I woke up at four in the morning and rubbed my eyes. I found a text from my dad asking me to visit him in his office building at ten in the morning. My head felt heavy from last night and I couldn't fall asleep again. So I picked up the book "Atomic habits" by James Clear and started reading it. I didn't want to leave his side so I turned the table light on and read. It was raining heavily outside and the sound was loud and comforting. While reading, I don't know how much time had passed. Kao started to snuggle beside me, shifting closer to me. I placed the book down and turned the light off. I lied down beside him and he moved to hug me, burying his face in my chest.
"What's the time?" He asked in a husky voice.
"It's four in the morning." I answered.
He sighed. "My head hurts."
I rubbed on his back. "Sleep."
"When did I get so drunk? I don't remember getting in bed."
I blinked in surprise. So he didn't remember anything that he had said? "I brought you to bed."
"Hmm okay." He mumbled.
He hugged me closer and slowly drifted off to sleep again. I lied awake, staring at the wall.
I got out of bed at seven and made breakfast. He was still sleeping peacefully when I went to take a bath. I was getting ready when he woke up and stretched his arms and yawned. I buttoned up my crisp white shirt and turned to smile at him. He sat up, barely opening his eyes and frowned at me.
"Where are you going?" He asked, eyes wide in surprise.
"To meet my dad." I said, walking over to kiss him but he lounged far away from me, holding up his hands in defense.
"Don't come near me. My mouth tastes horrible." He jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom while I watched him laughing and shaking my head.
I tousled my hair up with some gel and sighed, watching myself in the mirror. I looked tidy. I wore my blue blazer and grabbed my black trench. I fixed my tie one last time, feeling uncomfortable because it felt tight. Maybe I had ran out of habit. Wearing tie now made me feel like I was being choked.
"Woah...are you going on a date or something? Why are you dressing up to meet your father?" Kao walked out of the bathroom, eyeing me from top to bottom.
I smiled. "He said he is making me meet some of his business friends so gotta look good."
His face fell as he nodded and sat at the edge of the bed. "So you will be gone for the whole day?"
I squared my shoulders. "I don't know. Probably."
"Then...let's have dinner together." He looked hopeful.
I calculated in my mind. I could definitely make it before dinner. I smiled at him. "Sure."
"Hey." He called, following me to the hall. "Did I do or say anything weird when I was drunk? I can't remember anything."
I turned to face him. "Well...you said you would prefer if I walk around naked." I teased. That was not the only thing he said.
He was tight lipped. "Um okay. That's pretty weird."
I chuckled and went to put on my shoes. He followed me like a lost puppy.I put my shoes on and turned to him. "I have made you breakfast. And also have called Kristen to come for today. She will probably be here by eleven. Ask her to cook whatever you want to eat. And...okay, I will be leaving then." I said and smiled.
He sighed and walked to me with his arms wide open. He pulled me in an embrace. "Okay...since it's raining, I thought we would stay home and just enjoy the weather. But well, guess next time. But now you are going out all dressed up. You will dazzle people."
I chuckled. "Don't worry, I have eyes only for you."
He laughed. "That's better." He moved back and smiled up at me. "See you later."
I leaned down and pecked his lips. "See ya." With a last smile, I walked out the door.
The rain was pouring and it was too cold. The temperature must have gone negative. I drove carefully and it took me an hour to reach the building. Sure enough, dad's secretary was there to greet me. I handed him my car keys which he passed it to another employee.
"Warn me beforehand what it is about." I said to Mr. Perkins as we got in the elevator.
"There is a meeting with the board. Probably about designations." He said, pressing the button to the tenth floor.
I turned to look at him in surprise. "And what's it to me?"
He pressed his lips together. "You should ask Mr. Cuong about it."
I exhaled in frustration. At the end, it had come to what I had disagreed before. "I talked with him about it before. He said it was fine. Why would he change his mind now?" I muttered.
He didn't speak.
