Flicker (BossNoeul AU)

Chapter 4

As Boss Chaikamon gracefully made his entrance, Noeul couldn't help but notice the sudden shift in the restaurant's atmosphere. Every worker came to a standstill, their tasks momentarily forgotten as they turned to stare at the enigmatic figure who had just crossed the threshold. Even the three customers who had been quietly enjoying their meals paused mid-bite, their attention captured by the magnetic presence of the man before them.

Noeul felt as if time itself had come to a halt in the wake of Boss Chaikamon's arrival, his very presence commanding the attention of all those present. As the man approached the counter, Noeul couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through him, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of the imposing figure before him.

"...yes, Gun. I'll be quick... No, I already told you I'll get there after... Jesus, just let me eat first.. no, I'll hang up," Boss Chaikamon's voice filtered through the air, tinged with irritation as he spoke into his phone.

Noeul couldn't help but straighten his posture and adjust his demeanor, suddenly conscious of his appearance in the presence of such a formidable individual. He dared not meet the gaze of the others in the restaurant, fearing that they might sense the turmoil stirring within him in response to Boss Chaikamon's unexpected visit.

"G-good afternoon, sir. May I take your order?" Noeul's voice trembled slightly as he addressed Boss Chaikamon, his eyes fixed on the machine in front of him, unable to bring himself to make eye contact with the imposing figure before him. The murmurs of the restaurant seemed to grow louder, a mix of awe and excitement palpable in the air as the staff and customers alike reacted to the presence of the distinguished guest.

"Yes, can I have some lemon tea... and hmm, I'm quite hungry but can't decide on a light meal. Could you recommend something?" Boss Chaikamon's voice, gentle yet commanding, echoed in Noeul's mind, sending a shiver down his spine.

Noeul gulped nervously, his mind racing as he struggled to compose himself. "I, uh... the tuna sandwich here is good," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at his faltering words.

"Tuna sandwich it is, then. Thank you," Boss Chaikamon replied calmly, his interruption cutting through Noeul's self-reproach, bringing a sense of relief amidst the swirling emotions.

"Is that all, sir?" Noeul asked, his gaze involuntarily meeting Boss Chaikamon's, causing him to gulp at his own audacity. Their eyes locked, and Noeul found himself ensnared by the mesmerizing depth of the man's gaze. Sharp and penetrating, yet imbued with a sense of calm and gentleness that stirred something deep within him. Noeul's mind raced, searching for a response to the unexpected question that threatened to unravel his composure.

"You look familiar, did we meet before?" Boss Chaikamon's inquiry jolted Noeul from his reverie, prompting him to avert his gaze in a futile attempt to conceal his unease.

"I don't think so, sir," Noeul replied, his voice betraying none of the turmoil raging within him. He knew he was lying, yet he dared not admit to the countless sleepless nights spent haunted by the memory of their first encounter.

"Huh? I'm sure I've seen your face before," Boss Chaikamon mused, his gaze fixed intently on Noeul, who in turn, did his best to avoid the penetrating stare. Each moment felt like an eternity as Noeul struggled to maintain his composure under the scrutiny of the enigmatic man before him.

"Hmm, weren't you the guy from the hospital? The one Gun embarrassed in front of us?" Boss Chaikamon's words landed like a blow, shocking Noeul to his core. The memory of that humiliating encounter flooded back, coloring his cheeks with a faint pink hue as embarrassment washed over him.

"I was so sorry for what my manager did to you before. He was really not in the mood that time. I hope he didn't traumatize you. As I remembered, your colleague said you were too scared to assist us," Boss Chaikamon continued, his tone tinged with genuine concern.