Cherry On Top

CHAPTER 9

---

The next day, the basketball gym was quiet.

Almost empty.

Just the faint echo of bouncing balls and sneakers scraping against the polished floor.

Sunlight poured in through the tall windows, cutting across the court in warm golden lines, spreading across the wooden floor like soft fire.

Phuwin adjusted his grip on the ball.

"...You're not even trying properly," He said, slightly breathless.

Pond raised a brow.

"...I am."

Phuwin scoffed lightly.

"...That's your 'trying'?"

Pond dribbled once, then suddenly faked left.

Phuwin reacted too late-

And the ball slipped past him cleanly.

A beat of silence.

Then-

Pond exhaled a small laugh.

Phuwin blinked.

"...You cheated."

"I didn't," Pond said, still laughing quietly.

Phuwin frowned.

"...That was definitely cheating."

Pond didn't answer.

Just dribbled again, slower this time.

Watching him.

Phuwin moved in again, more focused now.

Footsteps quick.

Determined.

The ball bounced between them.

Back and forth.

Faster.

Closer.

Then Phuwin managed to steal it-

And for a second, his face lit up.

"...Got it."

Pond turned quickly.

Trying to block him-

But Phuwin spun past him.

A soft laugh slipped out of Phuwin before he could stop it.

Pond froze for half a second.

Then-

He laughed too.

Quiet.

Low.

Real.

The sound echoed slightly in the empty gym.

Phuwin made a quick shot-

missed.

"...Hey!" He protested immediately.

Pond chuckled again.

"...You celebrated too early."

Phuwin turned, half glaring-

But he was smiling too now.

"...Shut up," He muttered.

Pond dribbled the ball back toward him.

"...Try again."

Phuwin exhaled.

Took the ball.

For a moment, they just stood there.

Under the sunlight.

Breathing a little heavier now.

But lighter too.

Then Phuwin made another move-

And this time, when he laughed softly after scoring-

It echoed across the gym.

And Pond-

He didn't stop smiling either.

---

Later, they both sat on the gym floor.

Breathing heavily.

Chest rising and falling unevenly.

Sweat dampening their shirts, hair slightly messy from all the running and dribbling.

The gym was quiet again.

Only the faint echo of their breathing and the distant hum of the building outside.

Phuwin leaned back on his hands, staring up at the ceiling for a moment.

Trying to catch his breath.

Pond sat beside him, quieter now.

But still looking at him

After a moment-

Pond lifted his hand.

A fist.

Held out toward Phuwin.

Phuwin blinked.

Caught off guard.

"...What?"

Pond didn't say anything.

Just kept his fist there.

Patient.

Phuwin stared at it for a second longer-

Then a small smile formed on his lips.

"...You're weird," He muttered softly.

But he lifted his own hand.

And bumped it against Pond's.

A soft tap.

They both pulled back slowly.

And exhaled at the same time.

For a moment-

Neither of them spoke.

Then Pond leaned back slightly, eyes forward.

"...You don't have to be nervous about the upcoming match."

Phuwin glanced at him.

Listening.

Pond continued.

"...People can think whatever they want about you being on my team."

A pause.

"...It doesn't matter."

Phuwin stayed quiet.

Pond turned his head slightly toward him.

"...It's not like we want to win," He said.

Phuwin blinked.

"...Then what is it?" He asked softly.

Pond's gaze stayed steady.

"...We need to win."

Silence fell again.

Phuwin looked down at his hands for a moment.

Thinking.

Breathing slower now.

Then he let out a small breath.

"...That sounds the same," He muttered.

Pond huffed lightly.

"...It's not."

Phuwin didn't argue.

Just leaned his head back again, a faint smile still lingering.

"...You're really serious about this, huh," He said quietly.

Pond shrugged.

"...You're on my team now."

A pause.

Phuwin glanced at him again.

Then smiled a little more.

"...Yeah."

And for once-

The silence between them didn't feel heavy at all.

Then-

Phuwin slowly reached for his bag, still sitting on the gym floor.

He unzipped it carefully.

Inside was a neatly packed punnet of cherries.

