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

Chapter:15_Flicker of Horror_

Phuwin was deep in his usual sleep when a faint rustling sound pulled him back to consciousness. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the early morning light that seeped through the curtains. His gaze drifted across the room until it settled on Pond, who was standing at the dressing table, meticulously fastening the buttons of his shirt. For a moment, Phuwin couldn't piece together what was happening, but the reality settled in-a marriage he hadn't fully grasped yet, and the unfamiliar bedroom they now shared.

"Oh, sorry to wake you. I was just getting ready," Pond said, his voice tinged with hesitation as he noticed Phuwin's unfocused stare at the surroundings.

Last night had been a blur of exhaustion; they had collapsed into bed, sleep overtaking them before any words could be exchanged. It struck Phuwin that this was the first full sentence either of them had spoken since the wedding.

Phuwin only nodded, his eyes avoiding Pond's as he focused instead on the pillow he clutched in his lap. The silence that followed was thick and awkward, stretching out like a chasm between them. Pond glanced at him, unsure of how to bridge the gap. "Everyone's at the breakfast table... If you want to join." His voice trailed off, and when Phuwin didn't respond, he hesitated, staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment before turning to leave the room.

Downstairs, the atmosphere was slightly livelier. "Where's Grandma?" Pond asked as he joined the others at the breakfast table.

"She went to the temple to pay respects to the monks early this morning," Gemini replied, his eyes scanning his elder brother, reading the unease in his posture.

"Heading to the office already?" Joong asked, noticing Pond's fully dressed appearance.

"Yeah." Pond's reply was brief, almost curt, as he reached for a waffle, his mind elsewhere.

"Have you two talked yet? Like, actually talked?" Gemini's voice was serious, though still gentle.

Pond's eyes dropped to the wedding ring glinting on his finger. "Hmm," was all he managed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

Joong and Gemini exchanged a look, their concern palpable. "You should try to get to know each other, slowly," Joong suggested, though he knew it was easier said than done.

Pond nodded and pushed his chair back, standing up with a resigned sigh. "I'm done. I'm heading to the office. Bye." His departure was as abrupt as his entrance, leaving Joong and Gemini to share another heavy sigh. They understood this new couple needed time, but how much time wasn't clear to anyone.

Their attention shifted to the stairs as they heard faint footsteps. Phuwin was coming down, but Pond was already gone, leaving only an empty seat and a lingering sense of absence. The Naravit brothers exchanged another look, bracing themselves to face their brother-in-law.

"Good morning, Phi Phuwin," Gemini greeted, his tone warm but cautious.

"Good morning," Phuwin replied, his voice polite yet distant.

"Sit here, na, Phi," Joong offered, standing up and gesturing to a chair opposite them. Phuwin hesitated, uncertain how to address the awkwardness of being called Phi when he was the youngest. But instead of correcting them, he chose silence once more, sinking into the offered chair.

His eyes roamed the room, perhaps searching for a glimpse of Pond, though he wouldn't admit it even to himself. "P'Pond just left for the office... Don't worry, he's always home by 6 p.m.," Joong said, trying to reassure him.

Phuwin nodded, his expression unreadable. "Where's Grandma?" he asked, his voice low.

"She went to the temple early this morning. She should be back within the hour," Gemini answered.