Personal Manager

4- Exchange key card

 

Kel woke up to the annoying sound of his cell phone alarm. Today, he wouldn't let himself get any sleep. I'm definitely going to get scolded for not being punctual. I'll quickly get up, shower, get dressed, and go pick up the car that I've parked at Mind's pub since last night.

 

Upon arriving at his destination, he discovered his beloved Porsche had been towed. He was very surprised, as he had parked in the designated parking spot like any other car.

 

"But why is only my car locked?" Kel expressed his displeasure, then quickly called the area's owner.

 

("yes")

 

"Mind, my car," the shorter person said, getting straight to the point because he was in a big hurry. He needed to stop for something to eat before heading to the studio to fulfil his duties as a personal manager. 

 

("Why?") The person on the other end asked.

 

"I got teased about it," the sweet face showed great frustration, especially as his eyes glanced at the cursed car wheel. ("And how did you get home last night?") Mind continued to ask.

 

"taxi"

 

("lie")

 

"..." Kel immediately fell silent when the other person said that. He probably knew how he had got back. ("Come to Mind first, I'll take care of it.")

 

"Mind, hurry," Kel began, speaking in a softer voice.

 

("Where are you rushing off to? Who are you going to see?")

 

"I'm going to work," he answered truthfully.

 

('What kind of work does Kel do? You've never told me.')

 

"I'll tell you later, but right now I need a car."

 

("Come here first. Go up to the second floor and take the room next to the stairs. Just open the door, no need to knock.") 

 

With those instructions, he hung up. The slender figure walked around to the front of the pub and pushed the door open immediately. He had been here many times before, so the staff knew him as Mind's close friend. He greeted the cleaning staff before heading upstairs to the room Mind had mentioned on the phone.

 

Crack!

 

"What did you call me for?" Kel snapped, glaring at the person lying on the bed. Mind wasn't wearing a shirt, and his lower body was covered by a blanket.

 

"What's your relationship with Gun? When did you meet him?" The tall man lifted his gaze calmly and asked.

 

"Just met."

 

"So, you really went home together last night, right?" Mind didn't see it with his own eyes; someone else told him. He went to check on Kel's car, which was parked behind the pub and found it still there. Annoyed, he decided to lock the wheels. There's no reason to hide the truth.

 

"Are you interested in him?" Mind asked back in a calm voice, a stark contrast to the burning anger in his heart. He'd been flirting with Kel for so long, but now it felt like it was about to be snatched away. The short person sighed before answering the question.

 

"We needed to go back together."

 

"Did you sleep with him?" It's true he said he wasn't rushing into a relationship, but if he's talking to multiple people at once like this, it's not okay either.

 

"Mind, I need the car back." He was too lazy to answer the question and needed to get to work. Time was running out, and he was determined to be on time.

 

"Are you going to find it?" His dark eyebrows raised, demanding an answer.

 

"Yes!" It's not a protest, it's the truth.

 

"What does Kel think I am? I know we're just talking right now, but can you please be a little more considerate?" 

 

He had almost given up on everything regarding Kel. Kel didn't want him to do drugs, and he tried to avoid them, even though his friends in the group tempted him almost every night. He was incredibly serious about winning over the person in front of him.

 

"We never withheld anything, never told Mind to wait here." Actually, I already told him once that Kel hadn't gotten over his ex yet, but instead, he said he would make him forget and insisted he would stay there until he softened his heart.

 

"Hmph, but Mind was the one who kept lurking, wasn't he?" The person on the bed laughed, feeling sorry for themselves.

 

"...."

"Why is it so quiet?"

 

"It's up to you. Mind can stop getting involved with Kel if he wants, but right now I need a car." There's nothing to lose anyway. If we stop talking and stop knowing each other, then it's okay. At least we had some good memories together.

 

"Can you not go? Can you not like him?" 

Because he loves him.

 

"And when did I say I liked him?" Kel never said he liked Gun. Only Mind assumed it himself.

 

"Kel ..."

"I want my car back."

 

"Okay, you can have it, but do something for me first." The thick hand pulled the blanket off his body, revealing his masculinity to the viewer. It was clear it was getting hard under his boxer shorts.

