Chapter 7: Chapter 7

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The knock on the door sent chills down my spine. My whole body stiffened as I glanced at Pond, who immediately froze, his sharp eyes darting toward the door.

“What, Mom? What’s wrong?” I asked quickly, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Nothing, why do you sound so nervous? Is everything alright in there?” she asked suspiciously, her voice calm but probing.

I swallowed hard, glancing back at Pond, who raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed as if silently daring me to mess this up.

“Y-Yeah! I’m fine, Mom. I was just, um, organizing some stuff. You should go back to bed,” I said, my voice higher than usual.

There was a pause. “Alright, if you’re sure. But don’t stay up too late, okay?”

“Yes, Mom! Goodnight!” I said quickly, exhaling a shaky breath as her footsteps faded down the hallway.

When the silence returned, I turned to Pond, who stood there, his arms still crossed and an amused smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re terrible at lying, Phuwin.”

“That was terrifying!” I whispered harshly, my hands trembling. “Do you know what could’ve happened if she’d come in?”

“And what if she had?” Pond asked casually, stepping closer. His towering presence and confident smirk made my heart race for entirely different reasons now. “Wouldn’t be the first time I charmed my way out of trouble.”

I gaped at him. “You’re joking, right? This isn’t funny, Pond! My mom could’ve seen you!”

“And?” he said smoothly, closing the distance between us until I could feel the heat radiating off him. “You think I’m scared of your mom, Phuu?”

I scowled, pushing lightly against his chest, but he didn’t budge. “You should be! If she finds out you’re here, she’ll—”

He interrupted me by leaning down, his voice low and teasing. “She’ll what? Ground you? Throw me out the window? Relax, Phuwin. You’re overthinking again.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he suddenly pulled me into a firm embrace, his arms wrapping around me protectively. “You’re safe with me. Always,” he murmured against my hair, his deep voice soothing the panic coursing through me.

Despite my frustration, I found myself melting into his embrace. He had a way of making me feel like everything would be okay, even when it clearly wasn’t.

“Still,” I muttered, my cheek pressed against his chest, “you’re way too reckless. One day, your confidence is going to get us in trouble.”

“Maybe,” he said with a soft chuckle, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was also a tenderness there that made my breath hitch. “But I’d do it all over again if it meant being with you.”

My cheeks flushed, and I quickly looked away. “Stop saying things like that…”

“Why? Does it make your heart race?” he teased, leaning in closer.

“Pond!” I exclaimed, swatting at his arm, but he just laughed, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

“Alright, alright,” he said, his laughter subsiding as he guided me toward the bed. “Come on. Let’s sleep. You’ve had enough stress for one night.”

I hesitated, glancing at the door. “What if she checks on me again?”

“She won’t,” he said confidently, pulling back the covers. “And even if she does, I’ll handle it.”

“But—”

“No buts, Phuwin,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm staying here with you tonight.”

Reluctantly, I climbed onto the bed, my heart still racing. He slid in beside me, pulling me against his chest like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You’re too confident for your own good,” I muttered, my voice muffled against his shirt.

“And you’re too adorable for your own good,” he countered, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Now sleep.”

I sighed, closing my eyes as his steady heartbeat lulled me into a sense of calm.

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The Next Morning

I woke to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains and the sound of birds chirping outside. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—until I realized Pond was still lying beside me.

“Pond!” I hissed, shaking him urgently.

He groaned, cracking one eye open. “What now?”

“Get up! My mom could walk in any second!” I said, my voice rising with panic.

He smirked, his voice still husky with sleep. “Relax, Phuu. She’s probably making breakfast or something. No one’s coming in here.”

“You don’t know that!” I said, trying to push him out of bed. “Get out before she—”

Before I could finish, the sound of footsteps approached the door. My heart stopped as I grabbed Pond’s arm in a death grip.

“She’s coming!” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Instead of panicking, Pond leaned down and kissed my forehead, his smirk widening. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

And just like that, he climbed out the window with the kind of grace that made me wonder if he’d done this a hundred times before.

“See you later, Phuu,” he said with a wink before disappearing into the morning light.

I sighed, collapsing back onto the bed just as the door creaked open.

“Phuwin?” my mom’s voice called, her head peeking in.

“Y-Yeah?” I said, sitting up quickly.

“Breakfast is ready. Come downstairs soon,” she said before leaving again.

I let out a breath of relief, my heart still racing from the close call. That boy was going to drive me crazy, but as I touched the spot where he’d been lying, I couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe reckless wasn’t so bad after all.

-To be continued▪︎