CHAPTER 4
---
Two weeks later.
Phuwin walked toward the university gym.
The sound of bouncing basketballs echoed faintly from inside.
Shouts. Shoes screeching against the floor. Energy everywhere.
He slowed as he approached his teammates.
Then stepped into the court area.
Standing at the center.
Waiting.
"You guys called me?" He asked.
A silence followed.
Too heavy.
Too deliberate.
The coach stepped forward.
"Phuwin Tangsakyuen."
Phuwin's expression shifted slightly.
Still calm.
But alert now.
The coach exhaled.
"We've made a decision."
Phuwin blinked once.
"You're being removed from the team," The coach said.
"Due to repeated absences from practice."
Phuwin froze.
"...What?" He whispered.
For a second, his mind flashed through everything.
Work shifts.
Café closing late.
Homework stacks that weren't his.
Helping others because they asked.
Coming home exhausted.
Sleeping too little.
The coach continued.
"We need consistency. This team can't function with players who aren't present. We've already found a replacement."
Phuwin's fingers curled slowly into his palm.
Tighter.
And tighter.
Until it hurt.
He forced a smile.
"...It's fine," He said softly.
Pause.
Then added:
"I understand."
The coach nodded once, as if the matter was settled.
"Derek will be taking your place."
A boy stepped forward.
Derek.
Tall.
Confident.
Easy smile.
The kind of smile that didn't need permission to exist.
It tilted slightly- almost playful, almost sharp.
Like he already belonged there.
"Nice to meet you, again." Derek said casually.
Phuwin kept smiling.
Even as something inside him cracked quietly.
"That's great," He said.
"Congratulations."
Silence.
No one said anything else.
No one stopped him.
Phuwin turned.
And walked away.
Step by step.
Calm.
Composed.
Perfect, like always.
But inside-
Something was boiling.
Not loud.
Not explosive.
Just... Steady.
Burning.
Quietly eating through him as he left the gym behind.
---
Later that evening.
Phuwin was behind the counter, quietly packing things away.
Wiping surfaces.
Stacking items.
Closing routines he didn't really feel present for.
His heart felt heavy.
Too heavy.
Like it was pressing into his ribs with every breath.
Like if he stopped moving for even a second-
He might collapse.
The door opened.
A soft chime.
Phuwin looked up automatically.
Pond stood there.
Hands in his pockets.
Expression unreadable.
His side lip still slightly healing from the bruise.
"Coffee. No sugar," Pond said.
Phuwin nodded without speaking.
Too drained to respond.
He turned and started preparing it.
Pond raised a brow slightly.
Noticing.
The silence.
The lack of Phuwin's usual quiet acknowledgment.
But he didn't comment yet.
Instead, he walked over and sat at a booth.
Watching.
Phuwin kept his back turned.
Focused.
Or pretending to.
"You want whipped cream?" He asked after a moment.
"Yes," Pond replied.
Phuwin nodded again.
Still quiet.
Still distant.
He finished the drink.
Hands moving automatically.
Then-
Without thinking again-
He placed a cherry on top.
And walked over.
Setting it down in front of Pond.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then-
Pond reached out.
Quickly.
Grabbing Phuwin's wrist.
"Why do you look like that?" He asked.
Phuwin froze.
Slowly turned his head.
And gave a smile.
Too practiced.
Too empty.
"What do you mean?" He asked softly.
Pond didn't let go.
His grip stayed firm- but not painful.
"You look like you're not okay," He murmured.
Phuwin's smile twitched.
Like it was starting to crack under its own weight.
"I am okay," He said.
"No," Pond said immediately.
Quiet.
Certain.
"You're not."
Silence.
Phuwin swallowed.
His throat felt tight.
He looked away slightly.
Like if he kept eye contact too long-
Something would break.
Pond glanced at the empty booth across him.
Then back at Phuwin.
"Sit," He said softly.
Not demanding.
Just... Steady.
Phuwin hesitated.
Just for a second too long.
Then he sat down.
Pond crossed his arms, gaze steady and cold in that unreadable way of his.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
Phuwin blinked, staring at him for a moment.
Then he let out a quiet breath.
"...I got kicked out of the basketball team," He said softly. "Because I wasn't showing up to practice."
Silence.
Pond didn't react immediately.
He just stared.
Long enough that Phuwin almost regretted saying it.
Then-
"My team has one slot open," Pond muttered.
Phuwin looked up quickly.
"...What do you mean?"
Pond didn't blink.
"I mean," He said flatly, "we need one more player."
A pause.
Then he added, more practical now:
"You just need to pass the try-in with our coach. That's it. If you're still interested in playing."
Phuwin froze.
For a moment, he didn't speak.
Didn't move.
