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It shouldn't surprise Pond anymore - the lengths Phuwin would go to for him. Yet, when Phuwin drops by their MV shoot just because he texted him the location and told him to come, Pond is once again amazed by how Phuwin not only never fails to support him in everything he does but also makes time out of his crazy schedule to put words into actual actions.
It’s a feeling he should have gotten used to in the 5 years they’ve known each other but Pond still isn’t prepared for the wave of happiness that overwhelms him. When Phuwin is around, Pond’s smile is so big it crinkles his eyes and bares all his teeth. And it’s this wide, toothy smile that causes the teasing from JASP.ER to get out of hand. Even if Pond could shrug them off before, he can’t even stop them now because where is the lie?
It’s true that Phuwin crashed JASP.ER outing to Banthat Thong after their interview at Flex 104.5 for only reasons they would know.
It’s a fact that Phuwin has perfect attendance to all of JASP.ER dance practices, even though it could be explained that he is working in the same building (but really, is 6 times necessary?).
And now, it’s also undeniable that he only came to the MV shooting location to support Pond (not even JASP.ER, specifically just Pond).
But work is work, and JASP.ER, being the professionals they are, had an MV to shoot in one day. Phuwin’s surprise visit could only be a fleeting distraction for them, and no one, not even Pond, had time to make sense of it then. Still, that doesn’t mean no one wanted to talk about it…
It’s a while later when JASP.ER are back together in the practice room to prepare for their Songkran performance that Joong decides to revisit the topic after they’re done rehearsing.
“So… are we expecting a visitor today?”
Pond looks up from his phone and realises Joong is looking at him.
All 4 members of JASP.ER are sitting on the floor of the practice room, spread out but not too far from each other. It’s late at night but they’re hanging around for just a while more, needing some time to wind down and catch their breaths from the intense dancing before making a move.
“Are you talking to me?” There is uncertainty in Pond’s voice as his eyes widen in question.
“Of course…” Joong shoots Pond a knowing smile, “Who else has his partner appear at our practice room?”
“Hey, Perth came before too…”
“Just once.” It’s Santa who personally rebuts, “That’s a weak argument, P’ Pond. Anyway, he’s not coming today.”
Pond wants to use the opportunity to ask Santa why he’s so familiar with Perth’s whereabouts so he can put the spotlight on the youngest instead, but Aou is quicker to ensure the attention remains on him.
“Actually, I heard Phuwin is in the building today so...” Aou shrugs but a mischievous smile tugs at his lips.
Joong laughs, covering his mouth dramatically, “Oei! So he may really come by!”
Pond exhales sharply through his nose, refusing to say anything more. Instead, he goes back to using his phone, wanting to ignore his friends, his thumbs begin tapping the screen.
In return for the silent treatment, Joong intentionally lets out a loud sigh, “I thought I was your best bro but you didn’t even tell me.”
Now this successfully gets Pond’s attention. He quickly finishes up whatever he is occupied with on his phone before he looks at Joong once again.
“Tell you what?”
“That you’re not single already.”
Santa and Aou has to stop themselves from cheering or laughing because they know Pond may actually just shy away completely if their reactions are too big.
“Huh?” Pond furrows his eyebrows, lips parting in disbelief, “I am single.”
Joong looks offended, crossing his arms tightly, “Puean, don’t let Phuwin hear that.”
“Puean.” Defeated, Pond purposely mimics Joong in retaliation but he can’t help but laugh at how absurd things are getting, “We’re just friends.”
“Yeah, sure, that was before.” Joong takes the liberty to voice his opinion, which coincidentally is also what he has been seeing the fans say on X, “But I don’t know about now… something has changed recently.”
“It’s pretty obvious…” Aou adds on, sharing his observation as well, “There’s really something different about the two of you now as compared to when we were filming We Are. I mean, why are you so shy around him these days?”
Santa nods in agreement and reminds everyone, “Phuwin didn’t even deny that he only came to the shooting location just for you, but aren’t we all his friends too?”
A flush creeps up Pond’s cheeks. Is it him or did the aircon stop working? His mouth opens slightly, but no words come out. He doesn’t know what to say because it is true that Phuwin and him are just friends. It is also true that maybe, just maybe, their actions and behaviours hint at something more than friendship. What’s it called again? More than friends, less than lovers? Sure, they’re indeed the closest they’ve ever been, their bond special, like no other. Pond can even admit he loves Phuwin, but it’s just not what JASP.ER thinks it is.
“If it’s true that you’re still single, you better step up your game then, Naravit.” Joong concludes, concerned for his friend, “You know there’s a long line of admirers waiting for Phuwin.”
Before Pond can reply, his phone buzzes, its screen lighting up and showing a notification from Line.
“I got to go.” Pond simply announces as he pushes himself up from the floor to stand, “See you guys at our next practice?”
“You’re really just going to leave us hanging here, P’?” Santa asks, amazed that Pond doesn’t intend to address any of their questions.
“Believe it or not, there’s really nothing going on.” Pond rubs the back of his neck as he smiles helplessly, grabbing his black bag and slinging it on his shoulder, “But never mind, go ahead and imagine anything you want. You guys won’t listen to me anyway.”
“Wow, you know you’re saying exactly what Phuwin said right?” Aou teases, amusement flashing across his face.
In response, Pond hums in quiet agreement and just shrugs like it’s not a big deal.
“Ai Pond, you’re so whipped!” Joong declares, his tone light and playful.
Pond doesn’t bother defending himself and instead just waves goodbye, “Have a good rest everyone!”
He leaves the room with three pairs of eyes watching him go with disbelief and ignores the chatter behind him. There’s no doubt that all of them will have much to gossip about but he’s ok with it because he knows Joong, Aou and Santa don’t have bad intentions. Besides, there’s more important things for Pond to do now.
