Chapter Text
Pond and Phuwin had known each other for as long as their memories could stretch. Their houses stood across the same quiet street, close enough that childhood blurred between them , afternoons wandering from one doorstep to the other, voices calling across open windows, the familiar rhythm of always knowing where the other was. They went to the same schools, followed the same routines, lived inside the same small world their mothers had unknowingly built for them through their own friendship.
At first, they hadn’t gotten along the way people expected childhood friends to. Their personalities clashed more than they blended. Pond was quiet, reserved, the kind of boy who kept most of his thoughts folded neatly inside himself. Phuwin, on the other hand, carried a kind of loud, restless chaos that spilled into every room he entered. To Pond, it had been irritating in the beginning , too much noise, too much movement, too much of everything he preferred to avoid.
But time has a strange way of reshaping people. The more they were thrown together , school days, long walks home, endless hours spent lingering in each other’s houses , the more those differences stopped feeling like obstacles. Phuwin’s chaotic energy slowly became a crack in the carefully built quiet of Pond’s life, letting light into places Pond hadn’t realized had been dim for so long. Somewhere along the way, the thing that once annoyed him became something he unconsciously waited for.
Now they were seventeen and nineteen, no longer children but not quite adults either. The word love still felt too heavy, too serious for something that had grown so quietly between them. They never said it out loud, never tried to define whatever it was they shared. But there was an understanding that didn’t need naming , a quiet certainty that no matter how their lives changed, no matter how far the world eventually pulled them, neither of them wanted a future that didn’t have the other standing somewhere inside it. But.. was it even LOVE?
Phuwin had always been the more expressive one. From the smallest passing thoughts to the deepest feelings, he never hesitated to say what was on his mind. Pond, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He preferred to sit with his thoughts quietly, not because he didn’t trust Phuwin or didn’t want to share them, but simply because that was the way he was built.
Still, he loved listening to Phuwin. There was something about the way Phuwin spoke so freely that Pond admired. While Phuwin talked endlessly, filling the silence with stories and opinions, Pond was more than content to sit there and listen, letting Phuwin’s voice fill the space between them.
But…
It had almost been a week that Pond noticed a sudden change. He was so close to Phuwin that he couldn’t miss it , Phuwin had started being quiet, even when they were alone. Silence had happened between them before, many times, but it never made Pond uneasy. This was different. Phuwin’s eyes darted, and he hesitated in a way Pond hadn’t seen before. Something was definitely on Phuwin’s mind. And today, Pond had finally decided , he would ask.
“What are you thinking about, Phu?” Pond’s voice sounded like usual but there was a trace of worry underneath. He hoped Phuwin wasn’t stressing too much about exams, and even more, he hoped it wasn’t something else.
Phuwin’s head snapped up immediately, like Pond’s words had shaken him out of a daze. “I-I’m thinking about nothing,” he said, a little too quickly.
Pond tilted his head, glancing at the street between their houses , “Hmm,” Pond said softly, “you’ve… been acting a bit weird lately. Is everything okay?”
For a moment, Phuwin just stared at him, blinking, before blurting something completely out of the blue. “I’m planning to propose to a girl at school,” he said, almost grinning, almost nervously.
Pond froze. His stomach twisted in an odd, queasy way, like he might actually vomit, but he blinked once, twice, and kept his expression neutral. “Oh… that’s… nice,” he said carefully, voice smooth. Inside, though, he felt messy, like someone had shaken up all the pieces of him and left them rattling around.
Phuwin, meanwhile, had a look on his face that didn’t quite fit the words , just a tiny flicker, a weird curl of his lips, a glance that seemed to say something else, though nothing was said aloud.
“I… better get going,” Phuwin said suddenly, His pace quickened, his hands shoved a little too deep in his pockets as he walked faster toward his house. “Bye, Pond!” he called over his shoulder, almost too cheerfully, and Pond watched him go, forcing himself to breathe normally, forcing himself to seem completely fine, even while everything inside him felt tangled and light-headed.
As soon as Phuwin slammed the door to his room, he almost screamed. This… this was the weirdest, most ridiculous way he could have possibly confirmed his feelings. What even made him think that this was how he could make sense of the new feelings blooming inside him? And Pond’s reaction was so unreadable and that was just unbearable.
He threw his bag onto the chair in front of his study table. God, did Pond really not care if Phuwin got a girlfriend? Furious and desperate, Phuwin knew there was only one person he could rant to.
He grabbed his phone and dialed Dunk. As usual, Dunk picked up instantly.
“Sup, Phu?” Dunk’s voice was energetic, completely at odds with Phuwin’s frazzled mood.
