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Chapter Text

Teepakorn had two major problems at hand. First was what to order for lunch. Should he order to eat dumpling soup or should he order stir-fried beef? It was a tough choice for him because of his second major problem, but he could not focus on that if he’s still stuck on this one. Dumpling soup would be warm enough to make him relax a bit, yet stir-fried beef would fill him up more and help him think right. 

“Just pick one already,” Namcha, Teepakorn’s older twin brother, said and looked back at the lady waiting for them to tell her their orders. “He’ll have a small dumpling soup and stir-fried beef with rice.”

The younger twin looked back at him with a scrunched forehead. He wasn’t even done making a decision, what if he didn’t want the soup or the beef? 

Namcha would most likely eat and finish whatever his twin might leave over. It’s an older sibling thing. 

“Is that all?” The lady asked. Namcha nodded and asked for water.

“What if I didn’t want the soup or beef?” Tine asked his twin. 

“Then I’ll eat whatever you didn’t want,” Namcha answered.

“Well… what if I wanted to eat something else?” Tine sat up straight and crossed his arms. 

“Do you want to order something else?” Namcha said and slowly raised his arm but was quickly stopped by his brother. 

“N-no, I’m good, but! What if I finish the soup and the beef?” Namcha looked at him and leaned back in his seat.

“Then I’ll just eat later at home,” Tine gave him a look of protest. “I’m not hungry anyway.” 

“Let’s just split the food into two later,” Tine said and looked back at Namcha. 

“So,” Namcha started. “What’s your plan?” 

“I guess, apply to many jobs that would get me to Met as much as possible,” Tine answered. 

That was the second major problem. His whole college life, Teepakorn wanted to work at Metropolitan Publication, one of the biggest fashion and business publications in Asia. It was like his half of life he’d worked up his credentials and merits for it. Right after graduation, he had passed his resume and letter for an internship and almost landed the cutout, but didn’t. Some kid with much more relations and connections stole it from him. 

“Why can’t you just move on from it?” Cha asked. “Maybe it’s just not for you.”

“Or maybe I should try harder,” Tine said. “Get delusional.”

“Get delusional?” Namcha fixed his seat and stared back at Tine. “What about getting your life together?”

“Excuse me? I have my life together,” Tine looked at him in disbelief.

“You’ve been living off of commissions and side-hustles for like what? The past two years?” Namcha looked at him and sighed. “We have a job opening in our HR department, full employee and health insurance.” 

“I don’t want to work at a hospital, Cha,” Tine knew that his brother is just trying to help, giving him other options. 

None of them said anything else after that. The food was served and Namcha split the stir-fried beef and rice in half, giving the other to Tine. Tine then asked for another bowl and placed half of the soup and dumplings in it and gave them to his brother. 

Tine glanced at Namcha as they ate, reflecting on the doctor’s suggestion. Maybe the job opening at the hospital could work for him if his plan for Met won’t anymore. He kept an open mind, but he wasn’t letting the Met plan go either. One last try. 

“Is the job still open by next month?” Tine asked the doctor.

“Most likely,” Namcha answered. “Why?”

“Well,” Tine took a deep breath. “If by next month I still don’t have an ideal job that might take me to Met, then I’ll apply for your HR opening.” 

Namcha gave him a satisfied smile and nodded. 

He needs to find a job soon. 

*****

From: *Company A* 

To: [email protected]

Thank you! We have received your application, please stand by and wait for our contact person to email you. 

—

From: *Company C* 

To: [email protected]

We have received your application. Thank you.

—

From: *Company H* 

To: [email protected]

Thank you for your application, our contact personnel will email you for any further instructions and news. 

—

Tine stared at his laptop for minutes now. It’s been three weeks and there’s no reply from any of the companies he had applied to. He’s slowly accepting the fact that he might not find a job soon. 

Goodbye Met?

Maybe. 

All of a sudden he heard someone aggressively knock on his door. 

“Just a minute!” He said and quickly got up from his desk. 

Yet the knocking continued.

“WAIT!” Tine said, pissed off before he finally opened the door. “I said wait-”

“Surprise!” They all said. 

“What are you guys doing here?” He asked his friends, Fong, Ohm, Phuak, Pear and Green then pulled Tine into a big hug. 

“Farewell party!” Phuak said as everyone continued to cheer. 

“Farewell?” Tine asked. “To who?”

“Pear’s going to study in Beijing!” Green answered and they all clapped. 

“You are?” Tine looked at Pear who nodded with a smile on her face.

“Woooo good luck Dr. Pear!” Ohm said and they once again cheered. 

—

“I can’t believe it!” Tine told Pear. “You got into your dream school!”

“I can’t believe it too!” Pear said and laughed with joy. “How about you? Will I see your name in Met Magazines in the future soon?”

“Probably not,” Tine said. “But you! You’re one step closer to being the best surgeon in Thailand!” 

“Farfetched,” Pear said. “Thank you still, but why did you say probably not? You’re not the type to give up Teepakorn. Especially on Met. It’s Met!” 

“Maybe it’s not for me,” Tine answered. “Maybe Cha’s right.”

“Bullshit,” Pear said. “Namcha may be right about most things, but not when it comes to you.” 

“But what if he is?” Pear looked at Tine and patted his shoulders.

“Listen to me, Tine,” Pear said firmly. “You will get into Met. You will achieve your dreams. You will, okay?” 

“You’re right,” Tine said. “I just need to keep on applying and hope for a yes, soon.”

“You will, okay? Oh, wait,” Pear said and took out her phone. “A friend told me that there was an opening in GP Magazine.”

“What opening?” Tine asked.

“Editorial Assistant.” 

****

From: GP Magazine 

To: [email protected]

Thank you for your application, our contact personnel shall message you for further details. 

—

From: Kao - GP Magazine 

To: [email protected]

Good day Mr. Teepakorn Aekaranwong,

We would like to inform you that your job interview is scheduled for this week, Friday, 7 am at GP Magazine’s main office. We hope to hear from you soon. 

—

“Shit,” Tine whispered to himself. “SHIT!” 

He got a callback, finally!

One step closer to his dream job! 

“I will get this job,” He told himself. “I just know it! I have to!” 

Chapter Text

Maya Mirada Guntithanon-Parama was the Editor-In-Chief of GP Magazine and had been for the past five years. She was seen as a strict yet parental leader, many of the employees adore her, and was coined as one of the most influential millennial leaders by TH Time. That is why a lot of GP Mag’s employees were saddened by the news that she will be transferring to the Singapore Branch. 

“Maya,” Third, one of the editors for GP Magazine knocked on the opened door. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes,” Maya answered while looking at the achievement wall in her office. 

