𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 || 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐟

33

Days passed, and Phuwin tried his best to push aside the ache Pond's avoidance caused him. He still followed Pond in the office, trying to talk to him, but Pond always found a way to slip away, leaving Phuwin with an empty feeling every time.

One day, Joong and Dunk returned from their honeymoon, rejoining the company. Joong quickly noticed Pond’s behavior towards Phuwin...how Pond constantly ignored him, leaving Phuwin standing alone with a hurt expression. Joong felt sorry for Phuwin, who only seemed to want Pond's time and attention.

One afternoon, Phuwin attempted to talk to Pond again, but Pond, as usual, brushed him off in front of Joong, walking away without a word. Hurt, Phuwin headed up to the office terrace, needing a moment of solitude. He stared at the sky, trying to make sense of the swirling emotions inside him. His face was etched with sadness and confusion.

Joong, having noticed Phuwin leave, quietly followed. When he reached the terrace, he saw Phuwin staring blankly at the sky, looking more fragile than Joong had ever seen him. Joong approached slowly and sat beside him without saying a word.

Phuwin, sensing someone beside him, turned to see Joong there. He gave a small, weak smile, but said nothing, turning his gaze back to the sky.

Joong watched him for a moment before breaking the silence. "You know, Phuwin," he started gently, "I see you as a brother, and we’ve become good friends too. If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me. I may not have all the answers, but I’m here to listen."

Phuwin blinked, startled by Joong’s words. He hesitated for a moment before replying. "Yeah, I know, P’Joong. I consider you like a brother too... and a friend. But really, it’s nothing. Just office work stressing me out."

Joong shook his head, not convinced. "Phuwin, you’re lying. If you really saw me as your brother and friend, you wouldn’t hide what’s bothering you. But... it seems like you don’t trust me enough."

Phuwin’s eyes widened. "No, no, P'Joong! That’s not true," he quickly protested. "It’s not that I don’t trust you."

Joong looked at him carefully. "Then it’s about Pond, isn’t it?" he said, his voice soft but sure.

Phuwin froze, his words caught in his throat. He looked at Joong, startled, before looking away, his silence answering Joong's question.

Joong sighed. "Phuwin, I know what’s going on. I’ve seen it myself. But I wanted to hear it from you. Is it about Pond?"

Phuwin let out a shaky breath, finally nodding. "Yes, it’s about Pond," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t understand why he’s avoiding me, why he’s being like this all of a sudden. It hurts, P'Joong. I don’t know why it hurts so much, but it does."

Joong wrapped an arm around Phuwin's shoulder, pulling him close. "Shh... It’s okay, Phuwin. Don’t cry." Phuwin hadn’t realized he was tearing up again until Joong’s comforting words made him aware of it. Joong gently rested Phuwin’s head on his shoulder. "But tell me, why does it hurt so much? Is Pond just a friend to you, or is there something more?"

Phuwin looked up at him, startled. "Huh? P’Joong, what are you talking about? He’s just a friend."

Joong raised an eyebrow. "Really? Friends don’t usually feel this way. It’s not wrong to feel something more for someone, Phuwin. Don’t panic. You just need to figure out what you’re really feeling."

Phuwin was silent, the gears in his mind turning. He hadn’t allowed himself to think beyond their friendship before. Was it possible...?

Sensing Phuwin’s quiet reflection, Joong gently prodded, "Tell me, how do you feel when you’re with him? When Pond’s around?"

Phuwin hesitated but then spoke softly, as if the words were bubbling up from a place deep inside him. "When I’m with him... I feel happy. He makes me laugh, he brings so much joy. I feel bad for him, too, for how his dad treats him. I just want to take care of him, protect him. He’s like a small baby sometimes, you know? I want to pamper him, make sure he’s never sad or lonely. When he’s upset, it’s like my whole world gets darker."

Phuwin chuckled sadly. "And when he smiles... God, he’s so handsome. His smile can light up an entire day. I want to spoil him with so much love that he doesn’t know what to do with it. I want to be by his side, always, more than anything."

Phuwin’s eyes sparkled with emotion, a small smile forming on his lips as he spoke, despite the tears clinging to the corners of his eyes. Joong, listening intently, had a proud smile on his face.

"There’s your answer," Joong said softly. "That’s how you feel, Phuwin. You’ve had the answer inside you all along. You like him."

Phuwin stared at Joong with wide eyes, the realization hitting him like a wave. "W-What...? Really? I... I like Pond?"

Joong nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, Phuwin. You like him. It’s not just a crush or a friendship. And you know what? I’m happy for you. I’m proud of you for realizing it. Just... please don’t hurt my brother. I know you won’t, but I had to say it."

Phuwin sat there, stunned by the revelation. The weight of his feelings sank in, and he felt his heart flutter at the thought. But then, just as quickly, his face fell, and he became silent again.

Joong noticed the shift. "What’s wrong, Phuwin?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Phuwin looked down, his voice trembling. "It doesn’t matter, P'Joong. Pond won’t like me. He can’t. He won’t even look at me now, let alone like me. That’s why he’s avoiding me. He doesn’t feel the same way."

Joong placed a comforting hand on Phuwin’s shoulder. "Don’t think like that, Phuwin. I know my brother. I think something’s bothering him, and that’s why he’s acting distant. We’ll figure it out, okay? Don’t lose hope just yet."

Phuwin nodded slowly, wiping his eyes. "Thanks, P’Joong. I... I hope you're right."

Joong patted his shoulder gently. "I’m always right," he said with a small grin. "We’ll sort this out together. Just don’t give up on him yet, okay?"

Phuwin managed a small smile. "I won’t. Thank you."

"Anytime, Phu. That’s what brothers are for," Joong said, standing up. "Come on, let's head back."

Phuwin stood as well, feeling a little lighter now, even with the uncertainty still looming over him. Together, they left the terrace, with Joong’s reassuring words echoing in Phuwin’s mind.