"Stay close. Just smile. Do not answer any questions directed at you." Sonya said to Arthit.

Arthit nodded, and took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. He extended his hand for Sonya to help her step out. They walked to the top of the steps near the entrance where the paparazzi was waiting.

"Mrs. Suthilak, what's the target for this year's auction" One of the reporters asked.

"There is no exact target. We just strive to do our best. We have some great sponsors this year, and I would like to thank all of them here."

"Mrs. Suthilak, who is this handsome gentleman next to you?" Another reporter asked.

"This is Arthit Ronajpat. He is my date for the evening. Now, please excuse us. We must go in now." Sonya smiled at the cameras.

Arthit smiled, and quickly followed behind Sonya.
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The event was set inside the St. Regis Hotel's ballroom. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with colorful umbrellas hanging above, and there were dancers on the stage performing traditional Thai dance dressed in traditional clothes.

Big round tables were beautifully adorned with orchid bouquet centerpieces. Along the wall was an open bar. People mingled about, and posed for pictures when cameras came around.

Sonya has been stopped countless times for greetings, small chats, and pictures. She would turn around ever so often to make sure Arthit doesn't get lost. Even though Arthit didn't show the fire that she was hoping that he would have, she still wanted to make sure her son's boyfriend is okay.

By the time Sonya and Arthit made it to the front of the ballroom, Arthit saw a circle of people gathered there. Sonya walked up to the crowd, and a few people stepped aside to welcome her and Arthit. Arthit just nodded and raised his glass of champagne that was handed to him when people smiled at him.

Standing in the middle of this crowd was none other than Kongpob. There were five women all holding drinks in their hands talking to Kongpob. They were all laughing and giggling. They would touch Kongpob's arms laughing at whatever he was saying. Kongpob noticed his mother and Arthit's presence. He took a step forward to greet his mother.

"Mother, you look beautiful as always." Kongpob said as he lightly kissed her cheek.

He looked at Arthit, and then winked at him. Arthit blushed, and looked away.

"Hello son. I see you've made new friends." Sonya looked around scanning all the ladies, and then briefly glanced at Arthit.

"Mother, your date is very handsome. Can I borrow him for a moment?"

Sonya raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course. Please do return him in one piece." She smirked.

Kongpob stared at Arthit with a barely there smile, and Arthit gulped. Arthit followed Kongpob when the latter slightly tipped his head to the side.

They walked to the back of the hotel, and then out to the courtyard making sure no one was around.

"Kongpob, why didn't you tell me that you were in the auction?" Arthit asked straight up. Although he sounded more nervous than angry.

"Arthit, I just didn't want you stress over it for the whole week. It wouldn't have changed a thing anyway. Look, I just want to make it clear that it's not what it's cracked up to be. It's just a stupid dinner that means nothing. I won't do it again next year if you don't want me to. It's too late for this year. I had agreed to this year before we met, and it's all for charity." Kongpob tried to explain.

"I know, but is that what the bidders think? Are there a lot of people that bid on you?" Arthit couldn't help voicing his concerns as he crossed his arms.

"Arthit, it doesn't matter how many people bid, there will only be one dinner, and then I will come home to you. I promise." Kongpob smiles, and uncrosses Arthit's arms to hold his hands.

"Kongpob, do you really have to attend a lot of these events and functions like your mother said?" Arthit asked looking down, not meeting Kongpob's eyes.

"Like it or not, I have social obligations, and I have to represent my companies as well. I'm not going to force you to attend them with me if you don't want to. I didn't intend for you to be here tonight either. I'm sorry my mother dragged you into this."

Arthit sighed. He looked around to make sure no one else was around. He took a step closer to Kongpob, and leaned his forehead on his shoulder. He still doesn't want his boyfriend to go out with someone else. He saw how all those women were looking at Kongpob, and he didn't like it.

"Kongpob, what if you fall for your date?" Arthit said softly.

"Not a chance. My boyfriend is too gorgeous."

Arthit chuckled, and lifted his head to look at Kongpob. Trust Kongpob to always lighten any situation.

"Arthit, I need you to trust me. I know it's not easy, but we won't work if you don't. When you are ready, I'll become the number one ineligible bachelor. Okay?"

Arthit nodded. He feels warm all over, and his heart is melting. Looking into Kongpob's eyes, he doesn't know how long he will be under Kongpob's spell.

