Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

Beginnings - Part One (PondPhuwin)

The CEO's office at Lert Holdings was nothing short of imposing, designed to reflect the power and influence of the man who ran the company. Pond Lertratkosum, a name synonymous with success and luxury, sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his eyes scanning a series of contracts with the meticulousness of a man who expected nothing less than perfection.

But today, his attention was not fully on the papers before him. He was waiting for Phuwin Tangsakyuen, the rising star in the modeling world who had recently been signed as the new face of Lert Beauty, a high-end fashion brand under Pond's conglomerate.

When Phuwin finally strode into the room, the atmosphere seemed to change. He exuded confidence—no, arrogance—in a way that was almost palpable. Phuwin's sharp features were framed by a smirk that spoke volumes. He took in the lavish surroundings with a glance before settling his gaze on Pond.

"Mr. Tangsakyuen," Pond greeted, his tone professional, though his eyes reflected a keen interest. "Thank you for making time to come in today."

Phuwin offered a curt nod, not bothering to mask the boredom in his expression. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? I assume this is about the campaign."

Pond's eyebrow twitched at the younger man's tone, but he maintained his composure. He wasn't used to being spoken to so casually, especially not in a business setting. It was both aggravating and intriguing. "Yes, it is. I wanted to ensure we're aligned on the vision before the shoot begins. Lert Beauty represents the pinnacle of luxury, and I expect that reflected in everything we do."

Phuwin's smirk widened as he crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair with an almost defiant ease. "Isn't that your creative team's job? I'm just here to make sure the camera loves me, right?"

Pond's gaze hardened slightly. He wasn't one to be easily rattled, but Phuwin's dismissive attitude was testing his patience. "You're here because I want to make sure you understand the standards we uphold at Lert Holdings. This isn't just about looking good on camera, Mr. Tangsakyuen. It's about embodying the brand."

Phuwin leaned forward, locking eyes with Pond, his smirk never faltering. "And what if I don't meet those standards? What then?"

Pond's eyes narrowed, the challenge clear between them. "Then we would have a problem, Mr. Tangsakyuen. And I don't like problems."

The room was thick with tension as they stared each other down, neither willing to back down. Phuwin, despite his confident facade, could feel the intensity of Pond's gaze, and it sent an unexpected thrill through him. He had walked into the meeting expecting to charm or intimidate, as he usually did. But Pond was different—he wasn't playing along.

"Fine," Phuwin finally said, breaking the silence with a casual shrug. "I'll play by your rules, Mr. Lertratkosum. But don't expect me to roll over and beg."

Pond's lips twitched, a hint of a smile ghosting across his face. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The rest of the meeting proceeded with an undercurrent of unresolved tension. They discussed the campaign, the shoot locations, and the branding strategy, but all the while, Pond couldn't help but be fascinated by Phuwin's defiant demeanor. He was a challenge, and Pond found himself intrigued by the idea of figuring him out.

When the meeting concluded, Phuwin stood, flashing Pond a final, confident grin. "See you at the shoot, Mr. Lertratkosum."

Pond nodded, his expression unreadable. "I look forward to it."

As Phuwin left the office, Pond leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. Phuwin Tangsakyuen was unlike any model he had worked with before. Most people who came through his doors were eager to impress, to stay on his good side. But Phuwin? He seemed determined to do the opposite.

And that intrigued Pond more than he cared to admit.

---

Phuwin walked out of Lert Holdings, the cool breeze hitting his face as he stepped onto the bustling street. His mind was racing, replaying the interaction with Pond. He had expected a routine meeting, but what he got was something entirely different. Pond Lertratkosum wasn't just another CEO—he was someone who could match Phuwin's arrogance with an unyielding calm that had caught him off guard.

Pulling out his phone, Phuwin saw a message from Dunk, his childhood best friend and the person who had always been his anchor. Just seeing Dunk's name on his screen brought a small smile to his face, temporarily easing the tension he hadn't realized he was carrying.

Dunk: How did it go? Was the CEO as scary as they say?

Phuwin: He's not scary, but he's something else. Not what I expected.

Dunk: Good or bad?

Phuwin paused, thinking about it for a moment before replying.

Phuwin: Let's just say it's going to be interesting.

Dunk: Well, you always like a challenge. Just don't get in over your head.

Phuwin chuckled softly as he read the message, shaking his head. Dunk always knew how to ground him, even when he was miles away. But as he put his phone back in his pocket, Phuwin couldn't shake the feeling that this particular challenge was one that might change more than just his career.

---

Back in his office, Pond continued with his day, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Phuwin. There was something about the younger man that had gotten under his skin. Phuwin was brash, bold, and clearly accustomed to getting his way. But more than that, he was interesting—a rare quality in a world where most people did everything they could to avoid standing out.

Pond wasn't sure what it was about Phuwin that intrigued him so much, but as he closed his office for the night, he knew one thing for certain: Phuwin Tangsakyuen was a problem he was looking forward to solving.

End of Part One.

*****

Author's Note:
I'll be writing extra chapters of how the others met alongside the original storyline. What do y'all think about the story so far???