Chaos Theory

After the meal, a soft sound of footsteps echoed as a secretary approached Joong's mom and dad, whispering something discreetly in their ears. Joong's mom chuckled softly, a knowing look crossing her face.

Joong's Mom (with a playful smile): "Well, we shall take our leave now. Have fun, everyone."

She stood up gracefully and walked over to Joong, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. Then, with an unexpected gentleness, she leaned down and placed a quick kiss on Dunk's cheek as well, her smile warm.

Joong's Dad gave a small nod, excusing himself with a polite but tired smile before following his wife.

Dunk, feeling the warmth of the kiss on his cheek, flushed slightly but didn't know how to respond, a quiet gratitude bubbling inside him.

Phuwin's POV:

Everyone was together, laughing-lighthearted and loud, like the perfect picture of a family moment.

Joong was smiling like a fool, eyes only on Dunk. Mom had kissed them both like they were her own sons. Even Dad, who rarely smiled at anyone without a suit and title, seemed... content.

And there I was-again-the only one sitting on the side of the table, sipping my drink, wearing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

Even when Dunk was an outsider-technically. Their son. My brother.

But somehow, it felt like I was the guest.

Not him.

I was again out of frame.

Not literally-but like someone forgot to zoom out enough to include me.

They talked. They laughed. They exchanged soft glances, shared secret words. Even Mom-my mom-looked at Dunk like he was her pride and joy.

And Joong... he didn't even look my way once.

Not in the way I wanted.

I don't know when it started feeling like this. Maybe when Dunk entered the picture. Or maybe long before that. Maybe I was always the extra-meant to be there but never quite needed.

I stabbed my fork into the salad and chewed like it was my anger. Nobody noticed.

Because I was out of frame.

Again.

Phuwin's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Joong and Dunk-heads close together, laughing at something only they understood. That warm, glowing kind of laughter that made the air around them feel like a private world.

A world he wasn't invited into.

But then, with a sudden smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, Phuwin stood up.

Phuwin: "Why don't we go to the pool and have some fun?"
His voice was light, teasing, but it carried an undertone-sharp, almost challenging.

Dunk blinked up at him, still smiling. Before he could answer, Joong had already grabbed his hand and stood.

Joong: "Let's go."

Dunk, pulled along with Joong's momentum, gave Phuwin a small nod.

Phuwin smiled back-but it was tight. Not joy. Just a mask.

As they walked ahead, Joong's hand still laced with Dunk's, Phuwin followed with quiet footsteps... and even quieter thoughts.

They reached the pool. The afternoon sun shimmered on the water, casting soft reflections on their faces.