Self Rival • Completed

xli. the awkwardness

What could happen in hours alone with an ex?

A lot, Arthit answered his own question. 

He knew a lot would be happening when he met with Kongpob downstairs and the first thing he asked was, "Do you want to join me on the car or do you want to hail another service?"

"I'll just join you, sir, to save us some time."

If there's one word to describe a situation where Arthit felt awkward, anxious, scared, regretful, and giddy, he would want to know because that's what perfectly depicted what he's currently feeling. 

For a few minutes, Arthit mentally fought with himself, considering to ask some awkward questions like, "How's your life now?" or "Are you stressed as the C.O.O.? Care to share with an ex?" or the risky "I miss you, do you miss me too?" just to annihilate the awkward silence. 

Arthit awkwardly tapped his nails on his seatbelt and tried not to think that the last time they shared a ride was the time Arthit only knew Kongpob as K and he was crying for Kong. Arthit sighed to himself and shook his head. 

Arthit subtly looked at Kongpob who's very focused on driving. He didn't look like he wanted to talk to Arthit, still cuffed by his promise to Arthit so it's up to Arthit if he wanted to turn their awkward silence into something more awkward. 

A minute more, Arthit gathered the braveness he needed to start talking to his ex but before he could open his mouth, Kongpob played some music, the awkwardness probably getting into his system as well. 

Arthit focused on the road, letting the music distract him from his pressing thoughts. Then, their favorite music came on, like their relationship's theme song or something like that. 

Arthit bit his inner cheek when a memory of them silly dancing on Kongpob's small apartment entered his mind. It was also the same music they used on the dancing machine at the arcade. Arthit remembered Kongpob looking adorable and embarrassed being exposed of his talent. Now that he knew that Kong's a secret wealthy heir, Arthit realized the reason why Kong was good at that game was probably because he was trained as a kid. Arthit half pitied him and half felt amused, wanting to see Kongpob showing him his dancing skills. 

He subtly looked at Kongpob who was giving Arthit sneaky glances as well.

Arthit assumed Kongpob was probably thinking of their past moments as well. 
Arthit opened his mouth to finally say something but a ring from Kongpob's phone made him shut his mouth. 

"Yes?" Kongpob sighed.

"P'Kong! Where are you? Your secretary told me you're not at your office? Where are you?"

"I have to talk to some suppliers, Kaofang." Kongpob sounded exhausted at the girl. 

Arthit frowned. He knew that girl. She's the girl who had a crush on K, from the park... and the girl who recognized Kong as her Phee but called Kong ugly. Arthit's frown deepened, he personally felt offended for Kong. 

"Are you really? But that's not your work, right?"

"How would you know?"

Arthit looked at Kongpob in shock. The younger sounded hostile and done, a tone he never heard coming from the younger. 

"You're right," Kaofang chuckled not the least offended, probably used to being treated like that. Arthit felt bad for her. Why would she settle with a guy who obviously wanted nothing from her? 

"I just feel like you're trying to hide from me again like the last time you dressed up as that nerd, I was right though, right P'?"

"You told me I looked ugly," Kongpob almost whispered, ashamed.