CHASING AFTER YOU ( VICE VERSA)

7

Pond's pov

The air in my office felt thick with a strange tension. I couldn't quite place it, but it had been there ever since Phuwin started working at Naravit. It wasn't just the quiet intensity of his presence, the way his gaze lingered on me, or the way his art seemed to seep into my thoughts. It was something else, something more subtle, something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

"I need to figure out what's going on," I thought, running a hand through my already tousled hair. I was used to being in control, to calling the shots. I had built Naravit from the ground up, my vision, my ambition, my relentless drive. But Phuwin, with his quiet confidence, his unwavering passion, and his art that seemed to speak a language I couldn't quite understand, was unsettling me. He was a force of nature, a whirlwind of creativity, and I felt a strange pull towards him.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered, trying to focus on the stack of proposals in front of me. I'd never been one for emotional entanglements. My life had been a relentless pursuit of success, a constant striving for the next challenge, the next victory. But Phuwin was different. He was a challenge I couldn't ignore, a puzzle I couldn't resist trying to solve.

The first sign that something was amiss was the coffee. It wasn't just the perfect blend of bitterness and sweetness, it was the way Phuwin would appear at my door each morning, a tray of coffee in his hand, a hesitant smile on his lips. It was a gesture of kindness, a subtle attempt to connect, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

"He's trying to win me over," I thought, taking a sip of the coffee. It was perfect, the perfect blend of bitterness and sweetness. I wondered if Phuwin had intentionally made it that way, to appeal to me.

"I'm not sure I like this," I thought, pushing the thought away. I'd never been one for small gestures, for displays of affection. But Phuwin's persistence, his quiet determination, was starting to chip away at my defenses. I found myself looking forward to his visits, to the way his fingers would brush against mine as he handed me the cup, to the way his eyes would linger on me for a moment too long.

Then came the lunches. Phuwin would appear at my office door, a container of food in his hand, a shy smile on his lips. "I made this myself," he would say, his voice a little shaky. "I thought you might be hungry."

The food was always delicious, a perfect blend of flavors and textures. I couldn't help but wonder if he had intentionally made it that way, to appeal to my taste buds, to win me over.

"He's relentless," I thought, taking a bite of the food. It was delicious, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being manipulated.

I found myself looking forward to these lunches, to the way Phuwin would watch me eat, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race. It was the small gifts he would leave on my desk, a single sunflower, a hand-painted card, a small sculpture of a bird in flight. It was the way he would linger in the hallway outside my office, his gaze fixed on me, his presence a constant, unspoken reminder of his feelings.

"I need to stop this," I thought, trying to push away the strange pull I felt towards him. I was starting to feel a strange pull towards him, a sense of curiosity, a flicker of something I couldn't quite name. But I was also terrified. I'd never been one for emotional entanglements. My life had been a relentless pursuit of success, a constant striving for the next challenge, the next victory. I was afraid of letting someone in, of risking my carefully constructed world.

"I need to figure out what's going on with Kluen," I thought, my gaze shifting to my secretary. Kluen, my secretary, had always been a loyal and efficient employee. But since Phuwin had arrived, Kluen had become… different. He was more guarded, more secretive, his gaze lingering on Phuwin with a mixture of disdain and suspicion.

Time skip

The mahogany desk gleamed under the soft light of the office, reflecting the city's skyline outside the window. Across from me sat Earth and Mix, the enigmatic couple who led the Tangsakyuen Group, one of the most powerful companies in the world. They were our allies, our partners, and their presence always commanded a certain respect, a sense of quiet power.

"We're pleased with the progress on the joint venture," Earth said, his voice deep and measured. "Naravit's innovative approach to the tech market is truly impressive."

"We're glad to be working with you," I replied, my voice calm and professional. I was always careful with my words around the Tangsakyuen couple. They were notoriously private, their personal lives shrouded in mystery.

Kluen, my secretary, stood discreetly by the door, his gaze fixed on the couple. He was always attentive, always observant, his presence a silent reminder of his loyalty.

"We're confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial," Mix said, her voice soft but firm. "We're looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship."

