jongcheveevat is not someone to be afraid of but that doesn't mean workers aren't impressed or nervous around him. Like Gulf.
He can count on the fingers of his hands the number of times he has been alone with his boss and even when it's only them and a few other co-workers, Gulf is so drawn to the way their boss speaks and looks that it makes it really hard for him to concentrate on anything else. He isn’t madly in love with their CEO, he doesn’t know him enough to have developed strong feelings towards the man, but he has been around the company for a little more than three years now and his crush doesn’t waver. Mister Jongcheveevat simply is a hardworking and charming man, people are bound to be interested to some extend.
But be that as it may, his boss seems to be open to having fun during the Secret Santa Weeks so Gulf decides to put as much effort into the game as he does in his job. He gets the feeling it's what his boss has been willing to say and already plans on spending his weekend getting ready for his missions.
*
The thing with Mister Jongcheveevat is that most of the times he arrives at the company before everyone and leaves the company after everyone, which is going to prevent Gulf from sticking written tasks on his office door or anything similar.
After some deep thinking, Gulf choses to pass instructions over emails and types the first task on Sunday night, fully buried under his blanket as if he is afraid someone could read his message.
From: [email protected]
Subject : Mission #1
As tomorrow is the launching of the Secret Santa Weeks, you should welcome your employees by singing them a carol. ❄️️
Your Secret Santa.
*
Being rather observant, Gulf has heard Mister Jongcheveevat hums on several occasions, hence the singing mission. He expects their boss to sing-song his way to his office, but the man takes the mission seriously and literally welcomes everyone with a carol. It’s 9am when the office speakers crackle and get the already busy staff members attention.
“Good morning everyone.” Nobody needs Mister Jongcheveevat to introduces himself for they all recognize his voice, yet the man still does. “The Secret Santa festivities are starting today, so let me welcome you with a Christmas song.”
Mister Jongcheveevat goes for O Little Town Of Bethlehem, nobody daring to speak during the whole performance as they listen to the song, forgetting about work for a total of three minutes. They all seem surprised and impressed at the same time and as the song comes to an end, people are clapping and commenting the sweet performance.
The smile on Gulf’s face sticks to him for a while. Maybe this year, he has drawn the name of someone willing to enjoy the Secret Santa weeks as much as he does.
*
Tuesday comes along another email from Gulf to his boss. This time, he asks him to decorate himself as if he was a Christmas three and snap a picture for the company’s employees to see. It’s a bit silly and Gulf is a little hesitant to send the mission but he remembers Mister Jongcheveevat’s words about having fun and sends the task anyway.
Around two in the afternoon, Tul comes back to their department with a stack of papers in hands and a smile he fails to hide. He starts stacking up posters everywhere he can and laughter erupts as people get a glimpse of them. It’s a picture of their boss, wrapped in Christmas garlands and embellished with other ornaments. His arms are open wide, mimicking the tree’s branches. It such a sweet picture and as Gulf can make the smile on his face despite one garland covering half of his face, he tells himself that Mister Jongcheveevat has some great Christmas spirit too.
*
Gulf doesn’t send his CEO an email on Wednesday. Instead, he drops an envelope on Max’s desk when nobody is looking and watches his reaction when he discovers the square paper. He opens it, reads the few words Gulf perfectly remembers printing and stands up, making a beeline to Gulf’s cubicle.
“Man, someone asked me to kidnap the big boss.” The words are whispered for nobody but him to listen to. “I need to blindfold him, bring him to the break room, gives him instruction on how to draw a reindeer and ask him to color it afterwards.”
“What kind of mission is that? Is this from your Secret Santa?”
“Don’t think so?” Max doesn’t sound too sure of himself. “My Santa already gave me a rebus to work on. That little shit didn’t even put the pictures in order, how am I supposed to find what’s the message?”
“You use your brain.” Gulf can’t help but say, knowing how much Max hates brain-teaser. The man has no patience whatsoever. “Good luck with the kidnapping thingy.”
“Can’t you do it for me?”
“You’re the one who’s been given this mission, you can’t pass it around.” Gulf thinks using Max to reach Mister Jongcheveevat is a sweet revenge.
“Bummer.” His friend mutters. “What about your Secret Santa? Did he give you anything? A dare? A present? A biscuit?”
