One afternoon, Vy noticed something odd. An Phong had started getting used to having a new desk mate — and for reasons she couldn't quite explain, it made her stomach twist. The thing that bothered her most was who the new kid was: Uy Phong.
Vy had never liked him from the start. Simple reason: he shared the same name as her best friend. But everything else about him was the opposite — looks, attitude, presence — so every time someone called "Phong" she felt awkward as hell.
In Vy's head, the name "Phong" belonged to someone slightly taller than her, a little thin, sometimes goofy or lost in thought, but always the one who could pull the warmest smile out of anyone. That was her Phong.
This other one? Big, broad-shouldered, face as cold as cash, blunt and sharp-tongued. He looked like a fox intent on butting into the beautiful friendship she and An Phong had.
Back when there was only one Phong in class, people could just call, "Phong! Phong!" But now there were two, so they had to use middle names. "An Phong" sounded distant, and "Uy Phong"… sounded wrong. Just the name made her itch.
And the boys made it worse — they started nicknames: An Phong became "Little Phong," and the other guy was "Big Phong." Vy wanted to scream.
"Little?" Little?! In Vy's eyes, An Phong was anything but small. He was her gentle giant, the kind of person who held calm like a tree holds shade. Calling him "little" felt like insulting someone's dignity.
That recess, the two Phongs were chatting and laughing over something, looking unusually at ease. Vy couldn't stand it. She marched over and slammed her palm down on the desk so hard both boys jumped.
Her face heated up, eyes flashing like sparks."Hey! Are you trying to steal my Phong?!"
Uy Phong looked up without batting an eyelid, tilting his head as if confused."My Phong? I don't remember you two being related."
"That's not what I mean!" Vy put her hands on her hips, rallying like a tiny champion. "But fine — you may as well be family, because we've been side by side for fourteen years, understand?!"
"Oh, wow, such a deep friendship. Congrats," Uy Phong drawled, a half-smirk lifting one corner of his mouth.
Vy pushed harder."Then don't even think about being the third wheel in our precious friendship!"
Silence snapped across the table. Both boys froze like someone had glued them in place — and Vy's mouth dropped open mid-sentence. Immediately she realized she'd said too much.
Her cheeks flamed crimson, her eyes went huge, helplessly trying to swallow back the words."Uh… I didn't mean—"
Uy Phong propped his chin on his hand and pretended to ponder."So I'm the third wheel. Got it."
"No! No, that's not it!" Vy stammered, getting redder by the second.
Before things could get even more awkward, An Phong gently placed a hand on the table and cut in.
"It's okay, Vy."
His gentle smile stopped her. Comfort rushed through her like warm water. At the same time, Uy Phong went quiet. It was the first time he'd seen that special gentleness from An Phong, and for a moment he looked stunned, like someone smacked him out of a daze.
An Phong kept speaking, calm and sincere."We were just talking. He's my desk mate, so of course we talk. But that doesn't change us being close friends. For me, our friendship is the most important thing. Vy… you're still my best friend."
Vy, who'd been in full panic mode, felt as if electricity ran through her veins. Her face lit up; her heart pounded; she almost couldn't breathe."You mean it? I'm still the most important?"
"Of course." An Phong's smile made the promise feel real.
"Aww, you're so sweet!" Vy squealed, clutching her cheeks like someone had given her a present. "Alright, I'll forgive you this time. But do not even think about trying to take An Phong away from me, hear me?!"
"Okay, okay," Uy Phong shrugged, expression blank but voice faintly amused. "By the way—it's kinda hot today. Anyone want ice cream?"
Vy snapped to attention, her eyes shining like she'd picked up a codeword."Who said the 'I' word?!"
"It's the classic move for hot weather," An Phong laughed softly.
"So… anyone want some?" Uy Phong reached into his hoodie, pulling out his wallet like it was nothing. "My treat today. I heard they have new flavors at the canteen."
"New flavors?" "Tasty ice cream?" Vy's previous jealousy evaporated. She practically forgot what she'd been shouting about five seconds earlier.
"Let's go cool down," An Phong said, smiling the way that always tugged at Vy's chest.
"Deal! Let's go!" She practically dragged both boys out of their seats.
At the canteen, Uy Phong made a point of buying extra ice creams and handed a couple to Vy. She pretended to glare, but immediately accepted them because no one resists free ice cream.
They sat on a bench under the big banyan tree in the schoolyard, chewing cold ice cream while gossiping — peak midday bliss.
"By the way, I'm joining the basketball club," Uy Phong said casually, eyes on his popsicle.
"Can we come watch?" An Phong asked, feigning indifference, but his eyes flicked up with curiosity.
"Sure. I'm the captain now," Uy Phong answered.
"Wait, what? You already got appointed captain?" Vy squealed, punching a small fist into her palm. "So that means we get special privileges, right? Free-pass to the club? No need to ask?"
Both boys exchanged a look that said, What kind of logic is that? But Vy didn't care. She giggled, feeling smug.
After thinking for not too long, she struck a serious pose."Alright. From now on, I officially add you to our trio. Me — An Phong — and you. The legendary unbreakable trio. I approve."
Uy Phong almost choked on his ice cream."I protest!"
"No choice. It's decided." Vy pointed at him like she was passing a law.
"But… wasn't it just the two of us? You and me?" An Phong tilted his head, laughing.
"Well, now we're recruiting an extra member," Vy said, pretending to be wise. "He looks, uh, dependable. Good team material. Approved."
That was Vy logic — only she understood it. By that evening, Uy Phong had gone from "suspicious intruder" to "shiny new addition" in her book — though he still came second to her statue of perfection, An Phong. At least now, she didn't jump whenever the two of them talked for too long.
[Thanks for waiting and reading my story, guys~~ This is my bonus chapter for y'all, hope ya would love it~~ Muuahhh~~]