Etched.

Chapter 4

"No, nana. P'Nathan stuff spoiling her," he grumbled, looking around for some water.

"Here," Nathan pushed the coffee closer to Kongpob with a sweet smile. "Have it before the ice melts."

Kongpob looked at Nathan who had the purest smile on his face. He genuinely cared for Kongpob and Kongpob wanted to bash his head into a wall. He always wanted someone, but the moment someone started paying him any attention, this happens.

He nodded softly, taking a small sip from the straw. "Thank you."

Nathan nodded, before sitting down and making small talks with Marie and helping her around. Because Kongpob was still on leave and Marie forbade him to work. But was perfectly fine accepting help from Nathan.

Kongpob started back at work and was welcomed with Nathan in an identical apron. With his nametag on the left side. He stared at Nathan scolding Marie for climbing up the ladder when he was there to help, while Marie just had a small smile on her face.

"Oh, Kongpob, you're here. Now I have two handsome helpers, maybe more people will come."

Nathan chuckled at Marie's antics, "sure nana."

Kongpob kept staring, zoning out. He couldn't quit this job. There wouldn't be another employer who was as flexible and kind as Marie. He didn't even feel like he was working here, it just felt like a hangout.

And Nathan was doing everything he could to be around Kongpob during classes, activities, hanging out with friends, and now EVEN getting a job at the library.

Kongpob was mad at Nathan, he was touched. TO see someone doing SO much for him. And he knew Nathan was tired, he was a head hazer, had classes, volunteered, had an internship, and now was working for Kongpob's sake.

He didn't even know how Nathan had so much time to pamper him. And Kongpob was melting more each day. Nathan would always bring him a muffin every morning like he knew Kongpob didn't eat breakfast.

Nathan would always give the pickles to Kongpob during lunch, or even order something with extra pickles if Kongpob didn't have time for food. And sometimes even forcefully feed him.

And he didn't feel uncomfortable with Nathan, he didn't think he was interfering either. He just felt taken care of, like someone was there always.

And Nathan's sweetness was making it harder for Kongpob to push away. He thought Nathan would get mad and just leave, but no. Nathan just became sweeter, doing everything anyone would want, without being asked.

Never caring about himself, just Kongpob, Kongpob, Kongpob. And sometimes Kongpob was surprised with Nathan's actions, he would randomly put a bouquet of flowers by his door with sweet notes. And sometimes hang breakfast on the door when he couldn't meet Kongpob.

And he was slowly getting wrapped up in Nathan's sweetness, but never did he forget the threat that hung over his head. So he decided to break Nathan's heart once more, ignoring his presence to the max.

And it was like he was insulting Nathan and his kindness with every cold shoulder and blank stare. And it HURT Kongpob like crazy. He hated hurting people, even the ones who do him wrong.

So hurting a person, walking through hell for him, ripped his heart out. But he had to.

And he was distancing himself from everyone, even Nana at some point. Because he felt he'd break if he was shown any more affection. And that's all Nathan did. Pour out all his love, shower him with it.

So receiving another note, not from Nathan threw his mind into a whirlpool. Nathan would never just leave notes around without gifts or food.

He placed his bag on the desk and opened up the note, looking around. He saw Nathan and Marie chatting up on the other side, and of course, Marie had a blueberry muffin in her hand.