“I am so mad right now, Dunk, but I’m so dumb as well. God, why did I do that?” Phuwin’s voice was panicky, almost breaking.
Dunk laughed lightly. “What mess did you create this time?”
Phuwin groaned. “I… I lied to Pond. I told him I was planning to get a girlfriend.” His voice dropped. “I just… I wanted to know if I was in love with him.”
There was a pause on the line. “Oh god , Phuwin. You’re sooo dumb,” Dunk said flatly, and then laughed. “The whole world knows you guys are in love , except for you two!”
Phuwin ran a hand through his hair. “The worst part is… Pond looked totally unbothered. That’s what makes everything worse.”
Dunk chuckled. “What were you expecting, man? He’s Pond. Calm as ever. Poor guy… must have been so shocked to hear his boyfriend is getting a girlfriend.” He laughed loudly at his own joke.
“Shut up, Dunk,” Phuwin snapped, his cheeks warming. Without waiting for another word, he cut the call, leaving Dunk’s laughter echoing faintly in the silent room.
Phuwin had been battling these feelings for months. He’d always found Pond attractive , how could he not? His long brown hair that fell perfectly across his forehead, the smooth, flawless skin, broad shoulders that somehow made him look both strong and gentle. The way Pond smiled, the soft tilt of his head when he was thinking, the quiet confidence in the way he moved , it all made Phuwin’s chest tighten.
But lately, his heart reacted to Pond in ways it never had before. They had always told each other they loved one another, but Phuwin had never thought of it as romantic , After all, Pond had never proposed, never done anything that suggested it might be. If anything, Pond had always been careful, protective even, treating Phuwin a little like a baby. Phuwin understood , it made sense. He was younger But it wasn’t like he’d been born yesterday. They were only two years apart. And all of it , Pond’s cautious care, his subtle attentions, the way he moved through Phuwin’s life so effortlessly was driving him crazy.
The feelings had become unbearable. And now, that stupid lie about getting a girlfriend… just to see a reaction from Pond, which hadn’t come, made the mess even worse.
Phuwin groaned, running a hand through his hair. Enough. He’d shower, go down for lunch , his mother had already called him twice and then maybe sleep it off. It wouldn’t solve anything, but at least it would give him a moment to breathe.
Swinging his legs off the bed, he felt the ache in his chest and the heat in his face. The world outside didn’t care about his panic or his heart, and maybe that was okay. For now, a shower, some food, and a nap were all he could manage.
Across from Phuwin’s room, Pond’s window was shut. He had closed it the moment he entered, knowing that if Phuwin opened his own window, he could see straight onto his bed. And right now, Pond needed to be left alone.
Tremendous sadness weighed on him, heavier than he could put into words. He had been waiting, quietly, for what felt like his whole life, hoping for a moment when Phuwin could be his , and now, just like that, he might see Phuwin become someone else’s. The thought made his chest ache. He shook his head and muttered to himself, “I’m such an idiot”. It wasn’t like Phuwin would never find someone , He was attractive, charming, impossible not to notice, and someone would certainly see that someday.
But Pond had dreamed of asking Phuwin to be his boyfriend, had pictured it a thousand times. Only… he had never acted. He had held back, telling himself Phuwin was still young, that he wanted to wait until Phuwin turned eighteen. He didn’t want Phuwin , or anyone else , to ever feel used, or that Pond had taken advantage of him. He wanted it to be real, respectful, something they could both step into willingly.
For a moment, he thought back to the countless times his friends had teased him, told him he was acting stupid, that the age gap was barely anything, and that there was no reason not to tell Phuwin how he felt. But Pond had his own strict set of morals, rules he had lived by for years, and they had always held him back. And now… those same rules, those careful morals, had made him feel like he might have just lost someone he had loved for so long.
🐱🐶
Phuwin woke up just as the sun was dipping low, casting golden streaks across his room. He reached for his phone on the nightstand wanting to see the time. Hunger nudged at him, so he swung his legs off the bed and stretched.
Pond… must be at the basketball court by now, he thought. Not far from their houses, where Pond practiced every day, carrying his captain duties like it was nothing. Pond always asked him to tag along, but today there was no text. Phuwin felt a flicker of saltiness , maybe Pond had come over earlier, and his mom had told him he was asleep.
He made himself a small snack, then walked toward the court. The night was quiet, streetlights casting soft pools of light along the path. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of freshly cut grass from the nearby park. When he reached the edge, Pond was practicing alone, moving with effortless rhythm , dribbling, pivoting, shooting. The glow of the floodlights caught on his brown hair and the faint sheen of sweat on his arms and shoulders. Phuwin’s chest tightened, his stomach fluttering, every motion making him ache to be closer. He noticed the way Pond’s muscles flexed with each step, the concentration in his eyes, the subtle tilt of his head when he adjusted his grip on the ball. Even the sound of the bouncing ball echoed in his ears like it had its own rhythm, pulling him into the scene, making it impossible to look away.
