POV: Nate
The late afternoon sun bathed the campus in golden light as Nate Chaiyaporn made his way to the business faculty library. Today, he and Anan Phongchai had planned a one-on-one session to finalize parts of their project. But Nate wasn't just thinking about the work—he was thinking about the soft warmth that lingered in his chest after their first lunch together.
As he entered the study hall, he spotted Anan already seated at their usual corner table, nervously organizing his notes. The first-year looked up as Nate approached, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
"Hey, Nong," Nate greeted casually, though the small smile tugging at his lips betrayed his excitement.
"H-Hey, Nate," Anan replied, his voice slightly shaky. "…I… I brought all the notes you suggested."
Nate leaned over, letting his fingers brush against Anan's as he adjusted a notebook. The accidental contact sent a jolt through both of them. Nate's chest tightened with a protective and possessive warmth.
"You know," Nate said softly, keeping his voice low, "you don't have to try so hard. I like seeing you comfortable… relaxed… like this."
Anan's amber eyes widened. "…R-Relaxed?"
"Yes," Nate said, leaning slightly closer. "Not nervous. Not flustered. Just… you."
Anan's cheeks flared crimson, and he looked down at his notes, trying to focus but failing. Nate's calm gaze and subtle teasing were too intoxicating. Every accidental touch—shoulder brushing, hands nearly colliding over a pen—created sparks that neither could ignore.
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Work and Close Proximity
They began reviewing the case studies, leaning over the same papers. Nate noticed how Anan's shoulder kept brushing against his own. Each contact, though accidental, made his pulse quicken. He resisted the urge to hold Anan's hand, letting the tension build instead.
"Here," Nate said, pointing to a chart. His hand grazed Anan's as he moved it. "…You see?"
Anan's eyes widened. "…I… I see."
The subtle closeness made the room feel smaller, more intimate. Nate's mind wandered briefly, imagining what it would feel like to pull Anan closer, to let their hands intertwine, to whisper teasing words into his ear. But he restrained himself, knowing they were still in a public space.
Anan, meanwhile, felt his chest tighten every time Nate leaned over him. The warmth radiating from the senior, the soft teasing tone, and the gentle touches were intoxicating. He wanted to inch closer, to feel more of that warmth, but he was too shy to make the first move.
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A Sudden Moment
As Nate reached for a pen that had fallen on the floor, Anan bent down at the same time. Their heads accidentally bumped slightly, and both froze for a second.
"I'm… sorry," Anan whispered, cheeks burning.
Nate smirked faintly, brushing his hair back. "Don't worry. It's… cute."
"Cute?" Anan echoed, heart racing. "…I… I'm not cute!"
"Yes, you are," Nate said softly, letting the words linger in the air. "…You don't realize it, but you are."
Anan's chest tightened, and he felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading through him. The teasing tone, the soft gaze, and the accidental closeness made him dizzy. "…I… I… thank you," he murmured, barely able to meet Nate's eyes.
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Playful Flirtation
The rest of the session was filled with subtle touches, playful teasing, and quiet laughter. Nate leaned over to point at charts, letting his hand brush Anan's. When Anan reached for his water bottle, their fingers touched, sending electric jolts through both of them.
"You're really good at this, Nong," Nate said, voice softening. "I… like working with you like this."
Anan felt his face heat up. "…I… I like working with you too, Nate," he admitted quietly, almost a whisper.
Nate's smirk softened into a warm smile. "…Good," he said, leaning slightly closer so their shoulders brushed. "Because I don't plan on letting this… connection fade anytime soon."
Anan's heart pounded in his chest. He wanted to say more, to admit how much he liked Nate, how every accidental touch and teasing glance made him feel alive. But the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he simply nodded, letting his gaze drop to his notes.
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After the Study Session
When the bell signaled the end of the session, Nate and Anan packed up their things. The subtle tension between them had grown, each touch and glance leaving both flustered yet craving more.
"Ready to head back?" Nate asked, offering his hand.
Anan hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand gently in Nate's. The warmth from Nate's palm spread through him, making him feel safe and exhilarated at the same time. "…Yes," he whispered.
As they walked through the campus courtyard, their hands brushed occasionally, sometimes lingering a fraction longer than necessary. The sunlight glinted off Nate's dark hair, highlighting the intense gaze that made Anan's heart skip every time he looked up.
"You know, Nong," Nate said softly, "I think… this is just the beginning. We've only scratched the surface."
Anan's chest tightened. "…Of…?"
"Of us," Nate said simply, his gaze locked on Anan's. "…And I want to see where this goes."
Anan's cheeks flamed crimson, but a small, shy smile spread across his lips. "…I… I want that too," he whispered.
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