Fresh.

Clean.

Still slightly glossy under the gym lights.

He hesitated for a second.

Then held it out toward Pond.

Pond blinked.

"...You actually bought them?"

Phuwin nodded once.

"...I said I would."

A quiet pause.

Then Pond took it.

Carefully.

Like it mattered more than it should.

He stared at it for a second-

Then a small smile appeared on his face.

Not teasing.

Not sarcastic.

Real.

"...Okay," He muttered softly.

He opened the pack and picked one up.

Ate it.

Then suddenly-

He froze.

Phuwin noticed immediately.

"...What?"

Pond stared at the cherries for a second longer.

Then silently held the pack out toward Phuwin.

Phuwin blinked.

"...What?"

Pond didn't explain.

Just kept it there.

Waiting.

Phuwin hesitated.

Then slowly took one from the pack.

Pond watched him closely as he ate it.

For a moment-

There was only silence again.

But this time-

It felt lighter.

"...Tastes the same," Phuwin said quietly after a second.

Pond shook his head slightly.

"...No."

Phuwin glanced at him.

"...No?"

Pond looked away, still holding the pack loosely between them.

"...It doesn't."

Phuwin didn't respond right away.

Just sat there, chewing slowly.

Thinking.

Then he looked at Pond again.

A small, faint smile forming.

"...You're weird," He said softly.

Pond finally let out a quiet breath.

Almost a laugh.

"...You keep saying that."

And neither of them moved the cherries away.

Just shared them.

Under the warm light.

In the quiet gym.

---

Next week, the locker room buzzed with noise.

Lockers slamming.

Shoes squeaking against the floor.

Voices overlapping- teammates hyping each other up, some laughing, some already tense.

Phuwin stood in front of his locker.

Open.

Hands resting at the edge.

His reflection stared back at him from the small mirror inside.

And for once-

He looked... Nervous.

The game starts in an hour.

His fingers curled slightly.

Around him, his teammates talked loudly-

"Don't mess up passes today, alright?"

"Oi, you're the one who missed last time!"

"Shut up-"

A few laughs echoed.

Light.

Carefree.

But Phuwin felt different.

Beside him-

Pond stood at his own locker.

Calm.

Focused.

Fixing something inside- his wristband, maybe.

Phuwin glanced at him.

Just for a second.

"...You're not nervous?" Phuwin asked quietly.

Pond didn't look at him immediately.

"...No."

Phuwin blinked.

"...At all?"

Pond shrugged slightly.

Still looking inside his locker.

"...It's just a game."

Phuwin let out a small breath.

"...Doesn't feel like it."

That made Pond pause.

He turned his head slightly toward Phuwin.

"...Why?"

Phuwin hesitated.

Then looked away.

"...People are watching," He admitted. "And... With everything going on..."

He didn't finish.

Didn't need to.

Pond understood.

A short silence passed.

Then Pond closed his locker.

Clack.

"...Let them watch," He said simply.

Phuwin glanced at him again.

Pond leaned back against the lockers slightly.

"...You think too much," He added.

Phuwin scoffed softly.

"...Easy for you to say."

Pond looked at him.

Really looked at him.

"...You play well," He said. "That's enough."

Phuwin blinked.

Caught off guard.

Then looked away again.

Ears slightly warm.

"...You say that like it's simple."

"...It is," Pond replied.

A pause.

Then Pond pushed himself off the locker.

Turning slightly toward him.

"...And if we win-"

Phuwin looked at him.

Pond's voice dropped just a little.

Quieter.

But steady.

"...Let's eat a cake."

A small pause.

"...With a cherry on top."

Phuwin froze.

"Together."

For a second-

Everything else in the locker room faded.

The noise.

The voices.

The pressure.

All gone.

Just that sentence.

Phuwin's heart-

Thumped.

Hard.

Once.

Then faster.

"...Together?" He repeated quietly.

Pond nodded.

Like it was normal.

But Phuwin knew.

It wasn't.

His grip on his locker tightened slightly.

"...Yeah," Pond added. "So don't mess up."

Phuwin huffed softly.

