Shattered (PONDPHUWIN)

Chapter 1: The Fairy Tale Beginning

Phuwin stared at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his bow tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His heart raced, not from nerves but from sheer happiness. Today was another step toward the life he had always dreamed of—a life with Pond, the man who had been his everything since college. Their wedding suit fitting. 

"Come in," Phuwin called, a smile already spreading across his face.

The door creaked open, and Pond stepped inside, looking effortlessly handsome in his tailored suit. His dark eyes, always so full of warmth, met Phuwin's in the mirror. "You ready for this, babe?" Pond asked, his voice tinged with a playful tone.

Phuwin turned to face him fully, his heart swelling at the sight of the man he loved more than anything. "I've been ready for this my whole life," he replied, stepping forward to close the distance between them. Pond's arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"You're going to make the most beautiful groom," Pond whispered into his ear, his breath warm against Phuwin's skin.

Phuwin chuckled, leaning back just enough to look into Pond's eyes. "And you're going to make me the happiest man in the world."

They had been together since their college days, where a chance encounter at a campus café had sparked a connection neither of them could ignore. Their love had grown stronger with each passing year, surviving the ups and downs that life had thrown at them. Now, with their wedding on the horizon, it felt like they were living in a fairy tale.

As they pulled apart, Pond's phone buzzed in his pocket. He sighed and pulled it out, glancing at the screen. "It's work," he said apologetically. "I have to take this."

Phuwin nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. He understood that Pond's job was demanding, especially with the promotion he was gunning for. Still, he couldn't help but feel a small pang of unease every time Pond had to step away for work. It had been happening more frequently lately—late-night meetings, unexpected trips to the office. But Phuwin brushed it off, refusing to let it dampen his spirits.

"Go ahead," he said with a reassuring smile. "I'll finish getting ready."

Pond gave him a grateful nod and stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. Phuwin watched him through the glass doors, the sunset casting a golden glow over Pond's silhouette. He looked so strong, so confident—the man who had always been Phuwin's rock.

But as Phuwin turned back to the mirror, a tiny seed of doubt took root in his mind. He shook his head, pushing the thought away. There was nothing to worry about. They were about to get married, and Pond loved him. That was all that mattered.

With a deep breath, Phuwin focused on the happiness that awaited them. He pictured their wedding day—the vows they would exchange, the life they would build together. It was going to be perfect, just like the fairy tale they were living.

Pond's voice filtered in from the balcony, low and serious as he spoke on the phone. Phuwin couldn't make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable—something important was happening at work. He wished he could do more to support Pond, to take some of the stress off his shoulders. But all he could do was be there for him, as he always had been.

When Pond finally returned, his expression was tired but determined. "I'm sorry about that," he said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "There's just a lot going on right now with the promotion."

Phuwin reached out, taking Pond's hand in his. "I understand. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself too, okay?"

Pond squeezed his hand, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I promise. And I promise that once all this is over, I'll make it up to you."

Phuwin's heart melted at the sincerity in Pond's voice. He believed him, of course he did. Pond had never given him a reason not to trust him. As they left the hotel room to join their friends for dinner, Phuwin pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the love they shared.

This was their beginning—the start of a new chapter in their lives. And Phuwin was determined to make it a happily ever after.