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The air shimmered, a glitch in reality, and suddenly Pond found himself blinking in the humid air of a bustling street.
Palm trees swayed gently, the sun beat down with an unfamiliar intensity, and somewhere, a street vendor was selling mango sticky rice with an enthusiasm that bordered on theatrical.
Beside him, Phuwin groaned, clutching his head.
"Where... where are we?" Phuwin mumbled, his eyes darting around in confusion, as just moments ago, he and Pond were together in his room about to discuss their plans for the upcoming week.
Pond's stomach dropped. "I think," Pond said slowly, his voice filled with a dawning horror, "we're in We Are."
Phuwin stared at him, then out at the bright, almost hyper-real view around them. Recognition dawned in his eyes. "You're kidding. This is... this is crazy."
Crazy didn't even begin to cover it. They were trapped inside the world of We Are, the wildly popular romance novel that Phuwin had obsessed over for months and kept on talking Pond's ears off in excitement every time they met up……which was every day.
We Are was supposed to be a light distraction, a story about a grumpy Engineering student, Phum, and the sunshine-personified art student, Peem. PhumPeem. The ship's name practically wrote itself.
And there he was. Peem. Standing across the street, bathed in golden sunlight, laughing with a group of his friends. His smile was even more dazzling in person, his eyes sparkling with an infectious joy.
Pond was doomed.
From that moment, Pond was a goner. He was a lovesick puppy, a walking cliché, a breathing, giggling embodiment of every bad rom-com trope. He was completely, utterly, and hopelessly smitten with Peem. It was humiliating.
He tried to play it cool, of course. He tried his best to appear nonchalant. He even tried to act as if he were indifferent, but his efforts were about as convincing as a cardboard cutout in a hurricane.
Every time Peem spoke, Pond hung on his every word, his cheeks flushing a delicate shade of pink. Every time Peem laughed, Pond's heart skipped a teeny tiny beat. And whenever Peem so much as brushed against him, Pond nearly short-circuited.
Phuwin, initially thrilled to be in his favourite fictional world, was having the time of his life. He was witnessing his beloved characters come to life, observing the budding romance between Phum and Peem with the detached amusement of a fan watching their OTP unfold. He started to even take notes, writing comments in a little notebook he'd mysteriously acquired.
But then came the Wednesday incident. The day that shattered Phuwin's blissful ignorance.
They were at a small cafe, all four of them. Phum, being predictably Phum, was radiating his usual stoic charm, offering one-word responses to Peem's animated stories.
Peem, ever the optimist and already familiar with Phum's personality, didn't seem to mind. He just kept talking, his face lit up with passion.
Then Peem said something about his latest art project, a fantastical sculpture made entirely of recycled materials. Phum simply grunted in response.
While Pond……
He…giggled!?
Not just a polite chuckle, but a full-blown, head-thrown-back, eyes-crinkling giggle. A giggle so hearty, filled with genuine joy, that it turned Pond's cheeks a vibrant crimson.
Phuwin just stared. He'd never heard Pond giggle like that before. It was... endearing. And alarmingly, it was directed at Peem.
From that moment on, Phuwin couldn't help but notice it. The way Pond's eyes followed Peem around the room, the way he anticipated Peem's every need, the way he treated Peem like he was a fragile, precious artefact. It was...excessive to put it politely.
And it only got worse. Phum, being his typical emotionally constipated self, gives out affection in carefully measured doses. It's cute in the book, maybe, but infuriating in real life.
Meanwhile, Pond was practically building a shrine to Peem, doting on him, praising him, offering him thoughtful gifts, and generally behaving as if Peem were the sun, the moon, and all the goddamn stars in the sky.
Phuwin was completely baffled. He knew the full tale and how it ended. Phum and Peem were destined to be together. But why? Why wouldn't Peem even notice that Pond was essentially worshipping him? Why wouldn't he at least be a little bit tempted by Pond's genuine devotion?
Pond deserved so much better than that. And Phuwin, goddamn it, was going to make sure he got it.