Trying to act normal.

"...You're unbelievable."

But his chest-

Was still pounding.

And for some reason-

He don't know why.

---

Later, Phuwin walked into the basketball gym.

The space was already starting to fill-

A few students in the bleachers, some chatting, some already watching the court with interest.

The noise wasn't loud yet.

But it was building.

Phuwin adjusted his jersey slightly.

Scanning the area-

Then-

"PHI!!!"

Before he could even react-

Book came running straight at him.

THUD.

"Woah-"

Book crashed into him, hugging him tightly.

Phuwin blinked-

Then laughed softly, wrapping his arms around him.

"...You're loud," He muttered, but he was smiling.

They pulled away after a second.

Book beamed.

"Me and Gemini got you something," He said, holding up a small bag.

Phuwin tilted his head.

"...What is it?"

"A snack!" Book said proudly. "For energy. So you don't collapse mid-game or something."

Phuwin let out a small laugh.

"...Thanks."

Gemini stepped beside Book, more relaxed.

"...He insisted," He added.

Phuwin smiled softly.

"...Still. Thanks."

Then-

Book's expression shifted.

His eyes slowly moved past Phuwin.

Toward Pond.

Standing not too far away.

Book narrowed his eyes slightly.

"...That guy again," He muttered under his breath.

Gemini followed his gaze.

Brows lifting a little as he looked Pond up and down.

Pond noticed.

Of course he did.

His gaze flicked toward them-

Calm.

Cold.

Silent.

Book crossed his arms slightly.

Still staring.

"...He really does look like trouble," He whispered.

Gemini didn't reply.

Just kept observing.

Phuwin exhaled.

Already tired.

"...Stop staring," He muttered.

But neither of them looked away immediately.

And across the gym-

Pond was still looking right back.

Book exhaled, then immediately brightened again like nothing serious had just happened.

"Anyway! Good luck!" He said, grinning.

Gemini nodded beside him and reached out, giving Phuwin a light pat on the shoulder.

"Don't think too much," He added calmly. "We'll be here cheering for you."

Phuwin blinked.

Then smiled.

A real one.

"...Thanks, guys."

Book gave him a quick thumbs up.

"Don't embarrass us!"

Phuwin let out a small laugh.

"...Get lost."

Gemini chuckled under his breath.

Then Book leaned in slightly, lowering his voice-

"...And don't lose to that troublemaker team of yours, Phi." He teased.

Phuwin rolled his eyes.

"...We're in the same team."

"Still," Book shrugged.

Phuwin shook his head, smiling faintly.

"...Just go sit," He said.

Book grinned one last time before dragging Gemini toward the bleachers.

Phuwin watched them go for a second.

Then exhaled slowly.

His smile faded just a little-

As the noise of the gym started to grow louder around him.

Game time was getting closer.

---

Later, the whistle echoed through the gym.

Sharp.

Clear.

The game was about to start.

Pond reached out and gave Phuwin's shoulder a firm pat before standing up.

"...Let's go," He muttered.

Phuwin exhaled deeply.

Once.

Twice.

Then stood up too.

They walked toward the court.

Taking their positions.

The bleachers were now full.

Packed.

Eyes everywhere.

And the whispers-

Weren't quiet anymore.

"...Is that Phuwin?"

"...He's really playing with that team?"

"...Isn't that Pond's group?"

"...What is he doing there?"

Phuwin's steps slowed just a little.

"...I thought he was perfect."

"...Why is he with them?"

"...Didn't he get kicked out of his old team?"

"...Figures."

More murmurs.

More judgment.

"...He's with a troublemaker now."

"...Guess he's not as clean as we thought."

"...Disappointing."

Phuwin's jaw tightened.

The noise felt louder than it should be.

His chest rose.

Fell.

For a second-

His confidence wavered.

Then-

Pond stepped slightly closer.

Not obvious.

But enough.

"...Ignore them," Pond said under his breath.

Phuwin didn't look at him.

But he heard it.

"...Focus," Pond added quietly.

Phuwin swallowed.

Then nodded.

Just once.

He stepped fully into position.