Third smiled and walked towards her. He looked at all the news article headlines, trophies, and certificates that were on the wall, it made him proud. 

“Are you sure about Singapore?” Third asked her. 

“Certain,” She said. “So that I could be with Kit.” 

“Well, it’s not like you’re leaving the company entirely,” He answered. “I’m just worried, you know.”

“About what exactly?” She looked at Third and smiled. Third, quickly looked down at the floor. And with that, she knew what he meant. “Don’t worry, my brother’s going to do just fine.”

“Isn’t he the one who got drunk three years ago and started a fight with other kids during our New Year’s Party?”

“Oh, that was Thyme,” She said and looked back at the wall. “Don’t worry about it, he wouldn’t be back in Thailand until his graduation in 3 months.”

“Wait, I’m sorry, so who’s going to take your place again?” Third asked. “I wasn’t in the meeting last time.”

“Sarawat,” She answered with a proud smile on her face.

“Oh, the quiet one,” Third said. “Sarawat.” 

*****

“I can’t!” Tine told Namcha from the other line.

“Why not?” The doctor said as he looked through the files of patients. “Come on Tine, if you don’t go today you might not get the job!”

“You said I had until next month!” Tine answered as he wore his pants. “I have a thing today.”

“Yes, but it’s better earlier than later,” Namcha said. “Nancy give the patient antihistamine and wait for Doc Lee’s instructions later.” 

“You should focus on your rounds,” Tine said fixing his hair. “Talk to you later!”

“Wait- Tine!” Namcha said before his twin dropped the call. “Ay Shia!” 

****

Sarawat was gorgeous in all aspects. Yet he’s also a man of few words. 

“Congratulations Mr. Editor-In-Chief!” Pam, one of Sarawat’s friends, greeted him as they ate breakfast. 

“I’m not yet editor in chief,” Sarawat answered. “Not until Monday.” 

“Still, isn’t today your sister’s farewell?” She asked. “Which means you are the new editor in chief.” 

“Yes,” He answered. “And no, not yet, I told you I start on Monday.”

“Alright, Mr. Editor-In-Chief on Monday,” She answered. “Are you going to the office for your sister’s farewell?”

“Yes,” He answered. “Want to come?”

“I have a date,” She answered while trying her best to keep her excitement to herself.

“With that kid?” Sarawat asked.

“MJ is six months younger than me,” Pam clarified. 

“Still my brother’s friend,” He answered. “Still kids in my head.” 

“Well, he’s not,” Pam said. “So is your brother.”

***

“So, Teepakorn,” Kao, the head of HR of GP Magazine said. “Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?” 

“Working in Met,” He answered quickly.

“Oh!” Kao replied. “Met…”

“But of course, I would also see myself working here in the next ten years or even more!” He answered nervously. 

“Oh don’t worry,” Kao laughed. “It’s understandable that you’d want to be a part of Met, who doesn’t, am I right?”

“Yes,” Tine laughed. 

“Well, we’ve looked over your resume and portfolio,” Kao said. “You know that you’re slightly overqualified for this right?”

“Am I?” Tine cleared his throat. 

“Yes, but don’t worry, you’re still qualified!” Kao looked at Tine’s file one last time before setting it aside. “So are you ready to meet our Editor in chief?”

“Yes,” Tine said and smiled. “Yes of course.” 

“Okay, right this way,” Kao lead him out of the room, going to the Editor-in-chief’s office. 

Tine observed the environment as they walked toward the EIC’s office. There weren’t many solo cubicles and tables, most were large workspaces and rooms where employees collaborate and brainstorm. 

“Oh, they’re here,” Someone said, and suddenly, Maya Guntithanon-Parama came out to greet them. 

“You must be Teepakorn,” Maya greeted as she shook Tine’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Kao, he liked your portfolio a lot, and I must say it’s quite commendable.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Tine bowed. 

“You know I would hire you right on the spot,” Maya said. “However, would it be alright to you if I’ll pass that job to the new Editor-In-Chief?”

Tine did not know that there was a new editor in chief. 

“Ah speaking of the New Editor-In-Chief!” Tine turned to look in the direction Maya was looking and was shocked at who he saw. 

‘That’s him!’ He screamed in his head. ‘The kid who stole my internship! He’s the new Editor-In-Chief? What the fuck?’ 

“Oh no,” Tine whispered.

“Is there a problem?” Kao asked. 

Tine looked back at him then back at Sarawat. 

“No,” Tine said while grinding his teeth.

He kept his eyes on Sarawat, looking at every detail of the man. The crisp black suit and tie, black leather oxfords, slick back hair, and silver-rimmed wayfarer framed glasses. 

‘God, why is he even good-looking!’ Tine thought. ‘This is so frustrating!’ 

“Wat!” Maya greeted her brother. “I would like you to meet Teepakorn.” 

Sarawat looked at Tine and reached out his hand. 

“He’s applying as your new editorial assistant.” 

“You’re hired,” Sarawat answered quite quickly, not even looking at the portfolio Maya was about to hand him, which left everyone puzzled.

Chapter Text

“What job?” Namcha asked him. It was Sunday morning and they were having breakfast at their favorite local restaurant. 

“Editorial Assistant,” Tine answered as he continued eating. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Namcha asked and stared at his twin. “Tine.”

“You were busy,” Tine answered. “It’s not really a big deal.”

The doctor sighed and placed more of the food on his plate. 

“Did you…” Tine paused and looked back at Namcha.

“Yeah, I placed in a good word for you to HR but don’t worry, what’s important now is you have a stable job,” He answered. 

“Thank you,” Tine smiled shyly. “Seriously.” 

“You’re welcome,” Namcha answered. “So when will you start work?”

“Tomorrow,” Tine answered. 

“You nervous?” Namcha asked.

“Nervous? Never!” Tine answered and took a long sip of his glass of water. 

He was indeed nervous, but for what reason, you may ask? He doesn’t know either. 

*****

The next morning…  

“You nervous?” Maya asked Sarawat. It was officially the first day of Sarawat being the Editor-In-Chief of GP Magazine. 

Four years of Internship and working for Metropolitan Publications in New York and a year at GP Singapore prepared him for that big moment. Yet it didn’t really feel like a big moment now that it came. 

“You’ve handled GP Mag amazingly for the past five years,” Sarawat started. “I have big shoes to fill.”

“I’m sure you’ll fit in just right,” Maya handed him a cup of coffee. “Come eat breakfast.” 

“Any advice?” Sarawat asked as he followed her to the dining table.

“What advice have I not given you yet,” She thought aloud. “Ah! I got it!”