Just stared at Pond like he hadn't expected anything at all.
Then-
His expression softened.
And a small smile slowly formed.
Not fake this time.
Just... Surprised.
Warm.
"...You're offering me a spot?" He asked quietly.
Pond shrugged slightly.
"It's just a slot," He said, but his eyes didn't leave Phuwin.
Phuwin let out a small breath.
Something in his chest loosened.
Just a little.
"I don't even know if I'll pass," He admitted.
"You will," Pond said immediately.
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Phuwin blinked at him.
"...Why are you so sure?"
Pond tilted his head slightly.
"I watched you play before," He said. "You're not bad."
A pause.
Then, quieter:
"You just don't show up enough."
Phuwin looked down at his hands for a moment.
Then back up.
"...I had a lot going on," He murmured.
Pond nodded once.
"I know."
That simple response made Phuwin pause.
Silence settled between them again.
But it didn't feel heavy anymore.
Phuwin exhaled softly.
"...If I join," He said carefully, "I'll still have my job."
Pond leaned back slightly.
"Then manage it," He said.
Like it was the simplest thing in the world.
Phuwin gave a small, almost helpless laugh.
"That sounds easy when you say it."
"It is," Pond replied.
Phuwin looked at him for a second longer.
Then nodded slowly.
"...Okay," He said.
Pond's gaze didn't shift.
"Talk to the coach tomorrow," He added.
Phuwin nodded again.
"Okay."
A pause.
Then, softer-
"Thank you," Phuwin said.
Pond blinked once.
Then looked away slightly, ears slowly turning red.
"...Just don't be late," He muttered.
Phuwin smiled again.
This time, it stayed.
---
Phuwin later walked back behind the counter, returning to his quiet routine- cleaning, packing, moving through the motions like muscle memory.
Pond stayed seated.
Still.
Watching.
Only when Phuwin wasn't looking did he finally reach for the coffee.
His fingers wrapped around the cup.
Warm.
Steady.
Then he paused.
His gaze dropped.
To the cherry.
Sitting on top of the whipped cream like it had been placed there on purpose every time.
Pond hesitated.
Just for a second.
Then he picked it up.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Like it meant more than it should.
Across the café, Phuwin's back was still turned.
Focused on work.
Unaware.
Pond looked at him.
At the way he stood.
Quiet.
Tired.
Still holding everything in without saying it.
Then his eyes returned to the cherry.
And this time-
He ate it.
Sweet.
Simple.
A little too soft for something so small.
Pond's expression barely changed.
But something in his chest did.
A faint shift.
Like something unfamiliar had settled there and refused to leave.
---
Two days later-
Phuwin stood in front of the basketball gym.
The doors behind him slightly open, the sound of sneakers and bouncing balls echoing faintly inside.
In front of him-
Pond.
Behind Pond stood the rest of the team.
Watching.
Waiting.
And beside him-
their coach.
Phuwin's fingers curled slightly at his sides.
A quiet tension sitting in his chest.
Not heavy this time-
just... Uncertain.
Then Pond stepped forward.
Without hesitation.
He held out his hand.
"Welcome to the team."
Phuwin blinked.
For a moment, he didn't move.
Like he was still catching up to what was happening.
Like part of him expected it to disappear if he reached out too fast.
Then-
He hesitated.
Just slightly.
Before a smile slowly formed on his face.
Warm.
Real.
He reached out.
And took Pond's hand.
"...Thank you," He said softly.
Their hands met.
Firm.
Steady.
And for the first time in a while-
Something in Phuwin felt like it was finally... Falling into place.
---
Later that day, Pond and Phuwin walked side by side along the street.
The sun was beginning to fade, casting long shadows across the pavement.
Cars passed by occasionally.
People moved around them.
But between them-
It was quiet.
Pond had his hands in his pockets.
Glancing at Phuwin every now and then.
Like he wanted to say something-
But was waiting for the right moment.
Then-
"Just don't miss practice," Pond said.
Phuwin looked at him.
Blinking slightly.
Pond kept his eyes forward.
"Coach isn't patient," He added.
Phuwin let out a small breath.
"...I know," He said softly.
A pause.
"I'll try," Phuwin added.
Honest.
But uncertain.
Pond stopped walking.
Phuwin took another step before realizing-
Then turned back.
Pond looked at him now.
Straight.
Serious.
"Don't try," He said.
"Be there."
Phuwin froze slightly at the tone.
Pond's voice lowered.
Not harsh-
Just firm.
"You said yes. So show up."
Silence.
Phuwin stared at him for a moment.
Then-
Something shifted in his expression.
"...Okay," He said quietly.
Pond held his gaze for a second longer.
Then nodded once.
Satisfied.
They started walking again.