The ball was brought to the center.

Players ready.

Tension rising.

The whistle blew again.

And just like that-

The game began.

The game started fast.

Too fast.

Their opponents were aggressive.

Sharp passes.

Quick movements.

Phuwin barely had time to think-

Only react.

"Left!" Someone shouted.

"Watch him-!"

The ball moved rapidly across the court.

Shoes screeched.

Bodies collided lightly.

Phuwin missed one pass.

Just by a second.

"...Sorry!" He called out, breath uneven.

But Pond was already there-

Catching the next play.

Recovering.

"Focus," Pond muttered as he passed the ball back.

Phuwin nodded quickly.

The whispers from the bleachers didn't stop.

"...They're losing control."

"...Told you, he doesn't fit there."

"...He's slowing them down."

Phuwin clenched his jaw.

Then-

He moved faster.

This time-

He didn't hesitate.

Intercept.

Dribble.

Step.

He passed cleanly to Pond.

Pond shot-

Score.

The crowd reacted.

Louder now.

The game went back and forth.

They struggled.

Missed shots.

Almost mistakes.

Close calls.

But they didn't fall apart.

Pond's voice cut through the chaos-

"Phuwin!"

Phuwin turned-

Caught the ball-

And this time-

He didn't think.

He moved.

Fast.

Confident.

Shot-

Score.

Silence-

Then-

Noise.

"...Wait-"

"...They're catching up?"

"...What?"

Phuwin's chest heaved.

But his eyes were different now.

Focused.

Steady.

The final minutes hit.

Score tight.

Tension high.

"Last play!" Someone shouted.

Pond got the ball.

Three players closing in.

He didn't shoot.

Instead-

He passed.

To Phuwin.

Phuwin froze for a split second.

The crowd held their breath.

"...He's gonna miss."

"...He can't-"

Phuwin exhaled.

Then shot.

Swish.

The buzzer rang.

Silence.

Then-

The gym exploded.

They won.

"...No way-"

"...They actually won?!"

"...Against them?!"

Phuwin stood there.

Frozen.

Then slowly lowered his arms.

Pond walked past him-

Then stopped.

"...Told you," He muttered.

Phuwin let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"...We... Won."

Pond glanced at him.

"...We're not done," He said.

Phuwin blinked.

Then it hit him.

Semifinals.

They made it to the semifinals.

The crowd was still buzzing.

Still shocked.

"...That team?"

"...With Pond and Phuwin?"

"...They're in the semifinals?"

Phuwin looked around.

Hearing it all.

But this time-

It didn't sound the same.

Because now-

They weren't doubting.

They were surprised.

---

Later, the noise of the gym faded behind them.

Phuwin and Pond walked side by side along the quiet hallway.

Sports bags slung over their shoulders.

Steps slower now.

Tired.

But lighter.

For a moment-

Neither of them spoke.

Then-

Pond glanced at him.

"...You did great," He said simply.

Phuwin blinked.

Caught off guard.

"...I thought I almost messed up at the end," He muttered.

Pond shook his head slightly.

"...But you didn't."

A pause.

Phuwin looked down for a second.

Then let out a small breath.

"...Thanks."

Before anything else could be said-

"PHI!!!"

Phuwin looked up-

Just in time to see Book running toward him again.

"YOU WERE SO COOL!" Book shouted, grabbing his arm.

Phuwin laughed softly.

"...You're loud."

Gemini followed behind, smiling a little.

"...You played well, Phu." He said, giving Phuwin a nod. "That last shot? Clean."

Phuwin smiled.

"...Thanks."

Book was still talking-

"You should've seen the crowd, they were like- 'WHAT?!'- and I was like, 'THAT'S MY brOTHER!'-"

Phuwin chuckled.

Then-

Book's voice lowered slightly.

His eyes flicked to the side.

Toward Pond.

Just for a second.

A glance.

Judging.

Gemini did the same.

Silent.

Observing.

Neither of them said anything to him.

Pond noticed.

Of course he did.

But he didn't react.

Just stood there.

Quiet.

Hands in his pockets.

Phuwin's smile faded just a little.

