My Chocomallows Cake by ARIE78 (on hold)

Chapter 33

They knew something was up when the doors slammed open and Forth walked in, twelveminutes late. This being the same guy who was a meticulous superior and had threatened to fire tardy workers months ago. An exuberant 'Sawasdee Krab!' rocked through the kitchen, freezing everyone in their movements. The salmon sizzled louder, the tap in the kitchen dripped and the cooker whistled shrilly but not a breath was heard. Forth did not wait for an answer, headed for the fridge, brought out the ingredients and started chopping them with a ferocity none had seen before.

"What happened... to Ai'Forth?" Lam asked Park... who turned to give him a grim look and he could have very well have asked the walls instead.

Confused, he caught Nien's eye who quickly turned away, digging her hands into her pockets embarrassedly.

Oh right.

He'd confessed.

Yesterday.

And she had accepted.

He smiled like a goof, scratching his dyed hair and returned to his work. Less Forth really transformed back into his demon self and scolded him. His fears were unfounded. Because Forth never lost the glow from his face. It was almost as if the head chef had won a million bath lottery or he came into a confortable inheritance all to himself . And the expression that he showing  grew even softer as the day came to an end.

When the closing time of ten pm drew near, Forth retired to the changing rooms and sat down on the bench, dreadfully tired and exhausted. He craned his neck to soothe any cramped muscles. He removed his coat, hung it on the hangar and retrieved the shirt he'd worn this morning.

Something littered on to the floor.

Forth knelt and picked it up.

A keychain.

A cartoon bonnet of a chef with an inscription at the bottom.

"The world's greatest cook"

His rough fingers traced the edges of the keyring. It jingled, the sound soothing his heart. He managed to let out a smile.

Park entered the room and he got up hastily to acknowledge him. The waiter guy was giving him a solemn look.

"You must be tired. You really did well today," Forth told him cheerfully.

Taken aback, Park nodded hesitantly... and lifted a reluctant hand to point at the ceiling.

"He wants to see you."

*******************************
Beam's hand worked vigorously on the paper. So fast that the tip of the pen had become a blur. He wondered why the page didn't catch fire.

It didn't catch fire but the vigorous scratching ripped it in the middle.

HAH! THERE YOU GO! DIE MATH!

Beam flipped the notebook close triumphantly and found solace in biology instead. He turned to the latest chapter.

Reproduction

Deeming it as overrated he turned to the one he liked reading best.

Food and Nutrition

He wished the book had pictures as delicious looking as Forth's cooking and he wished the cook holding the plate of a "well-balanced meal" was as delicious...uh...good looking as Forth.

Author: Give me a break already la Beam hahaha

He continued reading about the sources of the various nutrients. Because pointing out, "That lentils were a good source of plant protein though it lacks a few essential amino acids" really pisses Forth off.

Usually he'd resort to shutting Beam up stuffing a dirty washcloth down his throat but if he's really lucky Forth will adopt a more "creative" method.

Grinning like an idiot Beam decides to flip back to reproduction since that is what he has a test on tomorrow and well failing classes will just make Forth avoid him more. Plus he gets too distracted when Forth's home so he must finish before Forth comes back from work.

With new found determination of, "YES! Today I will manage to get into Forth's pants!" Beam carefully studies the contents of the syllabus.

Damn Phi Wayo and his "virtuous" promises!

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

He closed the door behind him gently and turned to the owner of the restaurant, bracing himself. Forth Jaturapom was leaning against the window sill, face shadowed by the curtains and lips pursed in a frown.

"What's the meaning of all this? I thought you'd be more sensible!"

"I am."

"My son... isn't-can't-will not be in a relationship with-"

"Your son?" Forth cut in, feigning a surprised tone. "That's a first. Have you met your son even once ever since he came to Bangkok sir? Did you ever consider him as family? When all he's ever wanted was your approval, Mr Baramee..."

"What in the world are you blathering about? No matter what you say, what you feel," he made a face of disgust. "-about him, he is STILL my son. My mistake. My responsibility. And he shall do what I say and go back to Chiangmai where he BELONGS. And if YOU, Mr Forth Jaturapom, value your job so much, you'll keep quiet, give this up and step aside."

He turned his greying head to look at Forth, daring him to counter the argument.

But Forth was quiet, eyes fixed on the picture frame on his bos desk. The one with the new family.

He reached into his pocket, drew the locker key and rolled it across the desk.

"I'll miss Chocomallow Cafe. But I quit the moment you called him a mistake."

Forth slung his duffel bag over his shoulders and made to leave. He paused at the door.

"Beam will be nineteen in a just a few days. If you want custody of him, you're welcome to file a case in court. But I doubt it's worth it. Besides," Forth said, meeting his glare with equal intensity. "I doubt you want to even try."

Saying that, Forth left the room and shut the door behind him.

He walked down the stairs, only to find Park waiting for him.

The man gave a thumbs up sign.

Forth go back to the main kitchen to have a last look. He sure will miss this place but he will never regret it. First time in his life that he feel he had done the correct thing.  There is a few workers that still cleaning their tables and other kitchenware. Lam saw Forth and he is wondering why suddenly Forth face become sad like he is mourn to something. He really can't describe it. He see Forth just looking into one direction and it was his favourite work place.

ARIE78: Hi guys, i'm back. Sorry for missing so long. Still the same thing, caught in work and i'm just became better after a previous few weeks getting caught in cold and cough. 😓 pls feel free to comment and vote na 😉