"Who the hell was that?" Pamorn rushed over to interrogate Wittawin after they'd regrouped.
"Teeradon. CEO of that liquor company—our problem client." Wittawin's voice was flat as he lifted his soda can to drink, showing no signs of distress.
"Then why did we have to run?" Baramee stood with hands on hips, leaning forward to scrutinize their 'team leader' who'd led the escape.
"Pretty handsome, I'll give him that," Pamorn commented admiringly.
"We didn't run. Just made sure he couldn't catch up." Wittawin shrugged.
"What kind of trouble did you stir up? He looked ready to sue you," Pamorn pointed accusingly.
"I just didn't want to talk to him. Same thing happened in Hua Hin—he was already being a pain in the ass." Wittawin grumbled, then drained his soda and tossed the empty can into the trash.
"So who exactly is this Teeradon?" Baramee asked. "Some guy chasing after you? Your charm must be pretty powerful if someone with a face like yours still attracts admirers."
"Watch your mouth. Can't you say anything decent?" Wittawin shot back at Baramee, who stood nearby with a stern expression.
Pamorn glanced between the two and quickly intervened. "What's gotten into you, Baramee? You know Win always pulls crazy stunts like this."
"What if a car had slammed into you? Running a red light like that is dangerous. Don't you care about your own safety?" Baramee's voice was hard, his face grim. "From here to Bangkok, I'm leading. You follow behind, and Win sToeys at the back."
"Right," Pamorn turned to Wittawin again. "Why risk your life just to avoid talking to one handsome guy? If it were me, I wouldn't mind. I'd ditch the motorcycle and climb into that Mercedes, snuggle up against his shoulder, maybe even end up in his lap all the way back to Bangkok."
"Did you hear me, Win? I'm leading the convoy," Baramee emphasized.
"I heard you. I'm not deaf." Wittawin rolled his eyes as if thoroughly annoyed with his friends.
"Look at him," Pamorn shook his head. "Whoever ends up dating this guy is going to have constant headaches."
"I'll tie him down so he can't go anywhere, or make him ride pillion," Baramee muttered under his breath as he turned and walked toward the coffee shop, leaving Pamorn staring after him in confusion.
What's wrong with him? Baramee's acting strange, getting upset for no good reason...
And why would he want Win riding pillion? Would Win even agree to that?
Teeradon slammed the phone receiver down with irritation after finishing his conversation with Sarayoot. Today, Wittawin's 'uncle' had called to apologize that his nephew couldn't make their appointment.
"He's been lying in bed all day since getting back from Hua Hin. Running a high fever, very unwell."
So the guardian had to call in sick for school, is that it?
Don't let me find out that Sarayoot actually lied for his nephew. Wittawin probably sweet-talked his young uncle into saying he didn't want to meet me at the company as ordered...
Clever little devil. Is this really Toey's well-mannered, proper young man? This rebellious? What kind of illness could he possibly have because of me?
"Probably caught a fever from riding the motorcycle in the sun and playing in the ocean all day."
A fever? What kind of fever? More like a strategic bedridden-itis to me....
You really dote on your nephew, don't you, Sarayoot? Fine, I'll let it slide one more time. But this Friday, don't even think about getting away. Ten o'clock sharp, Wittawin will be sitting in the chair across from my desk. Otherwise, don't expect me to sign that multi-million-baht check for the company's network system. Even if I have to camp out at the office waiting for ten in the morning, I'll do it...
Pirayu walked over and stopped beside Wittawin, who was testing the computer system. His friend had been working almost non-stop all day. Wittawin was a fast worker—it wouldn't be long before he finished.
"Is it going to be done by the Christmas event, Win," Pirayu leaned in to ask.
"Of course," Wittawin replied. "And have that ten thousand baht ready on delivery day too."
"Stingy," Pirayut teased his friend with a smile.
"Who's being stingy?" Wittawin smiled back. "But seriously, don't sneak off on any trips during this time. My sources report that the headmaster has been coming to work late several days. Since we're almost done, I want you to see the work and approve it. I don't want to have to make changes later."
"Just like that problematic company, right, Win?" Pirayu laughed. "But I trust you—everything will turn out perfectly. You've never let me down."
"Born to serve my friends, apparently," Wittawin referenced their school days.
"That's right, born to sacrifice for friends. Where else could you find someone as good as Wittawin? Always doing good deeds without expecting anything in return," Pirayut praised his friend, then laughed cheerfully.
"But I still want that ten thousand."
"I know, I know. Just ten thousand is easy enough. I'll even help advertise for you. I'll sing your praises to the sponsors. Who knows, they might hire your company to do their computer systems. Their company is huge."
"Enough, stop talking. I don't want to hear it." Wittawin spoke with a smile, then turned to look at the small children standing shyly by the door, their bright eyes sparkling with curiosity. Pirayu walked over to the kids and explained about the computer system and the new machines, along with usage rules.
"Everyone has to take turns playing. No one can use it longer than their allotted time, or I will make everyone skip snacks—both the fat kids and the skinny ones," Pirayu threatened the children with a smile. Then he let them ask questions, and several small hands shot up immediately, followed by clear, bright voices chattering excitedly. Pirayu answered their questions patiently, his responses mixed with cheerful, vibrant laughter.
No one could be as lovable as Pirayut. He'd be perfect paired with Sarayoot. My uncle could finally have someone in his life. He's getting older...
Wittawin smiled, determined to seriously find a way for Sarayoot and Pirayut to get close. Someone as rigid and prematurely mature as Sarayoot deserved someone fun-loving and optimistic like Pirayu to take care of him, rather than Pirayu getting hurt by some wealthy playboy in an expensive sports car.
The young engineer glanced at his friend standing among the kindergarteners, then turned back to his work to finish quickly. This afternoon he had an urgent job fixing a computer system at an entertainment venue.
The upscale club The Dazzle, where the bouncer had once thrown him out.
This time I won't have to sneak in. I'll walk in with dignity...
***