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Chapter Text

University Indoor Pool – Spectator Bleachers

Technically, he was only in the bleachers because his best friend, Lego, wanted to try out for the swim club “just to see.” He’d dragged William along with promises of free snacks and the possibility of stumbling onto his new hidden talent.

The university’s indoor pool smelled like chlorine and echoed with every shout, splash, and whistle. Rows of hard plastic bleachers lined one side, mostly empty except for a few students too bored or too supportive for their own good. William sat in the middle row, elbows resting on his knees, eyes scanning the pool. His hair was still damp from the humidity, and a rogue water bottle rolled under the bench with a quiet clink.

“You don’t even like swimming,” William had said on the way in.

“I like muscles,” Lego had replied, shrugging.

Now they were stuck there, watching a dozen shirtless guys doing warm-ups while William mourned the lack of promised snacks.

One of the swimmers at the far end — tall, lean, carved in motionless tension. Even under the cold hum of the fluorescent lights, his body held definition: broad shoulders tapering into a tight waist, every line precise. He wore a black swim cap stretched snug over damp hair, goggles low over his eyes, unreadable.

He crouched at the edge, arms coiled, waiting.

William leaned forward without meaning to.

The guy didn’t glance at the bleachers. Didn’t even seem aware of an audience. Just adjusted his goggles and —

Dove.

A single motion, clean and unforgiving. His body arced through the air, then cut into the water with barely a splash. Like he belonged there. Like the pool had been built for him alone.

William’s heart stalled.

He didn’t believe in fate. But something shifted — an invisible snap, like the axis of his day quietly rotated without warning.

The swimmer’s strokes were long, brutal in their efficiency. Every movement was confident, practiced, effortless.

And William couldn’t look away.

“Who,” William whispered, standing up without realizing it, “the hell is that?”

“That’s Phi Est,” Lego replied, chewing gum. “Fourth year. Swim club star. Lives in the water. Hates loud people—”

“I love him,” William announced.

Lego choked. “You what? You don’t even know his last name.”

“I don’t need to. I’ve seen the light. I’ve seen Poseidon’s son. That’s my husband.”

People turned to look. William didn’t care. Est reached the far edge of the pool, pulled himself up onto the tiled platform in one smooth motion — water dripping down his shoulders, jawline sharp enough to cut glass.

Without warning, William cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted:

“I KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW ME, BUT I THINK I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU!!”

Gasps. Laughter. Someone dropped their phone.

Est, halfway through drying his face with a towel, froze. His entire body went stiff. Slowly, he turned — goggles perched on his forehead, confusion warping into barely concealed horror.

Their eyes met.

William waved enthusiastically. “HI! YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL!”

“Please,” Lego hissed, trying to yank him back down, “don’t embarrass me. We’re in a public institution—”

“YOU LOOK LIKE A GREEK GOD!” William continued, one hand over his heart. “DO YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND? DO YOU WANT ONE? BECAUSE I’M RIGHT HERE!”

Est looked away sharply, jaw tight, and walked off the platform without a word.

The bleachers erupted in laughter, whispers, and not-so-quiet murmurs of “Who is that guy?” and “Was that a confession?!”

Lego groaned. “You just embarrassed yourself in front of the entire swim club.”

“I don’t care,” William said, dreamy-eyed. “I’ve found my purpose.”

Lego stared at him. “You didn’t even want to come. I practically dragged you here.”

William didn’t look away from the pool. “And you have my eternal gratitude. If I hadn’t come, I never would’ve met my soulmate.”

Lego stared at him. “You’re insane.”

“Insanely in love,” William corrected. “I need to find out where he eats lunch. And what his schedule is. And his zodiac sign. Does he believe in love at first sight? Because I do now.”

Lego dropped his head into his hands. “This is going to be worse than your eighth grade K-pop phase.”

William didn’t hear him. He was too busy opening a new Note on his phone, typing with intense focus:

‘Phi Est – 4th year, swim club star, future husband 💦🦈❤️’

He didn’t know Est’s last name yet. Didn’t know his favorite food or his coffee order.

But he’d learn.

Oh, he’d learn everything.

University Indoor Pool – Men's Changing Room

The changing room is tiled and functional, with rows of lockers and long benches. Damp footprints scatter across the floor. The air smells like chlorine and cheap body wash. Laughter and teasing echo off the walls, muffled only slightly by the heavy door.

Est stormed into the changing room, towel slung around his neck and a scowl etched firmly across his face. He didn’t slam the door, but it shut with enough force to make a point.

His teammates didn’t care.

“Phi Est, that was so romantic,” Ngern cooed, peeling off his cap with exaggerated flair. “Are we invited to the wedding or what?”

“I didn’t know you had a secret admirer,” chimed in Ball, shaking water from his hair like a golden retriever. “A loud one. Very… committed.”

Est dropped his towel onto the bench and tried to pretend none of them existed. “He was joking. Obviously.”

“Sounded serious to me,” said Bank from behind a locker door. “The guy shouted three times. He said he loved you. I think the whole building heard.”

“Who was that?” Ngern asked, genuinely curious now. “I’ve never seen him around the pool before.”

“Oh, I know him,” Ball said, already halfway into his dry shirt. “He’s a first-year. Performing Arts major. I think his name’s William or something. Lives in Block D.”

Est froze, just for a second. Performing Arts. Of course. That explained the theatrics. The shouting. The hand-over-heart declaration like it was a scene from a lakorn. He forced himself to keep moving, shoving his swim cap into his bag a little harder than necessary.

“I bet he’ll come back,” Ngern said. “He looked really into it. Like, eyes-shining, soulmate-on-sight kind of into it.”

“He’s not coming back,” Est muttered, slamming his locker shut.

“You sure?” Ball asked, teasing. “Because he looked ready to propose.”

Est didn’t answer. He toweled off his hair with too much force, irritation buzzing just under his skin.

It had been… unexpected. Shouting across the pool like that. The way their eyes had met. How the guy had waved — like they knew each other. Like Est had been chosen for something without signing up.

It was ridiculous. Embarrassing. Probably a dare, or a prank.

Still —

The face flashed in his mind again, framed by messy hair and that stupidly sincere grin.

He shoved the thought aside.

Let it go. He won’t come back.

Est didn’t believe in fate. Or love at first sight. Or dramatic poolside confessions.

And yet, something in his chest wouldn’t settle.

University Library – Second Floor Study Area

The next morning, Est Supha walked into the campus library with damp hair, a clean white shirt, and a goal: ignore everything that happened yesterday.

He had a test to study for, swim drills to log, and no time for chaotic underclassmen who shouted marriage proposals across pool bleachers.

And yet —

“Phi Est!”

Est winced.

He turned slowly, mentally praying to vanish into the stacks.

There he was. That kid. Grinning like he’d just won the lottery. Carrying two bottles of yakult and a bag of shrimp chips like peace offerings from a cartoon villain.

William.

He bounded up to him like a golden retriever in sneakers. “Phi Est krub, you remember me?”

“How could I forget,” Est muttered, glancing around the library lobby. He took a step back. “You were shouting in front of three faculty members and the whole swim team.”

“True,” William said brightly. “But to be fair, Phi was glowing like a mythological creature. I couldn’t hold back.”

Est blinked. “Mythological—”

“Greek god,” William confirmed, holding out a bottle of yakult with both hands, respectfully. “To make up for yesterday. I embarrassed you.”

Est hesitated. The polite thing would be to accept it. The smarter thing would be to walk away.

He took the yakult.

William beamed. “I’m William, by the way. William Jakrapatr, second year. Performing Arts major. But I’m willing to switch majors if Phi thinks it’s immature.”

Est stared at him. “You want to switch majors because of me?”

“I’m flexible,” William said, nodding seriously. “Very boyfriend-coded.”

Est let out a soft, incredulous breath. “Are you always like this?”

“Only with people I want to impress.”

Est was not impressed.

But he was… unsure. He had met flirts before — casual, cocky, attention-hungry juniors who thought a few compliments could win someone over. But William… didn’t seem fake. Even now, his eyes were too bright, his energy too sincere. It was almost annoying.

“I don’t have time for games,” Est said firmly.

“I’m not playing,” William replied, dropping the smile just slightly. “I know Phi thinks I’m too young or unserious, but I meant what I said. You’re—” he paused, “—interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“In a national-athlete-who-probably-has-a-soft-spot-for-seafood kind of way.” William lifted the snack bag. “I wasn’t sure what Phi liked, so I guessed. You look like the type who snacks on salty things after practice.”

Est looked at the shrimp chips. It was his usual pick. A coincidence. Probably.

“Lucky guess,” he muttered.

William grinned. “Or fate.”

Est stared at him. For a long moment, the noise of the library faded behind a weird buzz in his ears. He opened his mouth — to say what, he didn’t know.

Then his phone buzzed. Swim club chat. Time to meet the coach.

“I have to go,” he said, sidestepping William. “And… stop spending your money on me. You don’t need to pretend.”

“I’m not pretending,” William said behind him, tone still bright. “I just really respect you. And I really like you. And I think you look extra attractive when you’re annoyed!”

Est didn’t reply. Just walked away.

But he didn’t throw away the yakult, either.

Chapter Text

Est wasn’t avoiding William.

He was simply choosing optimal study routes that happened to avoid Performing Arts buildings. And cafeterias between 12:00 and 1:30. And any area where the laughter sounded too unhinged to belong to normal human beings.

Except it wasn’t working.

Because everywhere Est turned, William was there.

Monday — Elective Class 

Est slid into his usual corner early. The place was quiet, cool, and mercifully free of chaos. He opened his notes.

“Phi Est!”

He flinched.

William was there. Again. Sitting in the far corner like a mirage in a hoodie, surrounded by three drama kids and a precarious stack of sociology books.

“You’re… in this group?”

William grinned. “Elective class. I was hoping you’d show up.”

Est blinked. “You knew I come here?”

“Nope. Manifested.”

Est stared for one long second, then sighed and walked away.

Tuesday — Gym

Post-swim drills, Est headed straight to the treadmill. Five minutes in, someone hopped onto the machine beside him. Loud breathing. Familiar energy.

He turned.

“Hey Phi Est!” William was beaming, clearly not used to running but trying his best. “I joined the gym! Health is wealth.”

Est looked him over. “You don’t even have proper shoes.”

“I’m breaking them in,” William said proudly, as if that explained anything. He coughed. “Also, you have a very focused running form. It’s… attractive.”

Est turned up the speed and mentally screamed.

Wednesday — Cafeteria

Est thought he was safe. He even sat at the table furthest from any Performing Arts students.

He was wrong.

William somehow slid into the seat beside him, tray in hand — shrimp chips and yakult. Of course.

“Coincidence,” William said casually, like he hadn’t scanned the room with the focus of a heat-seeking missile.

Est raised a brow. “How many coincidences before it’s stalking?”

William leaned closer, eyes crinkling. “One more.”

Est pushed the shrimp chips toward him. “Take them and leave.”

“I’d rather stay.”

A few days later

“Bro,” Nut said, staring at William with a half-smile, “you’ve gone feral.”

William flopped onto the lawn beside the Performing Arts building, arms spread like he’d just survived a war. “He hates me.”

“No,” Hong replied, stylus tapping against his iPad, “he’s just allergic to joy.”

“Phi Est is quiet,” Tui added. “Not cold. Just… reserved.”

“Also,” Lego chimed in, “he’s four years older and focused. Unlike someone who fell in love at first splash.”

William groaned. “He wore goggles and he was wet! I saw the love of my life.”

Hong threw a rice cracker at him. “Cringe.”

“But real,” William muttered, eyes unfocused. “I want to make him smile. Just once.”

Est collapsed onto the bench outside the dorms, drained. Daou and Joong were already there, drinks in hand.

“He followed me again,” Est muttered.

Joong raised a brow. “Seriously?”

Daou smirked. “You mean William the Whipped? That kid basically carved your name into his soul.”

Est groaned. “He’s everywhere. Cafeteria, gym, study lounge, class. I’m being haunted.”

“But you haven’t blocked him,” Joong pointed out.

“Don’t even joke about that. I don’t have his number, thank God.” Est sighed. “I wish we had the option to block people in real life.”

Daou took a slow sip of his bubble tea. “You also didn’t throw away the yakult he gave you.”

Est didn’t answer.

Joong leaned in with a grin. “Come on, Est. Dunk used to trail after me like a puppy too. Now look at us.”

Daou nudged Est’s arm. “Offroad made me iced coffee for a week before I even said yes. Boys in love are persistent. Let him try.”

“I don’t need love,” Est muttered.

“No,” Daou said gently. “But maybe you need someone who chooses you loudly.”

Est was quiet for a long moment.

Then: “He can’t even run properly.”

Daou and Joong laughed.

But later that night, Est opened his fridge and saw the yakult bottle still sitting there.

He didn’t drink it.

But he didn’t throw it out either.

The sky over campus cracked open just as the last lecture ended.

Est stood under the awning of the engineering building, backpack slung over one shoulder, phone in hand, watching the sheets of rain blur the footpath like a broken watercolor painting.

No umbrella. Of course.

He sighed.

Behind him, a small group of students gathered under the same shelter, chattering and checking weather apps. Est wasn’t in the mood to wait — or wade.

He adjusted his bag and stepped forward.

“Phi Est!”

He froze.

Not because of the voice — which he’d come to expect like an unfortunate ringtone — but because of the jacket that dropped over his head a second later.

Warm. Dry. Smelled faintly of citrus and something stubbornly clean.

He turned. “What—”

William stood there, soaked to the bone. No umbrella. Hair plastered to his forehead. A sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

“I saw you forgot yours,” he said, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “I… I didn’t want you to get wet.”

Est stared at him, baffled. “Where’s yours?”

William shrugged. “Didn’t bring one. But it’s okay. I don’t get sick easily.”

Est narrowed his eyes. “You ran through the rain just to give me your jacket?”

William grinned, shaking water from his bangs. “Don’t look so offended, Phi. It’s not a big deal.”

“It is a big deal,” Est said quietly.

William looked stunned for a moment. Then, softer: “Worth it, though.”

Est’s breath caught. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Only for you,” William replied, before waving and backing away into the rain. “See you tomorrow, Phi Est!”

Est clutched the jacket tighter.

He didn’t say thank you.

But he didn’t take it off, either.

Next Day

No William.

Not in the cafeteria.

Not outside the study hall.

Not even on the treadmill where he usually flailed beside Est like a panting golden retriever.

Est didn’t notice at first. But by lunch, something felt… off. Quiet. Too quiet.

He hesitated, eyes flicking to the entrance every so often, then scolding himself for it.

“Waiting for someone?” Daou teased over lunch.

“No.”

Joong raised a brow. “He hasn’t shown up?”

“Who?”

Daou smirked. “Oh please.”

Est sipped his soup and didn’t reply.

Same Day — Evening

It was raining again. In Bangkok, not rare — but this time it was heavy, relentless, loud.

After class, Est paused under the covered walkway, staring at the downpour. Then reached into his bag.

William’s jacket.

He’d brought it to return.

Now he was zipping it up again.

“Tch,” he muttered, tugging the hood tight.

It still smelled like him. Shampoo. Mint gum. Something warm underneath. It was just a jacket.

And yet.

He had almost made it to his dorm when someone called, “Phi Est!”

Est turned, surprised to see Lego running up with a green umbrella in hand, soaked halfway to the knees.

“William’s sick,” he said, breathless. “He didn’t tell you?”

Est blinked. “Sick?”

“Fever. Probably from the rain last night. He’s at the practice room now. Didn’t want to infect anyone in his dorm.”

Est frowned. “And he didn’t go home?”

Lego hesitated. “He said he didn’t want to bother anyone.”

Beat.

“Especially not you.”

Est didn’t answer.

He just turned around — and walked faster.

Music Room — Late Evening

William was curled up on the ratty couch in the corner, hoodie bunched under his head. His cheeks were flushed, lips dry, breath uneven.

Est stood in the doorway, dripping.

William blinked up, trying to sit. “Phi?”

Est stepped in, tugging back the hood and took off William's jacket that he was wearing. “Thought I’d return this.”

William smiled, tired but warm. “You came in the rain again?”

“Yeah. That’s your fault,” Est muttered. He folded the jacket neatly across his lap but didn’t move to give it back.

William’s eyes followed the motion. “You really didn’t have to come.”

Est pulled out a bottle of cold medicine and lozenges from his bag.

“You’re an idiot,” he said, handing them over. “Take these.”

William blinked. “You bought me medicine?”

“Just take it.”

He did. Then took the water Est offered and leaned back with a soft sigh. “Didn’t think I’d see you today.”

“I didn’t plan to,” Est said. “Lego found me.”

Beat.

“You should let me check in properly.”

William perked up. “Wait — does that mean I get your Line?”

Est rolled his eyes. “Give me your phone.”

William scrambled to unlock it. Est typed in his Line ID and tossed it back.

“But don’t be annoying.”

“I won’t,” William swore. “Only memes and rain forecasts.”

Est actually snorted. Then stood to leave.

William glanced at the jacket. “Still raining.”

Est held it out. “Which is why I’m giving it back.”

William shook his head. “Just… keep it for now. Looks better on you anyway.”

Est paused. Just for a second.

Then tucked it under his arm and walked out.

That Night

“Still no message?” Nut asked.

William curled deeper into the beanbag, hoodie over his head, blanket tight around his shoulders.

“You should’ve gone home,” Hong said.

“It’s okay,” William rasped. “Didn’t want to spread anything.”

“Did he even check in?” Nut asked.

“No,” William said softly. “But that’s okay. He doesn’t owe me anything.”

Hong threw a pillow at his head.

The next night, it rained again.

Est wore William’s jacket everywhere.

Still didn’t return it.

And didn’t plan to.

Chapter Text

It took William three hours to write the message.

He typed it, deleted it, rewrote it, added an emoji, removed it, added a different one, questioned his entire existence, then finally hit send and threw his phone across the bed like it was cursed.

William:

Thank you again for checking on me, Phi. I feel better now. Hope you didn’t catch anything. 🦈🙇‍♂️

He groaned, face-first into his blanket.

Exactly one minute later, his phone dinged.

Est:

Don’t be weird.

Then a second later:

Est:

Get actual rest. And wear a damn jacket next time or keep an umbrella with you. 

And finally — though William was sure it had been a mis-tap — a sticker of a shark wrapped in a blanket.

William saved the sticker.

And the message.

And a screenshot.

Two days later, William spotted Est in the cafeteria — sitting alone, hunched over his tray, earbuds in, poking at his food like it had insulted him. He looked tired.

William didn’t say anything. He just bought two cartons of yakult and walked past Est’s table, casually placing one by his tray like it had wandered there on its own.

Est paused his music. He glanced down at the bottle, then slowly up at William.

William gave a sheepish smile. “No pressure. Just probiotics.”

Est sighed and picked it up, stabbing the straw in. “You're impossible.”

“You drank it, though,” William beamed.

“Only because it expires in three days.”

“Everything good about me also has a short shelf life.”

Est snorted and kept sipping.

---

Later that afternoon in the library, William was crouched between two tightly packed shelves when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“You’re in the wrong section.”

William startled so hard he hit the top shelf with a dull thud. “Ow—damn—”

Est reached out instinctively, steadying him by the wrist. “Are you always this chaotic?”

William winced, rubbing his head. “Only around you, Phi.”

Est glanced at the thick book in William’s hand. “Third-year macroeconomics. You’re a first-year Performing Arts major.”

“Trying to get ahead,” William said innocently.

“You don’t even take economics.”

William smiled, shrugging like that was irrelevant.

Est rolled his eyes but didn’t let go of his wrist. “Come on.”

They walked back to the correct shelf together, Est’s hand still warm where it brushed William’s. 

---

On the way out of the library, a group of upperclassmen shoved through the doors. One brushed William’s shoulder just a little too hard, knocking his books sideways.

“Watch it, freshie,” the guy muttered.

William let out a small laugh, trying to shrug it off—

But Est’s hand was already there — catching the books, steadying William with a firm touch on his back.

“Maybe you should watch it too,” Est said quietly, voice pleasant, eyes cold.

The upperclassman blinked, mumbled something, and moved on.

William stood frozen, stunned silent.

Est didn’t move his hand.

“Thanks,” William said, voice barely above a whisper.

Est cleared his throat and stepped back, looking away. “You bruise easily.”

“I’m delicate,” William said, trying not to beam.

Est muttered, “Idiot,” and kept walking.

William followed, smiling like he’d just been handed a free destiny coupon.

The Next Morning – Sociology Class

“Why are you like this?” Nut muttered, peeking over at William’s notes.

William didn’t even look up. “Like what?”

“Hopeless. Smiley. Writing Phi Est in hearts.”

“I did not write his name in hearts.”

Tui leaned in, pointing. “What’s this then?”

“…That’s an anatomical heart. For biology.”

“William,” Lego said seriously, “we’re in sociology class.”

Hong tilted his head, mock-studying the page. “Is that his coffee order next to it? With sparkles?”

“That’s… data collection,” William said weakly.

Nut leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “He’s gone. Our boy’s down bad.”

“Tragically,” Tui added, patting William’s back. “Phi Est smiled at him once and now he’s writing fanfiction in the margins.”

William finally looked up. “It was not once. It was at least four times. Maybe five.”

Lego whistled. “Wow. Wedding’s next week, huh?”

Hong grinned. “Let us know if you need backup dancers for the first dance.”

“You guys are the worst,” William muttered, trying to slide his notes out of sight.

“We’re the groomsmen,” Nut corrected, eyes shining. “And we demand matching suits. Powder blue. Retro 80s.”

Tui added with a wicked grin, “Or we tell Phi Est about the notebook.”

“…You wouldn’t.”

All four of them chorused: “Try us.”

---

As the lecture ended, William bolted upright, notebook hugged to his chest like a national secret.

“Where are you running to, groomzilla?” Nut called after him.

“Gotta go rehearse his vows,” Hong added.

“Make sure to mention the anatomical heart,” Lego deadpanned.

William threw them a glare over his shoulder. “You’re all single and it shows.”

He made it halfway down the hallway before slamming into someone solid.

And slightly damp.

His nose met a shoulder — broad, warm, faintly smelling of chlorine and laundry detergent.

William stumbled back. “S–Sorry, I—”

It was Est.

Wearing his training hoodie, hair still wet from swim practice, and blinking down at William like he'd just been dropped from the ceiling.

“Oh. Hey,” Est said, a little amused.

William's brain short-circuited. He was still holding his stupid notebook against his chest like a middle school diary. His ears were turning red. He could feel it.

“Heart—I mean—Hello—Phi Est—Hi,” William blurted, every ounce of cool he'd ever claimed going up in flames.

Est glanced at the notebook.

William immediately shoved it behind his back like that would erase the laws of physics.

Est raised an eyebrow. “What are you hiding?”

“Nothing. Definitely not… fanfiction. Or hearts. Or data collection. Normal notes. For normal class. Sociology. I’m very studious.”

A beat.

Est smiled. “Okay, studious.”

Behind him, Nut, Hong, Lego, and Tui peeked around the corner like feral gremlins.

Tui whispered, far too loudly, “He said ‘studious!’ That’s a pet name now!”

William choked on air.

Est turned his head slightly. “Are those your friends?”

“No. I don’t know them.”

Est raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you just yell at them like five minutes ago? I walked past your classroom.”

William froze. “You heard that?”

Est smiled faintly. “Hard not to. You were very… expressive.”

William groaned. “Please erase this moment from your memory. I’m begging.”

But Est just chuckled and walked past, tossing casually over his shoulder, “You’re funny.”

William stared after him, stunned.

And then Nut tackled him from behind. “HE SAID YOU’RE FUNNY.”

“That’s like step three in the dating manual,” Tui added.

“Was he flirting?” Hong asked, genuinely concerned. “I think he was flirting.”

William’s voice cracked. “I need water. And maybe a priest.”

Swimming Pool, After Practice 

Est was doing everything in his power not to think about William.

Which became increasingly difficult when William showed up everywhere .

Library? William, desk across from him, grinning like they were study buddies in a K-drama.

Cafeteria? William, behind him in line, chatting with the staff like a beloved regular. (“Phi Est likes the spicy pad krapow, right?” he’d asked once, like he wasn’t a walking infomercial for public embarrassment.)

Swimming practice? William — not even in the club — lounging casually in the stands, iced coconut water in hand and a towel he never used draped dramatically over his shoulder.

Joong caught him staring once and didn’t even pretend to let it go.

“He’s consistent,” Joong noted, sipping his drink.

“You mean clingy,” Est muttered, pulling off his swim cap.

Daou grinned. “Consistently clingy.”

Joong leaned forward, squinting toward the bleachers. “And kind of cute, no? Like… annoyingly golden retriever boyfriend material.”

Est narrowed his eyes. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours,” Joong said. “That’s why I’m telling you to just say yes already.”

“To what?” Est asked flatly, even though he knew exactly what.

“To the coffee date you’re pretending he hasn’t asked for three times,” Daou supplied helpfully.

Est opened his mouth, then shut it.

Dunk sitting beside them chuckled. “Phi, you smile more now.”

“I don’t.”

“You do,” Joong and Daou said in unison.

Dunk added, “Even Coach noticed. Said you’ve been swimming faster lately. Wonder why.”

Est threw his towel at him.

Joong caught it midair, tossed it back. “Just saying. Maybe the coconut water’s working.”

Est groaned, covering his face with his shirt.

From the bleachers, William waved enthusiastically.

Est didn’t wave back.

But he didn’t look away either.

Joong smirked. “It’s fine. Just marry him already.”

Est grumbled, “I hate all of you.”

Daou patted his back. “We love you too, Phi.”

Three months in, Est had accepted a painful truth: William was everywhere .

It wasn’t stalking — Est had checked. William couldn’t possibly know his shifting schedule or rotating swim practice hours. But still, there he was. Like gravity. Like fate in sneakers.

Study hall? William, pretending to study while doodling sharks in his margins.

Cafeteria? William, already at Est’s table, feigning surprise like a bad actor.

Gym? William. On a treadmill. Wearing Est’s favorite color. Water bottle labeled: Hydrate or Die-drate .

Est tried ignoring him. But that was worse. Then William didn’t speak. Just looked — with big, earnest eyes, like a hopeful retriever waiting to be adopted.

