Phuwin’s POV

As we finally pulled back from the hug, I held Pond’s hand gently, hoping to offer some comfort. “Pond,” I said softly, “I don’t know much about you, but I can see how deeply this affects you. Maybe you should try talking to your dad about how you feel. Sometimes, expressing your feelings can make a difference. You can do it, right? If I can understand your pain even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, surely your dad can too.”

Pond’s eyes were filled with a mix of despair and resignation. He shook his head slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. “No, Phuwin, you don’t understand my dad. He won’t listen to me. I’ve tried talking to him before. His answer is always that he’s doing this for my own good. I don’t see any good in this for me, though. He doesn’t like it when others try to change his decisions, even if it’s his own son. I’m just tired of it.”

I felt a pang of sorrow for him. It was clear that he was battling more than just this forced marriage. “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, Pond. But don’t lose hope. There might still be a way out, or at least someone who can help you. You can talk to Joong and Dunk too; maybe they can offer some support. You’re not alone in this.”

Pond gave a dry chuckle, his demeanor still defeated. “It’s okay, Phuwin. I know there’s probably no way out of this. I just appreciate you listening to me. Thank you for that. Let’s drop the topic. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

I nodded, respecting his wish. We sat in silence for a few moments, both lost in our thoughts. Then my phone buzzed with a message from Gemini, asking where I was and to come eat. I glanced at the screen and replied, letting him know I’d be there in a few minutes.

Turning back to Pond, I said, “Let’s go back inside. I know it’s tough, but maybe being around people will help a bit. If you can’t handle it, I can bring food out for you.”

Pond shook his head, his voice firm but weary. “No, I can’t tolerate the guests right now. I don’t want to deal with their fake congratulations and forced cheerfulness. I need some time alone. You go ahead. I’ll come in later.”

I hesitated but nodded, not wanting to push him. “Alright, but if you change your mind, you can come back inside whenever you’re ready. I’ll take some food out for you if you want.”

Pond’s expression softened slightly. “No, Phuwin, don’t waste your time with my problems. Go spend time with your family. Don’t let my situation ruin your evening.”

I looked at him with a mix of concern and determination. “I’m not going to leave you alone if you need someone. Even if you think you’re a loser, that’s not how I see you. You’re just going through a tough time. I’ll go back inside for now, but if you need anything, I’m here for you.”

With that, I headed back inside, leaving Pond in the garden. I hoped that he would find some solace soon, and I would be ready to support him however I could.

Pond’s POV

As Phuwin went inside, I felt an unexpected wave of loneliness wash over me. It was strange, and I couldn’t quite place why. Maybe it was because, deep down, I had hoped he’d stay with me just a little longer.

His presence had been a small, comforting anchor in the midst of everything I was feeling. I had told him to go inside, thinking it was for the best, but now that he was gone, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wished he’d stayed.

I sat there, lost in my own thoughts, the weight of the evening pressing down on me. I tried to ignore the sadness that threatened to overwhelm me, focusing instead on the quiet of the garden.

I needed to be alone, or at least that’s what I told myself. But in my solitude, I found myself yearning for the company I had just sent away.

It was then that I noticed a presence beside me. I hadn’t heard anyone approach, so it took me a moment to realize someone had quietly sat down next to me. I turned my head slowly, expecting to see someone I knew or maybe even another guest who had wandered away from the party. But the figure next to me was unexpected.

I blinked, trying to make sense of it, feeling a mix of surprise and curiosity. The loneliness that had crept in seemed to retreat slightly, replaced by the intrigue of this new, unanticipated company.

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So who do you think the person is?