Always you (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 14: Testing Boundaries

As Pond and Phuwin settled into their new routine, the initial excitement of their reunion gave way to the reality of day-to-day life. Despite their best efforts to maintain balance and respect the boundaries they had established, they soon found themselves facing the inevitable challenges that come with any relationship.

It began with small things—Pond's tendency to check in with Phuwin a little too frequently during the day, or Phuwin's habit of losing track of time in his art studio and coming home later than planned. These were minor issues, but they served as a reminder that maintaining the balance they had worked so hard to achieve was an ongoing process.

One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Pond came home to find that Phuwin was still at the studio. He had expected Phuwin to be home by now, and the empty apartment stirred up old anxieties that Pond had thought he had put to rest. He tried to push the feelings aside, reminding himself that Phuwin was likely caught up in his work, but the gnawing sense of unease persisted.

When Phuwin finally arrived home, tired but content after a productive day, he immediately noticed the tension in the air. "Hey," he said, setting down his bag and walking over to Pond. "Sorry I'm late. I lost track of time at the studio."

Pond forced a smile, but there was a tightness in his expression that Phuwin didn't miss. "It's okay," Pond replied, though his voice lacked its usual warmth. "I just wasn't expecting you to be this late."

Phuwin frowned, sensing that something was off. "Is everything alright?" he asked gently, reaching out to touch Pond's arm.

Pond hesitated, unsure of how to express what he was feeling without falling back into old habits. He didn't want to come across as controlling or overly dependent, but the truth was that he had been worried—worried that Phuwin's late return was a sign that he was slipping back into the patterns of their past.

"I'm fine," Pond said after a moment, though his tone made it clear that he wasn't entirely fine. "I just... I guess I was looking forward to spending some time with you tonight."

Phuwin's heart softened at Pond's words, understanding where he was coming from. "I'm sorry, Pond," he said sincerely. "I should have called or texted to let you know I'd be late. I didn't mean to make you worry."

Pond sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. "I know it's silly, but I couldn't help but feel a little anxious. I've been working so hard on not letting those old fears get to me, but sometimes they just creep back in."

Phuwin nodded, his expression understanding. "It's not silly, Pond. I get it. We're both still figuring this out, and it's okay to have setbacks. What's important is that we talk about it, like we're doing now."

As they talked, Phuwin gently but firmly reminded Pond of the boundaries they had agreed upon—boundaries that were meant to give both of them the space they needed to thrive as individuals and as a couple. He emphasized that while he understood Pond's concerns, it was crucial for them to trust each other and to honor the commitment they had made to respect each other's independence.

"I know it's hard sometimes," Phuwin said softly, taking Pond's hand in his. "But we have to trust that our relationship is strong enough to handle these moments. We've come so far, and I don't want either of us to feel like we're slipping back into old patterns."

Pond looked down at their joined hands, taking comfort in Phuwin's steady presence. "You're right," he admitted. "I don't want to fall back into those habits either. It's just... I care about you so much, and sometimes that makes me a little too cautious."

Phuwin smiled, squeezing Pond's hand reassuringly. "And I care about you too, Pond. But part of caring about each other is giving each other the space to grow and be ourselves. That's what makes our relationship stronger."