Tuesday - Bangkok

Kongpob's POV

All night I kept having weird dreams, that left me confused with a boner. When I finally gave up on sleeping, it was 6am. I got ready for my run, and headed out like usual with Luke trailing me. Halfway through the run, I felt tired and lost interest in continuing, so I headed back home.

Upon opening the door, I smelled food. I excitedly walked in the house without removing my shoes.

"Arthit! Arthit!"

I looked in the kitchen, and nobody was there. A pot was cooking on top of the stove, but I didn't see Arthit. I turned around to bump into someone else instead.

***Sachi***

"Why are you so loud so early Kongpob?"

"Sachi, what are you doing here?"

"I work here. And why are you dirtying the floors with your shoes on? Where are your manners?"

"I thought you needed three weeks to recover. Look at you. You still need crutches. What if you hurt yourself delaying your recovery?"

"I didn't want you to starve to death. And I can still do little things."

"I've been fine. Come, let me help you sit down."

I walked Sachi over to the sofa, and sat down with her.

"Well, I heard your boyfriend isn't here. So, I came to make sure you eat something."

"Boyfriend? Who told you that I have a boyfriend? Arthit is just a friend."

Sachi smirks at me.

"Well, you sure spend a lot of time with someone who is not your boyfriend. And I didn't even mention his name."

I rolled my eyes at her, and her stupid smirk.

"He is living here. That doesn't count as spending time together."

"Kongpob, Thak and I both work for you every single day. We live next door. I grew up with you, and you don't even spend time with me. When have you ever voluntarily given up any of your free time for others? Ever since Mild, you've not opened up to meet anyone new."

Sachi raises an eyebrow at me. Challenging me to correct her.

"I don't spend time with you because you nag me even more than my mother. You're like a 70 year stuck in a 30 year old body."

Sachi tried to kick me with her broken foot, but failed miserably.

"Ou..ou..ou. Kongpob, I'm going to poison you to death."

"Is that why your food tastes weird?"

I laughed, and Sachi smacks my shoulder.

"Well, your boyfriend is not around, so you are just going to have to eat my poison."

"How did you know?"

"I heard Thak over the phone saying he's in Tokyo."

"Really?"

I immediately called Thak. He is just outside, but he does not like to be in the same vicinity as Sachi at any given moment unless it's at their own home. They are the strangest couple I know.

Ring. Ring.

"Good morning sir."

"Thak, did you find out where Arthit had gone?"

"Yes, sir. He is in Tokyo for work."

"Do you know when he will be back?"

"According to my sources, he should be back by Friday. By the way, I've found Chet and the dog. I have already sent you his file to your email."

"Really? Where has he been hiding the dog?"

"He has been keeping the dog with him, and he is trying to sell it online."

"That bastard. Schedule a time for me to meet him. Tell him I'm interested in buying his dog. Don't use my name though."

"Yes, sir."

At first, I only wanted to ask for the dog back for Arthit. But now knowing that this prick actually wanted to sell Popeye, I'm going to have to teach him a lesson.
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Yuck! I can't believe I've been eating Sachi's food for all these years. Whatever that bowl of goo was, it's not jook (rice porridge) for sure.

I went into the office, and turned on my computer to check my emails. I have so many, but I was more than eager to see what that asshole Chet is up to. I knew he was a self-proclaimed actor slash model, but how pathetic is he that he is trying to sell Arthit's dog.

I looked over his file, and this guy has been in over a hundred movies and dramas as extras. Hasn't he got a clue that his career is going nowhere? Well, let me give him a chance of a lifetime.

I gave Nammon Arsalprakit, a producer from GMM a call.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Hello Mr. Suthilak. I'm still working on the new budget request."

"Nammon, that's not what I'm calling you about. I need you to help me with something."

