Chapter 6 He's Back
A whole week passed in the blink of an eye. Ever since P'Chompoo had whispered to him about the inside news regarding the arrival of a new executive, Tharnnam had been waiting anxiously. Yet, until now, there was still no sign of that person. Or had he changed his mind and gone back to Italy already?
Whatever… it's none of my business.
But what was far more unsettling was Lucas.
Since the day of the accident since the day Lucas had dropped him off at his condominium Lucas had vanished without a trace, as if he had never existed at all. Tharnnam had intended to contact him to ask about the repair costs for the sedan that had been rear-ended, as well as his own motorcycle, which had somehow returned looking brand new.
Yet he had no idea where to even find the man.
He checked the company parking lot, but there was no sign of that luxurious sports car.
Eh? Or did he get fired already?
The thought popped up in his mind, tinged with worry, but he quickly shook it away and lowered his head to focus on his work again until P'Chompoo's voice suddenly rang out beside him.
"Hey, kid!"
"Yes?"
Tharnnam turned toward her, puzzled. P'Chompoo was staring at him with an excited, almost shocked expression, as if she had just witnessed something unbelievable.
"The new executive… he's here already! And right now, he's in the main conference room," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.
"Oh. Okay," Tharnnam replied flatly.
"Huh? Aren't you excited?" P'Chompoo asked, surprised by his reaction.
"You told me about it last week already," he answered calmly.
"Well, sure but I just met him myself! He's incredibly handsome! Like… drop-dead gorgeous! The kind of handsome that makes you turn your head back for another look!"
"…Okay."
Tharnnam merely nodded along absentmindedly. He had been excited at first, sure but after a week had passed, that excitement had faded into indifference. Work at the department had been overwhelming lately, leaving him little time to think about anything else.
And more importantly…
The person he actually wanted to see the one he was worried about Lucas, had disappeared without a trace.
That alone drained his interest in the so-called new executive down to nearly zero.
---
At last, lunchtime arrived.
Feeling especially drained that day, Tharnnam decided to escape the chaos of the office and sneak up to the rooftop for a quick nap a quiet place few people ever thought to visit. He bought some snacks, milk, and water before pressing the elevator button to the top floor.
But the moment the elevator doors slid open
He froze.
Lucas was lying stretched out comfortably on one of the benches, dressed in a pitch-black suit that radiated authority. His handsome face was calm, eyes gently closed, as if he were enjoying a peaceful rest.
Tharnnam tiptoed closer carefully. But after just one step, the man opened his eyes and fixed him with a sharp, piercing gaze.
"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you," Tharnnam said.
"Mmm."
"Where have you been for a whole week?"
"Working."
"Where?"
"Why do I have to tell you?"
"…Fine!"
Tharnnam immediately scowled.
I shouldn't have cared in the first place. I was worried for nothing.
He turned around, intending to leave and find another spot but before he could take another step, Lucas reached out and grabbed his wrist. Tharnnam yanked his hand back forcefully, anger flaring.
I was worried about him, and this is how he acts? Whatever. I don't care anymore.
"I went to Italy."
Lucas spoke calmly, as if he knew he had just annoyed Tharnnam.
"…."
Tharnnam stopped and turned back to look at him.
"Help me dress the wound."
Lucas continued, handing him a small first-aid kit clearly prepared in advance, as if he had known he would meet someone today.
"Consider it payment for the car repairs."
"…Alright."
Tharnnam agreed reluctantly, though he still didn't understand Lucas's true intentions.
Lucas slowly removed his black suit jacket, revealing a white dress shirt underneath. Then, unhurriedly, he began unbuttoning it. Tharnnam couldn't tear his eyes away.
When the shirt was fully removed, a wound on Lucas's right shoulder came into view a deep, reddish bruise that looked like a gunshot wound still in the process of healing. But what truly left Tharnnam breathless was the body beneath the fabric.
At first glance, Lucas seemed to have tattoos only around his neck but once his shirt was off, dark ink covered him extensively. From his neck, across his chest, down both arms, stretching nearly to his wrists. The patterns were intricate and intimidating yet, strangely, they looked powerful and captivating to Tharnnam.
"What did you do?" Tharnnam blurted out.
"Call me P'."
"…Sigh. What did you do, P'?"
"I got shot."
"⊙△⊙"
"Scared?"
Lucas asked, his eyes unreadable.
Tharnnam shook his head quickly. He wasn't scared he was confused. Why would a man who looked so wealthy and refined end up being shot? Had he crossed the wrong people? But he was just a manager… wasn't he?
Tharnnam couldn't understand what kind of secrets Lucas's life was hiding.
---
Lucas's POV
I watched the chubby-cheeked kid in front of me as he carefully treated my wound exactly as I had intended. His round face was filled with curiosity. I knew Tharnnam was dying to ask why someone like me had been shot.
Ever since that day
The day I dropped him off at his condo
I had received an urgent call from my dad, ordering me to fly to Italy immediately to deal with some traitors who had been spying on the headquarters. Tracking them down and capturing them took nearly a full week and cost me a minor injury to my shoulder.
Once everything was settled, I flew back to Thailand without hesitation.
Why?
Because I missed that kid's round little face like crazy.
I wanted to see him. Hug him. Nuzzle those chubby cheeks to my heart's content.
But those were only thoughts.
I didn't want him getting involved in danger or dragged into the dark world I lived in. Even though I didn't want to put him at risk, I couldn't stop myself from wanting to see him. So after finishing the executive meeting, I came straight up to the rooftop to wait for him.
I asked Dad for permission and he agreed.
I would be stationed permanently at the Thai branch.
Simple reason…
I just wanted to be close to the kid in front of me.
I didn't want to be apart anymore.
I admitted it.
I had fallen for this chubby, food-loving, talkative, ridiculously kind kid completely and utterly.
---
Ugh… should I just ask already? Tharnnam scolded himself internally. What did he do to get shot?
Since when did I become such a nosy person?
But his curiosity was unstoppable.
"I'm done," Tharnnam said plainly, closing the first-aid kit carefully.
"Mmm."
Lucas acknowledged and looked straight at him.
Taking that as a signal, Tharnnam finally asked, without beating around the bush.
"So what did you do to get shot?"
"That's not a kid's business."
Lucas replied in a low, slightly stern voice.
"Cheh!"
Tharnnam huffed, pouting and turning his face away. That straightforward reaction only made Lucas feel amused. He smirked and reached out to pinch Tharnnam's soft, squishy cheek.
Smack!
Tharnnam slapped his hand away hard.
"Don't touch me!"
"Then pay me for the car repairs."
Lucas changed the subject instantly, his expression returning to neutral.
"I'm not paying! You disappeared for a whole week that cancels the debt!"
"Hmph."
Lucas chuckled softly, his laugh annoyingly teasing.
"I'm going back to work."
"That's fine. See you later."
"I don't want to see you! Bleh!"
Tharnnam stuck out his tongue defiantly before darting into the e
levator, as if afraid Lucas might catch him.
Lucas remained seated on the rooftop, watching the elevator doors close. His cold expression softened, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Cute, he thought.