Journey (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 3: The Encounter with Pond

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Phuwin's apartment as he prepared for another day at university. Despite the long night he'd endured, he moved with the same practiced precision, ensuring every detail of his appearance was flawless. His university life was an extension of his carefully curated image—a world where appearances were everything, and any hint of imperfection could unravel the entire facade he had built.

Phuwin arrived on campus just as the first classes were beginning, his designer shoes clicking softly on the pavement as he made his way through the crowd. The students around him barely registered his presence, too engrossed in their own conversations and routines to notice the handsome young man who walked among them. That was how Phuwin liked it—blending in, yet always standing out just enough to maintain his image.

As he entered the classroom, Phuwin noticed the usual whispers and glances directed his way. He was used to the attention; it was something he had come to expect. His appearance, his confidence, and the air of mystery that surrounded him made him an object of fascination for many. He took his seat near the back, where he could observe without drawing too much attention to himself.

The class had barely begun when Phuwin felt a pair of eyes on him. He was accustomed to being watched, but this gaze was different—intense, almost unnerving. He subtly glanced around the room, his eyes landing on a student sitting a few rows ahead of him. It was Pond.

Pond was notorious on campus, known for his wealth, arrogance, and the fear he instilled in others. He came from a family of old money, the kind that bred entitlement and a disdain for anyone beneath their social status. Despite his reputation, Pond rarely bothered with people like Phuwin. He moved in different circles, ones filled with equally privileged and spoiled individuals. So why was he staring now?

Phuwin's heart rate quickened, but he maintained his outward calm. He forced himself to look away, focusing on the professor's lecture, though he could still feel Pond's gaze burning into him. He didn't need this kind of attention, not from someone like Pond. It could only mean trouble.

The class seemed to drag on, every minute stretched by the tension that gripped Phuwin. When it finally ended, he hurriedly packed his things, eager to escape Pond's unsettling scrutiny. But as he stood to leave, Pond was suddenly in front of him, blocking his path.

"You're Phuwin, right?" Pond's voice was smooth, almost casual, but there was an edge to it that set Phuwin on edge.

"Yes," Phuwin replied, keeping his tone neutral. He didn't want to provoke anything, especially not in the middle of a crowded classroom.

Pond smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I've heard about you. You're quite popular around here."

Phuwin's stomach twisted. He didn't like where this conversation was heading. "I try to keep to myself," he said, hoping to end the exchange quickly.

"Really?" Pond leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I've heard differently. In fact, I think we should get to know each other better. Why don't you come over to my place tonight?"

Phuwin froze, his mind racing. This was not an invitation—this was a command, one that he couldn't easily refuse. The implications were clear, and the fear of what Pond might know sent a cold chill down his spine. But outwardly, he remained calm, nodding slightly as if it were no big deal.

"Sure," Phuwin said, keeping his voice steady. "What time?"

Pond's smile widened, satisfied with Phuwin's compliance. "Eight o'clock. Don't be late." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Phuwin standing there, his heart pounding in his chest.

The rest of the day passed in a blur for Phuwin, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming meeting. He had no doubt that Pond knew about his other life—the way he had spoken, the insinuations, all pointed to one thing: Pond had something on him. But how much did he know? And what did he want?

As the evening approached, Phuwin found himself standing outside Pond's apartment, a high-end condominium in one of the most exclusive areas of the city. He hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorbell, before finally pressing it. The door opened almost immediately, and there stood Pond, dressed casually but with an unmistakable air of authority.

"Come in," Pond said, stepping aside to let Phuwin enter.

Phuwin walked into the apartment, his senses immediately assaulted by the opulence of the space. Everything was top-of-the-line, from the designer furniture to the state-of-the-art technology that filled the room. It was a far cry from his own modest apartment, a reminder of the vast chasm that existed between their worlds.

"Make yourself comfortable," Pond said, his voice dripping with a smugness that made Phuwin's skin crawl. "We have a lot to discuss."

Phuwin sat down on the edge of a plush sofa, his posture stiff and uneasy. Pond took a seat opposite him, studying him with a gaze that made Phuwin feel like prey caught in a predator's sights.

"I'll get straight to the point," Pond began, his tone casual but laced with menace. "I know about your little side job, Phuwin. And I know exactly how much you're making from it."

Phuwin's blood ran cold. This was worse than he had imagined. Pond didn't just suspect—he knew. He had somehow uncovered the secret that Phuwin had worked so hard to protect.

"Relax," Pond said, noticing the tension in Phuwin's posture. "I'm not going to expose you... at least, not if you play along."

Phuwin swallowed hard, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew there was no way out of this. Pond had him trapped, and the only option was to comply. But at what cost?

"What do you want?" Phuwin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Pond's smile turned predatory. "It's simple. You're going to be mine, Phuwin. From now on, you belong to me. And if you refuse... well, I'm sure the university administration would be very interested in hearing about your extracurricular activities."

Phuwin's heart sank. There was no escape from this. Pond had him completely under his control, and there was nothing he could do to fight it. His life, his carefully constructed facade, was now in the hands of someone who could destroy it with a single word.

"I... I understand," Phuwin said, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to remain calm.

"Good," Pond said, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smirk. "Now, let's discuss the terms of our arrangement."

As Pond began outlining his demands, Phuwin felt a sense of dread settle over him. This was just the beginning, and he knew that whatever Pond had planned for him, it was only going to get worse. The life he had worked so hard to build was now slipping through his fingers, replaced by a nightmare from which there was no waking.

And in that moment, Phuwin realized that his life would never be the same again.