Chapter 9: Chapter 9

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At Phuwin’s House

For weeks, I’ve wrestled with this decision. The weight of keeping my relationship with Pond a secret has grown unbearable. My mom deserves the truth. She’s been planning my future for so long, and I know it’s only a matter of time before she arranges something… or someone like Star forces her hand.

I love Pond. He’s been my strength, my support, and my happiness. I can’t lie to her forever. It’s not fair to Pond, and it’s not fair to myself. If she hears about us, it should come from me not someone else, and definitely not in a way that paints our love as something shameful.

I’ve decided. Today is the day. But first, I want to talk to Pond. I know he’ll be happy to hear this. He’s always encouraged me to take my time, to do things when I’m ready. Well, I’m ready now.

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The Café

The café was quieter than usual, but it did little to calm my nerves. Pond and I sat across from each other, the soft hum of voices and clinking cups filling the air. Normally, this was our safe space a place where we could forget the world for a while. But today, something felt off.

Pond wasn’t himself. He barely touched his coffee, his eyes fixed on the table. His silence was unnerving.

“Pond,” I said gently, trying to catch his attention. “I have something important to tell you.”

His gaze flicked up to meet mine briefly before dropping again. “I… I have something to tell you too,” he said hesitantly.

“Really? You go first,” I said, smiling to ease the tension.

“No,” he said quickly, almost too quickly. “You go first.”

I hesitated, his strange behaviour gnawing at me. But I’d made up my mind. “Alright,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I’ve decided I’m going to tell my mom about us.”

His head snapped up, his expression a mixture of surprise and… something else. Panic, maybe?

“I can’t keep hiding this from her,” I continued. “If she doesn’t accept us, then fine. But I want her to hear it from me. I don’t want her making plans for me like trying to marry me off to someone like Star.” I chuckled lightly, hoping he’d relax, but he didn’t.

Instead, he froze, his hands gripping the edge of the table.

“Pond?” I asked, my smile fading. “What’s wrong?”

He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, like the words were too heavy to say. Finally, he took a shaky breath and said, “Phuwin, why do you need to tell her now? We still have time. Let’s not rush.”

I frowned, taken aback. “What do you mean? We’ve been together for years. Don’t you want her to know about us?”

“Of course I do,” he said quickly, his tone unconvincing. “But… it doesn’t have to be today. Let’s think this through.”

I narrowed my eyes, searching his face for answers. “What’s going on, Pond? Why are you acting like this?”

He looked away, his jaw tightening. “It’s not that simple, Phuwin.”

“Not that simple?” I repeated, my voice rising slightly. “Pond, you’ve always told me to be honest, to stand up for what we have. Why are you suddenly hesitating?”

He pressed his lips together, his hands trembling slightly. For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. Then, with a deep breath, he said the words that shattered the air between us.

“Phuwin… I’m getting married.”

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Pond’s POV

The moment the words left my mouth, I saw the light in Phuwin’s eyes dim. His lips parted in shock, his brow furrowing as if he couldn’t comprehend what I’d just said.

“What?” he whispered, his voice trembling.

I couldn’t look at him. “It’s Mina,” I said quietly, each word like a knife to my chest. “Her family arranged it. I didn’t have a choice.”

He sat back, processing my words. For a long moment, he didn’t speak. I expected him to yell, to cry, to storm out. But instead, he reached across the table and took my hand.

“Pond,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the pain in his eyes. “Tell me everything.”

The unexpected calm in his tone broke me. I looked at him, seeing the love and concern that had always been there, even now. “Mina’s father,” I began, my voice shaking. “He’s powerful. If I refuse, he’ll destroy my family’s company. He’ll ruin everything.”

Phuwin squeezed my hand. “And you agreed to this… for your family?”

I nodded, my throat tightening. “I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t want this, Phuwin. I don’t love her. I love you.”

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, but he didn’t let them fall. “Pond, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I was scared,” I admitted. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Hurt me?” he said, his voice breaking. “Pond, do you know how much it hurts to think you’ve been carrying this alone? Do you think so little of me that you couldn’t trust me with the truth?”

“No,” I said desperately, shaking my head. “It’s not that. I just… I didn’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t lose me,” he said firmly, his grip on my hand tightening. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

I stared at him, overwhelmed by his strength, his love. “Phuwin…”

“Pond,” he interrupted, his voice soft but resolute. “We’ll face this, no matter what. You’re not alone in this. I won’t let you be.”

In that moment, I knew one thing for certain: I didn’t deserve him. But I would fight for him for us no matter the cost.

-To be continued▪︎

Where can i find a person like phuwin??😭 he is soo supporting.💗