Chapter Text
William is not sure why he is so interested. In his boss. He is sure this is not romantic. But his boss looks so mystical. Especially when he comes into work the last second with the largest bruises around his body or phenomenal hickeys on his neck.
“Look in front of you.” William pouted as he turned his attention towards the books he is putting back in place.
“Has anyone visited the library section?”
“Why don’t you ask P’Nut? He works there.”
A side eye and William looked away in annoyance.
“Five people came, they haven’t left yet, you can go have a look Khun Est.”
Est left him there and William continued doing his job.
As he zoned out through it, his mind is still wondering what kind of monster Est is dating. Or what kind of drive does he have to manage this bookstore twenty four seven in a town that doesn’t even read books as much.
He put the last book on it’s respected space as a tired sigh escaped his mouth. Some of these kids are annoying. Leaving books around like this.
“P’William!”
He looked up to see the breathless young boy who had to lean on his knees to breathe.
“I am so sorry for being late, I am the main dancer in an up-”
“It’s okay Lego,” he smiled. “The bookstore had been as empty as always, just a customer or two.”
Lego let out a relieved breath.
“So when will your next show will be?” William watched as Lego take his place behind the counter.
“In two months,” Lego’s cheeks reddened. “I will bring an invitation to you, P’Nut and P’Hong as always.”
William nodded once.
“Can’t wait to watch it,” He took his backpack from behind the counter. “See you tomorrow Lego.”
“See you phi!” William walked out with a single wave.
His walk back to his house only took him fifteen minutes. He locked his door, made a bowl of salad with a side of popcorn shrimp and called his mother when he can finally sit down to eat.
“Are you aware that this is the first time you are calling me since-”
“Mom I am trying to study while working at the same time.” William stuffed a bunch of greens into his mouth. Also you haven’t called me once either, he wanted to remind her.
“How is it?” His mother sighed. “If you need money, I can send it William.”
William paused.
“No it’s okay,” He moved the popcorn shrimp around. “How’s dad?” A long silence. “Is he still mad?”
An awkward laugh.
“Your dad-he has been busy William, so we haven’t seen each other in a while.” William gulped down the half chewed food. He bite his upper lip and waited for the fast pace of his heart to subside down.
“Oh, you can go to another prosperous shopping spree soon then.” A subtle smile showed on his lips.
“William, I myself have enough money to do that once in a while,” his mother snorted. “Or are you used to the hard conditions you live in there so much so that you have forgotten the comfort you came from?”
William rolled his eyes. “I am hanging up.”
“Okay, okay don’t be mad at mom for teasing, okay?”
“I am about to finish my meal mom, I need to go sleep so I can wake up early for my lesson tomorrow.” His mother hummed.
“I am serious William, call me if you get tight with money.”
“Okay mom,” William licked his lips. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” He closed the phone.
Before washing the dishes, he decided on looking at his social media feed.
After scrolling through Lego’s countless dance videos, Nut’s book analyses and Hong’s chill vlogs, he decided to check on his pending follow request for Est’s profile. Est seems to deleted it again. William pouted and rolled his eyes. “So cold.” He murmured.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
A life lived without a single story finished. As a bookstore and library owner, Est seems to have a lot of unsatisfactory endings in his life.
From the early deaths of his brothers. To the sudden departs of his friends.
But not anymore.
Because he has the reins now.
And no one can force him to let go from now on.
“Are you sure you want to keep that puppy out of your life P’Est?” He looked up from the book he is reading.
Nut looked indifferent to his deathly stare.
“Just saying phi, as your only living little brother,” He opened his phone. “He likes and comments on every one of my posts, just so you can follow him, he even reposts Lego’s videos probably thinking he can get a good wor-”
“Enough,” Est turned his nasty stare back at his book. “I am trying to read.” Nut stayed with his mouth slightly open for a second before he bite down on his lips.
“I am going then, you are here, Hong will come soon,” He stands up. “Be a useful big brother for once and don’t let Hong get too close to Lego again.”
Est watched carefully as he walked towards the door that opens to the store part of their establishment.
“Be careful.” He waved his hand back to Est as his answer.
The next time Est’s attention is ripped away from his book is when light steps and a cheeky laugh approached where he is sitting.
“P’Est,” Est looked up. “When will you give up on these boring cozy books and read a mystery or a war book like a man?” Est stands up.
“Make sure you pay attention to book thieves Hong,” Hong pouted. “And stay away from my little brother’s unrequited love, alright?” Est put his book inside his bag.
“The better lover will win.” Est only looked at him up and down.
“I tried,” He murmured. “I will go check on the logbook before I go up for a nap.”
A sly smile tugged at Hong’s lips.
“Don’t bother my baby too much!” Est doesn’t say anything else.
He doesn’t have to.
He is already stressed about employing younger and younger people every year and training them all over again. He cannot entertain their childish dramas on top of everything.
“P’Est,” Lego put the laptop beside the register and watched as Est sat down beside him. “Would you like me to get you coffee?” Est looked up with a smooth expression.
“No need Lego, I drank before coming.” Lego hummed.
“Your lover made you one?” Est paused. His fingers ghosting over the keyboard.
The ringing of the bell to the door of his store saved him. Lego turned his attention to the newcomer right away.
“Welcome!” He exited behind the counter. “Are you interested in purchasing a book or our library?” Est can hear a nervous laugh but he refused to look up.
“I was actually here for a book but library? How much per hour?”
Lego’s excited voice came next.
“The library is free but you need to register your name with the librarian, and if you need any snacks or drinks, you can either bring them with you or purchase them from the librarian.”
Est zoned out of their conversation after that.
He knows how it goes.
The guy goes into the library side, looses himself in between all the baked goods Barcode brings everyday and night, forgot to even read a book and left with whatever book he came to purchase.
The only people that comes here for to really use their library are the students. And he is sure they are acquainted with every one of them by now.