Obsessed

4-The Way We Were-Part 2

Arthit's head was throbbing giving signs of an impending headache. He was dragged by his friends to celebrate as he closed a deal with their foreign clients. Although Peter was ready to give him the reigns of their company, Arthit felt he wasn't ready. He believes that he has a lot to learn. So he decided to work under different departments in their firm, which gained him admiration from everyone.

Arthit pushed away already-dead-to the world Bright who was leaning over him. He could see Tutah dancing with some unknown male, while Knot is having a very serious conversation with Prem. He saw Namtan waving at him gesturing him to dance with her.

Namtan is his childhood friend and classmate. She hasn't been subtle with her feelings for him. Arthit knows that she is nurturing a huge crush on him. Unfortunately that's always going to remain unrequited. Because Namtan knows, everyone in his circle knows whom his heart belongs to, and he's been waiting for him to return.

Once he was able enough, he did an extensive search for his Sim, visiting their village, talking to people, and turning the Internet upside down, but to no vain.

Where are you Sim? How long are you going to make me wait? Have you forgotten me?...Us?

He chugged down what was in his glass in a single gulp.

"Oy Romeo, stop wasting yourself.", Namtan grabbed the glass from him. " I still don't know why you are waiting for something that's has only a faint chance of success. Just say yes Arthit, and I will make you forget everyyyythingg....", she tried to side hug him, which he successfully dodged.

"Get lost, Nam....even if it's a slight chance.....I would like to hang on it......"

"You know what.....let's get you home. You are drunk. Uncle Peter is going to skin us alive if anything happens to his precious son.", Namtan pulled him to the exit waving at their friends who gave her knowing smiles.

"You are heavy, Arthit.", Namtan said while tucking him to his bed.

"Wait...", Arthit grabbed her wrists. " You keep this."

Namtan looked at the snow globe.

" What....Arthit...I don't think I should......"

" Keep it Nam....you know I am drunk...what if I accidentally smash it....he won't be happy you know....my pretty hailstorm will wreck a havoc..... keep it...I will get it back...when I ..........", Nam longingly looked at her crush who has already swung into the land of nod.

How can I get over you Arthit. Why can't it be me?

She sighed and closed the door only to meet Lisa by the living room.

"Namtan, thank you so much dear, and sorry for the trouble. You know his dad is not here."

" It's ok Aunt." , she smiled fidgeting.

" You won't stay for dinner?"

" No, aunt, I have to pick my cousin from the airport tomorrow morning. So I have to go."

" Ok, convey my regards to your parents, and drive safely.", she waved at the retreating figure of the young lady.

Kongpob sat on the passenger seat, rolling down the windows, as the hot wind blew over his face, wildly ruffling his hair. It is completely different from Minnesota, where he spent17 years of his life.

"If you have had enough barbecuing your pretty face, could you please close the window?"

Kongpob looked at his cousin who was busy fanning herself while driving with the other hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry P'Namtan.", Kongpob closed his eyes when the cold waves from the AC hit his face.

Kongpob would be staying with his cousin for the next one week until his parents also join him. Nam's parents really adored him since they didn't have a son. They are currently waiting for him downstairs for lunch while he volunteered to get Namtan who has disappeared into her room for the last 30 minutes.

"Come in Kong, the door is not locked."

He turned the door knob only to be welcomed by a messy chamber. Typical Namtan. He thought. She was busy fixing her bag, as she has to report back at the office. She has already had a half day leave.

"Sorry Kong, I have an important meeting with our team today. I just can't find a file, a yellow one. Could you please look it inside the bedside table?, she apologetically smiled at him.

"It's okay, I am happy to help.", he gave her an assuring smile before starting to rummage through the numerous files scattered near the bed. Is she hoarding papers? He couldn't help but smile at his cousin's habits. While he was going through the papers, something caught his attention which was placed on the table. Is it?..No, it can't be.

He carefully took the tiny snow globe, and held it between his palms. What are the odds that he could find it here, in his cousin's bedroom? He slowly turned it upside down, and his world stood still for a moment as he gaped at the names engraved under it. His heart thrummed for joy that coursed through his body. A shy but a dazzling smile flickered across his face. But that was erased as fast as it came thinking about how this ended up in the possession of his cousin.

" What are you doing with that stupid thing?", he was pulled out of his musings when Namtan spoke next to him.

"Ahaaa.....here I have it.", she beamed picking up the file.
"Come on, let's have lunch. You might be hungry.", she said flipping through the pages. She looked at Kongpob when she didn't receive any response.
"Kongpob....", she patted on his shoulders.

"P....where did you get this?"
Namtan replied quickly conceding her cousins impatience.
"Oh...it's from my boyfriend"

"Boyfriend??!!"

"Yup....Arthit."

" Arthit? How come you never mention it to me?", Kongpob could feel the dread gripping over him.

"Uhhhh......it's complicated.", Namtan sheepishly smiled at him.

" How did he get this?" Kongpob clutched the globe.

" That...I don't know. He got adopted by uncle Peter and his family when he was around eight. So I don't know much about his childhood. But he used to tell us about some stupid backstories about this thing..like a childhood crush or something. Can you believe this guy? Who would wait for someone for like what...17 .....maybe 18 years? It's ridiculous isn't it? Believing and keeping such silly things. When I was eight, I was playing with my Barbie."

Kongpob could feel the prick of tears welling behind his eyes. He tried to control his breathing. Namtan is right, isn't it? Who would wait for this long, that too even before we start forming rational thoughts. Or was it only him? Kong felt dull and foolish. All these years he hung on the tiny thread of hope, which was his trust over his P. Is that why he is feeling betrayed?

Hurried angry banging over the bedroom door brought Kong out of his stupor.

"NAMTAN!!! Open the damn door!!"

"Coming....!!", she rolled her eyes and sauntered towards the door and yanked it open.

"Arthit !!??"

........................................................................
A/N
One more part left.
By the way, what do you think about a Friendzone AU, doesn't Earth deserve a happy ending?😬
Thanks for reading 📖
I hope you enjoyed it 😀
See you soon ✌️
Stay Safe 😷