The Merger

One

Firmeow's chairman sat slowly back in his comfy swivel chair behind his enormous wooden desk. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.... His assistant pacing the length of the room kept stealing glances at him. Mr Firmeow had never lost a bid to anyone until now. Noone knew whether they should laugh, cry or head for the hills. The deal was worth millions and due to stupid errors from interns they've lost the bid.

As if losing isn't bad enough, they lost to Tungmeow, their biggest rival. Heads are going to roll today.

Mr assistant just couldn't understand why First was still smiling. It was a creepy sort of smile, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He looked quite scarry and anyone would be daft to challenge First Kanaphan, CEO of Firmeow, Thailand.

A tiny flashing light on the desk signalled the press conference about to start. Could Mr Firmeow convince the public and shareholders that this was not a catastrophe? Would they loose faith in the leadership of First K?

The crazy look in First's eye lingered, the lopsided grin flashed as he passed the cameraman and journalists on his way to the podium. The crowd hushed. Before First could utter his first word, the giant oak double doors swung open and who should enter?
None other than Tungmeow's CEO, Khaotung Thanawat.

The room was awash with whispers. The atmosphere was tense and palpable. The journalists in hushed tones were saying "today blood will be spilt in this boardroom." Still First just smiled and quietly stood his ground behind the podium.

Khaotung's stride was long and determined as he marched right up to First. Although he was the shorter of the two, he had no trouble standing toe to toe with First. He looked, no, he stared into the eyes of his opponent of many years. Khaotung's playful smile almost mocked First as he commented, "I have scored an awesome deal right from under your nose right Firmeow?". His lips just close enough to the microphone for the sound to travel the length of the entire room.

Slowly Khaotung turned to the press and addressed them. Behind him First stepped just a tad closer making the distance between them a little more than a hair. The slow exhale from Khaotung was hardly audible as he addressed the audience. Involuntarily all eyes darted quickly to First, afraid to breathe and wondering what's about to happen. The menacing and meniacal grin which had up to know been evident on First's face was suddenly gone. In its place a playful gentle expression had appeared and somehow this was even scarier. Everyone knows how epic the boardroom battles between these two individuals had been. It would rage for days, sometimes even weeks and always had victims and losers, never any winners, just survivors. Here they were, standing this close together. It's no wonder the security personnel had already been on standby since those huge doors first flew open.

As Khaotung turned to the audience even his expression had turned tender and yet his eyes offered a challenge to First. "I have come to announce....." Khao started. I have come to announce a merger between Tungmeow and Firmeow. The gasps were loud and instantaneous. Khao held up his hand asking for silence. "A merger between not only Tungmeow and Firmeow, but also between myself and First.

As if to emphasize what he just said, he turned to First, gently cupped his handsome face between his palms and planted a firm yet gentle kiss right on First's lips. To which First responded "Absolutely my love .....'
Pandemonium broke as reporters screamed questions and cameras flashed. It would be more apt to say all hell broke lose. Still the two men on the podium kept smiling at each other. They've become oblivious to the chaos around them. First enclosed Khao's hand in his own. He whispered close to Khaotung's ear ' I think we've done enough for today. How about an early dinner?"