THREE
3
To be honest, Uea really should have seen it coming. I mean, King and his family are crazy famous! But for some reason, he convinced himself that it wouldn't be THAT level of fame. He probably just wanted to make himself feel better. But the truth is, reality hit him hard. As soon as he stepped out of the car, cameras were flashing like crazy.
As soon as they got out of the car, at least 5 bodyguards were right behind them. The reporters were flashing their cameras non-stop and seemed to have forgotten their manners as they shouted various questions all at once. Khun King why didn't you attend any other family parties? Khun King how come you never show up with your family?Khun King is that your partner?
And the most horrifying one for Uea? Khun King is that your fiancée?
Uea resisted the urge to bolt from the venue, thanks to King's supportive hand on his bare skin. It was a comforting gesture that helped him ease up and feel at ease. King seemed to sense Uea's tension and hastened their entry. Unfortunately, Uea's family was hosting the event, so they had to endure some photo ops. Uea was anxious about how he looked in the pictures, hoping he didn't resemble someone who just chugged a sour drink.
As soon as it was finished, King tugged Uea toward the entrance. And mannnn the interior of the hotel was just as spectacular as it seemed outside. He was busy looking around when he heard King talking.
"You ok?" King softly asked him looking with the sincerest eyes Uea has ever seem.
Uea gave a small smile in return and nodded. "Yes, I am fine, you don’t need to worry. But you should have told me that i would have my picture fixate on media when I agreed to go with you"
King's face turned into panic. Uea could tell. "Are you angry? Actually, I really didn't expect that there would be this much media present here"
Uea should have replied but a bodyguard who was trailing them replied.
"Khun King, the media must have been made aware that you would be present today. And you have not made your face seen at family parties for more than 5 years, so the media must be curious."
King just glared at the guard "And pray tell how did the news leak?"
Now that's another side Uea was discovering of King. King was always soft spoken and dandy kind of person in office. He never raised his voice at anyone. Not even using hard voice. And commanding? Far from it. Since they worked under a boss.
But this King? He was a sight to see. His commanding aura, his way of speaking with his staff knowing what he was doing, it made Uea like him a little more than before. Because this King was not a reckless flirt. He wished to see more of him.
"Apologies Khun King, I have not heard much but it was Khun Venice from whom the media got the sniff from"
"P'Ven? Isn't he at France?"
"Yes, some men heard him saying that you would attend today. Maybe from there it was known"
King was talking with the bodyguard as they walked towards the elevator.
"And what about my hia? Any news on him?"
"No khun King. It seems like Khun Prapai has taken another extended vacation and using the private Beach that Khun Kinn gifted him on his birthday."
That made Uea turn towards the talking men. Private beach for a birthday gift? Ok. Now thats too much. Uea is getting hella nervous now. King told that his parents were here right? Even thought there were many articles about the Threepanyakun married duo, there were never any information about their attitude. Also Uea is pretty sure he only saw Kinn Threepanyakun's face hardly one or two time. And Porsche's was out of mind. Uea doesn't remember what that person looks like.
Were King's parents like those stuck up people from the korean drama's that Jade watches?
King must have noticed Uea had gone silent.
"Uea?"
Uea eased a smile, shaking his head.
"Nothing. So what are we doing now?"
King gestured upwards, "Let's head up to the top floor where the main party is happening. My parents are likely there too, but don't sweat it, it's just them. We've got plenty of time to sample some of the delicious food before the main event starts in an hour." He said with a relaxed smile.
***
The hotel has 25 floors, Uea noted. Not that he is invested on it. He just needs to think of something before he meets king's parents. Uea doesn't know what to expect as King basically told him nothing except that his parents were male.
Uea lightly cleared his throat to get King's attention. Which worked cause king turned to him. They were standing side by side in the back of the elavator where his gaurds were standing infront of them.
"So what am I expecting from your parents?" Uea hoped he doesn't sound too cringe when he asked him that.
