> 12 <

PHUWIN (quickly):“What… what are you doing? Let me go!”

POND:“You just asked me to pick you up, didn’t you?”

PHUWIN (a bit nervous):“I was just saying that… please put me down!”

POND:“Well, now that I’ve picked you up, I might as well take you with me.”

Pond carries Phuwin in his arms and walks out of the room.Phuwin is completely blushing and says, laughing softly:

PHUWIN:“P… Pond! Someone will see us!”

POND (casually, while going down the stairs):“And what will they do if they see?”

Pond brings Phuwin straight to the dining table and gently sets him down on a chair.

PHUWIN (a bit confused):“But Pond, I’m really not hungry.”

POND (with a big sigh):“What’s wrong with you… I brought you down here. Now eat! I can’t eat with you… my stomach’s already full.”

PHUWIN:“I’m not saying this for the food…”

POND:“Just eat quickly then. I’ll sit right here.”

Phuwin nods and starts eating quietly.

Pond keeps watching him and then casually says:

POND:“Phuwin, don’t you think you’re really stubborn?”

PHUWIN:“Yeah, I know that. Tell me something new.”

POND (with a slight smile):“Huh… well, I can understand. You’re still young, that’s why you’re so stubborn.”

PHUWIN (teasing tone):“And you know what? You’re not good at all.”

POND:“Hmm… I know that too. I’m not good. Now tell me something new.”

PHUWIN (annoyed):“Why are you copying me?”

POND (smiling):“How am I copying you?”

PHUWIN:“No! You are!”

POND:“Okay, I’m copying you. Happy now?”

PHUWIN:“Hmm.”

Then Phuwin casually says:

PHUWIN:“You know, Mom-Dad and Uncle-Aunty went to some party today.”

POND:“Oh really? They’re not back yet?”

PHUWIN:“No. Fourth was saying they might come after dinner, but who knows… they’re still not back.”

POND:“Okay…”

By then, Phuwin finishes his food. He picks up a glass of water and drinks it. Pond watches him and then says:

POND:“All done?”

Pond gets up from his chair and starts walking away.

PHUWIN (in a slightly annoyed tone):“Oh hello! Who’s going to take me back?”

Pond stops, looks at him, and casually says:

POND:“Oh… I forgot!”

He comes back, gently lifts Phuwin again, and carries him in his arms.Phuwin wraps his hands around Pond’s neck. Pond climbs the stairs and takes him back to his room… and as soon as they enter, he locks the door.

Pond places Phuwin on the bed and lies down on his side. Phuwin settles in his spot too.

PHUWIN:“Are you asleep?”POND:“Hmm…”PHUWIN:“Let’s not go to the office tomorrow… please?”POND:“And why would that be?”PHUWIN:“Please… I’m not in the mood. Let’s go somewhere instead, please.”POND:“Huhh… I’m not skipping work. And I’m not going anywhere with you either.”PHUWIN:“Pleaseee…”POND:“I said no, didn’t I?”PHUWIN:“Okay… don’t go. Get lost then. You’re so mean.”POND:“I’m not going anywhere… and now let me sleep. I have work tomorrow.”

Phuwin glares at him and says:PHUWIN:“Fine… don’t go. I’ll go with someone else.”POND:“And who is this ‘someone else’?”PHUWIN:“There are plenty of people. What do you think? I’m going to beg you to take me, please?”POND (smirking):“Yeah… that’s exactly what you were doing just now.”PHUWIN:“Yeah, well… I was just saying that at first… because I know you don’t agree the first time.”POND:“Oh… okay. Then go with whoever you want.”PHUWIN:“I will.”POND:“Then go.”PHUWIN:“Yeah… I will. Should I leave right now?”POND:“Hmm… go on then.”PHUWIN:“Just go to sleep.”POND:“Hmm… I will. You go.”PHUWIN (irritated):“Huhhh… move, will you!”POND:“Go then. Why haven’t you left yet?”

Phuwin lightly punches Pond on the chest and says:PHUWIN:“Please… just shut up now.”POND:“Okie… I’m quiet. Now go.”

Phuwin yells angrily:PHUWIN:“Huhhh… Poonnnddd!”Pond bursts out laughing and says:POND:“Sorry… sorry.”

Phuwin glares at him.POND (softly):“Come on, go to sleep now.”Phuwin says nothing, just closes his eyes. Pond smiles and says:POND:“Good night.”PHUWIN:“Huh… bad night.”

And both fall asleep.

Next Morning

Pond wakes up. His head feels heavy. He checks the time, then walks to the washroom to freshen up. After getting ready, he returns and notices Phuwin still sleeping peacefully on the bed.

