Pond's got a secret crush on his BFF, Dunk, but life's got other plans. Struggling with poverty, he takes a risky deal to be a fake boyfriend to the rich Phuwin. Meanwhile, Dunk's caught in a hot competition with the equally dreamy Joong. And then t...
The crash of breaking china jolted me awake. My heart pounded like a trapped bird. It was her, my step sister's voice that followed - shrill and accusing, pinning the blame on me for something I hadn't done. I knew what was coming next. The familiar dread seeped into my bones.
I stumbled to the bathroom, the cold tiles a stark contrast to the warmth of my covers. The mirror reflected a face etched with weariness, a stranger to the hopeful boy I once was. I pulled on my uniform - white shirt, black pants, and a tie that felt like a noose around my neck. A fresh start, they said. University. A chance to escape. But as I stepped out of the bathroom, reality slapped me harder than any fist.
My father stood there, his face a thundercloud. Before I could react, his hand connected with my cheek. The sting was almost a relief, a physical pain to counter the emotional numbness. I looked up, my eyes pleading for understanding, but his were cold and hard.
"Useless!" he roared, his voice echoing in the cramped space. "You should've died with your mother! A burden, that's all you are!"
My stepmother, her face twisted into a cruel smirk, chimed in, "Stop it, you shouldn't hit your son, he is a good boy, aren't you a good boy, Fourth?" Her words were dripping with venom, each syllable a tiny dagger. I knew the real meaning behind her fake sweetness - a constant reminder of her contempt.
My father's hand found hers, squeezing it possessively. "You are an angel, always forgiving him but, this one," he gushed, oblivious to the storm raging inside me. Angel? More like a demon in disguise. I could see the pity in her eyes, but it was laced with triumph. She'd won. She'd broken me.
I turned and walked out, the weight of their words pressing down on me. The world outside was a blur, a cold, indifferent expanse. As I made my way to the university, a single tear escaped my eye, tracing a path down my cheek. It was a silent cry, a plea for a life beyond these walls, a life where I wouldn't be defined by their hatred.
Gemini, where are you? I needed you now more than ever.
The university was a giant, intimidating beast. But to me, it felt like a cozy nest, a million times better than that hellhole I called home. My heart did a happy little dance as I stepped into my first class.
Professor Thitipoom was like a breath of fresh air. All smiles and gentle words, he was the exact opposite of my monstrous father. When he asked us to introduce ourselves, I clammed up. This place felt too good to be true. What if it turned into another battlefield?
But then, I saw him. The boy with the crescent-moon smile that swallowed his eyes. Ping, he said. He was like a tiny sunbeam, all warm and bubbly. Before I knew it, we were inseparable. He was clingy, okay, super clingy, but I loved it. It was like someone finally threw me a lifeline.
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"Hi! I'm Ping!" he said, his voice as bright as his smile. "Wanna be friends?"
"Uh, yeah, sure," I mumbled, my cheeks burning. I'd never had a friend like this before. Someone who wanted to be around me without any reason.