“Care to share?”

“Fall in love,” Maya smiled. “And before you say something, not just fall in love in a romantic sense, find something to truly love about this company.”

“I do love the company Maya,” he answered. 

“Alright, let me rephrase that for you,” She said. “Open up yourself and your mind to whatever comes your way, fall in love.” 

“Fall in love,” He repeated. “All right, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Have an adventure my dear brother!” 

*****

“Grande White Mocha and Venti Iced Americano to go for Tine!” The barista called. 

Tine quickly got up from his seat and went to the counter for his drink. 

“You got the coffee?” Kao asked him through the phone. 

“Yes,” Tine answered. “Are you sure he’d want nothing more?”

“Yes, they always eat breakfast at five in the morning as Maya told everyone,” Kao answered.

“Are you sure? Not even a snack?” Tine asked. 

“Yes, don’t worry about it too much.”

“Alright,” Tine said and bid Kao goodbye before ending the call. “I’d like to order one tuna sandwich please, warmed.”

“Will that be all sir?” The cashier said.

“Yes,” Tine answered. “Oh wait, um could you change it to two?”

“I gladly could, sir, anything else?”

“That’s all, thanks!”

**** 

“What do you mean he’s almost there?” Tine asked Kao on the phone. 

“Third said that Sarawat’s on the way when he asked for you a few seconds ago,” Kao answered as he handed folders to the interns. “Where are you?”

“I’m almost there,” Tine answered. “It was hard to book grab earlier so I just took a shortcut that turned out to be a long cut.”

“Okay, just hurry, everything’s on your desk already,” Kao said. “And right after your morning routine with the Editor-In-Chief, the Creative Director would be needing you.” 

“Okay,” Tine said. “Wait, does the Creative Director drink coffee in the morning?”

“He drinks green juice, we have packets at the pantry,” Kao answered. “He doesn’t like late people.” 

“Not a problem,” Tine said as he entered the building. “See you in a bit!” 

Tine ran as carefully and quickly as he could towards the elevator and pressed the button for the 15th floor. 

****

“Yes, Pete, I’ll see you later,” Sarawat told the man he was on a call with. 

“I was told there’s a new EA?” Pete said. “Do you know him? I heard you hired him on the spot.”

“No,” Sarawat answered as he entered the parking lot. “Not personally.” 

“That’s… odd?”

“I trust my sister,” Sarawat answered.

“So it was Maya who hired him?” 

“I hired him, let’s talk later, I’m already at the parking,” Sarawat answered before ending the call.

“Alright, see you.”

*****

“Thank God you’re here!” Kao said and helped Tine with the coffee. “Place the binders on his table!” 

Tine quickly took the binders and folders on his desk and carefully placed them on Sarawat’s desk before going to the pantry to make some green juice. 

“Tine!” Kao said and gave Tine Sarawat’s coffee. “I’ll finish that, he’s almost here!” 

Tine quickly fixed his clothes and ID before going to the hallway, right on time as the elevator doors open. 

Sarawat wore a similar suit and tie, with the same oxfords, the same slicked-back hair, and the same glasses. A bit too corporate, Tine thought. As an Editor-In-Chief of a Fashion and Business Magazine, he thought Sarawat would be inclined toward the fashion side more. 

“Good morning, sir,” The staff greeted.

“Good morning,” Sarawat said nonchalantly as he walked passed them while on his phone. 

“Good morning sir,” Tine greeted and handed the coffee.

“Good morning,” Sarawat answered and declined the coffee. 

“I’ve placed all the files for checking on your desk sir,” Tine answered as he followed his boss to his office. 

“Thank you,” Sarawat answered as he got into the office.

“You are scheduled to have a meeting with Mr. Phubodin later this morning,” Tine read through the schedule he was given. “For the upcoming magazine cover and features for next season, you also have a video conference with the executives from GP Singapore after lunch, one p.m.” 

“Are there any other meetings for today?” Sarawat asked as he looked through the binders. 

“Nothing else, sir,” Tine answered as he watched the man. “The outline for the project proposal for the digital magazine edition is already sent to your email, sir.”

“Okay,” Sarawat answered and opened his inbox. “I’ll check on it later, anything else?” 

“None sir,” Tine answered. 

“Okay, you may go,” Sarawat answered as he got back to the binders. 

Tine took a deep breath as he turned around to leave.

“A second,” Sarawat said. Tine turned around and walked back to his boss’ table. “Who’s is this?”

“It’s for you sir,” Tine answered. He placed the paper bag of the tuna sandwich he ordered earlier on Sarawat’s desk.

“I already ate,” Sarawat answered. 

“But that was hours ago?” Tine said. 

“Pardon?” Sarawat asked. "Anyway, that is all, you may take the sandwich and go."



Tine huffed and bowed his head before he took the sandwich off the table and walked away. 

Chapter Text

“You know,” Tine said and turned around. “Food helps you think.”

Tine carefully walked back toward the table and placed the sandwich on Sarawat’s desk. 

Sarawat looked up at him and raised his left brow. He doesn’t really understand the ethics of this person to contest him and his eating habits. 

“And you know what will go great with this tuna sandwich?” Tine started. “Coffee.” 

Sarawat watched the new editorial assistant take the cup of coffee he offered him earlier and placed it on his desk. 

“Do you want to get fired, Mr. Aekaranwong?” Sarawat asked. 

“No sir,” Tine said firmly. “Your sister, the former Editor-In-Chief, told me last Saturday to bring you food and coffee every morning because she told me that when you do eat breakfast, you eat little and would most likely get hungry on the way to the office.”

“And how am I sure that you’re not just making an excuse?” Sarawat asked. 

Tine showed him a text message from Maya, reminding him to bring Sarawat breakfast. 

“May I know what else my sister, the former Editor-In-Chief, has told you?” Sarawat said. “Specifically about me?”

“Nothing else sir,” Tine answered. 

“Alright,” Sarawat said and sat straight. “Being that my sister, is the former Editor-In-Chief and that now, I am the new Editor-In-Chier, and the one who hired you may I add, I would like you to disregard her request and any future requests from her, especially when it involves me, understood?”

Tine kept quiet and nodded his head. Sarawat gave him a warm smile which made Tine lose his firmness from earlier. 

“That is all,” Sarawat answered.

Tine bowed and got out of the office as fast as he could. 

Well, that was embarrassing.  

“Tine!” Kao called him and gave him the juice. “He’s at the wardrobe area!” 

****

“Where is the new person?” The creative director called out to everyone in the room.  

“Present?” Tine answered and handed him the juice. 