Pond quietly leaves the room and goes downstairs to the hall. He sits on the sofa, orders coffee, and starts scrolling on his phone.

Just then, Gemini walks in. Seeing Pond, he says:Gemini: “Pond, aren’t you going to the office today?”Pond: “No, Gemini.”Gemini: “Okay… Where’s Phuwin? Is he going to the office?”Pond: “No… Phuwin isn’t going either.”Gemini: “Alright…”

Gemini also sits down next to Pond on the sofa. After a moment of hesitation, he speaks:Gemini: “Pond… I need to tell you something.”Pond: “Yeah, go ahead, Gemini.”Gemini: “Pond… I know this marriage happened against your will. And you’re not happy in it.”

Pond shoots a sharp look at Gemini:Pond: “What do you mean by that?”Gemini: “Pond… I know you have a girlfriend. The one you love so much. Did you ever tell Phuwin about all this?”Pond: “Hmm… He knows everything, Gemini. But how do you know I have a girlfriend?”Gemini (slightly smiling): “Pond… you’re my brother. I know everything about you.”Pond: “I see…”

Gemini looks into Pond’s eyes and says:Gemini: “Forget all that. Let’s get straight to the point.”Pond: “What do you mean?”Gemini (taking a deep breath): “Pond… you’re not happy in this marriage. It was forced on you. Please, Pond… let Phuwin go.”

Pond stares at Gemini in shock.Pond (raising his voice): “Gemini… what the hell are you saying?!”Gemini (confidently): “Please, Pond… just let him go. I… I like Phuwin.”

Pond instantly stands up, eyes wide in disbelief.Pond: “Whaaaat?! Gemini… do you even realize what you’re saying?! Have you lost your mind?!”

Gemini:“I know exactly what I’m saying. Please, Pond… I’ll keep Phuwin happy, I’ll love him more than anyone ever could. You don’t even like him, right? You didn’t even want to marry him! Please, Pond, just do one thing—let him go. Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll talk to Uncle, Aunty, Mom, Dad… everyone.”

“And listen—I had already spoken to Mom when your wedding was happening, but she didn’t say anything because of Uncle and Aunty. But Pond… it’s not too late yet. I’ll fix everything. I’ll even talk to Uncle for you and your girlfriend. Please, Pond…”

(Pond grabs Gemini’s collar in rage.)Pond (furiously):“What the hell are you talking about, Gemini? How dare you set your filthy eyes on Phuwin?! I can’t believe you’re my brother. How could you even think like that?!”

Gemini (pulling his collar free):“Pond, leave my collar!”

(Pond lets go.)

Gemini:“And for the record, there’s nothing filthy about my feelings for Phuwin! Besides, you didn’t even want to marry him, right? Then why are you overreacting now?”

Pond:“Because the marriage has happened now!”

Gemini:“Then why are you still meeting that girl? You’re married now, aren’t you?!”

Pond:“Gemini, stop this nonsense! Mind your own business. If you weren’t my brother, I’d have buried you alive by now!”

Gemini (teasingly):“Why? What’s wrong? Wait a second… don’t tell me you’ve started falling for Phuwin? Is that why you’re reacting like this? Hmm? Tell me!”

Pond (frustrated):“Gemini, I don’t love that boy! Got it?!”

Gemini:“That’s what I’m saying! If you don’t love him, you’re not happy with him, and this marriage wasn’t your choice… then what’s the point of staying in this forced relationship? Just let him go! Why should that poor guy suffer? You don’t even deserve him!”

Pond (conflicted but firm):“I agree this wasn’t my choice, but what you’re saying is completely wrong.”

Gemini:“How is it wrong, Pond? Tell me! I really have feelings for Phuwin. And yes, if he becomes mine, I’ll keep him happy forever.”

Pond (furious):“Gemini, shut up! Leave before I lose control!”

Gemini (calmly):“Okay, sorry bro… but you’re being unfair to both yourself and Phuwin. This way, neither of you will ever be happy. Sorry… I’m leaving.”

(Gemini walks away. Pond sits back on the sofa, fists clenched. The coffee lies untouched. He grabs his head in frustration and yells…)

“Aaahhh… what the hell is happening?!”

(Pond storms off toward his room, slamming the door open. Inside, Phuwin is still asleep. Pond walks to the bed, looks at him quietly, then sits down on the sofa in the corner, lost in thought…)

“What’s happening to me? I want to marry Namtan, right? I hate this boy, don’t I? This marriage wasn’t even my choice… So Gemini was right, wasn’t he? If I leave Phuwin, he’ll be happy… and I will too…”

(Pond is lost in his thoughts when Phuwin’s voice breaks the silence…)

Phuwin:“You didn’t go to the office?”

