> 17 <

Next Day – Morning

Pond slowly opens his eyes. His gaze freezes for a moment—Phuwin is still sleeping soundly in his arms. Pond just stares at his face quietly for a while, then runs his fingers gently through Phuwin’s hair with a faint smile on his lips.

Pond (softly, whispering):“Phuwin… aren’t you going to the office today?”

Phuwin opens his eyes slightly, his voice heavy with sleep:Phuwin:“Hmm… I’ll go.”

Pond lets out a small sigh.Pond:“Okay… I’ll go get ready.”

Phuwin just hums in response and rests his head back on the pillow. Pond gets up and walks toward the bathroom. A few minutes later, he comes out dressed and ready. Then Phuwin slowly gets up and heads to freshen up.

After a while, both of them come downstairs.

Mr. Sorachai is sitting in the hall with a cup of coffee in his hand. The moment he sees them, a soft smile appears on his face.

Mr. Sorachai:“Phuwin, are you going to the office?”

PHUWIN (nodding):“Yes, Dad.”

Both of them start eating breakfast while Mr. Sorachai quietly observes them with a faint smile.

Once breakfast is over, they leave the house.Inside the car, silence fills the space. Neither says a word.

When they reach the office, they both head to their respective cabins and get busy with work.

---

Other Side – Bright & Win

Bright is sitting in his cabin, going through some files. Win sits across from him, looking bored out of his mind.

Win (irritated):“Sir… can I please go back to my cabin now?”

Bright:“Why would you?”

Win:“Sir, I’m just sitting here doing nothing… I don’t have any work.”

Bright:“You do have work. Stay here. I need you.”

Win (confused):“For what exactly?”

Bright (with a smirk):“Look at all these pending files. You’re going to help me.”

Win (sighing):“Sir… then tell me what I need to do.”

Bright:“Huh… wait. I’ll bring the files. Stay right here.”

Win:“Sir, where are you going now?”

Bright:“Just… to Pond.”

Bright pushes his chair back and heads toward Pond’s cabin.

---

Inside Pond’s Cabin

Pond is focused on his laptop when Bright pushes the door open and walks in. Pond looks up as Bright pulls a chair and sits across from him.

Bright:“Pond… there’s a new project starting. Check it once—if anything’s off, let me know.”

Pond (casually):“Yeah, I’ll check.”

After a brief pause, Pond asks:Pond:“Did Gemini come in today?”

Bright:“Hmm… maybe. I didn’t see him.”

Pond:“Alright…”

Bright studies his face and suddenly looks serious:Bright:“Bro, why do you look so stressed? You feeling okay?”

Pond (shaking his head):“No… everything’s fine.”

Bright:“Doesn’t look like it…”

Pond exhales deeply, holding his head in both hands.Pond:“Bright… I got married.”

Bright (shocked):“What?! Seriously?!”

Pond (slowly):“Yeah…”

Bright:“To Namtan?”

Pond:“Yes.”

Bright (with frustration):“Bro… do you ever think before doing something?!”

Pond (voice heavy, guilt in his eyes):“What else could I do? You know I’ve loved Namtan for so long… And my marriage with Phuwin wasn’t my choice.But… now that I’ve married Namtan, why do I feel so awful?My heart feels weird… like I’m losing my mind!And imagine… if I didn’t marry Namtan, that would’ve been wrong too.”

Bright (calming down):“Pond… I get it. You’re stuck between two sides now. You have to think about both of them.But let me ask you something—if tomorrow you couldn’t stay with one of them, whose absence would hurt the most?”

Pond (confused, broken):“I don’t know… I really don’t. When I look at Phuwin… I just feel guilty. It makes me want to die… I hurt him so badly.”

Bright:“For now, stop stressing. What’s done is done.The truth is—you can’t leave Phuwin, and you can’t leave Namtan either. You’ll have to live with both.”

Pond (helpless tone):“Yeah… I’m just stuck in all this.But I can’t watch Phuwin like this… he’s really hurt.”

Bright (bluntly):“Bro… you brought this on yourself. A man thinks things through before making moves like this.But you? You were riding a storm… now face it.”

Pond (head down):“Enough, Bright… I feel like I’m going insane.”

Bright (soft tone):“Don’t say that. And listen, stop overthinking all this.”

Pond (exhaling heavily):“Huhhh…” [takes a deep breath]

Then with a small smile, he asks:Pond:“Forget it… tell me what’s going on with you?”

Bright (casually):“Hmm… nothing much. But better than before.”

Pond:“What do you mean?”

Bright smirks mischievously:“You know Phuwin’s friend, Win? He’s staying at my house now.”

Pond (shocked):“What?! How did that happen?”

Bright (calmly):“He’s the son of my mom’s friend. Mom said let him stay. That’s all.”

Pond:“Okay…”

Bright smiles.Pond (teasing tone):“So… what do you think about that?”

Bright (blushing slightly):“Well… I don’t mind. Honestly, I want him to stay forever.”

Pond (grinning):“Oh really? You didn’t tell him yet?”

