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Pon often retreats to a quiet corner even when he’s on his own. But more than meets the eyes, he’s more grounded than most. Often deciding to shine when, and only when, the spotlight is on him, and stand his quiet ground when it isn’t. Orbiting around him is the Pitbull Gang - each in their own special way.
Ping is a walking contradiction. Despite being the oldest of the group, he’s constantly on the move, like a kid high on sugar. Never afraid to act silly - dancing to funny songs and making weird faces. On any typical day, despite the undeniable soft rejection waiting for him, there will be bounces in his steps as he makes his way to Pon, pulling him into a spontaneous workout session. “Come on, play with me a little,” he would tease Pon. For the next few minutes, there will be a playful exchange between the two as Pon continues to refuse and Ping insists that a healthy (and muscular) body makes a great life. But beneath the banters, Pon is thankful for Ping’s steady and protective nature. At times when Pon is burdened or stressed, Ping is always the first to step in, putting his arm over his shoulder, telling him that it’s going to be okay.
Despite being slightly younger than Pon, Michael insisted on them being the same age. Michael is the joker of the group. However, despite the funny jokes and infectious laughter, Pon knows of the sensitive nature of the other man. To mask his own insecurities, Michael makes jokes and Pon knows exactly when to let him be, and when to tell him that he should stop. Some nights when there are just the two of them talking, Michael lets down his guard, and shares with Pon what he hides inside his heart. Pon listens, and offers advice when it’s asked from him. “I can always depend on you, Pon. I don’t know what I’ll do without you,” and in a quiet voice, Pon always replies to him, “I need you too, Michael.”
Everytime Pon looks at Pavel, he thinks of how flamboyant the younger man is. His kindness is often hidden by the needs he has to show everything else off. Pavel is the king of overdoing things - flashy outfits, big gifts, grand gestures - fitting for a king indeed. But Pon knows that is how Pavel expresses his love. The younger man often walks to him, in the glitzzi-est outfit someone could wear during dance practice - “Phi Pon, what do you think?”, at other times, grabbing his hand and placing it directly on his pecs - “It was chest day yesterday, doesn’t it feel good?” - looking forward to impressing Pon. Pon smiles patiently, letting him know that he will always think of Pavel as impressive no matter the clothes, or the muscles.
Benz is one of his closest friends, the person he has known the longest in this bunch. They know each other inside out and he trusts Benz with his life, much like Benz can depend on him for anything. Despite being younger, Benz has always babied him, constantly fussing over him. “Have you eaten? How did you sleep? I told you before, the videos can wait, sleep!” Benz never hesitates to scold him when he needs to. He does this softly. At meal times, he offers his portion of food to Pon. At new places, he scouts around for a quiet corner, and pushes Pon to get his rest there. Their bond is easy and unspoken. Beyond anything, it seems like Benz has made it his mission to keep Pon safe, even from himself.
Not the youngest, but acts like one. Lee is constantly seeking comfort and attention. When Ping or Michael is not there, he clings on to Pon. He rests his head on Pon’s shoulder, and wraps his arms around his waist. “Phi Pon, you’re not paying attention to me,” Lee whines. Pon chuckles before returning the affection - his hand patting Lee’s head, or he leans back into Lee’s side - assuring Lee that he belongs and is loved wordlessly.
The actual baby of the group however, refuses to act like it. Mature beyond his years, Pooh has always tried to be taken seriously. Functioning on his default mode - the oldest in his family - he gives advice to the older ones, calling out for them to make responsible decisions. But despite all that, Pon sees him for who he is. He’s young, trying to make his marks, and when things go wrong, as they could, Pooh halts in his tracks. “Why do they treat me like a kid, Phi Pon?” he complains, sulking beside Pon. Pon lets him whine and he consoles him with the utmost care.
Pon has no idea what he has done to deserve them. They all give him love in their own ways, they protect him whenever they need to - even in moments when Pon didn’t realise he needed protection. He tries to give back as much as he has received. He doesn’t usually talk about it - it takes a lot out of him - but he finally learns to allow himself to lean on them.
There really aren't any better ways;
To get out of his overthinking than Phi Ping pulling him out for push-ups, “TEN! Only ten and you’ll get more energy for the day!”
Or, to loosen the tension with Michael and Lee playing silly jokes on each other, “Phi Kel, you can’t curse me to go bald! I’ll make you bald too!!”
Or, to lighten his heavy heart with Pooh and Pavel playfully arguing on which one of them are cooler in their choice of motorcycles, cars, jackets, sunglasses, haircuts, eyebrow shapes, the list is endless, you name it. “I will still be hot even if I’m bald, you know, Pupu!”
Or, to crush the gloomy thought of being hard to love with Benz constant soft nagging, “use this neck pillow if you want to take a nap or you’ll get a sprained neck!!”
The Pitbull Gang is a strange bunch. And he’s one of them, which makes him a weirdo too, Pon ponders. “Oh well, it’s a bunch of weirdos against the world then,” he chuckles to himself as he catches sight of Lee skipping over towards him with Ping following closely behind.