Chapter Text
Pond wasn't supposed to be here for long - just a quick stop, a simple errand - but something about the quiet little flower shop made him slow down.
The air felt thick, almost heavy with the velvet weight of a thousand blooming scents.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea, he thought, to get his lover something beautiful—maybe a bouquet of blue forget-me-nots. His favorite.
Phuwin was looking down at a bouquet he had been working on, carefully adjusting the stems when he heard the door open, the overhead chime let out a short, tiny ring.
"Good evening, how can I-"
He lifted his head slowly, the rest of the sentence catching in his throat as his eyes landed on the man standing in front of him
He was tall, with a lean, well-built frame that made him stand out without trying. Dark eyes, sharp and unreadable, met his for just a second too long. Strands of charcoal-colored hair fell carelessly across his forehead, softening features that might have otherwise seemed too serious.
There was something about him - something quiet, almost distant.
For a second, he just stared.
Then he cleared his throat, blinking quickly as if to gather himself.
"Uh- sorry. How can I help you?
Up close, Pond notices how soft he looked - gentle features, warm eyes, his hair was a soft, chestnut brown, cropped closer at the temples but curling loosely at the nape of his neck. A calm expression that felt oddly out of place in the middle of his racing thoughts. There was something about him that felt.. easy.
For a brief moment, he forgot what he was about to say.
Pond stepped a little closer, his voice low, almost hesitant.
"I'm... looking for a bouquet. With blue forget-me-nots."
Phuwin blinked once, then nodded, a little too quickly.
"We have those," he said, turning slightly to reach for a bundle of delicate stems resting nearby.
His fingers moved carefully, almost automatically- but his attention wasn't fully on the flowers anymore. "They're... a meaningful choice."
He glanced up, just for a second.
There was a pause. A small one. But noticeable.
He moved slightly under the weight of the gaze, feelig a sudden, restless urge to look away.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "They're his favorite."
Phuwin's hands stilled for just a fraction of a second before continuing. "I see," he replied, his voice still gentle, still polite- just a little quiter than before. He focused back on the bouquet, adjusting the stems more than necessary.
"Special occasion?" he asked, almost casually.
"Something like that." He kept his eyes on the floor, his hands disappearing into his pockets only to restlessly pick on the seams.
Phuwin hummed softly in response, though it didn't sound like he had expected an answer. He reached for the wrapping paper, carefully folding it around the bouquet, his movements slower now- more deliberate.
When he finally held it out, Pond stepped forward to take it. Their fingers brushed. It was brief- barely there- but enough.
Phuwin pulled his hand back almost imediately, turning slightly as if to busy himself with something else.
Pond paused for a second, his grip tightening just a little around the stems, before letting out a quiet breath.
"I hope he likes them," Phuwin said after a moment, his voice soft, careful.
Pond glanced down at the flowers, something unreadable flickering across his expression. "Yeah.." he murmured. "Me too."
The silence lingered for a second too long before Pond nodded slightly in thanks and turned toward the door.
The bell chimed as he pushed it open, the sound light- almost out of place. He didn't look back.
The door closed behind him with a soft click, but the echo of the bell seemed to linger in the quiet shop. Phuwin stood there, unmoving. His gaze remained fixed on the door, as if expecting it to open again. It didn't. Only the faint, fading chime filled the space- long after it should have stopped.
By the time Pond reached the restaurant, the sky had already begun to darken, the city lights flickering to life around him.
The bouquet rested carefully in his hands, untouched.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm, filled with low chatter and the soft clink of glasses.
It felt... normal. Too normal. He gave his name at the front, was led to a table already set for two. He sat down, placing the flowers gently beside him.
Minutes passed. Then more. Pond checked his phone. Nothing. He typed a message - Are you close?- then stared at it for a moment before sending it. No reply.
The waiter came by once. Then again.
Pond forced a small smile, said he was still waiting. His fingers tightened sligtly around the edge of the table. The seat across from his remained empty.
When the door finally opened, Pond looked up almost instantly.
Relief flickered across his face - brief, fragile. It didn't last.
His partner barely sat down. No smile. No apology.
Just a quiet, steady voice: "I cheated."
Pond didn't react. Not at first. The words didn't seem to land- not fully.
"I don't think this is working anymore."
And just like that-- It was over.He didn't remember standing up. Or leaving. Or how long he had been walking. The city blurred around him - lights, voices, movement - none of it fully reaching him. The bouquet was still in his hand. He hadn't let go of it.
His steps slowed eventually. Then stopped. It took him a moment to realize where he was.
The flower shop stood quietly in front of him, warm lights spilling faintly through the windows.
Pond let out a shaky breath. And without really thinking - he sat down on a bench just outside. The bouquet rested beside him, untouched.
For a while, he just sat there. Still. Quiet. Then- a tear slipped down his cheek, slow and unsteady, before falling into his lap.