“I need you to list down everything we’ll possibly need for the sample shoot,” Pete removed his sunglasses and noticed the glass of green juice Tine had. “Thank you, now go!”

****

To: Maya

From: Sarawat

Why did you tell him to get me breakfast?

—

To: Sarawat

From: Maya

Because you ate a little earlier, and you’d most likely not eat breakfast before going to work in the future

—

To: Maya

From: Sarawat

I’m not hungry, and don’t tell him to get me breakfast anymore, okay?

—

To: Sarawat

From: Maya

Fine, I won’t. 

—

Sarawat watched Pete and Tine walk around the office floor from his office room window. Wat knew Tine, but not personally. He was the other kid on the list for the internship and job opening at Metropolitan Publications a few years ago.

The one who cried about it to his friends while they were at a convenience store. 

****

Five years ago… 

“I didn’t get in!” Tine cried as his friends comfort him while they drank beer at the corner of the store. 

“Aww, Tine!” Green said and hugged his friend. “Maybe next time, they’ll probably have another internship program soon?”

“But it’s hard to even get listed once!” Tine wept. “I’m never going to get a chance again!”

“You will!” Pear said and patted Tine’s shoulder. “Right guys?”

Phuak, Fong, and Ohm tried their best to cheer Tine on but were a bit too drunk at that point. 

Tine stopped crying for a bit when he heard his phone notification ring.

“Congratulations to our new intern Mr. Sarawat Guntithanon-Parama!?!” Tine read the post. “AY SHIAAAA!” 

“Tine! Don’t be like that,” Pear said. “Relax okay?”

“Who even is this kid, huh? I don’t even know him or any of his works! Just some privileged kid with connections?” Tine grunted. “It’s no use now!” 

“Tine! Don’t think about it too much.”

Little did Tine know that the privileged kid with connections he was talking and ranting about was just at the table behind them, eating instant ramen and coffee, eavesdropping to their conversation. 

**** 

It was a few more minutes before the end of his office hours. Tine was browsing the Metropolitan Publication website, looking for possible job openings, sadly there were none at the moment. When all of a sudden his telephone rang. 

“Hello?” Tine answered the phone.

“Kindly check if Canvas is still open and reserve a table for tonight,” Sarawat said.

“Table for how many, sir?” Tine asked.

He heard his boss take a deep breath and pause for a while. 

“Two,” Sarawat answered.

“Would you like to pre-order, sir?” 

“... No.”

“Any further instructions for the restaurant sir?” 

“None.” 

“For what time tonight is the reservation, sir?”

“Are you finished with your work?”

“Pardon, sir?”

“Whatever time you think it’ll take us to get there after you’re done with your work.” 

“Um…”

“That is all, tell me when you’re done,” Sarawat finished and dropped the phone. 

Tine then looked over at Sarawat’s office before he slowly dropped the phone.

“Did he just ask me out to dinner?” Tine asked himself aloud. 

Chapter Text

Tine wasn't sure what to do. He gently tapped his fingers on the table as they waited for someone to take their order. Yet it wasn't the waiting that was making him tense up. It was Sarawat staring at him that was making him tense up. 

Sarawat, however, was not staring at Tine. He was zoning out because of tiredness. 

"May I take your order, sir?" The Waiter came and asked the two of them. 

"I'll have the usual," Sarawat answered. 

"Ah yes sir, we are preparing it already, it will be out soon," The waiter replied and looked at Tine. "How about you sir? Would you like to try any of our house specials?" 

"I'll have this one," Tine pointed at the dish he wanted. 

"Alright," The waiter noted down. "Anything else sir?" 

"Nothing else, thank you," Tine answered. 

The waiter looked at Sarawat and was answered by a small shake of the head by the man. 

"Alright gentlemen," The waiter said. "The food will be served shortly, I am Kongpob by the way, Sir…?" 

"Tine," Tine replied. 

"Sir Tine, here are your complimentary chips as you wait for your food, if you two need any assistance, instructions, or requests, you may call me." 

"Thank you Kongpob," Sarawat said. 

"You're welcome sir," Kongpob answered and looked at the two of them. "Enjoy your date." 

"Date?" Tine whispered and looked back at his boss who was busy looking at his phone. 

"So," Sarawat started. "How was your first day at GP, Teepakorn?" 

Tine looked at him in shock. He thought that they'll just stay silent for the rest of the date- I mean dinner, dinner! 

The rest of the dinner. He didn't expect that they would actually engage in small talk. 

He doesn't really know what to say.

"Um… it was alright," Tine answered. 

"Good to hear," Sarawat answered. "Do you have anything you want to ask? Or speak out about?" 

'Why did you hire me?' Tine asked in his head. 

"Here's your order sir," Kongpob came with their food and gently placed it on their table. "We hope you'll enjoy your meal." 

*****

"Are you sure there's nothing you want to talk about?" Sarawat said as he cut his food. 

"I…" Tine started. "I would like to apologize for what happened earlier this morning." 

Sarawat paused and looked up at Tine. Eagerly waiting for the man to continue what he was saying. 

"It was foolish of me to continue giving you the sandwich and coffee, it was very unprofessional, given that we also only just met, and that you have stated beforehand that you didn't want to eat." 

"Apology accepted," Sarawat answered. "Anything else?" 

"Well," Tine fixed his seat. "Since you've opened the topic of questions, I do have one." 

"Yes?" Sarawat answered. "Continue." 

"Why did you hire me?" Tine asked. "It's not that I'm not grateful for it, believe me, I am very grateful for this job, I just… wanted to know… if you don't mind." 

"I trust Maya," Sarawat answered. "She's been the EIC for the past five years, and she's my sister, it'd be silly if I don't." 

"Oh," Tine nodded. 

"But like I said earlier, I was the one who hired you, not her, okay?" 

"Yes, sir," Tine answered. "I am well noted on that. However… is that it?" 

"Pardon?" 

"I mean, you haven't checked my file?" Tine asked. 

"I don't see any further need to," Sarawat said. "And besides, I'd like to focus and act based on the present and future rather than the past. Moving on, do I have anything scheduled early for tomorrow?" 

Tine checked the schedule for tomorrow on his phone. 

"None sir, all your scheduled meetings for tomorrow are in the afternoon," Tine said. "Just a fitting scheduled before lunch." 

"Alright," Sarawat answered. "Then I will need a  bouquet of the most beautiful flowers by Sunday morning, send it to my house by 8 am, ASAP." 

"Noted sir," Tine answered. 

'Bouquet of beautiful flowers?' Tine thought. 'For a significant other?' 

Tine looked up at Sarawat before he searched for flower shops that opened early in the morning. 

