North: How much is your love?

Chapter 17: Dear no one.

[>> North <<]

After sitting in the car with Prang for about fifteen minutes, the atmosphere became extremely awkward, and I couldn't understand why the traffic was so bad today. Normally, it only takes us a few minutes to leave the school, and the journey home is short. I don't know if they're repairing the road today, but just now I saw Arthit riding his big motorbike in the rain, overtaking us. He was going so fast that I was worried he might fall as he weaved through traffic, turning left and then right, as if he were in a great hurry. I was scared when I was in Johan's car, but I think Arthit's driving was even scarier.

 

During the fifteen-minute car ride, Prang and I talked nonstop until I asked about Johan's work. Actually, I had never known the details of his job. After a lengthy conversation with Prang, I realised that Johan's father's company was affiliated with the largest electronics corporation in the country, with numerous branches both domestically and internationally. They were now expanding their business, exporting to many countries, and most importantly, it was a company I was very familiar with.

 

“I didn’t think it would be Johan’s company,” I said, sighing, trying to contain my excitement at learning it was a company partnering with the university, especially in my field. I remembered my professor mentioning this during the orientation; he said something along the lines of…

This company provides scholarships not only to engineering departments but also to other departments related to the electronics market. They collaborate to select outstanding and capable students who can later work for the company.’

 

By their fourth year, this company became a highly sought-after internship destination for many students. When I graduate, I also want to work for this company.

 

"North is also studying electrical engineering, right? Would you like to do an internship there?" Prang asked.

 

"Yes, I'd love to. Everyone wants to intern at this company. Honestly, I'd even like to work there," I said sincerely.

 

The lecturers often talked about this company, so it's no wonder I was drawn to it. When I asked senior students or did some research, everyone said the same thing: Working there is truly great. From salary and work quality to standards and everything else, it's all the best.

 

"Of course, but you have to submit an application. The standards are very high, you know?"

 

"I know," I nodded. Because the company's standards are very high, the recruitment requirements are equally strict. "What major did Ms Prang graduate with?"

 

"You also graduated in engineering. Didn't you ever tell me?"

 

"Not yet."

 

"Really? So you're my senior then. What year are you in?"

 

"I'm from class 47, Prang."

 

“Oh, I was in class 34. Now I feel old,” Prang said with a forced smile, not looking at me. 

 

“It’s true that I graduated in engineering. Initially, I only worked on construction sites, but after the opportunity arose, I was transferred to a secretary role. I don’t know why. Haha.”

 

"So, Johan is the one managing the company?" I asked.

 

"Oh, about that… How should I put it? He's in the process of proving himself. The chairman is watching very closely, so the work is very stressful. He's trying to demonstrate his potential to take over the company. This is the most difficult phase. The chairman is training him to be persistent and hardworking. Going to Boston is also part of that."

 

"Boston? What is he doing there?"

 

"Meeting a big client. If successful, he'll expand our market even further. Customers will use our company's equipment. Wow, I can't even imagine how rich they'll become. Their current wealth alone would be enough to travel to Mars."

 

"Wow, it's hard to say what kind of work and how much money they earn," I said, lost in thought. For an average person like me, tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars is already a lot. But if it's a large company of that calibre, working with international clients...

 

"To become a company representative working with international clients, Johan's abilities must be exceptional. I can't even imagine," I said.

 

"Well then, do your best, North. Who knows, maybe one day we can work together," Prang encouraged.

 

"I hope so too," I replied with a smile, though I still felt a little apprehensive, "But it will certainly be very difficult."

 

"Don't put yourself down too much. If you work hard and focus on your goal, you can absolutely do it."

 

I nodded slightly, though still harbouring some doubts. I knew that to reach that level, I would have to put in my utmost effort. A company like that would surely only hire the best, and I had to prove that I deserved to be chosen.

 

After that, they continued their journey in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. I thought about the future and how to achieve my dreams, while Prang was probably thinking about work and how to continue supporting Johan in his journey to prove himself to his father.

 

Ms Prang said that it's not easy for a young person to become a leader. How many people out there don't understand this? The real world is full of fierce competition, and that's why Johan has to work much harder than others.

Johan's father also seemed quite impatient. If he had waited until Johan graduated, perhaps the situation wouldn't have been this stressful. Upon realising his son's talent and achievements, he decided it was time to hand the company over to him. Prang said she wasn't sure if it was support or pressure. But she knew one thing: Johan never refused.

