Sensing Pond's discomfort and the tension from the earlier incident, Phuwin decided to take action. He turned to James and said, "Mm, I think you guys should discuss it further. I’m sure I’m not much help in this matter, and I'm already feeling a bit tired, so I’ll take my leave. Pond, do you want to come with me?"

Pond looked at Phuwin, grateful for the offer. “Yeah, let’s go,” he agreed.

They both bid their goodbyes to the group and left the café together. As they walked outside, Phuwin glanced at Pond and asked, “How about we hang out for a bit?”

Pond raised an eyebrow. “Sounds good, but aren’t you tired? You just mentioned you were.”

Phuwin sighed and admitted, “Yeah, just a little bit. But honestly, I was getting bored in there. That’s why I left.”

Pond shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “So where do you want to go?”

Phuwin brightened. “Oh, so you’re up for it? How about we go to a park?”

Pond nodded. “Mm, okay, let’s go.”

Phuwin hesitated for a moment, then said, “Huh? That easily? Are you sure you want to go? You know, if you don’t like…”

Pond cut him off gently. “Shhh, Phuwin. I like to go with you, wherever it is.”

The simple, honest words hung in the air between them. It was a small statement, but it carried a weight of warmth and sincerity that surprised both of them. Pond didn’t fully understand why he said that, but it felt right at that moment.

Phuwin smiled, his expression softening. “Alright then. To the park we go.”

Phuwin and Pond arrived at the nearby park, stepping onto the well-worn path that meandered through the greenery. The air was fresh, the surroundings serene, a welcome contrast to the bustling traffic outside. The park was quiet, save for the laughter of a few children playing on the playground.

They walked side by side, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. After a few minutes, they found a bench and sat down. The silence between them was comfortable, not awkward. It seemed to speak volumes without the need for words.

Phuwin's eyes wandered and landed on an ice cream truck where children were eagerly buying treats. He turned to Pond with a grin. “Do you want one?”

Pond shook his head. “No, I don’t want one, if you want I can  get one for you .”

Phuwin nodded. “Nah... it's okay, I’ll be right back. Wait for me.”

He returned shortly with two ice cream cones and handed one to Pond. Pond looked at the ice cream in confusion. “Why did you get two?”

Phuwin replied, “Here, have one. It’s delicious, and you’re missing out.”

Pond took the cone, a small smile appearing on his face. “Thanks. I’m sure it is.”

They ate their ice cream, savoring the sweet treat. After finishing, Phuwin noticed the swings on the playground and his eyes lit up with mischief. He grabbed Pond’s hand and started pulling him towards the swings.

Pond asked, “Where are you taking me now?”

Phuwin only smiled and continued dragging him. When they reached the swings, Phuwin pointed to one and said, “You sit on that one, I’ll take this one.”

Pond looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Seriously, Phuwin? You’re such a baby. I don’t want to sit. I’ll help you swing. Come on.”

Phuwin pouted playfully. “Oh, you’re going to tell me I’m the baby? Come on, sit. It’ll be fun. You’ll enjoy it, and I’m more than capable of swinging by myself.”

With a sigh, Pond finally relented and sat on one of the swings. They both began to swing gently, enjoying the nostalgic feeling. After a while, Phuwin started swinging faster and looked over at Pond with a competitive glint in his eye.

“Race you! Let’s see who can swing higher!” Phuwin challenged.

Pond grinned and pushed himself to swing faster. “You’re on!”

They both laughed and swung higher, their laughter mingling with the gentle creaking of the swings. Phuwin's competitive spirit was infectious, and they playfully tried to outdo each other, their faces flushed with excitement.

Eventually, they both felt exhausted and slowed down, breathing heavily. They looked at each other, their faces flushed and disheveled from the effort, and burst into laughter.

Pond managed to catch his breath first and teased, “You’re quite the baby after all.”

Phuwin chuckled, “And you’re not so bad yourself, sulky puppy.”

Their laughter continued as they slowed to a stop, both feeling a lightness and warmth in each other's company that made the day even more special.

Pond's pov

As I sat on the swing beside Phuwin, a genuine smile spread across my face, and I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. For so long, I’d been weighed down by self-loathing, hurt, and disappointment ever since my marriage was arranged. Each day felt like a struggle, and the joy I once knew seemed like a distant memory. But now, at this moment, everything feels different.

From the first time I met Phuwin, something shifted within me. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but there was a warmth and lightness that I hadn’t felt in ages. I didn’t fully understand what this feeling was, but I knew I liked it. It was a comfort and a joy I hadn’t thought possible.

I felt so grateful to Phuwin for making me feel this way, for breaking through the barriers I had built around myself and showing me that there was still light and laughter to be found. This feeling, this moment of genuine happiness, was something I would treasure.

---

Hey my stars ✨

Do you like this chapter?

If you like it please vote for it... Also mention your favourite moment in the comment box...

Happy reading ❤️