CHASING AFTER YOU ( VICE VERSA)

5

Still phuwin's pov
The weekend stretched before me like a vast, empty ocean, a stark contrast to the turbulent sea of emotions churning within me. I needed to escape the suffocating weight of my unrequited feelings for Pond, to breathe, to laugh, to remember that there was more to life than the relentless pursuit of a man who seemed determined to remain out of reach.

"Mom, Dad, I'm going to the beach with Gemini and Chimon for the weekend," I said, my voice a little shaky.  "I need a break."

My parents, ever supportive, smiled and nodded. "Have fun, Phuwin," my mom said, her eyes filled with concern.  "But don't forget to call."

"Don't worry, Mom," I replied, forcing a smile.  "I will."

I called my friends, Gemini and Chimon, inviting them for a weekend getaway.  "We need a break," I said, my voice a little shaky.  "Two days of sun, sand, and good company.  No work, no stress, just us."

"Count me in," Gemini chirped, his voice filled with an almost manic enthusiasm.  "I'm bringing my new surfboard.  We'll finally conquer those waves!"

"I'm down," Chimon replied, his voice a mixture of amusement and concern.  "But you know I'm not much of a surfer.  I'll probably just end up face-planting in the sand."

"Don't worry," I said, my voice gaining a semblance of confidence.  "I'll teach you.  We'll have you riding those waves like a pro in no time."

I also called Dunk, who was still in America, his voice echoing across the Pacific.  "I'm going to the beach with Gemini and Chimon," I said, my voice a little shaky.  "It's a much-needed break."

"Have fun," Dunk replied, his voice filled with concern.  "But don't forget to call.  And try not to get sunburned."

"I'll keep you updated " I chuckled underneath my breath "well bye".

"Bye" Dunk replied, his voice is obviously worried and concerned at the same time.

I hung up the phone, a sense of relief washing over me.  I was going to be okay.  I was going to have fun.  I was going to forget about Pond, at least for a little while.

The next morning, I met Gemini and Chimon at the beach.  The sun was shining, the waves were crashing, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and the scent of salt and sunscreen.  But the familiar sights and sounds couldn't drown out the persistent ache in my chest, a constant reminder of my unrequited longing.

"This is the life," Gemini said, stretching out on the sand, his eyes closed, his face turned towards the sun.  "No deadlines, no meetings, no work."  His words were a balm to my soul,.

"You're right," Chimon said, his voice filled with amusement.  "This is exactly what we need.  A little dose of vitamin sea to cure our woes."

I smiled, trying to force a lightness into my heart, but the effort felt strained.  I had made the right decision.  I needed this break, this time to reconnect with my friends, to remember there was more to life than the relentless pursuit of a man who seemed determined to remain out of reach.

We spent the day swimming, sunbathing, and playing volleyball.  Gemini, ever the protective friend, made sure I was always safe in the water, his eyes never leaving me.  He even insisted on applying sunscreen to my back, his touch lingering a little longer than necessary, sending a shiver down my spine.  "Let me do that," he said, his voice a little husky.  "You're always forgetting your back.  Don't want you getting sunburned, do we?"  I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through me, but I brushed it off as just his usual attentiveness.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the beach, we gathered around a bonfire, the flames dancing in the twilight air.  We shared stories, we sang songs, we laughed until our sides hurt.  But the laughter felt hollow, a desperate attempt to drown out the persistent ache in my chest.