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The large dining room buzzed with conversation as everyone settled at the table. Couples served each other lovingly, while the singles took care of their own plates. The atmosphere was a mix of casual and formal, reflecting the importance of the gathering.

Fourth turned eagerly to Phuwin, his excitement from their earlier meeting still palpable. “P’Phuwin, I have so many photocards of you. You should autograph them soon. It would be such an honor!”

Phuwin smiled and nodded. “I’d be happy to, Fourth. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

Gemini, sitting next to Phuwin, tried to ignore the growing jealousy as he saw his brother’s attention fully absorbed by Fourth. Typically reserved, Gemini remained quiet and pushed his food around his plate instead of eating.

Noticing Gemini’s quiet demeanor, Phuwin leaned over and whispered, “Do you need anything, Gem?”

Gemini shook his head, signaling no. Phuwin glanced at Gemini’s plate and saw it was mainly untouched vegetables. Understanding the situation, he swapped some of the vegetables for meat from his own plate and passed it to Gemini. Gemini’s face lit up with a grateful smile, and he started eating more happily.

Fourth noticed this exchange and chuckled. “Are you a kid, Gemini? Don’t you like veggies? I could eat more if you don’t want them.”

Sora, across the table, began her usual routine of complaining about the food. “How can you all eat whatever you want? I’m so health-conscious. I’m only having salad. It’s important to maintain your fitness.”

Her comments elicited a collective sigh of irritation from the others, except for Earth. Dunk leaned over to Joong and whispered, “Even if she’s a perfect match for Pond, she’s really not a good fit. She acts like she knows everything. I feel sorry for Pond.”

Joong nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, it’s a concern. Pond doesn’t like her, but he’s stuck because Dad made the decision. You know how Dad is—he doesn’t like to argue about his choices.”

Ignoring Sora’s self-importance, the others continued their meal. Phuwin grew more irritated by Sora’s behavior, especially as she loudly boasted about her supposed sophistication while criticizing Pond’s food. “Pond, you really should eat more salad and less of everything else. I want to be able to show you off proudly to my friends.”

Earth, joining in with Sora’s comments, added, “Pond, maybe you should eat some salad. It’ll make Sora proud.”

Phuwin noticed Pond’s disinterest; he was merely poking at his food with his fork, clearly wanting to escape the situation. Realizing why Pond seemed so detached, Phuwin decided to speak up.

“Well, Pond doesn’t need to try so hard to be fit. He’s already looking like a Greek god,” Phuwin said with a smirk. “Maybe you should check your own fitness scale, Sora. I see you have fried chicken and ketchup on your plate. How do you plan to maintain your so-called beautiful figure while eating that? Come on, eat your salad.”

The table fell silent as everyone’s eyes shifted to Sora’s plate, revealing fried chicken and ketchup. Fourth and Dunk struggled to contain their laughter, snorting and coughing loudly. Joong patted Dunk on the back and handed him a drink, while Mix did the same for Fourth.

Pond looked up, surprised and somewhat relieved to see someone stand up for him. He didn’t say anything, but his expression softened. Mix, happy to see Phuwin supporting her son, smiled appreciatively.

Phuwin turned to Pond, asking gently, “Do you need anything, Pond?”

Pond shook his head, indicating that he was fine. Phuwin, unsure of Pond’s specific likes or dislikes, accepted this and let it be.

As the dinner drew to a close, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. The earlier tension eased as conversations picked up, and everyone settled into a more comfortable, enjoyable evening.

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Finally!! PondPhuwin met...

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