---

Tuesday – University Hallway

Est stepped out of his statistics lecture, brain buzzing with numbers and a growing headache. He tugged his hoodie sleeves down and rubbed at his temples, already thinking about the swim drills he still had to run.

And then—

“Hi, Phi Est!”

William.

Standing by the wall across the hall like he just happened to be there. No backpack. No books. A drink in each hand.

Est blinked. “...Are you in this building?”

“Nope.”

Est narrowed his eyes.

William offered him one of the drinks — something cold, sweet, and topped with whipped cream. “Saw your story about cramming for your stats exam last night. Thought you might need sugar and sympathy.”

Est hesitated.

Then took the drink. “…Thanks.”

“You looked stressed,” William said, eyes scanning him a little too openly. “Well, more than usual.”

“I’m always like this.”

“I know.” William grinned. “Still cute, though.”

Est choked on his drink.

William looked alarmed. “Are you—do you need water? I brought water too, just in case—”

Est waved him off, coughing into his sleeve. “I’m fine.”

William grinned again, that golden retriever beam in full force. “Okay. I’ll walk you to the pool.”

“Why?”

“I just happened to be heading that way.”

Est stared. “You’re in Performing Arts.”

William nodded. “And the pool is… you know… in that general direction .”

“…You’re unbelievable.”

“But you’re still walking with me.”

Est didn’t respond.

But he did fall into step beside him.

---

Thursday – Cafeteria

It was loud. Overcrowded. Only seat near Est’s corner was — of course — across from William.

And William had already placed a tray with tofu, shrimp chips, and banana milk in front of the empty seat.

Est sat down with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t read into it,” William said quickly. “They had a tofu combo. Thursday special.”

Est arched a brow. “And the banana milk?”

“Fell into my tray.”

“You’re bribing me.”

William smiled. “Is it working?”

Est didn’t answer. He just picked up a piece of tofu.

William lit up like someone had handed him a prize.

They ate in silence — not awkward, just careful. Est pretended not to notice the napkin holder nudged a little closer to his side. Or how William kept quietly refilling his water glass before it ever emptied. Or the way his gaze lingered on Est’s hands — not in a hungry way, but like he was memorizing them.

It was… oddly gentle.

Then, as a group of second-years passed behind them, one of them scoffed just loud enough to cut through the quiet.

“Chasing seniors for clout now?”

William didn’t react. Just reached for his drink, calm and unbothered. But Est’s jaw ticked — a small shift, tight and instinctive.

He didn’t say anything. But the air changed.

And William noticed.

Est glanced at the graffiti scrawled crudely on the edge of William’s tray. He didn’t say anything. Just reached out and turned the tray so the words faced away.

William blinked at him.

Est looked at his food. “It was upside down.”

William smiled. “Thanks, Phi.”

Dorm Benches – That Evening

Est dropped onto a bench, shrimp chips in one hand, phone in the other.

Across the courtyard, Joong and Dunk were practically glowing in couple-mode. Whispering, laughing, touching each other’s faces like it was normal.

“You’re staring,” Daou said, appearing beside him with Offroad, who promptly took a chip without asking.

“I’m not,” Est replied.

“You are,” Daou said, sitting like he had all the time in the world to watch Est spiral. “But not at Joong and Dunk. You’re staring at your phone.”

Est casually flipped it over, screen-down. “No, I’m not.”

Offroad stole another chip. “Was that a message from your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my—” Est bit off the rest and shoved a chip in his mouth instead.

Daou grinned. “The one you had lunch with today. At your table. Looking at you like you hung the moon.”

“That’s just how William looks at everyone.”

Joong called from across the courtyard without looking up, “ He doesn’t look at me like that! ”

Est groaned. “You all need hobbies.”

“We have hobbies,” Daou said. “Mine is tracking your descent into accidental coupledom.”

“He bought me lunch,” Est said. “That’s not a relationship.”

Offroad blinked. “Didn’t he also bring you coconut water during practice?”

“And lend you his jacket when it rained?” Daou added.

“And waited for you outside stats class ?” Joong yelled.

Est glared. “ Why does everyone know this?! ”

Joong beamed. “Because you blush every time.”

Est stood. “I’m going inside.”

“Send him a goodnight selfie first!” Joong called out.

“Shut up, Joong!”

“Use the soft filter,” Daou added helpfully. “William’s the type to screenshot.”

Est didn’t say anything, but his ears were pink by the time he slammed the dorm door behind him.

Daou nudged Offroad. “So... how long do you think until he kisses him?”

Offroad chewed thoughtfully. “Three weeks. Two if Est lets him buy lunch again.”

Joong leaned back into Dunk’s arms and grinned. “I give it one.”

Dorm Lounge – Same Time

“Let me get this straight,” Nut said. “You sat next to him. Gave him tofu. And didn’t pass out?”

“I wasn’t going to pass out,” William mumbled.

“You giggled,” Hong said. “When he picked up his chopsticks.”

“Did not.”

“Bro,” Lego said, “you adjusted his tray. Wiped the condensation off his drink. That’s ghost boyfriend behavior.”

“I was being thoughtful.”

“You were being a simp,” Tui chimed in. “And we support that.”

“Thank you.”

“But also,” Nut added, “Phi Est could step on you in cleats and you’d thank him.”

“I’d offer him slippers,” William said seriously. “He deserves comfort.”

Hong clapped. “Romantic and practical. I respect it.”

Lego leaned forward. “Okay but you need a game plan. You can’t keep ‘accidentally’ showing up wherever he is.”

“I don’t ‘accidentally’ show up,” William said weakly.

Tui raised an eyebrow. “You brought him coconut water during swim practice.”

Nut nodded solemnly. “That’s basically a love confession in tropical hydration.”

Hong threw an arm around William’s shoulder. “You need to go big. Grand gesture. Movie montage. Flash mob.”

William looked alarmed. “I can’t dance.”

“Even better,” Lego said. “It shows vulnerability. Emotional bravery. P'Est will eat it up.”

Tui leaned in, suddenly excited. “Ooh! Or — hear me out — show up in a wet white shirt . Pretend you’re lost. He’s in the swimming club. You collapse dramatically into his arms.”

“I am not faking heatstroke for love,” William said flatly.

“Commitment issues,” Nut muttered.

Hong gasped. “Tattoo his name.”

William blinked. “Are you on something?”

Tui snapped his fingers suddenly. “Wait — the campus festival’s next week!”

Everyone froze.

Lego’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas. “Oh my god . Ask him to go with you.”

William blinked. “Like… on a date?”

“Yes, genius,” Lego rolled his eyes. “Before someone else does.”

“You think someone else would?” William sat up straighter, clearly disturbed.

“Have you seen P’Est?” Hong said. “Of course someone else would.”

“Okay,” Nut added, “but you have the edge. He tolerates you.”

“Generous,” William muttered.

Tui ignored him. “You gotta lock it down. Offer to go with him. Casually. Like, ‘oh, I was thinking of checking it out… do you wanna come too?’”

Lego nodded. “And then ‘accidentally’ win him a plushie. Classic strategy.”

William frowned. “Phi Est doesn’t strike me as a plushie guy.”

“Shark plushie,” Hong suggested. “It’s symbolic. Swimming. Teeth. Romance.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“No,” Nut said. “You’ll do it. Tomorrow. Or we do it for you.”

William looked up sharply. “You wouldn’t.”

“You think we won’t go up to him and say, ‘Our friend has a very important emotional crisis about you—’”

“I’ll do it,” William interrupted.

Tui clapped. “Good. Because if you miss the chance, and P’Est goes with someone else—”

“I’ll die,” William said, hand to chest.

“Correct.”

Hong leaned in. “Now. Outfit planning. Should you go all out? Or wear something that says I didn’t try but I’m still devastatingly cute ?”

William thought for a moment. “What if I just wear white?”

They all paused.

Then, in perfect unison, all four screamed.

Chapter Text

Cafeteria – The Next Afternoon

The campus festival was approaching fast.

It was the kind of event students planned for weeks in advance — club booths, live music, food trucks. For two days, the university turned into a glowing, chaotic fairground. Everyone was buzzing.

William sat at the table with all the posture of someone preparing to propose or pass out. Possibly both.

“Okay,” he muttered. “I ask him today. No jokes, no weird metaphors. Just—‘Do you want to go to the campus fest with me?’ That’s it.”

Nut leaned over. “So why do you look like you're about to cry?”

“Because I have one chance and no emotional stability,” William hissed.

“Fair,” Hong said, sipping his soda.

Tui patted his back. “You’ve got this. Just remember: eye contact, confidence, do not mention sharks. ”

William groaned. “It was one time.”

“Three times,” Lego corrected. “You pitched an entire plushie concept.”

“I was nervous!”

“You pitched a line of merch, bro.”

Before William could defend himself, Est appeared, setting down his tray like it was just another normal Thursday. Hair slightly damp from swim drills, hoodie sleeves pushed up, that calm unreadable look on his face.

William forgot how words worked for a solid second.

“Hey,” Est said, casual.

“Hey,” William squeaked. Then cleared his throat. “Hey.”

Est glanced up, just the tiniest bit wary. “Hmm?”

“You look like one of those shampoo commercials,” William said, tilting his head. “All that water and glistening skin… Very distracting. For academic performance, I mean.”

Est didn’t even blink. “Then maybe don’t stare.”

William’s smile widened. “Can’t help it.”

Est shook his head, smirking despite himself. “What do you want?”

“Nothing! Just… the fair is coming up.” William scratched the back of his neck. “I was thinking maybe—”

“Oh,” Est interrupted, suddenly looking tired. “Yeah, I’m going to be stuck at our booth pretty much the whole day. Coach is making us rotate shifts and I got roped into the opening block.”

William blinked. “Ah. Booth duty.”

Est nodded. “Water games and sign-ups. It’s going to be chaos. And wet. Don’t say it.”

William held up both hands, mock-innocent. “Wasn’t going to.”

Est gave him a look.

William raises his hand. “Okay, okay you got me. But I can help! I’ll volunteer! You need crowd control, right? I’m loud! I can bring snacks. Towels. A mini fan. Like those cute little USB ones—”

Est blinked. “You want to volunteer for work?”

“For you?” William said, grinning. “Yes.”

Est gave him a long look, like he was trying to decide if this was romantic or mildly concerning. “Okay. I’ll tell the captain.”

“Great!” William said brightly. “I’ll be amazing. You won’t even know I’m there.”

Est stood, tray in hand. “I seriously doubt that.”

And with a small nod and a half-smile, he walked off toward the compost bin.

William turned back to his friends, triumphant.

“I nailed that.”

They all just stared at him.

Nut broke first. “You… forgot.”

William blinked. “Forgot what?”

Lego dropped his head into his hands. “You forgot to ask him.”

William stared, horrified.

“I volunteered myself for labor,” he whispered.

Hong nodded solemnly. “And got absolutely no date.”

Tui was already Googling shark plushie stress toys. “Do we tell him he’s a lost cause, or let him spiral for a bit?”

William put his face down on the table.

“You’re all the worst,” he mumbled.

---

Swimming Club – That Evening

The post-practice buzz had faded. Most of the team had cleared out, leaving behind only the hum of the overhead lights and the soft squeak of Est’s sneakers as he laced them up by the bench. His hair was still damp, towel slung loosely over his shoulders, clipboard balanced on his knees.

He didn’t notice Joong and Daou until Joong slung an arm around his shoulders from behind.

“So,” Joong drawled near his ear, “when’s the wedding?”

Est blinked. “What?”

Joong circled around to face him, sipping from a boba cup like he had all the time in the world. “Heard your favorite freshman signed up to help at the booth tomorrow.”

Est didn’t look up. “He volunteered. Not the same.”

“Mmm,” Joong hummed, grinning. “Volunteered to spend all day with you. At your booth. Getting wet. So brave.”

Daou appeared on Est’s other side, lugging two bags of ice. “This about William again?”

“Yes,” Joong said brightly.

“No,” Est muttered at the same time.

Daou raised an eyebrow. “He’s really doing this, huh? Not just flirting and vanishing like most campus crushes.”

“Because he’s not a crush,” Est said sharply — too sharply.

Joong choked on his boba. Daou gave Est a look.

“You’re awfully defensive for someone who claims he doesn’t like him.”

“I don’t,” Est snapped again.

Joong leaned in conspiratorially. “But you did tell Coach you didn’t mind taking the opening shift… right after William offered to help.”

Est scowled. “We needed someone for sign-ups.”

“And it had to be the guy who calls you ‘Phi Est’ like it’s a love confession every time?” Joong said sweetly.

Est exhaled through his nose. “He’s annoying.”

Daou grinned. “But useful.”

Joong elbowed him. “And kind of cute, admit it.”

Est didn’t answer. But the tips of his ears were red — and that was answer enough. Joong and Daou shared a smug high-five behind his back.

Before Est could fire back, another voice joined in. 

"He volunteered to be glued to your side for two days straight. Pure coincidence.” Dunk said as he walked past, towel draped around his neck, tone bone-dry. 

Est huffed. “You’re all overthinking this.”

“Are we?” Daou tilted his head.

“Do you think he’ll ask you?” he added casually.

Est frowned. “Ask me what?”

“To go with him,” came Offroad’s voice, emerging from behind a locker with a knowing smirk. “Not the booth. The festival. Just… you know. With him.”

Est scoffed. “He’s twenty.”

“Wow,” Joong muttered. “Put that on your tombstone.”

Daou rolled his eyes. “Est. It’s four years, not forty.”

Est stared at the floor. “It’s not the number,” he murmured. “He’s just… young. This whole thing, it’s probably a phase for him. He’ll move on eventually.”

Silence settled like steam off the pool — heavy and clinging.

Joong’s voice, when it came again, was softer. “And what if he doesn’t?”

Est didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

Offroad shut his locker and leaned against it, folding his arms. “We’re not saying fall headfirst. Just… don’t pretend it doesn’t matter. It does.”

Daou nodded. “You’ve been alone a long time, Est. It’s okay to want someone. Even if it’s someone who wears cartoon shark hoodies and makes finger hearts like it’s a sport.”

Est let out a quiet laugh, the sound breaking the tension like a ripple in water.

Joong grinned. “See? You’re already halfway in. You just haven’t noticed.”

“Or maybe you noticed. You’re just scared he’ll mean it.” Dunk added coolly.

Est didn’t respond. But something in his expression shifted — not quite denial, not quite acceptance. Just... something real.

Joong caught it. Nudged Daou. Then shot a grin back over his shoulder as they walked away.

“If he shows up at the booth with a couple bracelet, I’m taking full credit.”

Two Days Later – After Swim Practice

It happened the way most things with William did: clumsy, open, and sincere.

The sun had just begun to dip behind the dorms when William caught up to Est outside the gym. His cheeks were pink from running, hair sticking out from under a hoodie. He looked winded — and hopeful.

“Phi,” he said, breathless. “Wait.”

Est stopped.

William adjusted the strap of his bag. “Are you — are you doing anything during the festival? I mean, besides the booth?”

Est blinked. “I’ll be around.”

“I thought maybe,” William hesitated, “after your shift ends… you’d want to walk around with me?”

There was no smirk, no playful tone — just quiet nerves under his usual sunshine.

Est stared at him. He hadn’t expected William to ask so directly.

“You should ask someone closer to your age,” Est said finally.

The words weren’t cruel. They weren’t even cold. Just… tired. Like Est had practiced them in his head too many times.

William blinked. “I don’t want someone else.”

Est looked away. “You’ll have more fun with someone who doesn’t mind crowds. Or clingy freshmen. Or people taking photos.”

“Phi,” William said gently, “I don’t care about all that. I just want to go with you.”

Est’s fingers curled at his side. He didn’t answer. Couldn't. 

So William gave a soft laugh, like he’d expected this outcome. “Okay,” he said. “That’s okay.”

He didn’t try to push. Didn’t try to convince Est.

He just gave him a little smile, nodded, and walked off.

Est watched his back until he disappeared down the stairs.

He didn’t know why it made his chest ache.

Campus Festival Day 1 — Swimming Club Booth

The sun was relentless.

Est wiped sweat from his brow and taped the last price tag to a water bottle. Their booth — a blur of blue-and-white decorations, sporty freebies, and fundraising games — had already drawn a decent crowd. The swim team members were in matching shirts, smiling for photos, handing out merch, encouraging students to join mini competitions for prizes.

Est stayed busy. Purposefully so.

He was adjusting the edge of the banner when William showed up.

Same LYKN t-shirt as the rest of his bandmates — a little too big, sleeves pushed up. His hair was slightly tousled, like he’d rushed to get there. He carried two iced drinks and a bag of sweet toast, tucked under one arm like it was nothing.

“Morning, Phi,” he said, setting one of the drinks on the table beside Est. “Still like cold brew, right?”

Est looked at it. Then at him.

William didn’t meet his eyes. He smiled, but it was polite — not his usual sunshine.

He handed the toast to one of the younger swim team volunteers. “Extra order. For you too, Phi.”

Then he stepped back, slipping into helper mode. Organizing merch. Smiling at students. Explaining the raffle.

He was good at this. Effortless with people.

But Est kept catching him glancing over when he thought Est wasn’t looking — never for long. Just enough. Just… checking.

They barely spoke all morning.

At one point, Est reached for a stack of flyers at the same time William did. Their hands brushed.

William pulled back immediately. “Sorry,” he murmured, already turning away.

Est stood there for a second too long, staring at his hand.

It wasn’t like William to avoid touch.

That was when he realized: William was still here. Still helping. Still keeping his promise.

But he’d stopped hoping.

And for the first time since he said no, Est wondered if he’d made a mistake.

---

Later That Night – Under the Lantern Arch

Est never planned to show up.

The lantern arch behind the main field was for couples — a quiet place, glowing with soft light and paper wishes. Students hung them up together, made promises they’d probably break, took photos they’d probably regret.

Est told himself he was just passing by.

Then he saw William — sitting alone on the bench beneath the arch, holding a half-melted ice cream. He looked like someone waiting without expecting anything.

Est’s feet moved before his brain caught up.

He stopped a few feet away. “You’re not with anyone?”

William looked up in surprise. Then smiled, slow and stunned. “Not yet.”

Est rolled his eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

William shrugged. “Maybe. But I waited anyway.”

Est sat beside him. Not close, but not far either.

They didn’t speak for a long time.

Then Est said, softly, “You don’t know what you’re doing.”

“I think I do,” William replied. “I like you, Phi Est.”

Est stared ahead. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough to keep learning,” William said. “If you let me.”

A warm breeze stirred the lanterns above, casting soft flickers of gold across their faces. Paper hearts danced in the glow, swaying with promises written in half-faded ink.

And without looking, Est reached over — and stole a bite of William’s ice cream.

William grinned so hard he almost dropped it.

And maybe that was answer enough.

“I’m in trouble,” Est thought.

Campus Festival Day 2 — Ocean Booth

William had somehow convinced Est to come with him to the second day of campus festival, “just as friends” he had said. 

"Come on, Phi Est," William said, tugging lightly at his sleeve. “One more round.”

Est raised an eyebrow. “You said that three booths ago.”

“This one’s important,” William insisted, pointing at a brightly lit stand at the edge of the festival. The sign read: Ocean Toss – Win Your Crush a Prize.

Est sighed. “Subtle.”

William ignored him and marched up to the stall, practically vibrating with energy. The booth was rigged — Est could tell instantly. The goal was to toss three rings around the nose of a plastic shark that bobbed on a moving conveyor belt. Impossible odds. A scam.

William didn’t care.

He handed over coins with a dramatic flourish. “For the honor of Phi Est,” he declared.

“Oh my god,” Est muttered under his breath, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

William missed the first ring. Then the second. His third bounced off the shark’s fin and landed in the sand with a soft plop.

The booth worker started to shake his head — but paused when William clasped his hands and gave the saddest, most pitiful pout known to mankind. “Please,” he said, gesturing to Est. “It’s for my future boyfriend.”

The worker blinked. Looked at Est. Blinked again.

“…Fine,” he muttered, and handed William a small keychain: a tiny plush shark, half its body shaped like a heart.

William lit up like he’d won Olympic gold. He spun around and held it out.

Est looked at it, deadpan. “You cheated.”

“Strategic begging is still effort.”

Est took the keychain anyway with a quiet, “Thanks.”

William beamed. “You’re welcome, Phi.”

They started to walk again, slower this time, their shoulders brushing occasionally under the glow of retreating lights and echoing laughter. The festival was winding down, but William — shark prize secured — was only just settling into his victory lap.

“You’re grinning like an idiot,” Est said.

“I am an idiot,” William replied cheerfully. “For you.”

Est didn’t deny it.

---

They barely made it ten steps from the booth when a familiar voice rang out:

“Yahhh, is that Phi Est holding a plushie? ”

William flinched. Est didn’t even look up. He just sighed and muttered, “Abort mission.”

Too late.

Nut, Hong, Lego, and Tui came bounding over like a wolf pack that smelled fresh gossip. Right behind them — somehow perfectly timed — were Daou, Offroad, Dunk, and Joong, carrying bags of half-eaten food and wearing matching expressions of amused suspicion.

William froze, caught like a kid who’d snuck out past curfew.

Est looked like he regretted being born.

Joong squinted dramatically. “Wait. Is that... a keychain shaped like a shark?”

Tui grinned. “And a heart. Don’t forget the heart.”

Lego leaned over to Nut and stage-whispered, “I think our William just leveled up.”

“Phi, don’t be shy!” Hong called cheerfully. “Show everyone your loot!”

Est didn’t move.

So William did it for him — taking the keychain from Est and holding up the little shark keychain like a trophy. “I won it for Phi Est,” he declared proudly. 

“By failing and then begging.” Est added. 

Hong burst out laughing. “Sounds about right.” 

Tui groaned and face palmed, “You're so embarrassing.”

Est turned slightly, giving William a side-eye sharp enough to cut metal. “Why are you holding it up like it’s an Olympic medal?”

“Because it feels like one,” William said proudly, then handed it back to Est. “I overcame adversity. Judgment. Weak wrists. And still—” He jiggled the plush shark. “Victory.”

Joong looked Est up and down, then deadpanned, “He’s really got you carrying public affection now, huh?”

Est exhaled like he was tired of everyone and everything.

Nut leaned in. “So… Phi Est. Is that your way of saying thank you? Holding the prize? Because we’ve never seen you hold anything that wasn’t a clipboard or a grudge.”

Est, who had in fact just been quietly standing there with a small shark keychain dangling from his hand, instantly dropped it into William’s palm. “Fixed.”

William beamed. “He held it for ten whole minutes, you guys. That’s like... boyfriend hours in Est Time.”

Hong clutched his chest. “I’m emotional.”

“You’re unwell,” Est muttered.

Lego raised an eyebrow at William. “So, you gonna tell us what you bribed him with to get this far?”

“No bribe!” William said, scandalized. “Just charm. And undying devotion.”

“Also probably whining,” Dunk chimed in.

“Only a little,” William admitted. “But effective!”

Est pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can I go home now?”

“No,” Joong said brightly. “We haven’t even taken a group photo yet. Come on, line up. William, go stand next to your muse.”

Est muttered something dark under his breath, but William was already sliding in beside him, grinning ear to ear.

“You don’t have to look happy,” William whispered as Joong raised his phone, “but if you do, I might survive tonight.”

Est didn’t smile.

But he didn’t move away either.

And that was enough to make William stand a little taller.

Click.

Offroad peeked over Joong’s shoulder. “Awww. Framed.”

Tui smirked. “This is so going in the group chat.”

Est sighed. “I will leave.”

“Not before you win me something ugly,” William declared. “I saw a turtle plush that’s almost as grumpy as you. It’s fate.”

“Absolutely not,” Est replied, already walking away.

William was right behind him. “Too late, I already named it Phi Mood.”

Behind them, laughter echoed like a wave.

Chapter Text

After saying goodbye to their friends, Est turned to leave. He’d only taken three steps when William appeared at his side, practically bouncing. “Not so fast, Phi. You still owe me.”

Est didn’t look at him. “For what.”

“For everything,” William said grandly. “But today, specifically — for emotional support, winning you a keychain, and not letting you walk around with resting murder face. Also, you promised.”

“I didn’t promise anything.”

“Not verbally, but your vibe said yes.”

Est sighed. “What do you want?”

William pointed to a claw machine booth in the corner, where an aggressively green, perpetually frowning turtle plush sat trapped in a tangle of limbs. It looked like it had seen things.

“That one,” William said solemnly. “That’s the one.”

Est blinked. “That thing looks like it wants to file a complaint.”

William lit up. “Exactly! It’s you! I saw it earlier and immediately thought, ‘wow, that’s Phi Est if he were trapped in a carnival hellscape.’ It’s fate.”

“No.”

“Too late, I already named it Phi Mood.”

Est’s deadpan turned dangerous. “You named it?”

William nodded. “Phi Mood. Because he looks like you — done with life, but still politely present.”

Est turned to walk away. “Absolutely not.”

William chased after him. “You can’t abandon him Phi! He’s your emotional twin. Look at him. He needs a home.”

Est stopped, slowly turned around, and stared at the turtle.

Then at William.

Then at the turtle again.

“…You’re serious.”

“Deadly.”

“I’m not wasting money on a claw scam.”

“I’ll make sad eyes.”

“I’m immune.”

“I’ll tell everyone you made me cry at the goldfish booth.”

“You did cry!”

“Because the fish was mocking me, Phi Est!”

Est muttered something under his breath and marched to the booth. He shoved some cash at the bored attendant and took the claw controls like he was preparing for battle.

William stood beside him, hands clasped under his chin, eyes sparkling. “Phi Mood is counting on you.”

Est didn’t respond. He adjusted the joystick with surgical precision. The claw dropped. Twitched. Missed.

William gasped like someone had died.

Est fed it another coin. Focused harder. His jaw tightened. A bead of concentration sweat appeared.

The claw dropped again — caught — dragged the miserable-looking turtle halfway across the machine before dropping it at the edge.

William groaned. “Phiiiiii—”

Est inserted another coin.

Third time was the charm. The claw locked, lifted, and with an agonizing jerk, finally delivered Phi Mood to the prize chute.

