17
"You don't seem very refreshed, Doctor."
"Well."
"I've noticed for the past few days that you look tired. You can take a vacation if you need to," said the head nurse of The Cardiac Center, who was nearly forty, with concern. Normally, Dr. Premsinee didn't drink coffee in the morning, but for the past few days, she'd asked the nurse to make it for her. She even arrived earlier than the nurses on the morning shift.
"No, thank you, Aoi."
"If you can't handle it, you should take a break. Just like when other doctors hand over their cases to you."
"Thank you, Aoi. Please remind me again when it's time for the rounds."
"Sure, Doctor."
The head nurse, who was quite close to Dr. Premsinee, left the office. The beautiful doctor continued to sip her fragrant coffee slowly, as she still had plenty of time before her rounds.
How could she tell anyone that the reason she had to drink coffee every morning was because she couldn't sleep well? She was wary of the person sharing her bed. When she tried to send her away, she'd bring up the photos and videos, forcing her to let her stay.
She wouldn't mind if she wore regular pajamas, but every night, she wore something that made her heart feel strange.
The actress wore sexy see-through nightgowns, changing colors
every night.
Dr. Premsinee looked at her white gown coat, which she hadn't put on yet, with a steady gaze. Today, the actress had quietly brought it to her when she forgot to take it out. When they reached the car, she handed it to her with a smile, saying she noticed she'd forgotten it.
Knock! Knock! Knock! The sound of knocking on the door brought Dr. Premsinee back from her thoughts of the past few days. She quickly composed herself and put on the white gown coat that was lying nearby.
"Come in."
"It's me, Lada."
"Oh, I thought you'd come by at noon." Dr. Premsinee smiled at her close friend, who sat down on the chair and looked at her coffee cup with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I have a patient appointment this morning."
"A special patient, huh?"
"Yeah... Are you drinking coffee?" The coffee cup on Dr. Premsinee's desk was unusual. Even during their school days, when they had to stay up late studying and slept only a few hours, her friend rarely drank coffee because she didn't like caffeinated drinks much.
"I'm feeling a bit tired lately, and I wanted to smell the coffee."
"Wanting something you don't usually have, huh?"
"Yes."
Hearing her friend's answer made Dr. Fahlada pause. She immediately thought of something she'd discussed with Dr. Tankhun, but it seemed too soon. Dr. Premsinee had just mentioned a mishap a few days ago. They'd have to wait a few more weeks to see if what she suspected was true.
"Do you have any other symptoms?"
"Lada, do you think I'm sick?"
"You don't look well."
"I'm just tired because I haven't been sleeping well. It's nothing."
"Good to hear. I'll get to work then. See you at lunch."
Dr. Fahlada took another look at her friend's face before stepping out of the office. She immediately texted Dr. Tankhun to share her suspicions. She didn't want her thoughts to be true because if they were, her friend, who had always planned her life meticulously, would have a hard time dealing with the problem.
Even the issue of her fiancé getting another woman pregnant had almost driven Dr. Premsinee to the brink.
Meanwhile, the woman causing Dr. Premsinee's sleepless nights was posing for a photographer in a studio, promoting a new imported sports car for Wanitchakorn Group.
The luxurious, expensive sports car was something even the presenter wanted to own, as it exuded both coolness and elegance, suitable for women as well.
"Ms. Naphak, please show a more inviting expression."
Even though it was the last set of the day, Naphak's professionalism shone through as she easily changed poses according to the photographer's instructions.
The rapid shutter clicks stopped, and the staff was pleased with the day's smooth progress, not dragging on unnecessarily.
"We're done for today."
"Thank you, Shane."
"With you as the model, Naphak, my work finishes quickly."
"Because your skills are excellent." Naphak smiled at the well-known forty-year-old photographer she was familiar with. In the entertainment industry, everyone wanted to be photographed by him for magazines.
"Praising each other again."
"May I excuse? I'll go change now, Shane."
"Go ahead."
Naphak smiled at the famous photographer once more before heading to the changing room, where the costume team was waiting to help her change. The outfit she wore for the shoot had to be returned in perfect condition. Models couldn't just take the clothes they wore for shoots. Besides, she had an appointment with the vice president of Wanitchakorn Group to discuss something she was eager to achieve.
It didn't take long for her to arrive at Wanitchakorn Group. Naphak smiled at the secretary outside the vice president's office, who was on the phone, informing the boss of her arrival, as was her duty to report to her boss to prevent outsiders from causing a disturbance.
