I returned to work as usual. This week has been so busy that I haven't had the chance to meet Jay. He also has to prepare for his ring debut next Saturday. We've only managed to have short video calls before bed. He was a little upset because we rarely talked, but I already explained that I was trying to finish my work so I would be free on Saturday. Normally, I'm free on Saturdays, but there was some work left unfinished due to the three-day holiday before.
One afternoon, while I was focused on my computer screen, a coworker approached me.
"Dan Nuea, the boss is calling you."
"Alright," I replied, standing up from my desk. I went straight to see the boss. Besides the boss, there was a man I had never seen before. Both of them turned to me at the same time.
"You called for me, Boss?"
"Dan Nuea, this is Natee, a new employee starting today. I want you to guide and supervise him. Natee, this is Dan Nuea, the team leader I trust the most. He's very competent, so learn from him."
Natee stood up and extended his hand toward me. "Hello, nice to meet you. I hope you can guide me."
I shook his hand and smiled politely. "Nice to meet you too."
"Take him to his empty desk and take these documents."
"Alright," I responded, taking the documents and leading him to his desk.
This wasn't the first time I was assigned to mentor a new employee, but this time, the boss personally introduced him, so he definitely wasn't an ordinary employee. He looked like a fresh graduate. I started by introducing him to the team and explaining his tasks. He seemed very enthusiastic and interested in my explanations, which put me at ease.
When I returned to my desk, I saw the boss had sent a message.
[Boss]: Please take good care of him. He is the son of Mr. Thana, our important partner.
[Boss]: I don't know why, but he wants to work here.
[Boss]: Try to avoid any problems. If anything happens, let me know.
[Boss]: Don't tell anyone that he's the golden child.
[Boss]: I trust you to do a good job, Dan Nuea.
[Dan]: Understood.
I had no problem with people who had connections. Personally, I didn't mind as long as they worked hard and didn't cause trouble.
"Want some coffee, Leader?" Natee approached with a cup of coffee in his hand.
"You're carrying a lot of cups. Did someone ask you to buy them?"
"No, I offered."
"Thank you," I replied, accepting a cup of coffee and placing it on my desk. I resumed working, but he kept talking.
"What kind of coffee do you like, Leader? So I'll know what to get you next time."
"Don't bother. I don't want to trouble you."
"It's no trouble. I stop by the coffee shop every morning."
"I already have coffee at home," I replied. "Usa likes coffee. If you bring him some, he'll be happy. He doesn't have time to stop by a coffee shop."
He looked a little disappointed. "Alright, I understand."
For half the afternoon, I couldn't finish my work because Natee kept asking questions and requesting help. As a newcomer, he was very enthusiastic, which was great for the team. But he only came to me, so my work didn't progress, and I ended up having to take it home.
"Can I call you Dan Nuea outside of work?"
"Sure," I replied. The day had ended, and we were in the elevator.
"You're very competent, Dan Nuea."
"Thank you. You're also a fast learner. You'll master this job soon."
As he stepped out of the elevator, he kept walking and talking in the parking lot.
"Dan Nuea," he said in a softer tone.
"Yeah?"
"You probably already know that I'm a protégé. My father got me this job. I didn't go through the selection process." He lowered his gaze, feeling uncomfortable speaking. I waited for him to continue. "For my father, I'm not very competent. He wants me to gain work experience before working for him. At first, I thought that you, as Team Leader, wouldn't like me because I'm a protégé. But I saw that you're open-minded and have taught me a lot. I was a bit pushy today because I wanted to learn quickly, and you were very patient. Thank you so much."
"I don't think you're incompetent, Natee. I don't care if you're a protégé. Sometimes, that's unavoidable and becomes a challenge for those in high positions. If it makes you uncomfortable, you need to work even harder. If you become very competent, people will stop questioning you. I support you. One day, your father will be very proud of you."
His face turned slightly red, and he smiled brightly before tilting his head.
"Thank you so much!"
"See you tomorrow."
"Yeah."
I then got into my car and buckled my seatbelt before hearing a knock on the window. I rolled it down.
"What is it?"
"Tomorrow, I want to buy you coffee as a thank you."
I paused for a moment. Refusing again would make him feel bad. He looked very determined.
