Kongpob's pov
At that moment, both Arthit and I realized that our parents were orchestrating this setup. I felt a sense of relief knowing my father understood me well enough not to impose a girl on me.
And then my father and Arthit's parents left us in the room to discuss. As I reflected on the events of the day, I found myself in the room with Arthit. Our parents left us alone to talk. I cleared my throat to get his attention, hoping to start a conversation.
"Ahem"
I was trying to attract his attention to me so that we can start a conversation.
"So what have you done?" I asked
"Sorry what are you saying?"
"I mean in your college?"
"oh.. I have done mechanical engineering." He answered.
I was impressed by his choice of study and attempted to keep the conversation going. "Do you live with your parents?"
He hesitated momentarily before replying, "Yeah, I'm living with them for now. But once I secure a stable job, I plan to move out and pursue my dreams."
Curious, I prodded further, "Okay, what are your dreams?"
jHe seemed less interested in engaging by this point, quipping, "Are you conducting an interview?"
"Hahaha", Chuckling, I replied, "No, I'm just trying to get to know you better."
Then Him sounding a bit frustrated, He questioned, "Why do you want to know me? I'm not interested in getting to know you. I'm not interested at all."
"But I find you cute." Amused, I teased.
His irritation was evident as he snapped, "I'm not cute. Don't call me that."
"Then what should i call you a scared puppy?" I couldn't help but recall the elevator incident, and a flush crept up his face.
Now his face was all red and I was enjoying this. I didn't know but I liked to irritate him and wanted to do that more.
His complexion turned redder, and his frustration grew, " who the hell are you to call me scared puppy?"
"Your future husband."
He stood up, his voice rising, "I won't accept this. I'll tell my parents that we're not compatible and that we should go our separate ways."
Taking advantage of the situation, I continued to tease, "But I won't say that. I think you're cute, even a little scared puppy. I like the person you are." A playful smile formed on my lips. "So, I'll accept what our parents decided."
"Of course, I was kidding. But I won't tell him that. I just want to tease him. But wait... Maybe I can enjoy this situation. If I'm not comfortable, I can end this relationship prospect. Until then, I can give it a chance. No, I won't reject this proposal. Let's see what the future holds. Plus, it'll be fun to keep teasing him. A smirk played on my face.
My thoughts were disrupted as the conversation shifted. I looked around to find Ar not particularly pleased with my earlier comment. He recognized he couldn't outright reject his parents' decision. He turned to me, a mix of confusion and nervousness in his expression.
"Look Mr. ...?" he stumbled.
( He forgot my name 😞)
I interjected ," Kongpob"
"Mr. Kongpob, I'm not interested in a relationship right now. I can't be with someone unfamiliar. Besides, I'm not interested in you. I'll talk to my parents about this, and I don't know how you'll handle yours. But I'm out." With that, he headed towards the exit.
In an unfortunate turn, his foot got entangled with the tea table, and he began to stumble. Reacting swiftly, I reached out, my arm supporting his chest. Our eyes locked, and his face turned pink. His embarrassment only made him appear cuter in my eyes, but I couldn't let him see that. His ears reddened like rose petals. My heart raced.
"Oh god.. He's adorable. Where was he all this time? How can someone be so endearing? And those eyes... they're like sparkling diamonds. No, no, what am I thinking? This isn't right. I just wanted some playful fun. Why do I feel like he should be mine?"
He broke away from my hold, steadying himself. Anger marked his expression now, an angry little boy.
I sensed I needed to address him more sincerely and gently. "Arthit, listen. I know we're not prepared for this. Neither of us wants a relationship right now. But, for our parents' sake, let's give it a try. If it doesn't work, we can end it. No one will force us. Consider it. If we don't take this chance, our parents might try to set us up again. Just think about it."
He paused for a moment and said," but... I... I .. aghhh."
His frustration was evident, and he frowned. Then, he continued, "Why is this happening? I hate this, and I hate you."
I remained silent, watching him closely, "Okay," he sighed, "I'm in."
I couldn't quite understand why, but I felt happy at that moment.
"We should inform our parents." As I said this, our parents walked back into the room.
My father inquired, "What's going on, boys? What's your decision, son?"
I replied, "Pa, I don't have any problem with this. I am ready."
And my pa was on cloud nine. Arthit's parents were also looking at him with hopeful eyes. And then he murmured softly, "Ma , Pa I think I can give it a try."
With this all of them except me and Arthit, started laughing and congratulated each other. Arthit's parents hug me and my father also gave a large smile to Arthit.
Laughter and congratulations ensued, leaving Arthit and me in a world of confusion, anxiety, and nerves. Yet, in a small corner of my heart, I felt a glimmer of happiness. I wasn't sure why, but perhaps, deep down, I already knew. 😃