The Irresistible Vortex

Chapter 9

Date: 19/7/2020

AN: Hope you enjoy. 

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"So, what did you send today?" Aim asked Kongpob, who was scanning the file in front of him while sipping on his morning coffee. It was amazing though how the boss's expression changed instantly at the question. Kongpob looked at his friend with sparkly eyes, his face soft. His lips immediately curled into a sheepish smile and Aim thought the man actually looked flushed.

The tanned man answered, his voice low and tone almost embarrassed. "A silver necklace. Look? Think he will like it?" Kongpob showed Em a photo of the delicate piece of jewelry that he had sent Arthit this morning. The silver chain was attached to a small pendant that showed a sun within a studded moon.

"Wow, nice. You think he will get the reference?"

Kongpob shrugged, "I hope so."

Em sat down opposite his friend and boss as he took in the person before him. This was the fourth day that Kongpob had sent a gift to the cute man who had enamored him. Arthit was his name. Apparently, he worked at an outsourcing company. Whatever information they had gathered showed that Arthit was a simple guy and was quite popular. He was generally liked and was considered to be a smart and charming person. Overall, the sentiments surrounding the man were rather positive.

Em wondered what his friend wanted to achieve here because he had not offered any way for Arthit to contact him. Although they knew Arthit was getting the gifts and was accepting them, they were still in the dark about how the man felt about this whole thing. Em huffed,"So, when are you going to meet him? I mean, you are the Kongpob Suthiluck and he can't track you like we did him. All your information is tightly secured Kong."

Kongpob nodded, "I know. This is just the first phase. I am not a romantic guy, yes, but want him to feel special. Like, I want him prepared when I finally ask him out.."

Em 'hmmed'. It seemed like there was something that Em was dying to say but he was unsure of how to say it. Kongpob raised an eyebrow questioningly, "Spit it out already!"

The pale skinned friend fidgeted, "It's just..Kong, his reaction to you was not like that of a normal person. One look at you and people are buzzing around. It's just, he knew you. So what is it that stopped him from just going crazy over you? What is he thinking? Is he ...you may not like this...but is it possible that he's playing you?"

Kongpob chuckled and shook his head, "You are always thinking like this. Em, calm down. I'm sure he was just being himself. And not everyone goes fangirling over me. But I think...his personality and everything...he would like to wooed, I believe. And that's what I'm going to do." The bossman grinned, triumphantly.

Em shook his head. They had discussed earlier if the man could be a fraud or a scheming person sent by someone to hurt Kongpob. They had also talked about the reason why any man having a Mechanical Engineering degree would be working at a call-center. It didn't fit, especially when all the information showed that he was one of the top students in the University. Also, he was the head-hazer. Em and Wad were concerned as what they had seen so far of the man their friend was chasing did not match the information they had gathered. Arthit they had seen at The Vortex was soft, sweet and seemed like a gentle soul and breathy voice. They couldn't see this same man being the harsh head hazer of the Engineering faculty.

Kongpob once again started going through the file and Em couldn't help but chime in one last thing, "I just think we should tread carefully rather than you flowing with your overwhelming emotions. I understand you have never felt like this about anyone else before, but that doesn't excuse us being careless."

Kongpob looked up and smiled goofily, "And that's why I have you and Wad. While I am focusing on the romantic side of things...the two of you can have my back, right?" Em narrowed his eyes at that and sighed. The CEO got up then and came around his desk, picking up his coffee and taking a sip. "Besides, I don't think it's anything as serious as you guys are making it out to be. It will all be fine, you will see."

Em nodded reluctantly. "The reason why I came here in the first place was to ask if you wanted to go to the Art exhibition next weekend. I showcases work of three artists and news on the grapevine is that one of them is excellent. I thought you might like to take a look.."

Kongpob's lips formed a perfect 'O', "That really sounds interesting. Yeah, book it in for me. Thanks Em."

The chubby friend nodded. He smirked, "And what will be delivered tomorrow?"

The boss pursed his lips, "Customized chocolates..." Em couldn't help it. He burst out laughing. "Seriously Kong! That is just so.."

The tanned man chuckled as well, "I know. But I couldn't think of anything else and I bet he would like them."

"But until when will you keep this up? You will have to approach him sometime..."

"I will! Of course I will. Do you even realize how hard it is for me to not rush and meet him? I want to see his smile, hear his laugh, his voice...I wanna pinch that dimple..I just.." Kongpob was suddenly looking dreamy eyes as he remembered the man who had managed to capture his heart at first glance. For a moment Em stayed silent, letting his friend enjoy his musings. Then he flicked Kongpob's forehead hard.

"Owwchh!"

Em just smugly said, "Serves you right for going all lovesick in the office. Now get back to work. That proposal is not going to correct itself!"

Kongpob watched his friend leave the room as he rubbed at his forehead. He slumped back on his chair and sighed. Work first. His Sunshine will have to wait.

In another part of the city, the man who had been foremost in Kongpob's thoughts was having his own difficulty to stay focused on work. He had a goofy smile plastered on his face and he was continuously fingering a cream-colored hand-made paper that came with this morning's gift. The said gift, the necklace, was now adorning the man's pale neck. The coolness of the metal on his skin, a constant reminder that his plan worked nicely.

This morning's note though was extremely special as it had made Arthit's heart thump loudly in his chest. This was the first indication of real feelings from Kongpob, the first indication that it was not just a physical attraction for the young businessman.

The note said:

"You may be the Sun that brightens up the skies

All I Wish

Is to be the moon that lights up your darkest hours"    

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AN: Good? Not good? Let me know in the comments

Toodloos!