I threw myself on the bed, closing my eyes and letting out a deep sigh.
"Are you okay?" Beer asked, concern etched on his face.
"A little. I need a long sleep," I replied, my voice muffled by the pillow.
Now that we were sharing a dorm, it felt a bit safer. He insisted on moving in after everything that happened last month.
The bullying had started out as just words. I tried to brush it off, but it began to wear on me. At first, I thought I could ignore them, but when they shifted to extortion, that's when I really felt the pressure. I always made sure to stay close to Beer; their cowardice meant they wouldn't dare approach when he was around.
"They're pathetic," Beer said, sitting on the edge of my bed. "They think they can get away with it just because you're alone."
I nodded, still feeling the weight of it all. "I just wish it would stop. I want to enjoy being here."He leaned forward, determination in his eyes. "We'll make sure it does. You're not alone anymore. I've got your back."
I managed a small smile. "Thanks, Beer. That really means a lot."
But worse gets in to worst. They went physical. When I was alone because Beer has club activity, they got a chance to bully me. They dragged me somewhere in the school where no students go. At first, they tried to extort money. Luckily, at that time, I forgot my wallet in my dorm. I only have a meal card that I already used since it was already afternoon at that time. It will be completed the next day when I go to school. They got mad and called me poor and then beat me up. I didn't respond but I already had a plan for those times.
I could handle their verbal bullying—it was nothing but empty words. But when they crossed the line into physical violence, I knew I had to respond differently. I needed to get back at them in a way that would actually matter.
I started plotting my next move, thinking about how I could turn the situation around. I remembered what Beer had told me about standing up for myself. I didn't want to resort to violence, but I needed to show them that they couldn't just push me around.
The next time they tried to corner me, I would be ready. I began gathering information, noting their routines and weaknesses. I could talk to the school authorities or find allies who could help.
If I could expose their bullying, maybe it would scare them off. I wasn't going to let them define my experience here. I would rise above it, and when the time was right, I would make my stand.
I called Phi Win after the bullies left me and requested medical records from the hospital to use against them. I never anticipated that Phi Win would report everything to Pond. The next day, I was shocked to see my parents at school with Gemini and Pond. Thankfully, when I was called to the dean's office, I was ready with my plan. Even though I got beaten up again, I managed to achieve my goal.
Gemini was furious at that moment, and I didn't know how to calm him down. He was so enraged that he nearly threw a punch at one of the students. Thankfully, Pond remained composed—though I could see the anger simmering in his eyes. He managed to pull Gemini away from the students before my twin could strike.
As expected, the students denied all the allegations and twisted my words, claiming I was the one bullying them and trying to extort money. They insisted they were just defending themselves. But when I played the video I had, they couldn't argue anymore.
When the Dean decided to call the bullies' parents, chaos erupted in the office. Their children cried as if they were the real victims, and their parents lashed out at me, accusing me of editing the video. The Dean even brought someone in to analyze it, and when it was confirmed as authentic, the parents claimed it was staged, insisting I had instructed their kids to beat me up.
I let them speak and shout all they want that time. I let them cursed at me. I keep my mouth shut until phi Win arrived with the cctv footage and two more victim of their kids.
When the other parents could no longer defend their children, they asked for our forgiveness, but I refused. I believed forgiveness wouldn't change anything. I requested a suspension, but then Pond stepped in. Gemini and my father backed him up.
"I want them expelled."
I was taken aback by the strength and firmness of Pond's voice. But what surprised me the most were his next words.
"I've never laid a hand on my husband, nor have his brother or father. Yet these students dared to hurt Phuwin. I believe suspension isn't sufficient punishment for them. No one should be able to hurt my husband. No one should hurt Phuwin. If anyone dares to do so, I will ensure they face the harshest consequences. I demand their expulsion, and I will make sure they go to jail."
I wasn't the only one taken aback by Pond's demands; even the dean looked surprised. The parents of the bullies tried to retaliate, but when Pond shot them a sharp glance, they fell silent and wept quietly.
The dean hesitated to agree, but he didn't take any action because Pond was resolute about what he wanted to see happen.
"You choose, Mr. Dean. Expel them, or we'll bring Phuwin back and give a statement that will seriously damage this academy's reputation. I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Choose wisely."
In the end, the dean decided to expel the bullies. Phi Win immediately called the police to arrest the students. They were no longer minors, so they could be jailed at any time. Many other students also came forward, declaring themselves as victims.
After some discussions in the dean's office, we headed straight to the police station with the other students to file a complaint against the bullies. I submitted my testimony along with the medical records I had obtained the day before. Those students were taken into custody, and they're still in jail. Their parents keep messaging me to withdraw my complaints, but I can't—even if I wanted to, Phi Win is keeping a close eye on me.
I still wonder why my parents had no reaction when Pond said I was his husband. Even Gem, his boyfriend, seemed unfazed. It was as if they hadn't heard anything. I wanted to ask them, but I held back. Maybe they had already planned this, which is why they didn't react. Pond has a big build and a deep voice. Compared to my twin and my dad, he's much more intimidating when he's angry. I mean, with his size and voice, he's truly intimidating.
I let out a deep sigh. I was about to get up when Beer suddenly appeared beside me. He pressed his forehead against mine.
I gulped at what he did. I was so shocked that I couldn't move from my spot. Over the past few days, Beer had become overly caring and sweet. I was getting used to it, but this time, I was taken aback.
Our faces were too close. His breath was fanning my face, and I could even smell the bath soap he used since he had just finished showering.
"Your temperature is a bit higher than normal. You should clean up, change your clothes, and take a rest before you end up getting a fever," Beer said before stepping away to get dressed.
"Beer."
He glanced at me and smiled. "My mom always checks my temperature this way. She says it's more accurate than using your palm. But don't worry, I only did that with you and I'll only do it for you."
"Are you flirting with me, Beer?"
He chuckled as he put on his shirt and sat on his bed. "It took you a while to realize it, Phuwin. No wonder you're still clueless about Pond. But that's alright—at least I have a chance."
"I was just joking, Beer."
"Well, I'm not."
YOU ARE READING
Destiny's Game
RomanceIn the card laid out by fate, how far can you give for your love? How much can you bear? How long can you wait? Will you still fight? Do you still gamble? Will you bet everything even if will shattered in pieces?