 

“It’s also a matter of honour. A father who is also the chairman of a company would certainly be very proud if his only son were studying medicine. Just becoming a doctor is a great source of pride. He could tell everyone, 

 

‘My son is only 19 years old, studying medicine, but he’s already running the company very well. In just a few years, I’ll hand the company over to him. He’s already capable of so much, from design and production to distribution.”

 

“…”

 

"That last sentence was the chairman's."

 

"Wow, Johan must be the son his parents are incredibly proud of," I said.

 

Listening to what Johan's father said, I understood how proud he was of his son. He studied medicine because of his mother and worked for his father.

 

“That’s right. As for the internship, you could try. You could try talking to Johan, but just trying to flatter him won’t do any good,” Prang said, clearly unhappy. “Usually, when we’re done with work and getting ready to go home, the boss is always friendly to us, right? But not here. He’ll say, ‘Prang, you’d better spend some more time handling those documents for me.’

 

"Really?" I unconsciously chuckled when I heard Prang's words, because I knew that's what Johan would say.

 

“That’s right, that’s what he said. He’s very good at delegating tasks, but it’s the opposite with me. If it weren’t for the very attractive bonus, I would have probably lost my temper a long time ago.” Ms Prang began to complain. The car gradually came to a stop near the gymnasium.

 

"Is Johan here?" I asked.

 

"Well, the problem is there's only one umbrella right now, and you don't have your own."

 

"It's alright. I'll just run inside quickly."

 

“No, no, what if you catch a cold? Please, North, Johan will definitely kill me if you get sick. I don’t want to have to find a new job right now,” Prang said, looking very worried. 

 

“Just use that umbrella.”

 

"It's alright, sister. Even if I get caught in the rain, I won't get sick," I replied.

 

"Really?" Prang asked, her face showing scepticism.

 

"Honestly, I don't get sick easily, sister. I once stood in the sun for an hour and was fine."

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"Absolutely."

 

"Okay, then be careful when you run. It would be terrible if you fell. Really terrible. Do you want me to go with you, or are you going by yourself?"

 

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” I said, opening the car door. The rain was falling heavily, covering the front of the car in a white sheet. “I’m leaving now. Thank you for coming, and thank you for helping me with my tuition,” I said. Prang immediately nodded as if she understood, and then I hurried out of the car.

 

I was completely soaked as I ran from the parking lot to the sports building. When I got out of the car, I realised the wind outside was so cold it made me feel even colder. Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing a jacket today, so the cold felt even more pronounced.

 

I raised my hand, gently rubbed my hair, and shook off the water. I'd never worried about getting wet or catching a cold because I'd been caught in the rain frequently since I was little and never once. I didn't understand why people caught colds. Wasn't showering also getting you wet? Once, I was driving home from the dorm in the rain, and a friend got wet too. She was wearing a raincoat and still caught a cold, while I, soaked like a dog, was perfectly fine.

 

I walked into the gymnasium, which was very crowded. Many people were working out on the field, and quite a few were sitting in the stands. I looked around and spotted Hill in the far corner, near the medical department sign. As he was talking to a group of people, I immediately approached him.

 

"P’Hill," I called, a smile on my face. He turned and looked at me.

 

“Oh, North, are you here to see Johan?” he asked, and I nodded in response. P’Hill pointed toward someone sitting with their back to the first-floor stands, seemingly asleep. Not far away were P’Arthit and P’Tonfah. I smiled at P’Hill again before deciding to walk to them. P’Tonfah and P’Arthit immediately turned to look at me.

 

“North, did you get caught in the rain? You’re soaking wet,” Tonfah said. I just gave a wry smile and sat down next to Johan, who was fast asleep.

 

"Johan looks very tired. He probably didn't sleep well last night, but you can wake him up," Tonfah said.

 

"It's alright," I replied gently. It was nice to see that he was getting some rest.

 

"How are you going to wake him up? I've tried shaking him, but he won't wake up," Arthit said, his hair soaking wet.

 

This proves I wasn't mistaken. The driver I saw earlier was indeed Arthit. The outdoor football match was probably cancelled because of the heavy rain.

 

"Why do you want to wake him up? Do you need to talk to him?" I asked.

 

"He wants the money back. He hasn't transferred the 10,000 baht to him yet," Tonfah replied.

 

"Are you asking for money? Does Johan owe you money?"

