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Pond's head was pounding, a numbing ache that resonated with the chaotic rhythm of the day. Each moment was packed, from morning rehearsals to back-to-back meetings with sponsors, followed by intense dance practices.
He loved his job, he truly did, but today felt like a relentless marathon with no finish line in sight. He slumped against the cold glass of the studio window, staring out at the city lights blurring through the evening haze. Just one more hour, he told himself, just one more hour and he could collapse into the sweet oblivion of sleep.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, the familiar ringtone signalling Phuwin. He managed a weak smile as he answered, "Hey."
"Hey, yourself," Phuwin said with a warm voice, comforting Pond's tense nerves. "How was your day?"
Pond sighed, and that was all it took. Phuwin immediately picked up on it. "Rough, huh?" he said softly. "You sound exhausted. Don't tell me you're still at the studio?"
They had this call every day, a quick check-in before they both wrapped up work. Phuwin, always animated when recounting the highs and lows of his singing and acting projects, would paint vivid pictures of his days.
Pond, equally passionate, would detail the demanding choreography rehearsals and the electric atmosphere of his idol performances. But today, the usual banter felt miles away.
"Unfortunately, yes. One more hour of practice." Pond ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair. "Then I can finally go home."
There was a pause, a beat of silence where Pond could almost hear Phuwin's mind working.
"Don't go home yet," Phuwin said, his voice laced with determination. "I'm coming to get you."
"What? Phuwin, you don't have to do that! I can manage…"
"I know you can, but you shouldn't have to. Just finish up, okay? I'll be there." And with that, he hung up, leaving Pond staring at his phone in stunned silence. He sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. Phuwin always knew. He had this ability to read Pond like an open book.
Phuwin, meanwhile, was already halfway out the door of his room. He'd finished his work for the day hours ago, relishing the quiet evening he had planned. But knowing Pond was struggling… well, there was no question what he had to do. He grabbed his keys and headed for the door.
As he stepped out, he was met face-to-face with his family. His parents were chatting in the living room, and his younger sister, Minnie, was sprawled on the couch, engrossed in her phone.
"Going somewhere, Phuwin?" his mom asked, her eyebrows raised in mild curiosity.
"Just… running an errand," Phuwin stammered, a blush creeping up his neck.
Minnie, ever the observant and mischievous one, let out a knowing giggle. "Errand, huh? An errand that involves rescuing a certain someone from his misery?"
Phuwin glared at her, but couldn't deny the truth in her words. Their relationship was an open secret within their family, a comfortable acceptance that warmed Phuwin's heart.
"Just be careful," his dad said, a gentle smile on his face. "And tell Pond we said hello."
Phuwin nodded, relieved and grateful for their understanding. He ruffled Minnie's hair and hurried to his car, her teasing laughter echoing behind him. He knew she'd remind him of this later, but right now, all he could think about was getting to Pond.
The drive to Pond's agency building was a blur. Phuwin navigated the city streets with a sense of purpose, his mind already planning how best to take care of Pond. He arrived just as Pond was finally emerging from the building, his shoulders slumped with fatigue. The moment Pond saw Phuwin, his face brightened, and the exhaustion was briefly forgotten.
"You didn't have to," Pond said softly, as he slid into the passenger seat.
"I wanted to," Phuwin replied, squeezing Pond's hand. "Besides, you look like you're about to fall over. Let's get you home."
He drove Pond to his private apartment, a spare little flat Pond used for resting between particularly gruelling schedules. It was clean and comfortable, but lacked the homey touches of his actual home. Tonight, it felt like a haven.
The moment they arrived, Phuwin took charge. "Go sit down," he instructed, taking Pond to the living room. "I'll cook you something to eat."
Pond sank onto the couch, watching Phuwin move around the small kitchen with a fluid ease. He was struck by how easily Phuwin seemed to know what he needed. Soon, the aroma of something delicious floated in from the kitchen, a comforting scent that chased away some of the tension clinging to Pond's muscles.
Phuwin was humming softly as he stirred a pot on the stove. He'd cooked a simple but comforting chicken and rice soup, the kind Pond's mom used to make when he was sick.
"Here," Phuwin said, handing him a steaming bowl. "Eat slowly. You need the energy."