Est grabbed the plush and shoved it into William’s arms. “There.”

William hugged it like it was a newborn. “He’s perfect. You’ve never loved me more.”

“I’ve never regretted anything more,” Est muttered.

William just beamed. “Smile for the camera. You’re a hero.”

Est didn’t smile. But he didn’t walk away either.

It had been two days since the festival.

William hadn’t messaged Est. Not out of pride — he just didn’t want to crowd him. Est had come to find him that night, unasked. That was more than William had hoped for.

So he waited again.

Until someone showed up.

Tuesday Afternoon – Engineering Courtyard 

The shaded courtyard was always quiet this time of day. A little too far from the central canteen, a little too close to the faculty offices — not a popular hangout spot.

Which made it perfect for napping. Or studying. Or hiding.

Est didn’t greet him. Just set a bag of seaweed crackers and a can of peach soda on the table like a peace offering.

“Are you following me, Phi?” William said cheekily.

“I’m not following you,” Est replied dryly.

William looked up, blinking dramatically. “You sure, Phi? Because this is getting suspicious.”

Est rolled his eyes and sat across from him. Still no greeting. Just the same offering again—crackers and soda, laid between them like a truce.

William blinked, then grinned. “You remembered?”

Est looked faintly annoyed. “You wouldn’t shut up about it in the gym last week. Something about seaweed crackers being your ‘emotional support snack.’”

William laughed, heart fluttering. “Still. Most people forget.”

“Lucky I’m not most people,” Est muttered.

He didn’t say he’d gone to two shops looking for the chips.

Didn’t say he remembered the exact brand William mentioned. 

William crunched into a cracker, humming happily. “This is the best kind of stalking. Thank you.”

“Not stalking.”

“Right,” William grinned. “Just… being here. Without planning it.”

Est didn’t respond. Just stared into his drink, cheeks faintly pink. They sat in silence for a bit. It wasn’t awkward.

Not anymore.

William was the first to speak. “So you want to know about Phi Mood?”

Est didn’t look at him. “Shut up.”

William’s grin widened. “He’s on my bed, you know?”

Est sighed like someone who had witnessed far too much nonsense in a single lifetime. “Do I look like I care where you keep your ugly turtle?”

William tilted his head, mock thoughtful. “He misses you.”

“I will throw you out of this university.”

“He said, and I quote, ‘Phi Est has a soft inner shell. He just doesn’t know how to express love.’”

Est finally turned, deadpan. “You’re doing voices now?”

William nodded solemnly. “For emotional accuracy.”

Est opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. A slow blink. A visible internal debate.

“You talk to the plush?” he said finally.

William leaned forward, resting his chin in his palm. “Only when I need to feel understood.”

A pause.

Then, flatly, “You need help.”

William looked delighted. “You offering to pay for therapy?”

Est stood up as if physically rejecting the entire conversation. “No. I’m offering to leave.”

William laughed, kicking at his chair as he followed. “Tell Phi Mood you miss him and I’ll stop.”

“I’d rather eat a stapler.”

“I’ll bring him to class tomorrow.”

“You’re banned from the lecture hall.”

William grinned. “He already packed a tiny bag.”

Est didn’t say anything after that.

But the tips of his ears were a little pink as he walked away.

Gym Lobby

Est had just finished swim practice and was wiping his face with a towel when he heard it.

A voice — loud, a bit too familiar.

“I’m just saying, William’s too intense. Like, chill out, bro. It’s a campus festival, not a proposal.”

Est turned.

Two guys — seniors from another department — were leaning against the vending machines, half-laughing. William stood a few feet away, holding a plastic bag of cold drinks, brows raised politely but silent.

He hadn’t said anything.

He didn’t need to.

Est stepped in without thinking.

“Maybe you should chill out,” Est said evenly. “He was helping our booth. Pulled double shifts. Raised more than any of us.”

The seniors blinked, caught off guard.

Est tilted his head. “You got a problem with that?”

One of them scratched his neck awkwardly. “Nah, just joking around.”

“Try funnier jokes.”

They backed off. William stayed frozen.

Est turned to him, expression unreadable. “You coming?”

William followed, quietly stunned — until they were outside, and he couldn’t hold it anymore.

“You defended me,” he said, grinning. “In public. With witnesses.”

Est didn’t look at him. “They were being annoying.”

“Sure. And you happened to be standing right there. Again.”

Est paused. “Coincidence.”

“Of course.”

Evening – Café 

William dropped into the booth beside Nut, cheeks still pink from the gym incident. Hong, Tui, and Lego were already sipping drinks.

“You should’ve seen Phi Est,” William mumbled, dazed. “He glared at them.”

“Like, protective boyfriend glare?” Hong asked.

William buried his face in his arms. “I’m not saying yes. But yes.”

Nut leaned forward. “Did he admit it?”

“Nope.”

“Did he say why he was there?”

“Nope.”

“So you’re just casually bumping into each other across campus now?”

William raised his head slowly. “He brought me seaweed crackers and peach soda a few days ago.”

The table exploded.

---

Meanwhile – Est’s Dorm

Joong sipped his smoothie. “You showed up again?”

“I was in the area.”

Dunk snorted. “You were in the area of a faculty you don’t study in, during your only free period, carrying his favorite snack.”

Est shot him a look. “You’re being dramatic.”

Daou added gently, “And you defended him. In front of others.”

Offroad smirked. “That’s called progress, love.”

Est got up. “I’m showering.” 

Joong raised his cup. “Shower off those feelings , Est!”

The bathroom door slammed shut.

The campus was quieter than usual that week.

Midterms were creeping closer, and everyone felt it — the late nights, the caffeine overdoses, the group chats filled with desperate memes and PDF dumps. The usually chaotic canteen buzz had dulled into tired murmurs and collective groans.

Est wasn’t the type to pay attention to other people’s stress levels. He kept to himself, studied early, swam often, and avoided drama. But lately, he’d been noticing one person’s stress more than usual.

William was quieter in class than he normally was. His jokes had softened, his usual teasing charm flickered dimmer around the edges. Est noticed it in the way he rubbed his temples in lectures, the way his shoulders stayed tense even when his friends were laughing. He caught himself watching William a few times, once in the library and once outside the swimming complex.

The third time, Est was leaving the gym late and caught William sitting on a campus bench, surrounded by notes, muttering under his breath.

“Differentiation is stupid. I’m stupid. Math should be illegal,” William sighed, pressing his palms into his eyes. “Why do numbers even exist—?”

“You always this dramatic?”

William jolted upright. “Phi Est!”

Est folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. “You’re scaring everyone.”

William gave a tired laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll cry silently from now on.”

Est hesitated, then reached out and flicked William’s pen off the page gently. “You helped me. Now I’m helping you,” he said. “Consider us even.”

William stared at him, momentarily thrown. “What?”

“I’ll tutor you. Come to the dorm lounge tonight. Don’t make me regret this.”

He turned and walked away before William could say anything else. The smirk tugging at the corners of William’s lips was ridiculous.

---

The dorm lounge was quiet and nearly empty. One or two other students sat curled with laptops in the corners, but the space between Est and William felt cocooned — their own little bubble at a long study table.

William, for once, was quiet. He listened, nodded, even took notes. Est explained patiently, occasionally snatching William’s pencil to correct his scrawl. Their knees brushed once under the table and neither of them moved away.

“So,” Est said, glancing over, “you do have a brain.”

William grinned sleepily. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Phi.”

Est looked away quickly, hiding the faint curve of his lips behind his cup of coffee. “Don’t get used to it.”

As the night stretched on, William’s notes started trailing into doodles, and his blinks got longer. Est was halfway through explaining a formula when he looked up and realized William wasn’t responding.

He’d slumped slightly to the side, cheek resting on his folded arms, breathing slow.

Asleep.

Est stilled.

He could have left then. He should have nudged William awake and told him to go back to his room. But instead, he sat there for a long minute, just watching him. The quiet rise and fall of his shoulders, the soft crease of his brow even in sleep.

Finally, Est tugged off his hoodie and draped it gently over William’s shoulders.

He muttered something about “idiot doesn’t even carry a jacket,” but his hands were gentle as he adjusted the sleeves.

Then he sat back, opened his textbook again, and studied in silence beside him.

A little while later, William stirred, still bleary-eyed.

“You stayed?” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

Est didn’t look up. “You drool on my textbook, and we’re not even anymore.”

William’s sleepy laugh warmed the space between them.

---

Later that night, in his own room, Est stared at his phone for a full minute before opening Line.

He typed, deleted, then typed again.

Est:

Don’t forget the limits formula. You almost got it.

Three dots appeared.

William:

You’re texting me now, Phi? 😳

Est rolled his eyes.

Est:

Don’t make it weird.

William:

Too late. I’m framing this.

Est didn’t respond.

But he did smile, quietly, to himself, as he placed his phone facedown and turned off the light.

The day midterms ended, the entire campus exhaled.

Laughter returned to the courtyard. Cafés were full again. Group chats shifted from panic to party planning. Even the library felt lighter — less like a war zone and more like a normal, painfully air-conditioned building.

For Est, however, rest wasn’t really on the schedule.

Swim trials for the upcoming inter-university championship started the very next day. Morning drills. Afternoon laps. Practice meets. Coach was in full beast mode, and no one — not even Est — was spared.

“Phi, you okay?” Offroad asked one evening as they sat in the locker room, Est toweling his hair dry after the second practice of the day.

Est nodded, breathing a little harder than usual. “Just tired.”

“You’ve been sharp in the water though,” Daou chimed in from the bench, lacing his sneakers. “Coach even smiled today. Miracles exist.”

“Shut up,” Est muttered, but the corner of his mouth lifted.

Daou exchanged a grin with Offroad. “He’s in a good mood. Must be the tutoring gig.”

Est threw his towel at them. 

Joong laughed and said, “Alright, Captain Killjoy, midterms are done. You’re coming out with us tonight.”

Est narrowed his eyes. “Define out .”

Daou leaned against the bench, grinning. “Club. Good music, decent lighting, overpriced drinks. Maybe dancing. Come on, before you go into full training-gremlin mode.”

Est frowned. “My swim championship’s in two weeks.”

Joong clapped him on the back. “Exactly why you need one night to blow off steam. Then you can go back to punishing your body.”

Est sighed, already toweling off. “Just for a bit. I’m not staying late.”

Joong saluted. “Yes, coach.”

Daou smirked as Est headed toward the locker room. “Should we tell him?”

Joong was already pulling out his phone. “That we’re inviting William and his chaos crew?”

Daou grinned. “Nah. Let it be a surprise.”

William’s phone buzzed just as he finished his second bowl of instant noodles.

Joong:  

Club tonight. Est’s coming. You should bring your boys too.

He stared at the message. Blinked once.

Then promptly choked on a noodle.

“WE HAVE TO GO!”

Nut looked up from his gaming controller. “Who’s going? Where?”

“Phi Est! Club! Tonight!” William was already scrambling to his feet, noodles forgotten. “I need to wear something hot but also effortless. Like oops, I didn’t mean to look this good but now you can’t look away.”

Tui raised an eyebrow from the corner. “You mean like how you looked when you spilled soda on him last month?”

“That was an accident,” William hissed. “This is fate.”

Hong snorted. “This is insanity.”

Lego didn’t even look up from his manga. “Just wear black. You look less like a lost puppy that way.”

William flung open his closet like it owed him something. “Do I go edgy or soft boy? Leather jacket or mesh? Should I wear something sleeveless so he can appreciate the gym results?”

Nut nodded sagely. “Show arm. Confuse gay.”

“Okay, okay — black jeans, silver chain, maybe that cropped satin shirt — wait, do I look try-hard?”

Tui groaned. “You are try-hard. Might as well lean in.”

Hong added, grinning, “Spray cologne, not desperation.”

William threw a pillow at him. “You’re all horrible. I’m thriving in spite of you.”

“Sure,” Lego said, flipping a page. “Let us know when you propose.”

William adjusted his hair in the mirror, then froze.

“…Wait. Should I bring Phi Mood?”

“Leave. The. Turtle,” Nut looked ready to commit murder.

William sighed. “Fine. But only because Phi Est deserves my full attention tonight.”

At the Club 

The music pulsed through the floor as strobes lit up the club in flashes of red and electric blue. Bodies moved to the rhythm, the air was thick with sweat and bass, and everything smelled like overpriced perfume and bad decisions.

William stepped inside with his usual swagger, hair styled just slightly messier than usual (on purpose), silver chain catching the light, and his satin shirt scandalously half-buttoned. His friends trailed behind — Nut, Tui, Hong, and Lego — already peeling off toward the bar with various degrees of enthusiasm.

William didn’t move.

Because there, across the crowd, leaning against the edge of the VIP lounge in a fitted black tee and black jeans that really had no right to look that good, stood Est.

And William?

He froze .

Mouth slightly open. Brain buffering. All internal systems crashing.

“…Oh no,” he muttered.

Nut glanced back and saw the full statue-mode. “Here we go.”

“Is he glitching?” Tui asked, waving a hand in front of William’s face.

William finally exhaled. “I wasn’t emotionally prepared for this.”

Hong followed his gaze. “Ah. He’s in full Hot Mode tonight.”

“I thought he’d wear, like, a hoodie,” William whispered, clearly distressed. “He’s got collarbones out. Look at his neck. Who authorized this?”

Lego looked up from his drink. “You literally wore mesh.”

“That was for him , not against him!” William hissed.

Then Est looked up.

Across the crowd, Est’s gaze landed on William — all silver chains, smirking eyes, and enough skin showing to be criminal.

Est blanked.

He blinked once. Then again. Like rebooting.

“…What’s he doing here?” he muttered to no one in particular.

Joong and Daou flanked him on either side, smug and unrepentant.

Joong raised his glass. “Surprise.”

“Don’t say I never do anything for your love life,” Daou added, grinning.

Dunk, already sipping something suspiciously green, leaned in. “He looks good though, right?”

Est narrowed his eyes. “That’s not the point.”

Offroad laughed. “Yeah, but you didn’t say no.”

Est turned back toward William just in time to see him still standing there, now very clearly checking him out.

They locked eyes.

William raised a hand. Wiggled his fingers in a small wave. Grinned like he’d just won the lottery.

Est stared for a second longer.

Then turned away with the world’s driest, most resigned expression. “I need a drink.”

---

William stayed near the high table with his friends, nursing a drink he didn’t even like. The music thumped around them, the lights were dim enough to blur outlines, and everyone seemed to be in the mood to forget midterms had ever happened.

Except William wasn’t watching the dance floor.

He was watching his Phi Est .

Or trying not to. Which, frankly, was going terribly.

“He’s fine,” Nut said, catching the direction of William’s gaze for the fourth time in ten minutes.

“I’m not looking,” William lied.

“You literally haven’t blinked since the last chorus dropped,” Hong pointed out.

“I’m just… making sure he’s not uncomfortable,” William said, adjusting his chain and pretending to sip.

Tui leaned over. “You mean you’re not hovering so he doesn’t feel pressured?”

“Yes.”

Lego raised a brow. “And yet emotionally hovering from a distance is totally normal?”

William waved them off, gaze flicking back to Est across the room — standing with Joong, Dunk, Daou, Offroad near the edge of the dance floor. Laughing at something Joong said. Glowing under the club lights.

And then.

He saw it.

Some guy — unfamiliar, too confident, a shirt open just a bit too low — slid up beside Est, said something with a grin, leaned in closer than necessary.

William sat bolt upright.

“…Oh hell no.”

Nut looked up. “What.”

“That guy. That guy in the white button-down. He’s flirting with Phi Est.”

Tui followed his line of sight. “Damn. He’s already touching his arm.”

Hong let out a low whistle. “Phi Est does not look into it though.”

They weren’t wrong. Est had shifted slightly back, offering only a polite smile — the kind that screamed leave me alone to anyone who knew him.

William’s jaw clenched. “I’m going over.”

Lego caught his arm. “No. Be cool.”

“I am cool.”

“You’re vibrating.”

William stared across the room, chest tight, fingers flexing against his glass.

He didn’t want to make a scene. Didn’t want Phi Est to feel like he was being watched or crowded.

But that guy’s hand was now on his Phi Est’s waist, and Phi Est had stepped back again, jaw tightening, looking uncomfortable.

That was all it took.

William set his drink down, eyes sharp. “I’m just going to check if he’s okay.”

Nut smirked. “You’re going to rescue him .”

Tui grinned. “Go, knight in mesh armor.”

William ignored them and crossed the room, pulse matching the beat of the bass — not angry, not possessive, just—

Focused.

Because Est looked like he needed an out.

And William wasn’t going to let anyone make him uncomfortable.

Not on his watch.

---

Est didn’t like crowds. He tolerated them.

But this guy? This guy had clearly mistaken tolerance for invitation.

“I’m flattered,” Est said evenly, shifting back again, “but I’m not really looking to—”

The guy leaned in. “C’mon, just one dance—”

And then the space beside Est changed. The atmosphere shifted.

William stepped in, smooth and silent — but his eyes were anything but calm.

Dark. Focused. Jaw tight like he was chewing back something dangerous.

He didn’t touch Est.

He didn’t have to.

He stepped between Est and the guy like a wall — not rude, not loud, but absolute .

“Is there a problem here?” William asked, voice low and flat.

The guy blinked, confused. “Who’re you?”

William’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Someone who doesn’t like watching their people get cornered.”

Est felt it. The flicker of tension. The way William didn’t even glance at him — all his attention locked on the guy like he was deciding whether or not to bury him behind the club’s back exit.

The stranger laughed, awkward. “I was just talking to him, man.”

William took a slow step forward.

“No,” he said quietly, “you were pressuring him. And he already said no.”

Something about the way William stood — loose, steady, ready — made the guy rethink his life.

He raised both hands, backing off. “Okay, chill. I’m gone.”

William didn’t move until the guy had disappeared into the crowd.

Only then did he exhale — and turn.

Est was already giving him a look .

“What,” William said.

“I could’ve handled that,” Est muttered, arms crossed.

“You didn’t have to,” William replied. “Not when I was watching.”

Est rolled his eyes, but he didn’t step away.

He should’ve been annoyed.

He was annoyed.

But underneath the annoyance — low and reluctant — was that fluttering feeling in his gut.

Because William had looked good .

Not his usual loud, flirty self. No jokes. No teasing.

Just quiet, serious, eyes burning.

Protective.

Hot .

Est looked away too fast. “You didn’t need to go full mafia.”

William shrugged. “He touched you.”

“That’s not a crime.”

“It should be.”

Est bit the inside of his cheek.

Annoyed. Grateful. Flustered.

He didn’t say thank you. But he didn’t walk away, either.

And when William finally looked at him — really looked at him — Est had to look anywhere else, because suddenly he couldn’t breathe properly.

---

Est had barely escaped to the side booth with his drink when Joong plopped down beside him with all the subtlety of a cymbal crash.

“So,” Joong drawled, eyes gleaming, “your boyfriend’s got a temper. Hot.”

Est didn’t even look at him. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

Dunk sat on Est’s other side, already nodding like a wise monk. “Sure. And that wasn’t a main-character rescue scene just now?”

Daou and Offroad appeared, drinks in hand, grinning like they’d been waiting for this.

Offroad dropped into the seat across from Est. “He really did the whole ‘dark eyes, jaw clench, walk out of smoke like a K-drama lead’ thing. I almost clapped.”

Daou sipped casually. “Honestly, I expected dramatic lighting and a backing track.”

Est stared into his drink. “You’re all delusional.”

Joong leaned in. “But did you see his face? When that guy touched you? Like he was mentally filing a restraining order on your behalf.”

“He didn’t even look at you until the guy left,” Dunk said with a grin. “Focused. Lethal. Romantic.”

“Shut. Up.” Est muttered, ears visibly pink now.

Meanwhile—

Across the club – William and his gang

William tried to play it cool, leaning back on the barstool like he hadn’t just stalked across the dance floor like a jealous Greek god.

He failed.

Nut tossed a lime wedge at his head. “So.”

William didn’t react. “So what.”

Tui grinned. “So you went feral.”

Lego held up an imaginary phone. “Breaking news: Local university student goes possessive alpha in crowded nightclub. Eyewitnesses claim it was hot.”

“I didn’t go feral,” William muttered, sipping dramatically. “I just didn’t like that guy touching him.”

Hong nodded seriously. “And your solution was to look like you were about to kill the guy.”

Nut elbowed him. “You glared him into submission. That wasn’t a rescue. That was a territorial declaration .”

William stared into the crowd, eyes inevitably drawn back to the booth where Est sat.

Smirking.

Alive.

Safe.

He exhaled slowly.

Tui leaned in with a wicked grin. “Just ask him out already.”

William raised a brow. “Not yet.”

“Why not?” Lego asked.

William smiled faintly. “Because he’s still pretending he doesn’t like me.”

Hong raised his glass. “Bold of you to assume he’s pretending well.”

William didn’t say anything. 

The music pulsed around him, but all William could see was Est.

Still watching him. Still safe.

And that was enough. For now.

Chapter Text

One week before the swim championship, Est exited the aquatic center with wet hair and sore shoulders, fully intending to drag himself back to his room, collapse, and sleep until the next practice.

What he didn’t expect to see was someone standing near the gate, leaning against the fence in a too-bright hoodie, holding… a small drink tray?

William looked up just in time.

“Oh good, I didn’t miss you.”

Est was caught off guard. “What are you doing here? 

William held up the tray with a sheepish grin. “Thought you might need a sugar hit. I remembered you like grass jelly.”

Est narrowed his eyes but took the drink anyway. “How long have you been standing here?”

“Only like… twenty minutes. Thirty. Tops.”

Est gave him a look.

“Okay fine, forty-five,” William admitted. “But I had shrimp chips.”

Est stared at him. “You waited forty-five minutes with chips and grass jelly.”

“I didn’t want to interrupt your training.”

Est stared a moment longer, then said softly, “Thanks.”

William beamed.

They started walking together, side by side. Campus at sunset always felt softer — golden light catching on dorm windows, the sound of laughter echoing faintly across the grounds. Students passed them, some looking surprised, others whispering behind their hands.

Est ignored them.

“So this championship,” William said, nudging gently, “is it a big deal?”

Est nodded. “Coach is expecting medals this year. If we place high, we could get extra funding for the team. Some of the seniors are being scouted.”

William whistled low. “No pressure.”

Est gave a half-smile. “I like the pressure. It makes things quiet in my head.”

William glanced sideways at him, thoughtful. “I’ll come watch.”

Est raised a brow. “You want to sit through a five-hour meet?”

William shrugged. “I’ve done worse for people who didn’t deserve it.”

The words slipped out easily.

Est didn’t respond. But he didn’t snap or scoff either.

They stopped in front of Est’s dorm.

He hesitated. “The team’s doing a final trial this Saturday. To decide lineups.”

William nodded. “What time?”

Est looked away. “Six. Morning.”

William winced. “For you, I’ll pretend I’m a morning person.”

Est almost smiled.

That Saturday, the bleachers by the pool were half-empty — just a few coaches, teammates, and a handful of dedicated girlfriends and boyfriends holding towels and water bottles.

And William. Hoodie up. Coffee in hand. Sitting dead center in the front row with his legs bouncing, eyes scanning the pool like he was on high alert.

When Est emerged from the locker room, Ball nudged him with a grin. “Guess who’s already here and hasn’t looked away from the pool once?”

Est followed his gaze. William met his eyes.

And grinned.

Est looked away quickly, but his ears burned. He hated how easy it was to find William in a crowd now.

---

The trials went well. Est clocked his fastest time this semester, and Coach clapped him on the back with something dangerously close to approval.

When Est came out, hair still wet, William was waiting near the benches.

“Good swim,” he said casually.

Est narrowed his eyes. “You clapped.”

“I was being supportive!”

“You were the only one clapping.”

“You beat your last time by five seconds!”

Est tried — and failed — to suppress a smile. “Thanks.”

William grinned. “You want another grass jelly? I brought two this time. Just in case.”

Est took it without a word.

The week leading up to the inter-university swimming championship felt like a blur.

Est barely had time to breathe — much less think. Morning laps. Afternoon drills. Team strategy meetings. Diet plans. Sleep schedules. Coach barking like a drill sergeant one minute and staring silently over lap times the next.

It was intense.

And Est thrived in intensity.

Until he didn’t.

Thursday night, two days before the championship, Est stood under the cold shower in the locker room longer than necessary. Muscles aching. Shoulders tense. His body felt ready. His mind, less so.

He hated that.

He hated not being in control of his own head.

Friday afternoon, Est arrived at the pool alone. Most of the team had gone home to rest. Coach had insisted they take the evening off — no drills, no distractions.

But Est couldn’t sit still.

He stood at the edge of the water, goggles in hand, staring into the calm.

“You’ll freeze if you just stare.”

Est turned.

William.

In casual clothes, sneakers scuffed, a snack bag in hand. As usual.

Est blinked. “You don’t give up, do you?”

William smiled. “Nope.”

There was a pause.

“Came to see you,” he added quietly. “Didn’t want you to be alone tonight.”

Est looked away.

His voice came out low. “I don’t mind being alone.”

“I know,” William said, stepping closer. “But sometimes people don’t need what they want.”

Est gave him a look. “That supposed to be deep?”

William shrugged. “Not really. I’m just… here.”

---

They sat near the bleachers, facing the pool.

Neither of them said much for a while.

Est stretched his arms across the bench behind him, head tilted back, breath steady.

William sat next to him, unwrapping a banana milk and sipping slowly.

Finally, Est broke the silence.

“When I’m in the water,” he murmured, “it’s the only time I feel like I’m not pretending. Everything is sharp. Simple. It’s just me and the water. No noise.”

William glanced sideways, quiet.

Est didn’t look at him. “When I’m outside of it, I feel like I have to keep proving something. Like everyone’s watching, waiting for me to crack. Even when they’re smiling.”

William leaned back, mirroring him. “I’m not waiting for you to crack.”

Est finally turned his head, meeting William’s eyes.

“You’re always here,” he said. “Always showing up.”

“Because I want to,” William said, soft but firm. “Because I see you.”

Est swallowed.

“That’s not easy for me,” he admitted. “Letting someone stay.”

William’s smile softened. “Then don’t let me. Just… don’t push me either.”