His first attempt was subtle. A casual arm around Pond's shoulder. A playful tease. A shared inside joke. Small acts, done in the hopes of attracting Pond's eye, to make him see that there was someone else in the room who appreciated his dorkiness, his kindness and his unwavering enthusiasm.
But did it work?
NO…It didn't work.
So, Phuwin stepped up his game. He started flirting. Shamelessly at that. He complimented Pond's hair, his clothes, and his ridiculously adorable laugh. He made eye contact and held it, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He leaned in close when he spoke, speaking softly in his ear, making Pond blush.
Finally, one afternoon, as Phuwin was telling the story of their first karaoke night when they'd attempted a duet of a ballad, complete with off-key harmonies and dramatic hand gestures.
Pond was grinning, clearly enjoying the memory, but as Phuwin reached the part where they'd accidentally tripped over the microphone cord, a thoughtful frown creased his forehead. He stopped laughing, his expression growing increasingly awakened, his face flushed, his eyes wide and panicked.
"Phuwin," he stammered, "can I... can I talk to you about something?"
Phuwin's heart leapt. Thinking that this was it. He'd broken through.
Pond was finally seeing the light.
"Of course, Pond," Phuwin said, trying to keep the smugness out of his voice. "What's on your mind?"
Pond took a deep breath, his hands fidgeting nervously. "It's just... I think... I think I may have a crush on Peem."
Phuwin's jaw dropped. "You what?"
Pond cringed. "I know, I know. It's stupid. He's with Phum. But I just can't help it. He's just so... so you."
Phuwin stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. "He's the most like me?" He sputtered, flabbergasted. "What does that even mean?"
Pond squirmed, his face reddening to an even deeper colour. "Well, he's funny, and kind, and he's always smiling. And he's really talented, and he's just... he's really nice."
"I'm all those things!" Phuwin exclaimed, throwing up his hands in exasperation. "I am most like Phuwin!"
Pond's eyes widened. "Yeah, b-but, you're, like, Phuwin-Phuwin."
"Oh?" Phuwin challenged with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "So what, that's not your type anymore, you picky brat?"
Pond jumped, taking a step back. "No! It's not that! It's just... It's complicated."
"Complicated? How is this complicated?" Phuwin demanded, feeling a vein throbbing in his forehead.
Pond mumbled something incomprehensible.
"What was that?" Phuwin leaned closer, his voice dangerously low.
Pond looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. "I get nervous around you!"
Phuwin's mind went blank. "You get nervous around me? You're telling me that you'd prefer to pin for an imaginary someone who's already spoken for than acknowledge that I, your actual friend, am standing right here in front of you, focusing all my attention on you that you so badly need?"
Pond just stared at him, his mouth agape.
Phuwin exploded. "FUCK YOU, POND!"
He stormed off, leaving Pond standing there, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
He needed to calm down. He needed to re-evaluate his strategy. He needed a very, very large glass of something strong.
As he walked away, he could hear Pond calling his name, but he ignored him. He was too busy trying to figure out how he'd ended up in a situation where he was competing for the affections of his best friend with a character from his favourite novel.
This was going to be a long, complicated, and utterly ridiculous stay in We Are.
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Phuwin, wounded and feeling utterly rejected, withdrew into a shell of icy indifference. He actively avoided Pond, his usual bubbly energy replaced with a strained, almost hostile silence.
He'd sit with Phum and Peem, engaging in conversations, but any time Pond tried to join in, Phuwin would either shoot him a disdainful look or simply turn away.
He'd even started spending more time with Phum, trying to understand the character better, but really, it was just a way to avoid looking at Pond and Peem together.
He'd stand and watch them from across the room, a knot of jealousy and agony twisting in his chest. Every laugh, every shared glance, felt like a personal betrayal. He'd mutter to himself, "Fine, be that way. See if I care." But deep down, he was miserable, his heart aching with a confusing mix of anger and longing.