 

"What do you want me to do?"

 

Gun had just finished showering after returning from the gym. He initially planned to sleep in until noon, but then felt like taking a shower. Sweating profusely, the tall man stepped out of the bathroom before heading to get dressed because he had a photoshoot in the afternoon.

 

Ting dong!

A notification sound rang out, and the young model walked over to look at his smartphone, which he had placed on the bedside table. It was an unfamiliar LINE name.

 

Mild: Sent a photo.

 

What he meant by unfamiliar was that he'd never had Man's brother's LINE contact before. He only knew because of the profile picture and LINE name. Plus, Gun didn't know how Mind added him or if she'd asked for Man's contact information. He quickly clicked to view the profile. It was a picture of his personal manager standing at the foot of the bed, but the angle of the photo seemed to be taken from someone's crotch.

 

Mild: This one's mine. You're not allowed to mess with him. 

 

You're a model, and he's your personal manager; nothing more than that.

 

GUN: Yes.

 

A mocking smile spread across his handsome face. Man's older brother must have found out something to send such a possessive picture. He probably knew that he and Kel were connected through work, but he couldn't understand why he had to be so overtly possessive when last night they'd both said they weren't dating. He himself never interfered with other people's belongings, but this was different. Besides, the other party was the one making the first move. His manager was incredibly good at flirting, with those sweet eyes and that seductive lip-biting gesture. He was telling himself, if he ever lost his composure, it wouldn't be his fault.

 

At 1 PM, Gun arrived at the studio where the team had arranged to meet, and Kel was already waiting. He was wearing the same outfit as in the picture Man's brother had sent an hour earlier. His sharp eyes surveyed the body, from the face down to the pale neck and then to the slender arms. There were no bruises whatsoever, but he wasn't sure if there were any beneath the clothes.

 

The two didn't even get a chance to greet each other because the crew called the model over first. The work went smoothly and quickly, thanks to the appreciation for a professional like Gunapong, whose work was flawless, making everyone on set feel comfortable. Once the work was done, he walked over to his petite manager and gazed at his sweet face once more.

 

"What are you looking at?" Kel looked up and asked.

 

"Why are you here so early today?" If he had really been doing that kind of thing, shouldn't he be tired and late? They thought the manager was here today. Gun, though, would be late again or need to request a day off.

 

"If you come early, they're suspicious; if you come late, they complain."

 

"Are you tired, brother?"

 

"I'm so tired. I haven't even eaten yet," Kel replied immediately. Getting his car back had taken so long that he hadn't even had time to eat as he'd originally planned.

 

"But you'll eat something else instead, huh?" the young model smiled.

 

"What else would I eat? I've only had water since morning," he retorted stubbornly, his face beginning to sour.

 

"Really?" The water you're talking about must be...

 

"What's wrong, Gun? I'm in such a hurry, I'm afraid I'll get scolded again. And have you eaten yet?"

 

"not yet"

 

"So, shall we go have something to eat?" At least I won't have to eat alone.

 

"Where to eat?"

 

"It's up to you, Gun. I'm fine with anything."

 

"Then my room," the tall man replied instantly, wanting to lure the other into his room because he wanted to see the true nature of this flirtatious person. Mind had told him not to get involved, but he couldn't really do that. At the very least, he had to get involved as the model's personal manager. And the instruction not to go beyond that was probably more appropriate for telling his own people to stay away.

 

"Are you going to cook for yourself?"

 

"No, I'm not buying anything to eat." I just want you to come to my room.

 

"Then let's eat at the restaurant."

 

"You seem scared to come up to my room, and it looks like you don't want me to come to your room either. Is there a problem?" The young model smirked. When pressed further, the person who's usually outgoing, a night owl, and an expert in the bedroom, wouldn't be so afraid of something like this.

 

"Who's scared?" Kel retorted, lifting his chin. Him scared?

 

"The previous manager even had a key card to my room, as a spare in case she couldn't contact me."

 

"Then give it to me," he requested immediately.

 

"Let's trade. That way, if you disappear, I can find you in the right place," Gun wanted to exchange key cards.