Est didn’t respond.

But he didn’t push.

The campus pool had never been this crowded.

Students lined the upper balconies. Teammates, professors, university staff — even a few alumni. The championship was the biggest event of the year, and all eyes were on Est Supha, the pride of the university.

Not that Est seemed to notice.

He stood by the edge of the pool, already in his gear — cap, goggles, compression suit — stretching in silence, his gaze fixed ahead.

Across the pool deck, William sat on the lowest bleacher step, elbows on his knees. His friends were noisily placing bets on how fast Est would destroy the record.

Nut muttered, “Thirty baht on him making the other guy cry.”

“I’ll match that,” Hong grinned.

But William didn’t joke. He just watched.

Carefully.

Est rolled his shoulders. His coach barked something about pace. His teammates chattered behind him.

Still, he didn’t look at anyone.

Except William.

A small glance. Barely a second. But William saw it.

And he got up.

---

“Five minutes to the individual medley!” the announcer called. “Final call for swimmers!”

Est’s coach was distracted. William wasn’t.

He approached slowly, hands in his pockets, sneakers wet from the mist of the pool deck.

Est didn’t move. But his posture eased — just slightly.

“You good?” William asked.

Est nodded, quiet. “Focused.”

“You always get like this before your race?”

“Only the ones I want to win.”

William hesitated, then raised his hands gently. “Your goggles are crooked again.”

Est arched a brow.

William smiled faintly. “Let me.”

With slow, deliberate care, he adjusted the strap at the back of Est’s head, then gently nudged the goggles into place. His fingers brushed Est’s cheek, moved lightly to fix the hair peeking from under the cap.

Est stilled. His breath caught. For a second, Est wasn’t just a swimmer. He was a boy with too many thoughts and one person who kept showing up anyway. 

“You nervous for me?” he asked.

William looked at him. Really looked.

And nodded. “A little.”

Est’s eyes softened. Just a little.

“You don’t even like swimming,” he teased.

“I like you,” William said.

It wasn’t loud.

But it was loud enough.

Sincere. 

Est blinked. His lips parted like he was about to say something—

“Swimmers to your marks!”

William stepped back. “Win or not — I’m still proud of you.”

Est didn’t reply.

But he walked to the block with a new calm.

---

The race was clean.

Brutal.

Brilliant.

Est hit the water like a blade. His strokes were ruthless and elegant, his turns precise, every second shaved with practiced control. By the final stretch, the balcony was shaking. Someone screamed his name. The crowd roared as he gained half a body length ahead of the competition — then a full length — then touched the wall with a final, flawless finish.

New school record.

First place.

And William?

He was already standing by the pool before the results flashed on screen.

Est pulled himself out of the pool, breathless and soaked, and barely had time to shake off his teammates’ cheers before—

“CHEATER!”

A voice from the other lane.

“Bullshit!” spat the guy who’d come in second — a tall swimmer from a rival faculty. “No way someone cuts time like that without enhancers or—”

“Watch your mouth,” came a new voice.

Est froze.

William.

Soft-spoken. Calm. But ice underneath.

He stepped between them, standing just a little in front of Est — not shielding, but close enough to mean something.

“Say it again,” William said, voice low. “I dare you to.”

The guy scoffed. “You’re not even part of the team—”

“Doesn’t matter,” Daou cut in, stepping up next to William with Offroad behind him.

“We were all watching,” Joong added, arms crossed. “Clean swim.”

“Try losing with dignity,” Dunk said, cool and blunt.

Even Nut and Hong had come down from the bleachers.

“If anyone’s on something, it’s your ego,” Hong muttered.

The rival swimmer’s coach pulled him away before things escalated further.

Est exhaled slowly, chest rising and falling, still catching his breath from the race.

William turned around.

“You okay?”

Est’s jaw clenched. “Yeah. Just annoyed.”

William nodded once.

Then — quieter — “Still proud of you.”

Est looked at him for a long moment.

Then he said, “I know.”

---

Later, after changing, Est returned to the bench — and paused. A towel had been folded neatly there, waiting.

Shrimp chips and yakult beside it.

A sticky note:

Your fan club’s getting aggressive. Might need security soon. 

P.S. I want you to get used to me. I won’t let you down. Promise 

— W ♡

Est read it once.

Then again.

His fingers curled slightly around the paper, and something in his chest went soft — the kind of soft that was harder to admit than it should’ve been.

Tucked it into his duffel bag.

And texted William — not “thank you,” not “you okay?” — just:

Come eat with me. I owe you dinner.

William replied a second later:

Done! I’ll treat you to dessert! 

Est rolled his eyes.

But he was still smiling when he walked. 

---

They ended up at a tiny khao tom stall tucked between two shuttered cafés — all flickering fluorescent light, uneven plastic chairs, and the smell of garlic oil carried on humid air. It wasn’t quiet, not really — the hum of mopeds and late-night chatter rolled past them — but it felt like a pocket of stillness anyway.

Est ordered without asking.

William didn’t mind.

Didn’t need to ask.

“You like khao tom, right?” Est said once the bowls arrived, steam curling between them.

“I do now,” William said, smiling.

They ate slowly. Est’s sleeves were still pushed to his elbows, his hair damp at the nape. William’s curls had dried soft and unruly, and he kept pushing them back absently — Est didn’t think he even realized he was doing it.

The quiet was comfortable. Or maybe they were just too tired to fill it.

Then, softly, Est spoke. “If you hadn’t come yesterday…”

William looked up, spoon pausing halfway to his mouth.

“I don’t think I’d have swum like that today.”

William didn’t smile this time. “I didn’t do anything.”

Est stirred his bowl. “You showed up.” 

He always did. And somehow, that made it harder — and easier — to let him in. 

That was all. But it was everything.

A pause followed, and then — without thinking, without planning it — Est reached across the table and lightly pushed away hair from William's face. Just a touch. Just to anchor him.

“I hate this,” he said, voice low.

“Hate what?” William asked.

Est didn’t look at him. “How easy it is to get used to you.”

William went very still.

He didn’t speak, didn’t tease. Just waited.

Est’s fingers fell from his forehead. Then, like he hadn’t meant to say it aloud, he added, “You’re the kind of person people fall for without realizing.”

William’s breath caught.

A beat passed.

“You think people fall for me?”

Est looked up then — tired, open, unflinching. “I didn’t plan to.”

The silence that followed wasn’t empty. It felt full — dense with meaning, like a breath held too long.

William’s gaze dropped to his bowl. A flush crept across his cheeks.

“You didn’t…” he began.

Est shook his head, just once. “Didn’t mean to.”

William stared at him, heart thudding so loud it felt obvious.

He hadn’t expected this — not now, not like this — but he didn’t want to run from it either. 

“But you did,” William said, barely audible.

Est didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.

William’s smile — small and stunned — said he already knew.

Later, as they walked back to campus, Est let their shoulders brush.

Once.

Then again.

And this time, he didn’t move away.

He didn’t want to.

Chapter Text

The campus was in an uproar of celebrations the next day. Est had finally turned off his phone after a flood of congratulatory messages, reposts of the race highlight, and one particularly cursed meme of him mid-butterfly stroke with the caption “ Est the Eel .”

He blamed Dunk for that one.

People kept calling him a legend. A beast. A mermaid king. Phi Est of the pool. Joong even tried to start a petition to get a statue of him erected near the swim building.

Est hated it. Not the win — he was proud of that. But the noise.

He wasn’t in the mood to be around people. Just one person.

Which is probably why he said yes when William asked, “Want to come over?”

The words had come through the phone casually, almost offhand. But Est had heard something quieter underneath them — not pressure, not need. Just hope.

And Est… didn’t feel like fighting the warmth that bloomed in his chest when he heard it.

William’s dorm was quieter than Est expected. No music blasting, no friends loitering like usual. Just the soft hum of the aircon and the faint smell of popcorn.

“You live like this?” Est muttered as he stepped inside, dropping his duffel bag by the door. “What happened to chaos?”

William shrugged, handing him a cold bottle of green tea. “Told the guys to clear out for the night. I wanted it to be just us.”

Est stilled, drink halfway to his mouth. “Oh.”

“You okay with that?” William asked, eyes serious now, none of the usual teasing. “You can say no.”

Est took a long sip of the tea instead of answering. Then he nodded.

William smiled — a quiet one this time, less sunshine, more moonlight. Like he knew how tired Est really was.

They didn’t do anything big. Just sprawled on the floor, legs tangled under the kotatsu table, half-watching a random rom-com with bad dubbing.

“Do you remember the first thing you ever said to me?” William asked suddenly.

Est tilted his head. “Wasn’t it something mean?”

“You said I was being loud and annoying.”

“…Accurate.”

William huffed a laugh. “You’re lucky I fall in love easily.”

Est blinked. “That was a joke, right?”

William’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You tell me.”

For a second, neither of them moved. Est could hear the tick of the old wall clock, the shuffle of wind through the trees outside.

He glanced at William’s profile — softer now, calmer. But still so earnest it ached.

“…I remember thinking you were too much,” Est admitted. “Too loud. Too young. Too… open.”

“And now?”

Est hesitated. Then leaned back until their shoulders touched. “Now I think you’re still too much.”

William’s smile returned — crooked and content.

“But I don’t want less of you.”

They didn’t speak after that. The movie kept playing, some scene involving a wedding dress and a runaway groom, but neither of them really paid attention.

William’s fingers were still tangled with his. Warm. Steady.

And for the first time since the race, since the noise and the pressure and the tidal wave of everyone else’s opinions, Est felt like he could stop bracing himself for impact.

He was already safe.

---

The moment had just begun to settle into something warm and comfortable when—

BANG.

The door slammed open.

“GET DRESSED! CELEBRATION TIME!” Nut yelled.

Est jolted upright. “What the—!?”

Hong barreled in behind him, wearing a glittery party hat and holding a can of whipped cream. “Joong and Dunk are already at the club! We’re late!”

Est groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “Again!?”

William blinked at them from the floor. “How did you even get in!?”

“Lego bribed the RA,” Tui said, casually leaning against the doorframe. “Also, Phi Est, wear black. You’re the main character tonight.”

Est shot Nut a glare. “I’m not even supposed to be here. How did you know—”

He turned to William, narrowing his eyes. “You told them?”

William looked equally offended. “I didn’t tell anyone anything.”

“Didn’t have to,” Hong said cheerfully. “Phi Est vanished after the championship and ghosted the group chat for hours.”

“And William also dipped,” Nut added, wiggling his eyebrows. “You really thought we wouldn’t put two and two together?”

“We just followed the obvious trail of repressed yearning,” Tui said, completely deadpan.

Est groaned and dragged his hands down his face. “Why are all of you like this?”

He opened his mouth to argue—but then Joong’s voice message dropped in the group chat:

Joong:
If Est doesn’t show, we’re posting his baby photos. All of them. Especially the naked bathtub one.

William blinked. “…You have baby photos?”

Nut smirked. “Oh, Phi Joong and Phi Daou have a whole folder.”

Est was already halfway to strangling someone. “I hate every single one of you.”

Before anyone could escalate it further, William slung an arm casually around Est’s shoulders and drawled, “Leave him alone. He’s just overwhelmed by how hot I am.”

Est elbowed him. Hard.

But he didn’t move away.

The club was already packed by the time they got there — bass pounding through the floor, lights flashing like lightning behind a haze of smoke and body heat.

JoongDunk and DaouOffroad were stationed at their usual booth near the DJ platform, waving them over with drinks already lined up. Est barely made it three steps inside before someone shoved a glowing cocktail into his hand and Nut yelled, “TO OUR CHAMPION!” at full volume.

The cheers were loud. The group was louder. But Est found himself scanning the crowd — not for danger. Just for him.

William was standing by the bar, laughing at something Hong said, cheeks flushed with heat and neon, his shirt slightly rumpled from being half-dragged out the door earlier. He looked like he belonged there — magnetic, golden, too casually beautiful for his own good.

And apparently, Est wasn’t the only one who thought so.

A girl — tall, sleek, confident — slid up beside William at the bar. Said something Est couldn’t hear. Touched his arm when she laughed.

Est’s stomach dropped. Then flipped. Then did something sharp and uncomfortable.

Before he realized it, he was moving.

By the time he reached them, William had already stepped a polite half-step back, drink in hand, clearly trying to disengage.

“Oh, hey—” William started.

Est didn’t even look at the girl. He slid in close beside William, way too close for “just a friend,” one hand coming up to rest lightly — but firmly — on William’s back.

“Sorry,” he said, eyes on the girl now. “He’s taken.”

There was a beat of stunned silence.

Then William choked on his drink. “ What— ?”

The girl blinked, then gave a little smile — amused but graceful. “Ah, got it. My bad.”

She turned and melted into the crowd.

William stared at Est, wide-eyed. “What the hell was that? ”

Est blinked, suddenly realizing what he’d just said. And how close he was. And that his hand was still on William’s back.

“I—” he started, then floundered.

“You literally just fake-boyfriended me into oblivion.”

“You looked uncomfortable!”

“I was ,” William said, grinning now, “but now I’m very happy.”

Est scowled and muttered, “Whatever. You're welcome,” before spinning around and heading back toward the others — ears burning, drink sloshing in his hand.

Behind him, William was still standing at the bar, stunned and smiling, like he’d just been hit with the best kind of lightning.

---

Est was very busy pretending nothing had happened.

He’d returned to the booth with his drink and the world’s worst poker face, plopped down between Joong and Tui, and stared intensely at the ice cubes in his glass like they held all the answers to life.

They did not.

Unfortunately for him, Nut was approaching — already grinning like he’d won the lottery.

“So,” Nut said, flopping down across from him. “Phi Est.”

Est didn’t look up. “No.”

“You don’t even know what I was gonna say.”

“I can feel the chaos radiating off your body.”

Nut leaned in, voice low and gleeful. “I saw the whole thing.”

Est blinked. “The what.”

“At the bar. The girl. The line. ” Nut wiggled his eyebrows. “‘He’s taken,’ huh?”

Est groaned into his drink. “It wasn’t— I didn’t— He looked uncomfortable!”

“You could’ve just walked over like a normal person,” Nut said, positively glowing with joy. “But noooo, you went full territorial black cat boyfriend. Very alpha of you. ”

“I’m leaving.”

“You’re not.”

Est attempted to stand. Joong physically yanked him back down.

“Admit it,” Joong said, eyes dancing. “You’re into him.”

Est didn’t answer. Just stared hard at the dance floor like it might swallow him whole if he focused hard enough.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“You’ll take a fist to the face if you keep talking.”

Nut grinned. “Totally worth it.”

Est sighed, defeated.

Across the room, William looked over just then — caught Est’s eye and smiled, soft and warm, like he was still thinking about that moment at the bar.

Est looked away too fast hoping no one noticed his flushed cheeks.

Their friends definitely noticed.

---

The club was loud. Too many lights. Too much heat.

Est didn’t hate it. But he didn’t like it either. He nursed a drink slowly. He wasn’t a lightweight, but he didn’t love the feeling of losing control.

William, however, was thriving.

He danced, sang, even climbed onto a low platform at one point until Tui dragged him down with a cackle.

Est watched from the edge of the dance floor, a small smirk tugging at his mouth.

Until—

“Est, right?” A guy Est vaguely recognized from a neighboring faculty leaned in. “Congrats on the win. You were incredible out there.”

“Thanks,” Est said shortly.

The guy didn’t get the hint. “You know, I’ve always thought swimmers had the best bodies. Especially you.”

Est’s smile vanished. “I’m here with friends.”

“Come on, one drink won’t—”

And then—

A warm hand slid around Est’s waist.

William.

He didn’t say anything. Just stood there, breath slightly warm with the hint of whiskey, lips curling into a tight smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Hey,” William said, voice low but firm, and he slipped an arm around Est’s waist, pulling him flush against his side.

Est’s breath hitched. “Will—”

William’s hand tightened just a little, a possessive anchor.

The guy blinked. “Oh. You’re—?”

William’s smile didn’t change. “I am.”

The guy raised his eyebrows, clearly deciding it was best to back off, but the damage was done.

Est looked up, startled, meeting William’s gaze — dark, intense, and utterly unyielding.

“I’m the only one who’s supposed to be flirting with you,” William murmured, voice rougher than usual.

Est flushed, caught between embarrassment and something warmer blossoming inside. It was almost cute — if it weren’t for the low tone and the way his fingers lingered, possessive and sure.

“Okay, okay, I get it,” Est said softly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re jealous.”

William’s grin finally softened, fingers tracing slow circles on Est’s waist.

“Damn right I am. I don’t like people touching what’s mine,” William said simply.

Est raised an eyebrow. “Yours?”

William flushed, eyes widening.

“Shit—sorry—I didn’t mean—”

“No.” Est stepped in closer, grinning now. “Say it again.”

William stared at him for a beat.

Then, with zero shame, he leaned in to whisper, “Mine.”

Est’s brain short-circuited.

He tugged William closer by the collar.

“You being jealous is hot.”

William choked on his drink. “You’re drunk.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

Before William could answer, Lego yelled from across the club, “WILLIAM! GET BACK HERE AND DANCE, LOVERBOY!”

Joong added, “IF HE DOESN’T KISS YOU TONIGHT, I’M DOING IT MYSELF.”

Est sighed, shaking his head. “Your friends are loud.”

William smirked. “So are yours.”

They both grinned.

---

The walk back to William’s dorm was slow and steady. William leaned heavily on Est’s shoulder, a goofy, flushed grin plastered on his face.

“Did you really have to drink that much?” Est teased, arms steadying him as they navigated the quiet campus paths.

William hiccuped, eyes sparkling but glazed. “Hey, I’m celebrating your championship. I can drink if I want.”

Est laughed softly. “Sure, sure. But now you can barely keep your balance.”

William stumbled slightly, and Est caught him firmly.

“You’re ridiculous,” Est said, but there was no harshness, just warmth.

When they reached William’s dorm, William sagged against the doorframe, cheeks burning as he fumbled for his keys.

“Can you—help me upstairs?” he slurred.

Est smirked. “You’re hopeless when you’re drunk.”

William looked up, eyes suddenly serious and soft. “Phi Est…”

Est’s heart stuttered.

William took a shaky breath and whispered, “Stay with me tonight. Please.”

For a moment, Est hesitated — then he nodded.

“Okay,” he said quietly.

Inside, William collapsed onto the bed with a tired sigh, pulling the blanket over himself.

Est sat down beside him, careful not to crowd.

William’s hand found Est’s and squeezed it lightly.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

Est smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from William’s forehead.

“Always,” Est whispered back.

And as William’s breathing evened out, Est stayed there, a quiet guardian through the night.

The world was a little too bright the next morning.

Est winced as he rubbed his temples, grateful that William had shoved water bottles into his hands before passing out in the bed beside him.

Now, the two of them sat in the quiet dorm lounge, barely functioning — William with his head on Est’s shoulder, Est scrolling through his phone.

“I think I swallowed glitter,” William croaked.

“Good. You deserve it.”

William nudged him. “I saved you from a guy with wandering hands, and this is the thanks I get?”

“You also almost licked my neck on the dance floor.”

“Almost,” William said, eyes twinkling. “But I didn’t.”

Est glanced at him.

They were sitting too close. William’s hair was a mess. There was a faint mark where someone’s lipstick had brushed his cheek last night, probably Lego's. He looked ridiculous. And warm. And happy.

Est’s gaze dropped — to his lips.

He could kiss him.

He almost did.

He leaned in without meaning to, heart slowing down like time had snapped.

William’s breath hitched.

But before their lips could meet—

RINGGG.

Est’s phone lit up with a call from Daou.

He jerked back like he’d been burned. William blinked, dazed, and then laughed softly.

“I’ll take that as a rain check,” he said.

Est threw a cushion at him and answered the call, ears red.

That afternoon, Est was summoned by the faculty media team for an official interview celebrating his win. He wasn’t a fan of cameras, but they’d promised it would be “just a short video feature for the university’s YouTube and social media platforms.”

Which, in campus-speak, meant: everyone will see it, including your ex’s aunt’s cat.

He showed up in uniform, hair neatly combed, still a little sleep-deprived.

The interview started off easy enough — questions about training, the championship, and his future competitions.

And then the host asked, far too casually, “So! About that cute guy cheering louder than anyone else during your race… Who is he?”

Est blinked. “Sorry?”

“The boy who adjusted your goggles and nearly kissed your forehead before you swam.” The interviewer laughed. “Campus is calling him your ‘swim charm’.”

Est’s ears went pink.

They showed a clip — slow motion, of course — of William holding Est’s face before the final race. The crowd had gone wild. The subtitles read:

“Is this the real MVP?”

The host chuckled. “He’s adorable. Is he your lucky charm? Or just a very dramatic fanboy?”

Est stared for a beat. Something sharp curled in his chest.

The way they laughed — like William was a joke. Like all his loud, messy support meant nothing.

“He’s not a fanboy,” Est said calmly.

“Oh?”

“He’s the reason I didn’t drown under pressure. He’s the reason I got up every morning and kept training. He’s—” Est stopped himself. Took a breath. “He’s not a joke. So maybe don’t talk about him like he is.”

The studio fell silent.

The host looked stunned. “I—of course. We didn’t mean—”

“I know,” Est said, softer now. “But people like him don’t come around twice.”

By the time the interview was posted, the clip had already gone viral across campus.

Memes popped up instantly.

Caption: William: existing
Est: "People like him don’t come around twice."

Group chats exploded.

William’s friends lost their minds.

Group Chat: LYKN 🎶🎧🎸

Nut:
“BRO.”

Hong:
“HE’S DOWN BAD.”

Lego:
“Can we print this on a shirt.”

Tui:
“Tell me you’re dating without telling me you’re dating.”

Meanwhile, Est’s group chat wasn’t much better.

Group Chat: Mission: Get Est Laid 🍑💦

Joong:
“Est!!!! Did you just soft launch your feelings?”

Dunk:
“You’re blushing on camera, babe.”

Daou:
“Offroad is crying from secondhand emotion.”

William didn’t text.

He showed up.

Knocking lightly on Est’s door at midnight.

Est opened it, still in pajamas, eyes wide.

“I brought yakult and shrimp chips,” William said, holding up the bag like a peace offering. “As thanks. For defending my honor.”

Est took the bag, and for a long moment, they stood there — quiet.

“You really meant it?” William asked finally.

Est didn’t answer. He just stepped aside to let him in.

William grinned. “So that’s a yes?”

Est rolled his eyes. “Idiot.”

But his smile said everything else.

Chapter Text

William stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. The quiet of the night wrapped around them, making the moment feel a little more fragile, a little more real.

He kicked off his shoes and flopped onto Est’s bed like it was his own. “Your sheets smell like laundry detergent and missed chances.”

Est raised an eyebrow, setting the snack bag on the desk. “You’re going to be dramatic in my room after I defended your honor?”

William grinned up at him, lopsided. “You did more than defend. You practically proposed on camera.”

Est groaned, dragging a hand over his face. “I didn’t mean to go that far.”

“But you meant it,” William said, softer now.

Est glanced at him.

The bed was small. William looked so comfortable, like he belonged there — like this was normal. As if showing up at midnight with shrimp chips and teasing him to the edge of sanity was just what they did now.

Est sat on the edge of the bed, one leg tucked beneath him.

“I’m not used to feeling this way about someone,” Est admitted.

William’s smile faded into something gentler. “You don’t have to rush.”

“I’m scared,” Est admitted after a beat. “That... maybe this is just fun for you. Like a game. And that when it stops being fun, you’ll leave.”

William’s smile was gentle but firm. “I’m not a player Phi. I’m serious about this — about you.”

Slowly, William closed the distance, pressing his forehead against Est’s. “I don’t want to be anywhere else but here. With you.”

A pause.

Est turned to him, eyes unreadable. “And you’re really not scared of me?”

William tilted his head. “Why would I be?”

“Because I swim like I’m trying to outrun my own expectations. Because I barely talk. Because I say things like ‘people like you don’t come around twice’ on campus interviews like a walking romance novel.”

William chuckled. “No. That just makes me want to kiss you more.”

Est’s heart thudded.

And this time — this time — he didn’t hesitate.

He leaned in and caught William’s mouth in a kiss.

It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t wild. It was slow and real and devastatingly tender — the kind of kiss that said I meant it. Every word. Every look.

William made a small sound against his lips, a soft exhale like he’d been holding it in for months .

Est pulled back for a second, eyes flicking down to check his reaction.

William chased him.

His hands curling into Est’s shirt, he kissed him again, deeper this time — like he’d been waiting since day one. Like this kiss had been written into his bones.

They shifted together on the bed, Est pressing William back into the mattress, careful but close. William’s fingers ran up the back of Est’s neck and into his hair.

They kissed like they were learning it from scratch. Messy in the corners. Honest.

No performance. No bravado. Just them.

Eventually, Est broke the kiss, breathing hard, his forehead resting against William’s.

They broke apart slowly, breath mingling, foreheads still touching.

Est’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know it could feel like this.”

William smiled softly, his eyes warm and steady. “Me neither. But I’m glad it does.”

Est looked down, suddenly shy. “I’m scared, you know. Scared of how much I want this... want you.”

William reached up, gently tilting Est’s chin so their eyes met. “Hey, it’s okay to be scared. But you’re not alone anymore.”

A quiet pause.

Est swallowed hard. “Promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“That you won’t give up on me. Even when I’m hard to understand.”

William’s smile grew stronger, filled with quiet determination. “I promise. I’m not going anywhere.”

Est let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through him.

William brushed a stray lock of hair behind Est’s ear. “We’ll figure it out, together. No rush. Just us.”

Est nodded, heart pounding.

“Thank you for trusting me,” William said softly.

Est smiled, the weight in his chest lifting.

“Now,” William teased, a spark returning to his eyes, “how about I make you some tea? I’m pretty sure I’m better at that than kissing.”

Est laughed, the sound light and full of hope.

Then he reached over, dragged the blanket up, and let them collapse together.

No more talking. Just two boys tangled up on a small bed, warm and stunned and too full of whatever this was.

Est’s Dorm – Morning

The sunlight filtered in gently through the curtains, casting stripes across the bedsheets — and across William’s face. 

He blinked slowly awake, only to find Est’s arm still slung over his waist. 

