In the kitchen, the scent of fresh breakfast filled the air. Their mother stood by the stove, humming softly as she prepared their meal.
Without hesitation, Phuwin walked up to her and hugged her from behind. “Good morning, Mom.”
His mother turned her head slightly, smiling at him. “Good morning, my baby.” Then, taking a step back, she gave him a playful once-over. “Aww, look at you! So handsome today. Are you trying to attract someone on the first day of college?” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.
Phuwin groaned. “Mom! Don’t tease me.”
His mother laughed. “What? I’m just saying, looking this good should be illegal. Be careful, or you’ll have a line of admirers waiting for you at the gate.”
Phuwin smirked, leaning against the counter. “Well, if anyone gets attracted, that’s their problem, not mine.”
His mother chuckled, shaking her head as she placed breakfast on the table. “Come on, eat up. You don’t want to be late for your actual first day of college, unlike someone upstairs.”
Phuwin just smiled, knowing exactly who she was talking about.
Zara rushed down the stairs, practically stumbling into the dining area. Phuwin was already halfway through his breakfast, leisurely sipping his juice as he smirked at her.
“Oh, look! Mom, your favorite child has arrived,” Phuwin announced dramatically. “She’s so busy at night binge-watching that waking up in the morning is an achievement for her.”
Zara pouted as she sat down. “Aii! Oh, shut up and eat. Don’t tease me so early in the morning,” she huffed, then turned to their mother. “Mumma, see? Phu is bullying me again!”
Their mother chuckled, shaking her head as she lovingly patted Zara’s head. “It’s okay, baby. I’ll scold him for you, okay?”
Phuwin gasped, placing a hand on his chest in mock hurt. “Oww! Mom, I’m so heartbroken. You’re really taking her side?” He turned to Zara and grinned smugly. “All this for a tiny creature like you?”
Zara scowled and whined, “Mummmma! See him!”
Phuwin chuckled. “Yeah, Mom already sees me. She even complimented me. Now hurry up and eat—we’re getting late.”
Their mother sighed. “Phuu, baby, don’t tease her so much. See how sad she looks.”
Phuwin rolled his eyes. “Mom, seriously? I’m the younger one here! You should be pampering me, not her. She’s already old but still acts so childish.”
Zara’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Aii, Phu! I’m just a year older than you, not a hundred, okay?! Stop calling me old, stupid!”
Before their playful argument could escalate, their mother finally raised her voice. “Enough, both of you! Finish your breakfast and go to college. It’s already late.”
Phuwin, already done with his food, stood up and stretched. “Oii, monkey, finish fast and come outside. I’m starting the bike.” He reached out and ruffled Zara’s hair, much to her irritation, before walking out.
“Phuwin!” Zara yelled, trying to fix her already messy hair. “I swear, you’re so annoying.”
She hurriedly finished her food and rushed to get ready. A few minutes later, she and their mom reached the door, where Phuwin was casually leaning against his bike, arms crossed, waiting.
With a dramatic flourish, he bowed. “Finally! My queen has arrived. Shall we go?”
Zara smirked, playing along. “Yes, you may, peasant.”
Their mother sighed, shaking her head at their antics. “Oh god… you two will be the death of me.”
Phuwin immediately straightened up, frowning. “Mooom! Don’t say that.”
But Zara’s smile faded, her face falling slightly. Phuwin noticed it instantly and sighed. He turned to his mom with an accusing look.
Their mother quickly softened. “Okay, okay, sorry. Now listen, both of you—be careful at college, okay?” She placed her hands on Phuwin’s cheeks. “Phuu, baby, take care of Zara and stay with her whenever you can.”
Phuwin nodded. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take care of her.”
Their mother then turned to Zara and kissed both their foreheads. “You two should come home together, okay?”
Phuwin smiled and lightly patted Zara’s head. “Alright, tiny. Let’s go.”
Zara, still a little quiet, frowned at him. “Giraffe.”
Phuwin chuckled at her usual comeback and started the bike. “Bye, Mom!” he called out before they both sped off toward college.
For the first few minutes, Zara sat behind him in silence, absentmindedly looking at the passing roads. Phuwin glanced at her through the rearview mirror, noticing her sulky expression.
A smirk crept onto his lips.
“Yaa, you’re making faces like a monkey,” he teased. “No wonder I call you that—it suits you perfectly.”
Still, no response.
Phuwin sighed. Alright, let’s fix this.
Without warning, he suddenly sped up the bike.
“AAH!” Zara’s eyes widened in panic as she instinctively grabbed onto him, clutching his jacket tightly. “AII, DONKEY! What are you doing?! Are you trying to throw me off the bike, you idiot?! Slow down!”
Phuwin simply smirked. “Hmm, no reaction before. But look at you now—so lively!”
“PHUWIIIIIN!”
By the time he finally slowed down, they had already reached the college entrance.
Zara jumped off the bike, stumbling slightly before glaring at him. “Are you insane?! Look at me! My hair is ruined!”
Phuwin chuckled. “It’s okay. Even if your hair is perfect, you’re still a monkey.”
“Shut up!” she shrieked, smacking his arm.
Laughing, Phuwin ruffled her hair again just to annoy her. “Okay, okay. Get going. I’ll park the bike and catch up.”
Zara pouted, hesitating. “But Phu… I don’t want to go alone. Come with me, naa.”
Phuwin sighed. “I’ll catch up, tiny. You, with your tiny legs, should already be walking inside by now.”
“You—UGH!” Zara stomped off in frustration.
Just as she was walking toward the main building, a voice called out.
“Hey, you! Black t-shirt!”
Zara paused, looking around.
The voice called again. “Yeah, you! Come here.”
She turned toward the direction of the voice and saw a group of boys lounging on the stone benches at the campus entrance. Her heartbeat quickened.
There were three of them. One was lying on the bench, lazily resting with his legs crossed, while the other two sat around him, their gazes locked on her.
Zara hesitated, glancing behind her to see if Phuwin had caught up, but he was nowhere in sight.
The same boy spoke again. “Come here. Don’t you hear me?”
Her fingers tightened around the straps of her bag. A nervous chill ran down her spine, but she forced herself to take a deep breath and step forward.
With hesitant steps, she approached the group.
°°°°°°°
So how is it?
Any thoughts about it?
YOU ARE READING
?FRENEMY? PONDPHUWIN FF
FanfictionA college rivalry that was never meant to be.... Phuwin, a bold and carefree student, lives life on his own terms, constantly bickering with his cousin, Zara. On the other hand, Pond, a feared and respected senior, rules the campus with his presenc...
