𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 26

In the evening, Pond sat at his desk, fingers tapping impatiently on his phone screen as he awaited a response from Phuwin. Each passing moment without a reply only fueled his growing frustration. He glanced up occasionally, the office atmosphere adding to his sense of unease.

Meanwhile, Joong lounged in his chair, his mind wandering back to the encounter with Dunk earlier in the day. A smirk played at the corners of his lips as he recalled their interaction, his thoughts consumed by the lingering tension between them.

Just as Pond was about to give up hope of hearing back from Phuwin, their father's voice cut through the silence as he entered the office. The sudden interruption brought both Pond and Joong back to attention.

"Sorry for the sudden intrusion, boys," their father began, his tone apologetic yet urgent. "But we have an unforeseen situation on our hands."

Pond and Joong exchanged curious glances, waiting for their father to elaborate.

"We have an important client visit scheduled for tomorrow afternoon," their father continued, his expression grave. "And I've just received word that I need to fly out to Shanghai for a last-minute meeting with investors."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Pond nodded solemnly. "What can we do to help, Dad?"

Their father explained the task at hand, assigning Pond the responsibility of managing the clients and preparing a presentation for the upcoming deal. "You'll need to ensure everything runs smoothly from their arrival until the conclusion of the meeting," he instructed.

Pond nodded, a sense of determination settling over him. "Consider it taken care of, Dad."

Their father then turned to Joong, his gaze unwavering. "And as for you, Joong, I need you to oversee the arrangements for the after-party," he said, emphasizing the importance of creating a luxurious and memorable experience for their guests.

Joong's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of planning the extravagant event. "Consider it done, Dad," he replied confidently.

Their father nodded in approval, grateful for their willingness to step up in his absence. "I'll be back early tomorrow morning, but I'll be tied up with meetings all day," he informed them. "You two will need to handle everything on your own."

Pond and Joong exchanged a determined look, silently pledging to rise to the occasion and make their father proud.

As their father left the office, Pond and Joong turned to each other, a shared sense of responsibility weighing heavily on their shoulders. They knew they had a long night ahead of them, but they were ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
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Victoria, sprawled on her plush dorm room couch, fidgeted with a silk pillow. The vast space, usually a haven of luxury, felt suffocating tonight. Her father's impromptu business call had ripped her away from Emma just as their date night was heating up. Frustration simmered alongside a potent dose of longing.

The silence was broken by the insistent buzzing of her phone. It wasn't a call, but a string of emojis – a winking face, a heart, and a picture of a familiar window ledge bathed in moonlight. A smile bloomed on Victoria's face. Emma.

Without a second thought, Victoria grabbed her keys and sprinted out the door. Her sleek Ferrari roared to life, the engine a purring beast carrying her towards the more modest student dorms.

Reaching the building, Victoria cursed under her breath. The imposing iron gates were locked, a barrier between her and the girl who occupied her every thought. Just as dejection threatened to set in, a flicker of movement caught her eye. There, perched on the window ledge a few floors up, was Emma, her silhouette outlined by the moon.