Chapter 2: Is This Your Routine?

The following afternoon, Naphat pushed open the sliding wooden doors of a Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. The soft chime of a bell signaled her entrance, as if welcoming a special guest. Inside, the warm tones of wooden furniture, minimalist Zen décor, ink brush paintings on the walls, and delicate paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling created a peaceful, intimate atmosphere.

“This is my favorite place,” Naphat turned to Janevee with a warm smile. “The food’s fantastic, and the ambiance is just so peaceful and private.”

Janevee scanned the restaurant, observing the space thoughtfully. It wasn’t exactly her style, but she couldn’t deny the undeniable charm. “It’s nice,” she nodded in approval, just as a young woman in a light blue kimono approached with a bright smile.

“Irasshaimase! Welcome!”

Naphat nodded in recognition before guiding Janevee to her usual table by a large window overlooking a meticulously arranged Japanese garden.

“I love sitting here,” she explained with a contented smile. “The garden view is calming. It’s nice to eat while taking in the scenery.” Her eyes sparkled with a genuine appreciation as she gazed outside.

Janevee gave a faint smile, glancing at the small pond where vibrant koi swam. She seemed to be holding back a laugh at some inner thought. “It’s pretty, I’ll give you that.” She narrowed her eyes playfully at Naphat. “But I’m guessing you didn’t bring me here just to admire the garden, did you?”

Naphat shrugged, a mischievous grin forming. “You’re sharp.” She admitted without hesitation. “I brought you here because I’ve already told my parents we’ll be having dinner together here next week. I figured you should see the place in advance.”

Janevee raised an eyebrow. “Why this place?”

Naphat chuckled. “Because my family loves this restaurant,” she explained casually. “You’ll meet my parents, as well as my sister Prae. So, it’s essential that you know my preferences—what I like to eat and what I can’t stand—so you don’t slip up.”

Janevee shook her head with an amused smile. “If you want me to know your life so well, why not just make a dossier and hand it over? We only have six days. How am I supposed to remember all this by then?”

Naphat leaned back in her chair confidently, grinning. “Oh, I’ve already prepared everything.” She smiled broadly. “My assistant will send you all the details tonight. You can have your assistant compile your own info for me, too—by tonight, please.”

Janevee rolled her eyes dramatically. “You are such a control freak.”

“And?” Naphat smirked, her tone daring. “Do you still want to lease that land in Chonburi? If so, you’d better follow my instructions, Janevee.”

With a sigh of mock defeat, Janevee raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, prompting Naphat to quickly change the subject.

“All right, let me introduce you to my favorite dishes.” Her voice brightened with genuine excitement as she picked up the thick menu, her eyes sparkling as she scanned the pictures of various dishes.

“First of all, you should know I don’t eat anything spicy,” Naphat stated, glancing at Janevee. “That’s why I love Japanese food.”

Janevee raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “Not spicy… but you eat wasabi?”

Naphat’s eyes widened slightly before she made a small pout. “Wasabi is spicy in a completely different way than chili! Want to argue about that?”

Amused by her tone, Janevee’s lips curved into a small grin as she shrugged. “Fine, fine. Different types of spicy. I get it.”

Naphat nodded, satisfied. “Good. Another thing to note—I don’t like people contradicting me. I’m a bit spoiled and don’t enjoy being told ‘no.’ I prefer things to go my way.”

Janevee smiled wryly, playfully rolling her eyes. “Ah, well, self-awareness is always good, Ms. ‘Spoiled.’”

The menu hit the table with a thud as Naphat heard her perfectly well. She glared at Janevee, who quickly raised her hands in mock surrender, still wearing a mischievous grin. “I apologize, Your Highness. I’ll behave.”

.

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‘Irritating…’

Naphat thought with a smirk, though she kept her face neutral. She called the waitress over and promptly ordered a large sashimi platter. Soon, the server returned, setting the colorful sashimi array in front of them.

“This sashimi platter is a must-have for my family every time we’re here,” Naphat said with a hint of pride in her voice. “It has salmon, three types of tuna—Akami, Chutoro, and Otoro— Hotate, Akagai… and Ikura. My favorites are Hotate and Akagai. Make sure you remember that, Janevee.”

Janevee took out her phone and snapped a picture. “Got it.” Though inwardly, she was already doubting her ability to remember all those names. Naphat, unaware of her inner thoughts, nodded approvingly.

“Good. Now it’s your turn.”

Janevee looked up, a bit surprised. “My turn?”

“Yep,” Naphat nodded. “You need to order something you like so I can take a photo and remember what you like to eat, too.”

Janevee hesitated. “Uh…”

“What?” Naphat prompted, noticing her reluctance.

Janevee looked down, awkwardly twirling her fingers. “I… don’t really like Japanese food that much.”

Naphat raised her brows in surprise. “Really? Then what’s your favorite?”

“Thai Boat noodles,” Janevee answered simply.

Naphat immediately scrunched her nose. “Ugh. Pork or beef? And let me tell you now—I don’t eat beef.”

Janevee laughed at her expression. “Neither do I. I only eat pork, and it has to be with thin rice noodles. Nothing else.”