Finally, Phuwin stepped onto the court. “Hi,” he said, voice a little hesitant. Pond glanced at him, eyes unreadable for a moment, then returned the greeting with a soft, “Hi,” before focusing back on the ball.
Phuwin settled on one of the benches where Pond had left his jacket and water bottle, just watching. When Pond finished his practice, he came over, sweaty and flushed, and sat next to him. He grabbed his water bottle and drank, muscles flexing with each movement. Phuwin couldn’t take his eyes off him , Pond looked unbearably good.
Without thinking, he blurted out, “You’re very hot, Pond.” His hand went to Pond’s shoulder, squeezing the firm muscle. Pond was wearing a black tank top; the bare skin of his shoulder against Phuwin’s warm hand was solid, alive.
Pond’s ears burned, though he blamed it on the intense practice in his mind. He composed himself and chuckled softly, a small smile tugging at his lips, and said, “Thanks.”
But Phuwin… Phuwin hadn’t meant that compliment in a friendly way. And that stupid, gentle “thanks” from Pond? It was driving him crazy. Is this guy blind? he thought, heart thumping. He was blatantly telling Pond, in the middle of the night, that he found him hot and all Pond had to say was a soft, dumb “thanks”? Phuwin could almost feel himself wanting to throw a punch to Ponds face at the sheer absurdity of it.
He murmured under his breath, “Stupid guy.”
Pond caught it immediately. “What do you mean?” he asked, curiosity lacing his gentle voice.
That only made Phuwin angrier. He looked at Pond, burning eyes fixed on him, the frustration and longing all tangled together, and Pond froze for a moment, utterly confused, returning the gaze with soft, uncomprehending eyes.
“Did I do something?” Pond asked again, his tone calm but carrying the faintest hint of irritation. He didn’t understand , He had been the one who had heard Phuwin say he was getting a girlfriend, yet now Phuwin was mad about… what, exactly? He had just complimented him too , Pond had every right to be the confused one. And maybe, just a tiny, reluctant part of him felt a little angry too. He really didn’t have much right to be mad about Phuwin getting a girlfriend , did he?
Phuwin stared at Pond for a long moment, his chest tightening, heart hammering. He debated whether he should even say it , whether it was worth , whether he should just let it slide , but in the end, he couldn’t hold back.
“You did nothing. I just think you’re so damn stupid,” he finally muttered, the words sharp, but his voice trembling ever so slightly.
How could Pond not see it? How could he be so blind? The whole world knew Phuwin wanted him , why couldn’t Pond? The frustration burned hotter than the night air around them.
Pond blinked, and for a moment, it felt like his mind might actually snap. This guy is calling me stupid… for no reason? But it was Phuwin. And Pond could never, ever get truly mad at him. He never said harsh things, never snapped. Instead, he leaned backward on the bench, his hand resting lightly on his lap, voice calm but curious.
“Why do you think I’m stupid?”
Phuwin’s eyes followed Pond’s movement as he leaned back, and somehow, without thinking, they landed on his legs. The way they shifted, spread slightly, sent a wave of heat racing through Phuwin’s body, making him shift in his seat. Oh god. And… he didn’t even have an answer to Pond’s question. But he had to give one. He drew in a shaky breath, ready to speak the truth, to finally admit the messy feelings he had buried for months ,
Just then, another voice cut through the night.
“Pond! Phuwin! Hi!”
Energetic, loud, and impossibly cheerful. It was Santa , their neighbor, a fellow student at the same school, and one of Pond’s basketball teammates. Pond’s mother and Santa’s mother were good friends too. Phuwin’s stomach twisted immediately. He had never liked Santa, had never trusted how easily he got close to Pond, and saying anything about it to pond felt … toxic, It wasn’t like Pond couldn’t have friends. But still… the sight ruined his mood instantly.
Santa strode toward them, bouncing slightly, and Pond’s face lit up in a wide, radiant smile. Phuwin’s jaw tightened, every muscle in his body coiling in silent fury. He had never seen himself act like this before , so openly, so uncontrollably affected.
“Hi Santa! What’s up?” Pond said cheerfully, standing. And just like that, Santa hugged him , full, energetic, the kind of friendly hug but that made Phuwin’s brain short-circuit. He couldn’t… he just couldn’t sit there for another second. Without a word, without a goodbye, without even an apology, Phuwin stood and stormed off, walking harshly back toward his house, each step a mix of frustration, jealousy, and heartbreak.
