PHUWIN POV
What Is Happiness?
For me, happiness is spelled P O N D.
Am I happy right now? Absolutely. I'm beyond happy. I never imagined my brief vacation would turn out to be so unforgettable.
Since I fell for Pond, I've dreamed of being a Pond lover. But I never truly expected him to become my boyfriendâespecially when I thought he might be with my brother.
I let out a deep sigh, reflecting on my misguided conclusions. It's embarrassing that my assumptions took me so far, yet it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Despite my embarrassing conclusion, I ended up finding joy in the unexpected outcome.
"Your smile might just stretch your mouth wide enough to rip it, Phu," came a teasing voice from the door.
I glanced up to see Gemini leaning against the frame of my door, arms crossed over his chest, his teasing gaze fixed on me just as it had been for the past few days.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, feeling a mix of embarrassment and reluctance to be alone with him. Since Pond and I got together, Gem and I hadn't really talked. Pond was always by my side, often sleeping in my room. Right now, though, he was at home getting clothes for our trip to America tomorrow, as his parents had asked him to go for reasons unknown to me.
"Am I not allowed in your room anymore?" Gemini shot back.
"I didn't say that."
"But it sounds like it. Just because you're dating my friend doesn't mean I can't be here. Tell me, has anything happened between you two?"
"Gemini!" My cheeks flushed with heat at his question.
"Your ears betray you," he teased as I covered them with my hands.
"Nothing's happening, Gem." I pouted, avoiding his gaze.
"I told you, you're not good at lying, Phuwin."
"There really isn't anything! We haven't reached that point yet."
It was true that nothing happened between me and Pond. Just kiss and a short make out. His sudden question caught me off guard; it felt too personal, that's why I got shy.
"But you two kissed. How was it?"
"GEMINI!"
"He's shy! Hahahaha!" Gemini burst into laughter, diving onto my bed, his voice echoing through the room.
"Aren't you being a bit nosy about my love life?" I said, trying to maintain a facade of annoyance.
"Can't I be?"
"That's too personal, Gem."
"But I'm your brother, and Pond is my best friend."
"Geeemm," I whined, and he simply laughed, pinching my cheek gently.
"Stop acting cute, Phuwin. Not right now."
"Why not?"
"We need to have a serious conversation. Your cuteness isn't helping."
"What are we discussing?"
Gem sat beside me. "Are you happy?"
"About what?"
"About being with Pond?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes!"
"That's good to hear. I want you to be happy with him."
I looked intently at Gemini, noticing how distracted he seemed lately. He appeared troubled, often retreating to his room except for meals or when our mother sent him to run errands.
"Is something bothering you, Gem?"
"Not really. Why do you ask?"
I locked eyes with him, sensing the weight of his emotions, which he had mastered the art of concealing. Even if I couldn't read him, I could feel that something was off.
"You're lying."
I could sense the heaviness in his heart, a problem he wasn't sharing.
"Besides your wild conclusions and daydreams about me and Pond, I don't have any issues."
He was lying. I wondered how heavy his burden was that he couldn't share it with me.
"Sorry." I looked down.
"Seriously, Phu? How did you reach that conclusion?"
"Gem." I pouted, giving him my best puppy-dog look.
"Stop it, Phuwin, and answer me. I want to know."
I scratched my head, searching for words. "You two are really close. You're always together."
"We're friends, Phuwin. You know that."
"I do, but..."
"Seriously? You know Pond is my best friend. It's natural for us to be close. Are best friends supposed to be distant?"
"No."
"Were you jealous of our closeness?"
"No! I just misinterpreted it."
He let out a deep sigh. "You're unbelievable, Phu."
"Are you mad? I'm sorry!" I took his hand, looking earnestly at him.
"I'm not mad. I'm frustrated. I'm surprised by your behavior."
"Sorry."
"No need to apologize. I just can't believe what was going through your mind. Always remember, Pond and I are best friends. Our closeness is purely platonic, and that won't change."
"I'll remember that, Gem."
"And always ask me or Pond if something bothers you, especially now that you're in a relationship. Communication is key to a healthy relationship. Don't jump to conclusions without confirmation."
"Yes, Gem."
"Don't be jealous of my closeness with Pond. Our relationship will always remain platonic."
I nodded, mentally reminding myself not to let jealousy creep in again. Once was enough; I wouldn't let it happen again.
"Pond is serious about you, Phuwin. He even asked for our parents' blessing."
"You've known for a while that he likes me, and you didn't tell me?"
"It's not my place to interfere in other people's decisions. Pond has his own plans regarding his feelings. I respect his choices, just as I respect yours in keeping your feelings hidden."
"You knew how I felt about him? Since when?"
"Phuwin, aside from not being a good liar, you're also terrible at hiding your feelings. Plus, we're twins. It's kind of my thing to know."
I know that twin connection. I could feel the weight of something significant on his mind.
"Does Pond know? I mean, before all this?"
"No. I haven't told him. I don't want to meddle in your affairs. Besides, I enjoy watching the way you two sneak glances at each other; it's cute and amusing, like a drama series."
"So you're happy seeing me hurt?"
"It's your fault if you got hurt. You jumped to conclusions without asking. And yes, I find it funny to watch you act foolishly."
"Gemini, you're terrible."
"I'm not! You're just funny."
I fell silent, pouting my lips in response.
"Be happy with Pond, Phuwin. Always trust him."
"I will, Gem."
"Remember, I love you. If Pond ever hurts youâthough I doubt he willâcome to me. You can cry on my shoulder, but don't expect me to hurt Pond physically. I won't do that."
"I wouldn't let you hurt him or get into a fight over me. Our problems shouldn't affect your friendship."
"Acting all mature, huh?"
"Gemini, stop."
"Hahahaha. Fine, I'll stop."
He pulled me into a hug, kissing my head twice.
"I love you, Phu. Be happy, okay?"
"Is something wrong, Gem? You're acting strange. You can tell me anything."
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
You're not, Gem. I can feel it. Your unease is making me worried.
"Okay. I'm always here for you, Gem. Please remember that."