𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 70

Phuket – Private Villa, Evening

The car rolled through the tall iron gates, the ocean visible beyond the villa—dark blue, endless, deceptively calm.

Phuwin sat quietly in the passenger seat, fingers clenched in the fabric of his shirt. Even as the car stopped, even as the familiar scent of sea air filled his lungs, the tightness in his chest didn't ease.

Pond noticed.

He turned off the engine and immediately reached for Phuwin's hand.

Pond (softly):
"Hey... look at me."

Phuwin tried to smile but failed. His eyes were tired—too tired for someone so young.

Phuwin:
"I don't know why... but I feel like something bad is going to happen."

Pond leaned closer, resting his forehead against Phuwin's.

Pond:
"No one can hurt you while I'm alive. I promise you, baby. Not one scratch. Not one tear."

Phuwin swallowed hard and nodded, gripping Pond's hand tighter—as if letting go meant losing him.

They stepped inside the villa.

Glass walls. White curtains swaying gently in the sea breeze. Security cameras blinking softly. Two guards stationed outside. Officer Santa was already inside, checking his phone while scanning the surroundings.

Santa:
"Place is secure. No unusual movement so far."

Phuwin nodded politely, but his eyes kept drifting toward the windows.

Later That Night

Dinner was quiet.

Pond tried—really tried—to lighten the mood, cracking small jokes, serving food himself, kissing Phuwin's temple whenever he felt him drift away.

But Phuwin barely ate.

Pond (concerned):
"Eat a little more, hmm?"

Phuwin shook his head.

Phuwin:
"I just want to sleep."

Pond didn't push. He only helped him up, guiding him gently toward the bedroom.

Outside the Villa – Same Time

From the hill overlooking the property, four shadows moved silently.

Night-vision scopes flickered on.

Black Lion Operative (low voice):
"Target confirmed. Couple inside. One officer. Two guards."

A voice crackled through the earpiece.

Unknown Voice:
"Proceed. But make it quiet. This is just a message."

Inside – Bedroom

Phuwin had just changed into comfortable clothes when he froze.

The lights flickered.

Once.

Twice.

Then stabilized.

Phuwin's breath hitched.

Phuwin:
"Pond..."

Pond was instantly alert.

Pond:
"Stay here."

He reached for the gun Mark had insisted he carry—hidden inside the bedside drawer.

At that exact moment—