The secret of our true love between us and everything in the middle

Chapter 11

“You already got a job!?” P'Arthit almost yelled on the other line of the call. Behind him were the commotion of the Production Department and he could barely hear KongPob but that wasn't going to stop him.
“Yes P'Arthit krap. It was something I really hadn't prepared for honestly,” KongPob replied as he hailed a taxi to take him to the cafe.
“Well done KongPob! I think you just broke the record of who can get a job in the shortest time. I had tried for at least 3 months before I got one!” P'Arthit jokingly complained as he moved around to find a less noise filled spot.
       “It's nothing really. I'm only working at a cafe shop,” KongPob replied smiling softly to himself.
        “It doesn't matter KongPob. This is your first job and we have to celebrate it. Look, I know I have been busy lately and we haven't seen each other for quite a while but I promise you that when I get some free time, I will take you out ok? I'm sorry that things are so busy over here at work.” P'Arthit sighed feeling dejected. His work had really wormed its way into their spending time.

         “It's ok P'Arthit krap. I know that you cannot help it and besides I am very proud that my boyfriend is working very hard and is committed to his work,” KongPob replied.
         “Yuck KongPob! Anyway, I have to get back to work now but I will call you later tonight, alright?”
KongPob went to reply but was met with static noise then the line went completely dead. He would have to wait until later to speak to his P'Arthit.

       He arrived just in time to find P'San cleaning the counter and adding more treats at the front.
     “Ahh KongPob, there you are! I was beginning to doubt if you would ever show up!” San exclaimed as he spotted KongPob walking through.
      “Sawadee krap P'San. I told you I would come and I always keep my word.”
       “Of course you do. OK, let's get you prepped and ready. Today you will be behind the cashier and bakery. I decided to start you off with something simple but would also keep you occupied most of the time. Besides, a handsome face like yours should be seen upfront by people so that customers will find a reason to come in.”San said as he gazed at KongPob.

      “So you are only using me for my face?” KongPob questioned not knowing how to react to such comment.
“Of course not KongPob! I was only joking. I hired you because you qwould be a great asset to the cafe and contribute greatly to us.Don't take everything I say tooo serious. Let's get started then.”
San dragged KongPob behind the counter and proceeded to teach him how to serve up the various desserts and their names. Next he taught him how to pack them up and the price range of all the drinks and treats on the menu. The whole thing took about 30 minutes with KongPob's high intelligence being activated. He had an affinity of memorisation and understanding and this was a piece of cake.
        He reassured P'San that he was able to do the job and San was more and more impressed by KongPob. His little crush on him was soon going to grow the more he hang around him.
“OK then.I guess you can officially start. One last thing is reaming though,” San said as he turned to get something from the back. KongPob stood there going through everything once again and looking at the automata of the cash register.
“Here we go.”
KongPob turned to face San who held a black and gold apron that matched the deco of the whole shop.
    
      “Your official work clothe. Welcome to the family.” San gleamed as he straightens out the fabric.
“Thank you P'San krap.” KongPob stood a bit stiff as San put the apron on him, his body not knowing how to react to the foreign invasion of space and unknown contact.
San found a bit of thrill being soo close to KongPob and he admitted that he had let his fingers start a bit to touch KongPob's head but he delighted in it. A little more time and he would make his move. Until then, he would find any excuse to be next to KongPob. San was a determined man and once he set his mind on something, nothing or no one would be able to stop him from getting him.

KongPob got into the flow of the job with ease as though he wasn't a newbie at all. He managed the counter very well and the customers were more than satisfied with his service. It also helped that he was a charming, good looking young man and was refreshing to meet for the long time regulars. KongPob felt a sense of fulfillment at having done a well done job and he thoroughly enjoyed his first day. His face was all smiles and San who watched from afar smiled as well having the younger boy next to him.

The next few days went by in a blink of an eye. KongPob had now gotten used to his new schedule and had found it to be a good way to pass time. His parents had been very pleased he had found a job he enjoyed and supported him all the way. He was really lucky to have such good parents and he knew he was more than lucky.
Another thing that he found interesting was the other co-worker Trim. She was a ⁴'2 young girl of quirky behaviour and eccentricity. Everyday she had a new fashion design and hair do. She was very talkative and bubbly a character KongPob had yet to see in another person. Needless to say, he found her fascinating and lively to be around. The only problem that arose from all of this was that he and P'Arthit had not seen each other for a total of 2 weeks and 4 days.

     Sure they talked to each other every single day but KongPob needed some physical contact with P'Arthit and he was beginning to feel frustrated at the lack of it. The fact wasn't that they hadn't tried to meet up in fact, they had planned several times but the truth of the matter was that their schedules clashed with each other constantly especially now that KongPob had gotten a job. Whenever one was free the other was at work. Whenever one was finished with work, the other was too tired to be reached. It was very frustrating.

KongPob was humming a soft tune to himself as he cleaned the tables and prepared for the evening shift. He had switched with Trim that day since she had an art function the next day and she needed to prepare her auction piece that night. He recalled how much she had gone on about the function for days, talking his ears off and he was more than willing to trade shifts if it could benefit her more.
     KongPob was brought out of his reverie when heard San come up behind him. He turned to face him and from the sight it seemed like San was in a bit of a rush his whole demeanour tense and confused. “Are you alright P'San?” KongPob asked concernes at San's state.
“Huh? Ummm....yes I'm fine. Look her KongPob, I need you to look after the shop as I ruxh to the hospital. P'Mun's baby is on the way and I have to be there for emotional support. Do you think you can do it? I know it's a lot to ask but do me this favor,” San beggges as he took hold of KongPob's hands.

       “It's alright P'San. I can manage for a few hours. Go be with your brother and congratulate him for me.” KongPob replied completely understanding the situation. Family needed to be together when welcoming a new born.
“Thank you sooo much KongPob!” San replied excitedly as he embraced KongPob out of the blue making KongPob remain rooted on the spot. He let go of him almost immediately before rushing out and shouting at the top of his vice that he was going to be an uncle. KongPob seemed like a lagging machine as he broke from San's hug but he carried on with his work.
         

         It was almost 7 pm and P'San had yet to return. The evening shift was very boring for KongPob's taste as he was more often than not he was idle since there was not much to do, not many customers to serve. He sat behind the counter in dull silence until he heard the bell of the door and turned to meet the new arrival.
“Welcome to the Starr ca......... P'Arthit krap?!”
“KongPob!” Both shouted at the same time upon seeing each other.

“P'Arthit krap......what-what are you doing here?” KongPob asked surprised at seeing him here of all places.
“I come here occasionally to get a treat whenever my sugar levels are low. And what about you KongPob? Don't tell me this  is where you are working!? KongPob! Why didn't you tell me!!” P'Arthit questioned equally surprised at seeing them.
         “I was going to tell you once we met plus it was going to be a surprise for you,” KongPob replied his energy suddenly revitalised upon seeing his beloved.
“Hoii KongPob, well I am surprised all right.” P'Arthit chuckled as KongPob joined in as well. It was then the pair realised that they had finally met after being apart for soo long and P'Arthit reached over the counter top and caught KongPob in a half-contact embrace.

    KongPob was but surprised at the action but he melted immediately into P'Arthit's hold. “I have to missed you soo much Kong, soo very much.” He whispered softly into h KongPob's ear, his eyes slightly glistening.
“Me too P'Arthit. I have you missed you very much as well,”KongPob whispered back smiling deeply. They remained locked like that for a few more minutes despite the awkward stand in between them and only broke away from each other when the door was suddenly opened and San walked in on the two.