POV: Anan
The mid-morning sun warmed the bustling streets of Bangkok as Anan Phongchai hurried across campus, a mixture of nerves and excitement twisting in his stomach. Today was different—today, he and Nate Chaiyaporn had planned their one-on-one lunch outside of study sessions. His heart raced just thinking about it.
He adjusted his uniform and backpack nervously. "…Why am I this nervous?" he muttered under his breath.
"Because you like him," a familiar teasing voice said. Anan nearly jumped, spotting his friend Tee leaning against the wall with an amused smirk.
"I… I don't!" Anan blurted, though his face betrayed him, turning crimson.
Tee chuckled knowingly. "Sure, sure. Just don't trip when you see him, okay?"
Anan groaned, ignoring his friend, and continued toward the meeting point near the campus café. The small bell above the door jingled as he entered, and there he was—Nate, casually leaning against the counter, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he noticed Anan.
"Hey, Nong," Nate greeted, his tone smooth, calm, and slightly teasing.
"H-Hey, Nate," Anan stammered, clutching his notebook like a lifeline. "…I… I got here early."
Nate's smirk widened slightly. "Thoughtful of you. Come on, I've reserved a table outside. It's quieter, and you'll like the view."
Anan's chest fluttered at the word "reserved." They walked together, side by side, Nate's confident stride somehow making Anan's nerves spike even more.
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POV: Nate
I watched him fidget with his notebook as we walked. First-year, innocent, and adorably nervous. Every step he took seemed measured, careful, but his eyes betrayed his excitement. He liked me… and I liked the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn't noticing.
The café's outdoor seating was quiet, shaded by a few large umbrellas. Nate pulled out a chair for Anan with a gentle smile. "…After you," he said.
Anan's cheeks flamed crimson. "…Th-Thank you," he whispered, taking the seat. His fingers brushed the edge of the chair, a subtle, accidental contact that made Nate's chest tighten.
"Don't look so nervous," Nate said softly, leaning slightly closer. "It's just lunch. I'm not going to bite… unless you want me to."
Anan choked slightly on his own saliva, nearly dropping his notebook. "…W-What?" he sputtered, eyes wide.
Nate's smirk deepened, enjoying the reaction. "Just kidding… mostly." He leaned back, letting the playful teasing linger.
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The Lunch
The waiter arrived with menus, and Anan felt the awkwardness settle in. "I… I don't know what to order," he admitted softly, glancing at Nate.
"You'll be fine," Nate said, tilting his head. "Get something you like. And if you want, I can recommend something."
Anan nodded, grateful for the guidance. "…Okay… then maybe the Thai basil chicken. I… I like it spicy."
Nate raised an eyebrow. "Spicy, huh? Brave choice. I like it."
As they waited for their food, small talk filled the air. They spoke about classes, professors, and trivial campus gossip, but under the surface, every glance and accidental brush of hands sent electric shivers down Anan's spine.
"So, Nong," Nate said casually, leaning closer, "do you practice the marketing stuff we work on at home?"
Anan hesitated, fidgeting with his pen. "…Sometimes… I… I try to remember everything you teach me."
Nate's eyes softened, and he leaned even closer. "…I notice. And I like it. It shows you care… about the project… and… me."
Anan's heart skipped. "…M-Me?"
"Yes. You," Nate confirmed, his dark gaze steady, lingering on Anan's flushed face. "…Don't hide it. I can see everything you're feeling."
Anan swallowed hard. "…I… I… I do like you, Nate."
Nate's smirk softened into a warm, approving smile. "…Good. Because I like you too, Nong."
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Flirtation & Playful Tension
Their food arrived, and the small table suddenly felt even more intimate. As they ate, Nate's hand brushed against Anan's multiple times, and every time, Anan flinched slightly, then tried to play it off.
"So, Nong," Nate said between bites, letting a subtle teasing edge slip into his voice, "are you always this nervous around me, or just when we're alone?"
Anan's face flared bright red. "…I-I'm not… nervous! I… just… careful!"
Nate chuckled, leaning slightly closer across the table. "…Sure. Careful. I like it. Makes it more fun to tease you."
Anan's breath hitched slightly, and he could barely focus on his food. "…Nate… stop teasing me," he whispered, though the fluttering in his chest betrayed his enjoyment.
Nate's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Stop teasing you? I don't think I can do that, Nong. Not when you react like this."
Every accidental touch—their elbows brushing, fingers almost colliding when reaching for condiments—created a tension that was both thrilling and overwhelming. Anan's thoughts were spinning, and he realized he didn't just like the teasing… he craved the closeness, the playful intimacy, and Nate's attention.
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After Lunch
As the lunch ended, Nate stood and offered his hand. "Shall we walk back to campus?"
Anan hesitated for a moment, then took it, heart pounding at the warmth and subtle pressure of Nate's hand holding his. "…O-Okay."
They walked side by side, hands brushing occasionally, laughter flowing freely. The playful banter from the table continued in quieter tones, filled with small, meaningful glances.
At the campus gate, they paused. Nate's gaze softened, and he let go of Anan's hand slightly, but the warmth lingered. "…Today was nice," he said softly.
Anan nodded, smiling shyly. "…It really was. Thank you, Nate."
"You're welcome, Nong.
Anan's heart fluttered uncontrollabley.
As they parted ways, each carried a small, warm thrill in their chest. Their lunch date had deepened their connection, created playful intimacy, and set the stage for something far more intense—a bond that neither of them could ignore.
The semester was just beginning, but Nate and Anan already knew: their story was moving faster than they expected, filled with teasing, closeness, and a growing desire neither could fully name yet.
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