𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 32

The music throbbed with a relentless beat, a relentless assault on Phuwin's already muddled senses. The party lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors, and the once-inviting dance floor now resembled a swirling vortex. He knew he'd had too much – a concoction Emma had assured him was just fruit punch, but the fuzzy feeling in his head and the wobbliness in his legs told a different story.

Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around his waist, steadying him. He looked up to see Pond's face, etched with concern.

"Hey," Pond said gently, his voice a welcome anchor in the sea of noise. "Think you've had enough for one night?"

Phuwin giggled, a sound devoid of its usual charm. "Nooo," he slurred, leaning his head against Pond's shoulder. "Party's just gettin' started!"

Pond sighed, a hint of exasperation in his eyes. He glanced at Ethan, who was weaving precariously nearby, singing an off-key rendition of a popular song.

"Looks like your friends are in no better shape," Pond observed.

Emily, ever the responsible one, materialized beside them. Thankfully, she seemed relatively sober.

"Hey guys," she said, her voice a beacon of sanity. "I think it's time to call it a night. You two are a mess."

Phuwin, fueled by the misplaced bravado of intoxication, scoffed. "I'm fine!" he declared, attempting to stand on his own two feet. Unfortunately, the attempt resulted in a comical wobble that had Pond reflexively reaching out to catch him.

"See?" Emily said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You need a ride home."

Pond, relieved at Emily's intervention, suggested taking them all back. Phuwin, however, seemed determined to be difficult. He swatted Pond's hand away with a giggle, protesting that he didn't need a babysitter.

"Come on, Phuwin," Pond pleaded, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "You're clearly wasted."

Phuwin, emboldened by the strange courage that came with drunkenness, puffed out his chest. "I'm not wasted! I can walk just fine… see?" He took a step forward, promptly tripping over his own feet and landing sp sprawled on the floor.

Emily winced, while Ethan, oblivious to the drama, continued his drunken serenade. Pond rushed to Phuwin's side, helping him up with a worried frown.

"Alright, alright," Pond conceded, a hint of surrender in his voice. "Let's get you out of here before you hurt yourself."

Phuwin, his defiance momentarily forgotten, giggled and leaned his head against Pond's shoulder. Emily, with surprising strength, managed to maneuver Ethan into a piggyback ride.

Outside, the cool night air hit Phuwin like a slap. He shivered, his intoxication momentarily fading to reveal a sliver of lucidity. He noticed Pond watching him, a mix of concern and something else – maybe a flicker of worry – in his eyes.

"I can take a cab," Phuwin mumbled, a flicker of defiance reigniting.

Pond shook his head. "No way. You're in no state to be alone." He opened the passenger door of his car and gently ushered Phuwin inside.

As the car pulled away from the party, Phuwin felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him. He rested his head against the window, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling him into a fuzzy stupor.
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The car pulled to a stop outside the dorm building. Emily, thankfully sober, hopped out first, thanking Pond for the ride. Daniel and Dunk, who had been waiting by the entrance, materialized beside the car.

"Whoa, looks like someone had a little too much fun," Daniel chuckled, eyeing Ethan's disheveled state.

Between them, Dunk and Daniel managed to maneuver Ethan out of the car, his drunken mumbling filling the night air. Phuwin, still drowsy from the ride, was next. He leaned heavily against Dunk, a sleepy smile playing on his lips.

"Thanks, Pond," Dunk said, his voice laced with a hint of gratitude that surprised even him. "We really appreciate the help."

Pond nodded, his gaze lingering on Phuwin for a beat too long. "No problem. Take care of yourselves."

With a final wave, Pond pulled away from the curb, the car disappearing into the night. As he drove towards his dorm, a wave of determination washed over him. He knew he had messed up. He had to deal with Naomi, the nagging reminder of his past, before he could even think about pursuing Phuwin.

Reaching his dorm room, Pond found Joong humming happily, his phone clutched in his hand.

"So?" Pond teased, a playful glint in his eyes. "Which lucky lady gets the pleasure of your company tonight? Jasmine? Fiona? Maybe Mayra? Or are we up to  nine that cute boy from LA?"

Joong rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "None of them, actually."

"Oh?" Pond raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Secret date, then?"

Joong winked. "Something like that." He tapped his phone screen a few times, a satisfied expression crossing his face. "Reservation confirmed."

A spark of curiosity flickered in Pond's chest. Who could Joong be taking out on this mysterious date? The answer, however, remained a secret, leaving Pond with a smile and a playful nudge. "Well, good luck then, Casanova. May your date be charmed, surprised, and utterly smitten."

Joong chuckled, the secret glinting in his eyes. "We'll see about that."

Meanwhile, back at their dorm room, Dunk helped Phuwin into bed. Phuwin, still half-asleep, mumbled a mumbled thanks before drifting off. As Dunk pulled the covers over him, a strange pang of… something… flickered in his chest. Was it concern? Or maybe a flicker of… something more? He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

He glanced at Phuwin, his peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the turmoil within Dunk. Joong's words echoed in his mind: "A date. To prove my love for you." The idea was both terrifying and weirdly appealing. Could someone like Joong, the epitome of campus charm, really be interested in someone like him?

Dunk shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He had his own problems to deal with – his studies, , and the ever-present anxiety of his social standing. A date with Joong felt like a fantasy, a world away from his reality.

With a sigh, Dunk turned off the light, the silence of the room broken only by Phuwin's soft snores. He closed his eyes, the image of Joong's confident smile and Phuwin's peaceful slumber playing in his mind as he drifted off to sleep. The future remained uncertain, shrouded in a veil of mystery. But one thing was clear – his life, once ordinary, was about to take an unexpected turn.

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