"No problem. Anything you need Mr. Suthilak."

~~~~~~

At some cafe...

I am at a cafe with Nammon sitting at the table behind me. I'm wearing sunglasses, and hiding behind a travel magazine. We are waiting for Chet to bring Popeye here. He thinks Nammon is going to buy Popeye from him. Today, I'm getting Popeye no matter what.

I hear the entrance bell from the door. I checked the reflection from the window, and it's Chet dragging Popeye in on a leash. Is that a muzzle on Popeye? Arthit said Popeye is very shy and well behaved. Why would he even need a muzzle?

Chet: Hello Mr. Arsalprakit. It's so nice to meet you.

Nammon: Hello, Chet? Is that right? Have a seat.

Chet: Yes, just call me Chet.

Nammon flags a waitress over.

Waitress: Yes sir. What would you like?

Chet: An iced vanilla soy latte with some whipped cream on top with cocoa powder, and please only use agave.

Waitress: Uh, I'm sorry, but we don't have agave, but we do have Stevia, and Equal.

Chet: Uh, no thanks. Those two are not good for my skin. Just organic sugar then.

Waitress: Okay. I'll be right back.

Chet turned back to Nammon.

Chet: Mr. Arsalprakit, I'm a fan of your work. I've been in a few of your movies before.

Nammon: Really? How have I not noticed such a handsome young man?

Chet: That's not surprising for someone as busy, and important as yourself to not notice little old me.

Nammon: You are too modest. I'm sure you are perfect for a roll in my upcoming moving.

Chet: Really? Do you mean it? I would love the opportunity.

Nammon: Yes, of course I mean it. By the way, this must be Popeye.

Chet: Yes, this is Popeye. I couldn't believe it when I saw your name on my message board. So, Popeye is a purebred Corgi. He is five years old.

Nammon: He is perfect. My nephew's Corgi just passed away, and he looked just like Popeye.

Chet: Then it was meant to be. I love Popeye, but my new place does not allow pets, and I'm a workaholic too, so I don't have time for him. He is better off with another loving family. I only want what's best for him.

Nammon: How much do you want for Popeye?

Chet: Nothing. All I want is for him to be happy.

Chet tries to pick up Popeye, but Popeye is squirming in his arms, and struggles to be freed from Chet. Chet gives up, and just hands the leash over to Nammon.

Nammon: Is he okay?

Chet: He is fine. He is just spoiled. I mean just shy in front of strangers, but he is great once he warms up to you.

Nammon: Chet, you are so kind. Bless your heart. My nephew would be so happy to have Popeye. Here is my card. Call my assistant, and he will give you the details for the possible role in my new movie.

Chet: Thank you so much Mr. Arsalprakit. I will not disappoint you.

Nammon: You are welcome. Here, let me pay for the drinks. It's the least I can do. I have to get going now, and I'll take Popeye.

Chet: Yes, sir. You have a nice day, and please take care.

Nammon: Goodbye.

Nammon leaves a few bills on the table, and walks out with Popeye. Chet sits down studying Nammon's business card grinning.

I got up to leave, but seeing Chet with his stupid smile really makes me want to slap his face. But I don't want to dirty my hands. I'll have someone else do it. What did Arthit ever see in this clown? Is he considered handsome? What about me? Wait, why am I comparing myself to this asshole? Nevermind, I'm not stooping down to his level.

I met Nammon back at my office. All the ladies are cooing at the site of Popeye wobbling into my office with Nammon.

Kongpob: Neen, bring us some coffee.

Neen: Yes sir.

I closed my office door, and gestured for Nammon to have a seat.

Nammon: Mr. Suthilak, what do you want me to do with the dog? He doesn't like to be touched or picked up. He is trembling.

Kongpob: Let me try.

I slowly approached Popeye. I made sure he saw that my hands were empty, and I got low kneeling on the ground to his level. He made some whining sound, but he didn't move. I slowly reached my right hand to gently pet his head, and a little scratch behind his ears. Surprisingly, he leaned into my touch. I slowly reached over to try to remove his muzzle, and he took a step back.

"It's okay Popeye. I just want you to be more comfortable. Come, let me help you."

Popeye whines a little more, but stays still. I slowly reached again to take the muzzle off him.

Nammon: Mr. Suthilak, what if he bites? Please be careful.

Kongpob: It's okay. I know him.

I turned back to Popeye, and he is looking at me curiously. I smiled, and gently removed his muzzle.

***Popeye***

He barked a couple of times wagging his tail, and then climbed in my lap. I gave him a good rub on his head, and he quickly licked my face jumping.

Nammon: Wow, he really likes you. He was so resistant the whole time I had him. He didn't even seem to like that Chet guy. So, what do you want me to do when that Chet guy calls?

Kongpob: That cunning bastard needs a real good role. A role that would teach him a lesson or two. If you know what I mean.

Nammon: Gotcha. I have several roles perfect for him. I'll work on it, and let you know.

Kongpob: Consider your budget request granted.

Nammon: Thank you Mr. Suthilak. I will not disappoint you. I'll get going now.

I nodded to Nammon as he made his way out. I picked up Popeye in my arm, and sat down with him in my lap.

Knock. Knock.

Kongpob: Come in.

Neen: Mr. Suthilak, here's your coffee. Did Mr. Arsalprakit leave already? Is this your new dog? He's so cute.

Kongpob: No, it belongs to my friend. He is now in Tokyo. So, I will be watching him for a few days.

Neen: Is it Ron? He is not coming back. Remember?

Kongpob: Who?

Neen: Ron. Remember I gave you his message yesterday?

Kongpob: But I don't know a Ron. Wait. Arthit Ronajpat. Ronajpat. Ron? Shit. Give me that message again. Did he actually say Ron?

Neen runs back to her desk, and returns with her notepad in hand.

Neen: Yeah, I have the message written down here. Ron called at 3:17pm yesterday. He said he is leaving for Tokyo, and he won't be back.

Kongpob: What? Why isn't he coming back? Neen, book me a ticket to Tokyo for tomorrow.

Neen: But sir you have two board meetings coming up tomorrow and Thursday. How about Friday?

Kongpob: Fine. Make it Thursday after the meeting then.

Neen: Yes sir. I will go book it right now.

Neen left right away, closing the door behind her. While I continued to pet Popeye in my lap. Now, why would Arthit not want to come back? Is he in some kind of trouble? He should have come to me? I would definitely help him.

"Popeye, don't worry. I know he won't leave you behind."

I looked into Popeye's puppy eyes as he whimpered, and I scratched behind his ears. He wagged his tail again excitedly. For the rest of the day, Popeye stayed under my desk next to me quietly.

~~~~~~

I left my work on time for once, and went to the closest pet store to buy all the necessities for Popeye. When we got home, Thak wanted to give Popeye a bath, but Popeye wouldn't let him. So, I got down on my knees to bathe him myself. I had bought him a doggie bed, and placed it in the living room, but he refused to stay in it. I would put him in his bed, and he would stand there, and give me his puppy eyes. And as soon as I turned around, he would follow me around the house. When we walked passed Arthit's room, Popeye suddenly ran in, and climbed into Arthit's bed. I went in, and sat next to Popeye. I just noticed how Arthit's room smelled like Arthit.

"Hey buddy, I know you must miss him. He misses you a lot too. He told me so much about you. So, don't worry. He won't leave you, but for now, we can be buddies too, right?"

I picked up Popeye, and took him to my room instead. I placed him in his doggie bed next to mine.

I went to shower, and got dressed per usual in my sweatpants. When I came out, I found Popeye in my bed. I sighed, but just got in bed too. I guess I will be sleeping with Popeye tonight. Just when I was about to take my pants off, I heard my doorbell.

Ding Dong. Ding Dong.