Fluke sighed, cuddling deeper into his bed, squinting when he heard his alarm go off. Turning over he switched it off, stretching his arms over his head, peering at the red light reading 5am. Grinning Fluke jumped out of bed to prepare for the day. Dressed in a white button up with a light blue cardigan and black slacks, Fluke took his bag and packed lunch before he was out the door by 6AM, on his way to NI Enterprises.
Arriving at 7AM on the dot. Fluke greeted his fellow early birds with a warm smile, before heading over to Ohms office only to find it locked. Shia
Feeling embarrassed for forgetting to ask for the specifics. Fluke pulled him phone out, contemplating on calling Kao or just waiting for Ohm at the lobby when an arm went over him shoulder, startling him.
"Sawadee krab Fluke! Are you Fluke? You look like a Fluke."
"Boun! Don't scare him on his first day!"
Baffled, Fluke turned to the two men with identical blonde hair. Answering the greeting politely in return despite his confusion. "Sawadee krap. Yes, I'm Fluke."
"Told you he looks like a Fluke-Ow! Prem!"
Fluke had to hold back a laugh at their antics, relaxing in the friendly albeit frenzied aura the two radiated, which was quite similar to when he met Earth. "Hi Khun Fluke, I'm sorry for him, he was dropped when he was little."
"Please, just call me Fluke." Earning a smile in return, Fluke turned his full attention on the two.
"This is Boun, Vice President of NI, and I'm Prem, his assistant. You can just call us by our named too."
"Welcome to NI Fluke!"
"Thank you Boun, Prem." Accepting the handshakes Fluke had to smile at the two. While very boisterous the two were clearly friendly and welcoming.
"So Earth actually called us up this morning to see you around on your first day. Turns out Kao and Ohm were pulled to an early morning meeting at Chiang Mai and they won't be back till tomorrow at the latest." Prem explained shyly smiling back at Fluke
"Oh, I see…"
"Ohm was actually planning to tour you around the company but when he got the call for the meeting, he went frantic when he realized he was stupid enough not to get your number." Boun smiled, quacking dodging the hand aimed at him, hiding from his secretary behind a chuckling Fluke.
"How many times do I have to remind you that you're my secretary and I'm your boss?"
"When you start acting like it! Just because your childhood friends with Ohm doesn't mean-"
"Speaking of childhood friends, since Ohm isn't here we're your designated tour guides! Now on with the tour! Come on Prem!"
Fluke had to laugh at the excited Boun, smiling when he saw the fond exasperated look on Prems' face as they were pulled towards the elevator by the other blonde. Fluke looked around in wonder, the company was huge, thankfully he doesn't need to utilize or got to each of them, but he is not above asking questions should things come down to it.
Spending the day with the two blondes, Fluke could say he made his first two friends at the company, learning about them as the day went on. It turns out that Boun and Ohm had been friends since childhood, living in the same neighborhood with a common love for swimming, the two had been inseparable ever since. The two men taking an interest in business in college, they both entered the company anonymously.
Prem on the other hand had met them during college at the swimming club, catching the eye of one Noppanut Guntachai. Openly sharing their relationship, Fluke learns that they've been on and off during their four years in college, breaking up on their last year, but it seems that they were meant to be seeing as Prem was already working for NI at least a year before Ohm and Boun had applied.
Fluke had cooed when Prem blushed, half-heartedly hitting Boun for being sappy. They've been together for two years now, 6 if you included their years in college, but as they say, whose counting? As long as they made it between them.
The rest of the day was spent introducing Fluke to the present staff, everyone loving him immediately, polite and adorable as he was. The basic and general parts of job was explained to him as well. Keeping tabs on Ohms daily agenda, scheduling all his meetings, producing itinerary and taking the minutes, arranging appointments, answering his calls and taking care of his correspondence, accepting company packages, organizing events and overseeing the process, managing Ohms databases, the list went on and the specifics, well that depended on Ohm when he came back.
At the end of the day, Fluke hand understood the weight he was taking on when he accepted the job offer, being a secretary was intimidating, being a secretary of a CEO of a well-known company, well that's something he was looking forward to overcoming starting tomorrow.
