𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 || 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐟

27

Phuwin stands outside Pond's room, his heart heavy with concern. He knocks softly on the door, his voice gentle but firm.

Phuwin: "Pond, it's me, Phuwin. Please, let me in."

He waits, but there is no response... no sound, no movement from inside the room. Phuwin hesitates, then speaks again, his tone more pleading.

Phuwin: "Pond, I’m coming in, okay?"

Still hearing nothing, Phuwin slowly opens the door and steps inside. The room is pitch dark, shrouded in a thick blanket of darkness that makes it impossible to see anything. Phuwin doesn’t turn on the light, respecting Pond’s need for solitude in his own way. He moves carefully, feeling his way around until he finds Pond sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed, his form barely visible in the dim light filtering through the drawn curtains.

Phuwin kneels beside him, his presence quiet and unobtrusive. He reaches out, gently taking Pond’s hand in his, offering silent support. For a moment, there’s no reaction. Then, slowly, Pond’s hand trembles under Phuwin’s touch, and he turns his head slightly towards him, his voice breaking the heavy silence.

Pond: "Phuwin… am I that bad? Why does nobody want me?"

Phuwin’s heart aches at the raw pain in Pond’s voice. He squeezes Pond’s hand gently, encouraging him to continue.

Pond: "First, my dad forces me into this unwanted marriage… I do everything he asks, hoping he’d see me, love me. But he doesn’t… he never does. And Sora… even though I didn’t love her, she ran away too. Why does no one want me, Phuwin? Even you… you don’t want me, right? Am I that bad? A burden? Why does everyone hate me? What more do I have to do to be loved?"

Pond’s voice cracks, tears streaming down his face as he shakes, clutching Phuwin’s hand tightly. His whole body trembles with the weight of his emotions, his words coming out in choked sobs. Phuwin feels his own eyes well up with tears at the sight of his friend in so much pain.

Without a word, Phuwin pulls Pond into a tight hug, holding him close as he strokes his hair and pats his back gently. Pond buries his face in Phuwin’s shoulder, his sobs muffled but heart-wrenching. Phuwin keeps his arms around him, offering silent comfort, letting Pond cry until his tears begin to subside.

After a while, Pond’s crying slows, but he doesn’t pull away from the hug. Phuwin continues to hold him, his voice soft and soothing.

Phuwin: "Pond, listen to me. You’re not bad or a burden to anyone. You don’t have to do anything to earn love, okay? You’re an amazing person, a good son, a great brother, and a wonderful friend. You don’t have to stress yourself trying to meet everyone’s expectations."

He pulls back slightly, just enough to look Pond in the eyes, his expression earnest.

Phuwin: "And please, don’t think I don’t want you because I don’t care. I like you, Pond. A lot. But as a friend. I respect you so much. The reason I said no to the proposal was because I don’t want Uncle Earth forcing you into another marriage you don’t want. I want you to find someone you love and who loves you back, someone you choose, not because of someone else’s expectations. You deserve that, Pond."

Phuwin brushes a stray tear from Pond’s cheek, his voice gentle and full of care.

Phuwin: "You’re more than good, okay? You’re incredible, just the way you are. Don’t ever think otherwise."

Pond nods, sniffling as he leans into Phuwin, his head resting against Phuwin’s shoulder, seeking comfort in his friend’s embrace.

Pond: "Thank you, Phuwin… I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Phuwin smiles softly, continuing to caress Pond’s hair, his touch tender and reassuring.

Phuwin: "I’ll always be here for you, Pond. You’re not alone. Not ever."

They sit in the darkness, holding each other, the weight of Pond’s emotions slowly lifting as he finds solace in Phuwin’s words and presence. The room, once filled with darkness, now feels warm and comforting, a peaceful silence settling over them as they breathe in unison, finding calm in each other’s company.