"Ms. Naphak, please go inside."
"Thank you." She smiled at the experienced secretary before entering the vice president's office.
Naphak sat down in front of the large desk, where her beautiful senior was engrossed in reading documents. She wanted to greet her, but Tichakorn had told her to make herself comfortable, as her senior might have urgent work to finish.
"How was the photo shoot?"
"It went smoothly."
"If there's anything you disagree with, let me know."
The pen was set down, and the beautiful face smiled at her junior, who looked more serious than usual.
"The concept is fine."
"So, what's on your mind today? You look like you're thinking hard."
"I have something to discuss with you, Ticha." She hoped she wasn't wrong in seeking advice from her experienced senior.
"It must be important if you look this serious."
"How can I make someone want me, Ticha?"
"Hmm, make someone want you... What?!" Tichakorn exclaimed loudly, repeating her junior's words. This wasn't good at all.
Who wants to offer themselves to someone else?
"Ticha, you're overreacting."
"How can I not? What are you thinking? Offering yourself to someone?"
"Well..."
"Are you so heartbroken over unrequited love that you want to offer yourself to someone else? Don't be so dumb, Pat." the vice president of Wanitchakorn Group lectured her beautiful junior.
"You think I want to offer myself to a man?"
"Isn't that what you mean?"
"Ticha, I mean a woman." She wanted to laugh at her senior's misunderstanding. Did Tichakorn think she would turn to like men?
"So, you want a woman to want you?"
"Yes."
"I almost berated you, thinking you wanted to do something stupid out of heartbreak."
"I wouldn't be that foolish, Ticha."
"I still don't agree with you offering yourself to someone. Do you want people to see you as worthless?"
"I'm the first for the doctor. I want the doctor to be my first too."
"The doctor?"
"The woman I want to offer myself to is a doctor."
"Wait, explain this more clearly, so I can understand."
Tichakorn looked at her junior's face. Her mind was working hard to understand what she was being told.
The story made Tichakorn frown and sigh. Dr. Premsinee was the woman Naphak liked, but Naphak had ruined her wedding because the groom had gotten Nam pregnant. The wedding was canceled, and now her junior had been intimate with Dr. Premsinee, being her first.
"Pat, you're thrilled to be the doctor's first. You think if the doctor is your first, she might feel the same?"
The stunning actress's intention was clear. Tichakorn looked at her junior's face again and smiled. Naphak seemed to understand physical relationships better than many might think.
But who would've known that she was so preserved, not even looking at others, if she thought she liked someone? Just like she told them, she had a crush on her best friend, and she kept it to herself.
Until something happened that made her realize that having a secret crush wouldn't get her love in return. So, she decided to move on and look for new love.
"So, what have you done to make the doctor touch you?"
"I wear see-through nightgowns every night, Ticha, but she doesn't even look," Naphak said, paying for sexy sleepwear, yet Dr. Premsinee still showed no interest, prompting her to seek quick advice from a love guru close to her.
"It's tough. She's never liked women before."
"But, Ticha, from what I've seen, she sometimes blushes, like she gets shy and doesn't dare to look directly."
"What you said gives you a chance, but it's still tough. For me, seduction works when there's already love. But she doesn't even like you yet, Pat."
"So, what should I do?"
"I think you should let her see your sexiness and your true self. She has never liked women before. She might be confused right now."
"Confused?"
"Think about it. The doctor likes men, and suddenly, she has slept with a woman. If it were you, wouldn't you be confused?"
Naphak didn't respond verbally but nodded in understanding. It was probably true, as Tichakorn said. Dr. Premsinee had never liked women before, unlike them, who knew from the start that they liked women. So, it wasn't surprising to see her hesitation. Even when Naphak hugged her, the beautiful doctor lay stiff and shocked, making Naphak release her embrace.
"I'll try my best. The doctor is mine..."
"I think you more than just like her."
"Probably."
"And what if your love is unrequited?" Tichakorn couldn't help but ask. It was hard to get close to someone who was about to marry a man and make her prefer women.
"I'll try my best. If I can't, I'll step back. I won't force love."
But she still believed in love, hoping it wouldn't be cruel enough to disappoint her forever.
As it neared six in the evening, Dr. Premsinee sighed tiredly. Today was another day she declined to go out with friends or even go home with Dr. Fahlada. For days, she waited for work hours to pass before heading to her car in front of the hospital. She barely cared if her ex was still waiting or had given up on reconciling with her.
