In the gripping tale of "Bonds of Fate," the paths of two worlds collide. On one side, there are Phuwin and Dunk, orphaned brothers, guided by their loving aunt in the warm embrace of a small-town restaurant. On the other, there are Pond and Joong...
The tension in the Johnson Industries office was a tangible thing. Joong, meticulously reviewing contracts, paused mid-sentence, his head snapping up. Pond, lost in the glow of his computer screen, mirrored the movement, a flicker of surprise crossing his guarded features.
Bright Vachirawit, CEO of V&H Industries, and their beloved elder cousin.
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His arrival was always a welcome disruption, a burst of sunshine into their often-serious world. Today, however, his smile seemed brighter than usual, his eyes sparkling with a joyous light.
"Joong, Pond," he greeted them, his voice warm and friendly. A comfortable silence followed, a silent acknowledgment of the respect they held for their charismatic cousin.
"Bright, what brings you here?" Joong finally asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Ah," Bright chuckled, his smile widening, "exciting news! I finally decided to popped the question!"
A collective gasp escaped Joong and Pond's lips. This was unexpected, yet somehow… perfect.
"You are proposing?" Pond echoed, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. They all knew how much Bright adored Win, their families' friendly rivalry a mere blip in the face of their unwavering love.
Bright's eyes shone with a newfound happiness. "Yes!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with elation. "It's about time, wouldn't you say?"
Joong chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "About time indeed. Win must be over the moon."
Bright's smile softened. "He was… hesitant at first. But after all these years, I think he finally understands how much he means to me."
Pond felt a pang of something akin to envy twist in his gut. Here was Bright, finally achieving his happily ever after. A stark contrast to the emptiness that gnawed at Pond's own heart.
"Congratulations, Bright," he said, forcing a smile. "We're so happy for you."
Joong placed a hand on Bright's shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. "We are, Phi. You and Win deserve all the happiness in the world."
Bright squeezed Joong's hand, a grateful glint in his eyes. "Thanks, guys. Your support means the world to me. And hey," he added, a playful glint entering his eyes, "maybe you two can find inspiration from your old cousin, huh?"
Joong and Pond exchanged a hesitant glance. Bright's words hung in the air, a gentle nudge towards a future neither of them dared to contemplate.
"We'll see, Phi," Pond replied noncommittally. The thought of love, of vulnerability, was a terrifying prospect. Yet, witnessing Bright's joy, a tiny seed of hope flickered within him. Could there be a chance for him too, a path towards happiness that didn't involve the relentless pursuit of power?
