Rise - Pursuing a Dream - Inglês version

Between Secrets and Discoveries - Part I

Flashback

Phuwin and Dunk had just put a somewhat drunk Pond to bed. The captain of the Warriors of Night looked at Pond, who lay in bed with a sleepy expression and a silly smile on his face. Pond's confused and emotional words during their call still echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but blush slightly as he recalled the declarations.

Dunk was helping Pond get settled in bed, and as Phuwin carefully removed his shoes, Dunk sighed and tried to cover up for his roommate. "It was just a night of celebration, and he went a bit overboard," Dunk explained, looking tired but calm. "Joong told me that Pond is like this when he drinks; he tends to say these things, declare his love, and ramble about how much he likes his friends. Don't take it seriously; he doesn't know what he's saying when he's like this." Phuwin nodded, then placed the shoes by the bed and pulled the blanket over Pond's feet.

Pond, with half-closed eyes due to drunkenness, shifted in bed and mumbled sleepily, "Phuwin... you're the most special person I've ever met. I really like you, I... I can't explain, but... you're amazing." He squeezed the plush fox in his arms tightly.

Phuwin was taken aback by Pond's new declaration, this time without concern for the older man's safety. His heart raced a bit, and it was hard not to be affected by the sincere words, even if they were spoken under the influence of alcohol.

Pond seemed determined to continue, "Don't hate me for this, Phuwin. I like you, more than I should... you're amazing, and... I love it when you smile."

Dunk then let out an almost desperate laugh and hurried to say, "Let him speak; he probably won't remember half of this tomorrow. You should rest now; it's late. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Alright, if he feels sick or needs anything, call me," Phuwin replied, and Dunk nodded, trying to contain a smile. In all the years at Warriors of Night, he had never seen their captain so caring toward someone.

Phuwin then approached the bed with a loving look, sitting on a small space at the edge of the bed. He leaned in and gently stroked Pond's hair before whispering softly, "Hey, try to rest now. I'm not upset, and I would never hate you." He knew Pond probably wouldn't remember his words the next day, but he wanted to share them nonetheless.

Then he headed for the bedroom door, where he bid Dunk a discreet farewell.

Pond's words continued to echo in Phuwin's mind as he walked away.

Meanwhile, Dunk was left alone with Pond. He sighed and murmured to his friend, "I tried to help you, but you don't help yourself... lucky for you, you probably won't remember this part tomorrow."

Dunk then grabbed his towel and headed for the bathroom to take a relaxing shower after such a hectic night.

After showering and changing clothes, Phuwin's thoughts were still on Pond. He decided to make a call to the only person he could share his thoughts with at the moment.

"Hey, are you busy?" Phuwin asked his half-sister as soon as she answered.

"Hey, not at all. In fact, I was about to message you. I just finished the note you asked for. Do you want to hear it?" Maggie asked from the other end of the line.

"Sure," Phuwin replied, and she began to read:

Dear fans and members of the e-sports community,

I would like to address the recent rumors circulating about a supposed romantic relationship between our captain, Phuwin Tangsakyuen, and View Benyap. I want to make it clear that these rumors have no basis and should not be taken seriously.