The tension from the previous day lingered as Phuwin entered the office. He didn't sleep well after the disastrous meeting with Pond. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Pond's infuriating smirk and hear his condescending tone. How could someone so arrogant have so much power over his career? It wasn't just humiliating-it was unbearable.
Phuwin told himself to let it go. Pond wasn't worth his time or energy. But as he set his laptop on his desk and opened his inbox, his stomach dropped. There, at the top of his emails, was a message from his boss with the subject line: URGENT-MEETING WITH INVESTOR TODAY.
He clicked on it hesitantly.
"Phuwin, Pond has expressed interest in reviewing the project proposal again today. Be ready to discuss the finer details. Meeting at 11 AM. Do not be late."
Phuwin groaned, slumping back in his chair. Of course, Pond wanted to review the proposal. He wasn't satisfied with just embarrassing him yesterday; he wanted another round.
"Is everything okay?" Kwan asked as she walked by his desk.
Phuwin gave her a weak smile. "It's fine. Just more Pond drama."
Kwan winced in sympathy. "Good luck. Let me know if you need anything."
As 11 AM approached, Phuwin prepared himself mentally. He wouldn't let Pond get under his skin again. This time, he'd stay calm and professional, no matter what.
---
The Meeting
Phuwin entered the conference room to find Pond already seated, leaning back in his chair with an air of casual dominance. He was scrolling through his phone, barely acknowledging Phuwin's presence.
"Good morning," Phuwin said tightly, setting his materials on the table.
Pond glanced up, his lips curling into that all-too-familiar smirk. "Morning. Ready to impress me today?"
Phuwin ignored the comment and opened his laptop. "Let's focus on the proposal."
As Phuwin began presenting, he made a conscious effort to keep his tone steady and his explanations thorough. But it didn't take long for Pond to interrupt.
"Don't you think that's a bit... optimistic?" Pond asked, pointing to a projected revenue chart on the screen.
Phuwin resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Our team conducted thorough market research. The data supports these projections."
Pond raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Market research can only take you so far. What about contingency plans? What if the market doesn't react the way you expect?"
Phuwin's patience began to fray. "We've accounted for potential risks in our analysis," he said, his voice tight.
Pond leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I don't see it in your presentation. Care to elaborate?"
Phuwin took a deep breath, fighting to keep his composure. He pulled up additional slides, explaining the team's risk assessment and contingency plans. But no matter how detailed his answers were, Pond continued to poke holes in his arguments, his tone dripping with skepticism.
"Interesting," Pond said after another round of back-and-forth. "You seem... passionate about this. Almost like you're personally invested."
Phuwin narrowed his eyes. "I believe in the work we've done. It's my job to make sure this project succeeds."
Pond's smirk widened. "Your job, huh? Tell me, is your pride part of the job description?"
Phuwin's temper finally snapped. "You know, maybe if you spent less time trying to tear people down, you'd actually understand the work we've put into this."
The room fell silent, the weight of Phuwin's words hanging in the air. Pond stared at him, his expression unreadable, before letting out a low chuckle.
"Bold," Pond said, leaning back in his chair. "I'll give you that."
Phuwin didn't respond. His heart was pounding, and he could feel the heat rising in his face. He quickly wrapped up the presentation, eager to end the meeting and get as far away from Pond as possible.
---
The Fallout
After the meeting, Phuwin returned to his desk, his nerves still raw. He replayed the confrontation in his mind, second-guessing everything he'd said. Had he gone too far? Would Pond retaliate?
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden email notification. He opened it hesitantly, his stomach sinking when he saw the sender: Pond.
Subject: Feedback
Message:
"Phuwin,
Your passion is admirable, but your professionalism could use some work. Let's hope you can handle constructive criticism better next time.
Best,
Pond"
Phuwin stared at the screen, his hands trembling with anger. He wanted to reply, to tell Pond exactly what he thought of his so-called feedback. But he knew it would only make things worse.
Instead, he slammed his laptop shut and stood up. He needed fresh air before he exploded.
---
A Chance Encounter
Phuwin walked to a nearby park, hoping the crisp air and quiet atmosphere would help him calm down. But as he sat on a bench, staring at the trees, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite project manager."
Phuwin turned to see Pond strolling toward him, a cup of coffee in hand.
"Are you following me?" Phuwin snapped, standing up.
Pond chuckled. "Relax. I come here often. Didn't know it was your hideout."
Phuwin crossed his arms, glaring at him. "What do you want, Pond?"
Pond shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. "Just thought I'd check in. You seemed... upset earlier."
Phuwin's jaw tightened. "If you're here to gloat, don't bother. I don't have time for your games."
Pond tilted his head, his smirk softening into something almost genuine. "Games? You think this is fun for me?"
"Yes," Phuwin said bluntly. "You get off on making people feel small. It's disgusting."
Pond's eyes darkened, and for a moment, his playful demeanor slipped. "You don't know anything about me," he said quietly.
Phuwin scoffed. "I know enough. You're arrogant, selfish, and completely incapable of treating people with respect."
Pond stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Phuwin alone on the bench.
---
Reflections
As Phuwin watched Pond disappear into the distance, a flicker of guilt tugged at his chest. Had he gone too far? Pond deserved to be called out, but something about the way he'd reacted didn't sit right with him.
But then he shook his head, reminding himself of everything Pond had done. Whatever guilt he felt, it didn't outweigh the anger simmering beneath the surface. Pond was his enemy-plain and simple.
And as far as Phuwin was concerned, that wasn't going to change anytime soon.
---
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YOU ARE READING
Mistaken Identity |PondPhuwin
Romantizm"A mistaken identity at a coffee shop turns Pond, a cold-hearted player, and Phuwin, a fiercely loyal dreamer, into sworn enemies. But as fate forces them together, hatred gives way to unexpected feelings-until family expectations threaten to tear t...