 

"It's obvious you want to come up to my room," a faint smile played on his lips.

 

"It's obvious you're afraid of me," the young model argued.

 

"Why would I be afraid, kid?" Kel shook his head gently.

 

"I'm not a kid anymore," Gunapong said firmly this time. "At this age, and you're still calling me a kid?"

 

"I'm just younger, that's all. You're much smaller than me. My two hands could almost wrap around your waist, but unfortunately, we didn't get to try last night." Because last night he only used one hand to squeeze and caress his slender waist.

 

"So you're determined to win?"

 

"Will you agree?"

 

"Okay, fine. Then go have lunch with me." Kel brought the conversation back to lunch before things went too far. There are so many other people around; if they heard this, they'd definitely spread the word.

 

"Okay, you can go, but let's exchange key cards first," the tall man said.

 

"You're determined to get it?" The shorter person asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

"Yes, I'll get it." Although the young model's words sounded strange, the other person didn't object.

 

"Unfortunately, I didn't bring a spare key card." He had to escape the clutches of the cunning Gunapong.

 

"Then take mine first. You can give me yours later."

 

"Okay," was all he said, accepting it with a smile. He didn't know why he wanted him to intrude on his personal space so much; if it was an invitation, he wouldn't refuse.

In the evening, Kel had a drinking date with two close friends. They only had Friday and Saturday nights to meet up. It was tough being someone who had to wake up at eight for work. In the group chat, Ne and Sai were complaining nonstop about their stress-inducing coworkers. Kel read and laughed at her friends' frustration, but could only offer encouragement through text messages.

 

Loud music blasted through the upscale club where Kel had DJed many times before; it was a familiar place for their group. Because he already knew the owner, the short man pushed through the crowd until he reached his usual table.

 

"You're here?" A beautiful young woman greeted them, turning to face them as she swayed to the music.

 

"I missed you, Atrai," Kel walked over and hugged his friend.

 

"I miss you too. I wish I were rich like you so I wouldn't have to be a crazy, stressed-out office worker." 

 

Here we go... Sand is starting to complain. More work-related news has surfaced.

 

"How could you only think about Sai?" the young man sitting next to the young woman remarked.

 

"I miss you too, Nong Ne," Kel said with a smile. These two were close friends; even though they had graduated, they still kept in touch.

 

"Is that your father's younger sibling?" Neva retorted.

 

"That's rude."

 

"Don't you miss me? How many days have you been away?" Jess, a transgender woman and owner of this pub, likes to beg and plead with Kel for help. I'm filling in as a DJ when there's a staff shortage, and lately it seems our regular DJ has been taking frequent breaks.

 

"Just one day off, don't exaggerate. I usually come here almost every day because I love to travel." "He's so argumentative. Time to teach him a lesson."

 

"Have I ever been afraid?" Kel sneered.

 

"Okay, sure. See you then. Your footage has to be edited out today," Jess said, threatening her close junior.

 

"Those two siblings are something else. Every time they meet, they always end up having a drinking duel," Sai said, shaking her head in exasperation at the frequent occurrences.

 

"No duel today, let him drink alone," Jess replied.

 

"How can that be? Let's have a drink together, Jessica," Kel continued, teasingly.

 

"Am I your playmate? You're dead tonight. You're going to be my wife."

 

"That's scary, sis," Neva said.

 

"I really like cute types like that."

 

"I'm really scared of this," Kel glared at her, even though he knew Jess was joking.

 

"Wait a minute, I'll get something special for you to try," the pub owner said, then immediately got up from the table.

 

"Kel, how's work going? It's just me and Nee talking on Line. You've been so quiet," Sai started the conversation, noticing they hadn't seen each other in a while.

 

All I know is that my friend went to work as a model manager.

 

"Where should I insert this? You're complaining about work non-stop."

 

"It's your fault, I'm going crazy," Sai said.

 

"Just quit," Kel said jokingly.

 

"If I were as rich as you, I wouldn't have to worry; I'd quit for sure. You're more comfortable than anyone else, and you even got a great position as Nong Gun's personal manager."

 

"He's the most handsome in your uncle's modelling agency!"  Kel said with full emotion.

