Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 60: Breaching the Wall

Phuwin leaned against the door after closing it, staring at the spot where Pond had been moments before.

The apartment felt quieter—emptier—without Pond's presence.

Shaking his head, Phuwin muttered, “He’s insufferable.”

But even as he said it, he couldn’t deny that the warmth lingering in the space wasn’t unwelcome. For the first time in years, he felt like someone was genuinely trying to reach him, to see past the barriers he’d carefully constructed.

But why Pond?

It was a question he couldn’t answer, and the uncertainty left him feeling exposed.

---

The next day, Phuwin sat in his usual corner of the library, headphones in and laptop open, attempting to focus on an assignment.

But as much as he tried, his mind kept drifting back to the way Pond had smiled at him last night—genuine and unguarded, as if he wasn’t afraid of being hurt.

Phuwin wasn’t used to that. Most people didn’t bother with him beyond polite small talk, and he preferred it that way. But Pond... Pond didn’t just push boundaries. He obliterated them.

“Lost in thought?”

Phuwin startled, nearly knocking over his coffee. He looked up to find Pond grinning down at him.

“What are you doing here?” Phuwin asked, pulling out his headphones.

“Studying,” Pond said innocently, sliding into the chair across from him.

Phuwin frowned. “You never study here.”

“I do now,” Pond replied, unpacking his bag. “You’re a good influence.”

Phuwin sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Do you ever take anything seriously?”

“Of course,” Pond said, his tone playful. “I’m very serious about annoying you.”

Phuwin shot him a glare, but Pond only smiled wider.

“Relax, Phuwin,” Pond said, leaning forward slightly. “You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

“I’m fine,” Phuwin replied tersely, returning his attention to his laptop.

But Pond wasn’t deterred. He pulled out a snack and offered it to Phuwin.

“Here,” Pond said. “Food always helps.”

Phuwin hesitated before accepting it, his defenses slipping just enough for Pond to notice.

---

That evening, as Pond walked Phuwin back to his apartment, the air between them felt lighter.

“You know,” Pond said, hands in his pockets, “you don’t have to be so tough all the time.”

Phuwin glanced at him, his expression guarded. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re allowed to let people in,” Pond said softly.

Phuwin looked away, his jaw tightening. “It’s not that simple.”

“It could be,” Pond said, stopping in front of Phuwin’s door. “If you’d let it.”

Phuwin turned to face him, something unspoken flickering in his eyes. But before he could respond, Pond smiled and stepped back.

“Goodnight, Phuwin,” Pond said, his tone light but his eyes serious.

Phuwin watched him walk away, the words he wanted to say caught in his throat.

---

The following days passed in a strange rhythm. Pond continued to show up—at the library, at Phuwin’s favorite café, even outside his apartment—and Phuwin found himself growing more accustomed to his presence.

Despite his initial resistance, Phuwin couldn’t deny that Pond’s persistence was wearing him down.

And as much as it scared him, it also made him feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time: hope.

---

One evening, as they sat in the café, Pond looked up from his coffee and said, “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.”

Phuwin frowned. “I smile.”

“Not around me,” Pond said, leaning forward. “I’m starting to think you don’t like me.”

Phuwin stared at him, the words slipping out before he could stop them. “You’re wrong.”

Pond blinked, surprised. “Am I?”

“Yes,” Phuwin said quietly, his gaze dropping to the table.

For a moment, there was silence between them, heavy with unspoken meaning.

Pond reached across the table, his fingers brushing against Phuwin’s.

“Good,” Pond said softly. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

Phuwin didn’t pull away. For once, he let himself feel the warmth of Pond’s touch, the weight of his words.

And for the first time in years, he felt like he wasn’t alone.