10 days,10 ways [ Pondphuwin ]

CH10: ''To live for the hope of it all''

Pond's pov:

''Even the blind can see how you look at him Pond.'' Joong rubbed his temples as my expression remained unchanged. He shook his head before reaching for the drink that had been served to him. The thumping of loud music echoed in the silence of the quieter and more private VIP section. I was back at the same club that left me in a head banging situation last week. ''How many more drinks tonight boys?" a husky voice interrupted the prolonged silence of the area as he placed down two more drinks before us. ''This will be the last one Gem.'' my bastard of a best friend put forward his card as Gemini nodded at us, picking up the card before turning on his steps. ''Just a notice, make a move on him before I do.'' he said with this back facing us before he continued on his steps. ''Oh lord! You people love throwing baseless accusations at me, don't you?'' my tone came out almost venomous as Joong looked undefeated not even blinking. ''Baseless accusations? Pond Naravit Lertrakosum are you even hearing yourself right now? I'm a lawyer, I don't engage in allegations rather facts with undeniable proof.'' Joong leaned against his seat, the smug grin still not leaving his lips as my jaw tightened at his words. ''You don't even have words to defend yourself Pond. Stop turning a blind eye to the obvious that even fools can see. I have seen you both from our teenage years and you'd give up everything if that meant getting to keep Phuwin, in a matter of a heartbeat.'' he met my eyes before I fixed my gaze on the now empty glass of shot. ''You guys are like two teenagers afraid of admitting their feelings. I haven't yet forgotten the day when Phuwin left an imprint of his hand on my cheek because I refused to ask Dunk out.'' he let out a chuckle as my own lips formed themselves into a soft smile. "I remember how mad he had been when you kept running away from your feelings and Dunk." I leaned against the chair reminiscing about our teenage years. We're no longer carefree teenagers that were fond of creating mischief wherever we trailed but rather matured adults with responsibilities, yet the memories hit the hardest. "Hear yourself now, I was a teenager running away from my feelings and you're a grown adult doing the same." He clicked his tongue clearly expressing his displeasure. "You're just fond of creating hallucinations in your mind and spatting nonsense about them." I got up from the reserved chair as Joong took his card back before we made our way towards the exit walking in an uncomfortable silence that held unexpressed tension. We both bid our goodbyes before settling into our respective vehicles. This man will not let this topic go so easily now. You're a grown adult running from your feelings. My head would explode if I spent more time with these imbeciles of human beings.

"You need to have dinner with her! Your mom chose her.'' the glow of the text flashed in the dark covered room. I closed my eyes in frustration as Phuwin remained undefeated by my refusal of his blind dates. To add the cherry on the cake, my mother seems to be involved in the setting up of this date. I made one excuse after another, but it all went to vail as Phuwin kept coming with solutions like a machine on duty. Another buzz from my phone brought me back to the world ''Tomorrow 2:30 pm after you are over with your meeting until 3:30 pm since you have another one at 4:00 pm. At Dreamland, table no 21.'' I replied with a simple ok, too tired to even argue knowing there won't be any benefit of that. This man is out here setting me up on dates while I'm having an internal football match with my feelings that doesn't seem to have a winner yet. I and Phuwin can't be. He's the perfect shot of espresso on a Monday morning. In simple words, just too good for anyone if not only just me. Damn you Joong Archen Ayden for causing me this mental storm.

2:34 pm, I glanced at the Rolex on my wrist as I tapped my thighs waiting for my date to arrive. 4 minutes late already, not a very good first impression. As I once again glanced at my watch, a short figure took the seat in front of me, catching my attention. "I'm extremely sorry for my lack of punctuality." her tone came out apologetic as I offered a soft smile. "It's not a big deal." she let out a sigh before smiling at me. "Prim Chanikarn btw" she offered me a handshake as I mirrored her action accepting the handshake. "Pond Naravit." Her name sounds oddly familiar almost known to me. "Aren't you Phuwin's best friend?" she interrupted my thoughts as I looked at her with a surprised expression at the mention of Phuwin's name. "I'm his cousin. Nice to finally meet you." she introduced herself upon sensing my curiosity as I slowly nodded at her. Oh that's why her name sounded so familiar. "Um I don't think I'm the right cousin to be on date for discussing a possible future wedding." she finally spoke out after what felt like an eternity of silence. "What do you mean by right cousin?" I asked noticing the slight hint of teasing in her tone. "We both know what I mean by the right cousin. The right one arranged this up when he should've been the one attending it." she leaned against her chair with a slightly teasing smile. "Prim you're looking too much into it. He's my best friend nothing more." I shrugged off her allegations as she nodded her head slowly humming. "That is exactly where everything starts at. The earlier you realize, the better for you." her words hit me me like a blow on the face only acting as the fuel to the fire that Joong started. As we engaged in a conversation which was only her talking about the possibility of me and Phuwin for an hour straight. She quickly glanced at her watch before standing up on her heels, "I shall take my leave now Pond. My cousin makes the greatest husband for you, just so you know." she sheepishly smiled as I shook my head at her tactics biding my goodbyes to her. I watched as a man standing high at 6'1 stood outside waiting for her, smiling until his dimples appeared when he finally took a glimpse of her. Ah stupid people in love.

Phuwin's pov
"Prim Chanikarn!! What did you do?!" I threw the nearest object I could grab at her face, which was a pillow. "Phuwin c'mon, we both knew I wasn't going to change my mind magically after seeing your future husband." she rolled her eyes at me as I looked at her in disbelief. "He's not my future husband Prim. Stop being so overly delusional." I dropped my body on the bed as she followed after me. "Realize it before it's too late."

The comments made me post this early 💞