Pond takes the lift to the carpark and hurriedly makes his way to his car. At this time of the night, the GMMTV office is pretty quiet and there is only a handful of cars left on the level he parked so he easily spots his own. There, as expected, he finds an all too familiar figure leaning against the passenger door, back facing him and head looking downwards. Pond’s footsteps immediately quicken at the sight.
“Sorry, did you wait long?” Pond asks, apologetic, as he unlocks his car.
“It’s alright.” Phuwin (well of course it’s Phuwin; who else can it be?) turns around, looking up from his phone to meet Pond’s eyes, “But I wouldn’t mind waiting in the practice room instead… it’s quite warm down here.”
“Yeah, about that, sorry…” Pond starts but doesn’t continue explaining as he opens his car door and signals for Phuwin to do the same, “Get in first?”
Nodding, Phuwin enters the car, making himself comfortable in the passenger seat, and watches Pond start the engine.
“So?” Phuwin restarts the conversation as Pond begins the drive back to Phuwin’s condo, “Why did you message me not to come?”
Pond thinks back about the message he managed to discreetly send to Phuwin once he figured out his members were going to ask about them, and decides it was definitely a right choice to tell Phuwin to meet at the carpark instead. It isn’t that they have something to hide; Pond just doesn’t want to risk Phuwin feeling awkward or put him under unnecessary pressure.
“The guys would have teased us to no end if you dropped by again.” Pond explains without giving more context but Phuwin instantly catches on.
“Not them too…” Phuwin scoffs, “Why does it feel like everyone is so invested in our relationship?”
Pond smiles softly, “Guess they all just care a lot for us…”
“So what if I come by to see you? I’m at the office too.” Phuwin is amused, feeling a little helpless that his actions are causing so much speculation, “Wouldn’t they have more to say if I don’t show support for you?”
Pond nods and looks at Phuwin when they come to stop at a red light, “Yeah, but everyone thinks it’s more than just that, you know?”
Phuwin looks back at Pond.
There is a quiet understanding between them, even though Pond doesn’t go into detail. They can read each other with just a glance - one that doesn’t need words or explanations.
The traffic light turns green and Pond continues the drive onto the expressway.
“Right.” Phuwin nods slowly, falling silent for a short moment, before he suddenly lets out a loud sigh, “And whose fault is it that we can’t explain what’s going on?”
Pond clears his throat, his grip on the steering wheel tightening, and mutters under his breath, “Not me…”
Phuwin narrows his eyes dangerously, “What did you say?”
“… It’s me?” Pond quickly changes his tune. Even though his eyes are on the road, he can feel Phuwin’s heated gaze on him.
Phuwin rests his elbow against the cool window and turns to look outside, acting like he’s upset but actually, he’s hiding a grin behind the back of his palm.
“You’re just playing with me, right?” Pond sneaks a glance at Phuwin, trying to make sure he’s not really angry.
Phuwin meets Pond’s gaze and scrunches his nose at him, but his fake annoyance only last for seconds. In the next moment, a smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. This time, Pond won’t be fooled as he catches sight of Phuwin’s grin just before his eyes are back on the road.
Pond groans, “Stop teasing me… please?”
“How about you stop playing with my heart first?” Phuwin suggests earnestly, “Maybe it’s time we talk about this seriously…”
"You're being serious?"
"Mmm."
“Right now? In the car?” Pond doesn’t mind having a heart-to-heart talk with Phuwin but not when he has to focus on driving, “Now’s not exactly the best time.”
“Alright, alright, I forgot you can’t multitask. I’ll wait then.” Giving up, Phuwin mutters under his breath, “I’ll always wait for you anyway.”
When they’re in such close proximity, every word, even a whisper, can be heard. There’s no disappointment or hurt in Phuwin’s voice. It’s of quiet reassurance, the sincerity in his voice a warm and gentle anchor to remind Pond that he has his heart.
It gets Pond thinking of what Joong said too. His friend is right - Phuwin does indeed have a long line of admirers waiting for him, but he is the lucky one that Phuwin is waiting for. And that’s all the confidence Pond needs.
“I won’t be letting you go anytime soon.”
Pond reaches across to find Phuwin’s hand. Seeing Pond’s hand hover in the space between them, Phuwin meets halfway as he curls his fingers around Pond’s palm and squeezes his hand.
Outside, the car moves steadily along the quiet road, but inside, everything has paused, all wrapped in this simple but electric touch. There’s just a natural pull between them. No need for grand declarations, names or labels. Just something genuine, something special, something theirs. And this, frankly, is all that matters.
[Epilogue]
“Should I park instead?” Pond asks when he stops the car at the drop off point of Phuwin’s condo.
“Hmm? What for?”
“So we can talk?”
“Huh, I was playing with you.”
“But I’m serious now.”
“Pond, it’s late.”
“You don’t sleep that early.”
“But your drive back home is long.”
“Oh, I was thinking if I could sleep over?”
“No, Mae should be waiting up for me.”
“I can greet her too. I don’t always have to sneak in and out.”
“That’s exactly the problem. Mae knows.”
“I thought Khun Mae always knew?”
“It’s… different now.”
“Is it?”
Phuwin gives Pond a side glare.
In return, Pond smiles.
“Now you know how I feel every time you tease me.”
Phuwin’s jaw clenches, a muscle twitching just beneath his skin, as he bites back a retort.
“Bye.” Phuwin says instead and gets out of the car.
Just before Phuwin closes the door, he crouches down and says, “Text me when you get home.”
With a wide smile, Pond nods and replies, “Love you too.”