His Wolf

Chapter 10: Unwanted Attention

Arthit didn't believe Kongpob's claim that they couldn't live together. It didn't take him long to notice how much time they spent together. They spent most nights in each other's company. They had gone to work together a few times but Arthit was still determined not to be seen with Kongpob.

Kongpob had asked about it once but after Arthit's noncommittal answer, he'd let the matter drop. Arthit, glad of the reprieve, hadn't asked why. He still missed Kongpob while they were sequestered in their different department.

Either Arthit was early or Kongpob was late because they met in the elevator on their way to work. Neither of them bothered with a greeting. Kongpob moved into Arthit's space while he turned to accommodate him. They were standing so close together, there was no room to slip a playing card between them.

If Arthit could have held Kongpob tighter on the scooter ride to work, they would have been forced to return home to relieve some of the tension. Good fortune saved them both. Welcome distractions did the same. They arrived at work in time to find that someone had put up the official poster for the annual competition.

"Are you going to participate in this?" Kongpob asked.

"I want to. But I'm not sure what to do."

"I'm sure you'll think of something."

Kongpob's unwavering faith in him warmed him to his bones. Luckily, he caught himself before he did anything damning. Turning in the direction of the procurement department he sent Kongpob one last longing glance.

"I'll see you later," Arthit said resisting the urge to get closer to Kongpob.

"See you later." My love.

The rumour mill was on fire within a few hours. Arthit reached to mute the notifications when he noticed the cause of the hubbub.

Cherry had been electrocuted.

If it hadn't been for P'Yong's quick thinking, things would have been a lot worse. There was a clip of the head of the production department reminding both Kongpob and Nai of the right safety protocols. Information that was deemed necessary for all employees. Everyone could hear P'Cherry thanking the interns profusely for saving her life in the background.

Not in the least bit surprising, everyone thought Kongpob was amazing. He was. Arthit wanted to find him and throttle him. He hated that Kongpob had endangered his own life like that. He should have taken care of himself first instead of trying to save someone else—especially when he wasn't qualified to do so. Kongpob would have to turn off his overdeveloped sense of responsibility and Arthit feared the only thing that could do that was death.

He might have found a way to settle back down and forget about the incident if P'Som-O hadn't chosen it as an opportunity to ask if Kongpob had a faen. She made no secret of her growing preference for Kongpob even when Arthit had to restrain himself from telling her to mind her business (instead of his).

His boyfriend was doing it again.
Getting the attention of all the girls like it was perfectly normal for someone to be that popular.

He is mine! He shouted in his head, hoping his thoughts would be communicated without words. P'Earth's quick thinking turned the conversation saving him from the words poised to split out. Her suggestion for lunch as a department drew attention away from Kongpob's status and Arthit's hostility.

Until they ended up at the same restaurant as the production department.

He's mine. He said again when he noticed P'Cherry hanging on to Kongpob and Nai and basking in their attention. He couldn't convince himself they were oblivious to the spectacle they were making of themselves.