 

"YES."

 

"Johan? Why is he in debt?"

 

"Because of that one photo."

 

"What picture?"

 

"I can't say, it's a secret."

 

"Oh, that's a private matter between you guys."

 

"Hey." P’Hill's voice rang out. P’Arthit immediately turned to look.

 

"What's wrong?"

 

"Wake Johan up, he has to go to practice."

 

"Huh? It wouldn't wake up even if it were struck by lightning!" Arthit shouted back, "Let me try again... Is its pulse still beating?"

 

"Alright, whatever you do, just wake him up." 

P’Hill said, then turned and walked away.

 

"Fah, check his pulse."

 

"Don't talk nonsense, he's just sleeping, he's not dead."

 

"Maybe. But I tried to wake him up earlier, and he looked like he was dead," Arthit said with a sad expression. I smiled, trying to suppress a laugh at the sight.

 

"It's you who's annoyed," Tonfah said, laughing. "Let North do it. Can you wake him up?"

 

"Me?"

 

"Yeah, let's give it a try."

 

"Yes." I nodded and gently shook Johan's arm. Then I called his name three or four times before he opened his eyes, looking displeased. He's like this every time he wakes up 😭

 

"What's going on?" Johan asked, frowning. Then he leaned back and sat up, adjusting his position for comfort. "Is it raining?"

 

"Yes, it's raining."

 

"Are you running in the rain?" Johan asked in a displeased tone, which surprised me a little. Then he turned around, grabbed a towel, and threw it over my head.

 

“…”

 

"You'll die if you catch a cold," Johan said, his usual displeased expression on his face. I numbly took the towel he offered and used it to dry my hair from side to side before he handed me his jacket.

 

"Wear this."

 

"Thank you," I said, nodding. Actually, this was the first time someone had offered me a jacket in such cold weather. Thank you for being so kind to me.

 

"Didn't Prang pick you up to come here?" Johan asked, deliberately ignoring Arthit, who seemed about to say something.

 

“Prang only dropped me off at the entrance of the stadium. She wanted to take me all the way here, but I told her it was okay, I could run through the rain,” I explained. “I won’t catch a cold even if I get wet.”

 

"Real?"

 

"Yes, no matter how heavy the rain is, I'll be fine."

 

"Well, let's wait and see," Johan said, his face still showing displeasure.

 

"Johan, you still owe me money. When are you going to pay me back?" Arthit said.

 

"What debt?" Johan asked.

 

"15,000 baht for those photos."

 

"Now you're asking me to pay for those blurry photos you took?" Johan replied.

 

"But you told me to take the picture."

 

"Damn, this is so troublesome." Johan sighed, then took out his phone and typed something. Afterwards, he looked up and continued speaking to Arthit, "It's done."

 

"What do you mean, 'finished'? You still haven't transferred a single penny to me."

 

“I’m talking to Fah’s father. We’ll figure things out after this is over,” Johan said. “Hill, hurry up… let’s go.”

 

"Yeah, Hill told you to practice earlier," Tonfah said.

 

"I don't want to train."

 

"EH…"

 

"I'm lazy."

 

“Johan,” P’Hill called again. Johan sighed.

 

"Damn it, I don't want to play right now. Thit, take my place," Johan said.

 

"You want me to replace you? But if you don't practice, how will you compete?" Arthit asked.

 

"It's okay, you can practice first in my place," Johan replied.

 

"Okay, where's your shirt?" Arthit asked.

 

"It's in the bag," Johan replied.

 

"Okay." Arthit stood up, went to get Johan's bag, and changed into a basketball t-shirt. All eyes on the court turned towards him. 

 

Whispers began to spread. Most of the girls in the room turned to look. Arthit truly had the physique everyone expected. He possessed the build of an athlete, coupled with his tanned skin. Johan also has a great physique. He has the toned muscles of someone who works out regularly, even though I've never seen him shirtless.

 

I think the girls who come here to watch basketball are actually here to admire the players. They might be here because of Hill and Johan. But today, Arthit will be practising instead. Even though Johan isn't practising, he's still the centre of attention.

 

"Can I join the training?" Fah asked.

 

"Hey, why not? Let's ask if anyone wants to take a break so you can fill in for them."

 

"The basketball club has a lot of people."

 

"And what about your club? And when did you arrive?" Johan turned to Tonfah and asked.