Oh. Right.

Last night hadn’t been a dream. 

He didn’t want to move. Afraid that if he did, this new fragile ‘them’ might crack. 

He turned his head slightly. Est was still asleep, hair tousled, lips faintly parted, breath slow and steady. His hoodie was bunched around William’s shoulders like it belonged there.

And maybe it did.

William stared at the ceiling, nervous butterflies tap-dancing in his stomach.

Did this mean they were—

Before he could spiral, Est stirred.

Still half-asleep, Est muttered, “You’re staring.”

William went red. “I wasn’t—”

“You were,” Est said, voice gravelly. He cracked one eye open. “You look good in my hoodie.”

William flushed deeper and bit the inside of his cheek. “Phi Est…”

“Hm?”

“…Are we…” He trailed off, heart racing. “Are we, like— dating now?”

Est stretched lazily and looked at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “We made out in my bed. I’ve already defended your honor on national — I mean university-wide — television. You think I do that for casual ?”

William covered his face with both hands. “Stoppppp. You’re making it worse.”

Est chuckled and gently pulled William’s hands away. “Relax. You’re mine now, right?”

William blinked. “I… yeah.”

“Then yeah,” Est said simply. “We’re dating.”

William’s heart did something dangerous. “Okay.”

Est leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth. William smiled shyly, feeling more sure than ever. 

Est smiled, “Cute.”

---

William stretched, still wrapped in Est’s hoodie, and glanced over. “So… I’m starving. You think the cafeteria’s open this early?”

Est yawned, rubbing his eyes. “Probably. Or maybe that little coffee place down the street. You know, the one with the cinnamon rolls that always disappear by noon?”

William grinned. “Sounds like a plan. I suddenly need one of those cinnamon rolls in my life right now.”

Est swung his legs off the bed, standing up and tugging William to his feet. “Let’s get dressed and go. I’m guessing we’ll be the only ones crazy enough to eat breakfast this early.”

William laughed, the nervous flutter in his chest settling into something lighter. “Early birds get the good rolls, huh?”

Outside, the morning light spilled soft and golden through the windows, casting a warm glow that seemed to wrap the whole world in quiet promise. The air smelled fresh — like new beginnings and coffee brewing just around the corner. Birds chirped lazily, unhurried, as if they too were savoring the calm before the day fully woke.

It felt like the morning itself was smiling along with them, bright and full of gentle hope.

They moved around Est’s room quietly, the ease between them settling like sunlight.

“Maybe we can grab some coffee too. I promise not to make you drink the weird strong stuff,” Est teased.

William bumped his shoulder against Est’s. “Deal. But you owe me a cinnamon roll.”

Est smiled, already halfway to the door. “Consider it on the house.”

As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air wrapped around them, fresh and clean — like a silent promise of good things to come.

William reached for Est’s hand — just naturally, without thinking.

Est’s smile deepened, fingers intertwining with his.

“Breakfast,” Est said softly, “sounds a lot better with you.”

William squeezed his hand. “Yeah. Way better.”

---

They weren’t supposed to run into the others. Not yet. But Daou had spotted William’s location thanks to Nut’s Instagram story (traitor alert!), and within thirty minutes the entire chaos squad had descended.

William and Est were sitting side-by-side, trying to act casual, but the moment Joong saw them—

“Oh my god,” Joong squealed, pounding the table like he’d won the lottery. “They’re literally on the same side of the bench. This is not a drill! They’re official!” 

Daou took a slow sip of his iced coffee, eyes sparkling. “I called it. Told you Nut spills all the secrets.”

Nut, zero shame, grinned. “Not my fault William posts thirst traps in Est’s hoodie.”

“I WAS COLD!” William defended, horrified.

Offroad gasped, dramatic. “Cold? In his bed? At midnight ? Oh, sweet summer child.”

Daou leaned in, voice dripping with mock concern. “Next you’ll tell us you only stayed over for the shrimp chips.”

“I DID!” William’s hands flailed. “Mostly!”

Est, perfectly calm, added, “And he looked good doing it.”

William whimpered .

Dunk, grinning, leaned forward, eyes sharp. “I’m curious. Did you guys kiss yet or what?”

William’s face went tomato-red. “W-why would you ask that?!”

Nut nearly fell off his chair laughing. “That’s a yes, dude. It’s definitely a yes.”

Hong cackled. “Bro. You’ve been simping on main for, like, five months . You wrote a whole campus confession post about his stupid eyelashes.”

“That was anonymous! ” William protested.

“You quoted a swim meet interview word-for-word,” Joong deadpanned. “You’re lucky Est is dense.”

Est, unfazed, took a slow sip of his drink. “Not that dense.”

William panicked . “Anyway! How about those cinnamon rolls, huh? They’re, uh, probably running out.”

Offroad snorted. “Nice subject change, Casanova. But you’re not escaping.”

“Yeah,” Lego chimed in. “You don’t get to publicly thirst over Est for months, then turn into a shy baby now that you’ve caught him.”

“I’m not a—” William groaned into his hands. “This is bullying.”

Est leaned back, arm resting casually behind William’s chair. “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

“STOP ENCOURAGING THEM!” William yelped.

“Couldn’t stop them if I tried,” Est said with a grin. “You’re outnumbered, sweetheart.”

William buried his face against Est’s shoulder in defeat.

He was going to die. Right here, in this café, from secondhand embarrassment.

Est just shot William a sly grin, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Lego clapped his hands together. “We should make matching shirts. Like, ‘Est’s Charm’ and ‘William’s Weakness.’”

“Nope,” Est said flatly.

Daou and Nut chimed in together, “Yessss!”

“Or wait—" Joong said, leaning in conspiratorially, "—what about couple phone cases? Like, William gets a shrimp and Est gets the dipping sauce.”

Est smirked. “Not a bad idea. He did bribe me with shrimp chips last night.”

William buried his face in his hands. “I should’ve just stayed in bed this morning.”

“That’s where the real action happened, right?” Tui said innocently.

The table erupted with laughter. William yanked Est’s hoodie over his head, shrinking down like a turtle.

Nut wiped tears from his eyes. “Bro, you’re so red, you’re gonna combust.”

Dunk leaned back, grinning. “I’m just waiting for the wedding invitations. You know, printed on shrimp chip packaging.”

“Oh, and we’ll livestream the proposal!” Joong added. “Est, you better practice your speech.”

Est leaned in close, voice dripping with mock seriousness. “Relax, I’m a natural. I’ll propose with shrimp chips in one hand and his waist in the other.”

William actually whimpered .

Daou gasped dramatically. “Est, you’re corrupting our innocent boy.”

“Innocent? William?” Nut snorted. “The man’s been simping for months. It's his dream come true.”

William looked like he wanted to disappear.

But even swallowed in embarrassment and surrounded by friendly chaos, William couldn’t help but smile.

Under the table, Est’s hand found William’s thigh — steady, grounding.

William peeked out from beneath the hoodie. “I like you, you know.”

Est’s smile softened. “I know. I like you too.”

Joong clutched his chest. “I can’t take this much softness in one sitting. Dunk, save me.”

“I’m dead already,” Dunk said, slumping back dramatically. “They’re too powerful.”

Lego pointed at them like a proud parent. “Look at our boys. Embarrassing themselves in public. I’m so proud.”

William let out a defeated groan. “I’m never eating breakfast with you people again.”

Est’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Sure you will. I’m the one buying the cinnamon rolls.”

The entire table groaned in unison. Nut shouted, “STOP BEING CUTE. I CAN’T HANDLE IT.”

Hong took a picture of William’s embarrassed face. “This one’s going on the group chat. Caption: ‘Our boy got cuffed.’”

William whined into Est’s shoulder. “I hate all of you.”

Est chuckled, brushing William’s hair back. “You love us.”

William muttered, “Not today.”

Offroad raised his cup with a grin. “To our favorite disaster couple — may your PDA forever traumatize us.”

“Cheers!” everyone echoed, their cups clinking together in loud, obnoxious glee.

William jumped to his feet, hands in the air. “Alright, that’s it. WE’RE LEAVING NOW.” His voice was all mock-serious, like a man on a mission.

Est, unfazed, leisurely finished his drink. “You heard him. Shy mode activated.”

Nut grinned and high-fived Joong. “Yep. He’s officially whipped.”

Laughter bubbled around the table as William muttered under his breath, ducking down beneath Est’s hoodie for cover. Again. 

---

The café door shut behind them with a merciful thud, muting their friends’ laughter into a distant buzz.

William exhaled like he’d just survived a battlefield.

“Phi Est,” he whined, tugging his hoodie down to hide his face. “I’m never eating with them again.”

Est hummed, utterly unbothered, as they strolled down the quiet sidewalk. “You’ll survive.”

“I barely did. They’re relentless.”

Est glanced sideways, a teasing curve to his lips. “You know… it’s funny.”

William shot him a wary look. “What is?”

“How you’re so loud when you’re chasing me, all shameless and dramatic in public…” Est’s eyes gleamed as he bumped their shoulders together. “…but the moment you actually get me, you turn into this shy little thing.”

William groaned, hiding deeper into the hoodie. “Stop. You’re making it worse.”

“I think it’s cute,” Est said lightly, his fingers brushing against William’s hand — warm, steady, grounding.

William’s breath eased, the knot in his chest loosening just a little.

They walked on in companionable silence, the city noise softening into a background hum. Est’s hand lingered close, not quite holding but near enough that William could feel the unspoken offer in the space between.

After a few steps, Est slowed, turning to face him. His usual confident smirk had softened into something quieter, warmer.

“Hey,” Est said, brushing a stray lock of hair from William’s forehead. “How about we do something — just the two of us?”

William’s heart stumbled, heat rushing to his cheeks. “Like what?” he asked, voice small but hopeful.

Est smiled, eyes gleaming with mischief and something gentler. “I’ll take care of our first date. You just have to show up.”

William’s steps faltered. His heart did a weird flip. “…Really?”

Est’s thumb traced his knuckles, steady and sure. “Really. I’ve got plans, William. You’re in good hands.”

William’s lips twitched into a helpless smile. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“Nope.”

“That’s evil.”

Est chuckled. “You’ll like it.”

They kept walking, fingers brushing in quiet rhythm, the city around them feeling softer — like the world was giving them space to breathe.

“…Phi Est?” William murmured.

“Hm?”

“I wasn’t faking it, you know. All the simping. I meant every word.”

Est’s smile gentled, his hand finding William’s and squeezing lightly. “I know.”

A beat passed before Est added, almost to himself, “That’s why I said yes.”

William’s breath caught again. His walls, already shaky, cracked a little further.

“It’s… it would be my first date with someone I really like. Like, a lot.” He glanced down, voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to mess it up. Or be too much. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of everyone.”

Est stopped walking, turning fully toward him, the teasing edge fading into something steadier.

“Hey, look at me.”

William lifted his gaze, hesitant.

Est cupped his face gently, thumb brushing his cheek. “You could never embarrass me. Not even if you tried.”

His hand lingered, warm and grounding. “And you don’t need to worry about being perfect. Just be yourself. That’s more than enough.”

He hesitated, then added, softer, “You’re not the only one scared, you know. I’ve never done this publicly. But if it’s with you, I think I can.”

The knot in William’s chest finally loosened for real. His lips curled into a small, genuine smile.

He squeezed Est’s hand. “Then… let’s go plan our date.”

Est’s smile deepened, quiet and certain. “Leave that to me.”

The way he said it — calm, sure, like there was already a plan unfolding behind those steady eyes — made William’s heart skip.

They stood there a moment longer, hands linked, the future suddenly feeling less scary and a lot more exciting.

Because whatever came next, Est had it covered — and William just had to show up and be himself.

Together, that sounded perfect.

Chapter Text

Saturday Afternoon — Outside William’s Dorm

William stepped out of his building, the warm afternoon sun making the pavement shimmer. He immediately spotted Est leaning casually against his motorbike, looking effortlessly cool in a fitted black tee. His hair was swept back just enough to reveal his forehead, and — of all things — he was holding a single sunflower as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

William blinked, caught off guard. “You brought me a flower? Seriously?”

Est straightened, a slow, confident smile spreading across his face as he extended the sunflower toward him. “I’m here to pick you up. First official date — you’re mine now, remember?”

William’s fingers trembled as he reached for the flower, fingers brushing Est’s briefly, his throat suddenly dry. The heat rising in his face made it impossible to look away. “…You’re being ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” Est said with a wink.

He did. He really, really did.

Est tossed William a helmet with a sly grin. “No questions, no protests. Just hop on and hold on tight.”

William’s heart did a backflip.

Hold on tight? That meant—

His hands would be on Phi Est’s waist.

His palms went clammy as he gripped the helmet, suddenly feeling its weight like it carried every flutter of nervous excitement inside him.

He swallowed hard and forced a laugh. “O-Okay, but if I scream in terror, I’m blaming you.”

Est just smirked, pulling his own helmet on. “Then you better not.”

William climbed onto the bike carefully, his fingers brushed over the smooth curve of Est’s waist, and a jolt of heat ran straight to his heart. For a brief second, everything else faded — the world narrowed to this perfect moment.

Est leaned back slightly, voice teasing. “See? Not so bad.”

William’s cheeks burned hotter. “You’re impossible.”

Est revved the engine with a grin. “Ready?”

William nodded, heart pounding, holding on tighter than necessary.

---

Stop #1 — The Aquarium

“Yes, I know we’re adults,” Est said, his voice low as they stood beneath the gentle, otherworldly glow of a jellyfish tank. The translucent creatures floated like drifting stars in their own tiny universe. “But you once told me your dream date involved water and we're not near a beach. So.”

William blinked, caught off guard. “You remembered that?”

Est shrugged, eyes locked on the softly pulsing jellyfish. “I remember everything you say.”

William’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and he tried to look anywhere but at Est’s face.

He remembers everything I say. The thought made William’s heart beat faster. Maybe he really does see me — like I’m not just some passing thing.

They moved slowly through the dim corridors, the walls illuminated by shifting blues and purples reflecting from the tanks. The water’s calm shimmer seemed to cast a quiet magic over everything — and over them.

Their fingers brushed briefly, accidentally at first, then again as Est slipped his hand into William’s without hesitation. William’s heart fluttered as his fingers tightened around Est’s hand, a shy smile tugging at his lips.

Est’s teasing voice broke the silence. “You’re blushing again.”

William rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress his soft giggle. “Maybe I am.”

So steady, so sure. I’m holding on by a thread — and somehow, here he is, making everything feel safe.

At the otter enclosure, they stopped. William watched, fascinated, as two playful otters swam in tight circles, occasionally reaching out to hold paws.

“They’re holding hands,” William said, voice full of wonder.

Est smirked, turning to him. “We can do better.”

Before William could respond, Est linked their fingers firmly, warm and confident.

William’s breath caught as Est leaned in, lips brushing softly against his — a kiss gentle as a whispered promise.

When they pulled apart, William’s eyes shone with quiet happiness.

Maybe this is what belonging means — a quiet fire that warms without burning.

Est grinned. “See? Nothing to be nervous about.”

William squeezed Est’s hand. “You make it easy.”

Est’s mind was quieter than usual, but inside, he felt the usual rush — the pull that had started the moment he saw William.

He’s different from anyone else. Nervous, yes, but real. And that’s what I want — real, not perfect.

They continued wandering, stopping by tanks filled with glowing coral reefs and swirling schools of fish. Est pointed out a curious starfish stuck to the glass.

“Look, it’s just hanging on for dear life. Kind of like me around you.”

William laughed, the sound light and full of warmth.

Est’s gaze softened. “I’m glad you’re here. With me.”

William glanced up, heart full. “Me too.”

The aquarium’s gentle hum and soft light wrapped around them like a secret world made just for two. 

---

Stop #2 — A Park Picnic 

The sun dipped low, painting the park in a warm golden haze. The scent of fresh grass mixed with faint smoke from a nearby barbecue. Cicadas buzzed lazily, and a soft breeze ruffled the leaves above.

Est led the way, William trailing behind him like a puppy — confused, curious, and a little too smitten to hide it. 

They turned the corner, and William stopped in his tracks.

Est had it all set up: a soft checkered blanket, a basket of snacks (including William’s favorite fish crackers and peach soda), and homemade sandwiches (yes, Est cooked — with supervision from Dao and threats from Joong). The scene looked effortlessly charming, but only because Est had secretly bribed both his and William’s friends to set it all up ahead of time and to stay the hell away until sunset.

William blinked. “Is this someone else’s drama set?”

Est chuckled, already kneeling to unpack the basket. “Nope, all yours.”

“You did all this?” William sat cross-legged beside him, still processing.

Est unwrapped the first sandwich with precision. “I’ve been chased long enough,” he said simply. “It’s my turn.”

William swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around the sandwich as he bit in.

A beat passed.

“…Wait,” he mumbled, eyes going wide. “This is good.”

Est raised an eyebrow. “I’m insulted by your surprise.”

“No, I just—” William grinned, cheeks full. “I assumed you only knew how to boil water.”

“I had supervision,” Est admitted, smug. “Dao helped. Joong threatened to throw me into the kitchen wall if I undercooked the egg again.”

William laughed so hard he nearly choked on his sandwich.

They ate slowly, trading bites and stories. Est gave passing dogs fake names, and William kept stealing shrimp crackers, pretending he wasn’t. A squirrel darted by, and William flinched so dramatically Est almost toppled over laughing.

As the sun dipped lower and golden gave way to dusky lavender, they ended up lying side by side on the blanket, full and slightly sleepy, watching the leaves shift gently overhead.

William’s fingers curled into the edge of Est’s shirt, grounding himself. His face was turned toward the sky, but his touch betrayed how much he didn’t want the moment to end.

Est turned his head, propping himself up on one elbow to look at him.

“You were very loud and bold before,” he murmured, eyes twinkling. “Now you’re so shy.”

William groaned and pulled his hands over his face. “Phiiii, stop.”

“Cute.”

Est gently tugged one hand down, just enough to see William’s eyes.

“I like this version of you too,” he said softly. “All of them, actually.”

William’s heart skipped; warmth bloomed behind his ears. 

No one had ever said that to him before — not like this. Not like it meant every version: the bold, the bashful, the annoying, the dramatic, the insecure, the too-much. He swallowed thickly.

“…You’re going to make me fall for you harder,” he mumbled.

Est smiled. “Good.”

William turned his face away, then turned back, then did it again. “I don’t want to embarrass you,” he confessed. “Like, if we go out in public and I… I know I’m loud sometimes. And clingy. And I might do something stupid and make everyone stare at you.”

Est was quiet for a beat, then rolled onto his side to face him fully.

“William.”

“Hm?”

“Look at me.”

He did.

“You already embarrass me.”

William’s face went pale. “Wha—?!”

Est smirked. “I mean, you showed up at swim practice in front of half the club holding a bouquet of shrimp crackers. You wore matching bracelets to class and pretended we were married. You posted a photo of my elbow with the caption ‘my whole world.’ You embarrass me constantly .”

William opened his mouth, mortified.

“But,” Est continued, voice softening, “I love it. Because it’s you.”

William stared.

“I don’t care who’s watching,” Est said honestly. “You don’t have to shrink. You don’t have to filter yourself. If people stare — let them. I’m proud they know I’m with you.”

And just like that, William melted. Fully puddled. Goo.

“...I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.

Est brushed his hair gently back. “You really don’t. But you have me anyway.”

William turned and buried his face into Est’s shoulder, letting out a muffled, choked laugh.

They lay like that for a while, the cicadas buzzing, the sky slowly darkening into deep indigo. Fireflies had begun to appear around the trees, blinking softly like little stars.

From somewhere behind them, a soft breeze rustled the leaves.

Est rested his chin lightly against the top of William’s head.

He’s the kind of chaos I didn’t know I needed. Loud, stubborn, dramatic… but real. And mine.

William curled a little closer.

I thought I was chasing him this whole time. But maybe he was waiting for me to catch up.

---

Stop #3 — The Rooftop of Est’s Dorm

Evening draped the skyline in soft purples, the golden glow of the day surrendering to dusk. The campus below quieted, students disappearing into dorms or study halls. Up here, it felt like a different world.

Est had brought up a tiny Bluetooth speaker, playing soft indie songs — mellow guitar strings and hushed vocals weaving through the warm evening air. A few empty soda bottles clinked gently in the breeze near the ledge.

They sat shoulder to shoulder on a low wall, legs swinging over the edge — not too dangerously high, just enough to catch a wide glimpse of the skyline, washed in amber and lavender.

William leaned his head onto Est’s shoulder with a sigh, heavy with something more than just contentment.

“Hey,” he murmured. “You’re kinda good at this.”

Est grinnied, with a hint of self-amusement. “I’m terrifyingly good at this. Which is surprising. Even for me.” 

William giggled, a little shy, a little breathless. “Should I be scared?”

“Maybe,” Est said, turning just enough to face him. “But mostly… you should let me kiss you now.”

William blinked. “You just— you can’t just say that—”

But he didn’t pull back.

Est tilted his head. “Then stop me.”

William didn’t.

The kiss was slow this time. Gentle. Soft like twilight, warm like summer skin. It wasn’t rushed, not a promise of more — just a moment, sacred and safe. Est’s hand found the back of William’s neck, thumb brushing his jaw, grounding him. The kiss tasted of peach soda and felt like falling into warm cotton — soft, slow, safe.

William kissed back — tentative at first, then certain. His fingers found Est’s hoodie, gripping lightly. A soft exhale escaped him when they broke apart.

Est didn’t pull away fully. He pressed their foreheads together, both of them breathing the same rooftop air, hearts a little too loud in their chests. 

William’s breath hitched, chest rising just a little too fast, as if his lungs hadn’t caught up yet.

“I’ve never done this before,” William whispered, eyes still closed. “A real first date. With someone I… actually really, really like.”

Est brushed his thumb across William’s cheek. “Then I’m honored.”

William gave a crooked smile, half-embarrassed. “I was kinda scared I’d be too much. That you’d get embarrassed. Regret it.”

Est leaned in again, pressing the softest kiss to the corner of William’s mouth this time. “I’ve had a lot of quiet nights alone. I don’t regret this. Not even a second of it.”

William let out a shaky laugh, burying his face briefly in Est’s shoulder. “You’re gonna ruin me, Phi Est.” 

“Good,” Est said softly. “That’s the goal.”

They stayed there long after the sun disappeared, city lights blinking to life beneath them — and somewhere, just out of sight, their second date was already waiting.

Social Media Reactions – That Night

The campus wasn’t huge. And neither were people’s mouths.

@snackbar_sis
It’s been 2 hours since William and Est went for a “walk” and now my entire FYP is just blurry photos of them feeding each other fruit. Is this how local legends are born??

 

@gymmrat_babe
📍Campus Park
OMG I just saw Est. WITH WILLIAM. Feeding him strawberries. 😭 I’m gonna throw myself into the campus lake now BYE.

 

@nerd_4_life
How do I focus on bio midterms when William and Est were literally cuddling at the fountain like it’s a Lakorn?? WHO ALLOWED THIS??? 😭😭

 

@thatdramaclubgirl
BREAKING: William (yes, LYKN William) and Est (our swim club’s resident ✨broody dreamboat✨) just reenacted a romantic picnic in public. I saw it with my own eyes. I'm both inspired and emotionally ruined. 😭🥰

 

@swim4ever
not est actually dating someone… i’ve been crushing on him since orientation and now he’s GONE???
TO A GUITAR-PLAYING, SHRIMP-CHIP-BUYING, YAKULT-BRINGING WANNABE IDOL??? 😭😭😭🔪🔪🔪

 

@lyknfan97
so william went on a literal date with a hot upperclassman, and still had the audacity to look like a blushing puppy the whole time. i hate him. i love him. i hate him. 😖😖

 

@newfish_boy
I’ve never seen Phi Est smile like that. I didn’t know he could look so… gentle. 🥹🥺

 

@softestmatcha
Just passed them near the noodle stall. William was carrying Est’s bag. Est was holding William’s drink. I need someone to hold me like that 🥲💔

 

@tualek_memequeen
I took this blurry zoomed-in photo of them holding hands on the rooftop. You’re welcome. 💖
[📸 photo attached with ‘Cinematic Mode’ filter]
Caption: when the local music boy dates the silent water prince🎶🌊

 

@onlyhereforchaos
Y’all i saw them kiss. I SAW THEM KISS.
On the roof. This is no longer just a crush. This is WAR. 😭🔥🥵

 

@plotdevice_001
The way Est thinks he’s being slick and lowkey but half the campus is writing fanfic about this right now. Sir, we’re on episode 9 of your slow-burn already. 🥱🥱

 

@brokeandbitter
i just wanted to grab a coke from the vending machine. instead i witnessed what looked like the final scene of a romcom between est and william. i want a refund on my entire love life.😐😐

 

@phinoodlefanclub
Me watching William actually get Est when I've been manifesting him to date a fanboy since 2023:
[insert crying cat meme with glitter text: "you win, you win 😭💔"]

 

@f4slayteam
ok but real talk — they're kinda perfect for each other. like william simping and est softening??? that’s ✨cinema✨

---

Group Chat: 🐟 LYKN BUT MAKE IT SPYING

Nut :
he's feeding him strawberries!! 😭

Hong :
omg?? he wiped whipped cream off phi est’s lip????🫠

Tui :
i just screamed into a bush😵‍💫

Lego :
you guys. this is HISTORY.🥳

Nut :
i’m two tables behind them rn. william has NO IDEA🤓🥸

Tui :
bro i told you not to wear your lykn hoodie you look like a billboard

Hong :
SHHHH he's holding phi est’s waist on the bike. ON. THE. BIKE.😭😭

Lego :
screenshot of rooftop photo from @tualek_memequeen
ok but who got this angle??? respect

Tui :
probably Phi Daou or Phi Joong tbh 💀

---

Group Chat: 🧂JoongDunkDaouOffroad Surveillance Ops

Joong :
he really said “you should let me kiss you now”?????☠️

Dunk :
i nearly choked on my iced tea

Daou :
i’m crying real tears. they’re so awkward. they’re so sincere. i’m weak.😭😭

Offroad :
Est is smirking like he’s been planning this since last semester and honestly? i believe it.