"...Guys," He started.

But Book already looked back at him.

Bright again.

"Let's celebrate!" He said, completely ignoring Pond. "You deserve it!"

Gemini nodded slightly.

"...Yeah."

Pond stayed silent.

And for a moment-

The space between them felt... Off again.

Then suddenly-

"POND!!!"

A loud wave of voices came crashing in.

Pond barely had time to react before his group rushed him-

Fourth, Louis, and the others piling in like a storm.

"YOU WON, YOU IDIOT!"

"THAT LAST PLAY-!"

"brO YOU ACTUALLY DID IT-!"

They grabbed him, shaking his shoulders, half yelling, half laughing.

Pond stumbled back a step from the impact.

"...Relax," He muttered, but there was a hint of a smile he couldn't hide.

The group got louder.

Messier.

Chaotic.

Right in front of-

Book and Gemini.

Both of them instinctively stepped back.

Book's face scrunched immediately.

"...Why are they so loud?" He muttered.

Gemini crossed his arms slightly, watching the chaos.

"...They always like this?" He asked under his breath.

Phuwin stood between both sides.

Blinking.

On one side-

Book and Gemini.

Quiet.

Judging.

On the other-

Pond's group.

Loud.

Unfiltered.

Two completely different worlds.

Colliding.

Pond, in the middle of it all, glanced past his group-

At Phuwin.

Just for a second.

Before someone pulled him back into the noise again.

"...You owe us food!" One of them shouted.

Pond sighed.

"...We'll see."

But his eyes flickered back to Phuwin again.

"But... Maybe next time," Pond said, voice low but clear. "Me and Phuwin have an errand to run."

Everything-

Stopped.

His group froze.

Mid-movement.

Mid-noise.

Silence.

Too silent.

Then-

Very slowly-

Every single head turned toward Phuwin.

Phuwin froze.

Eyes wide.

Caught like he just got exposed in front of the whole world.

"...Uh-" he smiled awkwardly.

Very awkwardly.

Book frowned immediately.

Stepping forward.

"Sorry, but me and my brother have to celebrate today," He said, voice already annoyed.

Pond didn't even look at him.

His expression stayed cold.

Unbothered.

Then-

He reached out.

Grabbed Phuwin's wrist.

And walked.

Phuwin-

Got dragged along like a confused cat.

"Wait- Pond-?"

Book's face scrunched up in pure disbelief.

"HEY!" He shouted, pointing aggressively. "I said we have to celebrate! You can't just steal my brother like this on his celebration day!"

Phuwin twisted his body a little to look back.

Still being dragged.

Still confused.

Still awkward.

"Book!" He called out. "Let's celebrate later tonight, okay?! I really have to go!"

"HEY PHI PHU-!" Book shouted louder, stomping his foot. "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY CHOOSING THAT GUY OVER YOUR LITTLE brOTHER?!"

But-

Too late.

Phuwin was already gone.

Turned at the corner.

Disappeared.

Book stood there.

Frozen.

Face slowly turning into a pout.

"...Unbelievable," He muttered.

Gemini stepped in, holding him back before he could chase after them.

"...Calm down," He said.

"I AM CALM!" Book snapped.

He wasn't.

Meanwhile-

Back at Pond's side-

Fourth blinked.

Once.

Twice.

"...Did he just-" he started.

Louis leaned closer.

"...Did he just choose Phuwin over us?"

One of Pond's group whispered,

"...Since when does Pond leave first?"

"Since when does Pond have 'errands'?" Fourth added, confused.

Louis frowned.

"...Since when does he drag people like that?"

Another one chimed in,

"...Since when does he say 'next time' to us??"

They all went quiet.

Then slowly-

Looked at each other.

"...Oh."

"...Oh."

Fourth gasped softly.

"...Ohhh."

Louis covered his mouth dramatically.

"...No way."

One of them whispered like it was a secret-

"...He's gone."

"...Gone where?" Another asked.

"...Gone," Fourth repeated, serious. "Like- gone gone."

They all nodded like that made perfect sense.

"...We lost him," Louis said.

Silence.