This time-
A little closer than before.
Then-
A voice called from behind them.
"Phu!"
Phuwin turned instinctively.
Before he could even react-
Someone rushed up to him.
An arm slung around his shoulders.
Pulling him in too easily.
Too familiarly.
"Man, I've been looking for you!" The guy said, slightly out of breath.
He grinned, already pulling out a stack of papers.
"Can you do my homework again? I really need it by tomorrow."
Phuwin blinked.
Caught off guard.
His body stiffened slightly.
"Uh... I-" he started.
His eyes instinctively shifted.
To Pond.
For a split second-
He hesitated.
Then he was about to speak-
But Pond moved first.
He stepped forward.
Snatched the papers straight out of the guy's hands.
The movement was quick.
Sharp.
Unexpected.
Pond glanced down at the homework.
Flipping through it once.
Then looked up.
His eyes were cold.
"...You're kidding, right?" He said flatly.
The guy blinked.
"What?"
Pond let out a quiet scoff.
"You're seriously asking him to do all this for you?"
The guy frowned.
"It's just homework- he always helps-"
"Yeah," Pond cut in.
"Because you're lazy."
Silence dropped.
The guy's expression darkened.
"Watch your mouth," He snapped.
Pond didn't even flinch.
"Or what?" He asked calmly.
Phuwin stepped in quickly.
"Pond-" he started.
But Pond didn't look at him.
His gaze stayed locked on the guy.
"If you can't even do your own work," Pond continued, voice low, "then maybe you shouldn't be here."
The guy scoffed, stepping closer.
"Who do you think you are?"
Pond tilted his head slightly.
"Someone who doesn't use people," He replied.
That hit.
Hard.
The guy shoved Pond's shoulder lightly.
"Stay out of this. This is between me and Phuwin."
Pond didn't move.
Didn't step back.
"No," He said.
"It's not."
The tension snapped.
"Give that back," The guy demanded, reaching for the papers.
Pond pulled them back slightly.
"No."
Phuwin's chest tightened.
"Stop," He said, stepping between them.
But neither of them listened.
"You think you're better than everyone?" The guy snapped.
Pond's jaw tightened.
"I think you're pathetic," He said.
And just like that-
The air shifted.
From tense-
To dangerous.
The guy's expression snapped.
"What did you just say?" He asked, stepping closer.
Pond didn't move.
Didn't blink.
"I said you're pathetic," He repeated.
Calm.
Cold.
Phuwin's heart dropped.
"Pond, stop-" he tried again.
But Pond stepped forward instead.
Closing the distance.
"You run around asking people to do your work," Pond continued, voice low but cutting. "Then act like it's normal."
The guy scoffed, pushing Pond harder this time.
"At least I have people who help me," He snapped. "What about you? Acting all high and mighty-"
Pond grabbed his wrist mid-air.
Tight.
Fast.
The guy froze for a split second.
"Help?" Pond repeated.
His grip tightened slightly.
"That's not help. That's using."
The guy yanked his hand back.
"Mind your own business!"
"I am," Pond shot back immediately.
"You made it my business the moment you touched him."
Phuwin froze.
That-
Landed somewhere deep.
The guy's face twisted in anger.
"You think he cares?" He snapped, pointing at Phuwin. "He does this for everyone. You're not special."
Pond's jaw clenched.
But his voice stayed steady.
"I didn't say I was."
A beat.
"But at least I don't treat him like he's something to use."
That was it.
The guy swung.
Pond moved faster.
He caught the punch halfway-
Then shoved him back.
Hard.
The guy stumbled but regained balance.
Then lunged again.
This time-
Pond didn't hold back.
He stepped in, grabbed the guy's collar, and shoved him against the nearby wall.
The papers fell to the ground.
Scattering.
"Try that again," Pond muttered, voice dangerously low.
"I dare you."
Phuwin stood frozen.
His breath caught somewhere in his throat.
"Let go of me!" The guy snapped, struggling.
Pond didn't.
Instead, he leaned in slightly.
Eyes sharp.
"Do your own work," He said. "Or don't do it at all. But don't drag him into your mess again."
The guy tried to push him off.
"Who are you to tell me what to do?!"
Pond released him-
Only to shove him back once more.
"Someone who's telling you now," He said.
The guy looked like he was about to charge again-
But then-
Footsteps.
Multiple.
Familiar voices.
"Pond!"
Fourth.
Louis.
And the rest of Pond's group.
They approached quickly.
Not rushing-
But enough.
Enough to shift the entire atmosphere.
The guy froze.
His confidence cracked.
Just slightly.
His eyes flicked between them.
Counting.
Measuring.
Realizing.
"...Whatever," He muttered under his breath.
He stepped back.
