Love Case Vol. 1

All morning, Atid was quiet and subdued, not engaging in cheerful conversation with anyone as usual. Sombat kept coming around to tease Anupap that Atid was heartbroken and might sneak off to kill himself in the bathroom, pestering Anupap to go talk to Atid.

"Go help make Mr. Sunshine smile a bit. A handsome young man who's the apple of his mother's eye not smiling makes the old maids in the office feel depressed, Anupap."

"P'Bud, it's not that serious. In a little while Atid will cheer up on his own."

"Really, Nu, you've hurt Atid's feelings badly. Before you know it, you have someone drop you off at work, in the morning no less. That means they picked you up from home early in the morning, or else..." Sombat acted as if he had figured something out.

"Don't think crazy thoughts. Don't, not even think about it," Anupap quickly cut him off with a stern voice.

"Have some sympathy for the kid who has a secret crush. Even if you don't love him, even if you won't give in, don't hurt him. Give the kid some small happiness," the kind-hearted older brother nagged.

"I'm afraid Atid will misunderstand something."

"Right or wrong, today the kid is already sad. He's been trying to win you over for years, and you're still hard-hearted," Sombat looked serious. "You won't even let him touch you a little. Consider it making merit," Sombat cheered for Atid beyond reason.

"Wasn't it because of making merit that Captain Atikom saw yesterday evening? Now he probably won't stop teasing. Atid even got a new nickname - 'black Benz buddy.'"

Sombat cackled with laughter. "Oh my, this Captain has quite the charm."

"About the same as you," Anupap retorted sarcastically.

"I'm starting to want to see this young Captain, to see just how handsome and cool he is," Sombat dreamed, making dreamy eyes.

"Annoying, the biggest trickster. I don't see what's so cool about him."

"I want to see him because I want to compare and score who rates highest compared to Atid, Khun Trin, or should I add the person who... hmm... drove the BMW to drop you off this morning to the list too."

At lunchtime, Atid didn't go eat with the usual group like every day. Anupap, Sombat, Pojanee, and Mark ate quickly because they had to hurry back to work, but they all still chatted cheerfully because they all had the special ability to talk and eat simultaneously, missing only Atid's deep laughter that used to join the chorus.

"Atid is sulking," Sombat whispered to Anupap.

The afternoon follow-up meeting discussed the pickup truck advertisement project. Everything was nearly ready to go. The only problem they were facing was the actor.

"All the male models are pretty boys. Not one of them can pull off being a police officer," Pojanee summarized.

"I have a friend who's a police officer. I brought his photos for P'Bud and P'Poj to look at, but they didn't pass. I didn't show them to P'Nu because I thought P'Nu wouldn't like them since they still look too young," Atid reported in his usual flat tone.

Anupap and Sombat automatically made eye contact. Anupap thought, after the meeting ends, P'Bud is definitely going to tease him that Atid was being sarcastic toward him.

***

When the meeting ended, Atid quickly walked out of the room. As expected, Sombat sidled up close to Anupap, eyes wide with whispered gossip.

"Atid's starting to learn how to be sarcastic too."

"Of course. He's been spending too much time with you and that Pojanee girl."

"Poor thing, really. Tonight Atid's definitely going to get drunk. Wonder if he'll come home late dragging someone back to sleep at his place out of spite. The kid's heartbroken. Go talk to him a bit," Sombat said as his parting shot before walking away.

Anupap felt he shouldn't take it too much to heart. Leave it alone for a while and it would probably fade away on its own. There was no point in going to talk and explain anything to Atid. At least the two of them weren't lovers, and would never be that way. He felt nothing for Atid at all.

Pojanee came to consult with Anupap about the male model situation.

"Khun Trin is acting like he's going to devour me because the actor issue still isn't finalized."

"Why don't we hold auditions?" Panwad, Pojanee's bold assistant, suggested.

"That's too big a deal," Pojanee turned back to Anupap. "P'Bud said P'Nu knows some police officers. Why don't you try asking one of them to do a screen test?"

"I'm not that close to him," Anupap deflected.

"Really?" Pojanee asked matter-of-factly. Anupap looked at her as if trying to figure out whether Pojanee was teasing or asking seriously.

If she were an actress, Pojanee could probably play the innocent act seamlessly. He suspected his 'gang' was definitely keeping 'something' secret behind his back.

Before the end of the workday, Sombat came over to chat with Anupap about work, including the actor situation that still wasn't resolved.

