Shadows

46

The morning air was crisp as Pond, Joong, and Fourth made their way to school, just as they did every day. Their strides were steady but unhurried, the early hours of the day offering a rare moment of peace before the bustle of the school day began. As they walked, Pond's thoughts were far from the routine chatter Joong was indulging in about the latest school gossip. Instead, his mind kept drifting back to Phuwin—the way he looked at him, the way his smile lingered a bit too long. It was enough to make Pond's stomach twist with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"You've been zoning out more than usual," Joong's voice broke through his thoughts. He glanced over at Pond, an eyebrow raised. "Don't tell me you're thinking about that Phuwin guy again?"

Pond blinked, shaking his head in a flurry of denial. "No. I'm not thinking about him," he said, but his voice didn't sound as convincing as he hoped. His mind still lingered on Phuwin's teasing words, the playful touch on his arm the day before. Was it really just harmless flirtation, or was there something more?

Joong wasn't buying it. "Come on, Pond. You know better than to get involved with someone like him." His tone shifted, becoming more serious. "We're not like them. You know our place."

Pond tensed at the reminder. It wasn't something he wanted to think about, especially when it came to Phuwin. The reality was clear—Joong was right. They were servants to Dunk and his brothers, tasked with keeping them safe. Protectors. Not friends. Not equals. Their lives, their existence, was tied to serving the Gemini family.

Joong sighed, his voice quieter this time but just as firm. "It's not just about Phuwin. You know what I mean, right? We can't get caught up in their world. They're different, Pond. Don't forget that."

Pond nodded, feeling a sinking sensation in his stomach. He had tried to push the reality of their situation to the back of his mind, but Joong's words brought it all crashing back. Dunk, Phuwin, and Gemini—they were wealthy, powerful, and above all, untouchable. And Pond and his brothers? They were there to serve them, protect them, and nothing more. It didn't matter if Phuwin was charming or if he made Pond's heart flutter. In the end, they were never going to be on the same level.

Fourth, ever the observant one, glanced between his older brothers. He gave a knowing grin and nudged Pond lightly. "It's fine, Pond. You can like him all you want. Just remember, he's got a lot of money, and we... don't."

Pond shot him a sharp look. "I'm not—" he started, but Fourth cut him off with a shrug.

"I'm just saying," Fourth continued with a smirk, "don't get too caught up. We've got a job to do. Protect Dunk, protect Phuwin. That's it. No distractions."

Joong's tone was a little softer now, though still stern. "I mean it, Pond. Don't let anything cloud your judgment. We're here to do a job, not make friends."

The rest of the walk to school passed in silence, the weight of Joong and Fourth's words hanging heavily in the air. Pond couldn't shake the feeling that something was starting to change inside him. It was hard to ignore the pull he felt whenever Phuwin was around, but he knew Joong was right. Their position in life, the world they lived in, meant that they couldn't afford the luxury of affection. It was dangerous to want anything more than what they were meant to do—protect and serve.

As they reached the school gates, Pond caught sight of Phuwin across the yard, chatting with his friends. The sight of him, so at ease in his element, only made Pond's heart ache a little more. He wanted to be like that—confident, carefree. But he couldn't. Not when he was always reminded of the difference in their worlds.

"Hey, don't get lost in thought again," Joong said, snapping Pond out of his trance. "Focus on the job, remember?"

Pond nodded, forcing a smile as they walked inside. "Yeah, I know."

The day unfolded as usual, though the tension in Pond's chest never fully dissipated. Every glance he stole toward Phuwin only served to remind him of the invisible line that separated them. He couldn't help it. Phuwin had that effect on him. But he had to keep his distance, no matter how much it hurt. His duty was to protect, not to get involved. He couldn't forget that.

At lunch, Phuwin found him again, his grin as charming as ever. "Hey, Pond," he called out, leaning against the lunch table. "How's the piano coming along? You've been practicing, right?"

Pond hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I've been practicing." He was trying to keep things light, but Phuwin's smile made it hard to think straight.

"You're doing well," Phuwin said, his voice lowering slightly, just enough for Pond to hear the sincerity in it. "I'm proud of you. Maybe we can play together again soon."

Pond felt a flutter in his chest, but he quickly masked it. "Thanks," he said, though his voice was quieter than he intended. "I'll keep practicing."

Phuwin's smile lingered for a moment before he pushed off the table and winked at Pond. "See you later," he said, his voice teasing but warm, before walking off with his usual effortless confidence.

Pond exhaled a shaky breath, feeling both elated and frustrated. He knew Joong, Fourth, and even their father would never approve of any closeness to Phuwin, but it didn't change how he felt. The line between their worlds was clear—too clear for him to cross without consequences.

As much as he wanted to ignore it, he couldn't. The truth was, he was already in deeper than he realized. And no matter how hard he tried to fight it, he couldn't stop thinking about Phuwin.

As the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Pond made his way to the exit, his thoughts swirling. Joong had warned him, Fourth had teased him, but deep down, Pond knew that his feelings for Phuwin were far from simple.