The day of the banquet arrived with alarming speed, catching the staff off guard amidst their flurry of responsibilities. Amidst the whirlwind of tasks, the entire month seemed to evaporate unnoticed. While most people typically associate events like banquets with leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment, for the first team, it was quite the contrary. Every aspect of preparation had to be executed with utmost professionalism, for their future prospects hung in the balance. Any hint of imperfection could spell disaster and the employees were acutely aware that one misstep could have dire consequences.
Fourth found himself catching his breath by the bathroom sink, stealing a moment's respite from the meticulous scrutiny of the banquet hall's decor. Technically, it wasn't his responsibility—he was in charge of catering. But with the team understaffed, how could Nattawat refuse to lend a hand? The last-minute adjustments and embellishments were nearing completion, so the workload wasn't overwhelming. Yet, exhaustion crept in, the inevitable result of overseeing everything from the crack of dawn until the late hours of the evening.
- Feeling tired? - Gemini's sudden entrance into the restroom startled the younger designer, who was unaware of anyone else's presence.
- Shit! You scared me. - He exclaimed, clutching his heart and sighing heavily in relief.
- When it's just us two, you can call me by my name. Gemini is enough.
- Understood, Gemini. To answer your earlier question, yes, I'm damn tired. I don't know how I can survive without a nap until the end of the party. - He confessed, rubbing his weary eyes.
- Run to my office and take a nap on the couch. No one will enter there without a previously scheduled meeting, so you can feel safe. - Titicharoenrak suggested, offering a solution to his exhaustion.
- But I still have a lot of work to do there. It's unprofessional to leave all the staff to their own devices. - The designer hesitated, torn between his exhaustion and his sense of responsibility. He really wanted to agree, but he also wanted to perform his duties properly and see things through to the end.
- As you can see, I'm here now. I'll take a look here and there and express my opinion. I'll just replace you. You must be rested during the banquet because you are going there as my accompanying person.
- What? Why am I finding out about this now? After all, it's a company event. How can we show up together?
- My grandfather is extremely excited to meet you again. It would be weird if my fiancé stood across the room for the entire event, right?
- Mother of God, I can already feel the rumors.
- Don't worry about them, and if they will bother you too much, just whisper a word to me and I will take care of it appropriately.
- Thank you, Gem. - Nattawat exclaimed, surprising the elder with the nickname. A flicker of astonishment passed over the elder's face, causing his stomach to flutter and his cheeks to flush a faint red. Fortunately, the designer seemed too fatigued to notice his reaction. Seizing the opportunity, Norawit bid farewell to the younger man, slipping him the keys to the office before departing.
Norawit found himself puzzled by his sudden shift in behavior, a departure from his usual strict professionalism. He had become inexplicably drawn to this charming man, unaware of when this attachment had taken root. Slowly but steadily, he sensed a void in his life being filled, replaced by genuine warmth and smiles that transcended mere business formalities. Though he relished this newfound sensation, he hesitated to probe its origins, content to let things unfold naturally. After all, work remained paramount in his life and it had been his primary focus for so long. Yet, despite his unwavering dedication to his career, thoughts of a certain endearing employee began to occupy his mind more frequently than deemed necessary.
After an unexpected three-hour nap, Fourth stirred awake to find a hanger adorned with the clothes designated for him. Upon closer inspection, the ensemble comprised flared black pants paired with a tied black jacket—a sleek, elegant combination. Beside the outfit lay a box containing opulent gold jewelry, refined black shoes, and a selection of cosmetics. It seemed everything had been meticulously arranged, a realization that didn't surprise the designer much, considering he often orchestrated similar setups backstage before swiftly changing into them.
Grateful that someone had taken pity on him, he silently thanked his lucky stars for this unexpected assistance. Only later did he grasp the true identity of his benefactor—not a random helper, but the general director himself. On the desk nearby rested mineral water and a few packets of snacks, which had eluded his notice earlier. Though it wasn't a lavish feast, the gesture warmed his heart.