We reached the tenth floor and made our way towards the office. Just before opening the door, Mr. Perkins turned to me. "Your grandfather is here." He said and opened the door before I could say anything. I cleared my throat and walked in.
There at the far east corner was my dad on his desk, reading files. And on the west was my grandfather reading some business magazines. I hadn't seen him in ages because he stayed abroad most of the time. And he had aged more than what he looked like in my memory. But those grey hairs were the indication of his age. He looked much younger for his age and much more healthy.
"Hi grandpa." I greeted, walking over to meet him.
He looked up and smiled, eyes crinkling. "Kwan. Look how much you have grown!" He exclaimed, eyes glowing at the sight of his grandson.
Mr. Perkins walked over to my dad and took the files and left. Dad got out of his desk and made his way towards us.
I sat beside the old man and watched his reaction as he looked at me from head to toe. "The last time I saw you, you were eighteen or nineteen."
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Woah, look at you now, all grown up into a man." He laughed.
"He used to always cry to see his grandpa when he was younger." Dad took a seat at the other sofa.
I turned to throw him a warning glare. "I never did."
Both of them laughed.
"Good. Now, you are all ready to take over the company. It's time for me to retire and enjoy traveling without any workload." Grandpa said.
I frowned and glanced at my dad who avoided my eyes. I didn't know how to react to that or what to say. Grandpa didn't like to be spoken back to. He was a loving grandfather, always sending us gifts from places he visited but one thing I didn't like about the old man was that he was way too controlling. He liked controlling his children's life. Even my dad couldn't speak back to him or disrespect his decisions.
I knew I had to say something before it was too late. "But grandpa I didn't study business. And I have zero knowledge about business."
He frowned. "Who said only studying business makes you a good businessman? There is always time to learn. I will give you a private tutor to learn the business. You are my bloodline after all. You have to take over."
I opened my mouth to say something but my dad shook his head, asking me to stop. Grandpa already looked displeased. I exhaled and shut my mouth.
"What are you working as presently?" Grandpa asked, turning into serious mode.
"A teacher." I spoke quietly.
His frowned deepened and he turned to look at my dad. "What are you doing instead of teaching your son what he has to do?"
"Dad, it's his wish. He has his own-" Dad started to say.
"No." Grandpa cut him off mid-sentence. "You are failing into educating your children, Kean. This is your only son and instead of making him learn business, you let him be a teacher?"
I stared at the floor as my dad got lectures from his dad. No wonder dad let me do whatever because he knew what it felt like to be controlled by parents.
The debate went on between the father and son for another good half an hour while I sat quietly and listened to them discuss about my future. I let my mind wander back home to Kao. I wanted to call him and ask what he was up to. My mind played scenes from last night and I couldn't help but smile. He was just so adorable when he was drunk.
"I don't know. My bloodline needs to take over the company. Do you want to see my step brother's grandson take over? That would be disastrous!" Grandpa burst in anger.
"Dad, please calm down. I understand it very well but it's up to Kwan what he wants to do. Let him live his life. Let's have this discussion later. You have just come back after so long. Come home and spend some time with us. Kwan's birthday is also around the corner." Dad spoke softly, trying to calm the ticking bomb.
Grandpa thought for a moment, staring at the floor and finally exhaled and looked at me. "You. I have someone you need to meet later. I am just trying to give you all a better life." He sighed and picked his magazine back.
I glanced at dad who nodded and went back to his desk.
"Um can I leave now?" I asked, looking to and from between them.
"No, we are conducting a meeting with the board at three." Grandpa said.
"Okay." I said and quietly went to sit with my father who was busy reading his files.
Getting bored, I picked up some files and everything went above my head. How was I supposed to manage the company with my zero knowledge? I enjoyed being a teacher. I knew one day I had to eventually get in track with my dad but I never thought it would be too soon. I didn't expect grandpa to show up.