Santa froze mid-step, eyes widening. Did I just… interrupt something? He called after Pond nervously. “Uh… sorry, Pond, I didn’t mean to-”
Pond was still processing, still in shock at Phuwin’s sudden exit. He had never seen him act this way. His eyebrows knitted in concern, but he forced a small smile and waved him off. “It’s nothing, Santa. Phuwin probably just… wasn’t feeling well.”
But even as he said it, Pond couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him. The moment he excused Santa, his mind immediately went to Phuwin. What was wrong with him? He had to know and only one way to find out.
🐱🐶
When Pond reached Phuwin’s house, the living room was warm with the glow of the television. His parents were seated there, quietly watching, and he greeted them with a brief, “Hi,” before asking where Phuwin was.
“He’s in his room” Phuwin’s mother replied with a soft smile. It was normal for Pond to drop by , he was practically part of the family by now. Everyone had grown used to it, and Phuwin’s parents adored him for it.
Pond nodded and made his way down the hallway toward Phuwin’s room. He knocked gently at the door. No answer. He exhaled slowly, then spoke, his voice calm but carrying warmth, “I’m coming in, Phuwin.” He turned the knob and stepped inside.
The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of a single lamp. Phuwin hadn’t bothered to turn on the overhead lights. His figure lay curled on the bed, face buried beneath the blanket. Pond froze for a moment, taking it all in, unsure where to start.
Carefully, he moved forward and sat on the edge of the bed. “Talk to me… what’s going on, Phu?” he asked gently, voice low and steady.
That’s when he heard it , a small, broken sob. His eyes went wide. Phuwin… his Phuwin… was crying? Panic gripped him instantly. Without hesitation, he leaned closer and pulled the blanket down, revealing Phuwin’s tear-streaked face. Tears slid down his cheeks, glinting in the soft lamplight, and Pond’s chest tightened painfully at the sight.
“Hey…” he whispered, and before he could think, he wrapped Phuwin in his arms. Phuwin melted into the embrace immediately, shivering slightly as he pressed closer, and began crying more openly, the sobs wracking his body.
Pond held him tightly, feeling every tremble, every shiver, wishing he could absorb all the hurt for him. He murmured softly into Phuwin’s hair, “Please tell me what’s wrong , You are making me worry , Phu”
The push was strong, and Pond was caught completely off guard, wobbling slightly on the bed. God, he felt so frustrated too. Why was this kid acting like this?
“You should go away!” Phuwin said, trying to shout, but the words came out broken, uneven.
Pond didn’t move. He never left until Phuwin calmed down. Slowly, gently, he shifted closer, trying to take Phuwin’s trembling hand in his. He sat beside him again, voice soft, tender, and patient, like he always was with Phuwin. “Why? Are you mad? What’s wrong? Tell me,” he asked, every word wrapped in care and warmth.
At that moment, Phuwin hated the softness. He hated how gentle Pond was, how impossibly kind he always seemed. He wanted Pond to see the raw tremor of feelings inside him, the storm he’d been holding in.
He couldn’t hold it in any longer. He yelled, voice cracking, tears streaming freely, “Are you fucking blind, Pond? I like you so much! Why can’t you use your brain and see?” His chest heaved with every word, his hands trembling as he gripped the sheets, as if holding on to something would help him stay steady. Every sob rattled his body, his whole being vibrating with the weight of months of unspoken feelings, frustration, and longing.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to freeze. Phuwin’s tears fell endlessly, streaking his cheeks, but Pond… Pond’s heart was pounding so violently it felt like it might burst right out of his chest. His throat went dry, his hands hovered uncertainly over Phuwin, unsure where to place them first. He could feel the heat of Phuwin’s skin, the subtle tremor of his body, the ragged breaths he was trying to control. Pond was speechless, stunned, utterly frozen in place, his mind racing to process the confession. It was raw, desperate, and achingly honest , and it left him dizzy, breathless, and more aware of Phuwin than he had ever been in his life.
“I like you so much too, Phu. But why? Why are you crying like this?” Pond asked.
Forming the words felt strangely difficult, like they had to force their way past the tight confusion sitting in his chest. Nothing about this made sense to him. Phuwin was crying like something had broken, yet Pond couldn’t see what he had done wrong. The uncertainty sat heavy in his voice, soft and helpless.
And that , that only made Phuwin more frustrated.
His fingers curled into the sheets as Pond spoke, his chest rising sharply with every breath. How could he not understand? How could he look so confused when the answer felt so painfully obvious to Phuwin? The more Pond tried to soothe him, the more it felt like he was missing the point entirely.