Ohm closed his eyes, his head throbbingfrom the lack of sleep. Honestly pissed that he and Kao were called over for nothing. Late in the evening he got a pissed off call from Kao, his own call with the contractor having just ended, there was something wrong with the contract they said.
So lo and behold, Kao and Ohm made their way to Chiang Mai during at an unholy time in the morning, arriving there mid-morning just to find out that the contract didn't actually have any problems but the contractor did. He was ranting about part of the contract that he himself put in, actual nonsense spouting from his mouth, not to mention the dilly dallying and obvious peacocking.
They moved from room to room, because it was too hot the air conditioning imported from Japan, it was too hot the fireplace inspired by their travel to the house in Venice, it was too bright, the floor to ceiling glass window inspired by blah blah blah.
It was tiring but he and Kao endured, subtly exchanging eye rolls but as the day ended they realized the contractor actually wanted to renew the entire contract, asking for more, a greedy glint in his eyes. At first they both tried to find common ground but as dinner came and the contractors daughters came, well short to say after the disgustingly obvious ploy of seducing them with plunging necklines and too short dresses, plus the drunken slurs against Earth when they saw the engagement ring, they both left the house with a torn contract, a broken wine glass, a terrified fuming father and a pair of embarrassed ladies.
On the way home, Ohm was holding a cup of Starbucks while Kao was on the phone, calming down his fuming fiancé, ranting about the audacity of the ladies to touch them and what he'd do to their grabby little hands. Stifling a laugh Ohm thought that it had been a good thing that Earth decided to stay else the outcome wouldn't have been as simple, turns out having Fluke back was….Fluke.
"Shit! Fluke!"
Startle to death, Kao nearly dropped his phone at his cousins' outburst, watching as he continuously cursed while fumbled for his phone. "Shit Shit Shit Shit."
"Ohm! Whats going on?"
"I don't have his number. Shit. I forgot Fluke would start work today. I have my keys. I don't think I let anyone know about him. Shit."
"Pfft-Hahahaha"
Ohm glared at his unhelpful cousin. They were still hours away, Fluke could've been held back by security, or worse, what if just waited there the entire day. Fuck, his office was locked, a lot of things flooded his mind leaving him in a daze till a flash blinded him back to reality.
"What the- Kao!"
Grinning Kao just turned his phone over so Ohm could see Earth on a sofa, clutching his stomach, in hysterics. "Y-Your face! Hahaha Ohm you went 'Ahh!' Hahaha"
Ohm scowled at Earths exaggerated impression of his face. "Earth! This is not the time! What if Fluke is still waiting there? What if he got picked up by security? I didn't notify anyone about him!"
"Calm down Ohm." Kao placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, still with that amused grin on his face. "Earth had it handled."
"You owe me cousin-in-law!" Glancing at the ongoing video call, Ohms racing heart calmed as Earth further explained. "When you got called away this morning I called in reinforcements. I called up Sammy so she could tell your head of security, so no worries about Fluke being picked up by security, Boston got that covered."
"My office is locked…don't tell me…"
"Yup! They gave him the grand tour and basic orientation so Fluke had company the entire the day but he also would have probably heard all your embarrassing moments from Boun and Prem by now!"
"I don't know if I should buy you the Gucci bag you want or send Kao away for a week."
"Fluke also doesn't know you forgot about him."
"I did not forget about him….I'll wire the money to Kao"
Laughing as Earth celebrated Kao looked at his disgruntled cousin, stifling a laugh at his put upon expression, he teased. "Thanks for the gift Ohm but I'm worried now. I don't think we should leave Fluke to you after all. We can take him in my company."
"You just said yesterday that you don't have any vacancies." Ohm said brows furrowed
"We don't but I can't have you forgetting my bestie! Fluke is my soulmate! I can't have him being forgotten by his man, what if he gets hurt?"
"His? I'm not his man."
"You're gonna be his boss, of course you are duh." Looking intently at Earth, Ohm missed the subtle sigh of relief Kao let out. "Why? What were you thinking?"
"Nothing."
"Uh-huh, plus he's new! What if he gets lost in the company building? What if you have a business trip and forget him?" Ohm was really starting to feel guilty from Earths ranting and Kao could see that, clearing his throat he cut off his ranting fiancé.
"Earth you're exaggerating, love. I think Ohm learned his lesson."