 

“I arrived a little before the rain started, when you were asleep. My club didn’t have any activities today, so I came to find you guys. I had nothing else to do anyway,” Tonfah said. 

 

“Have you had much time to talk to my dad yet?”

 

“Well, not much was said. But it seems like two weeks is quite a long time, so he’s worried there might be problems,” Johan explained. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but there seemed to be a difference between the conversation with Tonfah and Arthit. Tonfah seemed very friendly.

 

"There's already a problem. Thit said earlier that he'll also be going to America after the semester exams."

 

"Going to America?"

 

"Yeah, just going on a short trip for a few days and then coming back," Tonfah said before letting out a soft sigh.

 

"Where is it?"

 

"Miami."

 

"Hmm," Johan replied, his face showing no surprise. When you think of Miami, the first thing that comes to mind is street racing, something that's frequently depicted in movies.

 

“Come here…” Johan said, pulling me closer. He lifted me and placed me on his lap. Just like always, but…We're in the gym...And there were a lot of people around…

 

But his expression showed no sign of concern. Tonfah frowned, watching Johan's actions as if he couldn't believe his eyes. Now I'm being hugged from behind again.

 

Usually, even when it's just the two of us, I already feel very embarrassed, but with so many eyes watching, I felt even more ashamed. I tried to break free, but as always, I couldn't. Johan held me tighter and looked annoyed at my struggles. Oh my God, there are so many people watching!

 

"Johan, everyone's looking," Tonfah said.

 

"Whatever," Johan replied calmly.

 

It wasn't just because I was sitting on his lap; my position was more than that. I was sitting between his legs, and he held me tightly against his chest, his chin resting on my shoulder—he always did that whenever I complained. This reminded me of last time.

Arthit, who was in the yard, turned to look at us with a confused expression and nudged Hill, who was also looking in our direction.

 

"Hill, look. Now there's someone to hug," Tonfah said with a slightly sad expression. 

 

"Single people don't like scenes like this."

 

I was really surprised when the person behind me suddenly leaned down and pressed their face against mine. The tip of their nose and lips touched my cheek so closely that I felt like I was sinking into it. They took a soft breath, as if trying to savour the scent. They held that position for a while before finally letting go.

 

"Johan, what are you doing?" I tried to speak in a low voice, too embarrassed by everyone's stares. I didn't dare turn around to look at anyone; I could only keep my head down. How could I really do this in front of so many people? Oh my God, so many people are staring. Why don't you care about what everyone's thinking?

 

"Don't struggle."

 

"Older brother!!"

 

"What's wrong?"

 

Oh my God!!

 

"Sometimes those two are just too much," Tonfah said, shaking his head slightly. "I'll probably die of embarrassment someday."

 

"Brother Tonfah!"

 

"I was just joking."

 

At that moment, I couldn't stand up or go anywhere. I felt so nervous under the watchful eyes in the practice room… I didn't know if I was being secretly photographed like last time, but the person holding me didn't seem to care. I grabbed my backpack and pulled out a bottle of water because my throat was dry. After taking a sip, I handed the bottle to the person behind me.

 

"Would you like some water, sir?"

 

"Yes." I was the one who brought Johan water whenever he needed it.

 

"You're really cute," Tonfah said with a displeased expression, "It looks like the lion's claws have been removed ."

 

The lion had its claws removed...? I feel so embarrassed.

 

"Are you bringing him to Boston with you?" Tonfah asked. I raised my eyebrows, a little worried about his words.

 

"No," Johan replied, "Or would you like to come along?"

 

"Me?" I asked, surprised, "I still have classes."

 

"Yeah, you might not finish your homework in time," Johan replied calmly. I really couldn't go with him. I'm not as good at studying as he is. If I had to cram half a month's worth of knowledge into my head all at once, I'd rather die.

 

"Are you leaving after the midterm exams?" I asked.

 

"YES."

 

"So you have to study and work at the same time."

 

"Hmm."

 

"Wow," I said, almost in disbelief. I mean, this is too much. Aren't doctors practically dead after their exams?

 

"I asked a friend, and he said it's very cold in Boston these days, below zero degrees Celsius and snowing. Be sure to bring lots of sweaters."

 

"YES."

 

"Johan."

 

"Hmm."

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you had work yesterday. I shouldn't have asked you to go to the movies. You had to go back to work and might not have gotten any sleep because I insisted on going to the movies."

 

"It's okay. Wherever you go, I'll take you."