> 14 <

Next Morning

Phuwin wakes up, stretches a little, and checks the time. Slowly, he sits up, his eyes falling on Pond, who is still fast asleep.With a faint smile, Phuwin gets out of bed and heads to the bathroom to freshen up. After a while, he comes downstairs to the hall, where Mr. Sorachai and Mrs. Amara are sitting on the sofa, enjoying their coffee.Phuwin joins them politely, and the three share some light conversation, the morning calm adding a peaceful vibe.

---

On the Other Side

Bright wakes up. It’s Sunday—so he’s in a chill mood. After freshening up, he walks out of his room and heads toward Win’s room. He gently opens the door and steps inside.

Win is still asleep. Standing near him, Bright says:Bright: “Win, wake up quickly!”Win (rubbing his eyes slowly): “Sir… what happened?”Bright: “Come on, get up. Look how late it is.”Win: “Hmm… I’m coming… in a bit.”Bright: “Hurry up. I’m going to make coffee. Be quick.”Win: “Hmm…”

Bright leaves for the kitchen. Win, still half-asleep, rubs his eyes and finally gets up to freshen up.A little later, Win comes to the living area and sits on the sofa. Bright brings coffee.

Both sit together, sipping coffee. Bright casually asks:Bright: “Win, do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?”Win looks at Bright and then replies:Win: “No.”Bright: “Why?”Win: “Just curious?”Bright: “Yeah, just asking.”Win: “Oh…”Bright just hums in response. They continue chatting randomly.

---

Back to Pond & Phuwin

Pond wakes up and notices the bed is empty—Phuwin isn’t there. He gets up, freshens up, and goes downstairs, where everyone is sitting and having coffee. Pond joins them.

A little while later, Pond takes his car and drives straight to Namtan’s house.

Namtan’s House

As soon as Pond enters, Namtan excitedly hugs him.Namtan: “You’re here!”

They sit down together. Sitting close to him, Namtan says:Namtan: “Tell me, Pond, what have you decided?”Pond looks into her eyes and calmly says:Pond: “Namtan, I’m ready. I’ll talk to Dad today.”A big smile spreads across Namtan’s face.Namtan: “Aww, thank you so much, Pond! Talk to your dad quickly. I don’t want to stay away from you anymore.”Pond stays silent.

Namtan: “Pond, I’ll tell Mom today and ask her to come here, okay?”Pond: “Okay.”After a moment, Pond says:Pond: “Namtan, I’m leaving now.”Namtan: “What happened, Pond? Why so soon?”Pond: “I… I have some work.”Holding his hand, Namtan says:Namtan: “Pond, talk to your dad. I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. You have to convince him, no matter what. Got it?”Pond: “Hmm… I understand.”

Namtan stands up, comes closer, and hugs him tightly.Namtan: “Pond, I don’t want to stay away from you anymore. Please talk soon. Even Mom wants me to get married as soon as possible.”Pond: “Don’t worry, Namtan. I’ll talk today. Okay?”Namtan: “Okay, my love.”Pond: “Bye.”Namtan: “Bye-bye.”

Pond leaves. As soon as the door closes, a sharp smirk appears on Namtan’s lips.(Self-talk)Namtan: “Huh… well, that’s one thing done.”

---

Call with Mom

Namtan quickly pulls out her phone and calls her mother, Nattaya.Nattaya: “Hello baby, how are you?”Namtan: “Hi Mom! I’m good. Listen, you need to come here. Fast.”Nattaya (excited): “What? Are you serious?”Namtan: “Yes, Mom! Pond agreed. I talked to him. He’s going to speak to his dad today.”Nattaya: “Wow! That’s amazing news. You’re doing great. I’ll come tomorrow.”Namtan: “Huh, Mom.”Nattaya (sharply): “Listen, Namtan, I don’t think his father will agree so easily. You know what you have to do, right?”Namtan: “What, Mom?”Nattaya (snaps): “Ugh, stupid girl! Do you think they’ll just say yes? Listen, if Pond says his dad isn’t agreeing, start your drama—emotional blackmail. Got it? So he tries his best to convince them.”Namtan: “Oh wow, Mom, you’re a genius!”Nattaya (calm but sinister): “And if nobody agrees… tell Pond to go for a court marriage. Once you’re married, they’ll have no choice but to accept.”Namtan (smirking): “Got it, Mom. Now I just have to wait for Pond’s call. Let’s see what his dad says.”Nattaya: “Good girl. I’m coming, okay babe?”Namtan: “Okay Mom.”Nattaya: “Love you, baby.”Namtan: “Love you too, Mom.”