"…Sorry Ohm. I don't blame you, you just met yesterday after all. I just don't want my bestie hurt."
"Its fine. I promise though, Fluke won't be hurt. I'll take care of him."
Ohm took a deep breath, ignoring the stares of his employees as he stepped out on his floor holding a small bouquet. Greeting them a quiet greeting back, he entered headed to his office. The descent sized half-moon counter already sporting small items signaling occupancy. A canister on the table, a few documents open, the company laptop open but locked with Flukes name signed in but with the small man in question not visible on the floor.
"If you're looking for Fluke, you just missed him." Turning back Ohm nodded at Prem who was carrying a couple of documents, most likely on his way back to Bouns' office on the other side of the other end of the hall. "We went down together to the main copy room, the machines here are under repair. I can send him a text if you need him?"
"No, its fine, also thank you for looking out for him yesterday."
"It was no problem. Fluke is great, a lot of us are looking forward to his stay." With a small smile and a nod, Prem went on his way while Ohm entered his office, finding it neat and tidied up. Placing his bag by his desk, he was surprised to see his canister already full of steaming hot coffee, a small pork bun and a small serving of dumpling rice soup covered and set up neatly on a tray atop his desk. Smiling Ohm picked up the small sticky note that said "Good morning! Enjoy breakfast to jumpstart a great day!"
Not one to usually have breakfast, Ohms stomach made itself known. Settling down, he took a bite, surprised at how good it was, wondering where Fluke had ordered it, even the coffee fit perfectly to his taste. Nursing the hot drink, Ohm logged in his computer before heading to his personal comfort room.
Arching a brow, Ohm closed the door to his lavatory. The tray of his consumed food gone, instead a dark blue tumbler sat on its place along with his paper mails divided into 3 stacks, letting out a laugh when he saw that the sticky notes on top; Relevant, Maybe Relevant, Probably Toss.
Browsing all the files, Ohm was pleased and laughed a little when he saw that they were accurately stacked. Company contracts, Updates, Minutes and all files sent from each department plus letters addressed to the company were neatly stacked on the Relevant pile, while the Maybe Relevant pile were unopened personal letters addressed to him, possible business deals and the like.
The last pile was no probably toss, it was a definite toss. Love notes, modeling proposals for him, product sampling kits that are not supported by the company, an envelope with a hand written 'Rated 18+', and the lot. Not bothering to open any of them, Ohm tossed it.
Turning to his computer Ohm browsed through the company mail, surprised to see that the unread files from the past two days were already more than halved, each one properly addressed and responded to, sent to the proper departments for filing, planning or undertaking.
Diving into the rest of the unread files and new proposals, Ohm was startled out of his work when his desk intercom rang, looking at his watch he was surprised to see that it was half past 11 already. Accepting the call Ohm rolled his eyes when Bouns voice rang loud in his office.
"Your secretary is heaven sent!"
"Fluke? Why? What's going on?"
"Who are you and what have you done to Ohm?"
"Boun."
"For your information, the elderly Ariyasakul couple arrived here just as you came up your office, and they were MAD. Seemed like something went wrong with the construction of the building based on the contract."
"Why are you only telling me this now? Where are they?" Ohm asked frantically putting on his coat and fixing his tie, quickly browsing his files to pull up the contract when Boun stopped him.
"Hold your horses. It's been settled. Like I said Fluke is heaven sent. Prem and I went down to run interference with them when I saw Fluke talking to them and bringing them down the third floor café. He asked Prem to bring the contract and we went over it. As for why am I just informing you now, we got roped into having coffee and a light brunch with them, and you know phones are a no go with those two."
"If it's been settled, why are you calling me now?" Ohm asked slumping in relief on his chair.
"Because…they're on their way to you now. ByeBye"
Knock knock knock
"Good Morning Fluke."
Looking up from swiping his card at the card operated entrance, Fluke smiled at the greeting directed to him by Boston, the company head of safety and security. "Good morning Boston! Thank you again for handling my ID and access card yesterday."
"Your welcome. You're quiet early again today, you know Ohm arrives exactly at 8am, all the time, without fail, you could grab an extra hour of sleep if you want. We have a Siesta Room on the common floor, plus I won't tell."
