POND'S POV
I could only shake my head as I watched Phuwin rush into his house. I called out to him, but he didn't respond. I decided not to follow; I wanted him to have the time he needed to process everything in his mind.
It baffled me how he arrived at the conclusion that my boyfriend was his twin. Where did all of this even begin? What signals had I missed that led him to think that way?
Gem and I are really close; he's my best friend, but there's no chance for us to be more than that. It's just too complicated. Gem knows that I love his twin, and I'm aware that he's in love with someone too. The problem is, he's in denial about it and doesn't want to pursue that love because of everything happening with their parents.
I've loved Phuwin since we were in third year high school. He's the reason Dunk and I broke up, but I want to make it clear that it wasn't a third-party situation. Our breakup had nothing to do with anyone else. Even though Phuwin was involved, he was never treated as an outsider.
Dunk and I were together partly as a way for him to explore his sexual preferences. He was really confused back then because he had a crush on a girl named Dane and also on a guy named Joong.
Before Gem, Dunk was my best friend. We've been close for as long as I can remember, and while we're still best friends now, we don't hang out as much anymore. He's busy with his studies and his boyfriend, and I'm caught up with Gem, especially since their family issues are becoming more complicated. Gem doesn't know how long he can keep that from Phuwin and he needs someone beside him. Before Dunk and I broke up, I confessed my feelings for Phuwin to Gem. He was upset because I had a boyfriend, and loyalty has always been a big deal for him. But I took the time to explain everythingâwhat was really going on between Dunk and me, and where we stood in our relationship.
After that, I spoke to Dunk and told him about my feelings for Phuwin. By then, Dunk had already come to terms with himself and was no longer confused. He knew who he truly liked and was ready to end our relationship to pursue that person. I just happened to beat him to the punch in expressing my feelings for Phuwin. He broke up with me right away, even saying that he didn't need to worry about me being alone because I liked Phuwin. Sooner or later I have someone who will take good care of me aside from him.
After our high school graduation, I approached Gemini's parents, with Gemini by my side for support. Phuwin wasn't thereâhe was at a friend's house celebrating a birthday.
I took a deep breath and asked for their permission to court Phuwin. Honestly, I was completely smitten. I could already picture our future together, even dreaming about living under the same roof if they would allow me to pursue him. I was determined to do whatever it took to make him mine. Gem couldn't help but tease me about how infatuated I was with his twin.
Their parents were understandably taken aback, but there was no hint of disapproval in their expressions. It took them a moment to process what I was asking.
Finally, they replied that they had no objections if I genuinely loved and wanted to court their son. Ultimately, they said, it would be Phuwin's decision about who he wanted to be with. However, they requested that I wait until after we graduated to officially pursue him. They believed our studies should come first and weren't concerned that a relationship might interfere with that. Their stance was clear: love would still be there when the time was right. If we were truly meant for each other, they were confident we would find our way back together, no matter the circumstances.
I agreed without hesitation. I had no issues with Phuwin's parents' wishes. My main concern was making sure no one else would try to pursue Phuwin. So, I kept a close watch on him. I even asked for help from my cousin Aou to keep an eye on my Phuwin.
I also made it a point to stay close to Gem since he was navigating his family problems alone. Only he and his parents knew what was really going on, and he didn't want Phuwin to find out. He was well aware of Phuwin's temper and feared the reaction he would get if Phuwin discovered their family issues.
Gem needed someone to confide in, someone who could help him release his frustrations. So, I focused on being there for him, making sure he felt happy and supported when we were together. That was all I could really do as his friend.
But then everything spiraled out of control because of Phuwin. I couldn't wrap my head around how he came to the conclusion that there was a romantic relationship between me and Gem. Was it because we were close? But isn't that what friends doâsupport each other?
