Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 48: Cracks in the Armor

Phuwin spent the next few days trying to shake the strange feelings Pond had stirred in him. It wasn’t guilt exactly—Phuwin didn’t feel guilty for how he acted. He simply didn’t care enough to feel guilt. At least, that’s what he told himself. Yet, Pond’s words lingered in his mind like a stubborn echo.

“You’re allowed to enjoy yourself once in a while.”

What did Pond know about him? About his life? Phuwin had worked hard to get where he was. He didn’t have the luxury of wasting time on trivial things like “fun.” It irritated him that Pond, with his carefree smile and boundless energy, thought he had the right to say otherwise.

The next time they met, Phuwin was determined to keep their interaction strictly professional. He arrived early at their usual meeting spot, setting up his laptop and organizing his notes. If he could stay focused, he wouldn’t have to deal with Pond’s incessant chatter.

But when Pond walked in, his usual bright energy filled the room like a spotlight, disrupting Phuwin’s carefully constructed focus.

“Hey,” Pond greeted, setting down his bag and flashing his usual disarming smile. “I brought coffee. Thought you might need it.”

Phuwin frowned at the cup Pond placed beside him. He didn’t like accepting favors, especially not from someone like Pond, who seemed to do everything effortlessly.

“I don’t drink coffee,” Phuwin muttered, pushing the cup aside.

Pond raised an eyebrow, amused. “Of course you don’t. Let me guess—tea? Or just water? You seem like a water person.”

Phuwin ignored him and turned back to his laptop. “Can we focus on the project? I’d like to finish this today.”

Pond leaned back in his chair, sipping his own coffee as he studied Phuwin with that same easy grin. “You know, you could try being a little nicer. I mean, we’re partners, technically.”

Phuwin’s fingers paused on the keyboard, his jaw tightening. “We’re not partners. This is a temporary arrangement. Once the project’s done, we won’t have to see each other again.”

Pond’s smile faltered for just a second before he recovered, shrugging nonchalantly. “Wow, Phuwin. You really know how to make someone feel special.”

“I’m not here to make you feel special,” Phuwin replied coldly, his voice like ice. “I’m here to get this done.”

Pond didn’t respond immediately. For once, he seemed at a loss for words, his cheerful facade cracking just slightly. But then he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he looked at Phuwin intently.

“Why do you do that?” Pond asked, his tone softer now. “Why do you push people away?”

Phuwin froze, caught off guard by the unexpected question. He glanced at Pond, his expression guarded. “What are you talking about?”

“You act like you don’t care about anyone or anything,” Pond said, his gaze unwavering. “But I don’t buy it. Nobody’s that cold. So what’s your deal?”

Phuwin’s heart raced, though he didn’t show it. He hated how easily Pond could read him, how he saw through the walls Phuwin had spent years building.

“I don’t have a ‘deal,’” Phuwin said, his voice sharp. “I just don’t see the point in wasting time on people who don’t matter.”

Pond flinched at the harshness of Phuwin’s words, but he didn’t back down. Instead, he leaned closer, his expression serious now. “And who does matter to you, Phuwin? Do you even know?”

Phuwin didn’t answer. He couldn’t. Because the truth was, he didn’t know. He had spent so much of his life focusing on his goals, shutting out distractions, that he hadn’t allowed himself to care about anyone. It was easier that way. Safer.

But Pond’s question stayed with him long after the conversation ended. For the first time in years, Phuwin found himself questioning the walls he had built around himself. And he hated that Pond was the one who made him feel this way.

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