"The paparazzi would go crazy if they got wind that you have a boyfriend." Arthit said gauging Kongpob's reaction.

"That's why it's better that I tell them before they make it into a big scandal of some sort. I really don't care, but I don't want you to worry about it. I have people. I can make sure nothing leaks." Kongpob tries to reassure Arthit.

"Let's go back inside before they send a search party for us." Kongpob says.

Arthit nodded, and pulled his hands back. Maybe soon. Maybe he can tell people he is dating Kongpob Suthilak soon. Maybe he will start with telling Knot first. Arthit smiled to himself. Baby steps.
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When the two men got back inside, the ballroom was packed. They located their table, and noticed that their dates were standing there together. Kongpob was a little nervous. Those two are best kept apart. Kongpob slowly approached, making sure not to get caught in the crossfire.

"Ladies, is everything all right?" Kongpob asked coming from behind them.

They both turned around to look at Kongpob and Arthit. They noticed that Arthit looked less apprehensive, so they were sure Kongpob must have worked his magic on Arthit. Arthit had actually even showed them a real smile.

Kongpob, on the other hand, was surprised to see his mother and his aunt both smiling instead of bickering. He wonders what can they possibly be discussing about.

"The performance is about to begin. We should take our seats." Sonya said.

Kongpob pulled a chair out for Nina, and Arthit pulled a chair out for Sonya. Leaving the two chairs in between so that both men sat next to each other with their dates on the other side of them. Nina smiled at how sneaky and cute they were being. Sonya did not fail to notice their actions too.

Kongpob and Arthit tried to be discreet, but the fact that their thighs were touching meant that they were sitting extremely close. So close that the patrons on the other side of the table offered to scoot over so that they can spread out more. They looked at each other, and Arthit nodded to the other before he reluctantly moved two inches further. Nina rolled her eyes at how lovesick and childish they were being.

After dinner was concluded, and dessert was being served. Everyone was given a clear wand that lights up with a number on the bottom, and was scanned to match each guest's badge. Soon, the auction began. Each item was presented by a beautiful student of the Thai Red Cross Nursing College dressed in a traditional Thai gown. Bidders that were interested in an item simply had to raise their bidding wand in the air.

Kongpob asked Arthit if he was interested in any of the items on the list. He can bid for it if Arthit wanted it. Arthit boldly winked at him causing Kongpob to suddenly have a laughing fit. They continued to watch the auction go on. The winning bidders went up the stage, and took a picture with their prize after each item ended. By the time the bidding of the third item ended, Kongpob had to excuse himself from their table to get ready. But before he left, he whispered to Arthit, "remember, I'm yours. Laters."

Arthit tried not to react. He was thankful that the lighting was dim enough that his blush would go undetected.

Nina scooted over to sit next to Arthit.

"Arthit, are you ready to see Kongpob go up there?" Nina excitedly asked.

"I've seen him on the runway before. He's really good."

"I'm glad you two talked, and you seem okay." Nina said as she started to eat Kongpob's untouched chocolate mousse cake.

"Well, it's something he had agreed to beforehand, so it can't be helped. Although, I still think he should have told me. But I think I can understand why he didn't. Like he said, it wouldn't have made a difference, and I would have just been upset the whole week."

Sonya didn't say anything, but she was happy to know that Arthit was understanding of her son's actions even though she may not agree with them. She found it amusing that her son was being stupidly protective of Arthit's feelings, while Arthit is being ridiculously understanding. They just might work. However, she thinks she will need to help Arthit toughen up. It's brutal out there.

"Arthit, so tell me, what do you like about my son?" Sonya asked casually as she brushed imaginary dust off her gown.

"I... I uh like everything about him." Arthit answered not knowing what is the correct response.

"That's not possible. Like everyone, we are all flawed. Please don't patronize me."

"But I haven't discovered anything I don't like about him yet. He is smart, handsome, confident, kind, fair, outgoing, athletic, open-minded, generous, witty, and romantic." Arthit answered as honest as possible. Actually, if he wasn't talking to Kongpob's mother, he probably would have named a lot more of what he liked about Kongpob.

Sonya is always happy to hear someone praise her son, but she also knows he is no saint, and she wanted to push Arthit a little further.

"So you don't find him arrogant, cocky, conceited, extravagant, and showy?"

"Ugh, no. Did you just list exactly the opposite of what I said?" Arthit asked.