"And doughnuts," Sarawat added. 

"Doughnuts," Tine repeated. 

"Krispy Kreme Glazed donuts, a dozen." 

"Well good luck," Tine whispered sarcastically. 

"What?" Sarawat said. 

"Nothing sir, was just reading the description on google…" Tine replied. 

***** 

"You sure you don't want a ride home?" Sarawat asked. 

Tine smiled and shook his head. 

"Alright then," Sarawat said. "See you tomorrow." 

"Thank you for the dinner," Tine said. 

"You're welcome," Sarawat said. "Make sure the flowers and doughnuts will be there at 8am, alright?" 

"Yes sir," Tine answered. "Good luck!" 

"Good luck?" Sarawat asked him. 

"On wooing back your special someone," Tine said. "Oh there's my grab, I promise everything will be at your house no later than 8 am sir!" 

Wat watched as Tine got into the car and drove off home. 

"Woo your special someone?" Sarawat laughed as he repeated what the new EA had told him to himself. "You're something else aren't you Teepakorn." 

******

"What do you mean he thought it's for you?" Pam asked Sarawat. 

"He thought I was the one with boyfriend problems," He told his friend. 

"Why didn't you correct him then?" Pam asked. 

"Why does it matter?" 

"Because you're single?" 

"My employees do not need to know that," Sarawat answered. 

"Let's put it at this," Pam started. "Let's say someone interested in you asked if you're single to one of your employees, and they answered that you aren't because you gave your assistant the impression that you are not single!" 

"First of all, if someone really is interested in me, shouldn't they ask me directly? Or at least ask you or any of my friends?" He answered. 

"But hypothetically, what if someone Teepakorn personally knows, asks him if you're single and he'll give the wrong answer?" 

"Again, why does it matter? They should ask you if I'm single, not him."

"Fine!" Pam said in frustration. "Hypothetically okay, this is just an example and thought, it may not be true, but, what if Teepakorn likes you but then gets discouraged at that moment because you gave him the impression that you are not single."

"First of all, why are you even thinking about that, and lastly, no." 

"No, what?" Pam asked. 

"Just no to this entire conversation," Sarawat said. "Now here's your doughnuts and flowers, go woo Methas and leave me alone already." 

"Okay," Pam said. "You should really be open though?" 

"Open to what?" Sarawat asked. 

"To every possible thing to happen," Pam answered. "Alright, Ciao!" 

****

"Aww, he has someone already?" Green asked Tine. "Bummer! He's really cute too!" 

"You're really telling right beside me how cute you think my boss is?" Tine asked his friend. 

"You have to admit that he is cute," Green said.

"He is quite good-looking," Tine agreed with Green. 

"And smart?" 

"Yes, very bright." 

"A nice person?" 

"Yeah…" 

"And has chaching chaching!" 

Tine laughed and nodded. 

"Yes, he's rich, everyone knows that." 

"Humble?" 

"Very humble." 

"You don't hate him anymore?" Green asked. 

"Still pissed about the Met internship though," Tine answered. 

"Oh come on!" Green said. "What if you'll end up with him?" 

"Wait wait, back it up," Tine said. "End up with who?" 

"With Sarawat Gunthithanon-Parama!" 

"You're delusional," Tine answered. 

"Yes!" Green said. "And so are you! Imagine being a trophy wife of a rich and successful entrepreneur!" 

"You mean someone like her?" Tine pointed at the girl who got out of a Mercedes, a girl that we happened to know as Pam. 

"Wait," Green said and looked at the flowers Pam was carrying. "Aren't those the flowers I just got you for your boss?" 

Tine looked at the flowers and they were indeed the ones he sent over to his boss' place. 

"So she's the girlfriend?" He said and looked back at Green. "See?" 

"Aww? Is she really the girlfriend?" 

"Aren't the flowers enough for you?" 

'He really does have someone.' Tine thought to himself. 'Well, good for him.' 

Chapter Text

"Teepakorn I need fifty pairs of white shirts, now!" 

"Teepakorn set the meeting room for the executive's brainstorming!" 

"Teepakorn make sure to send all the fifteen presentations to my email by tonight!" 

"Teepakorn, I need you to bring me the first ten editions of Vogue this afternoon!" 

"Teepakorn I need you to fetch the dry cleaning for the shoot, by 10!"

"Teepakorn, where's Pete's approved mood board?" 

"Teepakorn the copy of Maya's last GP Thailand magazine!" 

"Teepakorn?" 

"Teepakorn!" 

"TINE TEEPAKORN!" 

********

"AAAAAHHHH!" Tine yelled as he woke up. It was five in the morning, he needs to be at work by 8am.

He doesn't want to go to work, but he still needs to. It's only his first six weeks in the job. He also has a lot of presentations to proofread in the office. 

—

From: Namcha 

To: Tine

You okay? 

—

From: Tine 

To: Namcha

Yeah, just woke up 

—

From: Namcha 

To: Tine 

Alright, I'm going to work now, text me if you need something

—

From: Tine 

To: Namcha 

Ok :) 

*****

"You seem blue today," Third said to Tine as he passed by the younger's table. 

Tine looked up and gave him a weak smile. 

"No sleep?" 

Tine nodded as he continued to proofread the documents. 

"You know, we have pillows at the employee lounge," Third said. "You should lie down for a while and get some sleep during your break time." 

*****

It was the lunch break, everyone got up to go eat. Sarawat did the same. 

He looked for his assistant but was shocked Tine was already out his desk. He would usually see the man still sitting on his desk, fixing everything that needed to be fixed before he took his lunch. 

He thought that Tine must've finished up early. 

Before he got to the elevator, he passed by the employee lounge and saw a familiar figure sleeping. He thought that Tine must've been very tired the past few days and finally decided to sleep during his break. 

He then went inside the room and removed his blazer. Gently placing it onto Tine. 

"What are you doing?" Someone said from behind Sarawat. 

He turned around and saw Third standing by the door. 

"Oh you gave him your blazer," Third said and walked past Sarawat. 

He watched as Third lay on the other sofa in the other corner of the lounge. 

"Well," Third said while he placed a pillow on his head and on his face. "Good night!" 

"Okay," Sarawat whispered and quietly got up and out of the room. 

*****

"What time is it?" Tine said and yawned. 

He looked at the clock and it was thirty minutes past the lunch break. He was still a bit tired from panicking so he just decided to slowly get up and stretch for a while. 

"Who is this?" He said as he noticed the blazer he was blanketed with. 

He yawned again as he got out of the lounge and back to his table. No one was back, maybe everyone decided to have an extended lunch break?

