Journey (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 20: Out in the Open

Months passed since that fateful night when Phuwin and Pond had finally confessed their feelings for each other. The dynamics between them had shifted, with Pond becoming more open, more caring in ways that Phuwin had never thought possible. Their relationship had evolved, with moments of genuine affection balancing out the darker aspects that had once dominated their lives.

But as their bond grew stronger, the tension surrounding their secret life became increasingly difficult to ignore. Pond was a man of status, constantly in the public eye due to his business dealings and social standing. While Phuwin remained hidden away in the estate, their relationship couldn't stay in the shadows forever.

Pond had been wrestling with this truth for some time. He wanted to be with Phuwin openly, to no longer hide the man he loved. But he knew that doing so would come with significant risks. The world they lived in wasn't kind to unconventional relationships, especially one as complicated as theirs. And then there was Nok, who had become a looming figure of resentment and bitterness ever since that fateful confrontation.

Still, Pond had made a decision: it was time to bring their relationship out into the open.

One evening, after an especially long day of business meetings and social obligations, Pond returned to the estate with a determined look in his eyes. Phuwin noticed the shift in his demeanor immediately. Pond was a man who kept his emotions carefully controlled, but tonight, there was an intensity in his gaze that made Phuwin's heart race.

"Pond, is everything okay?" Phuwin asked as he approached, setting aside the book he had been reading.

Pond nodded, but there was a weight to his movements that made Phuwin uneasy. "We need to talk," Pond said, his tone serious.

Phuwin's heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong?"

Pond took a deep breath and sat down beside Phuwin, reaching for his hand. "Nothing's wrong, Phuwin. But... there's something we need to do. Something I've been thinking about for a long time."

Phuwin squeezed Pond's hand, a mix of curiosity and concern swirling within him. "What is it?"

Pond looked into Phuwin's eyes, his expression earnest. "I want to make us public, Phuwin. I don't want to hide you anymore. I'm tired of living in the shadows, of pretending that what we have isn't real. You're important to me, and I want the world to know it."

Phuwin's breath caught in his throat. He had never expected Pond to say something like this, to even consider taking such a risk. The idea of their relationship becoming public was terrifying—what would people think? How would they react? But at the same time, there was a thrill in the idea, a sense of validation that Phuwin had longed for, even if he hadn't allowed himself to fully acknowledge it.

"Are you sure?" Phuwin asked, his voice trembling slightly. "I mean... what about your business? What about Nok?"

Pond's expression darkened slightly at the mention of his wife, but he quickly pushed it aside. "I've thought about all of that," Pond said firmly. "Yes, there will be consequences. People will talk, there will be backlash—but I'm prepared to deal with it. And as for Nok... I don't care what she thinks anymore. Our marriage is nothing more than a business arrangement at this point. She's not a part of my life the way you are."

Phuwin's heart ached at the resolve in Pond's voice. It was clear that Pond had made up his mind, that he was ready to face whatever fallout would come from their relationship being made public. But Phuwin wasn't sure if he was ready for that. He had spent so long being hidden away, isolated from the world, that the idea of being thrust into the spotlight was overwhelming.

"Pond, I don't know if I can—"

Pond cut him off gently, squeezing his hand. "I know it's scary, Phuwin. But I don't want to keep hiding you. I don't want to keep pretending that you're not the most important person in my life. If we're going to be together, really together, then we need to stop hiding."