The anger came quickly, hot and sudden, tangled with the tears still clinging to his lashes.
Before Pond could react, Phuwin pushed himself off the bed. The mattress dipped and the movement startled Pond just enough that he barely had time to look up before Phuwin’s hand grabbed the front of his collar. The fabric twisted tightly in his fist as Phuwin yanked him upward.
Pond stumbled forward, caught completely off guard, their faces suddenly far too close.
“I am in l-love with you, you idiot.”
Phuwin didn’t yell it.
He couldn’t.
The words came out as a shaky whisper instead, soft and fragile, completely opposite to the force of his grip. His fingers were still clutching Pond’s collar like he might shake the understanding into him, but his voice betrayed him , quiet, trembling, and almost afraid.
For a moment, Pond just stared at him.
The words echoed in his head like they had been dropped into water, rippling outward, touching every corner of his thoughts. A rush of emotions hit him all at once , sharp and dizzying. Joy first, bright and sudden, followed quickly by fear, disbelief, something softer he couldn’t even name. It was too much, too fast, like his heart didn’t know which feeling it was supposed to hold onto.
He felt utterly overloaded, almost breathless with it.
Because this , this wasn’t how he had imagined it.
Not once, in all the quiet moments where the thought had crossed his mind, had Pond pictured their love being admitted like this. Not with tears still clinging to Phuwin’s lashes, not with his collar twisted in Phuwin’s fist, not with anger and desperation sitting between them.
He had imagined something quieter.
Something softer.
But now that the words were here, trembling in the air between them, Pond realized something else entirely , no matter how messy or overwhelming it felt, this moment was still theirs.
For a few seconds, Pond couldn’t move.
The words hung between them, fragile and heavy at the same time. Phuwin’s fist was still twisted tightly in the collar of his jacket, his breathing uneven, eyes red and wet. Pond could feel the warmth of his breath against his face, could see the tiny tremble in his lips.
His heart was racing so loudly he wondered if Phuwin could hear it.
So Pond gathered every bit of courage he had in him and slowly pulled Phuwin closer, wrapping his arms around him despite the way Phuwin was still gripping his collar harshly.
The sudden closeness made Phuwin’s chest tighten again. For a moment he felt like crying even harder than before, the emotions inside him too big, too overwhelming. His throat burned with it.
But Pond’s hand came up to the back of his head, patting it gently, over and over.
“It’s okay… stop crying,” Pond murmured softly. “Stop crying, Phu.”
The quiet repetition, the steady rhythm of Pond’s hand against his hair, slowly began to calm him down. Phuwin’s grip on the jacket loosened little by little as he leaned into him, breathing shakily.
After a moment, Pond reached over to the small table beside the bed and grabbed the water bottle sitting there.
“Here,” he said softly.
Phuwin took it with slightly trembling hands and drank, the cool water helping settle the tightness in his chest. By the time he lowered the bottle, the tears had finally stopped, leaving his eyes glassy but calmer.
And that was when Pond spoke.
“Phu… me too,” he said quietly.
His voice faltered a little.
“I—I am in love with you too.”
For a second, Phuwin just stared at him.
Then something warm and dizzy exploded in his stomach, like a thousand butterflies suddenly taking flight. It felt different from all the other times Pond had said he loved him or cared about him. This time there was no teasing in his voice, no casual warmth mistaken for friendship.
This time it was unmistakably romantic.
Phuwin couldn’t contain the happiness rushing through him.
With a sudden burst of energy, he launched himself forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Pond in a crushing hug.
Pond let out a small breath of surprise before laughing softly and hugging him back just as tightly, one hand sliding up to hold the back of his head.
They stayed like that for a moment, both of them holding on as if letting go might make the moment disappear.
When they finally pulled away slightly, Phuwin looked at him with bright eyes.
Then he leaned forward.
But before their lips could meet, Pond gently stopped him.
Phuwin froze.
A small frown appeared on his face.
“P-please kiss me, Pond,” he said softly, his voice suddenly desperate again. “I want to kiss you. If I don’t kiss you, I won’t be able to—”
He couldn’t even finish the sentence.
Pond felt like this was pure torture.
The boy he had loved for so long was right here, asking him to kiss him, and somehow Pond , like an absolute idiot was stopping it.
But instead of giving in, Pond leaned forward and pressed the softest kiss to Phuwin’s forehead. His hand moved gently through Phuwin’s hair, playing with the soft strands.
Phuwin blinked for a second.
Then he smiled. Yeah , this was what pond was , the biggest green flag ever.
Phuwin had asked Pond to stay over.
