I flopped onto the couch the moment I walked into Pond's condo, feeling like all the energy had drained from my body. I hadnât expected to be this exhausted after my first day at work.
"You alright?" Pond asked, planting a soft kiss on my cheek before sitting next to me.
It had only been two days since we got back to the U.S., and I had moved into Pondâs place. He insisted I stay with him instead of going back to the dorm, so I was going to live here until I graduated.
"No, Iâm completely wiped out," I mumbled, resting my head against his chest. His chest was wide and solid, and I couldnât help but love the comfort it brought. According to Gem, Pond had become obsessed with the gym after I moved here. His sculpted muscles were undeniable proof, and frankly, I loved every bit of it.
"I told you that you didnât need to work. If you donât want to ask your parents for more allowance, I can give you some," Pond said, his hand gently rubbing my back.
"Stop it, hon. Youâre not my sugar daddy," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"Why not just call me 'daddy,' and Iâll gladly be your sugar daddy?" he teased, flashing a mischievous grin.
"As much as I adore you, Iâm not interested in turning this into a sugar daddy situation. I know youâve got money, but thatâs not what Iâm after."
Pond chuckled softly, then kissed the top of my head and pulled me into a warm hug. "I know, baby. But I just want to spoil you."
"Then spoil me in another wayâjust not with money," I said, pulling back a little to look at him. "Why donât you start by cooking something for me? Iâm starving," I pouted, leaning against his chest again.
"Cooking? Thatâs definitely not happening," he said, his voice firm but playful.
Of course not. Pond didnât know his way around the kitchen at all. He could barely handle a knife, let alone whip up a meal. Growing up with a personal chef, he never needed to learn.
"Then youâd better start learning because I love homemade food," I teased.
"Iâll try, but donât expect results anytime soon. For now, how about we order something?" he suggested.
"Pasta, pizza, burgers, and fries," I quickly listed, my stomach growling at the thought.
"Thatâs not healthy, baby," Pond said, raising an eyebrow.
"Fine, fine. Add some fruit, a salad, and a yogurt drink. Happy now?" I replied, giving in with a playful smile.
"Anything for you, baby" he said with a wink.
I blushed a little, still not quite used to how naturally he called me "baby."
"Iâm going to take a quick shower. I feel all gross," I said, starting to walk toward the bathroom, but then I turned back to him with a grin. "Thanks, daddy," I teased before rushing off to the bedroom and locking the door behind me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I loved teasing Pond, but calling him "daddy" had never really crossed my mind until now. Surprisingly, it felt good.
Shaking my head, still smiling to myself, I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.
After my shower, I slipped on one of Pondâs oversized muscle shirts and a pair of my own boxer shorts. When I came back to the living room, Pond had already returned with the food.
"I told you to dry your hair properly. Youâll catch a cold like that," he scolded gently.
"Iâm starving," I replied, sitting back in my previous spot, my eyes fixed on the food. Pond shook his head and set everything down on the coffee table before heading back to the bedroom.
While he was gone, I quickly arranged the foodâpizza, pasta, burgers, fries, and a large strawberry yogurt drink. There is also salad and fruits. Everything looked mouth-wateringly delicious.
I was about to grab a slice of pizza when Pond came back, pulling me back onto the couch and throwing a towel over my head. He gently rubbed my hair dry, and I pouted, knowing I didnât have much choice but to let him. I could either wait and eat later, or risk making him upsetâand I didnât want to see him upset.
"You can eat now," he finally said, after about 20 minutes. He disappeared into the bedroom again, this time to put the towel away. Even though I was starving, I waited for him to return before digging in.
When he came back and sat beside me, I pouted again. He gave me a small smile and leaned in to kiss me.
"Why are you pouting? I thought you were hungry," he teased.
"Youâre mad."
"Iâm not mad," he replied, his voice soft but sincere.
"You are."
"And why would I be mad?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Because I didnât dry my hair properly," I said, my voice was small.
He sighed, his gaze softening. "You know you messed up?"
I nodded quickly.
"Iâm not mad, baby. I could never be mad at you. Iâm just worried," he said, cupping my face gently. "Iâm leaving tomorrow to visit my mom, and weâll only have a few more days together before I need to head back to Thailand. How can I leave you here when you canât even dry your hair properly? What if you get sick? Whoâs going to take care of you then? I canât always ask Phi Win or his brother to check in on you."
Guilt flooded me as I listened to his words. "Iâm sorry. It wonât happen again, I promise."
"Promise?" he asked, his tone softening even more.
I nodded eagerly. "Promise."
"Look at me, baby."
I lifted my head, and tears were already starting to gather in my eyes. "Iâm sorry, Pond," I whispered.
I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly as tears slipped down my cheeks. I hated feeling like thisâlike I had upset him.
"Donât cry, baby. Iâm not mad, okay? I just worry about you because I wonât always be here. But if you ever need me, I can fly back anytime. Thatâs the perk of having a private jet, right?" he said, trying to lighten the mood.
I shook my head and pressed my face into the crook of his neck. I planted a small kiss there, feeling the tension ease slightly.
"No, Iâll be good. I promise."
"But youâre being a little naughty right now, arenât you?" he teased with a smirk.
"Iâm not," I protested, kissing his neck again, loving the way he smelledâclean and fresh from the shower.
"Phuwin, stop kissing my neck, or I might just eat you up instead," he warned, his voice low and teasing.
I pulled away quickly, pouting. "Pond, youâre so bad," I muttered. I didnât mind the kissing, but anything more than that? I wasnât ready.
"Iâm not the bad one here. Youâre the one teasing me," he said with a playful laugh.
"Shut up, Pond," I said, rolling my eyes dramatically.
His laughter filled the room, and he pulled me into another hug. "Just take care of yourself while Iâm gone, alright? Be good."
"Yes, daddy," I teased, planting a kiss on his cheek before sliding down to the floor to finally start eating.