Fallen for him

Finding a new job

Joong and Dunk walked down the sunlit street, the air crisp and cool for a Sunday morning. They had decided to head out on foot since neither of them owned a car-something that seemed to make life a bit more complicated at times but also gave them a chance to talk, uninterrupted.

"So, what exactly are you thinking?" Dunk asked, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets as they walked side by side. "A café? A diner? Something like that?"

Joong shrugged, glancing around. "I'm not picky. I just need something that'll pay, y'know?" His eyes fell on a small diner up ahead, the kind with a flickering neon sign and a few people sitting at the window. "That place looks like it could use some help."

Dunk grinned. "Yeah, looks like it's been around for ages. You're probably right. Let's try it."

The two of them crossed the street and pushed open the diner's door, the bell above it jingling softly. Inside, the smell of fried eggs and fresh coffee greeted them, a comforting kind of chaos. There was a short line at the counter, and the clatter of dishes mixed with light chatter.

Joong walked up to the counter, his palms suddenly a little sweaty. Dunk leaned against the wall nearby, watching.

"Excuse me," Joong said to the woman behind the register. She looked up, raising an eyebrow but offering a smile. "I was wondering if you're hiring. I need a part-time job, and I'm willing to work after 4 pm as I have school."

The woman, who wore a faded apron and had a friendly face, considered him for a moment before speaking. " We have a lot of crowd during evenings, We've been looking for some extra hands on the floor-mostly to help with serving tables and maybe a little kitchen work. Can you handle that?"

Joong nodded quickly, trying to sound confident. "Yeah, I can do it. I've never done any sort of part time job so it would take me some time to settle hope you understand me."

She studied him for another beat before giving a small nod. "Alright, you can start tomorrow at 4 PM We'll get you started with the basics, and if it works out, you'll have a regular shift. Sound good?"

Joong exhaled, relieved. "Yeah. Thanks. I'll be here."

"Great," the woman said with a smile. "I'm Tina, by the way. Don't break any dishes, and you'll be fine."

Joong laughed, his nerves starting to ease. "I'll try not to."

Joong: [after a pause, a bit hesitant] "So... about the wages. What's the pay like for this position?"

Tina: [smiling, trying to keep things professional] "Good question. I'll offer you 200 baht per hour, plus some benefits. Is that in line with what you were expecting?"

Joong: [nodding, considering his options] "That sounds fair. Just wanted to clarify before I get started, I am very thankful for your help."

Joong then faced dunk with a smile on his face

As per the plan that they've made they both decided to go to a restaurant for lunch. And their today's lunch was from joong.

Joong and Dunk sat at a small table by the window, the midday sunlight filtering through the glass. The restaurant was quiet, its simple decor with wooden tables and soft lighting creating a relaxed atmosphere. The menu was basic—nothing extravagant, but enough to fill the stomach without breaking the bank. Joong had insisted on treating Dunk to lunch after landing his new part-time job. It wasn’t much—a plate of stir fried rice(Khao Pad), and iced tea—but it felt like a small victory worth celebrating.

Joong took a bite grinning. “I know it’s nothing special, but it’s the first step, right?” he said, half to himself.

Dunk, who had been absentmindedly stirring his drink, raised an eyebrow. “You sure you can afford this?” he teased, though his voice was light.

Joong laughed. “I can handle it. Besides, it’s the thought that counts.”

Dunk smirked but didn’t press further. The quiet chatter around them seemed to fade as Joong took a deep breath, finally feeling a sense of relief after weeks of searching. He’d gotten the job—just a part-time gig at a local cafe—but it was a start. Dunk was here, not just as company, but as a reminder that things weren’t so bad after all.

As Joong took another bite of his lunch, he noticed Dunk's phone light up. Dunk glanced at the screen, his expression shifting into mild surprise before he swiped to answer the call.

"Hello?" Dunk’s voice was low, casual, but there was a hint of unease in it.

Joong noticed the shift in his friend's tone and paused mid-chew, his attention now on Dunk.

On the other end, First’s voice crackled through. "Dunk, hey! You still coming over later for the study session? Everyone's waiting for you."

Dunk froze, his eyes widening slightly as the realization hit him. "Uh... study session?" he mumbled, trying to recall any details about the plan. His mind was blank.

"Yeah, remember? We agreed to meet at my place to go over the exam stuff... at 1 PM. You said you’d be there." First sounded a bit confused, but mostly amused. "Everything okay?"

Dunk glanced at Joong, who was still chewing his food, oblivious to the growing tension. Dunk’s face fell into an awkward half-smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, right... of course. I totally forgot about that. I’m actually—uh—out right now. I'm with Joong," he said, trying to keep his voice casual.

There was a long pause on the other end before First responded. "Right now? Dunk, seriously? We’ve been planning this for days!"

Dunk winced, glancing down at the table as he racked his brain for an excuse. "Look, I’llmake it after lunch, okay? Just—let me finish up here, and I’ll head over. Don’t start without me."

First sighed, the frustration clear in his voice. "Alright, fine. Just don’t take too long."

Dunk hung up the phone, his face contorting into a mix of frustration and mild panic. He looked at Joong, who was still calmly enjoying his lunch.

"That was First," Dunk said quickly, wiping his hands on a napkin. "We were supposed to study at his place for the exam, and I totally forgot."

Joong raised an eyebrow, not quite catching the full gravity of the situation. "So, what? You’re going now?"

Dunk leaned forward, his voice urgent. "Yeah, I’ve got to meet them. They are probably waiting for me too. And you are coming with me. We need to hurry."

He glanced at his half-eaten sandwich and made a face. "Eat faster, Joong. We’ve got to go."

Joong’s eyes widened in surprise, but then he saw the serious look on Dunk’s face and immediately understood the urgency. "You could’ve mentioned this earlier!" he joked, trying to finish his lunch in a hurry.

Dunk stood up, already grabbing his things. "No time for jokes! First is about to blow a fuse if we don’t show up soon."

Joong laughed, stuffing his remaining fries into his mouth. "Fine, fine! Let’s get out of here before you really get in trouble with your friends."

The two of them quickly settled the bill, Dunk moving a little faster than usual. As they headed out the door, Dunk pulled his phone out again, checking the time.

"I swear, if I get there and first is giving me that look..." he muttered, his tone half-exasperated, half-amused.

Joong chuckled as they stepped onto the sidewalk, the afternoon sun warmer than it had been earlier. "At least you know they care enough to chase you down. It’s a good thing, right?"

Dunk glanced at Joong, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "I guess. But if I’m late, I’m buying the snacks next time. Deal?"

Joong grinned. "Deal."

Hello dear readers
I am starting to write a new jd story. Though I have many choices to write about. I will post a new part regarding the topics I am confused among to write on.

Hope you liked this part

Thankyou
                                                     -Author