Off The Books (A TayNew AU)

09 Debts

Tay

I'm not a hundred percent sure but I have a strong feeling that this is where I can catch New at this minute. I checked my wristwatch for the nth time and it's already 12:54PM. I sipped the last bit of my iced tea while looking around for a familiar face. It wasn't long when I finally spotted him running towards the counter.

"One regular hot vanilla americano to go please." I heard him order while he was still catching his breath. I immediately left my table and headed for the counter where New was.

"This one's on me, Jay." I interrupted them and told my barista friend. As a regular in this café, I know almost everyone who's working here.

"Si-sir?" shock was painted all over New's face. I guess he didn't expect me to be here at all.

"I knew that coffee tasted so familiar." I just smiled at him. "It's Mr. Pick who told you, right?" I just wanted to tease him in the hopes that he'll smile – something he hasn't done all morning.

"Sorry, sir. But I don't know how to make coffee." He shyly scratched the back of his head when he realized that he got caught.

"But you didn't have to buy me one. I could've just made one myself." He just awkwardly smiled at me. It wasn't his usual bubbly smile. He must still be feeling uncomfortable with me. I knew had to do something to break this ice. "Do you want coffee too? It's okay. It's on me." I offered.

"I actually don't drink coffee, sir," his short reply.

"How about anything from the display case?"

"Sir, you really don't have to."

"Are you sure? But that chocolate cake really looks decadent." I tried to lure him in with desserts. I'm not even sure if he likes sweets. But who doesn't right?

"Hey Jay, could you add one of those chocolate cakes I usually have?" I told the man over the counter. "Just get me a whole cake, Jay." I added when I saw him trying to get me a slice.

"Sir?"

"Don't worry, New. This isn't only for you. Their chocolate cake here is to die for and I'd love to have a slice right now. The rest you can store in the pantry and you can share them with your friends." I tried so much to make him smile but he still has that stoic face.

I paid for my bill using my card while New offered to carry the cake. We left the café and headed towards the elevator. He was still silent around me and I'm already running out of ideas here.

When we were left alone in the elevator, I just mustered all my courage to apologize to him. Locking my eyes to my feet, I started, "New, about earlier."

"Don't worry about it, Mr. Tawan. I understand," he softly spoke.

"I just want to apologize for how I acted earlier. I should've considered what you would feel before blurting out whatever I said." I felt his head turn toward me and I looked at him in return. I saw a surprised look from his face. "Why do you look astonished?"

"A-ah." He stuttered before finally letting out a shy giggle. Finally. "Sorry. I just didn't expect you to apologize."

"What, you expect me to be heartless just because I'm your boss?" I challenged.

"Honestly, yes."

"Ow! That hurts, Thitipoom." He smiled again. I hope he stays this way. "And you can call me Tay when were not in the office by the way. You don't have to be so formal around me every time."

"Yes, sir. I mean, Mr. Tawan. I mean, Te." He flinched and bit his lower lip. I've seen him do this before; must be a habit of his.

"Te's good too." I said. It somehow sounded cute when he says it. "But seriously, I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. It was totally uncalled for. And I'm sorry for how my younger brother acted as well."