“Haven’t heard form them yet.” Which is strange knowing they are already three days into the game. “Maybe they don’t like me or something.”
“Everyone likes you Gulf. I’m sure they’ll manifest themselves soon.”
Gulf shrugs, thoughtful. At least he doesn’t have to worry about doing nasty dares this year which is fine by him.
Max sticks around for a few more minutes before asking anyone in the room if they have a scarf to lend him for a while. Three co-workers raise their hands and his friend goes for the closest piece of clothing he is being offered. He strides out of the department after thanking the girl.
Mister Jongcheveevat’s drawing is hanged up on one of their department’s board for staff to see half an hour later. Max’s drags him to observe the piece of art, rambling about how people watched him weirdly as he lead their blindfolded CEO through the hallways and made him draw the silly picture.
The reindeer looks like he has stepped on a landmine, his antlers are flying above his head, his neck and legs aren’t attached to his body and the drawing is colored everywhere but on the animal’s outline. Gulf wishes he could find a way to snatch the picture and keep it to himself. It’s way too cute to end up in one of the office’s trash.
When Gulf goes back to his desk, an email from Mister Jongcheveevat awaits him.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Mission Reindeer
Dear Secret Santa,
I’m sending you an attached picture of the drawing I’ve done in case you don’t have the chance to see it in person, depending on weather you’re working or not in the same department as Max who gave me the instructions.
That was fun, like the reindeer’s result.
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat.
Gulf doesn’t open the attached file, it’s too risky when he is surrounded by his coworkers. Once he is home though, he makes sure to save the picture on his laptop.
*
On Thursday morning, Gulf types his boss an email while riding the bus to the company. He requests for him to dance with Mister Thanasrivanitchai from the editorial department, aka Tul, on any song the later fancies. Gulf believes their CEO won’t mind dancing with his friend. Also, he knows for a fact how odd the Editor in chief’s taste in music is which will make the whole thing more enjoyable - at least he hopes so.
Mister Jongcheveevat makes an appearance in his department barely after 10am, politely greetings everyone as he makes his way towards Tul who is busy talking to one of his assistant. He lets them finish whatever they are talking about and that’s the kind of behavior Gulf is persuaded makes it hard for him to get over his crush. Being the boss, Mister Jongcheveevat could have easily dismissed the assistant to monopolize Tul, but instead, he decided to wait, exchanging a few words with the staff near him. The man is good with and around people. He is a n empathic yet rigorous boss.
“Boss?” Tul calls him once he is free. As far as Gulf knows, the editor in chief is the only person in the company to call Mister Jongcheveevat ‘boss’. They may all refer to their CEO as their boss between themselves, but whenever they address themselves to him, it’s Mister Jongcheveevat. Well, everyone except for Tul.
“I need to dance with you on a song of your choosing.” Gulf’s ears are listening from the distance. “Do you have some time to spare me or are you busy?”
“I’m always busy because the big boss gives me too much work.” Tul teases and it’s nice to see the two men interacting with each other. “But I can’t refuse a dance. Where should we go? My office?Yours?”
“Not sure, I wasn’t instructed to dance anywhere specific.”
“What about here then? We can all dance together. A four minutes party in the Editorial Department. Sounds like fun to me.”
For what it’s worth, the face Mister Jongcheveevat is all too precious. Tul doesn’t even let him the choice, he loudly calls for everyone’s attention and borrows Max’s wireless speaker to connect his phone on. SKIBIDI fills the whole department and Gulf is thrown back two years ago when Tul decided to build their team spirit by dancing together to the song for a whole week every morning and every afternoon after lunch.
Apparently Mister Jongcheveevat knows the dance too, his moves are smooth and it’s silly how everyone is having fun over some random song.
Everything goes back to normal once the song stops playing but the images of his dancing and smiling boss doesn’t leave Gulf’s mind for the whole day.
He falls asleep to the sound of Mister Jongcheveevat’s laughter.
*
Friday being the last work day of the week, Gulf drops a package at the company’s reception, saying someone has given it to him when it’s actually intended for their CEO. The man working at the reception politely smiles and assures him he’ll make sure the parcel reaches the right person as soon as possible.