Joong :
i thought est bribed us to stay away

Daou :
we did stay away. just out of his eyesight

Dunk :
also he bribed us with bubble tea. which i already finished.🤷‍♂️

---

@dao_thegreat
not me agreeing to leave them alone for one day only to camp behind a vending machine watching their rooftop kiss like i’m juliet’s ghost 💏

 

@officialhong_lykn
update: william just texted “do you think he liked it?” to the gc ☠️
he’s shaking. he’s trembling. he’s in LOVE. 😭

 

@offroadroad
Est: bribes us to not interfere
Also Est: sets up his bluetooth speaker like it’s a GMMTV drama and stares at William like he hung the moon
who’s the real simp here??🤡

— 

Group Chat: 🌊🎶 EstWilliam Situation Debriefing (❌️NO EST ALLOWED❌️)

Nut:
NEW GC NAME WHO DIS

Joong:
THIS IS A CRISIS LINE NOW. ❗️❗️❗️

Tui:
William: “does he like me?”
Reality: Est is probably lying awake right now thinking about how your fingers curled into his hoodie.

Lego:
OR HOW YOU HELD HIS BAG LIKE IT WAS MADE OF GOLD.

Dunk:
Or how he almost FUMBLED THE SANDWICH because you smiled at him too soft.

Lego:
William you are NOT the side character in this story babe!!! 

Hong:
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING THE MAIN CHARACTER, YOU CLUELESS GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

Offroad:
He’s probably writing planning the second date in his Notes app RIGHT NOW.

Joong:
WE’RE GONNA LOSE IT.

William:
:( you guys are mean
ok but really
what if he was just being nice

Tui:
I’M GOING TO SCREAM

Lego:
I AM SCREAMING

Nut:
IM DELETING YOU FROM THE GC

Tui:
I’m coming to your dorm. Stay put.

Nut:
I’m bringing visual aids.

Lego:
We’re making a PowerPoint titled “Est is Whipped: A Case Study.”

Hong:
You have 5 minutes to prepare snacks. We’re on our way.

—

Joong:
This went from “do you think he liked it” to “this is a group intervention.”

Dunk:
Emergency “Your Crush is Not Subtle” briefing starting soon.

Daou:
Stay tuned for Act II: “William Learns Est Has Been Simping Since Semester One.”

Offroad:
Sponsored by bubble tea and our collective exhaustion. 😩😩

—

Nut:
Emergency intervention starts in 5.

Daou:
Bringing projector. Lego has the HDMI cable.

Hong:
William’s still in denial. He said “maybe he was just being polite.”

Tui:
I will physically combust.

Lego:
We’re naming the PowerPoint: “HE IS NOT JUST BEING POLITE, YOU FOOL.”

Nut:
Subtitle: “A 67-Slide Presentation on Phi Est’s Simp Behavior.”

Offroad:
Add the rooftop cinematic kiss in bold font 💏

—
Notification: “Est Supha has been added to the group.”
—
William:
WHO THE FUCK JUST—

Tui:
WHAT THE HELL

Hong:
WHO ADDED HIM—

Lego:
NUT DID YOU—

Nut:
I SWEAR I DIDN’T TOUCH ANYTHING

Daou:
EVERYBODY STOP TYPING. STAY CALM.

Joong:
NOBODY. SAY. ANYTHING.

Est:
67 slides?
Interesting.

[Silence. And then chaos]

William:
I’M GOING TO DIE

Dunk:
bro bro bro

Offroad:
DO WE PRETEND THIS IS A SURPRISE PARTY NOW???

Hong:
WHO CAN REMOVE PEOPLE?? REMOVE HIM REMOVE HIM—

Est:
Don’t bother. I’m enjoying this.
Continue.
I’d like to see the evidence.

William:
Phi Est i’m so sorry this wasn’t supposed to—

Est:
William.
Do you think I liked it? :)

[GC descends into a full minute of unreadable keysmashes]

Nut:
I’M SCREAMING INTO A PILLOW😵‍💫

Tui:
THE MAN IS TAUNTING US

Lego:
he’s SMIRKING i know it

Daou:
I’M HIDING UNDER THE BED🥲

Joong:
HE IS ENJOYING OUR SUFFERING

Dunk:
I want to delete my soul😭

Offroad:
I’m putting my phone in rice

William:
Phi please stop bullying me 😭

Est:
Not bullying.
I’m making sure you get your answer.
(Yes, I liked it.)
(A lot.)

[More keysmashes. Someone sends a crying cat gif. Someone else spams broken heart emojis.]

Hong:
ladies and gentlemen, we lost. 💔💔💔

Nut:
it’s not war. it’s a massacre.💔💔💔

Tui:
WE JUST GOT OUTFLIRTED IN OUR OWN GC🤡🤡🤡

Lego:
I’m logging out of life.☠️

Daou:
i need to lie down.😭😭😭

Joong:
who’s going to tell Est this wasn’t a flirting group chat

Est:
It is now.

William:
I’m going to throw my phone into the campus lake.

Est:
I’ll dive in and get it back. :)

Offroad:
I CAN’T DO THIS. I’M LEAVING.

Dunk:
I love it here.

Joong:
i hate it here.

Daou:
I love-hate it here.

Tui:
someone make a new group chat WITHOUT Phi Est pls 🙏🙏

Lego:
no one add him this time🙅‍♂️🙅‍♂️

Chapter Text

Backstage hummed with controlled chaos. Spotlights blinked in and out of place, sound techs barked cues, and the air was thick with the sharp scent of hairspray and nerves. The Performing Arts Faculty’s annual Showcase Night was a campus-wide event — a blend of music, drama, and dance — and for the first time, LYKN was on the lineup.

It had been a week since William’s first date with Est. A real date. Just the two of them, without friends lurking. And yet, between rehearsals and sound checks, date number two kept getting postponed.

William had been grumpy about it. Very grumpy. He wasn’t exactly subtle with his complaints either. But Est had taken it in stride — sending quiet good-luck texts, dropping by rehearsals with drinks, and never once making him feel guilty for being busy.

Still, standing here now, guitar pick rolling between his fingers, William couldn’t help but wish tonight was over already. He was ready for date two. Showcase Night just needed to cooperate.

His phone buzzed again in his pocket — probably another meme or roast from the chaos squad hyping him up. Their endless teasing had kept his energy up all afternoon, but right now, it was all white noise compared to the pulse pounding in his chest.

From the outside, William looked every bit the band leader. Black boots, silver rings, hair styled just messy enough to look deliberate. Cool. Confident. In control.

Inside, his grip on that cool was slipping.

“Mic check!” Lego called, tapping his in-ear monitor like it had betrayed him.

“Rhythm’s still off, dude,” Hong muttered, lazily plucking his bass.

“Shut up, I am the rhythm,” Lego shot back.

“Guys,” Nut’s calm voice cut through their banter, “maybe save the fight for after the set?”

William’s fingers fumbled with his mic pack again. It was fine. He knew it was fine. He just needed something to do with his hands.

“Phi Est’s here, right?” he asked, as casually as he could.

Nut followed his gaze toward the curtain. “Saw him come in with Phis DaouOffroad and Phis JoongDunk. Third row, middle seat.”

William’s stomach flipped. Third row. Middle seat.

Est would see everything.

Tui grinned. “You look like you’re about to hurl, bro.”

“Shut up.”

“You’ve been adjusting your mic pack for like twenty minutes.”

“Just making sure the mix is right.”

“Dude, your eyeliner’s melting,” Nut chimed in, smirking.

William scowled. “Do not joke about eyeliner before a live show.”

“Not joking. You okay?”

William let out a breath, sharp and forced. “I’m fine.”

“You’re lying.”

“Yup.”

“Need a minute?” Nut offered, stepping aside.

William didn’t argue. He slipped behind a stack of speaker cases, leaning his forehead against the cold metal. It was quiet here — or at least quieter than the rush of blood in his ears.

Third row. Middle seat.

It was one thing to joke about being Phi Est’s “future boyfriend” in group chats. It was another thing entirely to stand on a stage, knowing Est would see every slip, every crack in his voice, every truth he wasn’t sure he was ready to share.

“William.”

The voice was calm, familiar.

He looked up.

Est stood there, still in his dark swim jacket, hair slightly damp as if he'd come straight from practice. His eyes — sharp but soft — took William in with a quiet understanding that always made it harder to hide.

“You’re not supposed to be back here,” William said, throat dry.

Est raised a brow. “Neither are you.”

“I’m just... getting in the zone.”

Est didn’t buy it.

He stepped closer, voice low and steady. “I’ve seen you sing in practice rooms. Seen you hype your friends at karaoke. Seen you take over a cafeteria table just to make people laugh.”

William’s lips twitched. “And?”

“You’re not going to fail.”

A huff of a laugh escaped him. “Phi... if you say something sweet again, I might kiss you before I go on stage.”

“Try it,” Est replied, deadpan. “I dare you.”

William sputtered, nearly dropping his pick.

Est’s mouth curled into a quiet smirk.

Just like that, the tight knot in William’s chest started to ease.

“Thanks, Phi,” William murmured, voice steadying.

Est patted his arm once, casual but warm. “Don’t make me cry, okay? I didn’t bring tissues.”

“Don’t cry in the third row then,” William shot back with a grin. “I need the lighting to hit me, not your tears.”

Est laughed softly, stepping back. “Go kill it, Rockstar. Date two’s waiting.”

William’s heart skipped.

Date two’s waiting.

He smiled, sharper now, steadier.

Time to earn it.

---

Later - On Stage 

The house lights dimmed.

The first chord hit like a spark, guitars slicing through the air, drums pounding beneath the cheers. LYKN opened their set with a punchy original — loud, unapologetic, alive.

From his seat in the third row, Est sat still. His arms were folded casually, but his gaze didn’t waver.

William was electric.

Confident, teasing, completely in his element. He prowled the stage like it was built for him — strumming his guitar with a grin, tossing a wink at the girl in the front row, firing playful glances at his bandmates. Every movement was effortless, natural.

But Est noticed the in-between moments.

When William’s gaze would flick, almost instinctively, to the third row.

To him.

And every time it did, Est’s chest tightened — a soft, quiet ache that had nothing to do with sound.

William had been grumpy all week about delaying their second date. He’d complained about rehearsals, sulked over practice hours, grumbled about sound checks. But Est had known. He’d seen the way William’s fingers trembled when he thought no one was looking. Heard the difference between William’s stage bravado and the quieter boy who just wanted to get it right.

Now, watching him under the stage lights, Est felt his throat tighten.

This wasn’t about perfection.

It was about him.

Halfway through the set, LYKN switched gears — the loud, playful energy folding into something softer as William introduced their final song. No jokes this time. No winks. Just a brief, almost shy smile before his fingers brushed the first chord.

Est knew this wasn’t a typical track.

He recognized the chords, faintly familiar from one of their late-night chats. He remembered William humming half-melodies, scribbling lyrics on napkins, never quite sharing the full thing.

And now, here it was — raw and unfiltered under the stage lights.

William’s voice, usually teasing and loud, softened. But it didn’t lose its weight. Every word hit like a confession, the kind of song that wasn’t written for the crowd — it was written because it had to be.

Est didn’t look away. Not once.

By the time the last chord rang out, the auditorium was electric — the crowd erupting into cheers, applause thundering through the air.

But William wasn’t looking at them.

He stood there, breathing hard, sweat-drenched and proud.

Eyes locked with Est’s.

Est smiled.

Nodded.

And mouthed: I’m proud of you.

William’s breath caught — a fraction of a second, barely visible.

But Est saw it.

---

Backstage was a blur of high-fives, whoops, and the sound of Nut’s drumsticks tapping against every solid surface in celebration.

“THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!” Lego yelled, nearly knocking William over in a sweaty hug. “We crushed it, boys!”

“Bro, get off— I’m dying here,” William laughed, breathless, barely able to peel Lego off as Hong clapped him on the back, hard enough to knock the air out of him.

“You see that high note? Bro thought he was Beyoncé!” Lego added.

William laughed, flushed. “Shut up, I was nervous—”

“We know, ” Tui grinned. “You were about to cry behind the amps.”

“Snitch!”

“Not bad for a mic-pack-fiddling mess,” Tui added, smirking as he handed William a water bottle.

“Shut up, I earned my diva moment.”

William’s heart was still racing, but this — this post-show chaos — felt like home. His boys, his band, their laughter, their noise. It grounded him in the best way.

“Phi Est incoming!” Tui hissed, eyes wide.

The reaction was instant.

“Oiii, Rockstar, your boyfriend’s here~! ” Lego sang, instantly escalating the teasing.

William didn’t need to look to know. He could feel it — the calm gravity of Est’s presence cutting through the chaos.

“Better fix your hair, Will. Can’t greet your man looking like a drowned cat,” Nut said, mock-serious.

“You guys are so annoying,” William muttered, flattening his sweat-soaked hair with zero success.

“Too late. He’s here,” Tui announced, grinning.

William turned.

Est stood there, arms folded, leaning against the wall like he had all the time in the world. But his eyes — they were anything but casual. Focused. Burning. Like he’d been watching from the moment William stepped off stage and hadn’t looked away since.

“Nice set,” Est said, voice slicing clean through the chaos.

“You’re early,” William replied, trying to play it cool.

“You’re done.”

“Oh my god, Will, breathe!” Lego cackled.

“Do you want us to leave?” Nut asked, a little too politely.

“Yes,” Est said, before William could even open his mouth.

The LYKN boys lost their collective minds.

“WOOOOAH— possessive Phi Est, okay then!”

“Bro, we’re being kicked out of our own backstage.”

“I respect the audacity, honestly.”

“Take him, Phi! He’s useless to us now anyway.”

William’s face was on fire as his bandmates staged an overly dramatic exit — exaggerated bows, fake sobs, Nut even playing a funeral dirge on his phone as they filed out.

But Est wasn’t watching them. His focus never left William.

And suddenly, it was just the two of them.

The leftover noise faded.

William cleared his throat, aiming for casual. “Was I good?”

Est tilted his head, lips quirking, but his gaze sharpened. “You were dangerous.”

William blinked. “Is that… a compliment?”

Est’s smile turned razor-sharp as he closed the space between them. “That’s a warning.”

Before William could fire back with something smug, Est’s hand fisted into the front of his shirt, yanking him forward.

And kissed him.

Not soft. Not sweet.

It was a claim.

Hot and open-mouthed, lips dragging, teeth grazing. Est devoured him like he’d been holding back all night. William made a startled noise — muffled and breathless — before his hands found Est’s hips, pulling him closer, anchoring them together. Est didn’t resist. His fingers twisted into William’s hair, tugging, angling his jaw just right.

It was messy. Sharp. Completely unfit for a school event where people were still applauding in the auditorium.

And William loved that.

Loved him.

When they finally broke apart — both panting, Est’s thumb brushing William’s swollen lower lip — Est murmured, voice low and lethal:

“That was the win.”

William’s heart tripped, dazed. “You kissed me like you wanted to fight me.”

“I do,” Est said, tone flat, honest. “Every time you smirked on stage. Every time you looked at me like you already knew I’d give in.”

William’s grin was slow, wicked. “And will you?”

Est leaned in, lips grazing the shell of his ear. “Only if you keep performing like that.”

Then — as if he hadn’t just set William on fire — Est turned on his heel and walked off, cool as ever.

William stood there, stunned, lips tingling, heart sprinting.

The howl of his bandmates hit a second later.

“THAT was a dirty kiss!” Nut crowed from down the hall.

“THIRD ROW? BRO, MORE LIKE THIRD BASE—” Lego screeched.

William flipped them off with both hands, but he couldn’t stop grinning. Wide. Proud.

Like he’d just won the world.

Because maybe he had.

---

The minute William and Est rejoined the others after the backstage chaos, their phones started vibrating non-stop. Notifications piled in, messages pinging, group chats exploding.

Lego glanced at his screen and snorted. “Bro, we’ve broken the internet.”

“Correction,” Tui said, waving his phone. “William and Phi Est broke the internet. We’re just collateral damage.”

William groaned. “I’m scared to open Instagram.”

Est, ever unbothered, said, “You should.”

He wasn’t wrong.

📸 @perf_arts_updates (Performing Arts Faculty)
📍 LYKN absolutely slayed Showcase Night!!!
🔥 First-years carrying the show? YES PLEASE.
🎸 Also… William Jakrapatr is dangerously charismatic and we fear him.
#ShowcaseNight #LYKN #CampusHeartthrob
💬 @mint.journalism:
He sang like the main character in a coming-of-age movie and I CRIED.
💬 @thaiyen.psy:
Y’all. William sang one line and I started blushing like I owed him money.
💬 @famsu_theatrekid88:
Can’t believe we all watched him stare directly at his boyfriend the entire set 😭😭😭😭

—

📸 @joongbbyy (Joong’s private story)
Caption: he was singing to Est. don’t even fight me on this.
📷 blurry zoom-in on Est in the crowd, arms crossed, focused expression, not blinking once.
💬 “The way he watches William like he built him from scratch…”

—

📸 @daoudidit (Daou’s story)
Caption: everyone’s crying over LYKN but I’m crying because Est Supha is clearly someone’s favorite groupie now.
📷 Est sitting in the third row, holding William’s water bottle.

—

📸 @pop.culture.blitz
William and Est proving once again they’re that couple.
Est didn’t take a single photo or video. Just watched. Arms folded. Face neutral. But bro was locked in.
That man is in love.
💬 @namwanlit:
This is what it looks like when your boyfriend is your #1 fan AND your final boss.
💬 @nutofficial:
He didn’t even smile once until the set ended. Then he nodded like “yeah. that’s my man.” 🤭

—

📸 @offroad.films
Caption: my new roman empire is Est waiting backstage like a dark prince while William’s still on fire from performing
💬 @tui_boiiii:
I feel like Phi Est kisses him like it’s a reward and William performs like he’s trying to earn it
💬 @lego.wth:
We were there for the music. We stayed for the sexual tension. 😭

—

📸 @est.supha
📷 A black-and-white shot of William on stage, backlit, his silhouette mid-verse, mouth open in a scream.
Caption: He wasn’t nervous. Just pretending.🖤
💬 @will.lykn: You make pretending worth it.
💬 @hongbby: Can y’all get a shared account already?
💬 @nutofficial: They’re sick. I’m jealous.
💬 @daoudidit: This is why we don’t invite them to game nights anymore.

—

Lego was cackling, scrolling furiously. “You know it’s bad when even faculty pages are thirsting.”

“Theatre kids are down bad, bro,” Tui added, showing his screen to the group.

William slumped into his chair, face in his hands. “I’m never living this down.”

Est, still calm, leaned in and whispered, “It’s your own fault. You kept looking at me.”

“That’s because you wouldn’t stop staring.”

“Exactly.”

Nut grinned. “Alright, drama kings. You’ve dominated the timeline. Can we go eat now?”

Offroad perked up. “Mango rice. Let’s move!”

Joong clapped William’s back. “Come on, campus heartthrob. You’re paying for dinner since you’re the star now.”

William groaned. “I hate you all.”

But Est was already walking ahead, hand brushing William’s arm in a silent command to follow.

And of course, William followed.

Restaurant 

The restaurant was alive with noise — sizzling woks, overlapping chatter, the sharp tang of chili paste in the air. Their table was a battlefield of half-finished plates: spicy larb, steaming tom yum, and way too much sticky mango rice for a group that claimed to be “too full.”

William sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Est, their elbows brushing every so often — every time William shifted, Est didn’t move away. If anything, his knee pressed a little closer under the table.

Across from them, subtlety was nonexistent.

“So,” Nut started, voice loud enough to catch every ear within a three-table radius, “about that kiss after the showcase…”

William nearly choked on his som tam, coughing into his napkin. His ears were burning.

Est, on the other hand, sipped his drink, lips twitching with unbothered amusement.

“What about it?” William rasped, trying for casual, though his cheeks gave him away.

“Dude, he kissed you like a man on a mission,” Hong said, wagging his chopsticks. “Like he was ready to eat your face off.”

Lego leaned forward, eyes glinting. “Not gonna lie, we were this close to placing bets on whether you’d tackle him backstage.”

Tui grinned. “Man, Phi Est’s got that predator vibe. You’re lucky, William. Man’s got you on lock.”

Est set his glass down, slowly, deliberately. His voice was soft, but his smile was sharp. “I am a little hungry, you know.”

William shot him a side-eye. “Keep talking like that, Phi, and I’ll make sure the only thing you’re hunting tonight is your food.”

The table erupted into laughter.

Joong elbowed Dunk, stage-whispering, “They’re so extra. Makes the rest of us look tame.”

Dunk smiled, eyes flicking to Joong. “Speak for yourself.”

Daou laughed, shaking his head. “If I ever get half as intense as Est is with Offroad, I’m calling it a relationship milestone.”

Offroad blinked. “Wait— half?”

Nut leaned in, grinning at William. “Bro, you’re officially the only freshman who’s been publicly claimed and roasted by the entire squad in one night.”

William sighed, grinning despite himself. “I don’t know whether to be proud or terrified.”

Est’s hand slid onto William’s under the table, fingers lacing tight. His grip wasn’t gentle. It was grounding — a silent he’s mine.

“Be both,” Est murmured. “You earned it.”

William squeezed back, lowering his voice. “Not just the kiss. You know that.”

Est’s gaze darkened, unreadable but warm. “Of course I do.”

Hong snorted. “All I know is, when Phi Est starts calling William his ‘favorite snack,’ none of us will be surprised. Boy’s gonna be well-fed.”

Joong lifted his glass with a shit-eating grin. “To William and Est: may your kisses stay dirty, and your fights stay private.”

“I make no promises,” Est said, eyes glinting, before William could even reply.

The table lost it.

William caught Est’s smirk, leaned in, and whispered just loud enough for him to hear, “Guess I’m not the only one hungry tonight.”

Est turned to him, that slow, deliberate smile curling. “Good. I’m starving.”

Across the table, Dunk whistled. “Should we be here for this conversation?”

“Nope,” Joong said, but he was grinning. “But we’re not leaving.”

--- 

“Bathroom,” Est murmured, standing from the table and squeezing William’s shoulder briefly before heading off.

William watched him go — casual, slow, unbothered. But that hand on his shoulder had lingered, like Est was making sure everyone knew exactly where he was returning.

“Oi, you’re so whipped,” Lego teased, throwing a peanut at William’s head.

“Shut up, like you wouldn’t trade places in a heartbeat,” William shot back, flicking it back at him.

“True,” Nut said, raising his glass. “Phi Est’s a catch.”

As the table dissolved into another chaotic round of teasing, a new voice cut in from the side.

“Excuse me, is everything okay with your order?”

William turned.

The waiter — probably a university senior, sharp jawline, sleeves rolled up to show off gym-honed arms — was standing a little too close to his side of the table. His eyes flicked over William with more interest than professionalism.

“Yeah, all good. Thanks,” William said, polite but clipped.

“Glad to hear,” the waiter said, smile lingering. “You know, I haven’t seen you around before. Are you a first-year?”

William blinked. “Uh. Yeah.”

“Must be lucky year then.” The waiter’s smile sharpened, and he leaned in slightly. “If you need anything — recommendations, or just a guide to good food spots — feel free to ask me directly.”

Across the table, Tui’s grin was splitting his face. Hong had already pulled out his phone like this was free entertainment. Nut arched a brow, clearly waiting for William’s reaction.

“Thanks,” William said, strained, glancing toward where Est had gone.

Right on cue — Est was returning.

And his face said that he had seen it all.

He didn’t rush. Est never rushed. He simply approached with the same unhurried, calm stride — but there was a weight to his gaze now, a sharp, unreadable focus trained directly on the waiter.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Est said smoothly, sliding back into his seat, his arm casually slinging over the back of William’s chair — but his hand gripped the wood with enough force that his knuckles whitened. “Is there a problem with our table?”

The waiter straightened a little too fast. “Oh — no, sir. I was just checking if they needed anything.”

“We’re good,” Est said, voice pleasant, but it was the kind of pleasant that made you rethink your life choices. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

The waiter stammered a polite nod and retreated, a little less graceful this time.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Daou exploded. “BROOO— that was the calmest murder I’ve ever seen.”

Tui fanned himself dramatically. “Phi Est’s possessiveness level is lethal. My god.”

Hong whistled. “William, you’re dating a shark in human form.”

William, to his credit, didn’t look fazed. He simply turned to Est with a grin, eyes bright with mischief. “Jealous, Phi?”

Est’s lips quirked, leaning in so only William could hear. “No. I just don’t share what’s mine.”

Offiroad pretended to wipe a fake tear. “God, can you two stop being hot for five seconds? I’m trying to eat.”

Joong shook his head. “That poor waiter. Man didn’t know he was swimming in Phi Est’s waters.”

Dunk snorted. “At least he survived.”

Est, unfazed, leaned back with the picture of ease — his arm never once moving from William’s chair.

And that waiter didn’t return for the rest of the night.

---

Later, once the chaos settled into a lull, Nut tapped his fork against his glass, rallying attention.

“Okay, serious question: Phuket trip during semester break — who’s in?”

“Me,” Lego said instantly, eyes gleaming. “Beach, parties, maybe a little music jam session. Count me in.”

“Depends,” Tui said, pretending to be serious. “Is this a group trip? Or is it a ‘William’s running off to disappear with Phi Est’ situation?”

William rolled his eyes. “Group trip, obviously. Can’t escape the chaos squad that easily.”

“Bold words,” Hong said, “but we’ll see if you survive Phi Est’s possessiveness by then.”

Est’s arm casually draped across the back of William’s chair, fingers brushing the nape of his neck. The gesture was light, but the claim was clear.

“I’m fine sharing,” Est said smoothly, “but I don’t promise to be generous.”

Joong howled. “BRO, HOW ARE YOU THIS CALM AND THIS POSSESSIVE AT THE SAME TIME?”

William was certain his face could rival a tomato at this point. “I hate all of you.”

Dunk raised his glass, unfazed. “As long as there’s good food and no one gets lost like Offroad last time, I’m in.”

“That was one time!” Offroad protested, nearly choking on his drink.

Daou grinned. “We’ll tie a bell on you this time.”

Est leaned into William’s space, voice low. “We’ll work around my swim practice. You’ll make sure of it.”