"Well, good morning to you," Pete greeted right before he was about to leave the building. "Didn't get the memo?" 

"What memo?" Tine asked before he yawned. "There's a memo!" 

"Editor-in-chief called it a day for all," Pete said and looked back at Sarawat who was in his office room, talking to someone on the phone. "Alright, I'm off, what time's the photoshoot on Monday?" 

"Ten a.m., drive safe," Tine said and bid goodbye to the creative director. 

*****

"No, Man," Wat told his friend from the other line. "I'm not excited, well I am excited to see all of you idiots, but not him." 

"Yeah right!" Man answered. "But once Pran greets you…" 

"I'll greet back," He answered. "You're overthinking this."

"Well, speaking of overthinking," Man started. "Everyone's bringing dates." 

"A date?" Sarawat Laughed. "What is this? Prom night?" 

"He's bringing one too," Man said. 

"Okay," Sarawat said and nodded his head. It's not like he too needed to bring a date. 

"Alright, see you later then?" Man asked.

"See you later," Wat answered before ending the call. 

He doesn't need to have a date. Right?

He turned to the side and saw Tine, leaning on his desk, half asleep. 

*****

“Shouldn’t you be going already?” Tine woke up and looked to Sarawat’s voice and quickly looked at the latter. “Didn’t you get my memo earlier?”

“I did,” Tine stood straight and handed Sarawat the blazer. “This yours?”

Sarawat looked at the blazer and let out a small laugh. 

“Yes,” Wat nodded and took the blazer from his assistant. 

“You usually let your assistant borrow your blazer as a blanket?” Tine asked.

“You were shivering a little when I saw you sleeping at the employee lounge,” Sarawat explained. “And Third hoarded the blanket and comforter so I figured…”

‘But why?’ Tine thought to himself. It wasn’t like there weren’t other blankets available somewhere in the lounge. It wasn’t like a last resort thing. 

“Anyway, aren’t you going to go home?” His boss asked.

“I am,” Tine smiled. “I just gave back the blazer… Thank you.”

“Thank you,” Sarawat smiled. “Oh and Teepakorn?”

Tine looked up anticipating. Sarawat paused and took a deep breath before he continued.

“It’s the weekend tomorrow,” He said. “Make sure to rest well, okay? Take care of your health.”

Tine paused a bit and nodded. Sarawat smiled and fixed Tine’s hair before leaving. 

Tine stood still and slowly touched the side of his head that Wat patted. 

“Shia…” He muttered to himself.

Chapter Text

“Oyiiieeee~” Green nudged Tine. “He’s so nice to let everyone have the rest of the day off!”

Tine took a sip of his juice and looked at Green. Green looked back at him and rolled his eyes. 

“Oh come on you can’t still be pissed at him about the Met thing,” Green nudged him again. “This guy’s a total jackpot, the complete package! You are one of the luckiest people, Teepakorn!”

“How is that?” Tine asked him.

“He gave you his blazer when you were sleeping in the cold,” Green reiterated. “He told you to take a good rest and fixed your bedhead hair before he left you.” 

“Just because he’s your ideal doesn’t automatically mean he’s mine,” Tine said. “And may I remind you that he’s taken?”

“Have you asked him for clarification?” Green said.

Tine didn’t reply. 

“See? You’re not even sure if that lady last time was his girlfriend!” Tine sighed and got up from his seat. 

*****

“Okay fine,” Green said as they walked along the business district. “What if he was really single, would you like him?” 

“No, Green,” Tine answered. “He’s my boss, remember?”

“Okay, what if he wasn’t your boss then?” Green asked again. “Come on, he's the perfect and most ideal person!”

“Yes, alright he is an ideal and attractive person, but not really my type,” Tine answered. 

“He’s smart and handsome, a caring boss, and kind to waitstaff, and lastly, he seems to like you,” Green said. 

“As an employee, maybe,” Tine answered. “Stop overthinking this, okay? Please?”

“Oyiiieee! Fine!” Green huffed and paused for a while. “But what if he wasn’t your boss and you don’t work in the same company, you two meet in a completely different circumstance, would you like him then? ”

“Maybe?”

“Maybe? I knew it!” Green screamed and pointed at Tine. “You do like him!”

“And how in the world did you get that answer?” Tine asked.

“You said in a different circumstance, you might like him! So you might like him!” Green said. 

“I said maybe,” Tine answered. “Because who knows what might happen in a much different circumstance? Can we drop this?” 

“Fine, I’ll stop,” Green said finally. “I promise.” 

“Thank you,” Tine said before Green opened a completely different topic.

*****

“I don’t know, the flower shop’s a bit too far from the workspace,” Green said. “But there’s a space in the shop where I could set up my laptop, what do you think?”

“I think you should, you love flower and plant arranging, and plus you’re good at it,” Tine pointed out. “You know you just have to take a risk and do the things we love-”

“Oh my god!” Green screamed and pulled Tine to the side. 

It was the lady they saw a few days ago.

“That’s her right?” Green asked Tine. 

Tine nodded.

 Tine and Green watched her from the side, trying their best not to be seen by her. She got out of a car and was about to go to the fancy restaurant but paused and looked back at the car.

“Hurry up you two!” Pam told the people who refused to leave the car. “Come on already!”

“Just a minute,” They answered. “Go in first?”

The lady stomped her feet and rolled her eyes before finally going inside the restaurant. Tine waited if the other person in the car would get out. 

“Baby!” A man in a leather jacket said as he got out of the car. “Wait up!” 

“Baby?” Green said and gasped. “I told you she’s not his girlfriend!”

“Shhhh!” Tine said and waited if there was another person because the car hasn’t left yet. “Come on let’s go.” 

As Tine was about to leave and walk the other way, Green pulled him and turned him around to make him see who was also there. 

Sarawat got out of the car and fixed his suit and tie. He checked his watch and looked around the place. He then saw a familiar face looking at him from afar.

Tine yelped a bit and looked the other way. Green creped on his shoulder which startled him. Sarawat let out a giggle when he saw his assistant and their friend. 

He tried to wave at them but they quickly ran off the other way like kids. He smiled in amusement at the actions of the two before finally getting inside the restaurant. 

“Ah!” Man said. “He’s finally here!”

Everyone cheered and teased Sarawat as he sat down at their table. It’s been a while since he’d been united with his college friends. 

“How’s life so far as the new EIC, Ai’Wat?” His friend, Boss, asked him.

“It’s alright,” Wat answered. “Stressful, but alright.”

He noticed Pran lean toward the guy beside him who was somewhat familiar to Wat, he just couldn’t put his finger on it. 

