The Irresistible Vortex

Chapter 24

Date: 12/3/2021

AN: An Update! That was fast, if I do say so myself. 😁😁

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It was Wednesday, three days after the passionate, unforgettable Saturday night, that Arthit found himself in his usual cafeteria, video calling his friends. It was customary thing for him to chat with his friends while he had his breakfast before his shift started for the day. It was a time when all of them were usually free and they caught up.

Arthit took a huge gulp of his pink-milk and nodded, "Yes Toots, Kong also told me about it. They will be in China next week. We are meeting tomorrow, though..."

The chubby friend fluttered eyelashes and pouted, "Lucky you... "

"Awww.. Won't you be seeing your hunk at all? Is he too busy to see his baby? "

Tutah glared at Bright but then sighed, "He's not sure if he can make time at all.."

"Don't listen to this fool Toots, I'm sure Arjun will meet you somehow," Arthit said. "Ahh.. Whatever. Anyway, I'm sure we'll be spending a lot of time after he comes back though.. " Arthit nodded seriously, smiling, as he took a bite of Onigiri.

Prem cleared his throat, "Errmm.. " He scratched the side of his neck as he asked, looking a little abashed, "What about.. The, you know the security guy... "

Arthit looked puzzled and it was Knott who answered, "Oh, you mean Wad? If I understood correctly he doesn't let Kongpob go anywhere alone. "

Prem narrowed his eyes, "When did you get so chummy with him?"

"What!? I needed to apologize for your hostility and the brash welcome. So, I did! He was not that bad actually. He understood that I was being genuine.. "

Prem mouthed something angrily, but realized he still hadn't gotten an answer.  "That means he'll be going to China too, right? "

Arthit seemed confused at Prem's sudden interest in Wad, but he took pity and said, "Yes, I believe so. He takes his duty to protect Kong very seriously, and I'm very grateful for that. I haven't actually asked about it. I can if you want... "

Prem immediately shook his head, "No no! It's okay! Why would I need to know that, anyway."

It was Bright who spoke up, raising his eyebrows, " It was you who was asking about it for pas.. "

"Shut up Bright! It's not important!" Prem cut his goofy friend off, took a sip of his bitter black coffee and schooled his face. He smiled gently and turned to Arthit, "Ai'Arthit, how's your paintings happening? You do realize, it Kongpob who bought all your paintings?"

Arthit blushed, and nodded. He said softly, "He's my patron now.. "

Knott exclaimed, "Wow Arthit! That's great. So he still doesn't know it's you?"

Arthit shook his head, "I couldn't tell him right? I wanted him to see my paintings. I had hoped I would be able convince someone to let me display somewhere I knew he would see them. But before I could do it... We connected romantically... And I couldn't tell.. "

Tutah shook his head. He had had this conversation before with his beautiful friend. Even as Arthit continued, "If he had approached me as the artist whose works he loved, that would have been different. But now he's.. We are... I mean, he's... "

Tutah cut him off, "The bossman is head over heels for you and you didn't want him to buy your works just because it's you!"

Arthit sighed even as Knott and Prem shook their heads. It was Prem who spoke, "You never believed us when we told you you are an amazing painter. But that's really not it, right? I know you..."