"Heirs of the Heart" (Pondphuwin, Geminifourth, Joongdunk)

Chapter:2_Meet the polar opposites_

As the first rays of dawn touched the garden, Phuwin stood among the dew-kissed flowers, a serene smile on his face. His mother, Sarocha, appeared on the veranda, her silhouette a comforting presence in the soft morning light.

"Phuwin, what brings you here so early?" Sarocha asked, her voice gentle but curious.

"Mae, the plants were wilting. I forgot to water them yesterday," Phuwin replied, his fingers tracing the edges of a drooping leaf. "They looked lifeless, so I'm giving them some care now."

Sarocha nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "Alright, but don’t be late for your morning class. Finish up quickly."

Phuwin glanced at his watch. "Yes, Mae, I will. Don’t worry, I'll manage."

As Sarocha headed back inside to prepare breakfast, she chuckled at her son's antics. Phuwin’s passion for his plants was endearing, a trait he inherited from his late father.

Moments later, Prem, Phuwin’s best friend, arrived, his footsteps quick and eager. "Phu, how long are you going to take?" he called out as he entered.

Sarocha, seeing Prem from the kitchen, greeted him warmly. "He’s in the shower, Prem. Why don’t you sit and have breakfast with us?"

Prem smiled, but declined politely. "I already ate, aunty. But I won't say no to your hot chocolate."

Sarocha laughed. "Just as you wish."

Phuwin, fresh from his shower, joined them, tying his shoelaces hurriedly. "You’re early, Prem," he teased.

"No, you’re just late as always," Prem retorted, grinning.

"Alright, boys, have your breakfast quickly. You're running late," Sarocha urged, handing Phuwin a toast as he juggled with his books.

"Thanks, Mae. Let's go, Prem!" Phuwin grabbed his bag and dashed out, dragging Prem along as they sprinted to catch the morning bus.

Breathless but relieved, Phuwin and Prem slumped into their seats on the bus. "Made it just in time," Phuwin panted.

"You're always making us late," Prem complained, lightly smacking Phuwin’s head.

Across town, a bright-skinned boy named Dunk was heading to his family's café, the morning sun casting a golden glow on his path. His mother, frail but determined, waved him off from her wheelchair.

"Take care, Dunk," she said softly.

At the café, Dunk's best friend Chain greeted him with a hug. "Good morning! How’s aunty?"

"She’s alright. Aunty Neung will take her to physiotherapy today," Dunk replied, his voice tinged with worry.

Chain gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Everything will be okay, Dunk. Let’s focus on today’s orders."

They moved to the kitchen, ready to face the day’s challenges together, their bond growing stronger with each shared task and heartfelt conversation....

--

"Hey, Fourth! What have you got there today?what are you reading?" Satang's voice cut through the quiet of the library as he approached his best friend, who was deeply engrossed in a novel.

"The Girl with the Dragon," Fourth replied, barely lifting his gaze from the pages. Satang wasn't surprised. His introverted friend had a penchant for losing himself in the world of books, a habit that seemed to deepen with each passing day. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Fourth shunned parties and social gatherings, preferring the company of fictional characters.

Satang was used to this. He and Winny and Fourth had been inseparable since childhood, forming a bond that transcended words. Just then, Winny, Satang's boyfriend, sauntered over with a mischievous grin. "What are you up to, babe?" he asked, draping an arm around Satang.

Satang quickly gestured for silence, pointing to the library's quiet surroundings. "Shh, we're in the library," he whispered.

"When's your next class, Fourth?" Winny asked, turning his attention to the quiet boy.

"In an hour," Fourth replied, his eyes flicking briefly to Satang.

"Perfect, we've got some time. Let's grab a drink," Satang suggested. As expected, Fourth shook his head. He always declined such offers, preferring his solitude.

Winny leaned in closer to Satang and whispered, "Let's get his favorite drink and bring it back here. He'll appreciate that."

Satang nodded, feeling a pang of frustration at Fourth's introversion but understanding it nonetheless. "Alright, we'll be back. See you in class, Fourth."

As the couple left, Fourth watched them go, a fleeting desire to join them flickering in his chest. He hated being the third wheel, especially around couples. Physical intimacy made him uncomfortable, a deep-seated aversion that he struggled to overcome. This discomfort kept him from making many friends, and it often made him feel like a burden to Satang and Winny.

He sighed and returned to his book, trying to shake off the lingering sense of isolation. He knew Satang and Winny cared for him deeply and always tried to include him without making him feel uncomfortable. It was his own insecurities that built walls around him, walls that he wished he could tear down.

As he turned the pages, lost in the story once more, a thought crossed his mind: maybe, just maybe, he could take small steps towards breaking free from his fears. He closed his book, determination gleaming in his eyes. Perhaps it was time to try, if not for himself, then for the friends who never gave up on him.