Her focus now was on the alluring troublemaker.
The sound of a message made Dr. Premsinee pack her personal items on her desk. At this hour, she knew who it was. She'd grown accustomed to the luxury German car driven by the actress picking her up to go back to the condo together.
For days, she hadn't driven her car, being forced to ride together. Even if she didn't want to, she had to comply because of the photos and video clips she couldn't retrieve from the actress.
The car moved out of the hospital as soon as the beautiful doctor got in. Inside, soft music played to avoid complete silence, as usual. Naphak glanced at the person beside her, who turned her face to the window with a smile. She wondered what was so interesting outside the window compared to her sitting right there.
The car slowed and stopped as the traffic light turned red. Naphak looked at the beautiful doctor, who seemed to be asleep, with a smile. She didn't know why, but every time she looked, she wanted to smile. She unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for a small bag on the back seat.
A small blanket was then draped over the beautiful doctor, who still had her eyes closed. The outside might be hot, but inside the car, she kept it quite cool, as she liked cold weather. But from what she observed, Dr. Premsinee didn't like it too cold, so she adjusted the temperature to be less chilly.
The owner of the small blanket turned back to focus on driving. Dr. Premsinee, who seemed asleep but was aware of everything, had a small smile on her face. She just closed her eyes to avoid thinking too much, but it gave her a headache with the actress's actions, which weren't as bad as she thought. And the light perfume scent and the kiss on her cheek made her heart beat strangely again.
When would this confusion fade away? If this excitement was from a man, she wouldn't be confused. But now, she was feeling something for a woman, something she'd never felt before.
"Let's stop for dinner before going back to the condo."
Dr. Premsinee didn't respond. Even if she wanted to go back to the condo, the car would always stop at a restaurant. So, she chose not to say anything.
The restaurant, not far from the hospital, had a good atmosphere and privacy. But why had she never stopped to try it? Dr. Premsinee looked at the woman beside her, who now gestured for her to choose a seat first. In the past, when she was with her ex, he'd choose for her and order without asking her opinion. But this actress was different.
"You choose, P' Prem. I can eat anything."
"Why don't you choose the menu yourself?" Dr. Premsinee put down the menu and looked at the woman in front of her, who was taking off her sunglasses and placing them on the table, seeking an answer. Every time they ate together, this woman let her choose or ask what she liked or disliked.
"Then I'll choose today."
"Okay."
But when the actress ordered, Dr. Premsinee couldn't help but smile a little but quickly put on a neutral face when the last dish was ordered. How could she not smile when the dishes the actress ordered were her favorites, which she always ordered?
"Do you want to add any more dishes?"
"Why don't you order what you like?"
"I'm easygoing, not picky..."
"But the most annoying."
Naphak burst out laughing when the beautiful doctor interrupted her sentence. She liked this atmosphere, not sitting in silence. Lately, the doctor seemed more natural, or maybe she'd resigned to her presence, leading to more conversations than the usual silence or harsh words.
Dinner went smoothly. Now, both Dr. Premsinee and the beautiful troublemaker were back at the condo after battling traffic for an hour. Naphak threw herself onto the long sofa as soon as she entered the living room. After a full meal and driving in the cool air, she was sleepy and wanted to rest her eyes.
"Get up. How many times do I have to tell you?" Before she could close her eyes, the doctor's voice rang out, trying to pull her off the sofa.
She didn't like it when people lay down right after coming in. There were germs everywhere.
"I'm sleepy."
"Sleepy or not, you need to wash your hands and feet with soap.
Clean them well. There are germs everywhere outside." Hearing the doctor's nagging, Naphak got up to clean herself immediately.
Naphak found Dr. Premsinee's cleanliness excessive. The doctor insisted on washing hands and feet every time they came back from outside. If possible, she'd change clothes, too. The doctor would shower every time she came back from work and again before bed or whenever she deemed it necessary.
She didn't know why she loved cleanliness so much, but Naphak liked it because the doctor smelled great
"Should I just take a shower then?"
"Good, so germs won't accumulate in the room."
"Are you saying I'm a germ?"
"If you say so. You're old enough to know."
"Even if I'm a germ, I'll stick around. I'll make you choke on germs and remember me forever."
"Exaggerating."
"Germs like me aren't easy to find... Beautiful, hot, and exciting."