Marriage Proposal: Ben & Bima
12 - Eating Together (1)
(Five)
The national seminar filled by Prof Ben went well. Even though the university that made the fake deal with him looks haughty to Prof Ben. It's just that Prof Ben looks cute and smiles as usual. He plays his role well as a source. She looks fine. Fortunately. I'm afraid he's fallen on stage or something's happened to him.
I sat in the committee chair while waiting for him to chat with many campus officials.
13.54 Riko Onion Editor
I haven't heard from you again.
Are you still alive?
Still stuck?
I read the chat from Riko with annoyance.
13.55
T.T Elo think I want to work this weekend?
If I don't owe him.
13.55 Riko Onion Editor
Stay him. Lo story explodes in the market, elo will not be twisted.
I was about to reply to a chat from Riko. Only I doubt.
“Come we have lunch.”
I'm aghast. Almost dropped my phone on the floor and Prof Ben swiftly caught my phone and our heads clashed. My reaction was too exaggerated. I grimaced. We both held each other's heads.
“Sorry. Sorry Prof.” I hold my front head.
Prof Ben fixed his hair with his hand and still gave me my phone.
“Ayo.” take her again.
I stood up while carrying his bag. Following his big steps.
“Prof, no lunch here?” my many. As far as I know after the event is over, all participants can eat let alone the source. There must be lunch.
“No. What do you want to eat?” He asked as he walked towards the parking lot. The sun makes my head a little dizzy. Maybe because of these few years I have never worked in the sun at all or even exercised in the sun. I always avoid. When Prof Ben unlocked the car, I ran to the door of his car and entered in a hurry.
“Prof, we eat rice padang yes on sabang.”, I said when Prof Ben entered the car. I hugged Prof Ben's bag.
“Nasi Padang?”
“Oh wait wait. Don't deh. The food is spicy so we eat bento rice aja.”
I just remembered that Prof Ben just recovered from his ulcer. I pulled out my phone and opened the online map app and typed something.
“The nearest one from here is about forty-five minutes.” tukasku tell. Prof Ben is focused on the streets.
“Where is it?” tanyakanya.
“Senayan, Prof.”
“I know the way there. Turn off your guide.”
A little upset anyway. He's so arrogant. I turned off my online map and stared straight ahead. I put the bag in the back seat. Along the way Prof Ben did not speak a word. Sleepily. Because I took care of him and made a presentation. I also play on my phone on the road. Moreover, the road is a bit jammed.
“Ng... Prof, we're having lunch, can I go? Or is there another job?” I broke the silence with my question.
“Nothing. Tomorrow we have a new resident.”
“Oh huh??? Who's Prof?” I'm very enthusiastic. Until I leaned my body towards him. Living with him was so boring that I worked with him. Perhaps with a new occupant, even though I worked with him I could still keep my distance from meeting him outside of his other work.
“You'll see tomorrow.”
“If the owner lives in that house with someone else, does Prof not feel disturbed?”
“Ngak. I'd rather stay at home than in an apartment.”
“In Bangkok stay at home too?”
Prof Ben looked at me lazily when the streets were a bit congested. But he didn't answer my question. Probably because it's too personal. Not curious about his personal life. Only. my observational soul is very passionate as a novel writer.
I put my body back in front.
(Ben)
I was too picky when it came to food. Not because I like certain foods. I'm a person who is too easily disappointed with the cuisine served in every restaurant. Sometimes, if I remember to eat, I always buy that food in one restaurant. Without any boredom. It was that thing that made me forget to eat and always drink coffee for my doping.
The food I eat is not very good. I don't like the taste. I love this bento rice, only this food is so delicious when I see Yayai eating in front of me voraciously. I finished my food. It's too crowded. I'm really full.
“Where are you going? Let me take you.”
“No need, Prof.”
“To which direction?”
“I inter.”
“Judah. Don't blame me if Prof is too far to drive if it runs out of here actually there is a business.”
“Just talk to me. Don't be too formal.”
I watched Yayai's neck swallow her food.
“OKo Prof.” He showed me his thumb.
After lunch, I took my medicine and drove Yayai. Turned into his office. A 3rd floor building, publishing company. Are there still publishing companies at a time when all books were digital?
“Good Prof. Thank you.” Yayai released her seat belt. “What time is the new occupants coming tomorrow?”
“Siang. Are you planning to go home tonight?”
“It seems like that anyway..” the answer is doubtful.
“I'll pick you up then.”
Yayai surprised.
“Eh no need, Prof. I can uh I can go home by myself.”
Then Yayai opened the door and walked out.
“I'm waiting for you to call me to pick you up here.” I said rather loudly. Then I pulled the car door. Didn't give Yayai a chance to argue anymore and drive my car.
I came to my office. I fell asleep on a narrow couch for about an hour and took care of some business in my office. It doesn't feel like night has come. I looked at my phone and there was nothing from Yayai yet.
“Pak Ben, reception of my presenter is scheduled next week huh?” ask a Program Director, Darel. Tousled. The burden is heavy. The office is still deserted from the staff corresponding to their respective divisions. Even directors often work like staff.
“Please. Call me first after.”
“Oke, Sir.”
And so it happened. Cellphone's ringing.
“Prof, dengar.” says Yayai without opening words.
“Why to be picked up?”
“Neither Prof. Why Prof called earlier.”
“Then?”
“He told us to dinner.”
I saw my watch. Eight o'clock tonight now.
“When?”
“Now...” Yayai's voice turned to be clear and a little frightened.
“If you can't do anything.” I replied flatly. Not interested in the dinner planned by Eyang.
“Prof, I told you, I can go there.”
I let out a breath. Pimply.
“Prof where now? I'll take a taxi there, or I'll go straight to the restaurant.”
“I'll be waiting for you in the parking lot.”
“Nah yes. We enter together.” Yayai enthusiastic. “See you soon, Prof.”
“Oke carefully.” Yayai had not heard it yet, she had already hung up her phone.
Apparently, Yayai had arrived first at the restaurant and waited in the parking lot. I just noticed his appearance. She added a lipstick on her lips.
“Say the prof pick me up for work. That means we both work.”
We entered the restaurant and a waitress of the doorman greeted us.
“Reserved on behalf of Mr. Ratanarak.” tell me.
Yayai saw me startled.
“Oh please.” The waitress showed us the way ahead.
“Prof, Thai guy? Why is it called Eyang?” tanyanya. I didn't answer.
Time the waitress opened the glass door. I felt Yayai holding my hand. He hooked his fingers into my hands. It was as if I was holding his hand.
“Thank you.” Yayai said on waitress.
He walked over and pulled my hand. Greet Eyang and smile widely. Acting is great.
***