"Alright."
"What kind of coffee do you like?"
"Iced latte, please. Thank you."
"Okay."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
"Dan, why aren't you asleep yet?" Nao, who was lying on my bed, rolled around while I was working.
"Why are you in my room, Nao?"
"Come on, this used to be our room. Now it's just yours, huh?"
"Your room is next door. Why don't you go back to your room?"
"Tiger is working," Nao said. "Fei and Mom are already asleep. I feel lonely, so I came here to keep you company."
"You feel lonely and decided to keep me company?"
"Yeah. Why are you working so hard?"
"My work piled up because I took a few days off. Besides, there's a new employee today, I had to train him, so my own work didn't progress. I need to finish it so I'm free on Saturday."
"Jayden is debuting in the ring, right?" Even though I didn't look, I heard Nao get up from the bed and walk toward me.
"I checked, and when that page posted an announcement about the new boxer debuting on Saturday, a lot of people showed interest. Many shared it. In the boxing fan groups, they also said they'd be watching."
"You checked a lot of things."
"Of course. They also posted a photo, but his face isn't visible, so maybe it's a surprise."
"I can imagine it," I said. "I haven't had the chance to see anything about it."
"If he wins, he'll attract a lot of attention and have many fans," Nao said confidently, then pulled up a chair to sit next to me. "Right now, the boxing fan base has grown a lot."
"Yeah."
"Can I see your work?" Nao reached out to look at the screen. "What is this? I don't understand any of it."
"I don't understand when you're streaming either, how am I supposed to get it?"
"It's easy. Way easier than this," Nao mumbled. "Did you talk to Jayden?"
"Yeah, he went to sleep at ten."
"It's already eleven, why aren't you sleeping?"
"My work isn't done."
"I'm tired."
"Go to sleep first."
"Sleep with me."
"Are you a kid?" I flicked his forehead. My phone rang, indicating a new message.
Since it wasn't from Jay, I ignored it.
"You got a message."
"Yeah, I'll check it later. I'm busy."
"If it's not from Jayden, you don't need to reply right away, huh?" Nao teased. "Can I answer it for you?"
"Go ahead."
"Who's texting you this late?" Nao picked up my phone. "Who is this handsome guy? I've never seen this contact before."
"What's the name?"
"Natee."
"Oh, he's the new employee I have to train. What did he say?"
"He's the reason my brother has to bring work home and stay up late. Can I start by insulting him?"
I laughed. "No."
"He said: 'Thank you for today. I feel much better because of your words. I feel lucky to have a team leader like you. Tomorrow I will work hard, and I won't forget to bring a latte.'" Nao froze. "What!? What is this? Alarm! Alarm! Someone suspicious is approaching! Alarm! Alarm!"
"There's nothing untrustworthy!"
"I demand an investigation! What did you say to him, Khun Dan?" Nao pretended to be serious before using a pen as a microphone and holding it up to my mouth. "What did you say to him that made him feel so happy? And why does he want to buy you an iced latte?"
"It's not a big deal. He lacked confidence, so I encouraged him, and he wanted to repay me with coffee."
"What's so special about this handsome guy?!"
"Don't refer to someone you don't know in that way."
"What's so great about a handsome guy with a cool profile picture?!"
"I just interacted with him today. He's very enthusiastic about his work. I hope he stays that way."
"How old is he?"
"He's probably in his twenties, just graduated."
"You like younger guys, huh?"
"Wait, what is this?" I laughed again.
Nao pretended to adjust his non-existent glasses. "A few days ago, I asked if anyone at work was interested in you. You said no, but now it seems like someone is! Isn't that a coincidence? How do you explain this?!" After asking, he put down his pen as if he were conducting an interview.
"Explain what?" I asked, confused. "Are you saying Natee is interested in me?"
"Of course!"
"I just met him today."
"Everything starts with a good impression and a pleasant feeling. The more he gets to know you and the more he experiences your kindness, the more he'll like you."
"I don't think so," I frowned.
"Why didn't you tell him from the start that you already like someone?"
"No, no," I shook my head, holding back a laugh. "If I did that, I'd seem really conceited."
"But if you're planning to leave this job, why care?"
