Serendipity | OFFTAYNEW AU

II. Bittersweet

"A job? What do you mean by that?' asked New in an increasing tone.

He was honestly starting to feel annoyed by the stranger who won't get straight to the point of the conversation. New find it rude that he would come barging in his shop unannounced which ended up taking much of his time. The customers are slowly increasing, that's why he wants to go back inside and help Alice with the errands of the shop.

"I'm sorry for coming in here unannounced. Let me introduce myself again properly."

The guy took out a calling card from his wallet and handed it to New while bowing down slightly.

"My name is Nanon Korapat. I work as a personal assistant for the President of Je Ne Sais Quoi, the most famous magazine here in Thailand. I'm pretty sure you've heard about it. "

"Nope. I have no idea."

"What??? Je Ne Sais Quoi? The company which won the title of 'Best Magazine of the Year' for three consecutive years? No? How about Tay Tawan? He just recently won an award for a featured article about the political situation in Thailand!"

New let out a heavy sigh.

"I don't know nor care how popular that magazine is. You see, my business was just established pretty recently. I have my hands full in trying to make ends meet and keeping this shop alive so I could make a living. Do you think I would even bother reading a magazine when I could spend all that time improving my craft?"

Nanon wasn't able to say anything more.

"Why don't you go straight to the point and tell me your reason for being in here?"

Their talk was interrupted when a man went barging inside.

"Hey Nanon, what's taking you so long? Tay's been calling me non-stop, yapping about getting the owner's approval for an interview-"

New was beyond surprised to see who came in.

It was no other than Off Jumpol.
The most popular guy in high school, his estranged best friend and the one he used to refer to as his 'first love'.

--

Tay was growing impatient waiting in his office. He was pacing back and forth waiting for an update.

Nanon left an hour ago and he still hasn't come back to tell him whether he succeeded in convincing New to be featured on their magazine's Valentine's day issue.

Tay doesn't understand why he was so drawn to him - like metal to a magnet.
The thought of having to work with New gives him a sort of excitement that he hasn't felt in a while -since that incident many years ago. *

As he was about to call him, Nanon went inside with Off.
Tay quickly rose to his seat and came near Nanon.

"So? How was it? Did he say yes?"

"Uhm..." Nanon kept on mumbling his words and won't look at Tay straight in the eyes.

"It was my fault. I interrupted them while they were discussing. I'm sorry."

"And why would you do that?"

"Nanon, will you please excuse me and your boss. We just have to talk about something."

"Yes sir." Nanon said as he closed the door behind him.

"Would you mind explaining to me what the hell is going on?"

"Whoa whoa calm down, Tay. Why are you so pissed for?"

"Nothing..." Tay was also surprised at his own reaction. Why does he feel so annoyed?