Naphat sighed heavily. “We’re so different, I don’t know how we’ll survive three years together. Sashimi and Thai boat noodles—polar opposites.”

Janevee chuckled softly, looking at Naphat with a touch of gentleness. “I think we’ll manage. It’s okay to have different tastes.”

Naphat stared at her quietly, deep in thought, surprised by this rare moment of sincerity from Janevee. “So… you can be decent sometimes.”

Janevee shrugged with a playful smile. “I just said it to give that impression.”

Naphat’s smile faded instantly, and she muttered under her breath, “Should’ve known…” She made a small scowl, regretting her momentary praise. She shook it off and ordered grilled eel rice with renewed vigor.

“Another thing you should know—I love Unadon or grilled eel rice. This place has the best in town; they grill it fresh, and the sauce is a secret recipe. Try it. I promise you’ll love it.”

She described the eel rice so passionately, like she owned the place. Janevee watched Naphat’s enthusiasm, finding her oddly endearing. Even though she wasn’t a fan of Japanese food, she found herself considering it.

‘Guess I might need to learn to like it,’ Janevee thought.

Naphat continued chatting away about her favorite dishes, drinks, and little details from her everyday life. She spoke of her family, friends, and personal quirks without holding back. All of this gave Janevee a glimpse into Naphat’s softer, more genuine side hidden beneath her confident exterior.

‘She’s… kind of cute,’ Janevee thought, carefully filing away every detail.

...

After finishing lunch,

Naphat asked to visit Janevee’s home, curious about her lifestyle. Once they arrived, Naphat stepped inside the modern two-story house decorated in shades of white, gray, and black. The open, spacious living room immediately caught her attention. A dark sofa took center stage, facing a large wall-mounted TV. The room’s minimalist furnishings exuded quiet elegance, but what truly stood out was the pristine white piano in the corner, as if it were the room’s focal point.

Janevee noticed Naphat’s gaze lingering on the piano and, with a sly smile, commented casually, “I think we should share a room if you’re moving in.”

Naphat raised an eyebrow, both amused and suspicious. “Why? We’re just pretending to be a couple. No need to share a room.”

Janevee shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, what if you sneak around and steal business secrets? Better safe than sorry.”

“Deep down, I think you probably just want to sleep with me, don’t you?"

Naphat shot Janevee a sharp, scrutinizing look, her eyes narrowing as if warning her. The intensity in Naphat’s gaze was unmistakable—it carried a clear message: if Janevee ever dared to add Naphat Thanarattanakorn to her so-called trophy list of conquests, she’d better keep dreaming.

Janevee laughed softly, her smirk teasing. “I can’t make a move if you don’t want it.” She leaned in slightly, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Or… maybe you’re secretly attracted to me? Could that be why you act like you don’t like me?”

Naphat scoffed. “Ego at its finest. What on earth gave you that idea?”

Janevee tilted her head, her smile smug. “So, are we doing this deal or not? If not, I’ll consider our discussions over.”

“Fine, fine, deal. It’s just sharing a room; nothing challenging.” Naphat shrugged, though her eyes once again drifted to the piano. “Wait… You play the piano?”

Janevee shrugged again. “A bit. I play now and then when I have time.”

Naphat’s eyes lit up with genuine excitement. “Really? I love playing piano, too!”

“Do you?” Janevee feigned surprise, though she’d known all along. In fact, she’d purchased the piano with Naphat in mind, once they’d agreed to the pretend relationship.

Naphat’s eyes sparkled as she spoke of music. “Yeah, I’ve been playing since I was young. It’s my favorite instrument.”

“Then… play something for me,” Janevee suggested.

“Sure,” Naphat agreed eagerly. “I’m quite the artist, you know.” She smiled warmly, walking to the piano gracefully. She placed her fingers on the keys with a gentle touch, took a deep breath, and began playing a soft, heartfelt melody. The music filled the room, casting a spell over the quiet space.

Janevee leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Naphat intently. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her gaze remained fixed on Naphat, absorbed in every note.

When Naphat finished, Janevee applauded with an earnest smile. “You play beautifully,” she said, then added teasingly, “Got a digital wallet? I’ll tip you.”

Naphat rolled her eyes. “Can’t you stop being a nuisance for just one day?”

Janevee shrugged, her grin mischievous. “Just kidding, Ms. Sensitive.”

Naphat sighed, glancing away to change the subject. “Anyway, what time do you usually go to bed?”

Janevee leaned back comfortably. “Depends. Some nights late, some nights early.”

Naphat nodded thoughtfully. “What about hobbies? What do you do in your free time?”

“Nothing too specific—exercise, read, watch movies, listen to music. Stuff like that.”

As they continued talking about Janevee's daily routine, Naphat suddenly decided to let slip a question she had been holding back for a while. Her voice was calm and steady, but her eyes were fixed intently on Janevee, refusing to waver. This wasn’t about her curiosity regarding Janevee’s mundane habits—far from it. What Naphat truly wanted to know was about the other women in Janevee’s life, the ones besides herself.

.

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“And... do you often bring women home to sleep over?”

…

Hojicha Studio Writer

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Lies Between Us by Hojicha Studio