Gulf has the confirmation an hour later or so, when people start gossiping about the Christmas Suit their boss is wearing today. Everyone in his department wants to see it with their own eyes and temptation is too hard to contain for Tul who soon asks for Mister Jongcheveevat to come asap to sort out an issue about the upcoming magazine.
There’s absolutely no issue whatsoever and their CEO quickly understands he has been trapped by his friend. He rolls his eyes but thanks anyone who’s complimenting him for his outfit anyway, amused by everyone’s reaction.
“Don’t know who your Secret Santa is but I love them.”
“So do I.” Mister Jongcheveevat warmly comments and Gulf thinks he might just crush on the man for another year.
*
When Monday comes, Gulf feels his enthusiasm rising. He has always been happy to go to work but can’t hide the fact that watching his big boss having fun and radiating Christmas spirit makes it even better. Mind you, Gulf had no issues getting out of bed on a Monday morning, a first.
Today, Mister Jongcheveevat has to draw a face in the palm of his hand and use it to talk as if it was a puppet. Unless he has an important meeting, that comes without saying. It would be very unprofessional to discuss something primordial for the company while using a hand puppet.
Gulf gets an email from his boss when he is in the middle of checking the structure of an article. He looks around and opens it only once he made sure nobody is watching him.
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Mission #6
Dear Secret Santa,
I had to draw a smiling face in my right palm and a frowning one in my left palm because I can’t be taken seriously when I scold someone with a smiling-face-hand-puppet. >:(
I hope that’s fine with you?
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat
Gulf doesn’t resist the urge to type back a short reply, nibbling his bottom lips as his fingers slide over his keyboard.
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: RE: Mission #6
Mister Jongcheveevat,
That’s totally fine yes! I didn’t think about that as I hardly ever hear you get mad.
Sincerely,
Your Secret Santa
Another email comes soon after and Gulf guesses his boss must be having a break otherwise he wouldn’t chat back.
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Mission #6
Dear Secret Santa,
I do scold people sometimes.
You might simply have done nothing to receive a lecture from me, which means you’re doing your job more than right. I am actually impressed there is still someone in this company who has not heard of my reprimanding.
Now let’s go back to work, I have some important hand-talking to do.
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat.
*
On Tuesday, Gulf challenges his boss to asks people what they are best at then tell them afterwards that he is better at it and justify his point by giving them a silly explanation. It’s ridiculous but Gulf is one hundred percent certain the company’s employees will be delighted to be talked to and humored by their CEO. It’s a nice way to bring people together in a funny way and he hopes Mister Jongcheveevat will enjoy it too.
“Did you know our boss is damn hilarious?” Max wheels to his cubicle with his chair, voluntary bumping into Gulf’s chair.
“Who? Tul? Yes, you told me about it already.”
“Not him, the big boss. Mister Jongcheveevat.” Gulf gives his friend a questioning look, intrigued. “I met him in the elevator and he asked me what I was the best at.”
“And what did you say?”
“Sex.” Gulf’s eyes widen in shock, not because the reply surprises him but because his friend dared to tell their boss about it. “I know I know I know, it was too blunt, I shouldn’t have said that but it’s the first thing that came to my mind!” Gulf can think of at least five things Max is extremely talented at and none of them involve sex. “So whatever, our big boss nods, like he is seriously interested in what I said and not at all weirded out, then you know what he told me?” Gulf has no idea so he shakes his head. “That he is better at it because he knows how to peel a banana from the bottom.”
“What?” Their boss can’t have gave Max that explantation, can he?
“Yup, exactly the face I made!” Max teases him for his shocked expression. “I laughed so hard I knocked my head against the elevator’s wall. I didn’t expect that. It made my day.”
Throughout the day, Gulf hears his co-workers talks about their boss’s humor, sharing stories they’ve heard during lunch or from other people. Max is so into it that he creates a google docs and gives everyone’s permission so they can make a compilation of their CEO’s replies and share their more than funny’s experience for the whole company to read.
Gulf is so busy reading the said document when he makes his way out of his department after his work day, a smile stuck on his face, that he bumps into someone who’s heading on the opposite way. He apologizes before he even looks up at the person he has crashed into.
Mister Jongcheveevat.
