Under the Same Umbrella ☔ : A Tale of Love

Chapter 14: The Lonely Cry for Sanctuary

From that night on, their routine became a beautiful rhythm of companionship.

Boss would pick Noeul up from university, eagerly waiting for him at the café with a smile that could light up the room.

They'd spend time talking, laughing, and getting to know each other even more deeply, during Noeul's free hours..

And when the evening drew to a close, Boss would always make sure Noeul got home safely, dropping him off at his doorstep with a lingering gaze and a promise to see him again soon.

Their dinners together became cherished moments of intimacy, each meal a symbol of their growing bond.

Noeul found himself falling deeper and deeper for Boss, his heart swelling with affection every time they shared a meal or simply sat in comfortable silence, lost in each other's presence.

Their relationship blossomed into something beautiful, a connection that seemed to defy all odds.

And as they walked hand in hand through the bustling streets, Noeul couldn't help but feel grateful for every moment he spent by Boss' side.

Seeking Sanctuary

As Boss waited for Noeul to finish his work at the cafe, his phone suddenly rang. With a sense of urgency in his voice, he spoke briefly...

He glanced apologetically at Noeul, explaining that he had some urgent family matters to attend to.

Boss reassured Noeul, "I'll be back soon Baby. I'll drive you home safely, okay? Just wait for phi na."

Noeul nodded understandingly, urging him to take care of what he needed to do.

"Don't worry about me Phi, Just take care of your family matter first, alright?" He said cutely.

With a grateful nod, Noeul hurried out of the cafe, his mind racing with thoughts of his family and the pressing matters that awaited him.

After Boss departed, Noeul got busy working at the cafe, attending to customers and focusing on his tasks.

After a couple of hours passed with no sign of Boss, Noeul continued to wait at the cafe.

However, just as Noeul was about to finish his shift and the cafe was finally starting to quiet down, a few customers walked in, breaking the solitude of the moment.

Noeul felt a sinking feeling in his chest when he saw Ploy, a notorious troublemaker from high school, walk into the cafe with his friends..

Ploy was known for being tough and mean, and just seeing him made Noeul nervous.

Noeul had been hoping for a quiet shift, but it seemed like trouble had found him once again. Ploy had a history of causing problems..

Memories of past humiliations flooded his mind, and he felt a sense of dread wash over him like a tidal wave...he didn't want to go through that again.

Noeul tried to focus on his work, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread.
He kept glancing at the door, hoping that Boss would come back soon .

With trembling hands, he continued to work, hoping that they wouldn't recognize him.

As Ploy scanned the menu, he directed his order to the cafe staff, not realizing at first that it was Noeul standing behind the counter....

"Hey, can I get a latte and a slice of cake?" Ploy said, his attention focused on the menu board.

It was only when Noeul stepped forward to take his order that Ploy's eyes widened in recognition.

"Oh, aren't you Noeul?" Ploy exclaimed, his tone a mix of surprise and realization.