in another lifetime

Guilt

Pond's POV

After a few hours, the event was finished, so I grabbed my things and hurried to the hospital.

After a few minutes, I arrived. I was walking to Dunk's room when I saw Phuwin about to open the door, but instead, he walked away. I was confused about why he did that, but I kinda understood, so I "accidentally" bumped into Phuwin.

He was jealous, that's why he didn't go inside. It bothered me, but what can I do? I'm just his friend, or should I say, one of his old friends.

I was hesitant to say it, but I built up my courage and asked Phuwin if he wanted to drink. When he said yes, I felt relieved. I thought he was going to say no.

I took him to a food place near the hospital so that if there's an emergency, I'm close to the hospital.

After a few minutes, the drinks and the food arrived. Phuwin quickly poured himself a drink.

Pond: "Woah, slow down."

I held his wrist as he placed the bottle on the table.

Phuwin: "To be honest, I didn't recognize you at first."

Pond: "I mean, I thought you were familiar, but eventually, I figured it out."

Phuwin: "I mean, you wore glasses, had braces, and were a bit skinny compared to now."

Phuwin laughed lightly.

Pond: "Same goes for you. You had really long hair back in college."

Phuwin: "My hair wasn't that long."

Pond: "It was."

We both laughed as we both took a drink. After a couple of hours, Phuwin was already drunk. His face was already flushed after a few drinks. I admit he looked kind of cute.

Phuwin: "Khun Nara~"

He said with a soft voice.

Pond: "Hm? What is it, Phu?"

When Phuwin suddenly took both of my hands and put them on his cheeks.

Phuwin: "Why is your face red?"

He tilted his head in confusion. I got more shy and didn't know what to say.

Phuwin: "Khun Nara, answer me."

He pouted.

Pond: "What do you want, Phu?"

I laughed.

Phuwin: "I want my Dunk."

My smile dropped as I heard Dunk's name, but I felt guilty knowing that I also used to like Phuwin back then.

Pond: "Just Dunk? What about me, Phu?"

I said teasingly, but deep down I meant it. Phuwin stood up, still holding my hand, as he put me to sit down.

Phuwin: "You?"

He became silent for a second.

Phuwin: "I don't know. I was happy meeting you again. I was convinced I already moved on, but now I don't know who to be jealous of."

I was confused, but I felt a spark of hope in what he said, "I don't know who to be jealous of."

Pond: "What do you mean you don't know who to be jealous of?"

I looked at him, begging for an answer.

Phuwin: "I don't know, I'm confused."

Phuwin pulled me to stand up again as I helped him walk back to his car despite my leg injury. As we were walking, Phuwin tripped, causing us to accidentally kiss. Phuwin didn't pull back, but I felt guilt, guilt of kissing my best friend's ex. I tried to pull him back, but he insisted. Then suddenly, I heard a familiar voice behind us.

Joong: "Pond!?! Phuwin!?"

Phuwin stopped and looked at Joong.

Phuwin: "What?"

He said coldly.

Pond: "That's enough, Phu. I promise Joong that's not what it seems."

Phuwin: "Khun Nara~"

as he hugged me.

Joong looked at me, shocked.

Joong: "I'm not here to judge, but based on Phuwin's actions, was it really nothing?"

Phuwin nods as he continued to hug me.

Pond: "It wasn't like that. I promise you I would never do that to Dunk."

Joong: "I meant, you felt nothing? I saw all what you were doing in the store. You didn't even notice me walk in."

My heart dropped, but he was right. Did I really feel nothing?

Phuwin: "Khun Nara, you're warm."

He looked at me as he hugged me tighter.

Joong: "I don't know what you feel or did, but I hope you tell Dunk about this. I know I'm an outsider, but I hope you can talk things out."

Dunk: "There's no need. I've seen enough."

As he walked back inside the hospital.

We were all stunned. We didn't notice Dunk was there. We all didn't know.