"The client is really hung up on the actor issue. They don't complain about anything else - everything's okay across the board. But for the actor, they emphasize it has to be exactly what they want. A handsome, sharp, manly police officer - where are we going to find that? From what I've seen of police officers, they're manly enough, sure, but finding one who's handsome and perfect on camera? Not a single one."

Anupap sighed. "A police officer is a police officer. Any manly guy can dress up as a police officer and be a police officer. Why does this company have to be so picky about handsome too? I really don't understand."

"The company owner is probably gay," Sombat laughed loudly. There you go, even when stressed, Sombat could still make him smile.

"That Captain Atikom who crashed into your car - why don't you get him to audition? You could say it's compensation for crashing into your car."

"He already took responsibility for the damages. And now he's still drive m..." Anupap stopped himself, catching the words just in time.

Sombat played dumb. "Come on, you're not brave enough? I'll set up a meeting for you myself. I'll do the persuading. Don't you know? I'm skilled at coaxing young men to become models."

"I don't want to work with him," Anupap gave his reason.

"Whoa, what's going on between you two? So amusing... unless... you want to keep him all to yourself," Sombat's eyes glittered mischievously.

Anupap deflected and quickly gathered his things to prepare to go home.

He walked straight to the exit door. Along the way, he noticed that Atid's desk was neatly cleared, showing that its owner had already gone home.

He thought about Sombat's teasing words that tonight Atid would probably get drunk out of spite and drag someone home to sleep with.

Anupap shook the thought away. He tried to convince himself that Atid wouldn't do anything like that.

Atid isn't heartbroken or anything. Why would he do that? It's just a trivial matter. Besides, no one even saw who was driving the car that dropped him off. It could have been a friend or anyone at all. Why would Atid be so upset that he'd get drunk and grab someone to take home to sleep with like in some trashy soap opera. Captain Atikom, on the other hand, looks like he could do something like that much more easily--that police officer... looks like quite the player. After work he'd probably get drunk and take someone.

Anupap quickly controlled his thoughts. Crazy. Why am I thinking about that annoying, infuriating man.

***

The annoying, infuriating man was sitting watching TV in the living room of his own luxurious apartment. He hadn't yet shaved the stubble that had grown into thick, dark lines, making his already sharp, handsome face look even more intensely striking than before.

The police captain wore a fitted white tank top that revealed his thick, muscular chest like someone who exercised regularly. Dark brown stretch shorts showed off his strong thighs full of muscle definition, tight calves, with black body hair that wasn't too thick.

Tongrob used to complain jealously about Atikom: "Why did heaven send me to be born, then have to send you too? I thought I was handsome enough already. You make me lose so much confidence. Wherever we go, whoever I'm looking at, they look at you first every time... damn devil."

The jealous one was mixing drinks at the bar near the kitchen, then walked over carrying two glasses of liquor to the sofa. He handed one glass to Atikom, then raised his own glass to drink.

Atikom accepted the glass to hold, his eyes still fixed on the TV screen.

"Do you like watching commercials or what? Just staring at it," Tongrob sat down beside him.

"Watching commercials makes me think of Khun Nu," Atikom said quietly.

Tongrob rolled his eyes. "You're really something. Is this why you wouldn't go out drinking with me when I invited you?"

"Probably."

"I'll see how many months you stay interested," Tongrob thought.

Every time before, he used to tease about 'how many weeks' - this time he extended it to months because his beloved friend's behavior had changed disturbingly.

"But seriously, are you really changing your type to like advertising guys?" Tongrob changed the subject.

"It's not a loss. Maybe I'll accidentally become a commercial star. Even better, I'd get to mingle with insiders... might get information about drugs."

"Probably not. I think you're just making excuses to keep circling around Khun Nu. You can find drug information yourself - go to clubs, pick up singers, actors, models easily. Get both information and action," Tongrob shrugged, not believing his friend's reasoning. "But if anyone invites you to be a star, invite me too. I want to be on TV. Maybe I'll get famous, or at least meet new celebrities and then..."

"Didn't you just say you could catch them at clubs yourself?" Atikom objected.

"Well... not all of them party at night. Celebrities don't go much lately. Recently it's just teen singers and models... getting boring," Tongrob shrugged.

"Ah, bored with your young singer lovers."

"But hey. I think trying to look at office guys for a change would be good," Tongrob pretended to make a thinking face.

