Teeradon eased his car forward, watching Baramee's heavy motorcycle roar past in a blur of chrome and hostility. Even through the safety helmet's visor, those unfriendly eyes burned with barely contained fury. If Baramee could have pounced like a tiger and torn him apart right there on the street, he would have.
The car stereo's volume crept higher. Teeradon exhaled heavily, catching a glimpse in his rearview mirror of Wittawin disappearing through the company's entrance. Another deep sigh escaped his lips.
One hundred percent, all fallen under my spell, including you...
Damn. This time won't be easy. But please, don't let me have to say it's ninety-nine percent enchanted by Teeradon, with just one exception. If that happened... God, I'd be heartbroken...
Teeradon turned on his car's stereo.
…
Two shadows walking close together
Dancing in the golden glow
Heading to their sanctuary
After hours of stolen time
The world belongs to them tonight
Nothing else exists at all
I'm searching for that same wonder
But here I am, lost and small
…
Darkness crept across Bangkok's sprawl. Street lights flickered to life as commuters streamed homeward. Teeradon's gaze caught a couple walking hand-in-hand on the sidewalk. Another sigh.
Ridiculous. Why does this song have to play now, of all times?
His hand reached for the stereo controls, fingers hovering over the expensive system's black buttons before falling away. The melancholy melody continued, the singer's voice wrapping around his throat like a fist.
…
These city streets we wander
Hold secrets in their stone
These concrete paths we follow
Can lift you up or break you down
These concrete paths remember
Every soul who's walked alone
These pathways, these pathways, these pathways
…
As the song faded, Teeradon absently stroked the steering wheel's logo, pulling over at a red light. He reached for his phone, scrolling through contacts for someone—anyone—who might serve as tonight's 'companion against loneliness.'
Dodo's busy, off to some singing gig. Rio's shooting late, won't wrap until God knows when. Sarin's phone is off. Max and Metas are at that MTV thing in Singapore...
He started to dial Ricky, then remembered the young actor was filming abroad. The light turned green, but within moments, the phone was back in his hands.
Who's left? I've deleted half of these numbers already…
Fine. Jessada it is. He doesn't talk much—won't be annoying.
Jessada picked up immediately, but his response left even the irresistible Teeradon speechless.
"Sorry, I can't. I have a boyfriend now. Found true love—he's an Air Force Flight Lieutenant stationed in U-Tapao. We're on our honeymoon." Jessada's soft laugh carried a sharp edge. "Are you really that lonely? Got nothing else to do? What number am I on your list? One out of ten? How many calls have you made tonight?"
"Don't go there, Jes."
"It's Jet, not Jes. You forgot my nickname and now you're calling for a booty call?" Jet's voice dripped with suppressed laughter. "Keep dialing down that list—you'll find someone to warm your bed eventually."
"That's harsh."
"Look who's talking," Jet shot back. "Maybe try finding yourself an actual boyfriend for once, Khun Teeradon. There are diseases out there, you know."
Brutal. Never imagined quiet little Jessada had such a vicious tongue. Guess people change. Rejected me without an ounce of sentiment...
But then again, when I reject others, I'm not exactly sentimental either...
One hundred percent surrender to me, including you, Wittawin…
Please don't let it become 'two percent resistance'...
Teeradon slammed the steering wheel in frustration after two more calls went straight to unreachable numbers.
Last chance. I can lower my expectation now. Just want someone for dinner, that's all. Don't even need to sleep together. And this damn song is still playing...
…
Now I turn and leave you standing
Watch my dreams come crashing down
That's the way it has to be
You'll return to where you belong
What tomorrow holds for me
Doesn't matter if you asked me to remain
Should I stop and turn around
Or just keep walking in the rain
…
Toey then. Secretary having dinner with the boss—nothing strange about that...
"I'm busy doing yoga. Got candles burning throughout the whole apartment, totally in the zone. You should go home and try meditation, boss. Might help." His secretary's nasal voice grated immediately.
"Never mind," Teeradon clipped.
"Or hit the club—flashing lights, pretty faces. You'll feel better in no time," Toey continued helpfully.
"Thanks." The word came out like a gunshot.
So helpful. Toey's just as brutal as Jessada.
…
I kept pushing forward when
Moving on made little sense
But there's no use now, I see it clear
Standing with my back against the wall
How will you face what's coming next
…
I can't take this anymore...
Teeradon reached over and killed the music, ending the call with his treacherous secretary who managed to be both loyal and savage, whether at work or after hours.
"I told you before—win well, lose gracefully. Don't wait until you've lost everything before chasing after what you threw away. Running after someone you want is fun. Running after someone you want back? That's a whole different game, boss."
Toey's final words echoed in the sudden silence of the car. With the music off, the voice in his head grew louder. He could swear he saw his philosophical secretary's pale face floating like a ghost across the windshield.
"Pick one companion so you'll make a good couple. You have too many companions. A couple means two people, not a harem."
That's enough, Toey. I might demote him back to be the secretary of my younger brother. Toey will enjoy working with a boss who speaks ten sentences a day...
CRASH!!
The thunderous impact from behind sent Teeradon's bronze Porsche 911 lurching forward into the green-yellow taxi ahead.
Perfect, Teeradon. Could this night get any worse?
***