The request came quietly, almost shyly, like now that everything had finally been said out loud, he didn’t want the moment to end yet. His fingers were still loosely holding onto the sleeve of Pond’s jacket, as if letting go would somehow undo the fragile happiness sitting between them.
But Pond knew staying wasn’t the best idea.
Not with everything rushing inside him , too many emotions, too many thoughts, the weight of what had just changed between them. If he stayed, he knew he wouldn’t be able to think clearly at all , wouldn’t be able to act wisely.
So he gently pulled his sleeve free and gave Phuwin a small, apologetic smile.
“I have an assignment to finish,” he said softly. “It’s due tomorrow… I need to go home.”
Phuwin’s expression fell almost immediately.
His brows pulled together in quiet disappointment, lips pressing into a thin line. It was almost ironic , he had completely forgotten about his own pile of schoolwork sitting untouched on his desk, his entire mind too occupied with Pond.
“You’re leaving already?” he muttered.
There was a hint of accusation in his voice, even though he didn’t really mean it.
Pond sighed softly before reaching out and ruffling Phuwin’s hair again, the familiar gesture easing some of the tension.
“I’ll stay over this weekend,” he promised. “The whole weekend, okay?”
Phuwin looked at him for a moment, clearly debating whether to keep sulking or not.
Eventually, he let out a small breath and nodded.
“Fine.”
But the way his fingers lingered on Pond’s wrist before letting go made it obvious he still wasn’t entirely happy about it.
Pond laughed quietly under his breath before finally standing up.
When he reached the door, he turned back once more. Phuwin was still sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him like he might disappear the moment he stepped outside.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Pond said.
Phuwin nodded again, softer this time.
“Tomorrow.”
The door clicked shut a moment later.
Outside, the night had settled quietly over the neighborhood. The air was cooler now, the streets dim under the scattered glow of streetlights. Somewhere in the distance a dog barked, and a faint breeze rustled through the trees.
🐶🐱
The weekend arrived faster than expected, Their routine during the week hadn’t changed much, but the small things had. Phuwin held Pond’s hand while they walked home from school, their smiles lingering longer, while their friends’ teasing only grew louder. Something between them felt new, something that had not been there before.
Phuwin was an excited mess. He had been frying Dunk’s ears off all week, talking about it nonstop. Dunk had even laughed and reminded him that Pond slept over sometimes anyway, so what was so different this time?
But Phuwin couldn’t help it. His “lover” was staying the whole weekend at his house, and for some reason it made his chest buzz with excitement he couldn’t calm down. It was different this time , he couldn’t explain why. He had even prepared a little, picking out a movie for them to watch, buying popcorn, and tidying his room more than usual.
When Pond finally arrived with his small overnight bag, he looked oddly nervous, fingers gripping the strap tightly. Phuwin noticed immediately, and it made warmth bloom in his chest. So he wasn’t the only one who had been waiting for this.
When their eyes met , Phuwin’s excitement finally spilled over. He rushed forward and hugged him tightly, nearly knocking the breath out of him and making Pond laugh.
Phuwin didn’t realize just how much all of this was affecting Pond. It was getting harder for him to stay the calm, composed person everyone knew him to be. Every small thing , the warmth, the closeness, the way Phuwin looked at him , chipped away at that control.
Pond had also noticed how Phuwin had become extra clingy lately, always reaching for him, always staying close. As much as Pond loved it, it scared him too. Because the closer Phuwin stayed, the harder it became for Pond to keep holding himself back.
“Hey, let go. I need to breathe if we’re watching the movie,” Pond said with a small smile, patting Phuwin’s head. It had become a habit now , Pond’s hand always drifting to Phuwin’s hair whenever he hugged him, something he did almost subconsciously.
Phuwin laughed and loosened his grip, stepping back. “I picked your favorite Spider-Man movie,” he said proudly, which only made Pond’s smile widen.
Soon they were settled on the bed together, tucked under the blanket with a bowl of popcorn between them. The TV on the wall played a bright Spider-Man scene, colors flickering softly across the room.
Pond seemed completely focused on the movie, eyes fixed on the screen. But Phuwin’s attention drifted elsewhere. His gaze lingered on Pond’s shoulders , broad, solid, the fabric of his shirt stretched slightly over the muscle. Phuwin swallowed, a strange warmth curling in his chest, and before he could overthink it, he reached out and touched Pond’s shoulder.
Pond flinched slightly at the sudden contact.
“Can you hold me?” Phuwin asked quietly.
Pond stiffened for a moment, a nervous flutter running through him. The contact felt intense, almost like it burned his skin, and his heart thudded faster than he expected. But how could he refuse? With a shaky exhale, he settled back, almost lying down, and wrapped himself around Phuwin.