Fixing his shirt.
Trying to save what little pride he had left.
Then he glanced at Phuwin.
Something unreadable in his expression.
Before turning-
And walking away.
Fast.
Silence.
Heavy.
Lingering.
The papers stayed scattered on the ground.
Pond stood still.
Breathing steady.
But his fists were still clenched.
Phuwin swallowed.
Hard.
His chest felt tight.
Not from fear.
Not entirely.
Something else.
Something louder.
He slowly looked at Pond.
But didn't say anything.
Because he didn't know what to say.
Then- he exhaled slowly and crouched down, reaching for the scattered papers.
But before his fingers could touch them-
Pond stepped forward quickly.
Grabbing his wrist.
Stopping him.
"Don't pick it up when it's not yours," Pond said.
Phuwin froze.
Then slowly looked up at him.
"...You shouldn't have done that," Phuwin said quietly.
Pond frowned.
"What?"
Phuwin stood up, pulling his hand back gently.
His expression wasn't angry.
But it wasn't soft either.
"You made it worse," He continued. "Now everyone's going to talk. Your reputation is already..." He hesitated, then exhaled, "...You didn't have to do that."
A pause.
Then, softer:
"But... Thank you."
Pond's brows furrowed deeper.
Conflicted.
Annoyed.
"...That's it?" He said. "You're thanking me after saying I did something wrong?"
Phuwin looked at him.
Steady.
"You didn't have to use violence," He said.
Pond scoffed slightly.
"And you don't have to let people use you."
Silence.
Phuwin shook his head.
"...It's not that easy," He murmured.
Pond stepped closer.
"It is," He said firmly. "You just say no."
Phuwin let out a quiet, almost tired breath.
"It's not easy for me to say it."
That stopped Pond.
Phuwin's eyes dropped for a second.
Then back up.
"There are things you don't understand," He added.
Pond's jaw tightened.
"And there are things you're letting happen," He shot back.
Phuwin's fingers curled slightly at his sides.
"I know," He said.
Quiet.
Admitting.
A pause.
"But you don't get to decide how I deal with it," He added.
That-
Hit.
Pond went still.
Behind them, Fourth leaned slightly toward Louis.
"...Are they fighting?" He whispered.
Louis kept his eyes on them.
"...I think so," He murmured back.
One of the others muttered, "I've never seen Pond argue like this."
"Or care this much," Another added quietly.
Back in front-
The tension didn't ease.
Pond exhaled sharply.
"Then keep doing this," He said. "Keep letting them walk all over you."
Phuwin's expression flickered.
Just slightly.
"And you," He replied softly, "keep thinking punching people solves everything."
Silence.
They stared at each other.
Two completely different worlds-
Colliding.
Neither backing down.
And yet-
Neither walking away.
Pond froze.
The tension in his shoulders loosened just a little.
Then he exhaled sharply, closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I-"
Phuwin shook his head gently.
"It's okay," He said softly.
Pond looked at him again.
Confused.
Frustrated.
Like he didn't agree with that answer.
Phuwin gave a small smile.
Not as fake as before-
But still tired.
"This is just how it is for me," He continued quietly.
A pause.
"Being perfect..." He murmured, almost to himself, "...Means being like this."
Pond's brows furrowed.
Phuwin looked down at the papers for a second.
Then back at Pond.
"I don't get to choose what people expect from me," He said. "I just... Follow it."
Silence.
Pond didn't speak.
Didn't interrupt.
Phuwin stepped back.
Creating distance.
"But really," He added softly, "thank you."
Then-
He turned.
And walked away.
Leaving Pond standing there.
Still.
Quiet.
With something heavy settling in his chest-
That he didn't know how to fix.
Fourth, Louis, and the rest of Pond's group stood there in silence.
No one spoke.
They exchanged glances instead-
Quick.
Subtle.
Like they all understood something had just happened-
Something bigger than just a simple argument.
Fourth shifted slightly, scratching the back of his neck.
"...That was..." He started.
Then stopped.
Not finishing it.
Louis kept his eyes on Phuwin's retreating figure.
"...He's not like the others," He murmured quietly.
Another one of the group nodded faintly.
"Yeah," He said. "He didn't even get mad."
"Or maybe he did," Fourth added under his breath.
"Just... Not in a loud way."
Silence settled again.
Their attention slowly shifted back-
To Pond.
He hadn't moved.
Still standing there.
Eyes fixed on where Phuwin disappeared.
Like he was replaying everything.
Every word.
Every expression.
Louis glanced at him carefully.
"...You good?" He asked.
Pond didn't answer immediately.
His jaw tightened slightly.
Then relaxed.
"...Yeah," He muttered.
But he didn't look away.
And somehow-
That said enough.
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