POV: Nate
The night after their quiet walk had left a mark—soft, warm, and impossible to ignore.
When Anan walked back to his dorm after the hand-holding and lingering goodbyes, he kept brushing his fingers over his palm, as if trying to hold on to the warmth Nate had left behind. Sleep did not come easily for either of them. Nate lay awake, staring at his ceiling, replaying the way Anan looked up at him with shy eyes and whispered, "I… I like you too." A small smile refused to leave his lips.
Across campus, Anan hugged his pillow, heart thumping every time he remembered the light squeeze of Nate's hand and the teasing whisper in his ear. Something had changed between them—soft, fragile, but real.
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Morning on Campus
The next morning, the campus buzzed with students, sunlight filtering through tall trees and birds chirping as life returned to its usual rhythm. But for Nate and Anan, nothing felt usual anymore.
Anan walked through the courtyard, still replaying last night's warmth. As if pulled by instinct, his eyes found Nate across the pathway. Nate was talking to a group of seniors, confident and composed as always—but the moment his gaze met Anan's, something shifted.
His voice paused for half a second.
His eyes softened—warm, familiar, private.
Only Anan noticed.
As Nate walked past with the group, his fingers brushed against Anan's—quick, hidden, but intentional.
A spark rushed through Anan's body, stealing his breath.
No words were exchanged.
No smile.
Just a touch—and it said everything.
Classes passed with stolen glances, shy smiles, and a growing desire to be near each other again. By the time evening returned, the longing between them had only deepened.
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Evening – Private Time at Nate's Dorm
The night outside was quiet, the campus lights casting long shadows through the windows. Nate Chaiyaporn sat at his desk, glancing at the clock. He had just wrapped up his assignments, but his mind was far from work. Anan Phongchai had lingered longer than usual during their study session, and Nate knew it wasn't just about finishing homework.
When he heard a soft knock at the door, Nate's heart skipped. "…Come in," he called.
Anan stepped inside, backpack in hand, cheeks flushed from the brisk evening air. "…I… I forgot a notebook," he muttered, looking down nervously.
Nate's dark eyes softened. "…You came back just for that?"
Anan nodded, shrugging slightly. "…Yes… and… maybe to see you."
Nate's smirk appeared, faint but teasing. "…Good answer."
He motioned toward the chair near the desk. "…Sit. Let's review quickly before you head back. And maybe… relax a little."
Anan's chest tightened. "…Relax?" he echoed, glancing up at Nate.
"Yes," Nate said, leaning casually against the edge of the desk. "…You've been tense all evening. And I think it's time to ease some of that."
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Close Proximity
Anan seated himself, notebook open, but he could feel Nate's presence near him—so close, so intimate that it made his heartbeat erratic. Nate's shoulder brushed against his lightly, sending a thrill through him.
"You're… fidgeting," Nate observed softly, voice low. "…I can feel it."
Anan swallowed hard. "…I… I can't help it," he admitted, voice trembling slightly. "…You… make me nervous."
Nate smirked faintly, leaning slightly closer. "…Good. Nervousness is cute. But…" He let his hand brush lightly against Anan's, deliberate yet gentle. "…I like it when you relax too."
Anan's cheeks flared crimson. "…I… I'll try…" he whispered, eyes dropping to his notebook.
Nate's dark gaze followed him, softening. "…No pressure, Nong. Just… stay close. Sit beside me."
Anan shifted slightly, moving closer, their shoulders brushing. The contact was subtle but electric. Every small touch—the light brush of arms, the closeness of bodies—sent shivers down Anan's spine.
---
Playful Teasing
As they reviewed notes, Nate let a teasing tone creep into his voice. "…You know, Nong, I think you're secretly enjoying all of this closeness."
Anan's face flamed. "…I… I'm not!" he protested softly, though his racing heart betrayed him.
Nate leaned slightly closer, letting the warmth of his body brush against Anan's. "…Uh-huh. Sure. You're trying to focus on the notebook, but I see your eyes wandering."
Anan swallowed hard, trying to concentrate. "…I'm… paying attention!"
Nate smirked faintly, enjoying the subtle blush creeping up Anan's neck. "…Of course you are. But…" He let his hand brush Anan's again under the pretense of moving the notebook. "…I think you like me too."
Anan's breath hitched slightly. "…I… I do," he whispered, voice trembling.
Nate's eyes softened, letting a warm smile spread across his face. "…Good," he murmured. "…Because I like you too, Nong. More than I probably should."
The quiet dorm room amplified every sound—the scratching of pens, the rustle of paper, and the soft thump of their racing hearts. Nate moved slightly closer, letting their knees touch under the desk. Anan felt a rush of warmth and nervous excitement.
"You're… so responsive," Nate whispered, dark eyes glinting with mischief. "…Every little touch makes you flustered."
Anan's chest tightened. "…I… I can't… help it," he admitted softly, voice trembling.
Nate's hand brushed lightly against Anan's, deliberate and intimate. "…Good," he murmured. "…I like seeing you like this. Nervous… shy… and… reactive."
Anan's face burned crimson, but he didn't pull away. "…Nate… stop…" he whispered, breathless.
Nate leaned slightly closer, letting their shoulders press lightly together. "…Stop teasing you? I don't think I can do that, Nong. Not when you react like this."
The tension was intoxicating, a mix of nervousness, excitement, and subtle desire. It was new for Anan, but he realized he craved it—the closeness, the teasing, the warmth of Nate beside him.
---
Private Confession
Nate's voice softened, losing the teasing edge. "…Nong… I want to know everything about you. How you feel… what you like… what scares you…"
Anan's chest tightened. "…I… I like you," he whispered again, softer this time, almost reverent. "…And… I… trust you."
Nate's smile was tender, approving. "…Good. Because I feel the same way about you. And… I'll take care of you, Nong. Always."
Anan felt a warmth spreading through him, a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and emotional safety. "…I… I believe you," he whispered, leaning slightly closer without realizing it.
Nate's dark eyes softened, and he placed a gentle hand on Anan's shoulder. "…Just stay close," he murmured. "…Tonight… let's enjoy being near each other.
The closeness, the gentle touches, and the quiet intimacy of the room created a connection that neither of them could ignore. Every glance, every subtle contact, and every word exchanged deepened their bond, building anticipation for the moments yet to come.
Without breaking the warm silence between them, Nate stood and offered his hand to Anan. "…Come with me," he said softly. "Let's go to my dorm."
Anan didn't hesitate. He slipped his hand into Nate's, and they walked together through the quiet corridors and into the cool night outside. Their fingers remained lightly intertwined, neither willing to let go. The walk to Nate's dorm was peaceful, filled with soft smiles and shy glances—no rush, just the comfort of being together.
Once inside Nate's room, the warm, cozy atmosphere wrapped around them. Anan looked around, slightly nervous but comforted by Nate's presence. Nate closed the door gently behind them.
"You can stay here tonight," Nate said in a low, reassuring tone. "I want you close."
Anan's heart fluttered, but he nodded with a soft, grateful smile. The night didn't need more words—just the quiet closeness they had promised to share.
They settled into the room, side by side, the soft glow of the night lamp casting a warm light over them. With the calm silence and their hearts quietly aligned, the night continued just as Nate wished—
close… warm… and together.
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