Arrange Marriage

Ch 19 /Disbelief/

Pavel: Here.

He said serving tea to everyone present.

Ms. Anong: Sit here, Pavel.

She took Pavel's hand and guided him to sit next to her.

Pon: You know, Pavel.Pooh has been missing you. He kept looking at your pictures and was giggling like idiot.

Pon said this in front of everyone, leaving Pavel in disbelief. He felt a flutter of butterflies in his stomach and his heart raced, though he also felt a bit awkward because Pon had made the comment in front of everyone.

Ms. Anong: Hmm, it looks like my son has developed feelings for someone. I wonder if that person feels the same way.

Pavel realized she was talking about him but didn’t respond. His heart raced so wildly that he felt as if he might faint from the overwhelming emotion. Pavel's face turned a deep red, the blush clearly visible to everyone.

Pavel: Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.

He hurriedly excused himself and dashed toward his room. Everyone watched him with curiosity as he left, his flushed cheeks evident.

Ms. Anong: It seems he might have feelings for my son as well.

Ms. Suchada: I believe so. When Pooh was having lunch here, Pavel was attentive, serving him and watching him closely. Aside from that, his behavior seemed quite normal.

Pavel's pov:
I’m alone in the bathroom, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. My heart is still pounding. Could it be true? Does Pooh really have feelings for me? Are they here because of that? No, it can’t be. Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed.

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Ms. Anong: Pon, get to work. Don’t make him uncomfortable okay. Approach him calmly and gently.

Pon: Don’t worry, Aunt. I’m absolutely certain that Pavel feels the same way about him.

Pon: Should I be the one to tell him that we're here to arrange a marriage of him with Pooh?

Ms. Anong: Yes, since you’re of the same generation, it will be much easier for him to open up to you rather than to us.

Pon: Alright, leave it to me.

Pavel was sitting on his bed, wearing his headphones and listening to "Apocalypse" by Cigarettes After Sex to soothe his nerves. Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door. He removed his headphones and, feeling a bit anxious, opened the door, expecting it might be one of the adults. To his relief, it was Pon. Pavel let out a sigh of relief, inviting him in. Pon closed the door just a bit, but didn't lock it.

Pon settled on the couch while Pavel remained on his bed, unsure of what to say and opting for silence. Observing Pavel's nervousness, Pon offered some reassuring words to help him relax.

Pon: It’s alright, Pavel. Take your time and calm down. We’re not here to do anything against your will.

Pon: I’ll explain everything to you slowly. I just need a bit of your time.

Pavel: I’m okay. You can go ahead and say what you need to.

Pon: Alright then. You’ve probably guessed why we’re here. I’ll get straight to the point. You and Pooh have a lot in common, especially when it comes to your interests. You both share the same vibe, and in terms of your love lives, you’ve both been single your whole life. You could both be considered hopeless romantics. At this rate, if your parents don’t arrange a match for you two, I’m sure you both might die single.

Pon:We haven’t spoken to Pooh yet because I know he’d deny it. He’d start worrying about whether it might make you uncomfortable or if it could ruin your friendship. But believe me, no one is more suited for you than Pooh. He truly believes in having one soulmate for life, and I know he already likes you. If you give him a chance, I’m confident you’ll find happiness together. All I ask is that you consider giving him that opportunity. You can take as much time as you need to make your decision.

Pavel: What if he doesn’t agree to this? You mentioned you haven’t talked to him yet.

Pon: Yes, we’ll speak with him once we get back home. But wait a minute—did you just say that?

Pon looked at Pavel with a mix of disbelief and relief, a smile spreading across his face. He moved toward Pavel and gave him a hug.

Pon: Don’t worry, brother-in-law. He’ll agree.

Pavel didn’t respond to the hug, so Pon pulled back.

Pon: Sorry, I just couldn’t believe you’d say that.

Pon: Do you like Pooh too?