Yet, he quickly shook off the fluttering butterflies in his stomach, determined to regain his composure. With brisk efficiency, he set about preparing himself for the tasks ahead.
While applying the final layer of coloring balm to the lips, the owner of the company quietly entered the room. He wasn't sure whether his partner had already stood up or was getting dressed, so he tried to take his steps carefully. However, he quickly realized that his companion for today was almost ready. Approaching the younger man, he held his breath for a moment.
- You look beautiful.
- Ah, damn! - Fourth exclaimed, leaping in his chair and clutching his chest, narrowly avoiding a heart attack for the second time that day. - I'm sorry, oh my god. Why do you always sneak up on me like that? I don't want to keel over from a heart attack at such a young age.
- My apologies. - Norawit chuckled. - The guests are already gathering. I believe there's a small detail missing.
- I thought the banquet wasn't supposed to start for another hour.
- In a business environment, time is indeed money, isn't it? Shall we proceed?
- Just a moment. - Nattawat exclaimed, springing up and hastening towards the mirror. Examining his reflection, he smiled, scrutinizing his appearance from head to toe. - What do you think? Is this good enough? - Asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. - I'm starting to feel a bit anxious. - He admitted with a nervous laugh, noticing the reflection of an older man approaching behind him.
- Don't fret about a thing or anyone. You look absolutely perfect, I assure you. - The older man reassured in a calm, confident tone, placing his right hand reassuringly on Nattawat's shoulder. - You've done a marvelous job, and by some stroke of luck, our outfits complement each other splendidly. - He remarked with a smile.
Norawit's ensemble comprised a sleek black button-up jacket and suit pants, accessorized with gold jewelry and sophisticated footwear. Together, they exuded an air of harmony, akin to a couple deliberately coordinating their attire.
Gemini extended his arm to the younger man, and together they made their way to the room where lively conversations and a bit of sampling were already underway. As they entered the hall together, all eyes turned toward them. While everyone was familiar with the esteemed status of a "Fashionable" CEO, they were taken aback by today's revelation. The press hadn't caught wind of the businessman's fiancé, and rumors had failed to gain traction, leaving the room abuzz with whispered speculation as the couple made their entrance.
The younger man couldn't quite comprehend why their presence seemed to stir up such a reaction. Unaccustomed to being thrust into the spotlight, he felt a tad uneasy with all the attention focused on him. Yet, he wasn't entirely surprised. After all, not everyone had the chance to accompany such a successful individual. Titicharoenrak, on the other hand, remained unruffled by the sudden interest from the assembled guests. Such occurrences had become routine for him ever since his company ventured into the luxury market.
Guiding his partner towards the table where his grandfather stood, he aimed for the most comfortable spot for both of them, aware of the importance of their positioning in such social settings.
- You're finally here! Fourth, you look stunning! - Mr. Night exclaimed with lively enthusiasm, directing his full attention to the engaged couple.
- Hello, Mr. Night, you look equally dignified! - Nattawat responded warmly, his smile genuine. Despite any initial apprehension, he had come to genuinely appreciate the cheerful retiree after their first meeting. In that moment, all the stress that had accumulated in his mind seemed to dissipate. He felt a sense of safety and comfort in the ex-CEO presence.
The event unfolded in a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere, and any minor conflicts between businessmen seemed inconsequential. Fourth found himself spending the entire evening engrossed in conversation with Gemini and his guardian, who steadfastly refused to leave his side, shielding him from the potentially predatory nature of some of the wealthy attendees. This gesture of protection was deeply appreciated by the designer, who had half-expected rude remarks or criticisms about his work, background, or appearance. However, to his relief, no such comments materialized—at least, none that he noticed. The only penetrating stares he encountered came from his colleagues and the individual overseeing the evening's catering. Notably, Satang did linger longer than necessary, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Jirochtikul.
