𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 || 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐟

14

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After dinner, everyone migrated to the cozy living room, where chatter resumed in a more relaxed setting. Earth cleared his throat, calling for attention.

“Alright, everyone, let’s talk about the wedding dates for Joong and Dunk, as well as Pond and Sora,” Earth announced, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Pond, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, “Actually, I’d like some time before setting a date for my wedding. Let Joong and Dunk get married first, and then we can discuss ours.”

Earth’s expression hardened slightly. “No, Pond. I believe both couples should marry on the same date, as I’ve chosen. It’s the way it should be.”

Pond’s eyes met his father’s, noting the  firmness in them. He wanted to argue but chose to remain silent to avoid a public disagreement. With a resigned sigh, he left the room, heading for the garden.

Phuwin, noticing Pond’s exit and the frustration on his face, felt a pang of sympathy. No one deserved to be treated like that, he thought. Joong tried to persuade Earth otherwise but couldn’t change his mind. They eventually settled on a wedding date and decided to announce it at the New Year’s anniversary party.

Sora and her family said their goodbyes and left. The Aydins prepared to depart as well, but Mix insisted they stay longer. “You’ve just met the whole family; stay a bit longer.”

Tay New agreed, and the younger ones decided to head to the garden to unwind. They walked through the lush, green garden, taking in the colorful array of flowers and the inviting swimming pool at the back of the mansion. Pond stood near the pool, gazing up at the sky, lost in thought. The younger group decided to join him, spreading out on the garden benches.

Fourth and Gemini took one bench, while Joong and Dunk sat on another. Phuwin, wanting to lighten the mood, joined Pond on his bench.

"So, p'Joong,” Phuwin said with a teasing grin, “I finally get to meet you in person. I’ve heard so much about you—how handsome you are, how well you take care of Dunk, and all that.”

Dunk’s face flushed a deep shade of red, and he hissed at Phuwin in a low voice, “Stop it, Phuwin.”

Joong, surprised, looked at Dunk. “Really? My baby talks about me? And he calls me handsome? Aww, that’s so cute.”

Phuwin laughed, thoroughly enjoying Dunk’s embarrassment. “Oh, stop with the cheesiness. Yes, he talks a lot about you, and from what he says, you’re doing a great job taking care of him. But I do have one request.”

Joong raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what’s that?”

Phuwin leaned in slightly, his tone turning more serious but still playful. “I want you to keep taking good care of Dunk in the future, or else…” He trailed off dramatically.

Joong raised an eyebrow. “Or else what?”

Phuwin leaned in closer with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Or else you’ll have to face the wrath of Gemini and me. Trust me, you don’t want that.”

Gemini, sitting on the other bench, chimed in, “Yeah, p'Joong. You better treat Dunk like royalty. Otherwise, I’ll have to teach you a lesson myself.”

Dunk, still blushing, glanced at Phuwin and Gemini. “You guys are the worst,” he muttered, though he couldn’t help but smile at the attention.

Joong put on a mock serious expression and saluted. “I swear on my honor, I will cherish and protect Dunk. No harm shall come to him.”

Phuwin and Gemini laughed, the tension easing. “Aww, how cheesy!” Phuwin said, grinning. “But seriously, don’t make us come after you.”

“Right,” Gemini agreed, smirking. “We’ll be watching.”

As the laughter died down, Phuwin noticed Pond’s continued silence. Wanting to include him, Phuwin turned to him and asked, “So, Pond, you’re Joong’s brother and a board member, right?”

Pond nodded. “Yes, that’s correct.”

“Nice,” Phuwin said. “I’m Phuwin, Dunk’s brother, soon will be joining the family business.”

Pond gave a polite nod, acknowledging the introduction. Meanwhile, Joong and Dunk resumed their playful banter, occasionally flirting with each other. Phuwin couldn’t resist teasing them again.

“Hey, lovebirds,” he called out with a grin, “don’t be too shameless in front of the rest of us. We’re trying to have a decent conversation here.”

Dunk’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, while Joong smirked and said, “I’ll keep it PG, promise.”

As the evening drew to a close, Tay New and his family prepared to leave. They gathered in front of the mansion for their farewells. Mix approached Phuwin, giving him a warm hug.

“It was wonderful meeting you, dear,” Mix said. “Please come visit again, and Dunk, make sure to bring your family along too.”

Phuwin smiled. “Absolutely, Uncle Mix. We’ll make it a point to visit.”

Fourth, eyes sparkling with excitement, jumped up to Phuwin. “Can I have your number? Pretty please?”

Gemini interjected, “Hey, why does he need your number?”

Fourth pouted. “Oh, Gemini, I’m talking to my idol, not you.”

Phuwin laughed and handed his number to Fourth. “Sure, if you need anything, just give me a call.”

Fourth eagerly accepted the number. “Thanks, p'Phuwin! I’ll definitely keep in touch!”

Joong took a moment to hug Dunk, whispering softly in his ear, “I’ll call you tonight,” and gave him a tender kiss behind the ear. Dunk shivered at the touch, blushing deeply and nodding shyly.

As the final goodbyes were exchanged, Pond watched the scene with a faint smile. The evening had been full of lively interactions and lighthearted moments. The group bid their farewells, leaving the garden under the night sky, each family heading home with memories of a warm and entertaining evening.