William grinned, sharp and unbothered. “I’ll guard your free time like my life depends on it.”

Nut clapped his hands. “Alright! So we’ve got EstWilliam, JoongDunk, DaouOffroad, and the rest of us single-pringle misfits. Perfect mix.”

Lego teased, “Are we sure William’s ready to party with us? Or will Phi Est have to play bodyguard?”

William smirked. “I’m a freshman, not a porcelain doll.”

Tui snorted. “Says the guy who needed a whole pep talk before walking on stage.”

Est’s fingers brushed up William’s nape, slow, possessive. “He doesn’t need a bodyguard. He just needs someone who knows how to keep him close.”

“AND THAT, LADIES AND GENTS, IS A THREAT!” Lego hollered, raising his glass.

Joong grinned. “To the Phuket trip — may the sun be hot, the drinks cold, and the memories chaotic.”

Glasses clinked all around.

Est squeezed William’s hand beneath the table, the promise in his touch unmistakable.

“Ready for an adventure?” he asked.

William’s grin was all teeth. “With you? Always.”

Chapter Text

Phuket — Day 1

Morning 

The salty breeze hit them the moment they stepped off the van, carrying the faint crash of distant waves and the tang of ocean air. Hong threw his arms wide, eyes shining like he was about to ascend straight to heaven.

“Bro. This is the life.”

Lego rolled his shoulders and muttered, “Focus. We’re here to rest, not turn into sun-dried shrimp.”

Est tucked his hands into his pockets and adjusted his sunglasses, smirking. “Just don’t embarrass yourselves.”

William practically vibrated beside him, eyes wide and sparkling at the sight of the villa. White walls gleamed under the sun, the infinity pool shimmering like liquid glass right at the edge of the beach.

“Phi Est, this is insane. You didn’t tell me it was this fancy.”

Est shot him a teasing glance. “It’s not,” he said with mock seriousness. “I downgraded. For you.”

William swatted his arm playfully but couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. “You’re impossible.”

Joong and Dunk arrived minutes later, followed by Offroad and Daou, the latter two each carrying a cooler stuffed with drinks.

Offroad gave a flat, unimpressed look. “This is going to be a disaster.”

Daou laughed, his eyes bright. “I already love it.”

Est caught William’s eye, noticing the way his excitement seemed to light up the entire beachside scene. For a moment, the chaos of school and expectations melted away. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The group spilled onto the terrace, the morning sun casting long shadows across the sleek white tiles. Nut nudged Hong with a sly grin. “Hey, Hong, bet you didn’t think this trip would turn into a couples’ retreat, huh?”

Hong smirked and crossed his arms. “Yeah, we’re outnumbered. It’s like dating central here.”

Tui, lounging by the pool, called out to the couples lounging nearby. “Oi, Phi Est, William, save some PDA for the rest of us, will you?”

William flushed but grinned. “We will just celebrate the view… and each other.”

Lego chuckled from the shade, raising an eyebrow at Joong and Dunk, who were sitting close, sharing a smoothie. “You two look like you’re already planning the wedding. Slow down, guys. It’s only Day One.”

Joong shot Lego a mock glare. “Says the guy who’s still single and bitter.”

Lego feigned wounded pride. “Hey, I’m cultivating mystery.”

Offroad rolled his eyes but smirked. “Mystery or not, you’ll probably be the first to cave.”

Daou laughed, clinking his bottle against Offroad’s. “Here’s to the couples club… and the poor singles stuck with us.”

Nut raised his water bottle dramatically. “Speak for yourself. I’m just here to steal some hearts.”

Hong leapt to his feet, grinning wide. “Yeah, Nut’s the wild card. Watch out, couples — you’re not safe.”

Est shook his head, smiling as William slipped his hand into his. “You guys are impossible.”

William whispered, “But that’s why we love you.”

The teasing continued as laughter and playful banter bounced across the terrace, the tension of school and responsibilities fading beneath the Phuket sun.

Afternoon 

The sun was high, casting sharp glints off the rippling water. Shirts lay forgotten on lounge chairs, damp towels tossed aside as the group embraced the heat. The bass from the portable speaker pulsed through the air, a playlist carefully curated by Nut blasting summer hits that had everyone bobbing their heads — even those pretending not to.

At the center of the pool floated an enormous donut-shaped inflatable, big enough to comfortably fit two grown adults. Predictably, Joong and Lego had immediately claimed it as their wrestling arena, grappling and splashing with gleeful competitiveness. Their laughter and occasional shrieks echoed across the pool deck.

William sat on the edge, legs lazily kicking in the cool water. A cold drink can sweat lightly in his hand, the fizzy bubbles tickling his tongue as he took slow sips, eyes flickering between the chaos and the sky.

From behind, droplets fell in erratic drips down William’s back — Est had just climbed out of the pool, hair slicked back and wet strands clinging to his forehead. Without a word, he leaned down, his breath warm as he brushed his lips just beneath William’s ear.

“You haven’t gotten in yet.”

William’s smile softened, his eyes sparkling. “I was waiting for you.”

Est arched a single brow, the teasing edge clear. “Romantic… or possessive?”

William chuckled softly, tilting his head to rest near Est’s jaw. “Can’t it be both?”

Nearby, Daou, sprawled on a sunbed with a book forgotten beside him, groaned dramatically. “HELP ME, THEY’RE DISGUSTINGLY CUTE.”

A few heads turned, smiles breaking out at the banter. Offroad shook his head but his lips twitched in a reluctant grin. “You two really know how to annoy the rest of us.”

Est took William’s hand and tugged gently, pulling him toward the pool’s edge. “Come on, then. No more waiting.”

William laughed, dropping his cold drink can with a soft splash before slipping into the water. The cool embrace of the pool enveloped him, and Est followed, their fingers still entwined as they floated closer to the donut battlefield.

Joong, spotting them, called out with a grin. “Alright, new challengers? The donut throne awaits.”

Lego sneered playfully. “Prepare to be dethroned.”

William exchanged a glance with Est, the silent agreement clear: the afternoon was far from over.

Joong’s grin widened as William and Est climbed onto the inflatable donut, water sloshing around them. Dunk flexed his fingers, ready to defend his “throne.” “You’re walking into a trap, newbies.”

“Bring it on,” William said, voice low but challenging. Est gave him a quick squeeze on the arm.

With a shared nod, the two teams lunged at each other, splashing water high into the air. Laughter erupted as Dunk and Joong tangled with William and Est, legs flailing and hands grasping for balance on the slippery surface. For a moment, Est’s grip slipped and William caught him just in time, pulling him close — too close, the sudden splash soaking them both.

Hong and Nut, watching from the poolside, exchanged amused looks. Tui tossed a wet towel at the struggling fighters. “Someone’s gotta referee this mess before someone drowns.”

Offroad and Daou shrugged off their own sunbeds and stepped in, the couples now fully engaged in the chaos. Offroad scooped up a handful of water and flicked it at Daou, who retaliated with a playful shove.

“Team couples versus team singles?” Nut proposed with a grin. “What do you say?”

The singles cheered, and the couples exchanged competitive smirks. Within seconds, the pool transformed into a full-on splash war, everyone drenched and laughing, forgetting who was on whose side.

William caught Est’s eye across the pool, a spark of mischief in his gaze. Est blew him a quick kiss before splashing him hard, earning a loud “Hey!” and an all-out chase around the pool.

As the sun dipped lower, the group finally collapsed onto towels and loungers, dripping and breathless, the sound of their laughter mingling with the gentle waves just beyond the villa.

Evening 

The chaos had settled. Dinner was still being prepped inside the villa — Nut was attempting to grill, Tui and Daou had declared themselves sous-chefs, and Hong had very vocally quit helping ten minutes in.

But William and Est had slipped away, barefoot, walking along the shoreline where the tide rolled in and out like a soft breath.

The sky had turned dusky gold, streaked with pink and orange. The clouds were cotton candy and watercolor, and the sea mirrored it all, shimmering with the last light of the day.

William kicked gently at the sand as he walked, their shoulders brushing now and then. “You ever think about just... not going back?”

Est turned to look at him. “Not going back where?”

“School. The city. Everything.” William kept his eyes on the horizon. “We could stay. Open a juice bar. Rent out paddleboards. You could teach yoga.”

Est snorted. “I can’t even touch my toes.”

“You’d learn. You’re very bendy in spirit.”

Est bumped their shoulders together, laughing. “And what would you do? Harass tourists until they fall in love with you?”

“I’m already doing that,” William said, glancing at him with that bright, lopsided smile. “Target acquired.”

Est didn’t reply right away. The waves lapped at their feet, cool and rhythmic.

“You’re not joking, are you?” he said finally, voice quieter now.

William shook his head. “Not really.”

A moment passed. Est’s fingers brushed against William’s hand once… then again, lingering the second time before intertwining.

“I think about it sometimes,” Est said. “Not forever. But for a while. Just… slowing down.”

“I like you when you slow down,” William said softly, without teasing this time.

Est looked at him. The fading sun caught in William’s eyes — wide, honest, always glowing with something too big to name.

“You scare me sometimes,” Est admitted, barely more than a whisper. “You feel… sure. And I’m still trying to figure myself out.”

William didn’t flinch. “I don’t need you to be sure yet. Just be here .”

Est squeezed his hand.

“I am,” he said.

They kept walking, the sun dipping lower, the world wrapped in gold, and for once, there was no need to rush toward anything else.

They had slowed to a stop where the beach curved gently, just beyond the villa’s view. The waves brushed against their ankles, the sky behind them bleeding from coral pink into soft lavender. Est stood facing William, one hand on his waist, the other trailing lightly along his wrist.

“Just so we’re clear,” William said, voice low, “this doesn’t count as a vacation kiss. This is a real one.”

Est huffed a laugh, amused. “Good to know.”

And then he leaned in — slow, certain. William met him halfway.

It was quiet. Unrushed. Just the hush of waves, the wind lifting William’s hair, the warmth of Est’s mouth on his. Something about the moment settled low in William’s chest — like this wasn’t a first, or a flirtation, but a beginning he’d already chosen.

“OH MY GOD.”

They broke apart to find all four of the single boys standing a few feet away in various stages of dramatic meltdown.

Nut clutched his chest like he'd been shot. “Right in front of the sunset? The romance is actually criminal.”

Tui shielded his eyes. “There are children present!”

Hong cackled. “Speak for yourself, I was rooting for them. Get it, William!”

Lego just stood there shaking his head. “Can’t believe we came to call you for dinner and caught a Nicholas Sparks moment instead.”

William turned slightly pink, but Est only sighed like he’d known this would happen.

“I told you to text them,” Est muttered to William under his breath.

“I was going to,” William whispered back, grinning. “But I liked being alone with you too much.”

The teasing continued as the boys crowded in, still dramatic, still very much delighted by what they’d walked in on.

“Did you dip him like in the movies?” Hong asked. “Tell me there was a dip.”

“Was there tongue?” Nut demanded. “We need details.”

Est deadpanned, “Do you want me to draw you a diagram?”

That shut them up. Mostly.

Laughing and pretending to be scandalized, the group headed back toward the villa — but not before Hong snapped a quick (slightly blurry) photo of the sunset behind the couple.

“For the group chat,” he said with a wink. “Proof that love exists. Ugh.”

Est glanced sideways at William as they walked. “You okay with that?”

William bumped their hands together. “You kissed me in front of the ocean at sunset. I can handle a little group chat slander.”

And the teasing didn’t stop all through dinner.

Late Night 

Downstairs, chaos still ruled: Nut and Hong were arguing about popcorn flavors, Joong and Dunk screamed through every jumpscare, and Offroad had threatened to throw the remote off the balcony. But none of that reached the rooftop.

Up here, the world felt quieter — suspended.

The air was cooler now, a light breeze brushing against bare skin. Above them, the stars glittered like sugar crushed across black velvet, and below, the ocean whispered against the cliffs in a language meant only for lovers and ghosts.

William stood near the railing, barefoot on the cold tiles, wearing one of Est’s oversized button-downs — the pale blue one Est usually slept in. It hung loose on him, riding up just slightly with the wind, exposing the curve of his thigh.

Est lingered in the doorway for a second longer than necessary, just watching.

He walked over and slid his arms around William’s waist from behind, letting his palms settle beneath the soft fabric, resting warm against William’s bare skin. William leaned back into the touch, his head tipping gently toward Est’s shoulder.

“You’re quiet,” Est murmured against his neck, voice low.

William didn’t answer right away. The sound of waves filled the pause. Then, slowly, he turned in Est’s arms.

And there it was — a look Est didn’t often get from him. No teasing, no shyness, no wild, rambling declarations. Just a quiet sort of confidence that burned like low fire.

William reached up and cupped Est’s face, fingers brushing just beneath his ear, his thumb stroking over the edge of his cheekbone.

“I’ve always looked up to you,” William said, voice barely above a whisper. “But I think maybe... I like it better when you look up at me .”

Est blinked, breath caught somewhere in his chest. “What—”

But then William kissed him.

And it wasn’t soft.

It was sure. Demanding. Lips parting with purpose, fingers threading into Est’s hair, pulling him closer, deeper. Est tried to take over — tried to regain the rhythm, the control—

But William caught his wrists and pinned them gently back against the edge of the railing.

His lips brushed against Est’s ear. His voice was a low whisper, thick with intent.

“You always lead,” he said. “Let me, tonight.”

For a heartbeat, Est froze.

Then his breath hitched.

Then his entire body gave in.

He nodded, once — not out of surrender, but out of trust.

They quickly went to their room. Clothes fell in quiet succession. Buttons slipped from their threads. Fabric pooled across tiles still warm from the afternoon sun. William kissed him like he knew him — every responsive sound, every weakness, every place Est tensed and melted under his hands.

And Est — confident, composed Est — unraveled beautifully under it.

His back hit the wall. William mouthed along his collarbone, teeth scraping just enough to make Est gasp. Warm hands trailed down his chest, thumbs brushing across his hips as he pressed their bodies close, skin to skin.

“You’re not the only one with game, phi,” William murmured against his throat, lips curved in a smug smile before dipping lower, slow and unhurried.

Est let out a breathless laugh that cracked in the middle. “Apparently not.”

His fingers found purchase in William’s hair, but he didn’t pull — didn’t guide.

He let William take.

Let William show him what it meant to be chosen, wanted, adored — not with shy worship, but with electric, heady possession.

And he didn’t mind losing control.

Not when it was to William.

Not when it felt like this.

After the fire had burned through them — after kisses grew slower, and laughter turned breathless — they lay tangled together on the cushions Est had dragged out earlier that afternoon.

Est’s head rested on William’s chest, one leg draped over his, the oversized shirt half-buttoned and wrinkled. William’s fingers drew lazy shapes across Est’s bare shoulder, his touch featherlight, like he still didn’t quite believe he was allowed to have this.

The air had cooled, but neither of them moved to go inside.

Above, the stars blinked gently. Below, the waves whispered against the cliffs, steady and lulling, like a heartbeat stretched across the earth.

A soft sigh escaped Est — content, quiet, barely more than breath against William’s skin.

“I think I could fall asleep right here,” he murmured.

William smiled, voice low and warm. “You’re already halfway there.”

Est hummed, nuzzling in slightly, the slope of William’s collarbone becoming his pillow. For once, he didn’t feel the need to move, to lead, to hold everything together.

William tipped his chin, looking down. “Thanks for bringing me,” he whispered.

Est opened his eyes, just barely. His hand curled over William’s ribs, grounding himself in the rise and fall beneath his palm.

“Thanks for following me,” he murmured back.

They didn’t need more than that.

The ocean murmured just beyond the rooftop. Somewhere below, their friends were still loud and ridiculous — but up here, wrapped in the sound of waves and each other’s warmth, everything else could wait.

Chapter Text

Morning — Rooftop Balcony 

The sun hadn’t quite risen yet, but a soft orange glow stretched across the horizon, painting the sky like watercolors bleeding into each other. Far below, the waves whispered against the jagged rocks, steady and soothing.

Est curled into the worn deck chair, knees pulled up to his chest, a thick blanket wrapped tightly around his shoulders. His fingers clenched the warm mug of coffee like a shield, the steam swirling upward, carrying the bitter scent that helped anchor him to the moment.

William stepped out quietly behind him, wearing nothing but boxers and Est’s oversized hoodie that hung loose around his frame. His hair was tousled in all directions, the perfect kind of mess that made Est’s chest tighten.

Est didn’t look up.

William lowered himself gently beside the chair, close enough so that their shoulders almost touched but gave Est space. He let the silence settle between them, heavy with words unsaid.

“You okay?” William finally asked, voice soft.

Est nodded, but the pause stretched long. When he spoke, it was barely above a whisper. “Yeah. Just...” He took a slow sip from his coffee, eyes fixed on the horizon. “I didn’t expect you to surprise me like that.”

William grinned, the kind that lit up his whole face. “Too much?”

“No,” Est said, lips twitching upward in a small smile. “Too good.”

The sea breeze ruffled the blanket around Est’s shoulders, brushing cool against his skin and reminding him of the night still echoing faintly in his body — and something deeper, warmer, in his heart.

“I’m not used to feeling safe like that,” Est admitted, voice quiet and raw. “Like I don’t have to plan everything. Or hold everything together.”

William reached out, fingers threading through Est’s, lacing them gently together. “You don’t have to with me.”

Est finally turned, his eyes meeting William’s with a clarity that made William’s chest tighten. “…You’re not just a loud freshman anymore, huh?”

William chuckled, brushing a thumb over Est’s knuckles. “Maybe I was never just loud.”

Est smiled softly, eyes falling back to his mug, warmth blooming behind his cheeks. “Remind me to thank myself later,” he murmured. “For letting you chase me.”

William leaned over, pressing a light kiss to Est’s temple. “You’re mine, right?”

Est blinked, heat rising as his face flushed pink.

But he nodded, firm and sure.

“Yours.”

---

William and Est finally descended from the rooftop, still wrapped in the afterglow of their quiet morning. Est’s steps were slow, his cheeks faintly flushed as they joined the others gathered around the breakfast table.

Daou blinked at him with mock concern. “You look... wrecked.”

Est tightened his grip on his coffee cup, holding it close like armor. “Mind your own business.”

Joong raised a brow, eyes scanning Est’s flushed face and the subtle marks just visible at his collarbone. “Wrecked, huh? Flushed cheeks, suspiciously marks... Did William break you?”

William, casually biting into a juicy pineapple slice, shot a cheeky wink across the table.

The room instantly exploded.

Daou squealed dramatically. “OMG! Damage report incoming!”

Offroad nearly choked on his toast, frantically waving his hand. “Save me from this mess, please!”

Joong dropped his phone with a theatrical thud and yelled, “WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR INNOCENT EST FROM THE DEVIL WILLIAM!”

Nut shook his head, grinning. “Honestly, when William was so shy on your first date, Phi Est, I never thought this day would come.”

Tui laughed, “Remember how he practically blushed every time you even held his hand?”

Hong smirked. “And now look at him — winking like he owns the place.”

William shrugged, grinning wider. “What can I say? Phi Est brings out a different side of me.”

“Different side or a different beast?” Joong teased, arching an eyebrow.

Lego laughed and shot back, “Same difference when it comes to William.”

From the corner, Nut called out with exaggerated seriousness, “Phi Est, emergency! Should I call an exorcist or a doctor?”

Est groaned, burying his face behind the coffee cup, the heat of the room matching his burning cheeks. “I should’ve insisted we book separate villas.”

William leaned forward, voice low and teasing, a sly smile curling at his lips. “Next time,” he promised, “but for now — you’re still mine.”

Est, dazed and caught somewhere between annoyance and adoration, just nodded.

Joong clapped his hands dramatically. “Operation ‘Keep Est Sane’ is officially underway.”

Daou nudged Est with a grin. “Looks like you’ve been claimed, Est.”

Est glanced sideways at William, half-defeated, half-smiling. “I’m so doomed.”

William’s grin widened. “Exactly how I like it.”

---

Afternoon — Beach

Sunscreen chaos reigned on the sand, tangled with a scattering of colorful beach towels. Tui had declared an all-out war on Daou, dousing him with a water gun while laughing uproariously. Hong lay face-down in the sand, lamenting the universe’s betrayal after he dropped his iced coffee.

Est floated serenely just beyond the surf, his wet hair slicked back, glistening in the sunlight. His sleeveless shirt clung to his toned arms, muscles defined and gleaming with saltwater.

A local guy — early twenties, athletic, shirtless — swam over, striking up a casual conversation. Est gave polite smiles, engaging with easy grace.

William, sitting on a towel with a mango slice halfway to his mouth, froze. His gaze locked onto the scene, every movement sharp in his mind.

He watched the guy gesture, watched Est offer a polite smile, watched as the other man’s hand grazed Est’s shoulder — just a brush of skin.

William didn’t blink.

Around him, the group noticed the sudden stillness.

“Uh-oh,” Lego muttered. “William’s going feral.”

“He’s loading vengeance,” Nut whispered, eyes wide.

Without hesitation, William stood and strode purposefully into the water.

His fingers curled tightly around Est’s wrist, pulling him gently but firmly out of the surf.

They didn’t speak until they reached the wooden shower stalls near the villa — secluded, shaded from the glaring sun and prying eyes.

William pressed Est back against the rough wood, his voice low, rough with quiet fire.

“He touched you.”

Est blinked, eyes wide. “He was just—”

“I don’t care.”

William’s dark eyes bore into Est’s.

“You’re mine.”

Est’s breath hitched, pulse hammering in his throat.

William’s lips curved into a smirk as he leaned in, teeth grazing just beneath Est’s jawline. The nip was sharp, claiming.

He trailed a slow, deliberate kiss along the sensitive skin, the cool air contrasting with the heat blossoming under his touch.

A deep, dark purple mark bloomed where his mouth had been.

William whispered, his voice thick and low, “Let me remind you — and everyone else.”

Est’s body shivered, a flush spreading up his neck. His fingers instinctively found William’s chest, fingers curling into the damp fabric of the hoodie.

He didn’t pull away. Not this time.

William’s jealousy softened into something almost tender, possessive but protective.

The faint sounds of laughter and splashing drifted from the beach, distant and meaningless now.

Here, in the shadowed quiet, only their heartbeats mattered.

Minutes later, William and Est emerged from the outdoor showers, hair damp, lips swollen, and Est’s collarbone visibly marked with dark, proud hickeys.

Hong took one look and screamed.

Joong dropped his watermelon with a thud. “OH MY GOD.”

Daou stared, bewildered. “Why is Est walking like that?!”

Tui grinned mischievously. “I thought Phi Est was the confident possessive top!”

Offroad laughed dryly. “This is a role reversal no one was prepared for.”

Nut smirked. “Honestly, I’m just glad William didn’t throw hands with that guy earlier. His jealousy is dangerously intense.”

Est quickly ducked behind William’s shoulder, his face pink from ears to chest.

William just wrapped an arm around him like a trophy and smirked. “I’m not sorry,” he announced loudly.

Est groaned, muffled against William’s hoodie. “Can I go back inside and die?”

William leaned close, whispering with a grin, “You’re welcome to try. But I’ll just bring you back out again.”

Their friends howled with laughter, the beach buzzing with playful chaos.

Joong pointed at Est’s neck. “Looks like you’re officially claimed.”

Nut blew a dramatic kiss toward William. “Good job marking your territory, lion king.”

Est peeked out shyly but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips.

William squeezed him gently. “Loud and clear, just like I said.”

Lego smirked, nudging Tui. “Bet Phi Est didn’t see that coming, huh?”

Tui laughed, “Yeah, William went from shy and reserved to ‘King of Hickeys’ overnight.”

Daou grinned. “Honestly, William’s got skills. I’m impressed.”

Offroad shook his head, pretending to be scandalized. “This beach trip just turned into a full-on rom-com.”

Hong chimed in, “Next thing you know, Phi Est is gonna be strutting around like he owns the place.”

Est threw a mock glare at Hong. “Shut up, you sand-covered disaster.”

William laughed, pulling Est closer. “Don’t worry, phi. I’ve got plenty more surprises.”

Est’s blush deepened, but his smile grew wider.

As the laughter and teasing continued, William’s eyes flicked back toward the water where the local guy still lingered nearby, casting subtle glances their way.

William’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. His protective instincts flared again — quiet, but unmistakable.

Est noticed the shift immediately. He reached out, brushing a calming hand over William’s arm. “He’s just looking,” Est murmured softly, though even to his own ears, the reassurance sounded shaky.

William’s gaze locked on the man’s, sharp and unyielding. The local guy gave a slow, almost challenging smile, then turned and began swimming away, leaving a trail of ripples behind.

William exhaled slowly, the tension easing — but the message was clear.

“Next time,” William muttered, eyes still on the retreating figure, “I won’t wait to remind him who you belong to.”

Est’s heart skipped, equal parts startled and oddly comforted.

“Maybe we should remind our friends to keep an eye out,” Est joked nervously, glancing at their circle still lounging nearby, blissfully unaware.

William’s lips curved into a dark, confident smile. “Or maybe I’ll just keep marking my territory... loud and clear.”

Est laughed softly, leaning into William’s side, feeling the warmth of that quiet promise.

---

The beach buzzed with chatter and laughter, but William’s eyes never fully left the waterline. The local guy had circled back, swimming leisurely but purposefully toward their spot.

“Uh-oh,” Lego muttered, nudging Nut. “He’s coming back.”

Est’s hand tightened slightly in William’s as the man approached, waving casually but with a calculating smile.

William rose slowly, every muscle taut beneath his hoodie. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing — not a hint of hesitation.

Daou, ever the observer, whispered, “Someone’s about to get a serious warning.”

Joong cracked his knuckles theatrically, grinning. “This is gonna be good.”

The local guy stepped out of the water, shaking his head to fling back wet hair, eyes flickering between Est and William.

William stepped forward before Est could say a word, voice low but razor sharp.

“You’ve made your interest clear. This isn’t a game.”

The guy smirked, undeterred. “I’m just being friendly.”

William’s gaze darkened. “Friendly enough to touch him?”

The man’s smile faltered, sensing the edge.

Behind them, the group exchanged amused and nervous looks.

Tui whispered, “William’s borderline scary right now.”

Nut nodded. “Honestly, I’d back off if I were him.”