(Pond snaps out of it, stammering…)Pond:Y-yeah… no, I… didn’t.”

Phuwin (getting up from bed):"Why? Yesterday you were saying, ‘I’ll definitely go to the office!’"

Pond:"Hmm… I just didn’t feel like going."

Phuwin (teasing):"Just admit it… you didn’t go because I told you not to!"

Pond:"It’s nothing like that!"

Phuwin:"It is like that."

(Phuwin says this and walks into the bathroom. Pond just keeps looking at him. Then he grabs his head and mutters…)"Why does my head hurt so much…"

(He calls the maid):"Bring me a coffee in my room. Quickly!"

(The maid goes to get the coffee. Pond sits on the bed, eyes closed. Phuwin comes out of the bathroom, freshly washed.)

Phuwin:"What happened?"

Pond:"My head hurts."

Phuwin:"Oh, did you take medicine?"

Pond:"No."

Phuwin:"Did you eat something?"

Pond:"No."

(The maid arrives with the coffee, gives it to Pond, and leaves.)

Phuwin:"Drink the coffee and then take medicine. Or… should I massage your head?"

Pond:"No, there’s no need."

(Pond starts drinking the coffee.)

Phuwin:"Why no need? Just drink it, then I’ll massage your head. It’ll help with the pain."

(Pond finishes the coffee.)

Phuwin:"Now lie down."

Pond:"Why?"

Phuwin:"So I can massage your head."

Pond:"No, there’s no need."

Phuwin:"Come on, let me do it."

(Phuwin reaches his hand toward Pond’s head, but Pond slaps his hand away and yells loudly…)

"I said there’s no need! Don’t you understand?!"

(Pond shouts so loudly that Phuwin is shocked. Slowly, he stands up…)

Phuwin:"Sorry… I’m leaving."

(Phuwin starts to walk away, but Pond grabs his hand.)

Pond (softly, regretful):"I’m sorry… please, that… that just slipped out."

Phuwin:"No, it’s okay. What’s wrong with you? If the pain is that bad, just take medicine."

Pond:"Massage my head."

Phuwin:"Okay… lie down, I’ll do it."

(Pond lies down. Phuwin sits beside him and gently massages his head. Pond closes his eyes. After a while, Pond falls asleep.)

(Phuwin quietly gets up, covers Pond with a blanket, and goes downstairs.)

---

Downstairs:

Phuwin walks in. Mrs. Amara and Mr. Sorachai are sitting on the sofa. They look at Phuwin and smile.

Mr. Sorachai:"Good morning, kid!"

Phuwin:"Good morning, Dad… Mom."

Mr. Sorachai:"Phuwin, you didn’t go to the office today?"

Phuwin:"No, Dad."

Mrs. Amara (smiling):"Your son didn’t go either."

Mr. Sorachai:"What? Pond didn’t go?"

Mrs. Amara:"Yeah. The maid just went upstairs to give him coffee."

Phuwin:"Yes, Mom… he has a headache. He’s sleeping now."

Mrs. Amara:"Well, that’s fine then. You all leave for the office every day… the house feels so empty."

(Phuwin sits with them on the sofa. The three of them chat for a while and then have breakfast together.)

---

After breakfast, Phuwin returns to his room. Pond is still sleeping.Phuwin sits near the bed, gently runs his fingers through Pond’s hair, and softly says:

Phuwin:"Pond… Pond…"

(Pond opens his eyes.)

Phuwin:"Come on, wake up now. How long are you going to sleep? How’s the headache?"

Pond:"Hmm… it’s better now."

Phuwin:"Should I bring breakfast here? Look, it’s already 12. You’re still sleeping."

Pond:"No… I’m not hungry yet."

(Pond gets up, goes to the bathroom, splashes water on his face, and comes back to sit on the bed. Phuwin is sitting on his side. Pond takes out his phone and starts scrolling. Phuwin also gets busy on his phone.)

(After a while, Pond says…)

Pond:"Phuwin, where do you want to go out today?"

Phuwin:"Nowhere."

Pond:"You said last night we’d go out today."

Phuwin:"No… let it be. What if your headache comes back?"

Pond:"We’ll go in the evening… okay?"

Phuwin:"Hmm… okay."

---

Other Side

(Namtan gets a call. She answers.)

Namtan:"Hello Mom."

---

[New Character – Mrs. Nattaya]

Nattaya:"Hello Namtan, how are you?"

Namtan:"Mom, I’m fine. How about you?"

