Journey (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 1: The Life Phuwin Leads

Phuwin stared at his reflection in the full-length mirror that dominated one corner of his small, neatly kept apartment. The young man who looked back at him was a stark contrast to the boy he had once been—a poor, scrawny teenager who had been the target of relentless bullying in high school. Now, at 19, Phuwin had transformed himself into the epitome of perfection, at least on the surface. His skin was flawless, his dark hair artfully styled, and his body toned to near perfection. But it was his face that drew the most attention, with its delicate blend of sharp masculinity and soft, almost ethereal beauty. He had learned to use this face, and the body that accompanied it, as his most valuable asset.

The apartment was modest, but it was filled with expensive-looking things—luxury brand clothing hanging neatly in his closet, designer shoes lined up with precision, and accessories that glittered under the soft lighting. Most of these items had been either gifted to him by clients or borrowed from acquaintances who wanted to be associated with someone who looked the part of wealth and success. Phuwin had mastered the art of illusion, carefully crafting an image that screamed opulence even if his bank account told a different story.

Phuwin's life was a delicate balancing act, one that required careful management of his time, his emotions, and the dual identities he maintained. By day, he was a university student, blending in with the crowd of privileged young adults who came from well-to-do families. He was the envy of many for his looks, his confidence, and the expensive items he always seemed to have. No one questioned where the money came from; they simply assumed that he was just another rich kid like them.

But by night, Phuwin's life took on a very different form. He worked for an agency, one that catered to the desires of wealthy men and women who were willing to pay top dollar for someone who looked like Phuwin. It wasn't just about sex; it was about fantasy, about having the perfect partner who could make them feel powerful, desired, and in control. Phuwin had become skilled at this work, knowing exactly what his clients wanted and how to give it to them. He didn't think of it as selling his body—he saw it as a transaction, a way to ensure that he would never have to return to the life of poverty that had haunted his past.

Despite the comfort and luxury this life afforded him, Phuwin couldn't shake the bitterness that had taken root in his heart. He despised the poor, even though he was one of them. The memory of being bullied, of being looked down upon because he didn't have the latest clothes or gadgets, fueled his hatred. Now, he would do anything to avoid being seen as poor again, even if it meant losing himself in the process. This disdain for poverty also extended to his clients; he didn't respect them, but he used them, just as they used him. It was a means to an end, a necessary evil that allowed him to keep up the charade of wealth that he had built around himself.

Tonight was just another night in the life he had chosen. Phuwin checked his phone, a sleek new model he could barely afford but couldn't be seen without, and noted the time. He had an appointment in less than an hour. The client was a regular, a middle-aged businessman who paid well and didn't ask too many questions. Phuwin preferred clients like that—those who wanted the illusion and nothing more, who were content to enjoy the facade without prying into the real person beneath.

He finished getting dressed, slipping into a designer shirt that hugged his torso in all the right places and a pair of tailored pants that highlighted his long legs. Every detail was meticulously planned to enhance his appeal, to ensure that he would meet the client's expectations. Phuwin had long ago perfected the art of appearance, understanding that in his line of work, how he looked was everything.

As he stepped out of his apartment, Phuwin cast one last glance at the mirror. The reflection was perfect, just as it needed to be. No one would ever guess that the boy who once had nothing was now the man who had it all—or so it seemed. He closed the door behind him, leaving the remnants of his past in the shadows, and walked out into the night, ready to play the role that had become his reality.