Always you (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 9: The Ultimatum

As Pond and Phuwin continued their journey toward healing, the progress they made was undeniable. They were communicating more openly, and Pond's therapy sessions were beginning to have a positive impact on his behavior. However, despite these improvements, there were still lingering issues that threatened to resurface, particularly Pond's occasional lapses into old habits.

Phuwin had been patient, understanding that change takes time, but there were moments when he felt the weight of their past struggles pressing down on him. He knew that in order for their relationship to truly thrive, they needed to address these remaining issues head-on, without any room for ambiguity.

One evening, after a long day, they sat together on the couch, the familiar comfort of each other's presence soothing their weary minds. But Phuwin could feel the tension in the air, a tension that had been building for days as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew that it was time to have a difficult conversation, one that could potentially define the future of their relationship.

"Pond," Phuwin began, his voice calm but resolute. "We need to talk."

Pond turned to look at him, sensing the seriousness in Phuwin's tone. "What is it?" he asked, his expression concerned.

Phuwin took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "We've made a lot of progress, and I'm so proud of how far we've come. But there are still moments when I feel like we're slipping back into old patterns—patterns that we both know aren't healthy."

Pond's heart sank at Phuwin's words, but he nodded in understanding. "I know," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I've been trying so hard, but sometimes... sometimes it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle against myself."

Phuwin reached out, taking Pond's hand in his own. "I know you're trying," he said gently. "And I appreciate everything you're doing. But there's something I need to say, and I need you to understand how important this is to me."

Pond's grip on Phuwin's hand tightened slightly, his anxiety rising as he braced himself for what was coming. "Tell me," he said softly.

Phuwin took another deep breath, his eyes locked on Pond's. "I love you, Pond, and I want us to be together, but I can't keep living in fear of when the next lapse will happen. I need to know that you're fully committed to changing—for yourself, and for us."

Pond swallowed hard, his chest tightening at the weight of Phuwin's words. "I am committed," he said earnestly. "I want to change. I want us to be happy."

Phuwin nodded, his expression softening. "I believe you," he said. "But I need to set a boundary, for my own well-being. If we can't find a way to move past these lapses—if things don't continue to improve—I don't know if I can stay in this relationship. I need to protect myself, too."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. It wasn't a threat, but an honest admission of Phuwin's limits, a clear line that he couldn't cross if things didn't change.

Pond felt the gravity of Phuwin's ultimatum settle deep in his chest, the weight of it almost overwhelming. He had known that things couldn't continue the way they had been, but hearing Phuwin articulate it so clearly made it all the more real. It wasn't just about their love anymore; it was about survival—emotional survival, and the preservation of their relationship.

For a moment, Pond felt a surge of fear and defensiveness rise up within him, the old instinct to resist and push back against anything that threatened the status quo. But as he looked into Phuwin's eyes, he saw not only the love that had kept them together for so long, but also the quiet strength and resolve that had carried them through the darkest times. Phuwin wasn't asking for perfection; he was asking for honesty, commitment, and real change.