Ren set up his camera near the courtyard fountain, sunlight catching the lens as he adjusted the focus, thinking about the next shot for his film and photography class project, unaware of the sharp eyes tracking him. Harit leaned against the steps with his business textbook tucked under his arm, watching Ren's every move, irritation coiling tighter with each laugh and casual gesture. Jun strolled nearby, bow strapped across his back from archery class, noticing Harit's attention and smirking at the subtle shift in the air.
Ren's friends, Bom and Anurak, joked about lighting and angles, and Ren laughed, bouncing on his heels, completely joyful, completely unaware of the storm his presence had stirred. Harit's jaw tightened, every smile from Ren like a needle pressing against his patience, yet he continued to act smooth and composed, pretending to casually adjust his textbooks while keeping his gaze fixed. Jun's eyes flicked between Harit and Ren, enjoying the tension, knowing just how much Harit hated being unsettled.
Ren lifted his camera and crouched to capture a shot of a bird landing on the fountain, humming a cheerful tune, and Harit's hand twitched slightly at his side, fists clenching, exhaling slowly to keep control while Jun leaned against the stone wall, pretending not to notice but silently observing the dynamics unfolding. Ren straightened, laughing at a joke Bom made, his easy social energy spilling across the courtyard and pricking Harit's temper, making the anger thrum in his chest.
Jun stepped closer under the guise of checking his archery notes, smiling faintly, and Harit nodded at him, casual, smooth, masking the storm inside, all while Ren adjusted the camera strap, unaware of how much attention he drew, how easily his joy and openness inflamed the simmering hatred in Harit. Harit's friends whispered quietly nearby, glancing at him, sensing the tension radiating, while Ren's laughter and bright demeanor continued to irritate him further.
Ren waved at a passing student, gesturing for them to check the camera angle, and Harit's eyes narrowed, stepping a fraction closer without a word, keeping his posture controlled, every movement deliberate, while Jun tilted his head slightly, smirk growing, sensing the perfect moment to manipulate the situation without seeming obvious. Ren turned back to Bom and Anurak, chatting about framing and exposure, completely oblivious to the subtle war brewing just feet away, and Harit exhaled through his nose, jaw tight, gaze unwavering, seething silently.
The courtyard seemed to hold its breath for a moment, the laughter, the smiles, the casual conversation all a quiet storm, Harit's hatred focused like a blade on Ren's joyful energy, Jun's presence only sharpening the tension, Ren's friends frozen mid-gesture, sensing the undercurrent but not knowing how explosive it could become.
Ren finally lowered the camera, dusting off his hands, still cheerful, still social, while Harit's eyes followed his every step, controlled on the outside but burning with frustration on the inside, Jun's smirk growing with satisfaction as the delicate balance of anger, jealousy, and unspoken rivalry filled the air around them.
It was clear: no one could walk away unscathed, and the collision of personalities, power, and emotions was only just beginning.
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