While Pond ate, Phuwin drew a warm bath, adding bath salts and essential oils. He even remembered to dim the lights and light a few candles, creating a soothing atmosphere.
"Okay, bath's ready," Phuwin announced, returning to the living room. "Go relax."
Pond didn't need to be told twice. He gratefully slipped into the warm water, letting the tension melt away. Phuwin sat on the edge of the tub, gently washing Pond's hair and massaging his scalp.
"You're the best," Pond murmured, his eyes closed. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Phuwin smiled. "Probably collapse from exhaustion." He paused, then added, "I called your mom earlier to let her know you were with me. She was worried."
Pond chuckled. "She always worries. But thanks, Phuwin. That was thoughtful of you."
After the bath, Phuwin insisted that Pond lie down on the bed. He then proceeded to give Pond a massage, his strong hands working out the knots and tension in his back and shoulders.
"Hmm, that feels amazing," Pond sighed, completely relaxed.
As the massage continued, Pond's grip tightened on Phuwin's hand. He slowly turned his head, his eyes locking with Phuwin's. The exhaustion in his eyes was replaced by a familiar spark of affection, a longing that mirrored Phuwin's own.
Pond reached out and gently cupped Phuwin's face, his thumb tracing the curve of his cheek. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Phuwin's. The kiss was soft, tentative at first, growing deeper with every passing moment.
Phuwin melted into the kiss, the warmth spreading through him like wildfire. He loved Pond, loved the way he tasted, the way he felt. He wanted nothing more than to lose himself in this moment, to forget the pressures and demands of their lives.
But a sense of responsibility, an understanding of what Pond needed, pulled him back. He gently broke the kiss, his hands resting on Pond's chest.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice slightly breathless. "As much as I want this, you need to rest. You have another early morning tomorrow, and you need to be at your best."
Pond groaned, burying his face in Phuwin's shoulder. "But I want you."
"I know," Phuwin whispered, stroking his hair. "And I want you too. But trust me, this will be better in the long run. Now, get dressed. Bedtime."
Pond looked at Phuwin, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and frustration. He knew Phuwin was right, but it didn't make it any easier.
Phuwin gently helped Pond sit up, his hands warm and reassuring."Let's get you into something comfortable," he murmured, guiding Pond towards the wardrobe. He carefully selected a soft, worn t-shirt and a pair of loose sweatpants, the familiar fabric a comforting touch against Pond's tired skin. With gentle hands, he helped Pond dress, each movement slow and deliberate, a silent language of care.
Once Pond was dressed, Phuwin led him back to the bed, tucking the blankets around him with a soft smile. "Sleep," he whispered, his voice warm and soothing. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Pond reluctantly closed his eyes, the warmth of Phuwin's presence a comforting weight beside him. He drifted off to sleep almost immediately, the exhaustion finally claiming him.
Phuwin watched Pond sleep, his heart overflowing with a mix of affection, love, and concern. He knew Pond worked incredibly hard, his dedication and passion a constant source of admiration. He also knew that Pond often pushed himself too far, neglecting his own well-being in the process. He sat beside Pond for a long time, his gaze tender, knowing that tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges for both of them.
That was why he was here. To remind Pond that he wasn't alone, that he had someone who cared, someone who would always be there to catch him when he fell. He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Pond's forehead and smiled. For tonight, at least, Pond was safe, warm, and loved. And that, he knew, was all that mattered.
Quietly, Phuwin began to clean up the apartment, his movements soft and deliberate. He knew a tidy space would help alleviate Pond's stress in the morning, a small gesture of care amid their chaotic lives. He made a mental note to pack Pond a healthy lunch and set his alarm for an hour earlier, determined to prepare a hearty breakfast.
He crawled into bed beside Pond, pulling the blanket around them both, content in his role as Pond's protector, his lover, and his home. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but smile. He might be tired, but he was undeniably content. He had the privilege of caring for someone he loved, of being a source of comfort and support. And that, he knew, was a gift.
He rested easily, knowing that Pond was safe and sound, dreaming peacefully beside him. Tomorrow would come soon enough, but for now, this moment, this quiet closeness, was all that mattered.