Atikom whipped around from the TV screen to glare at his partner.

"You want to get punched, just try," Atikom's voice was intense. "Go wherever you want. Stay out of my way."

"Possessive dog," Tongrob stood up. "You haven't even gotten to eat yet, but you won't let anyone else eat either." The young man walked over to grab his car keys.

"I'm going to Route 79? Come on, let's go catch some prey. Remember before? We'd sit at the bar near the pole and wait for victims to come flirt. Lately there are so many handsome ones, and fewer women than before. The other day I met a new singer who came with two friends. He smiled at me like building a reinforced concrete bridge. I just sent him one drink... midnight... case closed. Caught two criminals in jail at the same time."

Atikom shook his head.

"Kom... are you serious about Khun Nu?" Tongrob asked seriously.

"I'm courting him. Did you think I was just playing?"

"You've never dated anyone longer than a month," Tongrob warned. "We're the type who bite and throw away. This time it's been almost a month and you still haven't gotten anywhere."

"Shut up. Just wait and see," Atikom glared.

"Yeah, yeah," Tongrob waved dismissively. "Geez, can't say anything about Khun Nu at all." Tongrob walked straight to the door. "Want to bet? I say in two months you'll give up. This hard to get, this against Police Captain Atikom's nature. Two months, not two days like I used to challenge."

Atikom waved his hand to shoo Tongrob away.

"Here's the deal - if you can court Khun Nu before I hook up with Mac, I'll let you break down my back door," Tongrob quickly opened the door and rushed out before Atikom could grab something nearby to throw at him.

***

Atikom shook his head at his annoying beloved friend. If he bet with Tongrob, he'd probably lose miserably. Anupap was still very reserved with him.

His record for 'closing cases' was slowest at two days. Tongrob's was one week. This time his beloved friend gave him two months. He was still worried that even two months might be too fast.

But don't let it reach three months. If it went beyond that, he'd probably die of heartbreak. Not that he'd give up, but he'd be tormented by not having the chance to touch Anupap whom he desired so much.

Just desired? Or liked? Or more than that? Or loved?

That last answer, he wasn't sure about yet.

All he knew was this: On the first day they met, Anupap had stood there with that serious attitude, frowning, scolding him about the accident. At the time, flirting had seemed like nothing more than a game—something playful to pass the time. The young man would accept his invitation the next day. He'd take him out for drinks, let the music wrap around them, and then… close the case.

Whether they'd keep dating 'for a whole month'—as Tongrob had put it—depended entirely on how much Anupap pleased him.

He got up and walked to the balcony, looking out at the line of trees outside. Above that line of trees were about ten or so high-rise buildings. One of those buildings might be where Anupap lived.

The reality pressing down on him was that--right now he stood alone on the balcony, which in a hundred days or a thousand years he'd hardly ever opened the living room door to come stand and daydream like this.

Almost a month had passed. Forget about 'closing the case.' He hadn't even gotten to hold hands.

Atikom turned to look at the phone beside the sofa.

He had Anupap's home number. He wanted to call.

There was something more intimate about a landline—the way it anchored a voice to a place, made the connection feel deliberate, almost tangible. He craved the sound of Anupap's voice, the way it might tense when teased or soften in quiet conversation. He wanted to fill the silence between them with words, with laughter, with presence.

Most of all, he wanted Anupap to feel it—to know that, even in passing, he lingered in the rhythm of Atikom's days.

***

Tongrob sat drinking alone in a sulky mood at the stool in front of the bar counter. Atikom refused to come out partying with him despite his persistent coaxing. He thought Atikom was turning into a hermit by the day--finish work, go to the gym, then go home. Leaving him to prowl the nightlife alone for almost a month now.

A small group in the corner of the upscale club Route 79 caught the young policeman's attention. Five young men and one woman--two of them he dismissed immediately. The woman looked rough, while another man seemed soft and gentle, around forty years old, plump build, dressed in garish colors. The remaining four young men drew his interest. Two young men were mixed-race with sharp features, fair skin, dressed fashionably like magazine models. Another was a cute-faced teenager, also dressed stylishly. 

Then he saw another young man--clean fair skin, sharp, intense Thai features, short hair, dressed differently from the others. He wore a white shirt with sleeves unbuttoned and rolled up to mid-forearm, dark gray slacks, and a bright, radiant smile! He felt like there was a magnet pulling him. The young man's smile was bright and full of life, different from any he'd seen before. That wide smile seemed to make the room flash with light.