Bright (smirking):“No, bro… not yet. Let’s see what happens.By the way… he doesn’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

Pond (laughing):“Really? Sure, sure…”

Bright (full of confidence):“I’ll get lucky! Come on, I’m handsome as hell. Everyone wants me. Why would he say no?”

Pond (laughing harder):“Yeah, right… dream on!”

Bright (teasing):“Bro… I’m way more handsome than you! Check the mirror if you don’t believe me. Ask anyone—they’ll say the same.”

Pond (mocking):“Huhh… I’m way more handsome than you, and you know it.”

Bright (laughing):“Sure, keep telling yourself that!”

They both burst out laughing.

Finally, Bright stands up, smirking:“Alright, I’m leaving. Win must be waiting for me. And hey—don’t forget the work, okay?”

Pond (teasing):“Yeah yeah… as if he’s really waiting for you!”

Bright (grinning):“He is, trust me!”

Pond:“Go on, get lost.”

Bright laughs, waves, and walks out, closing the door behind him.

---

Other Side – At Thanawan Mansion

Time: 12 PM

Namtan finally wakes up and comes out of her room, freshened up. She walks to the hall, sits on the sofa, and says to the maid:“Bring me coffee.”

Mr. Sorachai and Mrs. Amara are also sitting there, quietly watching her.

Namtan (sweet tone):“Uncle… where’s Pond?”

Mr. Sorachai (straight tone):“He’s at the office.”

Namtan (overly casual):“What?!”

Mr. Sorachai (raising an eyebrow):“Hmm… why? Is he not supposed to go to work now?”

Namtan (smirking):“Uncle… I never said that. I was just saying I want to join the office too… like Phuwin did.”

Mr. Sorachai (with sarcasm):“A girl who wakes up at noon wants to join the office? Wow.”

Then in a sharper tone:“And tell me something, Namtan… why do you want to learn everything Phuwin does? Whatever he does, you try to copy it.”

Namtan (annoyed):“Uncle… I’m not copying anyone, okay?”

Mr. Sorachai (cold smile):“Sure looks like it.”

Then his voice hardens:“And listen… don’t run your filthy mouth in front of me… or I’ll cut it off.”

Namtan (mocking smile):“Oh wow, Uncle! What a threat. Should I tell Pond how you treat me?”

Mr. Sorachai (with authority):“Go ahead. I’m his father.”

Namtan glares at him and storms off without another word, heading straight back to her room.

Office – Lunch Time

Pond steps out of his cabin and walks straight into Phuwin’s office. Phuwin is sitting at his desk, going through some files.

Pond pulls a chair close, sits down, and speaks softly:Pond: “Phuwin… let’s go have lunch.”

Phuwin simply looks at him, then gives a small nod with a quiet “hmm.” The two leave the office and head to a classy restaurant. After placing their order, Pond gently holds Phuwin’s hand.

Pond (in a low voice): “Phuwin, please… forgive me.”Phuwin (slightly confused): “For what?”Pond: “For everything.”Phuwin: “Pond, I’m not angry with you about anything. And anyway… your marriage with me was forced. You’ve always loved Namtan, so you did the right thing.”

Pond stares into his eyes, feeling even more restless after hearing those words.Pond: “Phuwin… please forgive me. You don’t even talk to me anymore. You used to talk all the time, annoy me nonstop… so why don’t you talk now? Please, Phuwin, I hate this. I can’t stand your silence. When you don’t talk to me, my mind stops working. I’ll go insane. Nobody understands me… not Dad, not Mom… but you do, right? Please…”

Phuwin (calm tone): “I am talking to you.”Pond: “No! Not like before…”

Just then, their order arrives. Phuwin smiles lightly and says:Phuwin: “Come on… let’s eat now.”

They both eat quietly and return to the office.

---

Evening – Mansion

By evening, everyone leaves the office. Pond and Phuwin also return home. As soon as they enter the hall, Namtan spots them and rushes over:Namtan: “Pond baby… you’re home!”Pond just responds with a short “hmm.”

Namtan: “Pond, come on… I need to go see Mom.”Pond: “Namtan, I’m tired right now.”Namtan (a bit irritated): “Then when will you take me? Tomorrow you’ll run off to work again.”Pond: “Go with the driver. Or we’ll go tomorrow evening when I’m free. I can’t go today.”Namtan: “Fine… don’t go then.”Pond: “Namtan… I promise I’ll take you tomorrow, okay?”

Namtan walks off to her room without saying anything. Pond heads toward his own room.

Phuwin has already freshened up. Pond changes and sits on the bed. Phuwin steps out of the room and calls the maid:Phuwin: “Bring two cups of coffee and some snacks to my room.”

Just then, Namtan steps out of her room (right next to Phuwin’s).Namtan: “Phuwin… where’s Pond?”Phuwin: “In his room… where else would he be?”

Namtan starts walking toward Pond’s room, but Phuwin blocks her:Phuwin: “Whoa, whoa… where are you going?”Namtan (angrily): “This is not your room… this is my Pond’s room. Got it?”Phuwin (teasing): “It’s our room—mine and Pond’s. Actually… it’s my Pond’s room.”Namtan: “Phuwin! Stop your nonsense and move!”Phuwin: “Okie… okie.”