However, Nattawat made a conscious effort not to draw unnecessary attention to himself. He sensed that the man might be surprised by his unexpected presence, but he didn't feel compelled to offer any explanations. Content with his current situation, despite the initial nerves, he simply focused on enjoying the moment and the company of those around him.
- Are we coming back, honey? - Gemini asked softly, the endearment slipping from his lips effortlessly. In the presence of the former CEO, the use of such a term felt natural, indicating the ease with which they had slipped into their roles as an engaged couple deeply in love.
- Yes, we can go now. Goodbye, Mr. Night. It was a pleasure talking to you. - The youngest among them said with a sincere smile.
- Call me Grandpa, darling. I hope this evening was comfortable for you. Rest well. Good night. The pensioner insisted warmly, embracing the two men before making his way towards his bodyguard.
- Do you want to spend the night at my place? My apartment is definitely closer than your house, and you're clearly exhausted. - Norawit suggested gently, intertwining his fingers with the designer's as they walked towards the exit.
- If it's not a problem, I'd be happy to. - The younger man replied with a broad smile. He felt no hesitation about spending the night with his boss; after all, it was already common knowledge that the two were dating, so he saw no reason to worry about company gossip or other trivial matters.
In the businessman's apartment, the two men found themselves engaged in deep conversation for hours, touching on various topics ranging from work to their personal lives. Despite already knowing a great deal about each other, they felt an instinctive desire to delve even deeper, eager to forge an even stronger connection. Conversation flowed effortlessly between them, and with each passing moment, the bond between them seemed to grow stronger.
Although they were aware that their relationship had initially been purely business-oriented, they often found themselves forgetting this fact. As they talked, the lines between professional and personal blurred, and the complexities of their situation were momentarily pushed aside. In the back of their minds, they knew they would eventually need to address the reality of their arrangement and its inevitable conclusion. However, in the comfortable embrace of their current dynamic, neither felt compelled to broach such difficult topics. Instead, they chose to revel in the warmth and familiarity of their bond, content to exist in the present moment.
Morning arrived sooner than either of the men would have preferred. The original plan was for them to sleep separately—Gemini in his bedroom and Fourth in the guest room. However, this plan went awry when they both inadvertently drifted off to sleep on the sofa in the living room, with the TV still flickering softly in the background. They had stayed up late watching Thai TV series, completely losing track of time and forgetting about the arrangement altogether.
The designer's head rested on the elder's torso, his body practically draped over the man's. Whether by chance or design, they found themselves in this cozy embrace as morning dawned, though their impending workday loomed large in their minds. With the release date of the clothing collection drawing nearer, there was no room for laziness—they had a lot on their plates.
Nattawat stirred awake to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, rubbing his sleepy eyes before wearily making his way to the kitchen counter. It was an endearingly charming sight for the host, who found himself momentarily breathless at the sight of the younger man's sleepy, disheveled state. The sound of his voice mumbling a languid greeting only served to quicken the elder's heartbeat, adding to the tender intimacy of the morning scene.
- Black coffee, one teaspoon of sugar. Drink up to wake up, and I'll go take a shower. - Gemini instructed before exiting the room. Fourth felt a slight blush creeping up his cheeks, still not fully functional after waking up. He couldn't help but feel surprised that his boss remembered his coffee preference, considering he had never explicitly mentioned it. It was a testament to the elder's keen attention to detail, which didn't go unnoticed.
As the men entered the building, they were braced for the curious glances that inevitably followed them. They were well aware of the speculation swirling around them, as their engagement was a secret known only to a select few. Only Ford was privy to the true nature of their relationship, but he adeptly played along, feigning ignorance whenever the topic arose.
Arun, noticing the subtle shifts in his friend's behavior, couldn't help but feel intrigued. Though he refrained from broaching the subject directly, he harbored a quiet certainty that it was only a matter of time before their contractual arrangement gave way to something more meaningful. He believed that eventually, their relationship would transcend the boundaries of their professional agreement and blossom into something real.