Lunch was normal in the office cafeteria. Dad and grandpa talked about old days while I listened to them in fascination. Their time seemed fascinating. There were no smartphones and to keep in contact, they wrote letters. Mom used to tell me stories about their days and I just couldn't imagine it as smartphones existed since my childhood. However, I liked listening to their stories. It gave off the image of romantic aesthetic.
Time passed quickly and at three, we sat for the meeting with the board of directors. It didn't hit me until I sat down beside my dad among the board of directors. I grew nervous when the meeting began. An employee gave a presentation about the profits the company was making and suggested more projects to boost more profits. And when the presentations for the projects began, I lost concentration. I opened my text on the tab and found few texts from Kao.
From: Mr. K
I think I have become used to you in these few days. I have always lived alone but suddenly it's lonely. Gosh, we should stay some time apart more.
What are you doing? Lunch with your dad? The rain is pouring so bad and it's so cold outside. Hehe...it feels somehow better to text, like old days. I remember I used to talk a lot like this when you were offline. But when you were online, I didn't have any words to say. It was like I didn't know how to talk. We have come a long way, right? It's still unbelievable to me that you are back to me. Guess it really happens what we believe in. You told you believe in fate and guess this is our fate. We met again.
Okay now I am embarrassed writing this to you. I am just getting bored alone so don't mind me. Guess you are busy. Kristen made me some stew. I liked it. So dinner is still on right? Hmm what should we eat? Should I cook today? Tell me what you would like to eat. I am not that great of a cook like you but I can try.
I smiled, reading the texts. He was just missing me. It made me want to go back sooner. I would just rush home after the meeting gets over.
"Concentrate, son." Dad leaned to whisper in my ear. "Your grandpa is glaring at you."
I looked up across the desk to meet grandpa's glare. I quietly placed the tab down and tried to concentrate in the meeting.
It took another hour and my brain was exhausted. Finally, after the conclusion grandpa stood up and walked to the aisle. He cleared his throat before breaking into a bright smile.
"This meeting wasn't precisely to discuss about the profits or new projects. I called the directors to announce something very important. We have worked together for years now. You all have been there during profits and loss and stood always strong. So thank you all for your cooperation. I would like to announce my retirement from the position of the chairman." He paused as the directors looked at each other and murmured. He let it sink in and continued. "As we all know, there is no one else more perfect than my son to take over that position. However, if any of you have any problems with it may concern it with me."
A Director rose his hand. "What about Mr. Kean's position? Who will take over it? Will there be an election?"
Grandpa shook his head. "My grandson here is old enough to take over Kean's position. Does anyone have any problem with it?" The way grandpa's eyes were blazing, nobody dared to raise any hand. That was the kind of affect he had on people. He owned that business so nobody really dared to go against him. But I had to dare. He had announced it officially while I hadn't still agreed to it. It only meant that he was adamant to change my mind.
"If that so, then we end our meeting here. Thank you all" Grandpa concluded.
Dad and I got out of our seats and walked out of the room with grandpa. I silently walked beside them, deep in thought while my dad tried to fight for me. He tried to bargain with grandpa but nobody bargains with grandpa. Nobody could change his mind.
"What's the next plan, dad?" Dad asked grandpa as we entered the elevator.
"I told earlier I have someone Kwan needs to meet." Grandpa's bad mood suddenly lifted and was placed with a grin.
"Who..." Dad trailed off.
"His future wife."
Both dad and my head turned sharply with wide eyes to look at grandpa who looked smug.
.....
I hung my head low, avoiding eye contact with the person sitting in front of me. I played with my fingers on my lap. The situation was real and I couldn't think of anything to get out of it. I could feel her eyes looking at me. I must have appeared like a total shy guy but that was not the case. I wasn't supposed to be there at the first place. I was supposed to go home, back to my Kao. He was waiting for me.
"Hi, it's been way too long I guess." She said in a soft voice.
I looked up to see her smile.
"You don't remember me, do you? We met during our childhood when I visited your house during my summer breaks. I mostly hung out with your sisters so yeah, I guess you don't remember." She dropped her eyes, making a shy gesture with her hand as she tucked some strands of loose hair behind her ear.
