Crossing Fates

Chapter 13: Into the Abyss

The night of the stakeout hadn't gone exactly as planned, but Joong and Dunk's near miss with the shadowy figure had reignited the group's determination to solve the mystery once and for all. Despite the eerie events happening around them, they all knew they couldn't let fear rule their lives. The group reconvened the next day, determined to dig deeper while balancing life as usual.

The campus café was bustling with activity as Joong, Dunk, Pond, and Phuwin found their usual corner table. Supa and Nawin joined them shortly after, looking as tired as the rest of the group.

"So," Joong began, his voice brimming with energy despite the exhaustion they all felt, "who's ready to turn this campus mystery into the adventure of a lifetime?"

Dunk sighed, already prepared for whatever wild idea Joong had concocted this time. "Please tell me you're not suggesting another stakeout."

Joong grinned. "Not exactly. I'm thinking more like... undercover."

Pond raised an eyebrow. "Undercover? How exactly are we going to do that?"

"Simple," Joong said, leaning in with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We blend in. We act like nothing's happening. Meanwhile, we keep our eyes open for anything suspicious."

Phuwin chuckled softly. "You're saying we act like normal students while secretly spying on the entire campus?"

"Exactly," Joong replied, his grin widening. "It's genius, right?"

Dunk groaned. "Or completely ridiculous."

But despite his reservations, there was a flicker of excitement in Dunk's eyes. As much as he hated to admit it, Joong's wild ideas were often the most fun—and the most effective.

The Plan in Motion

The following day, the group set their undercover plan into action. They each went about their daily routines—attending classes, hanging out in the library, grabbing lunch at the café—but with a new sense of purpose. Eyes peeled, ears open, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.

Pond and Phuwin decided to spend the afternoon in the art studio, where Phuwin often worked on his sketches. The studio was quiet, save for the faint sound of pencils scratching against paper and the soft hum of conversation from other students.

"I still can't believe we're doing this," Pond said, leaning over Phuwin's shoulder to watch him work. "Undercover investigators, huh?"

Phuwin smiled, his focus on the intricate lines of his drawing. "It's kind of fun, though. Makes everything a little more interesting."

Pond grinned. "I guess so. Though I'd rather be spending time with you than chasing down shadowy figures."

Phuwin paused, glancing up at Pond with a soft smile. "We can do both."

Pond's heart skipped a beat. The quiet moments with Phuwin had become his favorite part of the day, and though the mystery was always in the back of his mind, being with Phuwin made everything feel lighter.

Phuwin set his pencil down, leaning back slightly as Pond sat beside him. There was a quietness between them that felt intimate, like the world had paused just for them. Pond hesitated for a moment before reaching out, his hand brushing against Phuwin's. The contact was simple, but the warmth it brought surged through Pond like electricity.

Phuwin's gaze flickered to Pond's hand before he intertwined their fingers. There was something comforting about the way Phuwin's touch felt—steady, sure, like they were always meant to fit together. Pond's pulse quickened as Phuwin leaned in slightly, his breath soft against Pond's neck.