CHASING AFTER YOU ( VICE VERSA)

6

Phuwin's pov

The alarm clock blared, shattering the remnants of my dream. It was 6:30 AM, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow across my room. I stretched, a sigh escaping my lips, the weight of my unconfessed feelings for Pond pressing down on my chest. It had been weeks since I’d first noticed the way my heart thumped a little faster whenever he was around, the way my stomach did somersaults when his gaze lingered on me for a second too long.

“God,” I whispered, my voice thick with determination. “I have to tell him. I can’t keep this bottled up inside me anymore.”

I scrambled out of bed, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. I had to see Pond, to tell him how I felt, to finally confess my love. I knew it was a risk, a gamble, but I couldn’t live with the uncertainty any longer.

I headed straight to my closet, my mind racing. I wanted to look my best, to present myself in a way that reflected the depth of my feelings, even if it meant a slight departure from my usual casual style.  I settled on a crisp, tailored suit, the charcoal fabric a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of my artwork, but a reflection of the seriousness of my intentions. I paired it with a crisp white shirt, the crispness of the fabric echoing the purity of my intentions. I wanted Pond to see me, the real me, not some polished facade.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to tame the unruly strands. I wasn’t one for fancy hairstyles, but I wanted to look presentable. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, my eyes reflecting the turmoil within. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

I grabbed my phone, my fingers trembling slightly. I had to be careful, I had to choose my words wisely. I couldn’t let my emotions get the better of me. I had to be strong, I had to be brave.

I typed a message, my thumb hovering over the send button.

“Pond, can we meet in the garden? I need to talk to you.”

I hit send, my heart leaping into my throat. I had done it. I had taken the first step. Now, I had to wait.

I waited for what felt like an eternity, my phone clutched in my hand, my eyes glued to the screen. Finally, a reply popped up.

“What is it? I’m busy.”

My heart sank. Pond’s message was curt, dismissive. It was clear he wasn’t interested in talking. But I couldn’t give up. I had to try.

“It’s important,” I typed back, my fingers trembling. “Please.”

I waited again, my anxiety mounting with each passing second. Finally, another message appeared.

“Fine. I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”

I felt a surge of relief. I had managed to get Pond to meet me. Now, I had to prepare myself. I had to be strong, I had to be brave. I had to tell Pond how I felt, even if it meant risking everything.

I walked to the garden, my heart pounding in my chest. I had chosen this place because it was a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city, a place where I could be myself, where I could finally confess my love.

I saw Pond standing there, his silhouette framed against the morning light. He was wearing a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, his hair neatly styled, his features sharp and handsome. He was a vision of elegance and sophistication, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Pond,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “I… I wanted to talk to you.”

Pond turned to face me, his expression impassive. “What is it, Phuwin?” he asked, his voice cold and distant.

“I… I have something to tell you,” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. “I… I have feelings for you.”

I watched Pond’s reaction, my heart pounding in my chest. I had hoped for a glimmer of reciprocation, a hint of understanding, but Pond’s expression remained impassive.

“Phuwin,” Pond said, his voice calm, but firm. “I appreciate your honesty, but I don’t feel the same way. I’m sorry.”

The world seemed to stop spinning. My heart plummeted into my stomach, my dreams shattering into a million pieces. I had been so sure, so confident, but Pond’s rejection was a harsh reality check.

“I… I understand,” I managed to say, my voice choked with emotion. “I… I just wanted you to know.”

I felt a wave of despair wash over me, a feeling of utter helplessness. I had poured my heart out, only to be met with indifference. I wanted to scream, to cry, to disappear.

“I… I’ll show you how I love you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “I’ll show you with my art, with my work, with everything I do.”

I watched as Pond turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the garden, his silhouette disappearing into the distance. I stood there, my heart breaking into a million pieces, my dreams shattered, my soul crushed.

“Shia,” I whispered, my voice filled with a mix of anger and resignation. “This isn’t over.”

I turned and walked away, my steps heavy, my head bowed, my future uncertain. I had lost Pond, I had been rejected, and I felt utterly defeated. But I wouldn’t give up. I would show Pond how much I loved him. I would make Pond see me, I would make Pond love him. I would make Pond regret rejecting him.

I would make Pond mine.

As I was about to leave the garden, a familiar figure emerged from behind a large oak tree.  Kluen, Pond's secretary, stood there, his arms crossed, his expression a mixture of amusement and disdain.

"Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Looks like someone got their feelings hurt."

"Kluen," I said, my voice strained. "The hell? You're so good at eavesdropping aren't you..."

Kluen interrupted "what do you think your doing to my pond"

"Are you blind or what?" I snapped, my voice rising in frustration. "And perhaps he's not even yours."

"Oh, really?" Kluen scoffed. "And what did you expect him to say?  'Oh, Phuwin, I've been waiting for you to confess your love for me all these years?'"

"Kluen, will you shut up?" I said, my voice is still calm as I maintain my posture." I'm just being honest to him and to myself."

"Honest?" Kluen laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You call that honest?  You think you can just confess your feelings to him , open your eyes Phuwin he will be never yours"

"Kluen, I…" I began, but Kluen cut me off.

"Don't you dare," Kluen snarled, his eyes blazing with fury. "Pond is mine. He's been mine for years.  And I won't let you take him away from me."

"Kluen..” I shouted , my voice shaking." I will you show how I get to Pond , and I will surely expect you to be hurt .”

“Hurt me?” Kluen scoffed. “You think you can hurt me?  I’ve been through worse than this.  I’ve seen it all.”

He stepped closer, his face inches from mine, his breath hot and heavy. "I'll make sure you never get close to him again," Kluen whispered, his voice a chilling threat. "I'll make sure you regret this day for the rest of your life."

"You're not the only one who can make threats," I said, my voice hardening. "I'll make sure Pond knows the truth about you.  I'll make sure he sees you for the manipulative, jealous person you really are."

"You wouldn't dare," Kluen hissed, his eyes narrowing.

"Try me," I said, my voice steady and strong. "I'm not afraid of you anymore.  I'm not going to let you control my life.  I'm going to fight for my happiness, even if it means fighting you."

"You're nothing to me," Kluen spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're just a nobody.  You'll never be anything to Pond.  He'll always be mine."

"We'll see about that," I said, my voice filled with defiance. "I'm not giving up.  I'm not backing down.  I'm going to fight for my love, for my happiness, for my future."

I turned and walked away, my steps heavy, my head bowed, my future uncertain.  I had lost Pond, I had been betrayed, and I had been threatened.  But I wasn’t giving up.  I wouldn’t let Kluen win.  I would fight for my love, for my happiness, for my future.

I would show Pond how much I loved him.  I would show him with my art, with my work, with everything I did.  I would make Pond see me, I would make Pond love him.  I would make Pond regret rejecting him.

I would make Pond mine.

The air crackled with tension, the unspoken words hanging heavy between us. Neither of us would back down.  We were both determined to win, even if it meant destroying each other .  This was a battle for Pond's heart, and neither of us was willing to surrender.