Of course it had to be his boss.
“I’m so sorry, I got immersed in my reading. I didn’t see you Mister Jongcheveevat.” The tips of his ears must be red as he apologizes, he feels the embarrassing burn.
“Happens to anyone Kanawut.” His boss says, used to calling his employees by they real name instead of their nickname or last name. Tul is the only exception. “By the way, can I ask you a something?”
“Of course, yes, anything mister.”
“What are you the best at?” The question is out and leaves him speechless for a moment. Gulf shouldn’t be knowing he is the one who gave Mister Jongcheveevat this mission but still, at no time he had expected to reply it personally.
“Mh… I would say avoiding answering random questions?” And that makes his boss smile. Gulf fears his crush is going to last more than another year. He can’t recall a time he has made the CEO smile that way. Pure. Genuine. He is bound to swoon over him.
“I’m sorry to tell you that but I’m better at avoiding random questions. You know why?” Mister Jongcheveevat starts and Gulf tries to ready himself for the upcoming explanation. “Because you’re so sweet you made me forgot my pickup line.”
Gulf doesn’t share this answer on Max’s google docs.
*
Wednesday is rather sport-y for Gulf’s boss. Mister Jongcheveevat has to squat every time he is talking to his assistant or secretary, which Gulf knows from a reliable source, does it often. Unlike the other missions he has given his boss, Gulf has no way to check wether the man actually does what he has been asked but judged by how their CEO has always taken his tasks very seriously, Gulf gets the feeling he is diligently following his order.
An email confirms it in the late afternoon.
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Mission #8
Dear Secret Santa,
I am informing you that my secretary and assistant were having way too much fun at talking to me today that I ordered them to squat too if they wanted to tell me something this afternoon.
My office has never been this quite in a Wednesday afternoon :)
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat - who’s hopping he’ll be able to walk tomorrow
It’s the smiley face his boss used that strengthen Gulf’s crush a little more.
*
To make up for the too many squats from the previous day, Gulf decides to give his boss some sort of a break on Thursday. He gets someone to deliver him something every hour, trying to match Mister Jongcheveevat’s schedule. It goes from a breakfast from his favorite place to a loose tea leaves box set from that tiny shop he always go once a month, to a bouquet of sunflowers to decorate his office. Gulf doesn’t forget lunch nor the dark rum scented candle his boss argued with Tul that smelled better than the lavender one.
Gulf really tries hard to pick things Mister Jongcheveevat might like and despite not knowing the man on a personal basis, Gulf suddenly realizes that over the years he has worked at the company, he has remembered a crazy number of things his boss loves.
And he isn’t the only to notice it apparently for he gets a message from the CEO nearing 8 that night.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Thank you?
Dear Secret Santa,
I am just about to leave the company but wanted to send you a few words beforehand.
A simple thank you won’t be nearly enough to convey my gratefulness for what you’ve done today. Everything was perfect though unexpected. I am somewhat uncomfortable about you giving me so much but I am sincerely moved by your gestures.
It is weird for me to tell myself that someone in the company knows me so well, apart from our Editor in chief - whom you aren’t obviously because I’ve read the name my friend picked during the Secret Santa drawing.
So whoever you are, thank you, for being such an attentive and kind soul.
Regards,
S. Jongcheveevat.
Gulf thinks his crush on his boss might last for another year in addition of the year he has already planned on pinning on him.
*
This Friday is the last day of the Secret Santa Weeks. Gulf can honestly say he doesn’t want it to end just yet because he has gotten used to surprising his big boss, used to being the reason the man has been enjoying those two weeks more than the previous one.
So Gulf’s mission for Mister Jongcheveevat is pretty simple that day. He gives him a list of random words he will have to use in his speech tonight during the opening of Christmas party and the Secret Santa Weeks’s reveal. It might sound lame but truth to be told, his boss always chooses the perfect words to address himself to his employees and Gulf wants to hear the funny him, not the hardworking and overly organized man everyone already knows he his.
This mission might be a bit biased but Gulf thinks it’s something all staff members will appreciate so he thinks it’s alright. He sees it as a Christmas present for everyone.
“Are you excited to find out who your Secret Santa is?” Max comes to his side, stunning in a black suit. It’s 9pm and everyone has come back to the company dressed in the best outfit. The Christmas’ party is always the most awaited event of the year.