Weeks flew by, and the designs for the final collection had already been pre-selected, slated for presentation at an upcoming fashion show. However, murmurs of envy and gossip began to circulate among certain employees, insinuating that Fourth had leveraged his relationship with his boss to secure acceptance for his designs. Some speculated that as many as three of his works had made the cut solely due to his personal connection.
Yet, the truth of the matter was quite different. Nattawat possessed remarkable talent and a rich creative vision, which had garnered genuine appreciation from the main board. Designs such as a jacket adorned with diamonds, a shirt constructed from loose threads, and trousers intentionally askew were heralded as elegant and modern contributions to the fashion world. Despite the recognition of his abilities, the designer couldn't help but feel perplexed by the way some people viewed him solely through the lens of his relationship with Gemini.
He had always maintained a clear boundary between his professional endeavors and his private life. Throughout their time at the company, he made a conscious effort to keep a professional distance, ensuring that any recognition he received was solely based on his hard work and talent. He was determined to make it evident to everyone that his achievements were a result of his own efforts and dedication, rather than any personal connections or favors.
He showcased about ten projects, but only three garnered acceptance, rendering the accusations against him baseless. Had these rumors held any truth, all ten creations would have secured their spot at the fashion show. Feeling unfairly judged, Norawit and Arun attempted to reassure the designer of his genuine talent and deserving promotion. Their words alone pacified him amidst the storm of criticism. Even his own mother, upon hearing of the situation, dismissed his work as subpar and questioned his suitability for his position. If the company hadn't been so enamored with their relationship, the situation likely wouldn't have escalated, and Fourth would have received the recognition and praise his creativity merited. Instead, he faced a barrage of unfavorable comments and unwarranted criticism.
- Good morning everyone, Mr. Jirochtikul, please follow me. Mr. Titicharoenrak would like to have a few words with you. - Pakin announced as he entered the room where the first team was gathered.
Emotions were running high among the employees, and Fourth was certain that once he stepped outside the door, more gossip would flood his surroundings. Though he couldn't protest, he nodded in understanding to the Secretary General and shot Arun a sour grimace as he departed.
During the elevator ride, the designer contemplated asking Mark about the matter at hand, but ultimately chose to remain silent, resolving to find out soon enough. Upon entering the now familiar office, he offered a quiet greeting and took a seat across from Norawit.
- Do they bother you a lot? - The elder asked, still fixated on the computer screen.
- Let's just say it could have been worse. - He muttered. - Is that why I'm here? Or did something happen?
- I just wanted to know if I should intervene.
- There's no need to. It would be so much worse if you did anything. This will die down soon, right? So there is no problem. It doesn't bother you, does it? - He shrugged slightly.
- It irritates me a bit, but I'm not the one to worry about here. But if the situation calls for it, please tell me, okay? - Norawit looked away from the documents and fixed his gaze on the younger man with a serious expression.
- Of course, capitan! - He saluted jokingly, rising from his chair.
- Wait a second. I'd like to take you on a date this weekend. Two days in Phuket. Do you agree?
- I have nothing to do anyway, so why not. I have to get back to work now, but text me with the details. I could use some rest. - Nattawat sighed, then left the office after bidding goodbye to the elder and his secretary. It didn't occur to him that this date wasn't even necessary, but he willingly agreed to the trip. Good company and a change of scenery should help de-stress him, so there was no reason to play unavailable. He had already felt that everything he did with the businessman came naturally to him, and no one had to force him to do anything. He just didn't know if it was good.
***
Another day, another chapter! How do you like it? By the way, I love reading your comments <3 Readers - if it weren't for you, these stories wouldn't be public <3 Thank you :)
By the way, with this chapter we're halfway through the story! It flies fast, doesn't it?
However, if you like reading my imaginary stories, you can rest assured for now, because I have written another GeminiFourth fanfiction <3 The publication will start soon after the end of "Proposal" :) Stay tuned :) K. <3