Pond's POV:

Lately, I’ve been feeling so restless. I don’t understand what’s happening to me, especially when I’m near Phuwin. It used to be simple...he was just my friend, nothing more, nothing less. But now... now it’s different. I still see him as a friend, but there’s something more, something I can’t quite figure out. It all changed that night before Joong’s wedding, when he comforted me. His touch, his presence....it affected me in ways I never imagined.

Ever since then, I’ve been confused. I don’t know what these feelings are. Whenever I’m around him, my heart races uncontrollably, my palms get sweaty, and I can’t focus. I thought something was wrong with me...maybe I’m sick or something. But no... I realized it only happens when Phuwin is near me. It’s him. It’s always him.

I don’t know what to do, so I’ve been avoiding him. I know it’s hurting him....I can see it in his eyes....but I just can’t face him. Every time I look into those eyes, I feel this surge of emotions I can’t explain. It’s terrifying and exciting all at once, and I’m not ready to deal with it. So, I’ve been keeping my distance. Ignoring him, even though it hurts me too.

Today, when Joong and Dunk invited us to their new home, I didn’t want to go. I knew Phuwin would be there, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle being around him. But I couldn’t refuse, not without raising suspicion. So I forced myself to come.

And then, I saw him.

God, he looked so good. His smile, that charming, genuine smile...how does he do that to me? When he greeted me, I was completely caught off guard. For a moment, I was lost, frozen in place. My heart was pounding so loudly, I thought he might hear it. I barely managed to nod at him, and then it hit me...I had to keep my distance. I couldn’t let myself get pulled into whatever this is I’m feeling.

So, I did what I’ve been doing for days. I ignored him. I talked to the others, laughed with them, but all the while, I could feel Phuwin’s eyes on me. I know he was trying to talk to me, trying to figure out why I’ve been distant, but I didn’t give him a chance. It hurts. It really does. But I need to understand what’s going on inside me before I can face him.

Until then, this is the only way I can protect myself. Even if it means hurting us both in the process.

Author's POV:

As the night went on, everyone was enjoying the drinks and barbecue. Phuwin, noticing the empty seat beside Pond, quickly grabbed the opportunity and sat beside him. He poured Pond a drink, hoping to bridge the gap between them, but Pond simply drank without even acknowledging him. The cold treatment stung, and Phuwin couldn’t hold back any longer. Leaning closer, he whispered softly, "What happened? Is something wrong?" But Pond just shook his head and focused on his drink, keeping his distance. Feeling the weight of Pond’s indifference, Phuwin sighed and tried to distract himself by focusing on his own drink.

Gemini, who had been enjoying himself with the others, couldn’t help but notice Phuwin’s sad expression. When Phuwin excused himself to the kitchen to grab more beers, Gemini quietly followed. As Phuwin turned around with the beers in hand, he found Gemini standing there, his face full of concern.

“Phu, what’s wrong?” Gemini asked as he placed the beers back on the counter, blocking Phuwin from avoiding the question.

Phuwin, trying to avoid the confrontation, shook his head and said, “It’s nothing, Gem. Just... office stress, that’s all.”

But Gemini wasn’t convinced. He pulled Phuwin into a tight hug, offering silent support. “You know, Phu, I’m not a kid anymore. You can tell me what’s going on. I’m here for you. You don’t have to carry it all alone.”

Phuwin melted into the hug, resting his head on Gemini’s shoulder, grateful for the comfort but unwilling to burden him with his personal issues. “It’s nothing, really. Just tired from work,” he lied, managing a weak smile. But Gemini could see right through him. Phuwin’s eyes told a different story, but for now, Gemini let it go, planning to ask again when they were alone.

Gemini took the beers back to the others, and as the night wore on, everyone drank a little too much. Joong and Dunk, noticing how late it had gotten and how drunk everyone was, insisted that they all stay the night. Everyone agreed. Fourth and Gemini quickly got into a playful argument about which room to take, both wanting the same one. Joong and Dunk, tired of their bickering, ordered them to share, which led to a grudging agreement from both of them.

With only one room left, Pond immediately suggested, "Phuwin, you take the room. I’ll sleep on the couch."

Phuwin, already feeling hurt by Pond’s behavior all night, couldn’t hold back his emotions anymore. His voice broke as he replied, “No, Pond, you take the room. I’ll take the couch. I know you don’t feel comfortable around me anymore, so just... take the room.”

Pond, startled by the tears in Phuwin’s eyes, finally looked at him properly. The guilt washed over him as he realized just how much he had been hurting Phuwin, someone who had only ever been kind and supportive to him. He felt terrible seeing the raw pain in Phuwin’s face, and it made his chest tighten with guilt.

“Phuwin, no...” Pond began, but Phuwin cut him off, his voice filled with hurt. “It’s okay, Pond. Go to the room. I’ll sleep here. I’m tired.”

Pond, fumbling for words, tried to explain, “It’s not that I don’t feel comfortable with you... I just thought you’d prefer the room. I’m sorry, Phuwin. We can share the room. Please, let’s just go.”

Phuwin, feeling too drained to continue, simply shook his head and lay down on the couch, closing his eyes. “I’ll stay here, Pond. It’s fine.”

Pond, at a loss, couldn’t bear to see Phuwin like this. Without thinking, he lifted Phuwin in his arms, bridal style. Phuwin’s eyes flew open in surprise as he found himself cradled in Pond’s arms. His heart raced as he stared at Pond’s face, so close yet so distant. He could see the conflict in Pond’s eyes, but Pond wouldn’t meet his gaze.

Pond gently laid Phuwin down on the bed and climbed in beside him, turning his back and facing away. Phuwin, realizing Pond wasn’t going to talk anymore, sighed softly and closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Eventually, sleep overtook him.

But Pond didn’t sleep.

He lay there, staring at Phuwin’s sleeping form. His mind raced with confusion and guilt. What am I doing? Why am I acting like this? He couldn’t understand his feelings, but he knew one thing...he hated hurting Phuwin.

In the dim light of the room, Pond shifted closer and gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from Phuwin’s face. His fingers lightly grazed his cheek as he whispered softly, “I’m sorry, Phu. I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I’m hurt by this too. I want to be close to you, but I’m scared of what I’m feeling. I’m so sorry.”

He carefully wrapped his arm around Phuwin, pulling him into a light hug, hoping it would give him some peace. “Goodnight, Phuwin,” he whispered, before closing his eyes, his heart heavy with the weight of his unspoken emotions.