Phum, surprisingly observant beneath his tough exterior, saw the tension immediately. He watched Phuwin's forced smiles and Pond's increasingly desperate attempts to get his attention. Leaning over, he whispered to Peem, "Something's not right. We have to fix it." Peem, ever the mediator, immediately agreed.
Together, they hatched a plan.
The next day, they lured Phuwin and Pond to a secret garden, a hidden area of tranquillity within the hectic "We Are" world.
Phum, in a shocking show of force, guarded the entrance, as Peem persuaded Phuwin and Pond into talking to one another. "You two need to talk," Peem said firmly, his usual cheerful demeanour replaced with a serious expression. "We're not leaving until you do."
Phuwin, his defences crumbling under the weight of his emotions, finally snapped. "Why are you doing this, Pond?" he cried, his voice trembling. "Why him? Why not me?"
Pond, wide-eyed with remorse, stuttered, "Phuwin, I… I didn't mean to hurt you on purpose. I just…"
"Just what?" Phuwin interrupted, tears streaming down his face. "Just decided I wasn't good enough? Is a fictional character more appealing than your best friend?"
"No, that's not it at all!" Pond exclaimed, his own eyes watering. "It's just… It's easier. Peem, he's… he's perfect. He's sunshine. He's everything I wish I could be. And I know he's with Phum, and that nothing will ever happen. So, it felt safe. It felt like I could just enjoy the feeling, without any risk of getting hurt."
"And what about me?" Phuwin sobbed, his voice choked with emotion. "Don't I deserve a chance? Don't I deserve… to be seen?"
Pond reached out, his hand trembling as he gently cupped Phuwin's face. "Phuwin," he whispered, his voice thick with tears, "I've always seen you. I've always liked you. But I was scared. I was scared of hoping, scared of ruining our friendship. And… and I thought, because we are here, that nothing is real, and nothing matters, so I allowed myself to like Peem. I never wanted to hurt you."
"You're scared to hope?" Phuwin asked, his voice barely a whisper. "But I'm here, Pond. I'm real. I'm not some character you can just imagine away."
Pond nodded, his tears falling freely. "I know," he said, his guilty voice thick with emotion. "And I'm so sorry. I was stupid. I was blind. You're amazing, Phuwin. You're funny, and kind, and talented, and you're… you're you. And that's more than enough."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of their unspoken feelings finally lifted. Phum and Peem watched from a distance, a soft smile on their faces.
From the next morning, all the tension was gone, replaced with a warm, comfortable silence.
They decided to go on an outing, all four of them, exploring the vibrant streets of "We Are". They ate street food, laughed at silly jokes, and took countless photos. It was a day of pure bliss, a reminder of the bond they shared.
Phuwin and Pond held hands, a silent declaration of their newfound understanding. Phum and Peem, their own love blossoming, watched them with affection.
When the sun began to set, the air shimmered once more, the familiar glitch, in reality, signalling that they had come back. They were standing in Phuwin's room, the novel "We Are" lay out on the desk, opened where they had left off.
"That was… intense," Phuwin said, his voice filled with awe.
"Yeah," Pond agreed, a soft smile on his face. "But it was worth it."
They looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.
"So," Phuwin smiled, a spark in his eye, "about that date you owe me."
Pond grinned, his heart light. "I thought you'd never ask."
They went on their date, and it was perfect. They laughed, they talked, they held hands. It was the beginning of something new, something real.
But something they were 100% on board for.
Life went on, but their bond had become stronger. Phuwin continued to be a devoted fan of romance novels, his experience in "We Are" giving him a new perspective. Pond, inspired by his experience, started exploring his own creative side, producing music and dancing. They were together non-stop, their friendship blossoming into a love that was gentle yet strong.
Phum and Peem, their fictional counterparts, continued their romance between the lines of "We Are," their love story now enriched by the real-life experiences of their unexpected visitors.
And every so often, Phuwin and Pond would look at each other, a silent smile passing between them, a reminder of the time they were trapped in a love story, only to find their own.
They learned that sometimes, the most beautiful stories are the ones that write themselves, the ones that unfold in the messy, chaotic, and utterly real world. And that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that start with a giggle, a blush, and a very, very complicated crush.
