Unscripted Ties

A Shift in the Air

It was the third and final day on set for the pilot trailer of Phuwin and Pond's new mature series, a project that had been keeping them both busy for weeks. Phuwin had been careful, managing his movements and avoiding any situations that could reveal his pregnancy, though his flat stomach had helped him stay under the radar. For now, he could keep this secret a little longer.

The scene they were filming was one of the more intense NC (non-conforming, mature content) moments, where the chemistry between their characters needed to come alive on screen. Phuwin was nervous, not so much about the intimacy of the scene, but because of how close it brought Pond to the one secret he couldn't afford anyone—especially Pond—to discover.

The director's call for the shirtless scenes came around noon. Phuwin shrugged off his jacket, feeling the cold air prickle against his skin as he prepared himself for the scene. He and Pond went through the choreography for the scene one last time, practicing the rhythm of each movement, where their hands were supposed to go, and when they'd lean in for the kiss.
Phuwin pushed down the tiny flicker of nerves that surfaced, reminding himself that this was just work, that they were professionals.

The camera began rolling, and Phuwin slipped into his character as Pond leaned in, his gaze heavy, one hand sliding to the small of Phuwin's back. Their lips met in a heated, carefully coordinated kiss, and Phuwin felt Pond's hands roam over his shoulders and chest. It was all part of the scene, carefully planned for just the right level of intimacy, but it didn't stop Phuwin's heartbeat from quickening.

As the director finally called "Cut," Pond slowly pulled away,
But even as Pond pulled away from their close embrace, his hand lingered on Phuwin's stomach, absent-mindedly rubbing it. It was such a brief moment—one that Phuwin barely registered—before Pond let out a small, amused chuckle. "Cute," he murmured, as if commenting on something utterly ordinary.

Phuwin's breath hitched, his mind spiraling for a second. But Pond's gaze was innocent, entirely unaware. He must've just meant...Phuwin's slightly softer belly? Or maybe it was just a casual comment, nothing more.

Phuwin forced himself to relax, laughing nervously to cover his momentary panic. "Thanks, I guess?" He tried to play it off, keeping his voice casual.

After that, they continued filming, and Phuwin was relieved when the day finally came to an end. On the last take, the director called, "That's a wrap!" and the crew began to applaud. Phuwin was ready to grab his things and head home, feeling mentally exhausted but grateful that everything had gone smoothly.

But as he was collecting his things, he heard Pond's voice behind him. "Hey, Phuwin. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Phuwin turned, blinking in surprise. "Uh... sure. Let me just grab my stuff."

Pond nodded, gesturing toward his car in the parking lot. "Meet me outside?"

Phuwin felt a twinge of hesitation but nodded, gathering his things and heading out after him. He didn't know what Pond wanted to talk about, but he had a strange feeling it wasn't something simple.

When he reached the car, Pond was already sitting in the driver's seat, staring straight ahead with an expression that looked oddly solemn. Phuwin slipped into the passenger seat, settling in as he turned to face him.

"So... what did you want to talk about?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

"I broke up with my girlfriend," Pond said finally, his voice low and subdued.

Phuwin blinked, caught off guard by the revelation.

Phuwin wasn't sure what to say, his mind spinning with questions he knew he shouldn't ask. He'd spent so long feeling bitter about Pond's relationship, that now, hearing this news, he didn't even know how he was supposed to feel. And yet, despite everything... he found that he didn't feel as happy as he'd once thought he would. Instead, there was a hollowness—a strange sense of emptiness that settled in his chest.

"Oh," Phuwin responded, keeping his voice neutral. "Why... why are you telling me this?"

Pond turned to look at him, his face a mixture of sadness and vulnerability. "I just... wanted you to know, I guess," he murmured, his gaze searching Phuwin's face, as though looking for a reaction.

Phuwin swallowed, feeling the weight of Pond's gaze, but not knowing what to say. There was a time when this would have sent his heart into a frenzy, but now, with everything that had happened in the past few months, he couldn't bring himself to care in the same way. He felt like he'd moved past that part of his life, like he was ready for something more, something deeper.

Clearing his throat, he forced a polite smile. "If that's all, then... I should get going."
Pond's face fell slightly, but he nodded, offering a faint, resigned smile.

"Yeah... that's all," he said quietly, his voice tinged with something that almost sounded like disappointment.

Phuwin didn't look back as he opened the car door and stepped out, feeling the cool night air wrap around him as he walked back to his own car. His mind felt unusually calm, his thoughts distant, as though he was observing everything from behind a glass wall. He had once thought that Pond's relationship status had a hold on him, that he would be endlessly tangled in his own feelings. But now, the news barely left a ripple on the surface of his heart.

Back at home, Phuwin settled onto his couch, letting out a sigh as he replayed the entire conversation in his mind. Pond was single. Three months ago, he might have celebrated this news, seen it as a sign that maybe... maybe there was a chance for them. But now, he realized with a startling clarity that he didn't care as much as he once thought he would.

A part of him felt relief at the realization. He didn't need to cling to the idea of being with Pond. His life was already full of love, between his unborn twins, his supportive mother, and his close friends who had his back no matter what. He didn't need to hold onto a love that wasn't meant for him.

Letting out a slow breath, Phuwin felt a weight lift from his chest. It was over, the last remnants of an old dream he hadn't realized he was still clinging to. Pond was his friend, his confidant, and that was enough. He didn't need more. Not anymore.

When he finally went to bed, he found himself drifting into a deep, peaceful sleep, feeling lighter than he had in years.

******

A/N

Anyone watching high school frenemy????
I'm itching to write a SkyNani fic. They have me on a chokehold rn😍❤️