Once I ended my call, I turned to look for Pond, but he was missing. I perused my lips and frowned, wondering where he could have gone. I looked at my phone and realized he had texted me.
"I had to go off as Phuwin is back from his trip and needed a ride home. I text you when I am home. Get home safe."
A frown inevitably came over my face when I realized he was off to meet Phuwin. I knew it was wrong. They were not only onscreen partners but firm friends, too. I could not be jealous of them. But yet, there was this feeling of jealousy just creeping into my heart.
I slapped myself on my cheeks, trying to shake these thoughts of my head as I got ready to leave. I decided to go get myself some dinner at this eatery near my house. By the time I made it there with all of the traffic in town, it was easily 7 pm.
I popped into the eatery, trying to find a table when someone put their hand on me. I jumped slightly as I turned and realized it was Phuwin and Pond. I smiled as they filled me in they were there for dinner, too.
We decided to find a table to sit together at. Phuwin slid into the seat, and I expected Pond to sit with him, so I sat on the other side facing Phuwin. But Pond slid into the seat next to mine instead. I looked at him, stunned and gestured wordlessly on why he wasn't sitting with Phuwin.
He just smiled at me and continued to peruse the menu. I was baffled but did not say anything. We decided on our orders and Pond offered to go place them.
"How have you been Joong? Haven't seen you in a bit."
"I have been ok. Just recovered from a sprained ankle, but I'm better now."
"Yea, Pond was telling me. He was incredibly worried when he realized you got hurt again."
"I'm.. I'm ok now. He..Just worries too much. He must be like that with you, too."
"Hmm, he is worried about me. I wouldn't deny that. But he isn't particularly alarmed or incessantly worried like how he is with you."
I kept quiet, not knowing what to say.
"He's only like that with people he's particularly fond of."
"Fond of?"
Phuwin just cocked his head, looking at me.
"Are you playing dumb, Joong?"
I kept quiet, a streak of blush rushing through my face. I didn't dare look up at Phuwin at all. Pond came back, nagging away about the annoying hostess who kept flirting with him at the payment counter.
"Who?" I asked, instantly looking up and around. Pond just put his hand on my arm assuring me he put her in her place. I just nodded, turning to look at Phuwin who had a knowing smirk on his face. Argh shit.
The food came and we all got busy. Before I could do anything, Pond picked out things for me and placed it on my plate. Then he did the same for Phuwin and then himself finally. Our drinks came and he automatically served me first before taking his own.
I was very thankful but I couldn't help but feel warm and knew it was showing in my face. Argh, this guy was driving me mad. In a good way but still mad.
I ate quietly listening to the two boys chatter away and pitching in occasionally. Phuwin never made me feel left out and it was really nice to hang out with them for a change.
Once we were done with dinner, we all left the place. I didn't bring my bike out today so I was going to Uber home. But Phuwin stopped me.
"You are heading home right?"
I nodded.
"Let Pond send you home. He brought his car out. My house is just 10 minutes away so he can drop me first then you. Is that OK?"
I looked over at Pond who didn't say anything. I didn't want to inconvenience him. I paused for a bit when I heard Pond mutter pettily, "It's ok Phuwin. I think Joong would not want to trouble me. Let him Uber home if he wants to."
I inwardly rolled my eyes, knowing he was pissed at my dilly dallying. Phuwin looked at me, opening his eyes big, trying to get me to do the right thing.
I bit back my smile as I looked at Pond and said, "I actually would like to take that ride home if it's ok."
Pond's eyes opened big and he nodded excitedly. He was like a little puppy who got excited by the littlest bit of affection.
I just smiled and we made our way to the car. Phuwin told me to sit in front as I had the longer journey. I nodded and climbed in. Pond made sure we were ready before he drove off.
We dropped Phuwin off who bade us goodbye cheerfully. I smiled, thanking him for the company.
He patted me and then he left. Pond then made his way towards my apartment. The first few minutes were silent but eventually he started conversing.
"Are you doing anything over the weekend?"
"Basketball with the gang. Why?"
"There's this place that has really good hotpot. So I thought we could go check it out?"
"We? Who's the we?"
"Uhm.. you and me?"
"Together?"
Pond looked at me as if I was stupid. I chuckled and he knew I was pulling his leg.
"Yes, together. Just you and me. Two of us. Clear enough?"
"Not quite."
"What's so unclear about that?"
"As friends?"
Pond nearly stopped the car and I nagged at him for being so careless. He continued driving and we reached my apartment. He parked and looked at me.
"Uhm.."
He was so red faced and didn't know what to say. He was about to answer me when my phone rang. I was grousing at the timing of calls which always ruined any moment. However I realized it was my stepdad.
I was confused. We had a good relationship but he doesn't really call me. I took the call and my mood had completely changed by the end of it.
I hung up, hands trembling slightly.
"What happened, Joong?"
I looked over at Pond. I didn't know how to tell him what had just happened. I shook my head, getting out of the car instantly!
Pond came out of the car and ran over to me, grabbing my wrist before I could go off.
"Joong. Stop keeping it to yourself. What happened? Tell me. You look so different now. Who was that? Is something wrong? Please tell me. Don't bottle it up."
I shook my head, yanking my hand out of his. I walked away. I could hear Pond come behind me and I stopped. I just turned over my shoulder and stopped him in his tracks.
"If you take 1 more step, I will cut off our friendship. Just leave me alone."
It wasn't the nicest thing to say but it did its job. Pond didn't take another step forward.
I just went back home, my heart almost breaking in two as I started packing my bag. I called my manager and told her on what had happened and requested a leave of absence.
I sat down, trying to book flights when I finally broke down. I was going to have to fly back to Turkey and only pray my mom and sister are alive.
My stepdad had called saying my mom and stepsister had gone back to Turkey to settle some home issues when they got into a very bad car accident. They were currently in a hospital in Turkey and my stepdad flew out today.
But the situation wasn't looking good and the last thing I needed was either of them leaving me. I don't think this will just break me. It will crush me. Kill me even.
They mean the world to me and without them, everything and everyone else were secondary.