Extra: Peem & Phum's Devotion
One afternoon, seeking refuge from the bustling marketplace, Pond and Phuwin wandered into Peem's aunt's cafe. It was a warm, cluttered space, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries. While Peem was helping his aunt serve customers, they noticed a small, plain door in the back corner that appeared nearly invisible. Curious, they walked over to investigate.
The room beyond was a hidden sanctuary, an artist's retreat. Light filtered through a skylight, illuminating walls covered in sketches and paintings. And every single one of them was related to Phum.
There were paintings of Phum, his stoic face and soft smiles. There were landscapes with Phum's form in the distance. There were even abstract pieces, whirls of colour that seemed to capture Phum's essence.
Phuwin's breath caught in his throat. He'd always known Peem loved Phum, but the sheer volume and intensity of these drawings were overwhelming. It was an eye-opening demonstration of a deep love, of a love so much more thoroughly developed than he'd initially read about.
He picked up a sketch, a close-up of Phum's hand, the delicate lines revealing a surprising gentleness. "He loves him so much," Phuwin whispered, his voice filled with awe. "Even more than I thought."
Pond nodded, his eyes tracing the curve of a painting of Phum posing in front of a sunset, his figure radiating light. "Yeah," he said, a soft smile playing around his mouth. "It's kinda lovely. It shows how many feelings Peem holds inside."
Phuwin felt a pang of something he couldn't quite name. It wasn't jealousy, but a realisation. He'd been so focused on his feelings, on Pond's crush on Peem, that he'd almost missed the depth of the love story he'd witnessed. It was clear now that even though Phum fell first, Peem fell harder.
They stayed in the hidden room for a moment, basking in the emotions radiating from the paintings. It was a powerful reminder of the magic of love, both fictional and real.
They exited the room and rejoined Peem and his Aunt, with a newfound appreciation for the love that bloomed in the pages of his favourite book.
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Later that evening, after a long and busy day, Peem fell asleep on a couch in their shared apartment, his sketchbook still clutched in his hand. Phuwin, needing to grab something from the kitchen, tiptoed past the living room and noticed Phum sitting in an armchair, bathed in the soft glow of a nearby lamp.
Phum's gaze was fixed on Peem, his expression unusually soft. There was a tenderness in his eyes that Phuwin had never seen before, a silent adoration that spoke volumes.
Phum didn't move, didn't make a sound, just watched Peem sleep, his face filled with quiet contentment.
Phuwin, his own heart stirred by the scene before him, crept softly away, aware that he had been privy to a moment of pure, unuttered love.
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The next day, they decided to visit Peem's favourite art supply store. Peem, as always, was brimming with enthusiasm, his mind buzzing with ideas for new projects. Phum stayed close, his eyes never leaving Peem.
As they strolled down the aisles, Phuwin watched as Phum secretly bought Peem his favourite flavoured water and a bag of his favourite candies. Then, at lunch at a street food stall, Phum carefully selected a dish that he knew Peem would enjoy. He offered it to Peem, who was far too caught up in discussing colour palettes to even notice.
As Peem finished his meal, a couple of crumbs dropped onto his shirt. Before Peem could even blink, Phum brushed them off, and then, in a tender little movement that tore at Phuwin's heart, he ate the stray crumbs.
It was such a small, almost insignificant act, and yet it spoke volumes about Phum's quiet devotion.
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One day, after a full day of painting in the park, Peem began to get exhausted. His steps grew slower, his shoulders slumped, and his vibrant energy seemed to dim.
Phum, noticing Peem's exhaustion, lovingly scooped him up and carried him as if he were a feather.
Peem, eyes wide with shock but heart melting, leaned on Phum's chest, his eyelids fluttering closed. Phum held him all the way to their apartment, his expression calm. Phuwin and Pond watched them in wonder, realising Phum's stoic exterior hid a deep well of gentleness and strength.
It was obvious that Phum would carry the world if Peem asked him to.