If Atikom had come along, it would have been good. We could help each other 'catch the suspect.' Going it alone to break through five friends of the guy he was interested in would be challenging. If Atikom were here, he'd feel more confident, not awkward about coming alone.

Tongrob was surprised.

He usually had a type: polished, made-up, the kind of beauty that belonged on magazine covers—like those two models at the bar, or the sharp-jawed young man in black who sat with his profile turned just so.

Yet his gaze kept drifting back to the one in the white shirt.

No pretense. No calculated angles. Just... something.

And that unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

As if sensing he was being watched, the Thai-featured young man suddenly turned to look. Tongrob quickly averted his eyes, looking elsewhere, playing innocent. He smiled to himself. When the young man looked away, he turned back to watch again with obvious pleasure.

***

Anupap was treating "Tam," the young man that Sombat had sponsored in a male pageant until he won first place. Jeff and Karin, the twin-like couple who were Tam's friends, joined them too. Both were mixed-race models who looked very similar and had become lovers.

Pojanee rushed over early in the evening and was the only woman in the group. "I like being surrounded by handsome men. It makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world," she reasoned.

"Don't you dare say I'm handsome, Poj. I'm really mad at you," Sombat quickly protested before everyone burst into laughter.

Other friends gradually joined the circle until it became a larger group.

Tongrob could no longer see that beautifully smiling person because the others were blocking his view completely.

All good-looking people, a feast for the eyes. If Atikom had come along, it would have been really good. But Tongrob couldn't help wondering if it would be like previous days or not. Lately, Atikom seemed to be turning into a 'good person', leaving him to prowl the nightlife all alone.

Tongrob got up and walked out of the club, thinking sullenly that he'd better call and invite Aat, the new young singer he was currently pursuing, to come out partying. The young policeman flicked his cigarette butt into the trash can by the door. Cool wind hit his face. The rain had just stopped. The roofs of cars parked in rows in front of the club were wet with raindrops clinging in scattered patterns, catching the multicolored neon lights in sparkling reflections.

Another night had passed halfway through. There were only a few more hours left to have fun. Tongrob's thoughts stumbled. He stopped short when he found that the young man he'd been secretly watching in the club was now standing by the roadside near his BMW Z6 sports car that was parked there. The young man stood looking thoughtfully as if interested in this beautiful car.

It worked. It was not a waste of energy and money buying the luxury sports car. Because so far, this beautiful car could be called another 'factor' for attracting boys.

Tongrob used to joke with Atikom—his dearest friend and partner in crime—that the formula for effortless seduction was foolproof:

A sharp uniform. A handsome face. A body carved by discipline. Charisma that could melt resolve. And of course, a luxury car to seal the deal.

It had never failed him.

That young man sensed that the car's owner was walking over to stop and stand by the driver's door. He looked up with a slight smile.

Tongrob smiled back broadly. "It's my car."

"Beautiful car," Anupap remarked. "I think I've seen it in the alley near my house." The young man thought of Atikom in the BMW sports car the other day in the alley leading to his house, which had almost become a second accident.

"Oh, so our houses are close to each other," Tongrob smiled widely, eyes sparkling.

Anupap couldn't help comparing this to the flirtatious, twinkling eyes of the 'suspect' who drove a similar car—chrome trim around the side mirrors, eyebrows attached to the lower skirt edge of the car, gold stickers flowing in a ribbon from the driver's side front door all the way to the taillights, with a cartoon figure of a young boy stuck under the turn signal.

"Looks like it drives well," Anupap asked with a smile. "I'm saving money to buy one too."

"Really? We could go for a test drive together sometime," Tongrob smiled, thinking to himself that Anupap was building a bridge for him.

"Do you usually drive alone?" The young man meant single-handed driving.

"Yes, but I'd like to find someone to sit as company too," Tongrob pressed forward.

"Well, good luck getting a passenger soon."

Anupap wished him well before turning to wave for a taxi.

Tongrob was stunned, walked around the front of the car to stand beside the young man, starting plan two - invite him out, or at least get his number.

"Going out somewhere else? I know some good places that..."

"Going home to sleep. I don't like partying," Anupap cut him off, eyes focused on an empty taxi. "Nice car. Don't let anyone who's a bad driver take it and crash into other cars."

The taxi stopped. Anupap got in the car. Tongrob stood scratching his head, not understanding what the handsome young man with the beautiful smile had left him with.

