Always You

3

Kongpob's POV

I ran out of the office, the moment I heard Em tell me that Arthit had fainted and had been admitted. I drove towards the hospital he mentioned like a mad man. But my mind was put to ease after I saw him. He looked healthy albeit lying on a hospital cot, thankfully.

"Fine. I wasn't in the area as I said earlier. I have come solely to see you." Shit.

"What do you mean?" Arthit looked way too astonished than a normal person would have.

"Yeah. The-uh- terminal report you submitted for the Linex acquisition had some uh- major numerical errors in it. So it needs to be-um- completely revaluated. For once Arthit, do your job thoroughly! These blunders are totally unacceptable." A little white lie has never harmed anyone.

"Huh? I did do the primary check before entering the numbers Kongpob. And they did tally."

"Yeah but- "

"No hold up. Also, even if they're incorrect how is it my fault that the data I typed in is wrong? I compile and analyse the results; I am not responsible for the information that the departments submit to me. I presume it to be valid!" He almost shouted at me. I flinched inwardly. He is right after all.

"Forget it Arthit, I am going to let it slide just this once, since you're sick. Make sure this is never repeated."

"Let it slide? For the last time boss, it is not my job. Where is the report even? You don't seem to be carrying it right now. Did you come all the way here, just to reprimand me?" He looked really angry and I did not want to aggravate him any further.

"Just do a better job next time." I vainly tried to close the topic as he kept staring pointedly at me.

"What happened to you anyways? How did a supposedly robust guy like you, end up fainting?" I smiled.

A sardonic grin graced his face as he looked at me. "I missed quite a few meals due to the heaps of work you gave me this week."

I widened my eyes at that. But before I could say anything, the attending doctor entered the room to check on him. As I watched Arthit being examined and speaking to the doctor, my mind kept drifting back to what he had said before. Was he joking? I know I give him extra work at times or make him redo assignments, but never to an extent that'll make him miss meals. Right? A strong pang of guilt took over me, as I silently watched him from a corner of the room. He looked cheerful, his winsome personality instantly making the doctor feel at ease. But I could see the faint dark circles blemishing his skin. His face looked weary and washed out, strikingly different from his usual glowing one. How did I miss it all these days? For a person who spends all his free time watching a particular employee, I had failed to notice all these changes. I had rushed in here worrying about him when I was the reason, he was here in the first place. While I was looking at him, our eyes met and he gave me questioning look. As if bothered by my presence.

The doctor left after a while, leaving Arthit and me alone again.

"I think you should return back to work now. I have completely understood the gravity of my actions and will make sure I atone for them." I had to smirk in spite of the situation. His sarcasm never fails to disappoint me.

"Have you called someone to pick you up? Since you're being discharged right away."

"No, I didn't want to bother anyone. All my friends must be at work right now. I'll manage on my own as I feel fine now."

"I don't mind dropping you home."

"Why would you do that?" He asked me suspiciously.

"Because I am here. I have a car. You've still not healed, even though you say so. And I am a good employer who wouldn't like to leave a sick employee by himself."
He appeared as if he wanted to refuse but eventually gave in as he thought better of it.