 

"So, how's it going? Are you getting along?" Nee asked.

 

"I've never tried it."

 

"Don't you dare joke around, I'm serious!" That's just how Kel is, always speaking in a playful yet serious way.

 

"calm down"

 

"How can he be cool? Gun looks like Ohm," Sai said.

 

"Are you still worried about this?" I don't know why my friend is afraid he'll be swayed by this model. He's like an ex, yes, but...They are different people.

 

"Sai is afraid you'll sleep naked in front of Nong Gun as you did with Ohm," Nee said. 

 

"Oh, and whose plan was that?" He said, feeling embarrassed. It was all his friends' plan, and what were the results?

 

"Even doing this, you won't get in trouble because Ohm is already in the case."

Sai laughed.

 

"Yeah, it felt like being abandoned halfway through," Kel admitted, saying he was very emotional at the time. He had tried every way to flirt with Ohm, even taking off all his clothes. But then a call came in from the hospital saying there was an emergency case. That's it!

 

"So you broke up with him because he didn't want you," Nee summarised.

 

"No, do you think I'm that kind of person?" Kel retorted immediately.

 

"Yeah/Yeah," both friends replied in unison.

 

"No way. Ohm and I have tried to adjust to each other, but it's not working out. He doesn't even have time for me."

 

"Because he's a doctor."

 

"Well, that's it. I'm perfectly fine being alone. If having someone feels like not having them at all, what's the point? Everything that happens has a reason."

 

They didn't break up because they argued; they both agreed for a reason.

 

"Thinking about it, you're being selfish. You broke up with him because he didn't have time for you," Neva said.

 

"It's not just that." Someone like Kel wouldn't give up just because of a matter of time.

 

"Then why did you break up?" Sai asked again.

 

"We've been together for five months, and he's never slept with me once, you guys know that."

 

"In the end, it all comes down to sex."

 

"Love is inherently driven by sex; they go hand in hand. More than that, they know when to stop. When I undressed in front of Ohm, there was a fleeting thought..."

 

"It's the same for me; it feels forced. My feelings were strange from the start. In the end, I was aroused, but we didn't end up having sex."

 

"So, have you gotten over it yet?" Nee asked.

 

"Still, there are so many good feelings. It's comforting to me, but he's not the right person. I don't want him to be my boyfriend."

 

"Confused," Sai scratched her head immediately.

 

"Let's part ways before we get too bored. Let's say goodbye before we argue to the point where we can't even look each other in the eye. Ohm agrees with me on everything we should do."

 

"Let's take a step back and be friends," Kel said.

 

"Are you crazy? You don't understand relationships. Mostly, I see people arguing and then breaking up, or getting bored and then parting ways." Sai didn't understand.

Nothing at all.

 

"At least we can still talk to each other to this day."

 

"Seriously, are you really still in contact with him?" Ne asked suspiciously. He thought they'd cut ties completely.

 

"Isn't that weird? Being friends with an ex, especially an ex who said they'd get back together if they missed each other enough." - Kel 

 

Laughing at something that isn't funny.

"Your love lives are even more insane than my office."

 

"Here you go, this is the strongest one on the menu. Just got a shipment today," the pub owner said, walking out with a large bottle of liquor. The drinking spree had begun. Kel loved this sweet-tasting alcohol and was the most frequent drinker at the table. He had a high tolerance for alcohol from frequent drinking, and today he'd challenged an older guy to a bet – whoever got drunk first had to pay for his words. He was starting to feel dizzy, even though the liquor still tasted delicious and sweet. His friends told him to slow down, but Kel refused.

 

"Find his room key card first. Is it in his pants pocket?" Nee said to Sai when Kel had fallen asleep at the table. Jess was sitting there doing nothing.

 

It was very satisfying to see the junior student unconscious. It's rare to see a sight like this, so they took pictures to tease him about it.

 

"Yes, yes, I found it. But you..." The young woman took it out and was utterly bewildered.

 

"Nee looked at his friend and waited to hear.

 

"Did he move condos?" The key card was unfamiliar, and the name of the place and room number engraved on it wasn't Kel's condo either.