Billionaire Biker Boy
Chapter 50 - Being Nosy Isn't Easy.
"P'Winnnnnn."
"Yes?"
"Do you want a coffee with milk?"
The tall man laughed knowingly. After lunch, Samut had dragged everyone to a nearby café, and Wonchana had offered to treat them all. Sinee and Chonlatee gave their drink orders and went to find seats with a view of Songkhla Lake. Samut stood studying the menu for a while before asking the question above. Wonchana, still wary of the strong southern coffee, replied in a gentle tone, "Sure, I'll have a hot latte."
The hot lattes here were always beautifully and elaborately decorated with latte art, after all. The little one probably wanted to take photos and videos of it. With that answer, Samut flashed a sweet smile as a reward. Ever since he'd heard the words love at first sight that morning, he'd felt like being a little more affectionate with this person.
"I'll have a hot cocoa, not too sweet."
The tall young man turned to order a hot latte with no sugar, a mildly sweet hot cocoa, Sinee’s passion fruit juice with less sugar, and Chonlatee's unsweetened dirty coffee.
"Can you please do latte art on the hot cocoa, too?" The TikToker asked the sharp-featured barista. Wonchana immediately realised that the cocoa lover was more interested in content than the drink itself.
"I can, but it mightn't look as nice as on coffee," the southern barista replied with a smile.
"That's fine, just make it as grand as you can! I'm going to post it on TikTok."
The barista teased, "Don't put too much pressure on me."
"O, which cake do you want?" Wonchana interjected, feeling a twinge in his heart as Samut smiled at the barista. But the little one didn't notice, turning to study the cake display intently. "I'll have matcha banoffee. And just one slice of chocolate cake for Mom and my brother to share."
Since his mother and brother weren't big on sweets, the two of them returned to join the others at the table. When the drinks and cakes arrived, the content creator looked around for the perfect angle.
"P'Win, let's take photos at the long table so we can get the lake view in the shot."
Of course, Wonchana wouldn't refuse. Samut handed him the camera and the cake plate, while he himself carefully carried the swan-latte-art cup, walking like a Japanese lady in a kimono. The tall man, having set everything down, came back to hand over the tulip-art hot cocoa.
By the time they finished taking photos and returned, Chonlatee teased, "Win will eventually end up with an iced latte instead at this rate."
Samut immediately touched the white ceramic cup and argued back, "Don't exaggerate. It's still warm."
"It's fine," said the one drinking hot coffee that wasn't really hot, turning to offer more sweets.
"_As long as O is happy, hot or not, I'll drink it."
Chonlatee rolled his eyes, while Sinee smiled quietly.
..With this much flirting, how are they still just 'soon-to-be' a couple? But considering that Samut had gone to Bangkok to chase after another guy, it was understandable.
The older woman glanced at her youngest son, who was leaning over to taste the latte, with the tall young man feeding him attentively. Her happiness that Samut had found someone like this only grew.
"It's delicious, too," said the one who tasted the latte, his small tongue darting out to lick the milk foam from his lips. Watching this, Wonchana wanted to lean in for a kiss, but with Sinee and Chonlatee sitting right there, he could only look down at his cup and take a sip to cover his embarrassment.
"They have different beans to choose from: strong, smooth, or fruity. I picked the smooth one, probably one hundred per cent Arabica. This morning's was likely Robusta, " Wonchana explained to the coffee newbie.
Chonlatee, who liked his coffee strong, interjected, "That's the good stuff from the South. It wakes you up. These fancy coffees are too mild."
"As for me, I like instant coffee. Smells the best and it's cheap," Sinee added.
The one who didn't drink coffee wrinkled his nose. "But if I drink coffee, I can't sleep. Cocoa is the best for me."
Suddenly, Chonlatee remembered something and turned to his younger brother.
"Hey, I heard you're allergic to alcohol. Why's that? I've taken you out drinking before, and you seemed fine."
Before the allergic one could answer, Wonchana quickly said, "I looked it up. There are immediate allergies and allergies to certain substances in fruit-based liquors.
Sometimes it's the ingredients used. I'll take him to get tested by a doctor just to be sure."
The little one pressed his palms together in a wai, "Please, let me be allergic just that one time. Umeshu is really delicious."
Everyone laughed at the puppy-eyed plea. After that, Samut fed Wonchana a bite of cake, then took one himself, and both pulled out their phones. The small hand scrolled through Facebook for a while before stopping at a post from Mathukorn, who had tagged Sirichok.
A photo of two left hands stacked together, each wearing a matching ring, with the caption: 'A token of my heart'
Samut whispered to Wonchana and showed him the screen. The tall man fell silent as the little one whispered, "What should we do, P'Win? He's about to marry one person, but gave a ring to someone else first... Ugh, why is he like this? I want to tell P'Honey...but he's probably happy right now." Wonchana sighed.
...Guess we can't just stay out of this anymore.
"But in the end, it's just a fake happiness. He'll have to find out the truth someday. Better to let him be hurt now and move on, rather than get in deeper."
