Beyond Boundaries: Love and Sacrifice

Chapter 6: Family Pressure and Hidden Threats

The dining room at Pond's family home was unusually tense. Pond's parents sat at the head of the table, flanked by aunts and uncles, all wearing expressions of concern and disapproval. At the center of attention was Mya, looking visibly annoyed, her lips pursed in frustration as she fidgeted with her phone. The silence in the room was thick until Mya finally let out a loud sigh, setting her phone down with a look of exasperation.

"I just don't understand," she said, shaking her head. "Pond's been so distant lately. I've called him, texted him, and he barely replies." She turned to Pond's mother with a look of wounded innocence. "He used to be so attentive, but now he's just... distracted. I don't get it."

Pond's mother leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in sympathy. She reached out, patting Mya's hand. "We're worried about him too, dear. Ever since he reunited with Phuwin, he's been acting differently. That man has always had an unfortunate influence on him."

Murmurs of agreement swept through the room as Pond's father leaned forward, his expression unyielding. "We thought this was all in the past. Phuwin was a distraction, a phase. But you, Mya, you're exactly what Pond needs—a respectable woman from a good family. We've supported this idea from the beginning."

Mya's frown softened, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. "I know. I care about him, truly. I want what's best for him, and I know we'd make a perfect match."

An uncle nodded. "The advantages are clear. Your family name alone is beneficial to ours, and joining our families would be an ideal match. We cannot allow him to throw this away over some... unresolved attachment."

The others nodded, a collective sense of purpose building in the room. Pond's mother gave Mya an encouraging smile, squeezing her hand. "We'll talk to him. He needs to understand his responsibilities. With you by his side, he has a bright future."

"Thank you," Mya said, her expression softening. "Maybe if he hears it from all of you, he'll understand."

"He will," Pond's father said with finality, his eyes flashing with determination. "We'll make sure of it."

--

In the quiet of their shared apartment, Joong and Dunk were having their own discussion, one filled with frustration about Mya's meddling in Pond's life.

"She's unbearable," Joong muttered, crossing his arms as he paced around the room. "I can't believe his family can't see through her. It's obvious she only cares about herself."

Dunk looked up from the book he'd been reading, nodding. "Mya's always felt entitled to Pond's attention. It's like she thinks just because the families approve, he has to marry her."

Joong scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Remember that time we all went out for dinner, and she kept steering every conversation back to herself? And if Pond tried to talk to anyone else, she would literally cut in."

Dunk chuckled, shaking his head. "And whenever she's around, Pond just shuts down. It's obvious he's only tolerating her out of obligation."

Joong stopped pacing, his expression softening as he thought of his friend. "He deserves so much better than this. He deserves to be happy, but with her and his family pulling him in different directions, it's no wonder he's stressed."

Dunk nodded in agreement, giving Joong a reassuring smile. "We just need to make sure he knows we're here for him. Whatever his family says, he knows he has us."

Joong returned the smile, grateful for Dunk's calming influence. "Right. We'll stand by him, no matter what."

Across town, Phuwin sat alone in his study, the shadows of the room mirroring the darkness of his thoughts. Reuniting with Pond had stirred up memories he'd tried to keep buried, painful reminders of a time when he'd been forced to make unimaginable sacrifices.