"Yeah, but I don't know when I'll be leaving this job yet. As long as I'm here, I want everything to go smoothly."
"So, what are you going to reply?"
"Maybe just a smiley sticker."
"He sent a long message."
"I don't know what to say. If I just send a sticker, he'll understand that I can't talk much right now."
"Alright." Nao tapped the screen a few times before putting his phone down. Shortly after, a new notification sounded. Nao immediately picked it up. "Are you asleep yet?"
"Who?"
"Jayden."
Hearing that, I stopped working on my computer and took the phone from Nao. I immediately replied that I wasn't asleep yet. I couldn't help but smile when he said couldn't sleep either because he missed me.
"I'm going to call him," I said, leaving the room, hearing a mocking comment from behind.
"A very obvious difference in treatment."
I went downstairs and sat outside to get some fresh air. After working so hard, a break was exactly what I needed.
"Can't sleep?"
[I miss you. What are you doing?]
"I'm working."
[Am I bothering you?]
"No. Aren't you sleepy? You have training tomorrow morning. Are you nervous about the fight?"
[No, but I haven't seen Dan lately. We rarely talk.] Jayden replied with a slightly sad tone. I couldn't help but find him really adorable, reminding me of the Golden Retriever at home when Mom wasn't around. [Boss Nao said my profile picture isn't cool. What should I do?]
I frowned. "Boss Nao?"
[Yes, Boss Nao.]
"Why is Nao your Boss too?"
[Boss North invited me to a LINE group called Operation Phoenix. Then, Boss Nao said he wanted to be one of the leaders too. They argued over who should be number one and who should be number two. It's still undecided.] Jayden explained. [Do you all want to be my leaders? Do you want to be one too, Dan?]
I chuckled. "If you don't want to call them that, you don't have to."
[I don't mind because Boss Nao said he'd help me win Dan's heart too.]
"So, Operation Phoenix is to win me over?"
[Yes.]
"Why is it called Operation Phoenix?"
[I asked. The leaders said it's because the phoenix never dies. I don't understand. Can you explain, Dan?]
I could only sigh at those two troublemakers. I explained the phoenix to Jay, we talked a little more, then ended the call. I went back to my room and saw that Nao was already asleep. It seemed like he was going to sleep in my room tonight. I kept working until I couldn't take it anymore and finally went to bed. The safest way to sleep with Nao was on the side near the wall because otherwise, he could kick me off the bed.
I set up a long pillow as a barrier, wrapped it in a blanket to make it thicker, and reinforced it with two pillows. I was mentally prepared to only get a small space to sleep. My back would probably hurt tomorrow, but that was better than getting injured. Come to think of it, Tiger is really strong. He sleeps with Nao every night without any protection. I remember when Nao shared a room with North—North would call me almost every day, saying he might get injured, but he didn't want to separate their beds because he was afraid of ghosts. Living with them must be really difficult.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
I woke up in the morning to find myself wedged against the wall, feeling sore all over. The first thing I did was check if I was injured. Thankfully, no injuries. After showering and getting dressed, I woke Nao up so we could have breakfast together. Then, I went to work as usual. When I arrived at the office, I was surprised to see Natee waiting in front of the building. When he saw me, he smiled and immediately walked over.
"Good morning. I thought you'd already be here. Here's your iced latte. It hasn't melted yet," he said cheerfully.
I accepted the coffee and thanked him politely. As we walked together towards the building, he talked a lot, chatting nonstop from the entrance to the office. Like the previous days, he asked a lot of questions about work. I eventually had to ask other team members for help because my own work wasn't progressing.
He continued waiting in front of the office every day and buying me coffee. Sometimes I had already had coffee, but I didn't want to reject him and hurt his feelings. Maybe he hoped to walk with me because he wasn't used to the office environment yet. It seemed like the other coworkers were starting to gossip.
"Still nervous about coming to the office, Natee?"
"No, that's not it."
"Then you don't have to wait for me. You can go in on your own. The other employees are starting to whisper."
"What's wrong with walking with you?"
"They might misunderstand." I unconsciously sighed. I didn't care what they said about me, but it made work and communication difficult. Many people already disliked me even though I did nothing. "If you can be independent, you don't need to wait for me or buy me coffee."
