Just Add Water [End]

004

Over the next few days, Pon’s life took on an unexpected twist. Waking up and seeing Sailub sitting on his couch, watching TV with wide, curious eyes, or wandering around Pon’s small apartment with that soft smile.

It was something Pon had never imagined. Somehow, he’d gone from living alone to sharing his space with a “grown” boyfriend.

Pon still felt nervous about telling Aon and Michael the truth. He was sure they’d think he’d lost his mind. But he couldn’t hide Sailub forever, and besides, part of him wanted to share this strange miracle with his friends. So, that afternoon, he texted them in their group chat.

Pon: “Guys, I have something important to tell you. Meet me at the café near my place. It’s urgent.”

Aon replied almost immediately.

Aon: “This better not be about another failed date, Pon.”

Michael: “Or some crazy ‘I met my soulmate on the bus’ story.”

Pon sighed, chuckling to himself.

Pon: “Just come, alright? You’ll see.”

He looked over at Sailub, who was sitting on the couch, looking at him with that same calm, gentle expression. “Ready to meet my friends?” Pon asked, feeling a bit anxious.

Sailub tilted his head. “Friends? Will they like me?”

Pon smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, they’re nice. A little crazy, but nice.”

Sailub’s lips curved into a smile. “Then I’m ready.”

A little while later, Pon and Sailub walked into the café together. Pon spotted Aon and Michael at a table near the back, both of them sipping their coffees, looking curious and a bit impatient. As Pon approached with Sailub, he noticed the way his friends’ expressions changed from confusion to shock.

Aon blinked a few times, staring at Sailub. “Pon... who’s this?” he asked, a note of disbelief in his voice.

Pon took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Guys, this... this is Sailub. You know the weird toy we've been talking about this past few weeks.”

Michael squinted, looking between Pon and Sailub. “Wait, What? The ‘Grow a Boyfriend’ toy we gave you as a joke? Are you...haha”

Pon nodded, trying to keep his face serious. “Yeah. The same one. He... well, he grew.”

Aon burst out laughing, slapping his knee. “You’re kidding, right? You can’t be serious.”

Pon crossed his arms, giving Aon a pointed look. “Do I look like I’m joking?”

Michael leaned in closer, studying Sailub’s face with suspicion. “You’re saying this guy... he used to be that tiny toy?”

“Yes,” Pon replied, glancing at Sailub, who was smiling politely. “Look, I know it sounds insane, but it’s true. A few days ago, he started growing, and now... here he is.”

Aon and Michael exchanged looks, then turned back to Sailub. Aon raised an eyebrow. “So... Sailub, huh? Do you, uh, remember being a toy?”

Sailub tilted his head, looking thoughtful. “I remember being... small. But mostly, I remember being here with Pon.”

Michael shook his head, grinning. “Pon, if this is a joke, it’s a good one. But if it’s real... man, you’ve got some explaining to do.”

Pon laughed nervously. “Trust me, I can’t explain it. It just happened. One day he was a tiny figure, and now he’s... well, he’s like this.”