I tried to remember but I couldn't. I wanted to go home.
"How have you been?" She asked.
I nodded. "Good. I am sorry but I don't remember anything about you."
She laughed politely. "It's alright. I couldn't visit after I shifted abroad. Your grandpa always talked about you there. It made me curious about you."
"Ah I see." I took a sip of my water, looking away. I didn't know what to say since I wasn't interested.
"Um you look like you don't want to be here. Is something wrong?" She asked, straight forwardly.
I looked directly in her eyes, debating if I should be straight forward as well and tell her clearly that I had no intention of marrying her. "Um no. I...-" I dropped the idea. "-it's nothing. I am fine. Sorry to make you uncomfortable."
She smiled.
I was surprised how well she could carry out conversation. She took out random topics and talked about it while I just listened. She was polite, elegant, very ladylike and was very interested in me. I could tell it by the way she was flattering her eyelashes and flirting by brushing my hand randomly on the table. I placed both my hand over my thigh, giving her no access to any part of my body to touch. Dinner arrived and we ate in comfortable silence. She wasn't shy to eat openly either so I dropped my shyness too and ate comfortably.
The rain hadn't stopped pouring all day. I was ordered to drop her home by the old man. And her place was opposite from mine so I was driving farther away from my place. I drove carefully. The traffic was heavy and I was getting impatient to get home. I should have given him a call.
Diana's phone vibrated and she picked it up. "Hello? Yeah...Oh my god! How could I forget! Yeah I know. It's late. I am heading home now. I am so sorry. It should be fine if you gift her later too I guess. Yeah, I understand. I am sorry. I was caught up for a while and I totally forgot about it. Yup, got it. Bye."
I turned to look at her. "What's wrong?"
"Uh actually I was supposed to pick up a gift for my friend's girlfriend. He wanted to gift it to her today at twelve for her birthday. I was told about this date and I totally forgot about it."
I flushed. Date? I didn't think it was a date. I thought it was just dinner. Oh well, yeah I guess it was a date.
"I feel bad. I guess I still have time. Can you drop me to the City mall, please?" She looked genuinely upset.
I nodded and turned the navigation on for the city mall.
I didn't know what I was doing but it didn't feel safe to let her off alone at that hour so I tagged along. The more I wanted to hurry, the more situations arose. We walked around the mall, scanning through dresses. She was that kind of girl whose eyes didn't catch anything easily. She was choosy. We didn't have much time either. It was already past nine and the mall closed at nine thirty.
Finally, she grabbed a few dresses and took it for billing. It was done quickly as there were only few people. And we were back on our way. I dropped her to her place and quickly turned to go back home. That was it. It was past ten thirty. I dialed his number and the phone rang and rang but he didn't pick up. I dialed again but there was no reply. Maybe he had fallen asleep.
The traffic was heavy and I was losing my shit under the pouring rain in the car. It took me another hour to break through the traffic and by the time I reached home, it was past twelve. I rushed in and found him sound asleep in the hall's couch. I let out an exhale as I saw him. There were untouched food on the dining and my heart ached. He cooked for me.
I sat on the floor in front of the couch and watched his face for a moment. He was fast asleep. I got up and carefully picked him up in my arms.
"Oh you are here." He mumbled with his eyes closed, placing an arm around my neck and leaning his head against my chest.
"I am sorry for not making it on time." I muttered, carrying him to my room.
He nuzzled closer to my neck, inhaling deeply. "Let's go to bed." He mumbled in his sleep.
I nodded, putting him to bed and tucking him in the blanket. I quickly changed and rushed to put the untouched food in the refrigerator and then got in bed. I couldn't fall asleep. I wanted to beat myself up for hurting him. I closed my eyes and listened to the pouring rain. He shifted closer to me and wrapped his arms around me. I turned my body for him to bury his face on my chest. I cradled his head in my hand and closed my eyes. In no time, I fell asleep.