Tick Tock, But On A Bomb

Confrontations and Embarrassment

Chapter Summary:

Pang and Mr. Pom's talk. AKA: Father-Son Conversation and Bonding

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Four Months Ago

"Alright, review the lesson I gave today and do your homework for next class." Mr. Pom spoke, closing his lecture book and placing it on a table in front of him. Everyone was packing up their notes, talking about what they would do later. Then, everyone silenced as Mr. Pom said something unusual.

"Pawaret, can you stay after class for a bit? I need to talk to you about something."

Everyone turned to Pang in concern, and the boy's eyes only widened as he nodded softly to the request.

Mr. Pom never calls them by their first name, especially Pang.

Everyone started piling out the room, group by group, until only three people were left. Wave came up from behind Pang and tapped him on his back. He gave a look of concern, thinking Pang wouldn't be comfortable talking to Mr. Pom alone. Pang smiled softly and told him he'll be fine, unaware of Mr. Pom's smirk he was giving behind him. Wave unwillingly left the classroom, and Pang looked at Mr. Pom with a raised eyebrow.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Pang whispered, sitting back down in his seat.

"Pang you're not in trouble, quite the opposite actually, it's just that you seem a little close to a particular someone in the class lately." Mr. Pom questioned, with his arms crossed and mouth formed in a smirk.

Pang's face went from shock to determination. It was already embarrassing to have Claire find out about his crush on Wave, he refused to tell the teacher as well, especially Mr. Pom.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Wave and I are just friends." Pang replied, crossing his arms and leaning back in the chair.

"I never said Wave, Pang, but thank you for confirming the thought in my head." Mr. Pom spoke.

Pang's eyes widened as he realized Mr. Pom tricked him into saying who. He wasn't sure why it was a big deal though. Was Mr. Pom going to ask him to stay away from Wave? Thailand isn't up-to-date, but they can accept different gender relationships now. He also didn't think Mr. Pom would be homophobic. However, why else would he speak to him privately? Pang's thoughts were running 100 mph that he didn't realize Mr. Pom moved to sit next to him until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Pang, it's okay to like a boy. You're still just a teenager, you have time to figure out what you identify as." Mr. Pom spoke a little quieter than usual, he moved his hand from Pang's shoulder to his back, rubbing big circles on it to calm him down.

"But...isn't it wrong? All my life I was told to find a nice wife and start a family. I never met anyone that has caught my interest-girl or boy- until I met Wave. Am I...a freak?"

Mr. Pom froze as he took in the information Pang had spoken to him. When he recovered from his trance, he looked to Pang, only to see Pang's face down, tears leaving his eyes. Mr. Pom's parental instincts kicked in, and he brought Pang into his arms, but his fingers in his hair to calm him down. After about fifteen minutes, Pang's sobs reduced into sniffles, and he removed himself off of Mr. Pom's shoulder.

"Sorry.. I kinda ruined your shirt." Pant lightly joked.

"It's fine, I was going to wash it after today anyways. Do you feel better Pang?"

"Yeah...are you going to make me avoid Wave?"

Mr. Pom sighed and thought about his experience before responding. "Pang, I'm not going to tell you to avoid Wave. If you love him, then you love him. That's it. You're feelings are not unacceptable, and who cares what society's rules are. At the end of the day, you love Wave, and I know he loves you too. Love has no limits, and don't be afraid to show it."

Pang sat quietly before a beaming smile became visible on his face. He quickly wrapped his arms around Mr. Pom, who accepted the hug easily.

"Thank you, for accepting me." Pang spoke, burying his head into Mr. Pom's shoulder.

"You guys are like my children, I'll accept you no matter what you are, as long as it's not hurting yourself or others." Mr. Pom responded. They stayed in that position until Mr. Pom broke the silence.

"So, how are you going to ask him out?"

"Mr. Pom!" Pang exclaimed, moving back and covering his face with his hands, most likely to hide the blush forming on his cheeks.

"Alright, I'm joking, take the time you need." Mr. Pom chuckled while standing up and putting Pang on the shoulder.

"Get out of here, and don't forget to do the homework."

Pang, hands off his face now, sighed as he nodded and got out of his chair, and grabbed his things. Before he left, he turned around to Mr. Pom.

"Mr. Pom?"

"Yes, Pang?"

"Thank you for being the father I didn't get, I love you."

Mr. Pom's eyes started to water, but he quickly put his hand over them before the tears could fall. He nodded and responded, "You're welcome Pang, and I love you too."

Pang beamed at him, before leaving the classroom to go to his dorm. Mr. Pom stood in the empty classroom with his hand on his heart, beaming to himself.

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Present Day

"So that's what happened that day?" Wave asked curiously.

"Yep, I was legit scared he was going to ask me to avoid you until we graduate or something. Looking back, I feel dumb for even having that thought, he's literally married to P'Chanon, but that doesn't matter. I do have to thank him though, he gave me the courage to ask you out, and now you're my wonderful boyfriend. " Pang responded, kissing Wave's head.

"Sap." Wave retorted, but gave a small smile up towards Pang. He grabbed his phone out of his pocket and checked the time. "Well, it's two hours before Claire's performance tonight, we should start getting ready."

"Do we have to go? why can't we stay here on the floor and cuddle?" Pang whined, hugging Wave tightly and giving him a pouty face.

Wave kissed Pang's lips quickly before breaking free and standing up. "Because we need to dumbass, didn't you tell me that we should support our friends in the hobbies they participate in?"

"Yeah, but that was before it took away me spending time with my boyfriend." Pang mumbled, but Wave still heard it.

"If you get ready I'll give you Ovaltine."

"Bet."