Seeing Samut's sorrowful eyes, Wonchana made up his mind and held out his hand.
"Come on, I'll type for you. We need to stir things up a bit more."
Samut handed over his phone and rested his chin on the strong arm. Wonchana took a screenshot of Mathukorn's Facebook post, then opened LINE to message Jenjira, who replied quickly.
P’Jen, can I ask you something? : Ocean
Jenny: What is it?
You said you're marrying Oat.: Ocean
When is the wedding?: Ocean
Jenny: My dad is checking for an auspicious date.
Jenny: We're planning for next year.
Hmm...: Ocean
Jenny: Is there something wrong?
Are you and Oat getting married because you love each other? Ocean
Or is there another reason? : Ocean
"P'Win! You're really asking her that directly?" Samut whispered. Luckily, Sinee and Chonlatee were both absorbed in their own phones and didn't notice the two schemers.
"We have to be direct. We're not close to her, so beating around the bush would be harder," the strategist replied.
Jenny: What do you mean by that?
Jenny: Oat and I are a couple. We love each other.
Well, I'm kind of in the middle here.: Ocean
I don't really know what to do in this situation. : Ocean
[Screenshot of Facebook post]: Ocean
This time, the woman fell quiet for a long while, prompting Samut to nudge Wonchana's arm anxiously. "Ugh… why is this so nerve-wracking?"
I'm friends with P' Honey. : Ocean
He's a really nice person. : Ocean
If you're still going to marry Oat: Ocean
I don't want P'Honey to be deceived. : Ocean
What are you going to do, P'Jen?: Ocean
Jenny: I want to talk to the man named Honey first.
Jenny: I've messaged him, but he hasn't read it yet.
"Should we let them talk it out themselves?" Wonchana asked.
"Will she lash out at P'Honey?" Samut worried.
Wonchana paused. "I don't think so. She said she wants to talk."
"Then I'll talk to P'Honey first."
The strategist typed back that they'd talk to Mathukorn first, then handed the phone back. Samut switched chats to Mathukorn and started typing.
P'Honey, are you free? : Ocean
Honey: I'm free. What's up, o?
Someone messaged me. : Ocean
Honey: And?
Mathukorn typed back after Samut went quiet for a while. The little one realised how hard it was to be indirect, so Wonchana took the phone to type for him again.
I didn't reply immediately because it's hard to say.: Ocean
But I want you to know I mean well.: Ocean
Honey: Go ahead and say it.
Honey: Is it about Oat?
Yeah.: Ocean
A woman messaged me.: Ocean
She saw Oat tagged in a photo I posted.: Ocean
She said she's his girlfriend. : Ocean
They're getting married. : Ocean
She said she messaged you, but you haven't read it.: Ocean
Mathukorn was silent for a long time, making the two busybodies anxious as the chat stayed on the right. Finally, Mathukorn replied.
Honey: Can you give me her contact?
[Jenny's contact]: Ocean
Honey: Thank you, O.
I'm here for you, P'Honey. : Ocean
If you need anything, just let me know.: Ocean
Honey: Okay, thank you so much.
Samut let out a long sigh. "Being nosy isn't easy, is it?"
Wonchana smiled to himself... Is our duty done now?
"Let's wait and see what those two decide to do next. I think our job as good friends ends here, unless they ask for more help. Come on, let's get back to eating dessert."
When he saw the little one pop the last bite of dessert into his mouth, the host asked, "O, do you want anything else?"
Samut squinted thoughtfully before deciding, "No, I think I'm good. There are still plenty of interesting places to try in the city. I'll take you to the area near the university later, P'Win."
Hearing this, Chonlatee quickly chimed in to his younger brother and their guest, "Uh... I'm busy tomorrow, so you two can go explore on your own. Win, you'll have to drive yourself because all the drivers are off."
When Wonchana agreed, Samut asked, "Where is Uncle Som going?"
"His son's taking him to Bangkok. But honestly, I'm thinking of not letting him drive anymore," Chonlatee replied.
Sinee, speaking as someone of a similar age, added, "That's how it is with older folks. When they actually retire, they don't want to just sit around at home."
"We'll probably have to find him something else to do. If there's an accident, it wouldn't be worth it-for him or anyone else," the logistics company owner said.
Since no one ordered anything else, they all got into the car to continue exploring the city. Meanwhile, neither Wonchana nor Samut had any idea what kind of conversations were unfolding back in Bangkok.
In the final hour of work before the long holiday, Sirichok glanced at his vibrating phone and picked it up.
"What's up, Honey?"
"Are you free today, Oat?'
"I have to rush home today. Some relatives are coming over."
“I want to see you, Oat.'
"We're meeting on Saturday, aren't we? I'll spend the whole day with you then."
'What about tomorrow?'
"Tomorrow I have to take my mom to the doctor."
'Can't one of your siblings take her instead?' Mathukorn's voice turned sulky.
"No one else is free. Don't pout, Honey. On Saturday, whatever you want, I'll do it. Sounds good?"
'Alright, fine.'
"Love you, Honey."
'Mhm, focus on your work.'
