I changed and went back to the dressing room where we were waiting for Pond, who joined us soon after. We decided to head to this nearby eatery to have supper and celebrate.
Since I brought my bike out, I asked whom wanted a ride. Santa jumped at the chance while Pond drove over with Aou. We got to the eatery, and it was busy as hell being a Saturday night. We found a corner booth and sat down.
Santa and Pond started perusing the menu as they were starving while Aou and I were chatting. The other two boys nudged us to start picking our choices, so I shared a menu with Aou. He leaned in towards me, and I slung my arm over his shoulders as we studied the menu.
A few minutes later, we looked up, ready to order. Santa beamed at us and put the order into the iPad while Pond was on the phone with Phuwin. I heard him telling Phuwin he would swing by to see him later so they could celebrate too.
I just smiled at this. Pond and Phuwin were incredibly close, and it showed in the way they maintained their relationship. We all always speculated that they were both dating, but both boys strongly said no and that they were just friends.
Soon, our food came in, and we all dug in heartily. I was a secret foodie and enjoyed eating a lot. Pond kept putting food on my plate for me. Aou realized it after a while and called him out on it.
Pond just carelessly grinned as he stressed that since I had just recovered, I had to eat more to regain my full strength. I didn't say anything, just looking down at my plate, blushing lightly. I continued eating quietly when I felt someone nudge me from below. I looked up to realise it was Santa who shot me a cheeky look, signalling towards Pond, who was busy with his own food and nagging at Aou.
I just shook my head and growled at him. Santa burst out laughing, which got everyone's attention at our table, and the other two boys turned to look at us.
I just sheepishly smiled and continued eating while glaring at Santa, who just chuckled. Once we were done, I stood up, wanting to go to the bathroom but sneaking off to pay the bill.
I paid the bill and turned around only to see Pond glaring at me and demanding the receipt over. I shook my head, crushing it and just stuffing it into my jeans.
Pond was stumped, and wanted to lean over to swipe it from me, but I just darted away! We went back to our table, and Pond told the other two I had paid. I told them it was my treat to celebrate our success. The boys wanted to pay, but I said they could do so next time.
These boys have done so much for me. A meal was insignificant in comparison, plus I really wanted to do something nice for Pond too.
We decided to head home after dinner. I offered to drop Santa off, but he waved the offer away, saying he was meeting Perth and some of the other boys at a bar nearby. Aou had his own plans too and took off. I turned to look at Pond.
"Get home safe. Text me when you reach home ok?"
I nodded, looking at him.
"Are you off to see Phuwin?"
"I am. He bought a cake to celebrate our first gig, so I said I pop by once I was done."
I nodded, told him to have fun, and turned to go towards my bike when Pond called me back.
"Yea?"
"Do you want to join us too? Phuwin wouldn't mind, plus it's fun to celebrate with more people."
I looked at him, pondering over it for a bit, but I finally shook my head, saying it was fine.
"I think I will just go home. It's been a long day. Plus you should go have fun with Phuwin. He must be expecting you"
Pond looked at me for a long bit before nodding his head. "Okays, text me when you are home then."
I smiled in agreement and headed off. I got home, texted him, and then went off to change and shower. I came out in my usual trackpants, no shirt ensemble like usual when I was home alone. I sat down on the couch towelling my hair when Pond called me.
"Hey, thought you are with Phuwin? How come you are calling me?"
"I am here. But he's talking to his mom for a bit on the phone so I thought I will call and check on you. What are you doing?"
"I just showered, changed, and towelling my hair. Will probably sleep soon. I'm exhausted."
"Okays good. Rest early. Take another round of meds if you need to ok? And make sure your hair is dry completely before you sleep."
I hummed in agreement and hung up the phone. I realized I didn't feel like teasing him though it had been on the tip of my tongue. Pond really cared so much and it was just very heartwarming. He reminded me so much of my mother and stepdad and I really missed them so much. I felt some warm tears rolling down and realized I was crying. I sighed as I wiped my tears away, choosing to just text and check in on my parents too.
My mother replied, and also asked me on how everything went. I filled her in and she was so proud of me. She apologised for not being able to come plus my dad was away on a business trip too. I assured her it was ok and that I would come visit soon. She was heartened and told me to take care.
I leaned back, sighing softly, realizing that despite being exhausted, I wasn't sleepy anymore. I switched on the TV instead; letting a show run and just surfed ig. I posted a photo of the show I was watching and was just surfing through my friends' posts when Pond called me.
"Thought you were tired and wanted to sleep? Still up?"
"I am exhausted but can't seem to sleep so thought of watching a show."
"Are you ok? You sound a little funny. Have you been crying?"
I kept quiet. How the heck could he tell?
"Joong. You haven't answered me. Have you been crying?"
I finally muttered out a no.
"No..."
Pond kept quiet but finally muttered, "I can tell you aren't telling me the truth but I am not going to force your hand on this. Text me if you need anything ok?"
"Okays. Thank you Pond."
He hummed in response and I hung up, just putting my phone away and watching the show until I fell asleep on the couch itself!