Chapter Text
It is safe to say that Bright likes the winter season the most, but not when he must cancel personal schedules to attend some business agenda his father forces him to. He did not spend almost 5 years studying Post-Modern Music in Western Michigan University and earning his master’s degree after 3 years just for him to enter the business world with little to no knowledge about how it works. He is not fond of it as he prefers to stay out of radar than being in the spotlight, but his family says otherwise.
Winter season means driving his brand-new cars at midnight and spending the day out- skiing, sledding, or just chilling in his room, drinking his coffee while writing songs about how melancholic his life is. But not for his father though; every end-year season, he had to attend galas, banquets, parties, charities that seems good for its reason, but is rather fake, as people in business are just trying to show how “good” and helpful they are with their “donations”, and to celebrate their company’s success over the past one year.
"Do I really have to attend another meaningless party this year?"
"Bring Pim with you. You might need a plus one," His father deadpans. Dinner time is not how his father would announce another event that he has to attend, but to his dismay, his mother interrupts and says that he must attend early and make his appearance known.
"I thought it’s not mandatory to bring a plus one?"
"It isn't, but we kind of need the Lee's," his father reasons "Their family is well-known, Bright. Besides, Pim is your best friend. Nothing's wrong with what you're gonna do." He mentions that it is only proper for Bright to bring him as the Lee’s are his father’s family friend and also his best friend. However, Bright knows that it was just a lame excuse. The Lee’s are one of the most powerful families in Thailand despite their surname, and having them as your companion would make a big difference and maybe, a headline to the news for weeks.
"First, you made me cancel my supposed holiday short in Osaka and now you want me to use my best friend for attention?"
It is ridiculous really. Although Bright knows that Pim would agree to his plan as her parents also adore Bright and trusts him the most, he doesn't like the idea of being in the headlines for weeks... Mostly talking about his "relationship" and not his friendship with his best friend.
"Bright, please. I don’t want to hear any excuses. You are in for the business; you are going to handle our business soon. Now, finish your dinner and call your best friend. Inform her about the event and make plans."
"Yeah, as if I have a choice," his lips thinned. "Whatever, it’s always up to you though. When did you ever listen to me?" Bright looks at his father’s stoned face, his fingers gripping tightly at the edges of his plate. His stomach turns, feeling a bitter taste of acid at the back of his throat.
"Chairman," his mother calls, rubbing a hand at the back of her husband. "You need to calm down. I’m sure Bright will attend the event. He never misses," and it’s true. Bright never misses one event as he always thinks that it is for his mother, and he really has no choice. He would not be able to leave the house in one piece if he ever declined.
Bright stands up from his seat, "Yeah, I’ll be there tomorrow."
"You better be," his father’s voice roars around the private room, but Bright stops listening, the roar in his ears drowning out all other sounds. He cannot let his night end like this.
He wants to scream. He wants the luxury of a fate of his own choosing, not one balance precariously on the decisions of his parents, of anyone, but himself. He looks at the framed diploma hanging at the wall. Sighing, he reminds himself that he is born to be placed under a written fate by his own parents.
He swallows as he calls Pim. The only person he can lean on when times like these happen.
("Hey Vach, what’s up?"
Bright breathes heavily and looks at Pim's smiling face on the screen of his phone, "Hi. Are you busy?"
Pim lets out a soft laugh, but not so good as it sounds when she is genuinely happy, "I'm guessing Chairman has told you about the unfortunate event we had to attend, am I right?" she answers, frustration threading under her tone.
"Yeah. I'm sorry, Pim." Bright says, words dripping like honey. Pim smiles at him, while Bright is reminded of their memories, "It's funny, goofball. I just wish I could easily tell Hae about it."
"I'm sorry. You must have plans with him that night..." the words squeeze out of his throat, thin and raspy and tired. Restless.
He hears shuffling and stares at his phone. Pim is now looking at him, worried. She moved to the sofa to sit down comfortably and maybe to stop working for a while. Pim looks a little tired though, her bangs plastered to her forehead due to sweat. Her eyes look tired and gloomy, but she smiles, "Hae and I had a fight about it, but I told him I had to... we had to. You don't have to worry about it, goofball. We're gonna be fine."
"Unfortunately," he says, finally feeling the pressure weighing heavy on his shoulders. "Is there anything I could do to you know... go home early? So you could still visit Hae? Since it's your anniversary." his voice a little wary- said, "It's really frustrating. Dad keeps on pushing this shit. That you had to be my plus one and all."
