Of Fire and Sketchy Outlines

Chapter 1

Gulf

Gulf huffed as he ran towards the line of people waiting at the front gate.The sound of the distant train can be heard while the heat of the sun seems to mock those in line.

Nonetheless, this day is important for him and no amount of heat can distract him of his good mood.

He looked upward and saw the sleek building he always adored from afar.

He used to observe the skyscrapers of Bangkok during his time at his uni's rooftop and his favorite has always been this specific building.

It resembles the sail of a ship with its tip pointing toward the sky -like an invitation of challenge against the heavens.

It is the tallest in the city and has been praised in the country.

For him though, it is a symbol of success- of never ending possibilities.

Now, as he stands in its foot, he can't really help but feel overwhelmed. It really looked majestic up close.

His eyes lowered and noticed the Suppasit Group of Companies carved in the walls of the lower floors in bold gold letters.

To actually spend his internship in this company was a dream come true for him. While it is very rare for the company to offer internship programs there is a very slim chance to actually get in.

Ever since he pursued architecture, he was always dreaming of landing a job in SGC. He dreamed of a life where he would pour his passion into creating plans to build the highest and largest structures in the country or even in the world.

To earn a good fortune that would provide for his family, enjoy the perks of being a bachelor- drink and have some booze occasionally , and maybe someday meet someone nice.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Enough daydreaming Gulf. Eyes on the prize and stay grounded in your reality.

Gulf replayed these words over and over his head as he waited for his turn on the line. His hand unconsciously went to his pocket to feel a piece of paper that surely can calm his nerves.

When he was granted clearance by the guards he was immediately directed to the front desk.

Entering the premises was even more jaw dropping.This place has so much grandeur. Glass walls were used for the interiors with big chandeliers hanging in the center of the lobby.

He briefly forgot that this was an office and not some fancy hotel.

The receptionist asked him with a professional look.

" Good morning sir. May I know the purpose of your visit?"

This snapped him from his daze.

"Ah. Y-yes Im an architecture student from Bangkok University and im h-here for my internship." he cursed himself when he stuttered.

She nodded and made some calls. She handed a slip of paper with a "34 C3" written on it.

"Proceed to the 34th floor and look for room C3. You will be guided by one of the architects there."

"Thank you. "

He noticed that there were girls that kept glancing in his direction while he accepted his ID from the receptionist. He looked at them as they giggled and flashed a flirty smile.

He returned it with a polite one and moved to go to his assigned floor.

As he entered the room he was again mesmerized. Bundles of blueprints and plates are sprawled in every drawing table while pencils and laptops just casually sat on the side. He can already see the machines he once read in one of the books he borrowed from the uni's library and some are even unknown to him.

As he was standing awkwardly, he felt like a fool gawking at the busy office in front.

"Hey. New hire?" a man asked.

He was a tall man with curly messy hair. He was casually rolling a pencil between his fingers.

"Uhm no s-sir I am an intern." Gulf smiled cautiously. He took a quick glance in his ID and read "Lhong" with a devil smiley beside it.

"Oh! . So YOU'RE the genius! The one Sir Leo was talking about." Lhong looked so excited

Gulf's ears became red by his claim and he was about to deny it when Lhong announced loudly to everyone in the room.

"Hey guys! Boy genius is here!"

Gulf stood like a deer caught in headlights as every pair of eyes looked at him. He wanted to dig a hole and hide there forever.

He started to break in cold sweat but his right hand unconsciously went inside his pocket and felt that piece of paper.

Again, it woke him up from the panic. Slowly, he calmed down. Gulf put his hands together and made a wai and greeted the people in front of him.

"Sawadee krub. I am Gulf Kanawut from Bangkok University. I am under the internship program offered by SGC. Im hoping to learn from you all." and he bowed again.

As soon as he looked up people started to introduce themselves at the same time. Apparently his arrival was expected and announced beforehand by the head of the architecture department, Sir Leo.

" Gulf you can put your things here. This will be your own working space." one of the staff told me.

The area was at the farthest in the west wing near a room which is probably Sir Leo's office. The area was nice and clean.

A small potted cactus was on the far end of the table which seemed to desperately need water. To his left, was the overlooking Bangkok cityscapes.

While he settled in his space, one of the staff approached him and gave him a briefing of what his duties would be. Gulf mentally took note of it.

After a while a lady approached him again with a number of folders and blueprints in her hands.

"Hi Gulf. I am Lilac. Sir Leo's secretary. He asked me to direct you to the conference room once you arrive. They are having a meeting with the engineering team right now."she smiled kindly at him.

" You know your duties right? Sir Leo said that you can listen and take notes. It could be a learning opportunity for you. "

"Oh. Okay ma'am. I'll go then." he glanced at the materials in her hands.

"I believe that I will bring this to the team?" he asked kindly

"Yes please. The other staff said that they will need it for today's presentation."

Gulf nodded. He picked up one of the blueprints and came across a very intricately written one.

Gulf knows it is a blueprint of an engineer. It was very clean and very complex though he can understand quite well the illustrations and measurements.

He brushed his fingers on the name printed at the edge of the paper.

MS.