Heat prickled at the back of his neck.

All that time watching, waiting—certain his luck would turn—only for the man to walk away without so much as a backward glance. The rejection stung sharper with each passing second, humiliation curling tight in his chest.

At least the night held one mercy—no witnesses.

Tongrob picked up his phone and dialed Aat's number.

Tongrob's night had just ended when it was nearly dawn; Anupap's early morning was about to begin.

***

The alarm shrieked at five-thirty, its piercing wail cutting through the morning silence like a banshee from a soap opera. Anupap jolted upright, stumbled to the guest bedroom door, and knocked. Muffled groans emerged from within, followed by sleepy negotiations for five more minutes.

"I have urgent documents for the boss," Anupap pressed, invoking his foolproof excuse.

The truth burned differently—he needed to escape before his ride arrived, before Sombat could witness who waited to drive him to work.

Last night, Sombat had crashed at the condo after a late night at the club. "I'm done for," he'd mumbled. "Dead tired. Even if the hottest guy beckoned, I'd still choose sleep." Anupap had left Route 79 early, the strobing lights triggering another headache.

He'd returned home to work—like nearly every night, hauling files back to burn the midnight oil.

Sombat's frequent sleepovers gnawed at him. Each call announcing "can't make it home, crashing at yours" sent uncomfortable ripples through his chest. The real fear? Atikom waiting at the building entrance come morning, with Sombat there to witness everything. The teasing would never end.

"Where's the fire? It's only six forty-five. Normal people are still unconscious." Sombat's complaints echoed in the elevator, his face creased with sleep. Anupap nudged him forward.

"Urgent matter for Khun Trin." The reliable excuse rolled off his tongue.

"Still sleepy," Sombat whined. "Khun Trin's a menace, haunting people's dreams."

"Sleep in the car." Anupap hurried toward the parking area, eyes darting left and right with paranoid intensity. Past the second palm tree, two sharp honks pierced the air. A black Land Rover idled near the gate.

"Early bird today?" The driver emerged, flashing a wide grin as he sauntered over.

Anupap's stomach dropped. "It's not even seven. Still fifteen minutes early. Why did I rush out so early." his mind raced.

"Wait up!" Sombat panted, catching up, jaw dropping at the unfamiliar face.

"Been waiting since six-thirty." Atikom raised his hand in a Western greeting.

Sombat's jaw remained slack, but he lifted his hand, managing a soft "Hi."

Anupap cut through the tension, avoiding extended conversation with the young officer who seemed determined to make his heart race faster. He ducked toward the large vehicle, reaching for the back door handle, but Sombat vaulted in first, turning to mouth silently with exaggerated lip movements: "So handsome!"

"I knew you intended to leave early, so I came to wait." Atikom's gaze locked onto Anupap, his voice weighted with meaning. What he really wanted to say was "deliberately"—without his contact's urgent call, he'd never have made it in time.

Anupap averted his eyes.

Once on the main road, Sombat thrust his head between the driver and passenger seats.

"The captain's so considerate! Nu tells me about you constantly—taking full responsibility for the accident, repairs, everything."

Anupap shot him a withering glare.

"Handsome too. Bet you're still single." Sombat's challenging gaze found Anupap.

Throughout the journey, Sombat's praise flowed endlessly.

"Captain, you're so built! Look at those muscles. Ever consider modeling? You'd be perfect for commercials."

"P'Bud, enough." Anupap's voice carried warning.

"We're actually casting now, looking for someone to play a police officer. Nothing would beat the real deal."

"The captain's too busy for commercials," Anupap interjected quickly.

"How do you know he's busy?" Sombat challenged. "I only hear Nu mention the captain constantly—first time meeting him in person."

"Is that so?" Atikom angled his head toward Anupap, eyes glittering.

"Nu says you're so kind—taking responsibility for the rear-end collision, even driving him to work. Where could we find another person like the captain?" Sombat's chatter continued unabated.

The two conversed easily. Captain Atikom clicked with Sombat effortlessly—though anyone could connect with Sombat's infectious enthusiasm. Atikom matched Sombat's wit, trading banter with equal skill.

Anupap remained silent until Sombat launched another modeling pitch.

"Bud knows the captain must sympathize with us, true to being a guardian of peace." Sombat wheedled.

"Where would the captain find time? Official duties, personal time, and..."

"If not for our company's sake, then for Anupap's!" Sombat interrupted.