“You mean my Secret Santa who are so secret they haven’t even reached for me once?” Gulf feels a little hot with his white shirt and silver-glittery jacket on but he likes the style so he handles it.
“That’s weird.” Max remarks, frowning. Gulf agrees with him though he doesn’t care much about it, he has had lots of fun being Mister Jongcheveevat so that makes for it. “I wonder who mine is, kept giving me difficult brain-teasers and fed me food everyday.”
“Nothing a good workout can’t help you deal with.”
“Right, workout. I’m planning on sharing a cab with Tul tonight.” The smug smile on his friend does nothing at hiding his utter motive. It’s not only the cab those two men are going to share. “I wonder who’s our big boss’ Santa. Everyone is curious about it.”
Gulf acts interested despite him already knowing the truth. Max is definitely going to sulk for a day or two when he’ll learn he has been Mister Jongcheveevat’s Secret Santa. If he is being honest, Gulf doesn’t really want to reveal his identity in front of everyone, especially now that it seems obvious half of the participants care more about their CEO’s Santa rather than their own. It puts pressure on Gulf and makes him nervous.
“Good evening everyone.” Mister Jongcheveevat’s voice brings silence in the spacious room as he talks into a mic. The man stands tall and beautiful in his dark purple sequin blazer and fitted black pants. “First of all, thank you for being here tonight, I am very glad you could all make it. You look beautiful like a king size box full of nuggets.” Gulf tries his best to contain his snort. People seems confused and exchange clueless glances at each other. An amused grin tugs the corner of his boss’ lips and his contained yet happy expression warms Gulf’s heart. They are the only one to be aware of that last mission. “The Secret Santa Weeks is officially over and I hope you had lots of fun taking part of it. I know I have. Even a bear would have had fun in our company.” A few more weird looks are exchanged along few discreet laugh. “Parties like this one are moments that allow cohesion and exchange within the company. These occasions are the cement of our relationship and in this, I want to tell you that without you, the company wouldn’t be as prosperous as it is. Each of you are at the heart of it and I can honestly say that I love your teamwork and dedication more than I love pickles. And I love pickles.”
More people laugh as they seem to register that tonight’s speech is going to be special.
“This year, we have moved forward hand in hand, feet in feet, in significant projects and none of these achievements could have been done without your professionalism, talent and passion. This is why it is important for me to stress that your work has been the key to our success. Obviously the company wouldn’t be what it is if I had staples and otters as coworkers.” Max is losing it by his side. “It is now time for me to conclude this speech. Please enjoy the evening and the buffet but don’t forget to reveal yourself. No Secret Santa should remain secret tonight!” People applauds and roots for their CEO as the man leaves the spotlight.
“Gonna go reveal myself like the big boss asked us to do.” Max cheers and playfully hits his arm. “You should do the same.”
“Will do.” Gulf confirms with a grin, fully aware he isn’t about to do it now.
Like every company dinner or party, Mister Jongcheveevat is going to be surrounded by many for quite some time. He is going to chat with managers and assistants, accept compliments and be given regards from any employees that will come to him. His boss will also greets pretty much anyone and give a special words to each of them.
To put it simply, Mister Jongcheveevat is going to be busy so Gulf decides to hang around until the excitement dies down a little.
*
Someone taps Gulf’s shoulder when he is halfway through his second drink. It’s Great, the News editor. He is holding onto the cord handles of a Christmas themed paper bag and gestures for Gulf to take it, which he does carefully.
“I’m your Secret Santa.” His co-worker surprisingly announces. That’s a first. “I wanted to try this year but I’m more interested in finding who is whose Santa’s so I know I sucked. I got you a present anyway. Secret Santa are supposed to give one final present right? So yeah, here is yours.” Gulf chuckles.
“Thank you and really, it’s fine, I still had fun.”
“I bet you did.” The sparkling eyes that stare at him tell Gulf that Great might be aware of something everyone else ignores. “And I’m sure our boss did too.”
“How did you..?”
“Told you I liked finding out the Secret Santa’s identities.” The man winks, playful. “I’m leaving, there’s too many people here for my liking. Hope you like your presents.”