Nattaya:"I’m fine too. Tell me, what’s going on in Thailand? How’s life?"

Namtan:"Nothing special, Mom. Just the same boring life."

Nattaya:"Wow babe! Living such a lavish life there… that’s why you ran away from us, hmm?"

Namtan:"Mom, if I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t be enjoying this much."

Nattaya:"Huh… okay, so what else is new?"

Namtan:"Nothing, Mom. I’m just home right now."

Nattaya:"And Namtan, where’s that guy?"

Namtan:"Mom, which guy?"

Nattaya:"Wow… ‘which guy?’ How should I know! You told me before about a guy… the one who loves you."

Namtan:"Ohh… maybe you mean Pond?"

Nattaya:"Yes, that guy! How is he?"

Namtan:"Hmm Mom… he’s fine."

Nattaya:"Okay… so he’s still with you?"

Namtan:"Of course, Mom… do you think I’m someone to be left behind?"

Nattaya:"Hmm… exactly! My daughter takes after me completely."

Namtan:"Hmm hmm."

Nattaya:"He’s super rich, right? You must be going out with him a lot!"

Namtan:"No Mom… I used to go out with him a lot before, but now he’s married."

Nattaya:"What?! What are you saying?"

Namtan:"Yeah, Mom… his dad got him married. He was dying not to marry. He kept saying, ‘Please Namtan, tell me what to do?’ And I told him, ‘Yeah, go get married. Marriage or not, I’ll always be your girlfriend.’"

Nattaya:"Wow Namtan! Should I applaud you for this stupidity? Are you out of your mind? You just let such a perfect guy slip away from your hands!"

Namtan:"No Mom… anyway, he doesn’t accept that marriage. He still loves me. He said, ‘If you had just said yes, I would’ve talked to Dad, and this wedding wouldn’t have happened.’"

Nattaya:"You’re completely crazy, Namtan! You’re my daughter, right? How could you do this? Don’t you know… watch and see how he starts accepting that marriage! These days it doesn’t take a minute for people to move on. Understand this… you just lost him! See what happens now!"

Namtan:"Mom, don’t say that… he still loves me."

Nattaya:"Huhhh… we’ll see! In a few days, he’ll throw you out of his life. Then you’ll have no chance to get him back!"

Namtan:"Mom, but what can I do? He talks about marriage and I just don’t want to get into all that."

Nattaya:"Huhhh… your wish! But think about it, you’ll lose everything."

Namtan:"Mom, seriously… if he leaves my life, it’ll be a huge loss. This big house where I live so comfortably… it’s all because of him. Mom, he’s filthy rich! His dad owns so many businesses… even companies abroad. And everything is in Pond’s name!"

Nattaya:"Idiot! That’s why I’m telling you… listen! Whoever he’s married to will get everything that’s in Pond’s name! And the day is not far when Pond will take this house from you too!"

Namtan:"But Mom, what can I do? He’s so boring! I mean… it’s been two years in this relationship, and he hasn’t even kissed me yet! He hasn’t even touched me… he just keeps saying, ‘After marriage, after marriage!’"

Nattaya:"Huhhh… the guy is good! I say just say yes to him. What’s the big deal? Once you’re married… transfer everything in your name… and that’s it! Let life go on as it is. But yes! First, make him get a divorce and throw that guy out of Pond’s life! Or else everything will slip from your hands! Namtan, my baby… think! There’s no time! And that guy… he’ll trap Pond for sure!"

Namtan:"Mom, you’re right. I’ve noticed a lot of things too. Earlier, Pond used to call me all the time, but now unless I call first, he doesn’t. And on top of that… that day when I went to his office… that guy Phuwin was there! And Pond told me to leave!"

Nattaya:"Huhhh… you saw it yourself? You understand now, right? Namtan, there’s still time! Talk to him! In fact, I say do one thing. Tell him you’re now ready for marriage. Tell him I’ve spoken to Mom, I’ve told her about you. Let’s see what he says then! And if he agrees, I’ll come to Thailand immediately, okay?"

Namtan:"Okay Mom, that’s fine… but Dad? What will you tell Dad, hmm?"

---Nattaya:"You know how he is… he’s never happy with anything. And yes, Namtan, he’s really angry with you, sweetheart. He doesn’t even want to see your face right now. Anyway, I’ll handle it. I’ll come to Thailand, okay? No problem."

Namtan:"Okay, Mom. I’ll talk to Pond about this then."

Nattaya:"Hmm, make sure you do. Don’t forget at all."

Namtan:"Okay then, Mom. Bye-bye."

Nattaya:"Bye-bye, babe."

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! 🙆🏻💗🐥😗