Finally, the day of their meeting arrived. Arthit spent extra time getting ready, choosing a crisp blue shirt and a navy blazer that struck the right balance between formal and approachable. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Arthit had everything planned to smallest details. Nothing could go wrong.
He had already visited the restaurant yesterday and dined there, he even shortlisted their best dishes.
Soft lighting, elegant décor gave it warm, romantic ambience and the tantalizing aroma of Italian cuisine filling the air made it every food enthusiast's dream place. Food was every bit delicious like the reviews raved and the staff were cordial too. Overall, he was proud of his choice. And he was sure they would be having a blast together.
................
Kong looked at himself in the mirror- white shirt ironed to crisp, a neat fitted black pant with black belt and black leather strapped watch- he felt like going for an interview.
It didn't feel like he was just going to meet a person- a member of a family that has long been friends with them. Then again, it was actually an interview- they both will be interviewer and interviewee- judging, analyzing and ranking the other man for the post of husband...wasn't it?
“ First impressions are important, you can't talk however you want, a certain sense of reservation is to be maintained.” His elder brother has instructed. “ And if he tries anything funny- give him a right hook. I will be around, I will reach there within 5 minutes “
“ Bhai, you don't need to be —”
“ My brother is going to meet a suitor for the first time. What kind of big brother will I be if I don't pull out my big guns ?”
“ Bhaii….” Kong whined.
“ Okay…I will be 10 minutes afar…”
“ Bhai! I am not a kid. “
“ 30 minutes. “
“ Bhai, it's Arthit Rojanapat. We have known Rojanapats since childhood. “ Kong reasoned.
“ Doesn't mean I trust my kiddo in his hands. “ His brother retorted. “ How about I pick you up after your meeting ? “
“ I am twenty six bhai ! “
“ I still have ten years on you. Fine, I will not pick you ,but You will stay at my place for the weekend. “
“ I already planned to bhai. “
…
To maintain that sense of informalcy and to not get stuck in traffic, Kong chose his bike over their family car as his commute. Compared to cars, he felt one needs to be more present mentally while riding a bike- it will give him less time to ruminate over the upcoming meeting. Also, the winds on his body will calm him down, ground him.
.................................
The day had started out cloudy, but out of nowhere, the skies opened up, drenching him completely. When he arrived at the restaurant, his clothes were clinging to him, and his hair was plastered to his forehead, his shoes squelched making an obnoxious noise due to wet socks.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow at Kongpob's bedraggled state, offering him a place to change . He instantly offered Kong assistance arranging a new pair of clothes and shoes for him, showing him a website of a boutique that will Instantly deliver clothes within fifteen minutes.
Kongpob skimmed a gaze over astronomical prices and declined, saying he always kept an extra outfit handy. Turns out, the change of outfit he had on him right now was not his office clothes that he expected, but a plaid shirt and black jeans, which felt wildly out of place in the sophisticated setting of the restaurant. It was better than sitting - drenched ass and waiting for the hotel staff to arrange a new outfit for him. So, he changed into his dry clothes and visited the receptionist again.
