The Irresistible Vortex

Chapter 8

Date: 17/7/2020

AN: Sorry, so sorry for the delay in updating this, but it's going to be regular now, hopefully. I am so grateful that you guys are still here and supporting my stories.

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"...But it's been more than two weeks. What is he waiting for? I know he should be pursuing me for real now...," Arthit said sighing, and taking a sip of his favorite pink milk. It was Monday morning and he was currently sitting at his company's, The Motif, canteen, finishing up his breakfast while talking to his friends on video call.

Tutah was nodding, agreeing with Arthit, "He knows your name now, you are all over the social media. He can't miss you, so what's the hold up?"

Knott rubbed his face frustratingly. "I don't even know why you are doing all this. Couldn't you have accepted that drink and exchanged numbers like a normal person?"

The milky skinned man huffed snottily making his fluffy cheeks puff further. Prem too nodded, "Mork did say Kongpob's been visiting the club every weekend and he has asked about you..."

Arthit pouted, "So what does that mean? That he is just looking for a hookup at the club? That he doesn't wish to have a relationship with me outside of that club? Like he doesn't actually.."

"Stop that Arthit. It's nothing like that and you know it."

"This is the reason I didn't just exchange numbers as you said Knott. I want him to feel for me what I feel for him. I don't want to be his passing fancy! Do you even know how deep I am in this? If for some reason...this does not happen, does not work..well"
Arthit choked on the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. His friends grew silent as well.

It was Tutah who spoke first, "Besides, men, especially those like Kongpob love a good chase." Arthit looked up, nodding gratefully at his friend. He took the thought that Tutah had put out, "Yes. They enjoy the whole wooing thing, knowing that they are the ones in control. They also like the fact that they successfully made someone fall for them..it all helps in the development of their feelings and build a strong bond."

Prem just sighed and Knott shook his head. It was Bright who chimed in, "All that's well and good. I'm all for getting what you want, but Arthit what's the plan. I mean, what if he doesn't fall for your whole plot and doesn't chase you. What then?"

Arthit's face darkened and he became visibly upset. Knott raised his hand as if to slap Bright through the screen. "Don't pay attention to this fool Arthit. I'm sure.."

Arthit waved at his friend and gave small broken smile, "I guess then he never felt strongly enough about me..and I will..deal, I guess." He shrugged.

It was Prem who spoke this time, "I don't think that will happen Arthit. I am sure he was just hesitant to search for you. And I'm sure he must have by now but hoped he wouldn't have to stalk you like that. But I'm sure you will hear from him soon.."

Tutah nodded as other joined in. Arthit grinned, happy to have his friends supporting him. "Of course, I am sure he will seek me out. I mean..I am irresistible after all, right?"

The friends laughed. At least Arthit was back to being his confident self. Prem said,"Leave all that though. Tell me Arthit, how are you prepared for the exhibition?"

The dimpled man grinned, "I have five complete pieces that will be put out. It's just, I wish I have an exclusive exhibition. This one with other two artists...I guess it's something."

"I'm sure you will have your own show soon Arthit. And this is one of the bigger ones, right? Not some charity thing or anything. This is good."

Arthit nodded. "And yes, the other two are great artists too. We were personally picked for the show, so it's getting better, I would say."

Knott nodded, "Yes, soon Oon will be famous and people will be begging him for more exhibitions."

"We will we there to cheer you and push your work. Although I don't think your work needs it, it's amazing," Prem said smiling.

"Thanks, but I don't think I can be there that night. I have a conference call with my bosses in the US. If I'm not present then, Phu will surely have my balls.."

The friends groaned. Phu was Arthit's boss at the company and he always dragged their friend to these meetings as he was not very fluent in English. Arthit being one of the top rated employees also helped.

The conversation went on as Arthit and friends discussed the show that Arthit was a part of. The ex-head-hazer had showcased his paintings several times by now, but he was yet to hold his exclusive show. His psuedo name 'Oon' was making rounds among the art community and it would be only a matter of time before Arthit was famous.

After a few minutes of talk, the friends said thier byes and hung up. Arthit cleared his plate as he headed up to his office where  he was to start his shift in ten minutes.

As Arthit entered the office, heading to his cubicle, he was stopped by Rina at the front desk.

"Good morning, Arthit. Looks like someone got lucky, huh?"

Arthit cordially grinned showing his dimple but frowned at her words. "What?"

"Oh, you had a delivery this morning. Beautiful and quiet unique. Must be expensive too. I took the liberty of putting them in water for you. I was tempted to read the note but..well, I'm a classy lady and don't sneak like that!" Rina snorted a laugh.

Arthit's heart started beating rapidly. He had a beautiful and expensive delivery. Could it be, could it be ...from..the man of his dreams? Oh god, just the thought was making his breath hitch. He hurried towards his desk and even from meters away he could see it. There sitting on his desk was a huge bouquet of wild flowers, colorful and in all shapes and sizes. As he reached the desk, the sweet fragrance filled his senses. The bunch had been carefully placed in glass jar full of water. There was a orange satin string tied at the stems, where Arthit noticed a simple pearly cream note.

The man took in a huge breath to calm his nerves. With a shaky hand he reached out and plucked the note. Arthit couldn't help but smile and blush as he read the hand-written message:

Dear Phii,
I don't really know where I'm getting the courage to approach you this way, but here I am! Maybe it's because I can't stop thinking about you...maybe it's the fact I feel in my heart that I can't lose you. Maybe it's everything at once, or nothing at all. All I know is, I think I'm falling for you and I can't stop myself from chasing you. So enjoy the show, My Sunshine.

PS: Is it too early to call you "My Sunshine"?

KS

Arthit found himself smiling like a goof as he whispered 'Sunshine' to himself. Kongpob had given him a pet name already and if felt so endearing. The call-center executive read the note over and over again. Everytime he read his pet name, he imagined how it would sound like coming from the man's lips itself.

Arthit was smiling through out the day and several people commented on it. He was sure if anyone saw him they would think him mad, but he didn't care. He really didn't. His chest was swelling with innumerable emotions, his heart felt like it will burst out any minute. The flowers at his desk were physical proof that he would soon be with the man of his dreams, and there was no better feeling in the world.

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AN: What show is Kongpob talking about? How will everything go? Does this mean Arthit's plan has worked? ....or is Kong smarter than what he appears to be?

Enjoy the journey!