White Gardenia [TANKHUNNONSEE/OFFGUN]

part 2: child of star

I decided to write more
But then I realize, just like the two original show
This story seems to have a slow pace and uhh somewhat boring vibe
Idk I hope you guys still enjoy it

"Boss, are you awake?"

"What?"

Jaikaew put her hands on her hips. "Did you stay up late again?"

"Shut up..." Tan covered his yawn, stretched a little after dozing off for, probably 15 minutes or so.

"Keep up with that and you'd die off before you get to build a house."

He sighed at his friend's words. It's not like he's in a rush to build that house anyway. The dream house won't have any family occupying it anytime soon. Mimi passed away and Nubdao left for Paris with another guy.

"What do you want?"

"Meeting time, Sir!" Jaikaew clapped the files in her hand. "About that new talk show. Hurry, go and wash your face! Don't embarrass yourself."

Jaikaew has been a cruel but good friend. Her words stab like daggers, yet had helped him stand up numerous times in his life. Hence, although annoyed, he always listens to her. When he showed up in the meeting room, he's all freshened up and ready to roll. Before they started though, he noticed the empty seat on his left. "Where's Lukdao?"

Jaikaew looked at the boy next to her and the boy picked up his phone immediately. Tan quickly stopped him. "It's okay. We're just discussing the sponsors and sets anyway. She doesn't have to come."

It's been almost a year since. But Tan had been in love with Nub for 5 years. It's not easy to forget and erase the trace of her existence in his life. Working with her for so long, he had forgotten she is one of her kind. No other MCs are as involved as her in the production of a show. Generally, the team decides on everything and only informs the MC before they start shooting. But since Nub helped in all of the brainstorming, he had this wrong perception that every show host does that.

He should quit projecting Nubdao's image on every host they have, really. Yet Lukdao makes it hard not to do so sometimes.

"I'm sorry, I'm late...!"

Everyone turned to the lady entering the room. Tan did too. "Luk, why are you here?"

"I told you, I want to help. This is the first show of my own. How can I not be involved?" She sat down at the empty seat on Tan's left, smiling reassuringly. Even her confident smile reminds him of Nub.

Lukdao moved into the town eight months ago. She became Tan's neighbor first before applying as MC in his production house. She ticked all the boxes of their desired talent and as a plus point, she is a cat-lover. Didn't take long for them to decide on hiring her. Several others were hired too, following her. But no one shined as bright as her, like the literal meaning of her name - the 'child of star'.

She is gorgeous, naturally, with lush brows and sharp eyes that convinces you to believe anything she says. At the same time, her mature and friendly aura makes you feel safe to confide in. She gained popularity fast and just recently, she's given a chance to host her own talk show that features young, rising stars.

Tankhun is proud of her success, but at the same time, feels sad when he thinks of Nubdao. If she had been in a better place that appreciated her talent, that didn't exploit her, she could have gone further than this. Tan regrets every second of his powerlessness in the past. And with that, he's determined to do for Luk what he couldn't for Nub.

Given, his attentiveness would be misunderstood. Everyone in the office is thinking they're an item at some point. So he made sure Lukdao knows he isn't thinking of her beyond a co-worker (he refuses to be viewed as the second Min-Jun).

But Jaikaew told him one thing once, it's hard to forget. "I won't say you can't date her, but don't take her as Nub's replacement, okay? No matter how similar they are."

Tankhun was defensive of the statement at first. Claiming he will never. Yet the more time he spends with her, the harder it is not to see Nub's shadow on her. And that's the worst way to fall in love if he ever does.

"So, what do you think, Boss?" Lukdao asked.

Tan exhaled. "Can you show me the picture again?" The lack of sleep must really be getting to him. Can't believe he was thinking nonsense in the middle of the meeting.

Luk slides the images on her iPad. She was suggesting a local brand to work with them for the show. It suits their sponsor's motto about supporting small business after all.

"They're called House of Beauty. It's a brand that consists of several businesses. There's White Beauty, focusing on florist and decoration; Blue Beauty, focusing on sustainable fashion; also Pink Beauty, their new approach in the food and beverage industry..."

"Wait," Tan took the iPad from Luk's hand to zoom in on the image. "White Beauty...?" Now, that name sounds familiar.

"You know the place, Boss?" asked Jaikaew.

"Is this... the flower shop at Saphan Khwai?"

"Oh, did you listen to anything Luk said? Yes, it is! But it's not just florist. They have clothing line and cafe too."

Memories of that day came flooding back. The fragrance smell of fresh flowers, sunlight hitting the shiny tile through the glass window, attentively-made bouquet of rose and hydrangea. The part-timer boy with gentle eyes and sweet smile. That was almost six months ago. He suddenly wondered how the boy is doing and if he still works there.

...

Introducing Fah's character!
She doesn't have a name so I made one for her
Don't get me wrong I love Fah
But I still need OffGun lmao