Chuckling in response to the cheeky grin he received, Fluke replied. "It's just my second day, have to make a good impression on the boss, plus I'm usually a morning person, but I'll keep that in mind. Thank you Boston! Have a great day!"
Smiling and greeting everyone he came across with as he went up to his office, Fluke could say he was loving the place already, having met most of the staff yesterday when he went around with Boun and Prem. The tour really hadn't taken the whole day, at around lunch time while he was encouraged to go home after their tour, he had voluntarily stayed asking for guidance from those he will be working around with.
For the rest of the day, Fluke got familiar with the company policies, the departments and their organizational charts, the company layout, the processes, and everything he could cram in a day. Approaching the staff to ask questions and learn off from. He browsed the company emails, backtracking the history, learning how to handle the received mails so they got sorted, clarifying and confirming, practicing till he managed to halve the two days' worth of emails that have been piled up on the computer.
So today, for his official first day at work Fluke felt less like a lost child, prepared to face the day ahead. Smiling and waving as he passed by his fellow staff, he made his way to his desk, still bewildered by its size as it was a crescent shaped desk that reached his chest standing up, sitting on the chair with its height on the lowest setting, you could really barely see Fluke. It could challenge most hotel reception desks with the size of it.
A desktop computer, a small lightweight laptop, a phone intercom and fax machine, two sets of printers one colored and the other plain, a cabinet stocked with paper, a projector, file cabinets, and really everything a secretary needs was laid out neatly and orderly. There was even a coffee dispenser at the far end of his desk, probably for serving his boss and the clients as there were a placement of sofas and chairs aside his work place in front of Ohms office.
Fluke made quick work of his thing, placing them on the lower cabinet with a lock. Pulling out a set of access cards, Fluke went to tap his computers open, setting up his accounts, looking over the schedule today which really wasn't much except a conference set at 9 in the morning for the finance department.
Frowning, he noticed the room they booked would be too small, from what he remembered yesterday the finance department had about 15 people, while they could fit and make do with the space, will it would be far from comfortable. Shooting of a quick mail inquiring the head of the office about the needs for the meeting. He got a call instead on his intercom, greeting cheerfully, Fluke gathered the information from the baffled assistant before telling them that he'd open the mid-sized conference room for their meeting instead.
Glancing at the clock, 7:30am, Fluke unlocked the Conference Room B, tapping open away the lights, main computer and projector, leaving the room to next open Ohms office, tapping away all electronics, before grabbing the empty canister on Ohms desk before heading to the common room pantry to fix his new boss coffee, adding a bit of cane sugar to add in a more pleasant scent.
Slightly frowning at the lonely canister, Fluke bit his lip, glancing at his watch 7:45am, before swiftly making a decision. Making his way to grab his packed homemade food, Fluke transferred a serving onto a bowl, heating and covering it on a tray, speed walking to his boss' office, he quickly set it up, leaving a small note behind.
Face flushed, embarrassed but refusing to undo his effort, he grabbed the papers and his laptop before making his way to the copy machine at the middle of the hall only to bump into Boun who told him to head to the main copy room since the one on their floor was broken, heading down he smiled at the person already making use of one of the many machines in the room.
"Hi Prem, Good morning."
"Good morning. Your early today."
"..and you look like you need some coffee. Want me to grab you a cup from the café?" Fluke said kindly, noticing the sleepy look on his new friends face.
"You don't mind? Boun has a lot scheduled today, I'm a bit behind schedule…" Rubbing the back of his head before covering up his mouth to hide his yawn.
"It's fine, I'll send a cup to you ok?"
Nodding in gratitude, Prem went on ahead leaving Fluke to copy the papers needed for the finance meeting. Heading up he gave the copy to the assistant before knocking and entering Ohms office, smiling when he noticed that the small breakfast he prepared was consumed. Hearing the water running from the lavoratory, he rushed up, still flustered and wanting to avoid confrontation about the food he set up. Picking up the canister, Fluke refilled it with coffee before going off to clean up the plates and heading down to the café.
Just as he exited the elevator he heard a discreet commotion that seems loud in the quiet hall, brows raised when he saw Boun with his hands raised, apparently trying to appease a disgruntled and angry looking Ariyasakul couple, unable to step away, he took a breath and took a step forward.