Ignoring Arthit's question, Sonya continued talking.

"My Kongpob is a good man, but he has been broken. For many years I have tried to convince him to find love, and settle down. He told me two years ago that he doesn't see himself ever getting married. And he had asked me to respect him, and stop sending him on dates. Do you know how sad that made me? Do you know what every mother's fear is?

Every mother's fear is that one day when she dies, her child will be left alone in this world with no one to love and care for him or her. So, if my Kongpob says he has a boyfriend, I'm fine with that as long as he is happy. But what I won't allow is someone to hurt him. Kongpob may seem easygoing, but he is anything but easy. He doesn't take relationships lightly, so if you're not serious about my son, then I advise you to walk away before anyone gets hurt."

Nina was shocked at what Sonya just said out in the open. She looked around, and she was glad no one was paying attention to their conversation. Like mother, like son, Sonya doesn't beat around the bush. There's a lot of things Nina disagrees with Sonya, but what Sonya just said was true as gold. Kongpob has been broken, and Arthit can either fix him or break him more. And she would be damned if someone hurt her only nephew.

Nina is happy that Kongpob has finally opened his heart to someone. She doesn't want Kongpob to end up like her. And she is praying to all the mighty gods out there that Arthit is serious because she knows Kongpob is. She can tell by the way Kongpob looks and smiles at Arthit.

Nina looks to Arthit for his response to Sonya.

Arthit tried to absorb all this. Broken? How? Kongpob seems perfectly fine to him. He sums it up as a mama bear thing, but he answers Sonya truthfully, "I love him."

"Thank you." Sonya reached her hand to Arthit's hand, and gave it a little squeeze, and sat back.

Nina smiled, and raised her glass to Arthit. Arthit softly smiled, and returned the gesture.

Emcee:

Ladies and gentlemen, next up, we have Thailand's number one eligible bachelor, Kongpob Suthilak. Winning bidder will enjoy a romantic evening at the most romantic restaurant Attitude with our handsome young billionaire. Please welcome Kongpob Suthilak.

Kongpob walks out on the stage with a woman hanging onto each side of his arms. Once, he reached the front of the stage, he released the two women, and took another two steps forward. He gave the audience his million watt smile, and then a wink.

Thank you Mr. Suthilak for participating this evening.

Everyone, this is your chance to get to know the number one bachelor. Don't let this opportunity slip away. Who knows what one romantic evening can lead to?

Let us begin, starting bid is 30,000 Bahts, increase by 15,000 Bahts every subsequent bid.

Do we have the starting bid? Yes, 30.

Do we another? Yes, 45.

This went on for a while. People were bidding all across the room. Arthit nervously watched all those who were bidding for his boyfriend. What the heck? 60,000 Bahts for a few hours with my man? Arthit stretched his neck to see who the bidders were.

"Don't worry, last year's winner wasn't that pretty. She was actually quite mature too." Nina said without taking her eyes off the bidding.

The lighting in the room made it hard to see clearly all the bidder's faces. Arthit thinks he saw a couple of men bid for his boyfriend too. He held his own wand tightly, and there's this urge to raise it too. He'll probably have to rob a bank, or maybe Kongpob won't mind lending him some money. He just wants to pull Kongpob off that stage, and lock him away. But then he remembered what Kongpob had told him, 'don't react'.

Emcee: We have 100,000 Bahts going once, going twice...

150,000! Someone shouted from the other end of the ballroom.

We have 150,000 Bahts going once, going twice, and sold! Please bidder number 454 come up the stage.

Everyone was shocked to hear the sudden high bid coming from the other side of the ballroom. Arthit and Nina almost stood up just to see who was it. And when the woman finally passed by, Nina froze. Arthit looked curiously between Nina's reaction, and the passing woman.

Kongpob curiously looked out across the room. The spotlight that was shining down on him made it near impossible to see beyond the front two tables. 150,000 Bahts is definitely a new record for him. Since this year will be his last, then it's good that it's ending on a high note.

The bidder was a woman in a short black cocktail dress with long black curled hair. As she came closer to the stage, Kongpob had a strange feeling, but he didn't know what it was. Then the woman stood in front of him, and he froze when their eyes met.

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AN: Omg. I don't know how this story got this long. Are you guys still enjoying it, or is it getting boring?  😏

What did you guys think of Arthit's reaction to Kongpob? Let me know. 😉