Chapter Text
“P’Noona, is the work we received yesterday already finalized? I need to make sure every detail is already listed down, especially the cost and other necessary information to show to our client.” Maze asked Noona, not even bothering to remove his eyes from his tablet.
“Yes, Mr. Maze. But how about the artist? Have you found one yet?”
“I already talked to Professor Piya about it. Do not worry anymore, I got this.” The CEO of the company finally looked at the person in front of him and smiled.
“The only thing I have to check is the information about the artist. Professor Piya said the artist will personally come to the office to submit his documents.”
“Receiving another work like this reminds me of 2 years ago, when we handled Ms. Mikar’s wedding. I remember packing up a suit for Pabb in case he shows up to the venu—” Noona stopped in her blabbering when she noticed Maze’s change of behavior.
“Sorry, Mr. Maze. I might’ve talked a lot today, too much at that. I should probably leave now.” She said while apologetically smiling at the young man.
Maze could only smile at her while she escorted herself away from him.
Hearing that name again, he feels something tug at his heartstrings. P’Pabb…
The past 2 years were hell for him.
If it weren’t for him being a minute too late, he would’ve said everything he wanted to say to the person he’s been neglecting all this time.
If it weren’t for him being a coward, then he would’ve shown Pabb how much he loves him, the same way he feels for Maze.
Driving to that place felt like an eternity, and he kept praying that the man, his man, would still be there when he arrives.
Sadly, he wasn’t. He already left for Japan.
And at that moment, his heart did too. Pabb took it with him to Japan.
Every day, Maze would go to Pabb’s house, trying to remember every moment they shared together. He would go feed Teriyaki and Phanaeng and water the plants like he did the morning after Pabb surprised him for his birthday. He would stare at the paintings the artist left behind, eventually finding out about the other naked drawing he had of the younger man.
“That day, you were so upset at me trying to tear the drawing you put your effort into. But in fact, you had another one drawn hidden here.”
He felt so helpless at that moment, standing inside the same house where everything started. Honestly for Maze, meeting an artist covered in paint and wearing only boxers wasn’t anything he expected all his working life, but it was the most memorable one. Because it was the start of the unfinished story he and Pabb wrote together.
The book of this unfinished story wasn’t supposed to be opened again. He already closed and hid it inside his heart a year ago. I guess this is what fate really is, but he refuses to blame it on this “fate” when the man he loves suddenly appears in the same place he last saw him.
“Make sure everything’s ready for the arrival of the artist. Professor Piya said he’s on the way to the office. Apparently, this artist is well-known in another country and is supposed to be coming back to Thailand today.”
“That’s amazing, Boss! And don’t worry, I already listed every information needed to be known to the artist.” Noona clapped her hands together before arranging the clearbook in front of her.
Suddenly, there was a noise coming from outside. It was Guea laughing with another guy while approaching the meeting room. The curiosity of the people in the room was answered when he opened the door.
“Boss, the artist is already here.” The company’s creative smiled before opening the door wide enough for the artist to enter.
Several gasps were heard in the room. Of course, Nae was the first person to approach the person who just arrived.
“P’Pabb? Is this really you?”
Pabb could only laugh and nod.
Everyone was gathering around the artist, well, except Maze himself. His face is unreadable by now. He feels everything all at once— the sadness, the yearning, the anger, and most importantly, the love he failed to show him wholly two years ago. He was close to running towards Pabb and hugging him tightly, as if he doesn’t want to let him go. But he didn’t.
Once he finally took control over the emotions he’s feeling, he cleared his throat, calling the attention of his employees.
“Mr. Sinlapin, I’ll wait for you in my office. Pleased to welcome you
…again.”
Maze stood up and approached him, smiling through the tears threatening to fall. The artist only smiled at him in return.
When Maze finally left the room, Ruj went to Pabb’s side and pinched him. “You have grown so much as an artist, huh? Maybe you already forgot about me?”
“Are you crazy? I’m not that kind of person!” He pinched Ruj’s side in return and laughed with him.
“N’Pabb, it’s been a long time! How have you been? Alex misses you so much!” Noona greeted Pabb with her usual loud voice.
The conversations between the former colleagues were full of life updates and reminiscing of the work they did together before Pabb left for Japan. Everyone was happy talking about their lives, especially Nae who definitely had plans to tell how lovesick Maze was when he was away.
With a sigh, Maze sat down on his chair and arranged his stuff. Every effort he made to move on from Pabb were all gone to waste within just minutes of breathing the same air with him again. He could only put his palm on his forehead and think. After staying in that position for a few more seconds, he raised his head when he heard a knock at his door.
It was Pabb.
He quickly fixed himself while the man in the clean suit and a turtleneck sat down in front of him. Maze could feel the atmosphere between them tense up, with the awkward silence engulfing them. Finally, he spoke.
“So, how are you? Been a long time huh?” Maze asked. He finally looked at him up close and saw that nothing much had changed about him. Besides having a clean-shaven face, he’s still the same, handsome artist he fell for.
“Yeah, haha. I’m doing good, still doing art with Mr. Ken. What about you?” Pabb said, chuckles emitting from him.
“Just the same, you know how I am.” He awkwardly laughed in reply.
After the short conversation, no more words came out of their mouths. Maze could feel the awkwardness fill the room again so he decided to say something.
“Look, can we talk after thi—” He was cut off by a knock at the door.
“Mr. Maze, here is the information and other documents to be explained to Pabb about the event. It seems you’ve forgotten them in the meeting room.” Noona entered the room carrying the clearbook files, and left immediately after.
If Maze didn’t whip his head towards the direction of the sound, he would’ve seen the slight disappointment in Pabb’s eyes.
It seems it’s not only Maze who convinces himself everyday that he has moved on.
“Sorry about that. So should we start?”