They wave at each other and Gulf peers inside his bag once his co-worker is gone. He finds a book about DIY Christmas craft and a sticky note on it. It reads ‘To keep your Christmas spirit up and keep you busy during the holidays ;)’
“Who’s this from?” Max snatches the book from his hand and reads the message that isn’t his. “Great? He was your Secret Santa? The guy never wants to play the game?”
“Changed his mind obviously.” Gulf puts his present back into the bag and faces his friend. “Who were you the Secret Santa of?”
“Our big boss’s secretary.” Max announces proudly. “And my Secret Santa was Mild. Wanted me to use my brain and gain some weight on purpose.”
“That sounds like something he would do.”
“Right?” His friend steals his drink and makes further comment. “Tul was the Secret Santa of the art department assistant, you know, the girl with blue hair?” Gulf wouldn’t be surprised if Max had asked everyone about their Secret Santas. “Mister Jongcheveevat’s Santa hasn’t showed up yet though. Everyone is getting more curious about him or her. I was persuaded it was Tul but nope. D’you have any idea who could that be?”
“No…” Gulf has no shame lying to his friend. “But I think Great found out who it was. He left before I could ask.”
And that has Max’s eyes rolling in the back of his head.
*
It’s nearing midnight when Gulf decides it’s time for him to reveal his identity. Half of the staff is gone and while there are still many people left, the room is less busy. He gathers his courage to head towards Mister Jongcheveevat’s when the men who has been talking to him for the last ten minutes finally leave him. It’s his slot, his moment.
Somehow, Gulf’s nervousness gets worse at each step he takes and by the time he is standing next to his boss, he isn’t quite sure he won’t do or say something embarrassing.
“Hi.” The greeting is familiar and Gulf hopes the CEO won’t mind him saying hi instead of good evening.
“Hi.” Mister Jongcheveevat welcomes him with a smile Gulf photographies and intend on keeping in his mind for a long time. “Enjoying the party?”
“Yes.” Gulf replies before seconds of silence follows his single-word answer. “You?”
“I am. I like seeing everyone laughing and getting along. It makes me believe they all feel great in the company.” Gulf is persuaded everyone truly does. “But my Secret Santa is still a mystery. People keep asking me for a name but I have none to give them yet.”
“Mine.” The secret is finally out, soft spoken. Mister Jongcheveevat doesn’t seem to follow him though so Gulf has to battle against himself again and develop his reply. “You can give them my name… I… I’m your Secret Santa.”
And his boss stares at him, eyebrows on their way to touching his hairline, features translating nothing but genuine surprise. A faint blush tints Gulf’s cheeks and he has to dig his fingernails in the palm of his hand to stay upright.
“You’re my Secret Santa?” Mister Jongcheveevat’s voice is low, as if he doesn’t want anyone else to hear. Gulf doesn’t know what to think of his reaction nor how to act when the man’s lips stretches into a charming smile. “I enjoyed every seconds of it. ”
“I hope you will enjoy this too then.” Gulf takes an envelope out of the inside pocket of his jacket and hands it to the man in front of him. His boss takes it carefully.
“Should I open it now?”
“If you want to.” Gulf instructs and as if on cue, the CEO opens it. Inside the envelope lies two tickets for a musical Gulf thinks his boss might enjoy. “I thought going there alone wouldn’t be as pleasant so I bought two tickets.”
It’s silent again between them and for a moment, Gulf is afraid he has picked the wrong present to exchange at last. That’s until Mister Jongcheveevat’s smile broadens and that he warmly thanks him.
“Will you come with me?”
“Me? Why?” Gulf fails at hiding his shock. Why on earth would his boss take him to the musical when he could literally go with anyone he wants? “That’s your gift. You should go with a friend or someone you like.”
“Which means I can go with you then.”
“But… We aren’t friends…”
“You’re right, we aren’t.” Mister Jongcheveevat confirms seriously but his features are still soft, peaceful. “But you said I could go with someone I like so… That means I can go with you.”
Gulf perfectly hears what his boss is saying but his brain doesn’t want to believe he has heard things right.
Gulf’s crush might last for another year, if not more.
But maybe it won’t be one sided anymore.
Or maybe his crush has never been one-sided to begin with.