Phuwin giggled, his face lighting up with a wide, happy smile as he melted into the embrace, feeling the warmth of Pond pressed against him. The room felt smaller, cozier, the movie playing on the TV just background noise to the quiet comfort of being close.
“You’re so warm, Nara,” Phuwin murmured, fingers brushing and wrapping around Pond’s arm resting on his waist. He shifted closer, his hands wandering just slightly, tracing the line of Pond’s shoulders, the curve of his side. Every movement made him giggle softly, a little spark of mischief in his eyes, but his touch lingered.
Pond felt it too. Every brush of Phuwin’s fingers sent tiny shivers through him, a warmth that was spreading faster than he could control. Their bodies were pressed together, breaths mingling, hearts beating in a rhythm that was entirely theirs. Each small touch, each subtle movement of Phuwin, made it harder for Pond to stay calm. He could feel himself loosening, his usual composure slipping with every second that Phuwin stayed pressed so close.
Finally, Pond’s expression turned serious. He grabbed Phuwin firmly by the shoulders, pulling him closer so they were still skin-to-skin but with a small pause. “Stop moving so much,” he said, his voice low, but firm enough to anchor both of them.
Phuwin froze for a moment, feeling the heat rising in his stomach, a flush creeping over his chest and cheeks. His mind spun, the same thought striking again and again , the urge to lean in, to close the tiny space between them, to kiss Pond on the lips. His fingers tightened slightly on Pond’s arm, his breath hitching, but he stayed there, caught in that charged moment, heart thundering as he let the tension build.
And than the tension was too much , Phuwin shifted slightly, unable to help himself. His heart was pounding, his chest tight, and every nerve in his body screamed to lean closer. He wanted to kiss Pond , wanted it more than anything. Slowly, almost trembling, he inched forward, closing the last inches between them, lips nearly brushing.
But Pond pulled away suddenly, harshly, sitting up and completely letting go of Phuwin. The sudden distance hit him like a wave. A rush of emotions crashed through Phuwin , sadness, confusion, a sting of anger he didn’t fully understand. Why wasn’t Pond kissing him? Had he been lying about feeling the same way earlier?
Phuwin’s voice cracked under the weight of it all. “W-what’s wrong? W-why are you pulling away again?” he asked, words shaky, heavy with too much feelings, too much emotion for a heart that was already raw and exposed.
When Pond noticed the tremble in Phuwin’s voice, his own heart twisted with guilt. He turned back instantly, regretting the harsh pull. Gently, he took Phuwin’s hands in his, breathing deep, the Spider-Man movie long forgotten on the screen.
“Phu… we shouldn’t. W-we shouldn’t do it right now,” Pond said finally, and only then did he realize his words had stuttered.
But Phuwin, filled with emotions far too big for his seventeen-year-old body, pulled Pond’s hand closer, pressing it against himself without thinking, impatient, careless of the moment. “Why? Why are you saying that? Do you not want to? Do you not want to kiss me? I do , I want to kiss you. I want to feel your lips , why don’t you?” Phuwin didn’t pause for even a moment between all these questions , demanding answers, almost pleading, eyes wide, breath shaky. Oh, silly Phuwin.
Pond’s mind went dizzy at the torrent of Phuwin’s impatient confessions. His heart raced, his thoughts scattered. How could he explain the storm of feelings inside him?
Gently, he held Phuwin’s hands tighter and said, “Phu… you’re still very young. We shouldn’t do anything you might regret later.”
Phuwin’s chest flared with anger. How dare Pond make decisions for him? Yes, he knew he was young , but that didn’t mean he was unsure. That didn’t mean he would stop wanting Pond in a few years.
“That’s the dumb excuse you’re giving me? Seriously, Pond?” Phuwin’s voice sounded a little bitter, edges sharp with frustration. His hands tightened around Pond’s, eyes flashing.
Pond looked at him carefully, realizing just how little Phuwin understood the weight of the situation. He could see it in the way Phuwin’s whole body trembled with need and impatience, his heart practically spilling out of his chest. Pond knew he had to handle this with care , that was what Phuwin deserved.
“It’s not an excuse,” Pond said softly, voice steady but gentle, squeezing Phuwin’s hands back. “You have no clue how much I want to feel your lips. There is nothing more I want than that, baby.” The nickname made Phuwin’s cheeks heat, his lips parting slightly in shy surprise, but it wasn’t enough to calm the storm raging inside him.
