As the days passed, Pond’s lessons with Phuwin continued, and he started to see the piano not just as a way to pass the time but as a genuine escape. It was a small refuge from the reality of being a servant in Dunk’s mansion and the pressure of his father’s constant disregard for his family.
Phuwin had kept up with his lighthearted teasing, but there was something different about him now—he was more patient, more considerate, as though he truly wanted Pond to succeed. Every time Pond felt frustrated with a tricky part of the piece he was learning, Phuwin would give him a moment to breathe, encouraging him to take things slow. It was a welcome change from the coldness and detachment of the rest of their lives.
Despite Joong’s skepticism and the weight of their father’s indifference, Pond had found a sliver of something to hold on to in Phuwin’s company. But even as the music soothed him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Joong was right—nothing about their situation felt right. They were still servants, their lives dictated by debts and obligations they didn’t choose. They didn’t belong here.
It was one evening after another long day of lessons and chores when Pond was heading back to his shared room with Joong and Fourth. He couldn’t help but notice the tension in Joong’s eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed, the same look he always had when he thought about Dunk and his brothers. Even Fourth, usually more carefree, was quiet tonight.
Pond tossed his schoolbag onto the floor and plopped down next to Fourth, who glanced at him, then at Joong.
“You’re still not talking to Phuwin much, huh?” Fourth asked, trying to break the silence in his usual teasing way, but there was an undertone of seriousness that wasn’t usually there.
Joong didn’t respond at first. His eyes were focused on something distant, probably thinking about the same thing that weighed on all of their minds—how much longer could they stay here? They were guests, but their role in the house was clear. They were there to serve, to repay their father’s debt, nothing more. And the more time they spent in the mansion, the more Joong started to feel like their lives would never truly be their own again.
“They’re hiding something, Fourth,” Joong said finally, his voice low and tense. “I don’t trust them. I don’t care how nice Phuwin acts or how much he’s helping you with the piano. Dunk and his brothers… they’re not just rich. They’re dangerous.”
Fourth rolled his eyes. “I get it, Joong. You’re always so suspicious. But you’ve seen Phuwin, right? He’s not like the others. He’s…” He trailed off, shrugging slightly. “He’s just different.”
Pond, who had been quietly listening, frowned. “You two always worry about Dunk and his brothers. We don’t know anything about them, but they’ve done nothing to hurt us. Phuwin’s been good to me. For once, I don’t want to think about what’s hiding beneath the surface.”
Joong’s gaze softened as he looked at Pond, but his brow furrowed in concern. “I’m just saying, Pond, you don’t know what you’re getting into. You can’t trust them. They’re just using us. We’re still just servants here.”
Pond opened his mouth to argue but stopped himself, the frustration building in his chest. He understood Joong’s protectiveness. It was the same protectiveness that had always existed between the three of them, but sometimes, it felt like Joong’s mistrust was holding them back from experiencing anything different. He wanted to move past it, at least for a little while.
“I know, Joong,” Pond said quietly. “I know everything isn’t perfect. But I don’t want to keep thinking about all of that every second. I just want to learn how to play the piano and not feel like everything’s falling apart all the time.”
Joong stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he sighed and leaned back against the wall, rubbing his eyes.
“I get it. I do. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I won’t,” Pond said firmly, even though a part of him wasn’t entirely sure. But he didn’t want to live in fear anymore. Not when he had something that was his—something he could enjoy.
Fourth, who had been watching the exchange with his usual light-heartedness, smirked. “Look at you two, all serious. Pond’s right, though. Maybe we need to relax a bit. We’re here, for better or worse, and we’ll figure it out.”
Joong didn’t answer immediately. After a moment, he stood up and stretched, glancing at both Pond and Fourth. “Fine. But just keep your guard up. I don’t trust Dunk or anyone else in that family. Not yet.”
Pond nodded but remained quiet. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he could have a piece of it for himself. Whether Joong trusted Dunk or not, he would make his own choices. And for now, that choice was the piano and the feeling of fingers dancing across the keys, filling the space with music.
And maybe, just maybe, a sense of belonging.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows
Fanfiction(P.s this is Dunkjoong, fourthgemini and Phuwinpond) In this story, Joong and his brothers-Pond and Fourth-work as servants and protectors for Dunk and his brothers, Phuwin and Gemini, as part of their father's debt to the wealthy family. Despite th...