Since they were practically glued with each other,so when King moved his head towards Uea, Uea could hear King's breath. That how close they were.
Uea just gulped not letting their closeness bother him.
"Hmm, well my dad Porsche is kind of loose minded person. He is very easy to get along with. And my papa, Kinn although he might be seemed very dominating and strict , but those who knows him, he is a kind person in reality." King murmured not too focus on explaining his parents nature too him maybe because he was busy gazing at Uea's lips. Seriously whats with King today.
" King. Tell me seriously. That's too little."
"Uea, again, you dont need to worry much. They were the one who told me to choose my partner and I am sure they would get charmed by you. And on top of that my dad would stop my papa if he gets overboards. So stop worrying."
"Its easy for you to say."
"Not really. I have met your mother remember?" king quirks an eyebrow. Yes how can Uea forget such a humiliating day. Seriously King had to give his mother money. When they were not even that close.
*ding*
Uea didn't get to reply as the elevator came to their stop. The guards quickly stepped out as the elevator door opened.
King squeezed his shoulder as they both stepped out.
***
The room was dimly lighten. There was a huge chandelier handger in the middle. And an even more extravagant stage was fixed right under the chandelier.
The room looked like it can cater for up to 140 guests depending on the seating arrangements. At the side theres also a 10m deck that seemed like it was used as a serving area for conferences. There is also a roof garden with gazebo at the end of the hall. Having three separate areas with easy access and lots of natural lighting, it looked like a perfect place for high end parties.
And not to mention the people. And damnnnn, King was right about the dressing code. Some of the men were wearing blue while their partners were wearing red. And holy hell, those looks like real diamonds that were decorated on red dressing people. Uea thought he saw a girl who was wearing only red stones.
King noticed his gaze. "See, I told you, you will see a lot of diamonds and skin today. So get ready for a kitten."
Uea just scoffed as King made their way towards the bar. The bar was better looking as there were various types of alcoholic drinks were trimmed behind the self. But funnily enough no was at the bar which Uea would be eternally grateful cause he can’t do chit chatting before he meets King's parents. His nerves wouldn’t let him do that.
As they King made Uea sit on the bar stool, he kept looking around. Probably trying to find someone.
"Are you looking for someone?"
"Hmm, yes my parents. Honestly they should be here somewhere. But I cant see them."
Uea also looked around, probably trying to find two commanding looking person since he can't specifically remember anyone's face.
"Uea, will you be ok here If I do a little round of the room?"
He just quirks his eyebrows at him." Do you think I am a child? Go, you dont need to babysit me."
King didn't need to be told twice. He hurriedly went to the side where people were standing. Probably more gaurds.
***
Uea was enjoying the gala. Not that he had been here for 1 hour or so. It has been barely 20 minutes and no sing of King. Uea didn't want to come of some clingy type of person to call his partner just because he was out of sight for more than 15 minutes. Maybe Uea should. But he had seen how people just grabbed his partner for a conversation or two. So it was given that he was late.
But Uea wasn't bored. He was enjoying. It kind of had a different piece of attraction just to look at some rich people, talk with all their hands and body. Like they can't stay still. What are they flaunting? Their diamonds and pearls? Another thing Uea seems to be amazed with. He seriously didn't know that there would be so much jwellery involved. Is this gala about jwellery or something?
"You seem to be bored." a voice called out making Uea turn around to see who it was.
It was a man smiling at him with a drink on his hand. The first thing he noticed was how attractive the man was even when there were visible lines of age. But it made him look even more. And second thing was his chest. He was wearing green suit with a white shirt underneath. That shirt didn't do any work since his buttons were undone. His toned chest full on display. If he was being honest he looked like King. His hair was pushed back making his forehead seen. And man he was a sight to behold.
"Sawadee khub, I don't think I know you." Uea politely waied. And of course, he doesn’t know him. But he knows what type of encounters like this goes with you seem bored. And Uea is definitely not interested.
