Always You

14

Arthit's POV

"No, I am not dating him."

"Are you going to date him?"

I hoped so. "No."

"So, let me get this straight. Your boss threatened to carry you- in his arms- when there is nothing going on between the two of you? Isn't that sexual harassment? Do we need to report him? I never knew Kongpob would do something like that."

"Jeez Jen hold up. Kongpob isn't like that." I wanted to explain further but what could I even say? That it didn't qualify as any sort of harassment since I had willingly submitted to a hot make out session with him in office premises? Doesn't sound like a very neat idea.

"Did you want to be hauled up in his arms?"

"No, of course not!"

"That's it, I am calling human resources."

"What? No!"

While I was trying to smack her hand away from the dial pad, she suddenly burst out laughing.

"You should have seen your face! Oh my god! Of course, I know what happened was not harassment. As a matter of fact, the complete opposite. We have eyes Arthit, if you've not noticed yet."

"What does that mean?"

"Do you think people don't notice the both of you mentally undressing each other? Your eyes are constantly glued to him nowadays. And Kongpob? He was smitten right from the start. And recently the sexual tension between you guys has been unbearable for the rest of us. The other day, I noticed you licking your lips while staring at his chest and I have never wanted to throw up so bad in my life."

"Is it that obvious?"

"As obvious as a bitch in heat." I could feel my cheeks burning. Jennie can be really outrageous at times.

"Can you um- elaborate on the Kongpob being smitten right from the start thing?"

"Look. You're one of the smartest guys I know, but you're also really obtuse when it comes to Kongpob. He has been worshipping the land you walk on since day one. I've never seen him consider anyone as much as he considers you, in all aspects, professional and personal. He takes shit from no one but you. Even Em is afraid to approach him at times, something you do without even thinking. Have you seen him be anything but compliant with you? He might grumble and throw fits, but has he actually ever said no to you?"

"No...He has not."

"That's how whipped he is,"

"W-Why didn't you tell me this earlier? I was always fuming over something he had done."

"Because I love my job and wouldn't jeopardise it for a fool. You're reckless enough to have confronted him about this. I could picture you beating him into a pulp over this, since you hated him so much. And since you're not- or weren't gay."

"I am not gay. I don't know how to explain how and why I feel so strongly for him. I just do." It was as plain as that.

"So, you do accept you like him huh. I thought you'd never confess!"

I threw a ball of crumpled paper at her. 

"I really hope the rumours die down before they cause any serious troubles."

And they sure had brewed some.

The previous day's incident was the talk of the town and needless to say, almost each person I knew, and I knew a lot, had come up to me to probe into my relationship with Kongpob. I had denied each rumour and waved them off with laughter, even though joy, was the last emotion I felt at the point. I was anxious, for him more than anything else. I really hoped this wouldn't impact his position in any way. How could he have been so stupid?