in another lifetime

confusion

As I covered myself up with the blanket, a notification popped up on my phone. I wanted to ignore it, but once I saw who it was, I gave in immediately. It was Pond; how could I resist him?

Pond: I'm sorry, Dunk, for everything. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

I looked at my phone, contemplating if I should forgive him.

Dunk: I'm also sorry. But how could you hide that big thing from me? You know how much it meant to me.

Pond: I can't control my feelings, right? I just got overwhelmed and I didn't know how to tell you.

Dunk: I'll forgive you, but promise me, no matter how mad I might get, you'll tell me everything you feel or think about me, alright?

Pond: I promise. But are you not mad that I like Phuwin? Out of all the people, your ex?

Dunk: I'm fine with it. What matters is he doesn't hurt you like he did with me. I've moved on. It's not your fault, alright?

Pond: Thank you for everything and understanding the whole situation.

Dunk: How could I get mad at you? Pond, you're my best friend.

Pond: Thank you. I hope we can be as close as we used to be.

Dunk: Don't worry, we'll stay the same.

I closed my phone as Joong opened the door while holding the food.

Joong: I was afraid you would get hungry, so I cooked you some food. Pond said it was your favorite.

I looked at him, confused.

Dunk: Pond?

Joong: Oh, he told me a while ago. You know how his mouth never stops. He told me a lot of things about you.

I laughed; it does sound like Pond would do that.

He put the food down as he put the medicine beside me.

Joong: Take care, alright, buddy?

He ruffled my hair with a smile that could kill me.

Wait... wait, did I just say that? ME? As in Me Dunk Natachai? What? Me?! Die because of that cute smile? NOO! No, I didn't just say that. No, no, no, no, n-

I got back to reality as I heard Joong trying to get my attention.

Joong: Hey? Are you okay? You seem like you're thinking about lots of things.

He looked at me skeptically.

Dunk: Yeah! I'm fine... Alright even!

I said in a high voice, lying.

He laughed lightly as he sat beside me.

Joong: Sure Nat, I believe you.

He said sarcastically as he laughed, clearly teasing me.

I pushed him lightly as I ate the food.

Dunk: Whatever Chen... just go and find something else to do.

He smirked as he laughed.

Joong: Your face seems a bit red, Nat. Flustered or something?

Dunk: Oh shut up.

I glared at him as he waited for me to finish eating.

After a few minutes, I was done. We took the plates and he made me drink medicine.

I was helping him clean up when I accidentally held his hand. I didn't notice it but he did.

He looked at me as my gaze went to him. I looked at him in confusion as he slowly pulled his hands away.

Joong: A dangerous game you're playing, Nat.

I quickly became flustered by the comment he made as I ran off to do something else, once again lost in my thoughts.

What does he mean by "a dangerous game you're playing, Nat"? I mean, it's ho- NO, it's not. Get up, Nat, breathe in, breathe out. Calm down, he's just teasing you. Hopefully.

After calming myself down, I see Joong staring at me from a mile away.

I managed to hold my composure as I walked back to him.

He was there washing the dishes as I helped him put them back in the container.

Joong took a seat as he watched me put the plates back.

Joong: you'd be a great wife, you know that?

I almost dropped the plate as I looked at him shocked.

Dunk: What? Did I hear that right?

Joong: you heard what I said and I mean it.

He shrugged as he walked off.

Joong: I'll use your TV, alright!

Dunk: Alright, got it!

Once I was done putting the plates back, I was lost in thought again.

Why did he say it like that? Was he flirting or something?

Why am I even thinking about this? I don't even like him, right?

Not that I don't like him... I don't... probably.

I didn't realize that I said one thing out loud.

Dunk: Do I like him? Joong? There's no way I do... right?

Joong: chances are low but never zero.

I looked behind and saw Joong leaning over the counter with a smirk.

(I tried a new writing style. I hope you understand it 🤧👍.)