When teasing turns into closeness, and one little misunderstanding sets hearts racing.
The university festival was in full swing, stalls lining the campus lawns, lights strung above like stars, and laughter echoing over the scent of fried snacks and sweet desserts. Fah had promised himself he would remain calm, composed, and unflustered. He failed almost immediately.
He spotted Tawan at the front of the festival, juggling two cups of bubble tea while negotiating with a vendor. The dark-haired med student looked… effortlessly charming, as if chaos itself were a carefully orchestrated performance.
"Hey!" Fah called, waving. Tawan turned, flashing that infuriatingly perfect grin.
"You made it," Tawan said, holding out one of the drinks. "Don't spill it."
"I'll try not to," Fah replied, although he immediately felt the pull of Tawan's gaze, warm and teasing.
They wandered the festival together, sampling spicy skewers, laughing at ridiculous game stalls, and arguing over which prize was better—a giant plush panda or a smaller, cuter one. Each playful exchange sent tiny jolts through Fah, and he realized he was smiling more than he had in weeks.
Then came the misunderstanding.
At a shooting gallery, a new student waved at Tawan—someone who looked vaguely familiar. Tawan greeted them warmly, and the casual touch on Tawan's arm made Fah's stomach knot.
"Uh… do you know them?" Fah asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Tawan glanced at him, puzzled. "Yeah, we had a project together last semester. Why?"
Fah shook his head, forcing a smile. "Nothing. Just… didn't expect it, I guess."
Tawan's brow furrowed slightly, and he noticed Fah stiffen. "Fah…"
"I'm fine," Fah said quickly, turning away. "Let's go get some cotton candy."
Tawan sighed, following him, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're impossible," he murmured.
"You love it," Fah shot back without thinking—and immediately regretted it, because Tawan's smirk turned into a small, teasing smile that made his heart race.
By the time they reached the candy stall, Fah had realized something important: small sparks of jealousy weren't threats—they were reminders that this was real. That he cared. That Tawan mattered.
Tawan leaned over, brushing their hands together as he grabbed two sticks of pink sugar. "Just so you know," he said softly, "I'm not going anywhere. Not for them. Not for anyone."
Fah's pulse hit double time, and for the first time in a long while, he didn't try to hide it. "Good," he said, smiling up at Tawan. "Because I wasn't planning on letting you go either."
As the festival lights twinkled around them, laughter spilling into the warm night air, Fah realized that misunderstandings could wait. For now, there was only Tawan—and that was more than enough.