Chapter 11 Happy Birthday

After Santichai took a shower, he walked back and saw that KK was still cleaning the kitchen. This time he took a closer look at KK. KK is a tall, mature guy with great muscles. With his perfect figure and clean selection of clothes, Santichai knew that KK must love to exercise. He walked to the kitchen and said, "You don't need to clean that, I'll clean it up."

KK said, "I'm almost done cleaning. How is your fever?"

"My fever is gone, I feel better now, thank you," Santichai said, looking at KK. "Aren't you working tomorrow?"

KK said, "There is a party in two days, and my uncle asked me to help him set some tables, so I asked off. I will go back to work on Monday next week." He put away the last washed plate and wiped his hand. He turned to look at Santichai. "The theme of the party is couples."

Santichai smiled and said, "That's good, have fun at the party."

KK walked up to Santichai and said, "I want to invite you to the party with me."

Santichai said, "Thank you for your proposal, but I politely declined."

KK asked, "Why?"

"I don't know anything about high-society parties," Santichai said. "I've never been to a high-society party, and never planned to go to one."

KK said, "What a shame. I don't think I can go either."

Santichai asked, "How come?"

KK said, "The theme of the party is couples, and no one accompanies me."

Santichai said, "I'm sorry."

KK smiled and said, "If you feel sorry, then be my partner."

Santichai shook his head, "I'm sorry. "

KK smiled and sighed, "It doesn't matter, it's entirely your choice to go or not." The phone in KK's pocket vibrated. He took out his phone, it was his mother. "Hello, Ma."

On the mother's side, the younger brother shouted, "Pi K, happy birthday!"

KK smiled and said, "Thank you." He looked at Santichai. "Sorry, it's my brother."

Mrs. Cole said on the phone, "You are not alone?"

KK said, "No, I'm with one of my colleagues."

Mrs. Cole teased, "Are you sure it's not your boyfriend?"

KK smiled and said, "No."

Mrs. Cole said, "I'm sorry I can't celebrate your birthday this year, but I already sent you a birthday present, I hope you like it."

KK said, "Ma, thank you."

Mrs. Cole said, "Okay, I have to go, your brother is going to school soon. KK, take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything. I'm only a phone call away. Happy Birthday. May my sweet sweet little boy always be happy throughout the year."

KK said, "Thank you, ma." He hung up and grabbed his coat from the sofa. He looked at Santichai. "I cooked more porridge and put it in the ice box, you can reheat it. I put the medicine bottle on the kitchen counter, remember to take it." He smiled at Santichai. "Santichai Kittibun..." Santichai looked up at KK. "Happy birthday. I didn't know we had the same birthday." He smiled. "I'm a few years older than you."

Santichai stared at KK, stood up slowly, and asked, "Mr. KK, how do you know today is my birthday?"

KK looked at Santichai and said, "I asked Mrs. Pricha."

Santichai knew he didn't tell anyone his birthday unless they checked his job application. He stared at KK and asked, "Mr. KK, have we met before?"

KK asked, "Why do you think so?"

Santichai said, "Tell me, I don't like guessing or lying."

KK smiled and said, "Last year, Bell Rose Café and seven months ago at Secret Palace." He waited a moment, but Santichai didn't answer him. The atmosphere was weird and awkward, he walked to the door and turned to look at Santichai. "Goodnight." He closed the door.

Santichai sighed and sat back on the sofa. He completely forgot about it. He doesn't even remember how or when he met KK. He turned to the kitchen, his kitchenette was neat, and he saw a bottle of medicine on the countertop. He walked to the kitchen and next to the medicine bottle lay a small handmade thread bracelet with a yellow sticky note on it. KK wrote on the post-it note: "Santichai Kittibun, I know you don't like accepting expensive gifts. I made this for the first time, so it's not perfect. Happy birthday". He sighed and picked up his phone. He pressed on the unknown number.

KK sat in the car for a long time before deciding to start the car. Just as he was about to change gears, his phone rang. He looked at the dashboard, it was from Santichai. He pressed the call button on the car. He tried his best to hide his disappointed voice, "Santichai, do you need anything?"

Santichai said, "Mr. KK, when will you go to the party?"

KK joked, "Why do you ask suddenly? Are you going to come with me now?"

Santichai replied, "Mmm."

KK said, "Santichai, don't force yourself if you don't want to go."

Santichai said, "I didn't force myself. Thank you for the gift, it's the second birthday present I've had since I can remember. Because I have nothing to give you. I will go with you to the party."

KK chuckled, "Santichai Kittibun, you really don't like owing anyone."

Santichai, "I don't." He paused for a moment. "So, what's the date?"

KK said, "Tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at five tomorrow night."

Santichai said suddenly, "Did you tell me it's in a couple days?"

KK said, "I gave you the wrong date, so you won't feel too guilty for rejecting me if you find out later."

"You don't have to lie to me," Santichai said. "I don't like people who lie to me. I'd rather you tell me the truth."

KK said, "Well, I promise not to lie to you."

Santichai said, "What should I wear?"

KK said, "We usually wear suits for social events like this, but if you don't have a complete suit, wear decent clothes with trousers."

"I'll find something decent to wear," Santichai said.

KK said, "Well, it doesn't matter what you wear, I don't mind at all."

Santichai said, "I will not embarrass you."

KK chuckled and said, "Santichai Kittibun, you know what, this is the longest conversation between you and me."

Santichai said, "Drive slowly, bye."