Phuwin steps inside, and Namtan storms in after him. Pond is relaxing on the bed.

Namtan (furious): “Pond! Get up and come with me.”Pond: “Where?”Namtan: “You’re not staying in this guy’s room.”

Phuwin folds his arms, watching. Pond takes a deep breath.Pond: “Namtan… please leave. I’m not going anywhere.”Namtan (grabbing his hand): “Get up now. You’re sleeping in my room tonight.”Pond: “Namtan… what are you doing? Let go of my hand. I’m not going anywhere right now. Please.”Namtan: “Pond! You’re not staying with this guy, understand?”Pond (frustrated): “Please, Namtan… don’t start again. I have a headache.”Phuwin (calm but sharp): “Let him go. He said he has a headache.”Namtan (angrily): “You stay out of this!”Phuwin: “No, I won’t. Pond’s not going anywhere.”Namtan: “Pond! Tell him to shut up!”Pond (exhausted): “Guys… please! If you want to fight, do it outside. Don’t mess with my head here.”

Finally, Namtan shouts:Namtan: “Fine! Stay here if you want. I’m leaving!”Pond: “Where are you going?”Namtan: “Anywhere… what’s it to you?”

She storms out. Pond gets up to follow her, but Phuwin grabs his hand:Phuwin (soft but firm): “You’re not going anywhere… now.”

Pond looks at him, slightly irritated:Pond: “Huh… you know what? Why don’t you both just split me in half? One half for you, one for her. That’ll solve everything, right?”Phuwin (smirking): “No need for that. You’re completely mine… and you always will be.”

Pond just stares at Phuwin and then sits back on the bed. The maid brings coffee and snacks. Phuwin takes the tray and sets it down.Phuwin: “Here… have your coffee.”

They sit together and drink their coffee.

---

Other Side – Namtan’s House

Namtan storms out of the mansion in rage and drives straight to her mother’s place. Nattaya looks at her, surprised:Nattaya: “What happened, Namtan?”Namtan collapses on the couch and screams:Namtan: “Mom! What kind of mess have you thrown me into?! I can’t live there! Everyone’s crazy. And what do I get from marrying Pond? He’s still glued to that Phuwin! We just got married yesterday… yesterday was our first night… and he didn’t even sleep with me! On top of that, his father said I can’t stay in his room because Phuwin will stay there! And Pond didn’t say a word!”

Nattaya sighs and says:Nattaya: “Stupid girl… you need to make your place there. Be sweet to everyone, adjust. Only then will you win Pond’s heart.”Namtan (annoyed): “Mom! I can’t do this. I’m so bored. I’m going to a party… and yes, I’m staying here tonight.”Nattaya: “Huhh… Namtan, this way you’ll never get what you want.”Namtan: “Mom! Please… I’m leaving now, okay?”

Namtan storms out to party. Meanwhile, Pond tries calling her two or three times, but she doesn’t pick up.

As soon as dinner ends, both of them quietly walk toward their room. The moment they step inside, Pond drops straight onto the bed, exhaustion written all over his face. Phuwin comes over and lies down beside him.

For a few moments, there’s complete silence. Pond keeps his eyes fixed on Phuwin. Slowly, Phuwin turns to look at him too.

Phuwin (softly):“What happened? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Pond (letting out a quiet sigh):“Nothing…”

Then Pond turns slightly toward him and asks—Pond:“Last night… why were you crying so much?”

Phuwin blinks, his voice a little heavy.Phuwin:“If I don’t cry, then what should I do? Laugh?”

Pond stares into his eyes, as if trying to pull out the truth.Pond:“No, but still… I need to know. Were you crying for me?”

Phuwin pauses for a moment, then looks away and says—Phuwin:“No… I wasn’t crying for you.”

A faint smile touches Pond’s lips, but his voice remains serious.Pond:“You were crying because I got married?”

Phuwin’s breath quickens, his words soft but sharp—Phuwin:“Yes… If you were in my place, you’d cry too. I can’t share you with anyone.”

Pond looks a little surprised, a little intrigued.Pond:“Oh really… but there must be a reason why you can’t share me, right?”

Phuwin finally meets his gaze head-on and says—Phuwin:“Yes. Because you’re my husband. And that’s the only reason.”

Pond:“That’s all?”

Phuwin nods slowly.Phuwin:“Hmm…”

Pond runs his fingers gently through Phuwin’s hair and whispers softly—Pond:“Alright… now sleep.”

The room falls quiet, with only the sound of their breaths lingering in the air… and between them, that unspoken connection, growing deeper with every passing moment.

“Please everyone, don’t be sad na I won’t hurt Phuwin too much.”

💫✨🪐...

How did you all like this part? Do let me know! And yes, please don’t forget to vote and comment—pretty please!If you’re enjoying this story, then please show some love with your votes.Sending lots of love to all my cutie little readers! Love you all! 🙆🏻💗🐥😗