Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 45: The Beginning of Their Rivalry

From the very first moment Phuwin and Pond met, it was clear that they were complete opposites. Phuwin, reserved and introverted, kept to himself and preferred the company of his textbooks, while Pond, outgoing and charismatic, thrived in social settings. They couldn’t have been more different, and it was no surprise that this difference led to an intense rivalry that began almost immediately.

It started during their freshman year at university. They were both assigned to the same study group for an important history class, and the clash of personalities was unavoidable. Phuwin, focused and quiet, preferred the company of his own thoughts as he poured over lecture notes. Pond, with his contagious energy, made it his mission to turn every study session into a lively event. He wasn’t the type to sit quietly—he made jokes, talked about everything except the subject at hand, and continuously tried to bring some life into the room.

"Come on, Phuwin," Pond said one afternoon as he leaned over to Phuwin, who was busy scribbling notes. "You can't be all work and no fun. Lighten up! A little conversation won't hurt you."

Phuwin, without lifting his gaze, responded coolly, "I’m not here to socialize. We’re here to study."

Pond laughed lightly, ignoring the cold tone. "You need to get out of your head. You’ll burn yourself out with all this seriousness."

Phuwin only muttered a brief response, too absorbed in his work to entertain Pond’s attempt at conversation. This small exchange was the first of many. Pond tried repeatedly to engage Phuwin, but his efforts were met with little more than indifference. Pond’s playful teasing didn’t faze Phuwin, but it became evident that they couldn’t stand each other. Pond’s social nature clashed with Phuwin’s need for solitude, and their rivalry grew stronger with each passing day.

Over time, their relationship went from mere annoyance to full-blown antagonism. Each class, each project was an excuse for them to argue and battle it out over the smallest of things. For Phuwin, Pond was loud, annoying, and a distraction. For Pond, Phuwin was uptight, stiff, and far too serious for his own good.

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