The music throbbed through the club, a steady pulse of neon and bass as Pond and Dunk moved together on the dance floor. Pond's hand rested firmly on Dunk's waist, his voice low but firm.
"Don't push his buttons, especially when I'm not around," Pond warned, his sharp gaze flicking toward Joong, who stood across the room like a shadow waiting to ignite.
Dunk scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "I hate him. That smug face, that arrogant air. We're just as powerful as him, but we're humble. He's nothing but a spoiled bastard."
"Why do you care so much?" Pond tilted Dunk's chin until their eyes met. "You're not in love with him, right?"
"Love?" Dunk barked out a laugh. "No. I just hate his face... but I'm sure the rest of him works just fine."
Pond's expression hardened. "Dunk, I'm telling you—stay away from him. He's trouble. Not even for one night."
Dunk chuckled, shaking his head. "You came here to enjoy, not to lecture me, remember?"
The pair left the dance floor. Dunk slumped into a chair at their table, sipping his beer, while Pond stayed alert, a girl lazily draped over his lap.
"Why aren't you drinking?" Dunk asked, eyeing Pond's untouched glass.
"I can't. Surgery at eight in the morning," Pond replied curtly. His phone buzzed, and his jaw tightened. "Why is he calling..." He silenced it without looking.
"Still not going to tell me why you're so upset with Uncle Beam?" Dunk pressed.
"There's nothing to say," Pond muttered. The phone rang again—this time, Forth's name flashing on the screen. Pond answered. "Hey, Dad..."
"Where are you? Your Paa's been calling for thirty minutes!" Forth's voice was sharp, cutting through the noise.
"I was driving. Just arrived at the club," Pond answered.
"Your phone is connected to the car. Don't feed me excuses. Beam is upset—call him back."
"There's nothing to be upset about. People get busy. I'm not calling him, Dad. If it's that important, you tell him."
"Watch your tongue, boy. I'm your father. Don't forget I decide for you."
"Yes, you're my father. But your husband seems to have forgotten I'm his son. I'm not coming home. I'll drop Dunk off. Good night." Pond ended the call, his expression unreadable.
Dunk stared at him. "Why are you so angry with Uncle Forth?"
Pond's voice was cold. "Because he doesn't care about me. It's only about Paa." He grabbed Dunk's beer and took a long swig.
"Hey!" Dunk snatched it back. "Forget them. Now tell me... what are you getting me for graduation my dear P'?"
At the Jaturapoom mansion, Beam's voice was ice as he stood before Forth. "He's not coming, is he? That's it, Forth. He's testing my patience."
"Calm down, Beam. Pond is stubborn. Give him time," Forth murmured, rubbing Beam's tense shoulders.
"Time? It's been five years!" Beam snapped. "It was his fault, yet he acts as if I wronged him!"
"Pond is hurt because you blame him," Forth replied gently.
"Blame? He was reckless! His carelessness could have killed people, Forth!" Beam's voice rose. "We can't keep giving our kids everything. Lam sees it too. If we don't stop them, they'll destroy themselves—just like we almost did." Beam stormed off, leaving the room heavy with unspoken truths.
It was 2:30 a.m. when Mix stumbled into the mansion, half-drunk, Boom trailing behind him.
"Why are you two still awake?" Mix muttered as he spotted Beam and Lam waiting in the living room.
"Why weren't you at dinner? Where did you go without telling us? And don't tell me you drove like this," Beam snapped, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.
"No, we didn't, Uncle. P'Nik dropped us off," Boom answered quickly.
Lam stepped forward, pinning Boom with a stare. "Open your mouth."
"Uncle—" Boom began.
"Now," Lam commanded.
Boom obeyed. Lam nodded. "Good. No alcohol, or you'd be grounded."
"I told you, I'm head hazer. I went for my juniors, not for fun," Boom muttered.
"Go to your room," Lam ordered, dismissing him.
Mix offered Lam and Beam a quick hug before retreating. As the door closed, Beam's voice dropped.
"He did pot."
"I know," Lam admitted grimly. "He's using drugs now. I need to tell Tul. Boom's too young for this."
"It's okay. The dose was low. Nothing dangerous........ yet," Beam murmured, though his eyes were dark with worry. Their conversation ended as Pond walked in, Dunk slumped against him, reeking of alcohol.