I shook my head again, reflecting on everything. Luckily, Gem sensed something was off with Phuwin since our trip to America, which was prompted by the bullying incident. He mentioned that he had noticed a change in Phuwin the day he agreed to the student exchange program, but he brushed it off, thinking he might have been imagining things. At the same time, his parents were having serious issues that nearly led to a separation.
Now that Phuwin was back for vacation, Gem urged me to clarify things with him before anything got out of hand. He didn't want Phuwin carrying any negative emotions around. Fortunately, his parents had given me the green light to pursue their youngest son, sensing that something was indeed troubling him.
But since Phuwin admitted he loved me and we had already kissed, I felt that I didn't need to pursue him any further. My main focus was to make him happy every day.
I shrugged happily at that thought. I might look foolish right now, but I didn't mind. If being happy made me look like a fool, then so be it. I was happy, and Phuwin was mineâend of story.
"Happy?" I turned at the sound of Gem's voice. He was approaching with a wide grin.
"Yeah," I replied simply.
"Did you make everything clear?"
"Mm. I was a bit shocked at how large the conclusion was that Phuwin had drawn in his mind." I shook my head, remembering our conversation as we sat on the bench where Phuwin had been earlier.
"I need to talk to Phuwin later. Maybe a hard smack on his head will do."
"As if you could smack him."
"Actually, I can't."
I chuckled and shook my head. "I know you can't. You love Phuwin too much to ever hurt him."
"Please take care of him, Pond." Gem suddenly became serious.
"Of course. You know how much I love your brother."
"Don't cheat on him, please. If you ever fall out of love, just let him go. Cut ties cleanâno cheating."
I put my arm around Gem's shoulder and pulled him close. Something had happened during my conversation with Phuwin that made me feel protective.
"I have no plans of letting him go, Gem. I want him for life."
Gem gave me a simple smile. I pulled him into a hug. Even without words, I could tell he was carrying something heavy. And since my baby Phu was taking his time to process everything, it was Gem who needed me right now.
"Cry, Gem. Cry on my shoulder."
Gem leaned into my shoulder, and I could feel the tension in his body as he finally let out a shaky breath. "I just... I worry about him. About both of you," he admitted, his voice muffled.
"I get it," I replied, holding him tighter. "I love your brother so much. I will cherish him for the rest of my life."
He nodded, his grip on me tightening. "I just don't want him to go through what I did. The stress, the heartacheâit's a lot for anyone to handle, especially when family is involved."
"I promise to love and protect him. I will make him happy everyday. " I reassured him.
After a moment, Gem pulled back slightly, wiping his eyes. "Thanks, Pond. Thank you for loving my brother. Also, thank you for always being here for me. Being my shoulder to cry on. For listening to all my problems and pains.
I smile, hoping to lighten the mood. "Who else is going to keep you in check?"
He chuckled softly, the tension easing a bit. "Right. You're my only friend who can handle my craziness."
"Exactly. But I think you need to tell Phuwin about what's happening in your family. Keeping him in the dark isn't helpful," I advised gently.
"I'll think about it. Honestly, I've been planning to tell him soon. My parents' issues are getting out of hand and I can't handle it anymore. I hate seeing them pretend to be okay in front of my twin. It's unfair to deceive him like this, and I don't want to keep Phuwin in the dark any longer."
"I understand. Just make sure you find the right time to share everything with him. I'm here for both of you, no matter what," I reassured him, wanting him to feel supported.
Gem took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Thanks, Pond. It really helps knowing you've got our backs."
"Always," I replied with a smile. "We'll get through this together."
As we sat there together, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were all in this together. Phuwin, Gem, and me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, we'd face them as a unit. And I was determined to make sure Phuwin felt loved and supported through it all.
"Let's head back and check on Phuwin," I suggested.
"Yeah, good idea," Gem agreed, standing up. "Thanks for being here, Pond. It means a lot."
"Always," I replied, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. We were in this together, and I was ready to do whatever it took to ensure Phuwin knew he was loved and that he wouldn't have to face his struggles alone.