CHASING AFTER YOU ( VICE VERSA)

10

Phuwin's pov

It was noon and the sun beat down on the bustling streets as I stepped out of the bar a wave of relief washing over me. The tension that had been building within me since Gemini's bombshell announcement had finally eased, replaced by a sense of purpose.

My heart was a tangled mess of emotions.  Gemini's news had thrown me off balance.  The thought of him leaving, even for a year, felt unbearable.

I slid behind the wheel of my car, the leather seats cool against my skin, and headed straight for Pond's office.  It was a small, cozy space, filled with the scent of old books and freshly brewed coffee.  Pond was hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration, a stack of papers before him.

"Hey, Pond," I said, my voice soft.  "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

He looked up, his eyes meeting mine, a smile spreading across his face.  "Of course, Phuwin. What's up?"

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest.  "I... I need to ask you something," I said, my voice barely a whisper.  "I need a favor."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with concern.  "Anything, Phuwin. What's wrong?"

"It's... it's about work," I said, my voice trailing off.  "I need to take a week off.  I need to spend some time with my friends."

Pond's brow furrowed in confusion.  "A week off?  But you just started that new project."

"I know," I said, my voice filled with guilt.  "But I need this.  I need to get away for a while."

"What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.  "Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure how to explain the turmoil in my heart, the conflicting emotions that were swirling within me.  I knew that I couldn't tell him about Gemini's news, about the way my heart was starting to question the boundaries I had set for myself.

"It's just... I'm feeling a little overwhelmed," I said, my voice a low murmur.  "I need some time to myself, to figure things out."

Pond's eyes softened with understanding.  "I get it," he said, his voice a soft murmur.  "Take all the time you need.  I'll be here when you get back."

He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine.  "Just promise me you'll call me if you need anything," he said, his voice filled with concern.

"I promise," I said, my heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.  "I'll call you."

"I'm glad you're taking some time for yourself," Pond said, his voice laced with concern. "It's important to listen to your heart."

"I know," I said, my heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. "I'll be back soon, maybe after this week."

As I walked out of Pond's office, I felt a sense of relief mixed with a lingering unease.

But for now, I needed to focus on myself and my friends, on finding my way of what the future holds for us.

( Okay well yeah pond is being a softie right now hehehe )

The city lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors as I drove, the radio playing a melancholic tune that mirrored the turmoil in my heart.  I had just left Pond's office, a sense of relief mixed with a lingering unease settling over me. 

I needed to talk to someone, to get it all out.  Dunk was the only one who could truly understand.  He was my best friend, my confidante,and  one of thr persons I could always count on.

I pulled over to the side of the road, my hand trembling as I dialed Dunk's number.  The familiar ring tone filled the car, a melody of hope and comfort, but it felt distant, like a dream I couldn't quite grasp.

Ring... ring... ring...

"Hey, Dunk," I said, my voice a little shaky.  "It's Phuwin."

"Hey, Phuwin," Dunk answered, his voice warm and reassuring.  "What's up?"

I took a deep breath, my chest tightening with the weight of unshed tears.  "I need to tell you something," I said, my voice barely a whisper.  "It's about Gemini."

"What about Gem?" Dunk asked, his voice laced with concern.  "Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure how to begin.  "It's... it's complicated," I said, my voice a low murmur.  "He told me today that his mother is making him move to France."

"France?!" Dunk exclaimed, his voice rising in a mixture of shock and disbelief.  "What?  Why?  But... but... why France?"

"She says it's the only way for him to truly succeed," I said, my voice filled with sadness.  "She wants him to work with her contacts, to build a career worthy of... well, you know."

"His mother is so ambitious," Dunk said, his voice laced with frustration.  "She always puts so much pressure on him.  But France?  Why France?  What about his life here?  His work?  His friends?  He's going to be so miserable!"

"I know," I said, my voice a low murmur.  "And he doesn't want to go.  He loves it here.  He loves his work.  He loves his friends.  He loves... everything here."

"Oh, Phuwin," Dunk said, his voice filled with sympathy.  "This is just... this is just awful.  What are we going to do?  What can we do?"

"I'm going to spend the whole week with him and Chimon," I said, my voice filled with a newfound determination.  "We're going to make the most of it.  We're going to create something beautiful.  Something that will last."

"Oh, so you're just going to leave me behind?" Dunk said, his voice laced with a hint of playful jealousy, but his eyes crinkled with a knowing smile.  "I guess I'm not important enough to be part of your 'beautiful' creation."

"Dunk, no," I said, my voice filled with concern.  "It's not like that.  It's just... it's just... I need to be there for him.  He needs support.  He needs his friends."

Dunk chuckled, a little sadly. "I get it, Phuwin. You're a good friend. You always put others first.  But I'm just teasing.  I know you'd be there for me too, if I needed you."

"Of course," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.  "You know that."

"Just promise me you'll call me every day and tell me all the juicy details," Dunk said, his voice softening.  "And maybe, just maybe, you can squeeze in a little time for your best friend, too?"

"I promise," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.  "I'll tell you everything."

"Alright, Phuwin," Dunk said, his voice filled with warmth and understanding. "Take care of yourself and Gem. You guys are a team."

"Thanks, Dunk," I said, my voice filled with relief.  "I'll call you later."

"Alright," Dunk said, his voice fading as he hung up the phone.

I drove back to my mansion, the weight of the conversation with Dunk still heavy on my mind.  The sun was already high in the sky, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns.  It was noon, and I realized that the stress of the past few days had taken its toll, and I hadn't even realized how exhausted I was.

I decided to take a long, hot shower, hoping to wash away the tension that had been building up inside me.  As the warm water cascaded over my body, I felt my muscles relax, and my mind began to clear.