“Pat, what?” Pran whispered loud enough for Wat to hear.

“Move closer!” Pat pulled him closer which pissed Sarawat off a little. 

“Ai’Wat!” Man called him. “Pete told me that you guys will have an event for GP by the end of the year, what’s it all about?”

“Just a release event for the anniversary,” Wat said. 

“Ai’Wat,” Pran called him. 

“Yes?” Sarawat looked at Pran. 

He also noticed the guy beside Pran hid his face behind Pran.  

“Well heard that you also hired a new assistant on the spot,” Pran said with an amused smirk on his face. 

Everyone looked at Pran then Sarawat. Sarawat took a long sip of water and looked up at Pat and Pran. 

“Yes,” Wat laughed. “Why is there something…”

“Nothing,” Pran smiled in disbelief. “It’s just not like you to hire someone without looking into them for yourself.”

Pam let out a fake cough and cleared her throat trying her best to keep a straight face on. MJ then whispered something to her which she quickly answered with a nod. 

“Well, I’ve also heard,” Pran continues. “You know Third right? Hee me that you gave your blazer to your assistant to use?”

“He what?” Boss said and dropped his fork on her plate. “You never let me borrow a jacket or blazer when we’re at the cinema when I’m cold but lent yours to your assistant?” 

Man smiled at Wat before speaking up.

“Alright let’s put a pause on this first,” Man said “Let’s order first and talk afterward.” 

**** 

“So Pat,” MJ asked them. “How long have you and Pran been together?”

“Well,” Pat said and looked at Pran. “We’ve met a long time ago, before college, and then we started to give things a shot about five months ago.”

Man looked at Wat who was quietly a sip of his soup. 

*****

“See you guys in a hundred years!” Boss said before getting in his car. 

“See you!” Pran said and looked back at his friends. “It was really nice to see you guys, let’s do this again soon?” 

“Yes, we should!” Pam said and hugged Pran. “But I guess you have to go to Singapore first, right?”

“Yeah,” Pran said. “But don’t worry too much, you’ll see my face again soon.” 

Pran looked back at Sarawat and Man who were talking to each other at the side. He smiled and waved at the two. Man waved back and pointed Pran to Wat.  

Sarawat gave him a warm smile and waved back. 

“See you guys soon!” Pran said before Pat honked their car’s horn. 

“Let’s go?” Pat said through the open car mirror. “Wai’s treating us to dessert.”

“He will?” Pran asked in disbelief. 

“Yeah, just called me minutes ago,” Pat then looked at everyone and waved goodbye. 

“Have fun you two,” MJ teased. 

Wat looked down and smiled. Man noticed and patted his shoulder. It was just a crush though, Wat thought. A crush that’s slowly fleeting away.

That’s good.

“You okay?” Man asked Sarawat. “Don’t worry my friend.”

“Yeah,” Sarawat nodded. 

“You’ll find someone out there,” Man continued. “Heck maybe you’ve already found one.”

“I don’t know…” Sarawat said. 

“Exactly,” Man said. “You don’t know… yet!”

Wat laughed at his friend's enthusiasm for his non-existent love life. Maybe Man was right, maybe he already found someone, he just doesn’t really know yet. 

Maybe.

Chapter Text

It was long past twelve a.m. Namcha opened the door to their house, it was an extra exhausting shift yesterday.

There had been an emergency at the hospital, a car crash. Added to that was the fact that the patient he was assigned to was very stubborn, uncooperative, and noisy. It took him 5 whole hours just to fully make sure that patient was stable. 

“Hey,” Tine greeted from the living room while on his laptop, fixing some work.

“Hey,” Cha replied. “Did mama call?”

“She did,” He answered. “He asked if we’d be able next Saturday.”

“Oh,” Namcha took out his phone and looked through his schedule. “I’m free next Saturday.”

“Okay, she said she and papa will pick us up,” Tine paused and turned his laptop off. “I have a question.”

“Yeah?” Namcha sat down beside him on the couch. 

“Hypothetically, when someone’s looking out for you,” Tine started. “And you don’t necessarily talk to them a lot, but they seem to care and take care of you, you don’t need to like them more than you think you do, right?”

“You think you’re having a crush on an officemate because they’re caring?” 

“No!” Tine protested. “It’s just I told Green about it…”

“Don’t overthink it then,” Namcha said. “Maybe this person’s just genuinely caring to everyone?” 

“Doesn’t really lend his blazer to anyone,” Tine mumbled. 

Namcha couldn’t help but laugh at his brother’s just in denial or obliviousness, whatever Tine might be having, it wasn’t really clear to him yet. 

“Are you sure it’s not a crush?” Namcha asked. “Because it sounds like you’re trying to justify a crush.”

“I’m not, how many times do I have to tell you,” Tine then thought for a while. “But maybe? God, I feel like a stupid teen!”

“Teepakorn,” He patted Tine’s shoulder. “It’s normal to feel things that a typical teenager might have.”

“But we’re adults for fuck sake!” Tine screamed. “But it doesn’t matter, I have other problems to think about.”

“What problem?”

“I just had an awkward encounter with my boss earlier on the street after work,” Tine said and creped into a ball. 

*****

“Tine,” Kao called his co-worker, who was clearly zoning out. “Tine Teepakorn?” 

Tine didn’t respond, just looked at his at rest desktop screen. 

“Tine!” Tine shrugged at Kao’s hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay? I’ve been calling your attention for a while there.”

“Yeah no,” Tine sat upright. “Sorry, it’s just stuff… yeah?”

“Are you sure you’re fine? If you need someone to talk to, I’m free.”

“Nah,” Tine laughed. “It’s nothing. It’s silly, I should just focus on work.”

“Well, I was wondering if you’d want to get lunch with me and Third?” He then pointed at Third at the corner of the office floor.

Third looked up from his phone and gave them a wave. Tine smiled and waved back before answering Kao.

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Great!” Kao said. “Let’s go?” 

*****

“So how’s it going, Teepakorn?” Third asked as they ate lunch at one of the restaurants near the school zone. 

“Sleepless,” Tine answered. “But worth it.”

“Hey!” Kao nudged Tine’s shoulder. “You should get sleep more.”

“It’s fine,” Tine said. “I’m a night person anyway.”

“More like midnight person?” Third said. “Saw you active at the google group at eleven last night, then at five a.m. this morning.”

“Yeah,” Tine said. “It’s probably bad… But I don’t really have someone who checks on me.”

“Like a girlfriend?” Kao asked. “Or boyfriend?” 

“Yeah,” Tine looked down on his food, forcing a smile to prevent himself from frowning.

“Do you want one?” Third asked.