"P'Bud!" Anupap's voice turned sharp.

"You know the deadline's breathing down our necks. Still no model. The captain's like a knight on a white horse coming to save us."

"I've never acted. Afraid I'd ruin the shoot."

"No problem! We have coaches." Sombat glanced meaningfully at Anupap.

"Worried the instructor might not want to train me." Atikom smiled.

"P'Bud, don't pester the captain or we'll get kicked out of the car."

"Captain Atikom, please take pity on us."

"The captain works irregular shifts. Unpredictable schedule." Anupap grasped for excuses beyond timing.

"Oh! If he's that busy, You could be his personal manager. Like celebrity managers. Who knows? Maybe the captain will get famous, and you'll manage a star."

"Sounds good. I've wanted a personal manager for ages." Atikom laughed, turning to Anupap.

Sombat grinned. How could he miss that Captain Atikom was "courting" Anupap? He wanted to help the captain, wanted Anupap to open his heart to someone new. Anupap had been "drowning" in the past too long.

"So it's settled then? I'll have Nu call to schedule a camera test." Sombat concluded.

"Give me time to think." Atikom tilted his head, gaze still fixed on Anupap, who had pulled out his phone. "I'd like to discuss fees with Khun Nu directly."

Hearing this response, Sombat laughed with satisfaction.

The car stopped at the company. Only Trin's vehicle sat in the lot—they'd arrived earlier than usual. Both thanked Captain Atikom.

"See you tomorrow. Seven sharp." Atikom's voice carried emphasis, sending a brilliant smile before speeding away.

"Heart-stoppingly handsome." Sombat watched the departing car with longing eyes.

"No one's here yet. Sitting around for nearly two hours is going be so boring." Sombat collapsed onto the reception area sofa. "Atid's not even here... probably afraid of witnessing something traumatic. Yesterday a BMW, today a Land Rover. Different handsome guys dropping off P'Nu every morning." Sombat winked conspiratorially.

"What new guy? Yesterday was also..." Anupap's words slipped out.

"Ah-ha! So yesterday..." Sombat's eyes widened, leaning closer. "Wow... quick work, Anupap. You've been getting rides since the car went to the shop, haven't you?"

"Are you crazy? Just started yesterday."

"No wonder... dragging me out for work this early, trying to keep it secret." Sombat accused. "Oh my! The captain moves fast. My little sunshine boy's heart is going to be more bruised than ever." Sombat feigned sadness.

Anupap walked to his office, Sombat trailing behind, chattering non-stop.

"The captain's devastatingly handsome. When he smiles, it's so sexy it melts hearts completely. Those green whiskers would be thrilling tucked against someone's neck. That build too—muscles in perfect bundles. I'd love to nibble those arms playfully." Sombat sang like a country ballad. "I want to bite that bicep, want to squeeze that chest, then place my hands on... on... where would be good... oh, on..." Sombat pretended to ponder, then gestured wordlessly at his thoughts, laughing wildly.

Anupap knew his older friend sometimes acted outrageously. What expression would Atikom make if Sombat placed his hands where he was currently thinking?

"Enough, P'Bud! And what happened to your Atid?"

"But the captain's more devastatingly handsome! Drop-dead gorgeous. I'm giving Atid to you."

Anupap shook his head, cutting off the conversation to focus on work for Trin. At least his car sat outside—a good excuse for the frantic early morning rush, or for avoiding discussions that would only entangle him further. Sombat knew this tactic well, having used the same escape route himself, once joking: "Khun Trin's like a ghost-repelling charm... just saying."

"Nu, about the commercial—I'm certain Captain Atikom is perfect. A real police officer, character matches exactly what the client wants. No way they'll refuse. Shooting can finally begin." Sombat spoke seriously.

"Nope."

"Think about it. Other projects are piling up. You can't wait anymore. If you won't talk to him, I'll speak with the Captain myself. Won't just sit and chat—I'll open up completely. Sitting, lying down, whatever works." Sombat couldn't resist teasing.

Anupap considered, acknowledging Sombat's truth. He'd been thinking about this since their last meeting discussion.

"Up to you then."

Sombat grinned widely. "Nu, work is work, love is love. Don't worry." His parting tease before hurrying away. "Oh! I want to be arrested by a police officer, then beaten with his baton!" The wistful cry drifted from across the office.

Anupap had no idea that soon this very police officer would 'arrest' him with handcuffs, leaving him unable to struggle free.