With a sigh, Ohm allowed himself to drop down on his chair, sprawled without a care in the privacy of his office. Thankfully the meeting with the Ariyasakul couple had gone off smoothly, in fact it didn't even feel like a meeting despite the time it had taken. As previously said, the Ariyasakul were notoriously strict and traditional. Talking and negotiating with them in any manner to find even ground for both parties involved is like finding a needle in a hay stack, and so any issue in the contract with them is a big problem especially since they're the biggest shareholder in the company.
Therefore, he was equally baffled and impressed when he saw a new side to the couple as they coddled and sweetly talked with his flushed and embarrassed secretary like he was their own grandson, to the point that he was the one who stood and served everyone coffee despite the protesting red faced Fluke.
Honestly he hadn't even done anything, from their conversation, it seemed that Fluke had managed everything just fine without him and they just went to him for the finalization of everything. There wasn't much changes to the contract, and what little change had to be done were equally beneficial to both parties.
Hearing a timid knock at his door he straightened up, calling them in, loosening up back in his chair when Fluked coyly peaked from the door. "Hi…"
"Hi…" 'Cute'
"I, uh, just thought you needed a pick me up…other than coffee. I hope you like it."
He gratefully took the canister, gesturing for the other to sit as he took a sip, brow raised at the flavorful burst. "How'd you know I like milk tea?"
"Lucky guess? Earth keeps on begging me to teach him how to make sweets for Kao, and from what he said you're both close with each other so I took a gamble."
Ohm smiled into his drink, taking another sip. It wasn't often people guessed he had a sweet tooth, it felt off he heard a few say. A stone faced guy liking milk teas and deserts, they didn't fit his Ice Prince persona.
"…it's also an apology." Looking up, he gazed questioningly at Fluke, before he shot out of his chair when Fluke actually stood to bow to him. "I'm sorry!"
Baffled, he hurriedly pulling Fluke out of his bow, leading him to the sofa seat. "Can you tell me why your apologizing?
"I'm sorry, for overstepping. I made changes to the contract without notifying you, I met with the shareholders in an unprofessional way and should the changes that have been made bring trouble to the company, I'm willing to take responsibility. If that's not enough I'm willing to quit and- Ah!"
Chuckling despite the situation at hand, Ohm pulled back the cold canister from Flukes cheeks, smirking at how he looked like a child, pouting and covering his reddened cheeks, protecting them should Ohm push the metal canister at his skin again.
"Hush little Nong and listen to me."
Smiling at the flush spreading through Flukes cheeks he pushed on. "First of, you didn't overstep. I know it might be temporary but you are still my secretary, no matter how short it may be, you hold all the power that position holds, and that includes speaking on my behalf. Second, you were with Boun and Prem, that's as good as notifying me. Despite the difference in our person, they know what decision I'd make. Third, from what I understand you just offered coffee and brought them to the place that makes them best where you proceeded to not only please our biggest shareholders but also settle the contract in a way that it equally beneficial to everyone."
Now internally grinning at how Fluke glowed like a furnace he teased. "Plus from what I've heard, you've managed to win everyone over yesterday. Now you've got out biggest investors have me serve tea. I'd be a fool to rid of you Nong, especially with what you've done in just a few days' time at the company...unless of course your plotting to replace me?"
"O-of course not! I wouldn't! I-"
Bursting into a chuckle Ohm reached out and lightly ruffled Flukes hair. "Haha relax, excuse me for teasing you. You make it so easy Nong Fluke."
Hearing Fluke grumble "Your calling me Nong…I-I'm older than you Ohm…"
"Those few months don't count, also not a lot of people would realize that your older…. Especially when you start apologizing like a youngster." Ohm took in the bright shy blush shining on the smaller one.
Relaxing into the couch he gestured Fluke to do the same, unable to help a smile when the other picked a couch pillow to hug. "Nong Fluke, I know you're my employee for the next few months, but before being boss and employee, I would like to think we're friends, wouldn't you agree?"
Giving a nod Fluke looked up at Ohm, smiling. "Then…P'Ohm."
Ohm wouldn't admit it just yet, after all feelings aren't easily named out right but his Ice Prince title just might be gone before long because of the little fire ball blushing bright red in front of him….and He might just owe Earth more than one Gucci bag in the future.