After the shower, I felt refreshed and ready to face the day.  I decided to go for a walk in the garden, hoping to clear my head and gather my thoughts.  The air was warm and fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass.  As I walked, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me.

I returned to the mansion, feeling a sense of calm and clarity.  I knew that I had a lot to think about, but for now, I decided to focus on the present moment.  I was going to spend the next week with Gemini and Chimon, and I was going to make the most of it.

The next morning, I woke up with a plan.  I packed my bags, grabbed my phone, and headed to Chimon's apartment.

"Hey, Chimon," I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.  "Ready for a surprise?"

Chimon looked up from his laptop, his brow furrowed in confusion.  "A surprise?  What are you talking about?"

"Just wait and see," I said, my voice filled with excitement.  "Get your bags packed.  We're going on a trip."

Chimon's eyes widened in surprise.  "A trip?  But... but... where?"

"Just trust me," I said, my voice filled with a playful confidence.  "It's going to be amazing."

I then called Gemini, my voice brimming with excitement.  "Hey, Gem," I said.  "Get ready for a surprise.  We're going on a trip.  Pack your bags.  I'll be at your place in an hour."

Gemini, ever the curious one, was immediately intrigued.  "A trip?  Where are we going?"

"Just trust me," I said, my voice filled with a playful confidence.  "It's going to be amazing."

An hour later, I was standing at the airport, a mischievous grin on my face as I watched Chimon and Gemini approach, their faces filled with a mixture of confusion and excitement.

"Where are we going?" Chimon asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Just trust me," I said, my voice filled with a playful confidence.  "It's going to be amazing."

I led them to the check-in counter, my heart pounding with excitement.  I had booked a flight to Phuket, a secluded island paradise where we could escape the stress of everyday life and reconnect with each other.

"Phuket?" Chimon exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.  "This is... this is amazing!"

"I know, right?" I said, my voice filled with a playful grin.  "I thought we could use a little break."

"Thank you, Phuwin," Gemini said, his voice filled with gratitude.  "This is exactly what we needed."

As we boarded the plane, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.  This trip was more than just a vacation.  It was a chance to reconnect with my friends, to support them, and to make sure they knew that they weren't alone.

The plane took off, soaring into the blue sky, and as I looked out the window, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and optimism.

The next few days were a blur of sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious seafood.  We spent our mornings swimming in the ocean, the cool water washing away our worries.  We sunbathed on pristine beaches, the warm sand soothing our souls.  And in the evenings, we explored the island, marveling at the lush greenery and the breathtaking sunsets.

One afternoon, as we were enjoying a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, Chimon turned to Gemini with a mischievous grin.

"You know," he said, his voice laced with a hint of playful teasing, "you're really good at taking pictures."

"Thanks," Gemini said, his cheeks flushing a bright red.  "I try my best."

"No, really," Chimon insisted.  "Your photos are amazing.  You have a real talent."

"I'm glad you think so," Gemini said, his voice barely a whisper.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched them having a peaceful conversation.  It was so heartwarming to see them enjoying each other's company, their friendship a source of strength and comfort.

"You know," Gemini said, his voice turning serious for a moment, " Do you guys remember when I've been thinking about opening up a gallery."

"Yes , why?" Chimon asked, his eyes widening in suspicion.

"Well, about that" I said, my voice filled with a sense of excitement.  "I think it would be a great way to showcase your talent, and how about consider applying for Naravit Corp."

Chimon's eyes widened in surprise, and Gemini's cheeks flushed a bright red.  "Work at Naravit ?" Chimon asked, his voice filled with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.  "What are you talking about?"

"I'm serious," I said, my voice filled with a sense of determination.  "We could work together, be a team, and spend more time with each other."

"But... but... Do you really think its a great idea," Chimon said his voice reluctant.
"Well , thinking about its a good choice, we can spend more time together."

"I know," I said, my voice filled with a playful grin.  "And you guys could use your  skills to help Naravit."

"I... I don't know," Gemini said, his cheeks still flushed.

I could see the flicker of hesitation in Gemini's  eyes, but I pressed on.

"Think about it," I said, my voice filled with a sense of conviction.  "We could work together, be a team, and spend more time with each other.  It would be the perfect way to make sure we're always together."

I could see the wheels turning in his mind, and as I watched him, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and anticipation.

"I... I think it's a good idea," Chimon said, his voice filled with a hint of uncertainty.  "But... but... what about Pond? Do you think he will accept us?"

"Don't worry about Pond," I said, my voice filled with a playful grin.  "I can talk to him for you guys."

Gemini, his cheeks still flushed, looked up at me with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.  "But... but... what if he doesn't agree?"

"Then we'll deal with it," I said, my voice filled with a sense of determination.  "But for now, let's just focus on the good things.  We're a team.  We're going to be okay."

I could see the flicker of hope in their eyes, and as I watched them, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment.  We were going to be a team, not just for this week, but for the rest of our lives.  We were going to face the future together, with courage, with love, and with an unbreakable bond of friendship.

One evening, as we were having dinner at our favorite restaurant, Chimon turned to me with a mischievous grin.

"You know," he said, his voice filled with a playful tease, "you're really good at making Gemini blush."

"I know," I said, my voice filled with a playful grin.  "He's a cute blusher."

Gemini, his cheeks flushing a bright red, looked down at his plate, his voice barely a whisper.  "Stop it, you guys."

I laughed, my heart overflowing with a sense of joy and contentment.  We were a team.  We were a family.  And we were going to be okay.

The city lights blurred around me, but my heart felt lighter, a sense of hope flickering within me.  I was going to be okay.  We were going to be okay.