“But we need to be responsible, okay?” Pond continued, squeezing Phuwin’s hand tighter this time, hoping the touch, the quiet reassurance, would reach him. Phuwin felt it, but his feelings were too big, too urgent to care about fragile things like caution or restraint , and yet, weren’t fragile things supposed to be cared for the most?
Impatience surged through him again. Without thinking, he moved closer, pressing his forehead against Pond’s, his heart racing but he didn’t care “A-a little one… a little one won’t hurt. P-please, Pond. Please… let me feel you,” he whispered, voice trembling with need, raw and unfiltered, his eyes searching Pond’s for permission like a child reaching for the cookie jar.
That was enough for Pond. He couldn’t bear Phuwin’s pleading words anymore, couldn’t ignore the way his chest ached at the sight of him so desperate, so open, so impossibly in love. He was human too , human and hopelessly caught in the same tide of feeling.
Pond took a deep, steadying breath and closed the tiny distance between them. His lips pressed fully against Phuwin’s, soft but insistent.
Phuwin froze for a heartbeat, then closed his eyes instantly, shivering at the sensation. His hands left Pond’s and instinctively found their way to the back of his neck, fingers threading into hair, pulling him just a little closer. Oh god, his first kiss. The world had narrowed down to the press of lips, the heat of their bodies, the mingling of their breaths.
Pond’s lips were impossibly tender , exactly what Phuwin had wanted for as long as he could remember. Now that he finally had them, his patience vanished, replaced by a frantic need. He was moving his mouth against Ponds desperately, hungrily, as if trying to take it all in at once.
Pond didn’t pull away. He just sat there, letting Phuwin explore, letting him lose himself in the kiss. And yet, he couldn’t stop the small, amused smile tugging at his lips as Phuwin’s intensity , the way he fumbled, kissed too hard, too quick, too eager. It was unpolished, inexperienced, raw and it made Pond’s heart soften even more, filling with a strange warmth. Each sloppy, overeager movement of Phuwin’s only made him want to hold him closer, to steady him, to show him that it was okay to feel everything so loudly.
The kiss was reckless, passionate, trembling with inexperience and longing, and in the way Phuwin’s hands gripped his shoulders, the way his chest pressed against Pond’s, Pond felt overwhelming ache of affection, his fingers itch to tangle in Phuwin’s hair, just to anchor him in that moment.
When Phuwin finally pulled back , surely only because he had to breathe , his face was completely flushed. A bright red blush spread across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, making him look even more beautiful, even softer somehow.
Pond looked at him for a moment, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.
“Happy?” he asked gently.
Phuwin didn’t answer right away. He just stared at Pond, eyes locked onto his, chest rising and falling as if his body still hadn’t caught up with what had just happened. Everything inside him felt too big, too overwhelming.
“I want to do it again,” Phuwin said softly.
Pond huffed out a quiet laugh and turned his head for a second, smiling to himself. This side of Phuwin , bold, impatient, openly wanting was a delight he hadn’t expected.
He knew he should stop. He knew it would probably be smarter to slow things down.
But… one more wouldn’t hurt.
Right?
With that thought, Pond reached forward and gently pulled Phuwin closer, guiding him down as he laid back against the bed. Phuwin followed easily, his smaller body settling perfectly beside him under the blanket, fitting against him like it belonged there.
Pond lifted a hand and held Phuwin’s jaw carefully, his thumb resting just under his cheek.
Then he leaned in and kissed him again.
Phuwin’s heart started racing the moment Pond’s lips touched his again. This kiss was slower than the first one, calmer. It felt steadier, like Pond was guiding it carefully, taking his time. Phuwin melted into it, fingers gripping the front of Pond’s shirt.
But the warmth rushing through him only made him bolder. Without thinking much, his hands slid upward, trying to pull Pond’s shirt off.
Pond immediately pulled back, breaking the kiss. He caught Phuwin’s wrist gently but firmly.
“Enough now. I listened to you, so now you listen to me,” Pond said.
Phuwin frowned deeply, lips pressing together in clear disappointment, but after a moment he sighed and settled back beside him.
Pond, however, was far from calm. His mind was spinning. He stared ahead for a second, trying to steady his breathing. “Phuwin is going to be the ruin of me” he thought helplessly.
When Phuwin had tried to pull his shirt off, for a split second Pond had felt like he might actually pass out from how quickly he was losing control. Every bit of the patience he prided himself on was hanging by a thread, and Phuwin didn’t even realize it.
And that terrified him almost as much as it tempted him.
They eventually settled back under the blanket, Phuwin curled against Pond’s side while Pond’s arm rested around him. The movie kept playing quietly in front of them as they watched in comfortable silence.
At some point, neither of them noticed when sleep took over. Still cuddled close, they drifted off together before the movie even finished.