FALL FOR MY PROTECTOR ( Pondphuwin)

Chapter:12

"You're getting clingy, aren't you? Already worn out?" Pond teased, feeling the warmth of Phuwin snuggling closer, unbothered by the remark.

"Not at all," Phuwin replied softly, his voice tinged with a childlike innocence. "I just don't want to let go. I love the warmth of your hug," he murmured, wrapping his arms around Pond's waist.

Pond chuckled, amused. "Alright, alright. Hug me all you want." He gently patted Phuwin's head, allowing him to melt against his chest. As Pond gazed out of the plane window, watching the clouds drift past, a hint of unease crept over him. The private suite offered them all the seclusion they could ask for, yet something didn't sit right. His instincts prickled with a sense of foreboding. Staring at his phone in airplane mode, he pondered, Why do I feel so unsettled? Deciding he'd look into it once they landed in the U.S., he continued to hold Phuwin close, his hand absentmindedly tracing soothing patterns on his back.

---

Six hours later, at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York ;

"This way, hummingbird." Pond pushed Phuwin's wheelchair gently through the bustling airport toward customs. "We'll be at the hotel in a couple of hours." He adjusted Phuwin's mask and accessories to keep him hidden from the paparazzi, but before they could reach the main terminal, four suited guards appeared, blocking their way.

"Mr. Pond, we can't let you go into the public terminal right now. Security will escort you both. Please, follow us," one of the guards informed them.

Phuwin looked up at Pond, confusion mirrored in his eyes. Pond, equally taken aback, demanded, "What's going on? Why can't we go through the terminal?"

"The media is crowding outside, waiting with endless questions. Mr. Joong Archen instructed us to take you out discreetly," the guard explained.

"Wait, what?" Phuwin said in disbelief.

The guards exchanged wary glances before responding, "We're not allowed to disclose more, Mr. Naravit Lertratkosum. Mr. Archen is waiting. Please come with us."

Pond took a steadying breath, squeezing Phuwin's hand with a reassuring smile. "Let's go, Phuwin." Even as confusion flickered in Phuwin's eyes, Pond stayed composed, determined to shield him from any unnecessary worry.

Once safely away from the press, they settled into a private car. Phuwin looked at him, still visibly puzzled. "Pond, what's happening? I'm so lost..."

Pond opened his phone, but his expression froze as he glimpsed the trending posts. Photos of their private moments in Iceland, intimate moments meant only for them, were splashed all over social media. The internet was in a frenzy, their personal time now public spectacle. He cast a cautious glance at Phuwin, who seemed absorbed in the passing scenery outside.

"Pond? What are you looking at?" Phuwin asked, noticing his silence.

"Nothing, really," Pond replied, brushing it off as casually as he could. "Just checking my phone. Where's yours?"

"Battery's dead. Need to charge it when we get to the hotel. My manager and designer are probably blowing it up about the event," Phuwin said, shaking his head and leaning into Pond's shoulder, gazing out the window.

Pond let out a subtle sigh of relief; at least Phuwin wouldn't see the photos for now. His heart weighed heavy with guilt, knowing Phuwin had hoped for privacy in Iceland, a retreat to recharge. Now, it felt like all his efforts had failed. As Phuwin drifted into a light doze against him, Pond stared out into the city lights, bracing himself for whatever awaited them at Joong's place. He wished he could freeze time, keep Phuwin in this quiet moment, shielded from the turmoil waiting for them. But reality was set; they would have to face it-together, no matter how difficult the road ahead.