Home For My Soul

117|Studying Self

~Altheo~

Entering the new semester, I was preoccupied with the thesis and had to divide the time also with the restaurant business. Usually I check the daily reports at night, but when I get fed up with the research, I glance at the reports and discuss with the manager if there are any problems.

Since the restaurant was always crowded on the weekends, I came to visit on those two days. Amarylis was relaxing in the apartment talking to her family and friends, so I could calmly go to work. Although the distance is quite far, I always go back and forth on a bicycle.

All the employees knew who I was, so they always greeted me every time they saw me. There was once an employee who looked down on me just because I was Asian. In that instant, he was fired by the restaurant manager. The issue of hatred towards Asians is still thick here.

On a typical day, I would be on campus and spend more time in the library. I would love to be able to go home with Amarylis, but it's not fair to ask her to wait for me until nightfall. If I'm lucky to get home early, I often need something in the library. Therefore, I choose to go home tonight.

When you are tired, the temptation of hugs, kisses, and touches is not too disturbing. I did not experience any reaction when he greeted me spoiled in the apartment. But there was also a time when I felt the junior react so I had to control myself.

“Sayang.” Hearing that rowing voice, I knew what he was going to say next.

I don't stop typing on my laptop. We were sitting together on the couch because I was tired of being in the room. “Hm.”

“What do you think this means?” ask her while leaning her body against my arm.

“Personal or group tasks?” I had to stop typing when he held my left hand, raised it and wrapped it around his shoulder. So, he can get closer and show you the paragraphs of the book he is reading.

“Personal tasks, so I only have you as a discussion friend.” He looked at me with his eyes clear. “Help me this one only. The others I can do myself.”

If it wasn't for us being busy in college, I would have kissed her cheek and spoiled her here right now. But I love him and want him to be independent with his studies, before that too. I can't always be there for him to analyze the assignment from the lecturer.

“Lo can do another, why is this one not? Try doing it yourself. If you can't, read the journal that discusses it. There are many in the library that you can access online.” I looked at him seriously.

“Pelit.” He sneered, then distanced himself from me.

“Kat,” call me. She turned her head with a sullen face, then I kissed her forehead fondly. A smile also spread on his lips. “Lo definitely can.”

One kiss and his heart was immediately broken. He sat on his back to me. I don't mind even if I have trouble typing. As long as he is doing his job, I have no problem getting a little distracted. After all, there was always time for revenge.

Daisy's report that day made my mood worse. There was one man in his discussion group who seemed to not stop paying attention to my future wife. Which I fear is happening. Amaryllis never wanted to believe she was such an attractive woman.

The time I have to wrap him up and hold him in the apartment forever? What if he just went to college online? The professor couldn't have allowed it. I'm the only one consulting the thesis can't be on the phone if he's on the spot. How regrettable.

Declaring our relationship now is not a solution either. The employee could have posted a picture of me with Amarilis on social media, and then our relationship was discovered. He could come here and marry me off to another woman.

Therefore, I want them to know when we're officially married. Somehow, it was the best way to prevent Mama from separating us again. I was actually able to get away from Mama's surveillance by changing my profile picture, but I stayed. I want her and everyone to know, Amarylis deserves to be my wife.

“Good morning, Sir. The new assistant manager has got his workspace and this is a report for this week,” said the manager who welcomed my arrival.

“Good. I'll be in my office until five in the afternoon.” I received the map he offered. The man lowered his head and left me.

I entered my study, closed the door, put my bags and files on the table, and sat down. I took a deep breath, preparing to check the reports that had already piled up next to the computer monitor. Today will be very long.

Papa entrusted everything to me, then I should be able to prove myself during my time here. I knew this was a test that he would make in front of the shareholders the day he appointed me as his successor.

“What are you doing here?” I asked without looking at him.

“I'm the new assistant manager,” he replied cheerfully.

I stopped reading the report I was opening. “Other times knock the door before entering and do not talk to me without passing the manager. You have no business with me.”

“What's wrong with you? Papa we're friends, why aren't we? You always act cold to me. Don't you know I'm getting tempted to conquer you if you keep this up?” He walked up to my desk.

“Come out or I will report your actions to your father,” threatened me.

“OK, okay. You are so fierce.” He took a step back. “Workout, dinner with me, huh? I want to discuss new menu for Thanksgiving later.”

I just kept quiet, didn't respond. He came out of the room and I waited for a while before putting down my pen and turning my brain. Damnit. I entrust this assistant manager selection without interfering, because I think I can trust that manager. Why would he accept a person who is not on the candidate list?

“Ya, Sir?” the manager replied when I called him.

“Urus your employees well or I will call my papa to find your replacement.”

“Sorry, Sir. What has happened?”  His voice sounded vibrating. Who wouldn't be afraid of losing such a high-paying job?

“Your assistant entered my room without tapping and his name is not on the list of candidates you gave me. Are you playing me?”

“Ma-pardon me, Sir. Mr. Willis who requested that I accept his daughter fill the vacancy,” reported with a clear voice. “Please, don't be angry, sir. I'll educate him well to be polite towards you.”

I think I got away from that girl when I graduated college. It turned out that he was working here to stay close to me. Maddened. What does she want? I am not richer than his father. I won't stay here forever either. Why are there women like Chika?

Not to be bothered by his presence in the restaurant, I still come every weekend to see firsthand every employee in serving customers. I also checked the quality of their food ingredients and the results of their cooking. Thankfully, there have never been any complaints from consumers.

Upon hearing my dear friend's invitation to celebrate Thanksgiving at her home, I immediately replied yes. Being able to get away from the thesis and restaurant issues was the opportunity I was waiting for. Anyway, I want to know how they celebrated that day of gratitude.

“I love the way you analyze this part, Theo. You can go to the next chapter.” My lecturer gave me the news I was waiting for.

“Thank you very much, Professor.” I accepted my thesis back.

“Come anytime you're ready and make sure there are no typos.” He put two thick books in front of me. “This is the book I promised. Please learn.”

I swallowed heavily. When will I get to read it again? “Good, Professor.”

Since it was already an academic holiday ahead of Christmas and New Year, Amarilis did not go to campus. He's been in the apartment all day. Until one day he came into my room and offered to help. Of course I use it by asking for a massage.

At first, he did it even though it felt strange. Obviously he didn't understand what massage was. But when she stopped and started hugging me, I lost my concentration. What the hell is he doing? I think he misses home, it just pity me.

Since he teased me first, then I retaliated. Unfortunately, the sound of the bell saved him from awkwardness. He forbade me to stand up, then ran towards the door. I laughed when I saw him misbehaving. How can I not love him more?

“Who's coming, baby?” I asked him to look at the screen. He looked up and looked at me sharply. Instead of answering, he went straight to his room. What's my fault now?