SOTUS: The University Days (and Other Universes)

i know, he's mine

Kongpob, having done all his tasks for the day within the first hour of his shift, relaxes against his seat's backrest and looks at the remaining things on his desk, an empty folder and, beside it, his already-turned-off laptop. Working at Siam Polymer has been a great experience and has taught him a lot, but he'd like it if he has something to do most of the time. Yes, he's the company owner's son, but to him, it shouldn't mean he's just here to display himself and fill in that role. Sometimes, on slow days, like today, he can't help but feel useless and guilty because all the people around him are still busy with their tasks, like his boyfriend, who's probably sweating hard on the production department floor.

Shortly after Kongpob returned from his postgrad and accepted the position his father offered to him, he was able to convince Arthit to move too by saying that his father wanted Arthit in the company. While it's not purely Kongpob's father's idea and Arthit somehow felt he didn't have a choice, Arthit still found it to be a great opportunity, not only for his career since he'd be moving up, but also for his relationship with Kongpob. The two years of being away with Kongpob made him realize he loves taking care of him in whatever way or form, and working with him would mean more chances to do exactly just that.

That's why three weeks ago, Arthit moved in. Arthit, being the adaptive person that he is, was able to smoothly transition to his new position, impressing the higher-ups, including Kongpob's father, and Kongpob couldn't be more proud.

The computer screens around him all turn off, and Kongpob notices people shuffling and dispersing one by one. He looks at the clock, and he can't believe it's already lunch break. Kongpob has learned a long time ago that thinking about his boyfriend does that, and even after many years, it hasn't changed. With nothing else to do, he takes off his blazer and decides to pay a visit to the production floor.

Arthit has promised Kongpob he'd bring him to the new food house at the block that sells the tastiest fried rice according to his father's secretary. Kongpob has been asking for it for weeks now, but Arthit regrettably always had to bail out because of the workload in the prod floor. He also said since he's new at the company, there's a need to impress his bosses, which Kongpob completely understands but argues that it shouldn't be at his cost. This morning, however, before they stepped out of their apartment, Arthit promised Kongpob he'd finally bring him to the place, and that's the reason why Kongpob is skipping in his steps right now.

Kongpob excitedly steps out of the elevator as soon as the door opens, but halfway to his boyfriend's department, he bumps into the intern who's currently working in procurement. He expects the intern to at least greet him, but she doesn't seem to notice him. Kongpob catches the confused look on her face, and a long drawn out sigh from her stops him from taking another step. One look at the intern tells him that something is wrong. He shoots a longing glance at the door to the production floor before he decides he should probably make sure that the intern is alright. At least, he can do something today, right?

"Khun Cotton, are you okay?"

The intern visibly wakes up from whatever world she's in and stops her steps. "Oh! I... I'm sorry. Good afternoon, Khun Kongpob," she utters and lets out a nervous laugh. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't notice you."

"Are you sure? You look really bothered. Is there something I can help you with?" Kongpob questions, frowning.

The intern shakes her head, a smile on her face now, and if Kongpob hadn't seen her just moments ago, he would believe she's fine.

"It's just..." she looks around the area like she's making sure they're not overheard before she lowers her voice. "It's the new assistant production manager."

Kongpob knows exactly whom she's referring to.

"Khun Arthit," she specifies as if she needs to.