After Mathukorn hung up, Sirichok sighed in relief. But not even ten minutes later, another call came in.
...Jenjira.
'So, you're going out with friends today, right?' Jenjira asked as soon as he picked up.
"Yeah, that's right. I'll see you tomorrow."
“I can't tomorrow. Air called and invited me to a friend's concert, and I have to go shopping with her first. Can we meet on Saturday instead?'
"Saturday? Let me check first. I'm feeling a bit tired and want to rest."
"I can come over to your place.'
"Uh, let me get back to you. I need to finish up some work."
‘Alright. Miss you.'
Sirichok sighed again. What kind of day is this? Why is everything so chaotic? He didn't really want to postpone his plans with Mathukorn, but he figured he'd brush off Jenjira later. After all, she was the one changing plans.
..And then his LINE notification pinged.
Yaya: Done yet? Meet at the usual spot.
Okay. : Oat
Yaya: Finally, a long break. So tired.
Yeah, same.: Oat
Let me tidy up my desk first. : Oat
Be there in five.: Oat
Yaya: Cool, see you.
Sirichok put his phone away and rubbed his temples. Juggling three people was exhausting. He wanted to cut Nittaya off, but he still needed her for certain things.
..Just a little longer. But should he schedule Mathukorn for tomorrow? He'd just turned him down. Or should he give Nittaya priority since they'd only spent a short time together today? I'll figure it out later.
The following day, the Bangkok native continued their trip in Hat Yai. This time, it was just Wonchana and Samut, as Chonlatee had plans with friends at noon, and Sinee opted out, saying, "I'm too old for all this running around. You two go ahead? In truth, aside from that reason, the older woman was also a bit shy around her son's soon-to-be boyfriend.
Last night at the night market, she'd fallen in love with a lace blouse. While she was haggling, her youngest son handed her a 1000-baht bill to buy it. She wouldn't have been so flustered if she hadn't caught Samut discreetly handing the change back to the tall young man. She couldn't very well confront them or return the money, so she let it slide.
Moreover, Wonchana blended seamlessly into her family. Despite his evident wealth, he was down-to-earth and didn't insist on going to the nearby air-conditioned mall.
And then there was the way he treated her youngest son so gently. The way he looked at Samut was unmistakably the gaze of someone deeply in love. But most importantly... Samut was visibly happy.
..With that, what more could a mother worry about?
"Alright then, if you want anything, just call me."
Samut hugged his mother, and Sinee slipped two 1000-baht bills into his hand. "Here, for snacks. And where are you two going?"
Samut kissed her cheek in thanks and replied, "Ton Nga Chang. I'm taking the city boy to see the waterfall."
His older brother, munching on macadamia nuts from Suvarnabhumi Airport, turned to Wonchana and said, "Careful. Don't let the puppy fall into the water."
The puppy pouted. "I can swim, you know."
"I didn't say you couldn't. But there've been reports of people slipping and dying. The current is strong."
Hearing this, Wonchana firmly assured, "Don't worry. I'll take good care of him."
When they arrived at Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, Wonchana held the little hand securely. The two men, dressed in practical jeans and matching sneakers, walked past the shops along the nature trail. The local guide, a small figure with a camera, chattered away.
"The waterfall here has seven levels. The first is called Ton Ba, the second is Ton Pliw, and the third is Ton Nga Chang. It's a twin waterfall that's said to resemble elephant tusks. I've been up there with my brother, but no matter how I look at it, I can't see the tusks. Maybe my imagination isn't good enough."
Wonchana laughed at the lack of imagination.
"What does 'Ton' mean?"
"It means waterfall... But I don't know if we'll make it to the tusks. It's steep, and you need a guide to go up. The topmost level is really hard to reach-the current is strong and super dangerous. But those who've made it say it's beautiful. During the peak of COVID, they even banned swimming."
Wonchana looked around, clearly impressed. The nature here was remarkably pristine. The staff's management was more organised than in other places he'd visited. The entrance fee for two people, including transportation, was less than a hundred baht. In exchange, they were greeted with cool air, fresh surroundings, and the sound of the waterfall as soon as they stepped out of the car. It was worth every baht.
When they reached the checkpoint for the second level, they saw a sign prohibiting food and drinks. Samut went to negotiate with a camo-clad staff member while Wonchana captured the scene with his camera.
"P'Win, wait a bit. The staff said there's a team coming to film a travel segment. We can go up with them," Samut said as he returned.
Wonchana nodded, happy to wait. He enjoyed trips like this, but more importantly, the little one seemed excited. His pale cheeks were turning red from the exertion, despite the cool weather.
When the filming crew arrived, the two men recognised them as the group on motorbikes they'd seen earlier at the park entrance. The team consisted of three men, one of whom looked foreign, and two adventurous-looking women.
When the staff informed the crew that two more people would be joining them, everyone nodded and smiled warmly. On the way up, Wonchana held onto the little hand carefully. The sharp-featured foreigner with dark hair
glanced at them wistfully.
...Why is it that every time I meet someone who catches my eye, they're always taken?