He looked a little sad. "I understand. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"Alright." I was relieved that at least he understood.
"But outside of work, it's fine, right?"
"Sorry?" I frowned.
"I saw you checking the match on Saturday. Do you like boxing?"
"Not really. More like I'm going to support someone."
"I like it too. Should we go together?"
"I'm going with my family."
"Oh, I see. Then next time, can I book time with you in advance?"
"No, I already have plans," I answered quickly.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
"So you rejected him?"
"Yeah, I think he got the message." I replied while choosing an outfit.
"What color should I wear, Nao?"
"You talk as if your wardrobe is full of colors."
"There are some."
"White, black, gray, beige, light blue, and a little dark blue."
"More than one already counts as variety." I continued searching.
"Blue, because Jayden will be on the blue side."
"Right." I pulled out a blue shirt.
"And you only have one blue shirt."
"I also have a blue t-shirt," I thought. "I haven't seen it lately. Is it in your laundry basket, Nao?"
"In Fei's wardrobe, maybe I misplaced some," Nao replied casually.
"Give me back my shirt."
"Okay, but I don't know if I'll really return it."
After getting ready, we headed to the boxing stadium. We went to see Jay first in the waiting room. When he saw me, he immediately stood up.
"Dan."
"How do you feel? Nervous?"
He shook his head. Jay was wearing a blue robe.
"You look really ready."
"I'll win."
"Of course. You're amazing." I smiled at him. "I'm supporting you. Do your best, but don't push yourself too hard, okay?" He nodded in response.
We sat in the front row, the best seats that Tiger had gotten. The stadium was packed with people. The lights and sounds made me excited to see who would be fighting. Before long, the announcer started making introductions, and the first match began. I had never watched a boxing match live before. The first fight was quite balanced. I felt excited, nervous, and surprised. Sometimes, I had to close my eyes because I couldn't bear to watch.
Being a boxer was a tough job. Your reflexes had to be fast, you had to decide how to dodge or counterattack, and you needed incredible stamina. I was sure Jay would do well, but I wasn't sure if I could stand seeing him get hurt.
"Dan," Tiger, who was sitting next to Nao, called me. "No matter how desperate or hurt Jayden is, don't close your eyes or leave. Don't cry or sulk."
"Why?"
"Imagine someone who is fighting, injured, losing their spirit, and out of strength. They see their loved one turn away or leave, losing Faith in them. How do you think Jayden would feel? What he needs is not your worry," Tiger said seriously.
I nodded.
"I understand." Because this wouldn't be the first or last time Jay would fight. I couldn't make him lose confidence. The announcer's voice made me sit up straighter.
The boxer from the red corner was introduced. He came out to loud applause from the audience, took off his robe, and entered the ring. The announcer introduced Jayden. The spotlight shone on him. The applause was quieter since they didn't know him yet. Jay was wearing a blue robe that covered his face before he took it off. The bell rang, marking the start of the match. The red corner boxer attacked quickly, but Jay dodged effortlessly. He barely moved.
The announcer commented that Jay was avoiding every punch. The audience looked surprised. Strangely, during the first round, Jay didn't throw a single punch. The red corner boxer was panting, but Jay showed no signs of exhaustion. He glanced at me for a moment before returning to the ring for the second round. The red corner boxer was more cautious. He looked for an opening and threw a punch, but Jay knocked him down with a single hit.
!!!
The cheers of the fans echoed throughout the stadium. The announcer declared Jay's victory by raising his hand, saying that he was on par with Ryan as a trainer. The plan to introduce a new boxer had gone spectacularly well. Jayden McKay would soon be known in the boxing world. This was an incredible start for a rookie. I felt amazed and proud of Jayden and Ryan. Their performance was truly impressive. Jay seemed like he wanted to come to me, but Ryan called him back to the rest area. After watching Jay's match, I didn't really need to stay, but Fei wanted to keep watching, so the others stayed. I left the stadium and went to the same rest area.
Jay approached me and bowed. I smiled and ruffled his hair.
"You did really well."
"Thank you."
"This kid seems willing to do anything just to get a head pat from Dan Nuea," Ryan said with a smile.