After some time…

Pond is sitting in his room, a hint of fatigue in his eyes. The door creaks open and Phuwin walks in, heading straight to the bed and sitting down.

Phuwin (softly):“Is something wrong with you?”

Pond (without looking):“What could be wrong with me?”

Phuwin (concerned):“I don’t know… you don’t seem well. You look… quiet.”

Pond (letting out a sigh):“I’m fine. Mind your own business.”

Phuwin (with a faint smile):“Huhh… I won’t. Mind my own business? What will you do about it?”

Pond (irritated):“Huhh… talking to you is pointless.”

Phuwin (teasing):“Then don’t! Why are you even talking?”

Pond:“I’m not… you’re the one talking.”

Phuwin (smirking):“And I’ll keep talking.”

Pond:“Huhh… I won’t.”

Phuwin (a little stubborn):“You’ll have to.”

Pond stays silent. Phuwin casually pulls out his phone and starts scrolling. The room fills with a light, awkward silence.

---

(Other Side)

Gemini stands in his room, lost in thought. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door.

Gemini:“Come in.”

The door opens and Fourth enters, full of energy.

Fourth (excited):“Phi Gemini! Let’s go out somewhere!”

Gemini (raising an eyebrow):“Where do you want to go?”

Fourth (without thinking):“Anywhere! Come on, please.”

Gemini (with a slight smile):“Alright… go get ready, I’ll join you.”

---A little while later…

Both of them are ready. Excitement clearly shines on Fourth’s face, while Gemini walks out with his usual calm, cool vibe.

They head out together…

[Interior – Grand Mansion – Evening]

The atmosphere in the hall had turned unbearably heavy.Pond walks down the stairs, takes a deep breath, and then says loudly:

Pond:“Everyone, come to the hall. I need to talk.”

Everyone looks shocked, exchanging confused glances. Within moments, the hall is full—Mr. Sorachai and Mrs. Amara seated on the sofa,Mr. Virat and Mrs. Rasee on the opposite side,Gemini and Fourth standing in the corner,and Phuwin…

Mr. Sorachai speaks in a serious tone:

Mr. Sorachai:“Speak, Pond. What is this about?”

Pond walks straight up to them and stands firmly.

Pond:“Dad… I want to get married.”

Everyone is stunned.A pin-drop silence fills the hall.

Mr. Sorachai (angrily, almost shouting):“What? What nonsense are you talking?”

Pond:“I’m going to marry my girlfriend.”

Everyone’s faces freeze in shock.Phuwin feels as if someone just shattered his heart into pieces. His eyes lock onto Pond— a mix of disbelief and pain.

Mr. Sorachai (exploding in rage):“Pond!!”A loud slap lands across Pond’s cheek.

The echo of the slap fills the hall. Mrs. Amara jumps up in shock.

Mrs. Amara:“P… Pond!! What are you saying, my child? Come here, listen to me!”

Pond (voice trembling but stubborn):“Mom, no! Enough! You’ve all ruined my life! None of you ever cared if I was happy or not. All you cared about was your stupid promise!”

Mr. Sorachai (furious, slamming the chair):“Enough!!! Stop this nonsense! You’re already married! Can’t you see? That boy… he gave up everything for you! And you… you dare say such disgusting things?”

Pond (voice breaking, but louder):“Dad, it’s not my fault! It’s yours! I told you so many times, but you never listened!I love Namtan… and I will marry her. No one can stop me!”

Mrs. Amara (crying, helpless):“Pond… my child, please… don’t do this. You’ll destroy everything!”

Mr. Sorachai (furious, pointing a finger at Pond):“Pond!! Get out of here right now. I don’t want to see your face!”

Pond (with one last cold glare at his father):“Remember this… I will marry her.”

Pond turns toward the stairs and storms out of the hall.Everyone is stunned.

Mrs. Amara, crying, walks to Phuwin and grabs his shoulders.

Mrs. Amara:“Phuwin… my child, please don’t worry… everything will be okay…”

Phuwin (eyes moist, calm tone):“Mom… please, don’t cry.”

