The autumn sun bathed the campus courtyard in gold. Students hurried between classes, chatting and laughing. Ren walked with Bom and Anurak, his cheerful energy making him naturally noticeable.
Harit and his friends stood near the fountain, casually chatting. Jun leaned against the stone railing, smirking slightly, while Harit spoke to him as if nothing was wrong.
"So, did you finish the project for Professor Lert?" Harit asked casually, voice smooth, almost indifferent.
Jun grinned, shrugging. "Yeah, piece of cake. I figured you'd have it done already."
Harit's lips twitched in the slightest smirk. "Of course. I don't leave things half-finished."
Meanwhile, Ren's group stopped nearby, laughing at Bom's over-the-top story. Harit's gaze flicked toward Ren. Irritation flared beneath the surface, and for the first time, he felt the pull of jealousy, though he refused to acknowledge it.
Ren, ever joyful and social, waved casually to Bom and Anurak, oblivious to the tension he had caused.
---
The Accidental Kiss
Ren stepped forward to get a better view of the fountain. Harit, distracted by his own irritation, moved in the same space. Their paths collided briefly, and in a clumsy, accidental motion, their lips brushed.
Ren blinked, laughing softly. "Careful, Harit. You almost kissed me by accident."
Harit froze, fists clenching, jaw tight. He pulled back, glare sharp. "Don't get used to it," he snapped, voice low, controlled, but simmering with annoyance.
Jun, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Seems like someone's not as composed as they think," he said lightly, teasing.
Harit ignored him, focusing on Ren with a mix of hatred and disbelief. Even casual, effortless interactions from Jun couldn't distract him from the irritation that Ren provoked.
---
Bom and Anurak froze, mouths slightly open. Noah's jaw dropped. The accidental brush left everyone stunned, and Jun's quiet amusement only made Harit's frustration worse.
Ren laughed, brushing it off with ease. "Guess we're both a little clumsy today," he said, cheerful as ever. His carefree energy only intensified Harit's irritation.
---
The group dispersed slowly. Harit, still glaring at Ren, returned to casual conversation with Jun, keeping his composure on the surface. Yet inside, every laugh, every joyful gesture from Ren gnawed at him.
Ren strolled with Bom and Anurak, cheerful and unbothered, leaving a subtle tension in the air that promised the conflict was far from over.
---