The guy let out a little laugh. "Wow, you're so polite! I don't think we've met before. I couldn't help but notice how bored you looked staring at those folks. Is this your first time here? Normally people head straight for the drinks as soon as they walk in. But you haven't had a single one for the last 15 minutes. Can I whip you up something?"
"Sounds like Khun was bored too since he was so diligently observing me"
That made the handsome man give him a bull blown laugh. He has such a nice smile. And even if what that man said should have made Uea creeped out , but he couldn’t help but feel comfortable and safe with the man. The same safety that King made him feel. Seriously has Uea gone insane that he was now attracted to a older looking man?
"What a cheeky reply! Honestly, my husband and son took off for some business as soon as they arrived. So, I'm here, an old man feeling a bit bored, trying to sneakily keep an eye on this charming and attractive guy who seems like he could easily attract all the attention of all the creepy folks around here," the man responded with a playful grin.
Uea could feel himself blush. For two different reasons. The man who Iea thought was trying to hit on him was married and on top of that the man was just looking out for him.
Uea couldn't help but smile apologizingly. "Uh sorry Khun for the misunderstanding. I umm actually had some misgivings at bar before thats why."
"Well its a given at how beautiful you are. And you did you came here with?"
"Uh I came here with a….." that made him stop. What was King to him. His colleague? His sleeping partner? He definitely can't tell the man that.
The man looks at him questionly.
"..... With a friend. I came here with a friend."
"With a friend huh. Well whoever your friend is, they are quiet protective of you, since they left a quite few set of bodyguards to look after you." the man then looked at the gaurds and sure enough there were 4 guards lined up, and how the hell did Uea didn't notice.
Uea didnt know what to say. Should he say that his friend is the son of this gala host.
The man didn't wait for an answer as he grabbed quite a few bottle from behind. "So what would you like? Plain old Whisky or some Virgin mary? Or better yet I make you some very good mix?" the man asked as he grabbed the glass and the spoon and strangely some fruits as he started what seemed like a muscle memory.
"Uh nothing strong. I don't want to get drunk soon"
The man didn't say anything as he worked on his coctail. Definitely looking like his element. As he flipped the bottle giving Uea quite a show.
First, the man began with, what it seemed like gin. Then he added that to a mixing tin with ice. And Uea can swear that he never saw a bartender look this good while mixing. While Measuring out 1 part of a sweet ingredient: simple syrup and vermouth, then he added that to the mixture. Finally, the man measured out 1 part of lime juice and poured into his tin.
He served it in a highball glass.
"Here you go. And oops almost forgot your slice of orange. Hope you enjoy."
Uea was completing if he should eat it. But he saw the man make it and it looks good.
He took the glass and doubtly took a sip. Uea didn't know what he expected, maybe some half ass coctail but damn the man knows what he's doing.
" So how's it? " the man inquired with a cocky and loopy smile. Definitely knows that it would taste good.
"Well, you just want me to complement you right. Khun definitely knows that it tastes good."
"Hahahah. Yup, surely my favourite person for the night. How come your friend hasn't come yet. Tell him to come fast or you will be smuggled up with an old man today."
"Well, he would come when he finishes his business. And where is your husband and son. You have been gone for some time."
"As you said, they will be here after they finish their buisness. So tell me what is this handsome man's name?"
"Hmm how about you tell me first? Are you a bartender here? Although you don’t look like one. And you know you kind of look like someone, same smile, same eyes."
"Do I now? Is that man very handsome? Since you told me I look like him" the man was teasing him even if there was some fondness in it. "
"I can't put a hold on who it is. Anyway, tell me, what is your name. I have been calling you this man this man in my mind"
The man was just about to respond when a hand sneaked behind his back and pulled him possessively. He recognized that it was the King, but what surprised him was what the King said next.
"Dad? What are you doing here? We have been looking for you."