“No,” Tine said. “I don’t know, it’s not really something I want to think about, you know?” 

“Well, it’ll come around, don’t worry,” Third said. 

“Oh yeah,” Kao smiled at Third. “It’ll come around Tine, it might even surprise you!” 

“You think so?” Tine asked them.

“I know so!” Kao said. 

“You seem to act like an expert, Kao,” Third said.

“Don’t start, Third,” Third laughed and looked at Tine. 

“It’s all up to you, Tine,” Third said. “If you’ll let it in or not.”

“Let what in?” Tine asked. “Oh, the… relationship thing?”

“Yes, Tine,” Kao patted Tine’s shoulder. They all giggled and continued with their food. 

******

“Oh shit,” Third whispered as he looked at the message he got on his phone. 

“What happened?” Kao asked him. 

“Pi,” Third said with worry in his voice.

“What?” Kao looked at Third’s phone. “Bone fracture?” 

“Yeah,” Third said. “I have to pick him up at school and then take him to the hospital now. You guys could go… Tine?”

“Yeah?” Tine looked at them.

“You guys could go,” Third said. “I have to get my brother to a hospital…”

“Oh, I know a hospital near?” Tine said. “Do you guys need a doctor? My brother’s a doctor.” 

*****

“I just wanted to say I’m gay too,” Nick told Charlie. “Do you want to go out with me? I want to be with you forever…” 

Pi was flustered at the show he was watching. He didn’t even notice his brother, Third, staring at him. 

“Do you want to join the rugby team?”
“What?”

Pi sighed and leaned back on the bed he was sitting on. Third was still staring at him, just staring, waiting for his brother to notice his presence. 

“You’ll take him to the hospital?” The school nurse asked Tine.

“Yes, we already called for a doctor too for further checkups,” Tine answered. 

“What’s taking them so long?” Kao said and checked the time on his phone, it was almost their off from work.  

Third tapped Pi’s shoulder, but the boy just shrugged his arm off. Third, then pulled his brother’s headphones off. 

“Hey!” Pi said and looked up to see his brother in shock.

“What hey?” Third asked him and told him to get up.

“What took you so long?” Kao said.

“Let’s go,” Tine said. “The cab’s there.” 

******

“So,” Namcha looked up at Pi. “Care to share how we got here?” 

“I fell off the stairs,” Pi said and looked at his casted foot. 

“Aren’t sure it wasn’t pushed off the stairs?” Kao asked. 

Pi looked at Third who was also looking at him worriedly. 

“It was an accident,” Pi said. “I was running plus the floor was slippery.” 

“Well then next time,” Namcha said. “Be more careful, don’t run.” 

Pi nodded his head and looked back at Third, Kao, and Tine.

“I’m fine,” He said. “I promise.”

“How will you go home from school?” Third asked. “I can’t fetch you every day and you can’t commute in your condition.” 

“Satthaya offered to carpool me home…” Pi said.

“Who’s Satthaya” Third asked.

“The guy who…”

“Pushed you?” Kao said.

“No… well… sort of,” Pi answered. “But I told him it’s fine.” 

“Give me his number later,” Third said and talked to Namcha about what to do next. 

******

“Shouldn’t we be going back?” Tine asked Kao. 

“It’s all good,” Kao said. “Third already explained the situation.” 

They then heard Pi giggle because of the show he was watching. 

“He’s so unhinged for someone who fell off the stairs,” Tine told Kao. 

“Yeah,” Kao said. “Pi’s just really an unhinged kid, you know.”

“Yeah,” Tine smiled. “Kinda reminds me of a younger me.” 

“Yes!” They heard Pi scream at the scene he was watching on his phone. “Hold his hand!” 

“Kinda reminds me a little bit too much,” Tine whispered. 

*****

“Pi?” Tine called the boy sitting on the bed, who was watching the same show from an hour ago. 

“Hmm?” The boy asked while not staring away from his show. 

“Your brother and Kao are out to buy dinner, want anything specific?”

“Uh,” The boy said. “Popcorn?”

“A real dinner,” Kao reiterated.

“Porridge,” He answered. 

“Okay,” Third said. “We’ll go now.”

Tine closed the door and sat on the chair beside the hospital bed. 

“What are you watching-”

“Uhhh-” Pi quickly turned his phone off and looked at Tine. “N-nothing?”

Tine raised his eyebrow and stared at the kid. 

“Well…” Pi looked at his phone and back at Tine. “Just a show.”

“What show?” Tine asked. “You seem to like it so much… you’ve been watching it for the past hour.” 

“Yeah…” Pi gave him a small smile. “It’s really good.” 

“What show is it?” Tine asked.

“Heartstopper,” Pi said and opened his phone. “I like it a lot.”

“I could see,” Tine smiled. “What’s it about?”

“About… two boys,” Pi looked at Tine. “Falling in love.” 

Tine’s smile grew wider. 

“Really?” Tine said. “Really does sound amazing!” 

“You should watch it?” Pi asked.

“I will,” Tine said.

“So you’re Tine?” Pi said. “I saw your portfolio once.”

“You did?” 

“By accident,” He said. “I just saw a glimpse of your works? You make art too? Drawings?”

“Before,” Tine said. “When I had time.” 

“Um, before I forget,” Pi looked at him. “Thank you for helping with today?”

“It’s nothing, kid,” Tine said. “Just be careful when walking down the stairs.”

“Yeah,” Pi said. 

“Could I watch Heartstopper with you?” Tine asked.

“Really?” Pi asked. “Of course! We could start from the first episode!” 

******

To: Tine
From: Sarawat

Hello Teepakorn. Third said you’re with them in the hospital tonight?

— — — — — 

To: Sarawat
From: Tine

Good evening sir, yes I’m with them at the hospital, just helped with some things. 

— — — — — 

To: Tine
From: Sarawat

So everything’s alright?

— — — — — 

To: Sarawat
From: Tine

Yes, sir, everything’s fine. I’ve also sent everything for tomorrow’s meeting to your email.

  — — — — — 

To: Tine
From: Sarawat

All right, thank you. 

  — — — — — 

To: Sarawat
From: Tine

Thank you, sir 

******

Sarawat look at the message on his phone for a while as he looked at the city lights from his office window. 

  — — — — — 

To: Tine
From: Sarawat

And Teepakorn, remember to sleep, okay?

******

Tine looked at the message on his phone and then at Third, Kao, and Pi, who were all asleep. 

He tried his best not to smile at his boss’ message. 

  — — — — — 

To: Sarawat
From: Tine

I will, thank you :) 

******

Sarawat looked at the notification on his phone and smiled.