CHASING AFTER YOU ( VICE VERSA)

12

Ponds pov

The drive back to the mansion was a blur, the city lights streaking past like fleeting memories.  Each one seemed to echo the intensity of the kiss I'd shared with Phuwin, the memory still vivid in my mind.  The feel of his body pressed against mine, the intoxicating scent of his skin, the rapid beat of his heart against my own—it was a sensory overload, a potent cocktail of physical sensations and emotional turmoil.

I'd never experienced anything quite like it.  The kiss was a revelation, a silent confession of feelings that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long.  The uncertainty that had plagued me for weeks—the fear of rejection, the fear of ruining our friendship—had been swept away in the heat of the moment.  Yet, even now, a strange resistance lingered.  A reluctance to fully acknowledge the depth of my feelings.

I parked the car, the silence of the mansion engulfing me like a shroud.  As I walked through the grand hallway, the opulent surroundings felt strangely alien, a stark contrast to the intimacy I'd shared with Phuwin in the dimly lit bar.  I went to my study, the familiar comfort of the space offering little solace.  I sank into my leather chair, my thoughts swirling like a tempest.

The kiss had been undeniable proof of my feelings, yet I still found myself resisting the truth.  It was easier to attribute my actions to alcohol, to the intoxicating atmosphere of the party, to anything but the terrifyingly simple truth: I was falling for Phuwin.  The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.  The exhilaration came from the realization of a long-denied affection, a feeling I'd suppressed for so long.  The terror stemmed from the potential consequences, the potential disruption of our carefully balanced friendship.

I was lost in these turbulent thoughts when my phone rang, jarring me back to reality.  It was my mother.  Her voice, usually warm and soothing, held a note of brisk efficiency.

“Pond,” she said, her tone brisk.  “Your father and I will be visiting your company tomorrow morning.  We’ll arrive around 10:00 AM.  Please ensure everything is in order.  We want to meet your team.”

The news was unexpected, a bombshell dropped into the already turbulent landscape of my emotions.  A visit from my parents was never a casual affair.  It was always a meticulously planned event, a demonstration of their power and influence.  Tomorrow morning, they would be scrutinizing my company, my team—and by extension, every aspect of my life.  The thought of my mother meeting Phuwin, of her assessing our relationship, sent a fresh wave of anxiety through me.  I hadn't even begun to process my own feelings, and now I had to face the judgment of my parents.  The kiss, the revelation, the turmoil—it all felt like a heavy weight pressing down on me, a weight I wasn't sure I could bear.  The realization of my feelings for Phuwin was a secret I wasn't ready to share, a secret I desperately hoped to keep hidden, at least for now.

The drive to the office was a necessary distraction, the familiar routine a temporary shield against the emotional storm brewing within me. The city traffic, usually a source of frustration, was today a welcome buffer, allowing me to delay confronting the complexities of my feelings for Phuwin and the impending arrival of my parents. The usual pre-work jitters were amplified tenfold by the weight of unspoken feelings and the looming parental visit.

As I entered the office, the usual greetings from my employees were a welcome normalcy. I acknowledged each one, the familiar faces offering a comforting sense of routine. There was a polite nod to Ohm , a quick smile for Nanon , and a brief exchange with Jane. Kluen , his usual cheerful demeanor slightly subdued, mirroring my own unease. But my gaze kept drifting towards Phuwin's desk in the Art Supervision department. The absence of the usual steaming mug of coffee he’d bring me each morning was a stark, physical manifestation of the awkwardness that hung heavy between us.

With a deep breath, I made my way to the meeting room, the polished mahogany table a symbol of my professional success, but today, it felt cold and impersonal. The quiet efficiency of my office, the organized chaos of my work, was a stark contrast to the turmoil in my personal life. I took my seat at the head of the table, the leather cool beneath my fingertips, a grounding sensation in the face of my rising anxiety.

Assembled in the meeting room were my higher-level employees: Phuwin, Gemini, Chimon, Kluen, Nanon and also the other employees from different department. Each of them brought their own expertise, and I knew I needed to rely on them to make this day a success.

"Good morning, everyone," I began, my gaze sweeping across their faces, lingering for a moment on Phuwin's downcast expression. "As you know, my parents will be visiting the company this morning. They'll be arriving around ten o'clock. I expect everyone to be prepared. Ensure your desks are tidy, your reports are up-to-date, and that you present a professional image at all times. This is an important visit, and I want to make a strong impression. I trust all of you to maintain the high standards we've set for ourselves."

The room was thick with unspoken tension. Nanon was the first to break the silence. "Sir? Are we showcasing any new projects during their visit, or will it be more of a general overview?" he asked, his tone professional yet curious.

"Yes, Nanon," I replied, grateful for the question. "We’ll be highlighting our recent projects, especially those that have shown significant results. I want to ensure they see the value we’re bringing to the company."

Gemini chimed in next, "Should we prepare any specific presentations for them, or will it be more of an informal meet-and-greet?" Her eyes were sharp, always ready to capture details that could impress our guests.

"Good question, Gemini. I want you all to be prepared for both. They might want to discuss our strategies in detail, but they also appreciate a more personal touch. So, keep it professional yet engaging," I responded, feeling a bit more grounded with each question.

Kluen, ever diligent, raised his hand slightly. "Sir Pond? What about the layout for the meeting room? Should we arrange it in a specific way to facilitate discussion?"

"Yes, Kluen. A round table setup would be ideal. It fosters a conversational atmosphere," I affirmed, appreciating his attention to detail.

Phuwin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice hesitant. "Do we want to include any of the art projects in the presentation? I thought the new installations could illustrate our innovative approach."

"Absolutely, Phuwin," I said, meeting his gaze. "Your projects have garnered a lot of interest, and showcasing them could add a unique touch to our presentation." I felt a flicker of warmth at his suggestion, even amidst the tension.

As the meeting continued, I sensed the atmosphere shifting slightly. The questions and discussions brought a sense of normalcy back to the room, yet the underlying tension remained, especially between Phuwin and me. The absence of his morning coffee lingered in the air like an unspoken apology, a reminder of the complexities that had arisen between us.