To Hold Tight or to Let Go

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kongpob rubbed his head as his headache rolled though his brain. Everyone had gone to lunch but Kongpob couldn't bear the noise of the canteen. His head started pounding exactly two hours ago and he wanted nothing more than to go home and sleep in a cool dark room to feel better. Working in this office had brought a lot of pressure against him. Even in this low position, the entire team thought he was some boy genius because he seemed to know how to fix most of the scenarios that came up. And plus, he was the boss's son? Over and over against Kongpob found himself in situations that he shouldn't be in and it had all been his fault. Kongpob wanted to tell Arthit that everyone seemed to be using him to do their work but he couldn't. Especially because he was the one that did heroic shit to help people, therefore making him the golden boy everyone could rely on. He didn't feel like hearing Arthit's scolding so he just kept it a secret. And if he complained to the supervisor, he felt it would reflect bad on his por, so he just said nothing and dealt with it.

"I know the quiet helps, but you should eat something."

Dean's voice seemed distant even though he was right next to Kongpob. Kongpob blinked warily and sat up, wincing at his headache.

"I brought you something to eat and some medicine," Dean said. "I realized you were off earlier. You kept squinting."

Kongpob looked at the takeaway box and he stomach starting grumbling.

"I know I'm not Arthit, but he isn't here to look after you right now. I hope you can accept my food."

Kongpob didn't say anything. Since coming back to work, Dean hadn't tried to push a relationship. After all the time Kongpob took off to stay and take care of Arthit it was clear that Arthit was the love of his life. Dean knew he couldn't compete.

"Let's go outside to the garden," Kongpob whispered.

"Sounds like a good idea."

They left the offices and went out to the garden patio on their floor. It was exclusive only to the workers on that floor and since it was lunchtime, it was empty. They found a spot away from the windows, sitting on a bench.

"Thanks for the food, I really appreciate it."

Kongpob started eating and along with the fresh air, his headache began to alleviate. He swallowed down some pills and sipped his iced coffee and he felt ten times better.

"I you let this continue you're going to continue to have migraines. Tell those people you're not their assistants. Just because you're smart doesn't mean you should do extra work," Dean told him.

"I know. I just...don't want anything to look bad for my dad. Imagine people start complaining and talking about how their boss's son is a good for nothing who might end up taking over? I don't want my dad to lose face. I can bear it for a while then when I'm in charge I can say whatever I want to say. I just wished it wasn't this difficult. Sometimes having my last name can be a curse." Kongpob's eyes stung with tears before they were falling silently. "My por once told me it would feel like a lot of pressure when I started working. Especially since my sisters weren't part of the business. Their husbands work in my dads companies but my sisters have nothing to do with it. I was the heir that was gonna get everything. I was the heir that was going to have to work for the business and I wanted to do it. I want to do this business but I resent my sisters a little bit because they don't have to feel this pressure. And I can't tell my dad that I don't wanna do this anymore. It would feel as if I'm telling him I don't want to be his son. Who else is he going to turn to? Funny how people are jealous of me because my family is rich and I get to inherit this big ass company. But they don't know the mental and emotional strength it takes to handle everything. And I'm afraid to fail because I don't want me father to see me as a failure." Kongpob wiped his tears. "This office just sucks so damn bad." More tears escaped as he couldn't seem to control his emotions.