Just then, Mr. Sorachai barks in anger:

Mr. Sorachai:“Phuwin! Go to him. Go, make him understand!”

Phuwin quietly walks upstairs toward Pond’s room.The door creaks open slowly.Pond is sitting on the sofa, head buried in his hands.

Phuwin (softly):“What… what is all this, Pond?”

Pond (standing up, cold tone):“Why? Didn’t you hear? I’m going to marry Namtan.”

Phuwin (voice cracking):“Have you lost your mind? You can’t do this!”

Pond:“Phuwin… I will.”

Phuwin (tears filling his eyes):“…And what about me? Did you even think about what happens to me?”

Pond’s face hardens.

Pond:“Look, Phuwin… I love Namtan. Please, try to understand.”

Tears roll down Phuwin’s cheeks.Phuwin:“Pond… please… stop this stubbornness. What’s wrong with you?”

Pond (anger and pain mixing in his voice):“What do you think? That I’ll leave Namtan for you? Never! You knew this… you knew everything. I love Namtan. Dad forced me to marry you. Mom didn’t listen to me. The only reason I kept quiet was because Namtan told me to. Otherwise… you wouldn’t even be in my life.”

Phuwin goes silent… a storm raging in his eyes. Then he speaks softly:

Phuwin:“I thought… you would accept me…”

Pond:“I told you… I never will.”

Phuwin wipes his tears, his voice almost dead:“Okay, Pond… as you wish. It’s your life.”

He quietly walks into the bathroom.The door closes.Pond just stands there… staring at the bathroom door.

Phuwin enters the bathroom. The moment the door closes, tears start streaming down his face. He stands in a corner, silently sobbing. The sound of his hiccups echoes against the bathroom tiles.

He keeps crying for a long time. Finally, in a trembling whisper, he speaks to himself—

Phuwin (whispering, broken voice):“Why does it even matter to me? It’s his life… his choice…He can do whatever he wants. Who am I to stop him?No matter how much I want… he only loves Namtan…He will never love me… never accept me.And I… I won’t say anything to him either. I don’t care… yeah… I don’t care…”

His voice rises slightly, then dies down into silence again.Phuwin wipes his tears, splashes water on his face, and leaves the bathroom after drying his face.

---

Phuwin enters the room.

Pond is sitting on the bed, phone in his hand. Phuwin quietly sits on his side without saying a word.

---

Dinner Time

---

[Dining Area – Mansion]

Mr. Sorachai is in his room when Mrs. Amara enters.

Mrs. Amara:“Please come for dinner.”

Mr. Sorachai just nods, “Hmm,” and walks to the dining area. Everyone is at the table—except Pond and Phuwin.

Mr. Sorachai:“Gemini, go call Pond and Phuwin.”

Gemini gets up and heads upstairs.

---

Gemini knocks.

Pond (from inside):“Come in.”

Gemini enters. Pond is sitting on the bed, and Phuwin is lying down with his eyes closed.

Gemini:“Uncle’s calling you both for dinner.”

Pond:“I’m not eating.”

Gemini walks over to Phuwin and says softly—

Gemini:“Phuwin… come on, let’s eat.”

Phuwin opens his eyes.

Phuwin:“I’m not eating either.”

Gemini (persuading):“Phuwin… at least have a little.”

Pond glares at Gemini.Gemini holds Phuwin’s hand—

Gemini:“Come on now… get up.”

Phuwin slowly sits up.

Pond (angrily):“Gemini… if he doesn’t want to go, why are you forcing him?”

Gemini (calm):“He’ll come.”

Pond stands up as Gemini steps closer to Phuwin. Pond pushes Gemini’s hand away.

Pond (cold tone):“Stay in your limits.”

Phuwin just looks at Pond—the tension in their eyes is clear.

Gemini:“Phuwin… you go downstairs. Everyone’s waiting. I’ll join in a bit.”

Phuwin just nods, “Hmm,” and leaves.

---

[Dining Table – Downstairs]

Phuwin sits at the table.

Mr. Sorachai:“Pond didn’t come?”

Phuwin:“Dad… he doesn’t want to eat.”

Mr. Sorachai:“Hmmm… let’s see how long he keeps this up.”(pause)“Phuwin… did you talk to him?”

Phuwin:“Yes, Dad… but he’s not ready to listen.”

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