We discussed the details of the contract, the terms and conditions, the potential for future collaborations. I was impressed by their knowledge, their insight, their ability to see the bigger picture. They were masters of their craft, and I felt a surge of admiration for their unwavering focus and dedication.

"We're ready to sign," I said, reaching for the contract. I glanced at the document, my eyes scanning the fine print. Then it hit me, Phuwin Tangsakyuen... Tangsakyuen? Could it be?

I looked up, my gaze fixed on the couple. They were both looking at me, their expressions unreadable.

"Is there something wrong, Pond?" Earth asked, his voice a low rumble.

"No, nothing," I said, forcing a smile. "Just a fleeting thought. We should sign this."

I signed the contract, my hand trembling slightly. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that there was a connection I couldn't quite grasp.

"It's been a pleasure, as always," I said, rising from my chair. "We look forward to a successful partnership."

Earth and Mix stood up, their movements graceful and deliberate.

"The pleasure is ours," Earth said, his voice a low rumble. "We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration."

Mix added, "We'll be in touch soon."

They turned to leave, their steps silent and assured.  As they walked towards the door, I noticed Kluen's gaze shift to their backs, his expression unreadable.

"It's been a pleasure," Mix said, her voice soft and melodious, as she paused at the door. "We'll be in touch soon."

I nodded, my mind still reeling. I had to find out, I had to know.

"Kluen," I said, my voice a little sharper than usual. "Summon Phuwin to my office immediately."

I watched as Kluen nodded, his expression a mixture of surprise and apprehension. I knew he was curious, but he was also loyal, and he wouldn't dare question my orders.

I returned to my office, my mind racing. I had to know, I had to understand.

"Phuwin," I said, my voice calm but full of curiosity. "I need to talk to you."

Phuwin entered the office, his face a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. He was wearing his usual casual attire, a simple white shirt and dark jeans, but his eyes were bright, his expression open and honest.

"Pond," he said, his voice a little shaky. "What's wrong?"

"Your last name," I said, my voice calm and steady. "Phuwin Tangsakyuen. It's the same as the Tangsakyuen Group.  Is there a connection?"

Phuwin's face paled, his eyes widening in surprise. He took a step back, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I… I don't know what you're talking about," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "My last name is Tangsakyuen. It's… it's my family name."

"But you're an artist, right?" I said, my voice calm and steady. "You're not involved in the family business?."

"I… I'm not," Phuwin said, his voice shaking. "I'm just… I'm just an artist."

"But how did it happen that your a tangsakyuen?" I asked, my voice still calm, but my curiosity was piqued. "Huh?"

"Please i don't want to talk about it," Phuwin said, his voice cracked. "Can you please give me time , i think this is not the right time yet."

"Sure," I said, and nodded my head for understanding. "But please do tell me , im really curious about you."

"Hmm," Phuwin said, his voice cracking. "I just… I just need time."

"Sure i can give you time," I said, my voice softening slightly. "But dont make me wait for a long time."

"I… I know," Phuwin said, his voice barely a whisper. "I just cant get myself to let you know right now."

"Okay, okay i can wait," I said, my voice a little too gentle. "Just remember that im all ears here to listen, okay?"

Phuwin looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of Relief and disappointment , and he unexpectedly hug me . " thank you very much , this means a lot to me."

I watched  Phuwin as he hugged me. I felt a surge of sympathy for him, a sense of understanding.

"Im sorry" Phuwin said as he pulled out from the hug.

"Its okay.." I said my voice a little to soft , while patting his head.

He blushed and his ears and nose turned red, and he bowed his head trying to hide his flustered face.

"I think i need to get going" he said , and from what i see he is still flustered.

As i was about to bid goodbye to him , he moved like flash to the door and said "see you soon Pond" while placing a soft smile on his face.

'He's cute' i thought,but i quickly pushed it away i shouldn't be thinking about this stuff.
"But its not that bad right? No, no, no , i shouldn't be thinking about this , i should focus on my work". With that I then opened my laptop and some files , and quickly work.

*************

"Love is a force more formidable than any army. It is a power that can break down walls and build bridges. Love can soften the hardest heart and inspire the greatest deeds. It can conquer all." -  Maya Angelou

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               Sorry guys
This is all i could offer to you guys hehehe
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