The third day of Pon's recovery found him in a much better state. The intense heat had subsided, leaving him with a deep fatigue but also a sense of relief. He had been under the careful watch of Topten, who had been a steadfast presence by his side, and Nut had been a frequent visitor, though he had to leave abruptly for an urgent matter.
The condo had turned into something of a makeshift sanctuary, cluttered with gifts and food that the rest of the cast had sent over. Topten had been managing the influx of visitors, particularly Ping, who had been persistent in his desire to see Pon. Each time Ping showed up, Topten would politely but firmly turn him away, explaining that Pon needed peace and quiet to fully recover. The constant delivery of gifts and well-wishes, while well-intentioned, had become overwhelming.
Pon found the situation a bit amusing, despite his lingering weariness. The idea of a mountain of gifts piling up outside his door and Toptan's no-nonsense approach to managing the visitors had become a sort of comedy in his otherwise subdued state.
Currently, Pon was resting comfortably in the room, feeling much better and more like himself. The door to the room was slightly ajar as Topten dealt with Ping once again, who was still insistent on seeing Pon. The sound of Topten's firm but polite refusals drifted into the room.
Pon looked towards the door and chuckled softly. "Topten, it's really okay," he called out. "I'm feeling much better now. Let Ping in, if he really wants to see me."
Topten, standing by the door with a resigned expression, glanced back at Pon. "Are you sure? You know it's been a bit chaotic with everyone coming by. But if you say so..."
"Yes, I'm sure," Pon replied with a tired smile. "I'd like to see Ping, and maybe it'll lighten the mood a bit."
Toptwn nodded and opened the door, allowing Ping to finally enter the room. Ping stepped in cautiously, his eyes full of concern and relief as he looked at Pon. "I'm so glad you're feeling better," Ping said softly, walking over to Pon's side. "I've been worried sick."
Pon gave Ping a warm smile. "I appreciate it. It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but I'm getting there."
As Ping sat beside Pon, Topten stepped out, leaving the two alone. The room was now quieter, with only the occasional sound of distant chatter from the condo. Ping's presence was calming, and Pon found solace in the familiarity of his friend.
"Have you heard from Sailub?" Pon asked softly, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Ping's expression grew serious. "No, Sailub hasn't been around. I think he's been... dealing with some things of his own. He's been keeping his distance, but I'm sure he's been worried about you."
Pon nodded slowly, his gaze turning thoughtful. "I understand. It's been a lot for everyone."
The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, with Ping's presence providing a sense of normalcy that Pon had missed during the chaotic days. The room was filled with a quiet understanding, a stark contrast to the earlier tension and confusion.
Outside, the cast continued to drop off their gifts and well-wishes, but for now, Pon was content with the company of his friends who had stood by him through the rough patches. The journey to recovery was still ongoing, but Pon felt more hopeful and supported with each passing day.
After five days of rest and recuperation, Pon finally felt ready to return to his normal routine. Toptan had been an ever-vigilant guardian during Pon's recovery, ensuring that he had everything he needed and insisting on his continued rest. Toptan's protective nature was evident, and he had become very strict about Pon's well-being.
As Pon prepared to leave the condo, Toptan stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder. "Pon, I know you're feeling better, but you need to wear this scent blocker," he said, holding up a small patch. "Your heat may be over, but your scent is still very alluring. It's better to be safe than sorry."
Pon sighed but nodded. "Alright, I'll wear it. I don't want to cause any issues at the rehearsal."
Topten helped Pon with the scent blocker, which emitted a neutralizing scent to mask his natural pheromones. Once Pon was ready, the two of them headed out of the condo. As they stepped outside, they saw Ping waiting by the entrance.
Ping's expression brightened when he saw Pon. "Hey, Pon! I'm glad to see you're up and about," he said with a warm smile.
Pon returned the smile. "Thanks, Ping. I'm feeling a lot better now."
Ping's eyes flicked to Topten. "I was thinking, since you're heading to rehearsal, why don't we go together? It'll be good to have some company, and I don't mind the drive."
Toptan raised an eyebrow, his protective instincts flaring. "Ping, your place is two hours away. It's a long trip just to accompany Pon."
Ping shrugged. "It's no trouble. I want to make sure Pon is okay and I'm sure he could use some support."
Pon nodded, appreciating Ping's offer. "If Ping is willing, it would be nice to have some company. Let's do it ."
Topten hesitated but eventually relented, knowing that Ping had genuine intentions. "Alright, beside free ride, well take it"
As they arrived at the rehearsal, Topten couldn't help but throw a teasing remark at Ping. "So, Ping," he smirked, "why would you travel two hours just to be Pon's chauffeur? Bit out of your way, don't you think?"
Ping chuckled, though there was a hint of sheepishness in his tone. "What can I say? I'm a dedicated friend. Plus, Pon's company makes the drive worth it."
Pon laughed softly, appreciating Ping's lightheartedness, but Topten just gave him a knowing look. "Right, dedicated friend. Sure."
Pon chuckled softly at their exchange, grateful for Ping's company but also finding the teasing lightened the mood.
As they stepped into the rehearsal room, the atmosphere shifted. All the cast members were already there—except for Sailub and Nut. The moment Pon entered, everyone greeted him warmly, their concern evident in the way they hovered around him. They were careful, gentle, making sure he was okay.
"Pon, you look better! Are you feeling okay?" Michael asked, wrapping him in a quick hug.
Pavel nodded, joining in. "We were all worried."
Pon smiled at their care, but before he could respond, the door swung open, and Nut entered the room. Immediately, the lack of sleep was evident on the omega's face—dark circles under his eyes, and his posture slightly slumped. But what struck Pon, more than Nut's exhausted appearance, was the smell that wafted from him.
Nut smelled like Sailub.
Pon blinked, his mind trying to make sense of it, and the rest of the cast seemed to notice as well. There was a shared silence as eyes shifted between Pon and Nut, the unspoken tension in the air growing thicker by the second.
The scent was unmistakable, and it seemed to ripple through the room, lingering like a question no one wanted to ask. Pon felt a sudden pang in his chest—an uncomfortable knot forming as his mind tried to process what the scent meant. The cast, noticing the awkward shift, quietly avoided addressing the elephant in the room.
Ping, sensing Pon's discomfort and the growing tension, quickly pulled Pon to the corner. "Hey," he said, his voice light, trying to distract Pon from the situation. "Do you know what a two-hour drive makes me think of? All the terrible puns I could make in that time. Like, what do you call someone with no body and no nose? "
Pon, still rattled by the realization about Nut's scent, looked up in confusion. "Huh?"
"someone with no body and no nose? It's 'nobody knows!'" Ping delivered the joke with exaggerated enthusiasm, flashing Pon a grin.
Pon blinked, and despite the weight of the moment, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "That was awful."
"That's the point!" Ping said, clearly pleased with himself. "You're smiling though, so I must be doing something right."
Pon's mood lightened just a fraction, thanks to Ping's efforts. Ping kept up the small talk, doing his best to divert Pon's thoughts from Nut's scent, from the silent glances shared among the cast members, and from the absence of Sailub that lingered like a shadow in the room.