"And I will be," she answers, "Vach, you know I’m always here, right? You know I’ll drop everything if you said you need me." She smiles at him, "We can talk about this tomorrow morning. Take a good rest tonight, ‘mkay? I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Let’s get you out of that shithole," her voice is gentle and calm, reminding Bright of how she met Pim years ago and how she has always been there for him always.
Bright smiles at her, "Maybe I'll just try to make a scene. Tell everyone that we want to have our own little world... I'll drive you to Hae and I'll spend the rest of the night at our hiding place." he says, leaning back on the bed’s headboard.
"Vachie," She calls him. Bright smiles at the nickname. It was his nickname from Pim when they met before at the kindergarten. Pim told him that Vachirawit is too long for a kid to say and it's too hard to pronounce so she opted to call him Vachie.
"There, smile more. I like the idea, Vach. I'll tell Hae about it and then we'll talk tomorrow. Okay?" Pim ventures, tone sweet and careful, "You’ll be fine, don’t worry. Now, rest. You have dark circles now. No one's gonna fall in love with you now."
Bright laughs and nods, "You should know by now that I really don't care about love or whatever the hell it is."
Pim hums before waving her hand goodbye, "Sure, Vachie. Sure."
(Little did he know, he would soon eat his words not even a day after his declaration, and this time, he would no longer say his heart was as hard as a rock.)
"Nani won't be here for 2 days, so I guess you're stuck with me." Toptap says and Win groans, head snaps up from where he's wiping down the tables.
"What happened now? Did he have a fight or is he finally in jail?" he asks, laughing. Toptap rolls his eyes and makes a noise of disgust as Win walks towards him flinging the dirty towel in front of him.
"Not really. It's his mock defense and you know I give you guys days off when it's something college related, especially if it is really important." Win nods and hums because Toptap really does that, he's very much considerate with Nani and him since they're only college students- graduating students, to be specific. Toptap was their senior before and when he graduated with a business degree, he decided to open his own shop.
Win snorts, this hellhole (as what he and Nani calls it) is also their home, and there is no way he was going to quit, especially now that they need money since they're graduating. Also, Toptap is a cool boss. He lets them get away with things and lets them have a rest for a day or two more than they were deserving of. Hell, Toptap even gives them an allowance and tips them well.
"How about you?" Toptap comments, "When's your defense?"
"Less than two weeks, if I am not mistaken." he shrugs, "Thankful that it was an individual thesis instead of a group because my head might explode if I had to deal with assholes not doing their fucking parts."
Toptap laughs, patting Win's shoulders, "If you need help with your kids, I'd do it."
Win's laugh roars around the shop and removes his apron, "Nah, it's okay. Those two are quiet when I asked them to be. I can call my sister to babysit them though, thank you." Toptap hums, "Do they still have food? Yuni bought lots of dog food yesterday," he sighs and Win looks at him with a very sarcastic apologetic look, "It looks like Chicken won't be hungry for a year."
Win laughs at him and shakes his head, "Chicken is really funny though. You have a fucking corgi and yet you named it Chicken?"
"Don't laugh at my son's name, you imbecile. Just because you named yours Bentley and Cartier doesn't mean they're superior!"
Win laughs and hugs Toptap's side, "I'd get going now, Phi. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon after my class."
Toptap nods, "That's why you're my favorite employee," they both laugh, "Don't tell Nani though."
He opens the door and looks back at his boss, "Oh I definitely will!"
Win has been living alone for almost three years now after his sister moved out and settled down with her boyfriend of seven years. But he promised himself that as soon as the lease was up, he would move out and find a place in a more urban city up from the north for better access to people and near his university. He loves his job, it's given. He works in an “in-demand” pizza shop, meaning, he would go to work early and come home late. The pay is fine and his working hours also flexible–or sometimes not, but Omi always gives him the best time for work; a loyalty award (Omi said) to show how grateful he is of Win for his loyalty and dedication to his pizza shop.
He picks up Bentley, his dog, before placing his duffel bag on the couch. He pours himself a cold glass of water and sits down on the couch to rest.
The little dog coos at him.
"Bent, baby, do you think I'll have a peaceful day tomorrow night?"
Bentley barks and Win laughs, "Alright, maybe I will."
Or maybe not.