Hong, with a smirk, called out loud enough for everyone to hear, “Hey, new guy! You might wanna swim back before you get in over your head.”

Offroad laughed, adding, “You’re messing with the wrong couple.”

Est’s cheeks flushed but his grip on William’s arm steadied. “Thank you,” he murmured quietly.

William’s stance softened slightly, turning protective rather than confrontational. “You’re safe with me. That’s all that matters.”

The local guy, now clearly defeated, gave a curt nod and retreated back to the water.

William turned to Est, brushing damp hair from his forehead, voice thick with possessiveness. “Nobody touches what’s mine.”

The group burst into applause, laughter, and playful cheers.

Joong grinned. “Well, that’s one way to make an impression.”

Lego winked. “Consider him warned.”

Est smiled shyly, resting his head against William’s shoulder.

William’s grin was smug and victorious. “Good. Now, let’s get back to enjoying the day — before I have to go feral again.”

---

The local guy was long gone, but the tension hadn’t quite left the air. Instead, it transformed into gleeful teasing from the group.

Joong nudged William with a smirk. “Bro, you just went full-on ‘Beast Mode.’ I didn’t know you had that in you.”

Nut laughed, pretending to take notes. “Lesson one: How to scare off potential rivals using just a glare and a threat. William Jakrapatr's Masterclass.”

Tui grinned, elbowing Est. “Looks like our shy freshman turned into a jealous alpha overnight.”

Est chuckled, watching William’s smug grin grow wider by the second.

Hong raised an eyebrow. “You know, you could probably rent out that glare for security services.”

Offroad chuckled, “I’m half tempted to sign up as William’s personal hype man.”

William threw an arm around Est’s shoulders, pulling him close. “Jealous? Proud. Protective? Absolutely. And I’m not apologizing.”

Daou grinned. “We love a jealous king who knows what he wants.”

Lego winked. “Honestly, William, you should trademark that look. It’s dangerous.”

William laughed, shaking his head. “Dangerous is the point.”

Est leaned into him, voice soft. “I like that about you.”

William kissed the top of Est’s head with a grin. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me — jealousy and all.”

The group erupted into cheers and playful chants of “King William! King William!”

Est groaned in mock embarrassment but couldn’t hide his smile.

William basked in the chaos, his eyes twinkling. “Jealous and proud. Deal with it.”

---

As the laughter and cheers from their friends faded into the background, William gently tugged Est’s hand, leading him a few steps away from the bustling beach crowd.

They settled on a smooth patch of sun-warmed rocks, the ocean breeze soft against their skin.

William brushed a stray wet strand of hair from Est’s face, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary.

“Hey,” William murmured, voice low and steady, “I know I get loud and jealous sometimes.”

Est looked up, eyes searching William’s. “Sometimes?”

William smiled softly, the playful edge replaced by sincerity. “Okay, maybe more than sometimes. But it’s only because I care. You mean that much to me.”

Est’s heart fluttered. He leaned into William’s hand, letting out a small, content sigh.

“I like that,” Est admitted quietly. “It makes me feel... safe.”

William’s fingers traced gentle circles along Est’s wrist. “That’s all I want. For you to feel safe. Always.”

Their foreheads touched, breaths mingling as the world slowed around them.

“Thanks for being mine,” William whispered.

Est smiled, his own hand reaching up to cup William’s cheek. “And you’re mine. Completely.”

They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in the quiet intimacy only they shared — a perfect balance to the wild chaos of the day.

Evening 

The bonfire crackled softly on the beach, sending sparks swirling into the deep navy sky. The full moon hung high, casting shimmering silver trails across the gentle waves. Nearby, someone had hooked up a Bluetooth speaker, and the mellow strains of Thai love songs blended seamlessly with the sound of the ocean and distant laughter.

William sat close beside Est on a worn blanket. Est’s legs stretched out lazily, one hand buried in the cool sand, the other loosely entwined with William’s fingers.

Around them, their chaotic friend group was winding down — though only somewhat. Lego wrestled with roasting marshmallows, burning most of them to a crisp. Tui and Nut argued playfully over who could build a better sandcastle using only a spoon. Hong dramatically played a sad song on his phone and declared the night “tragically romantic.”

Joong grinned and teased, “Est turns pink every time William breathes.”

Est buried his face against William’s shoulder, voice muffled. “Tell them to shut up.”

William’s grin deepened. “Why? I like it.”

“You like me suffering?”

“No,” William said, chuckling, “I like you blushing.”

Est shot him a sharp side-eye. “One day, I’m going to get you back for all of this.”

William kissed the top of his hair softly. “Promise?”

Est shoved him lightly but didn’t pull away.

---

Later, the group thinned out. One by one, friends retreated to the villa, yawning, teasing, and pretending to mind their own business.

William and Est stayed behind.

The fire had burned down to glowing embers. The stars had brightened, peppering the sky with glittering light.

They walked barefoot along the water’s edge, the waves licking at their ankles.

William was the first to speak. “Feels like... I’ve waited forever for this.”

Est glanced up at him. “This?”

William smiled softly. “You. This. Us.”

Est exhaled slowly, his voice low and steady. “I used to think I didn’t need anyone.”

“You don’t,” William said quickly, eyes serious. “You’re strong. You always were.”

Est paused, then added quietly, “But I like needing you.”

William’s heart pounded so loudly he was sure the ocean could hear it.

They stopped walking and faced each other under the vast, starry sky.

Est reached out, his fingers threading gently through William’s hair — softer, more tender than usual.

“You make everything feel lighter,” Est said.

William swallowed hard. “You make everything feel real.”

Est’s hands slid around William’s waist, pulling him close. “You’re my home now.”

William’s eyes shimmered, a flicker of emotion threatening to spill over. Instead, he hugged Est tightly, burying his face in his neck.

“I’ll always be yours.”

They stood there like that — holding each other, swaying gently, the ocean’s steady rhythm wrapping around them like a quiet promise.

Later That Night — Villa Living Room

The villa was a mess of sandy towels, half-empty bottles, and questionable snack combos. Soft music thumped from a speaker, the pool outside glowing a calm blue, while inside, playful chaos brewed.

Nut, cheeks flushed from sun and beer, stood up. “Okay, enough chilling around. It’s time to kick this up a notch.”

William, curled up beside Est on a bean bag, raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Hong’s grin was wide and a little wicked. “Truth or Dare. Last night in Phuket. No one gets off easy.”

Daou groaned. “We’re not sixteen, Hong.”

“Speak for yourself,” Joong said, sliding a bottle of soju into the center. “We never did this properly back then. Time to fix that.”

Est laughed softly, voice low. “We’re definitely going to regret this.”

“Speak for yourself,” William said smugly, stretching. “I live for drama.”

Tui wiggled his brows at William. “Yet you’ll still get flustered if I dare you to kiss Phi Est in front of everyone.”

William’s face turned beet red.

Est smirked. “That’s not even a dare anymore. It’s daily behavior.”

The whole room exploded.

Nut collapsed dramatically. “THEY’RE TOO POWERFUL.”

Hong raised her hands like a general. “Alright, let’s begin.”

Round One:

Lego grinned wide. “William — truth or dare?”

William sat up straighter, confidence shining. “Truth.”

Dunk leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. “When did you actually fall for our Est?”

The room fell silent.

William blinked, caught off guard. “Oh. Uh…”

Est turned to him, curious and waiting.

William swallowed, then said quietly, “The day I saw him swim at the club tryouts. You looked like— I don’t know, something untouchable. And I’ve been trying to reach you ever since.”

A collective aww rippled through the group. 

Est’s ears flushed a deep red.

Daou wiped his eyes with a dramatic flair. “I am way too sober for this level of emotional wreckage.”

Round Two: 

Hong turned to Est, eyes gleaming. “Your turn, Phi Est. Truth or dare?”

Est took a slow breath and said, “Truth.”

Joong smirked. “When did YOU know William was... the one?”

The room quieted, anticipation buzzing.

Est glanced at William, then back at the group, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

“I think... it was the first time he stayed up with me after practice, even though he was exhausted. He didn’t have to, but he did. I realized then... he’s not just someone I want — I need him.”

The group let out a collective aww again, some nodding knowingly.

William’s eyes shone, and he reached for Est’s hand under the table.

Nut teased, “Look at you two, making us all hopeless romantics!”

Tui added, “I vote we stop the game before we drown in feelings.”

Est laughed softly, squeezing William’s hand. “No regrets.”

Round Three: 

Est grinned, turning to Nut. “Truth or dare?”

Nut eyed him warily. “Truth.”

William jumped in eagerly. “Have you ever had a crush on anyone in this room?”

Nut’s eyes flickered toward Hong for the briefest moment before he narrowed them in mock seriousness. “Yes. And I’m taking it to my grave.”

A chorus of “Booo!” erupted from the group.

Lego, striking a dramatic pose, teased, “It’s me, isn’t it?”

Most of the group exchanged knowing looks, some barely suppressing smiles.

Hong, completely clueless, exclaimed, “Nut! As your best friend, I should be the first to know about this!”

Nut shot Hong a glance that lingered a second too long before he masked it with a smirk.

William leaned toward Est and whispered, “He has no idea, but the rest of us? Yeah, we see it.”

Est chuckled softly. “Not even surprised.”

Round Four: 

Tui’s eyes gleamed as he locked onto Joong. “Phi Joong. Truth or dare?”

Joong narrowed his eyes, grinning. “Dare.”

Tui smirked. “Pick up Phi Dunk like a bridal-style and spin him around. Bonus points if he screams.”

Dunk narrowed his eyes warningly. “Don’t you dare.”

Joong shrugged with mock innocence. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.”

Before anyone could blink, Joong sprang into action — grabbed Dunk bridal-style and spun him around like a whirlwind.

Dunk yelped loud enough to make someone outside the villa applaud.

“PUT ME DOWN, YOU MENACE!”

Joong dropped to one knee, striking a dramatic pose. “I’d carry you through fire, my love.”

Daou rolled his eyes. “Okay, Romeo, take a seat.”

Dunk shoved Joong, cheeks flushed but grinning. “You’re such an idiot.”

Joong beamed proudly. “But I’m your idiot.”

Everyone groaned in unison. “BOOOOO! GET A ROOM!”

Round Five: 

Est turned to Daou and Offroad with a sly smile. “Alright, your turn. Daou, truth or dare?”

Daou glanced at Offroad, who shrugged and whispered, “Go for it, babe.”

“Dare,” Daou said confidently.

Offroad grinned. “Okay, Daou, I dare you to serenade Offroad right here, right now. Bonus points for dramatic flair.”

Daou rolled his eyes but stood up, clearing his throat like a true performer.

“Is this a joke?” Nut asked, chuckling.

Daou didn’t answer — instead, he grabbed a nearby beach towel like a makeshift microphone and launched into a hilariously over-the-top, off-key rendition of a Thai love ballad, complete with exaggerated hand gestures and swooning looks at Offroad.

Offroad laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair.

When Daou finished with a dramatic bow, the room erupted into applause and whistles.

Offroad grabbed Daou’s hand, grinning. “Okay, okay, you win. You’re officially the most extra in this villa.”

Daou smirked. “Only for you.”

William teased from across the room, “Next round, Offroad’s up — I wonder what kind of trouble we’ll get into.”

Round Six: 

William turned to Offroad with a mischievous grin. “Offroad, truth or dare?”

Offroad raised an eyebrow, clearly ready for a challenge. “Dare. Hit me.”

William smirked. “I dare you to give Daou your most dramatic love confession — right here, right now. Bonus points if you get him to blush.”

The group leaned in, anticipation buzzing.

Offroad cleared his throat and struck a mock-serious pose. “Daou, from the moment you entered my life, you turned every ordinary day into an adventure. I’m hopelessly and completely yours.”

Daou rolled his eyes but was clearly amused. “Cheesy. But effective.”

Offroad winked. “Mission accomplished.”

The room burst into applause and whistles.

William laughed. “Okay, Offroad, you win ‘Best Dramatic Performance.’”

Round Seven: 

Offroad glanced at Est with a teasing smile. “Est, truth or dare?”

Est smirked, never one to back down. “Dare.”

Offroad’s eyes sparkled. “I dare you to confess the most embarrassing thing William has ever done in front of everyone.”

The room quieted, waiting eagerly.

Est leaned back, pretending to think hard. “Alright… once, during a swim meet, William tried to impress me by doing a dive — and completely belly-flopped.”

The group burst into laughter.

William groaned, face flaming. “That was a tactical splash!”

Est laughed. “Yeah, tactical humiliation.”

Tui wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. “I think we just found William’s secret weakness.”

William shot Est a playful glare. “You’ll pay for that.”

Round Eight: 

Tui turned to Dunk with a grin. “Your turn, Dunk. Truth or dare?”

Dunk smirked. “Truth.”

Est leaned in, curious. “What’s one thing Joong does that makes you secretly soft?”

Dunk’s cheeks tinted pink as he glanced at Joong, who was pretending to look away but was clearly listening.

After a beat, Dunk smiled softly. “When he’s focused and serious, but then he laughs at my terrible jokes like I’m the only one who matters.”

Joong’s grin softened, and he nudged Dunk playfully. “You really are my favorite audience.”

The group let out a collective “Aww!”

William whispered to Est, “Guess we all have our soft spots.”

Est smiled, squeezing William’s hand. “Yeah. Even the toughest ones.”

“Alright, enough sugar — let’s spice things up,” Tui declared, grabbing a bottle from the table.

“Never Have I Ever,” Nut announced, eyes gleaming. “Drinks at the ready, everyone.”

The group quickly gathered around, some grabbing beers, others pouring soju shots.

As everyone settled in with their drinks, Joong clapped his hands and smiled.

“Alright, just in case anyone’s forgotten the rules of ‘Never Have I Ever’—here’s the deal: I’ll say something I’ve never done, starting with ‘Never have I ever…’ If you have done it, you take a sip. If you haven’t, you don’t.”

He glanced around. “The goal? To find out all the embarrassing, wild, or hilarious things we’ve done — without confessing outright.”

Tui laughed. “Or at least get everyone tipsy enough to forget their secrets!”

Nut grinned. “So basically, it’s truth or dare, but with drinks and less pressure.”

Est raised his glass. “Alright then. Game on.”

Round One

Tui raised his glass, grinning. “Never have I ever… kissed someone and immediately regretted it.”

Almost everyone took a sip except William, who gave Est a pointed look. Est smirked and clinked his glass with William’s.

Nut laughed. “Oof, been there.”

Joong raised an eyebrow. “Care to elaborate, Nut?”

Nut just shrugged, smirking.

Round Two

Hong smirked. “Never have I ever… accidentally sent a text to the wrong person.”

Daou groaned loudly and downed his drink.

“Uh-oh, spill!” Est teased.

Daou shook his head. “I’m not saying who, but it was… awkward.”

Round Three

William leaned forward with a mischievous glint. “Never have I ever… pretended to know a song’s lyrics but totally made them up.”

Est burst out laughing, nearly choking on his drink.

“Guilty!” Est admitted, raising his glass in solidarity.

Round Four

Dunk grinned. “Never have I ever… stalked someone’s social media out of jealousy.”

The group burst into laughter as eyes flicked toward William.

William raised his glass slowly, admitting defeat with a sheepish smile.

Est nudged him. “Told you we all have our moments.”

Round Five

Tui smirked. “Never have I ever… skinny dipped.”

Almost everyone laughed and took a sip — except William, who pretended to choke on his drink.

Est nudged him. “Come on, don’t lie!”

William flushed but raised his glass. “Guilty as charged.”

The laughter slowly faded as the drinks ran low and the questions grew more personal — and more hilarious.

Tui stretched and grinned. “Okay, okay, I think we’ve officially uncovered everyone’s skeletons for one night.”

Joong nodded, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t even remember half the things I admitted to.”

Nut laughed. “Same. But hey, it’s been worth it.”

Est leaned against William, who wrapped an arm around him comfortably.

“Best night,” Est murmured.

William kissed his temple. “Definitely one for the books.”

As the last embers of the fire flickered, the group settled into a comfortable silence, the gentle sound of waves blending with quiet chatter and contented sighs.

For now, all that mattered was being together — friends, laughter, and a little bit of mischief.

Chapter Text

End of Semester – Graduation Week

The university campus was a riot of color. Bouquets as big as torsos, balloons shaped like cartoon animals, and people in gowns rushing from photo spots to families — it was every graduation cliché and then some. The sun beat down mercilessly, making the entire scene feel like a live-action version of an over-the-top graduation commercial.

William adjusted the strap of the massive plush shark under his arm and squinted into the crowd. “Where is he? He’s supposed to meet us here.”

“He’s graduating, Will,” Nut deadpanned, juggling two bouquets like they were weights. “Pretty sure taking photos with his parents comes before meeting his overexcited boyfriend.”

“I’m not overexcited,” William insisted, though the way he adjusted the plush shark (as if it were his prized possession) probably didn’t help his case. His shirt was crisp, hair styled like he was attending a runway show, and yes, he was definitely wearing cologne — the same one he always wore when he wanted to make an impression.

Hong shot him a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated. “You’re dressed nicer than the graduates. Seriously, are you trying to steal the spotlight?”

“Let him,” Lego grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “This is the man who once screamed ‘Phi Est, I love you!’ across the swimming pool. Subtlety died a long time ago.”

“Hey, that was romantic,” William protested, crossing his arms and pouting.

“Romantic for you, secondhand embarrassment for us,” Nut muttered under his breath, but it was clear he didn’t really mind. There was always some form of chaos with William around.

Before the argument could escalate into another round of teasing, Lego’s voice rang out. “There! I see them!”

The crowd parted like the sea, and William’s eyes locked onto the sight of Est — standing in his cap and gown, his hair slightly messy under the mortarboard, that soft, shy smile on his face as Daou fussed with his tassel. Joong, as usual, was trying to photobomb Dunk’s selfies, clearly thriving in the spotlight.

William didn’t even think. He took a few steps forward, his heart thumping in his chest as his voice rose above the noise. “Phi Est!”

Est’s eyes immediately found him, and the world seemed to pause for a heartbeat. William’s stomach fluttered, and for a moment, it was as if no one else existed in the bustling crowd. The chaotic energy of graduation, the jokes from his friends, even the feeling of the plush shark under his arm — it all melted away.

As William made his way through the crowd toward him, Est shook his head, his smile growing wider. He couldn’t help but tease. “You didn’t even wait for me,” he called out, the words light and teasing, but there was a soft warmth in his voice — a warmth that made it clear he wasn’t really upset, just amused. “You’ve been standing there like you’re about to burst with excitement. Didn’t think I’d take this long, did you?”

William froze for a split second, caught off guard by Est’s playful jab. But then he couldn’t help it — his grin stretched even wider. There it was again, that mix of affection and teasing that made his heart flutter. It was Est’s way of saying I see you, I know you, without needing to say it directly.

William watched him, his gaze soft. “You’re worth the wait, Phi.”

Lego, still watching with a grin, muttered under his breath to Nut, “Well, he’s not wrong. You can’t beat the man who brought a shark to graduation.”

Nut rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it. “Only Will would show up at a graduation with a stuffed animal bigger than most of the graduates.”

William reached Est just as he pulled away from Daou, his eyes never leaving William. He stepped forward, barely able to contain the wide grin on his face as he caught Est’s eye.

“Phi Est, you look amazing,” William said, his voice soft with genuine admiration.

Est chuckled, shaking his head but not hiding the pink on his cheeks. “You’re one to talk, Will. You’re practically overdressed for the occasion.”

“Better overdressed than underdressed.” William shrugged nonchalantly, though his heart raced as he held out the plush shark like it was the most important thing in the world. “For you. I promised.”

Est laughed again, that sound like music to William’s ears, and took the shark, squeezing it. “What am I going to do with this?”

“You’re going to love it,” William insisted, his grin widening. “You’re going to carry it around, and when people ask, you’re going to say, ‘This is from my overexcited boyfriend.’”

“I’ll tell them I’m being held hostage by a very fashionable shark,” Est teased back, though the tenderness in his eyes made William feel like the world was somehow softer.

---

It was time for group photos, and that was William’s cue to grab Est’s phone with an eager grin.

“Alright! Stand closer, everyone! Closer!” William shouted, already adjusting his own position as if he were directing a Hollywood movie. “Phi Est, come on, move in a little. Not you, Dunk — you’re literally blocking his face! Joong, seriously—no more rabbit ears, okay?”

“I’m literally just standing here!” Joong protested, hands thrown up in mock surrender.

“Yeah, and your face is stealing all the attention!” William shot back, giving Joong a pointed look. “Honestly, if this were a photo for an award-winning film, your face would be the villain.”

Lego, watching the chaos unfold, gave a dramatic sigh. “This is why we don’t let you hold the camera. You're like a one-man circus show.”

William grinned, undeterred by the comment. “A circus show, maybe, but I’m the director, so I get the final say!” He ignored the chorus of groans from the group and kept adjusting people, as if the whole photo depended on his every move.

“Okay, okay, now—everyone look at the camera! No, Dunk, don’t pull Est’s hair like that—” William’s words were drowned out by laughter as Dunk, ever the prankster, tried to mess with Est in the middle of his photo-shooting spree.

The photographer clicked a shot just as the group burst into uncontrollable giggles, not one person managing to hold a straight face.

By the time LYKN joined in for the combined photo, the group was in such hysterics that the photographer had to take about twenty shots before finally capturing one where they weren’t doubled over, trying to stop their laughter.

“Seriously, guys, can we get one normal shot?” the photographer asked, but his voice lacked any real authority — he was clearly having as much fun as they were.

"Normal? Us?" Lego snorted, wiping away a tear from laughing too hard. "That's a tall order, even for us."

After a few more failed attempts at a group shot, someone — probably Nut, but no one was sure — pulled out their own phone and pointed it at William and Est.

“Alright, time for a photo of the two lovebirds,” Nut said with a grin, but there was a teasing undertone to it.

“Lovebirds?” William’s eyes widened in mock horror. “We’re not that cheesy, are we?”

Est rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. “You’re the one who’s been calling me ‘Phi Est’ like we’re in a rom-com.”

“Hey, that’s because you are my Phi Est,” William said with a wink, throwing an arm around Est’s shoulders as they both turned toward the camera.

Nut, clearly amused, gestured for them to get into position. “Okay, now, goof off for a second, get that signature William-Est charm going.”

The two instantly jumped into their usual routine — pulling faces, sticking out tongues, and doing ridiculous poses as if they were in their own private world.

William held up the plush shark like a prop, pretending it was an award, while Est squinted at it dramatically as if it were his “fierce competition.” They laughed, pushing each other around, caught up in their usual antics, their banter flowing freely, and the surrounding crowd unaware of the intimate bubble they were creating.

But as the camera clicked again, something shifted. Their laughter died down, their playfulness slowing as they stared at each other.

It wasn’t immediate — it was subtle. William dropped his arm from around Est’s shoulders, but Est didn’t move away. Instead, he took a small step closer, their faces now inches apart. The teasing grin on William’s face softened, his eyes flicking down to Est’s lips, then back to his eyes.

Est’s own smile faded into something more genuine, his hand brushing lightly against William’s arm. His voice, when it came, was lower, softer. “You really are...something else, William.”

William’s heart thudded, and he couldn’t help but smile. “You know, you’re not so bad yourself, Phi Est.” He said it without thinking, the words flowing as easily as breathing.

In that quiet moment, they forgot about the world around them — the loud chatter of their friends, the photographer snapping shots in the background, the dozens of people walking by. It was just them. Their gaze locked, a soft tension hanging between them.

Nut, seeing the shift, quietly stepped back, giving them space, while Lego, who had caught on to the change in energy, whispered, “Uh-oh, they’re getting soft now.”

And just like that, William leaned in, his forehead gently touching Est’s, his voice a whisper. “I’m glad I get to do this with you. Always.”

Est’s hand slid up to rest on William’s chest, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Always, Will. Always.”

There was no camera flash, no laughing group, just the softness between them as they forgot about everything else, existing only in that moment.

The photo Nut took in the meantime? A perfect one of them, not smiling or pulling faces, but gazing at each other, their expressions full of something deeper — something no one could fake.

And for once, William and Est didn’t need to put on a show.

---

Once the chaos began to thin and their friends scattered to find food or take more photos, William gently tugged Est to the side, away from the noise and the constant buzz of conversation. The air felt quieter here, more private, and William felt a sense of calm as he reached into his pocket.

He handed Est a small, neatly wrapped box, the kind of packaging that looked simple but well thought out — no flashy bows, just a soft, elegant wrap in pale blue.

“Another gift?” Est asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement. “You’ve already given me a bouquet and a shark.” He gave the plush toy a playful side-eye, as though it were already a part of their shared history.

William chuckled, his smile softening. “This one’s… important.”

Est tilted his head slightly, curiosity piqued, and carefully unwrapped the box. Inside was a silver bracelet, simple in design but with an undeniable elegance. He picked it up, his fingers tracing the engraving on the inside: 27.04 — You said yes.

Est’s fingers traced the engraving with a tenderness that made William’s heart skip a beat. “27.04... You remember.”

His voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of the memory in his words made William’s chest tighten with affection.

William grinned, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mix of playful and earnest. “I remember everything about you. Every little detail.” He reached out, his fingers brushing against Est’s as he took the bracelet from him.

Est let out a quiet laugh, his eyes still locked on the engraving. “You’re lucky I don’t mind all this attention. Most people would think you’re trying to buy me off with gifts.” But his voice was warm, the teasing light in his tone betraying the affection he felt.

William leaned closer, lowering his voice to a softer pitch, just for Est. “I’m not buying you off, Phi Est. I’m just reminding you... that you’ve got me. All of me. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Est’s heart fluttered at the sincerity in William’s words, but before he could respond, the loud voice of their friend pierced the moment.

From across the quad, Nut shouted with mock drama, “Hey! Are you proposing, or can we finally go eat?”

Est let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head as he glanced back toward Nut. “Your friends are impossible.”

William’s grin didn’t falter. He took a small step closer to Est, his voice low and teasing, but with an undercurrent of warmth only Est ever seemed to notice. “They’re your friends too, you know. You’ve officially joined the chaos.”

Est gave him a mock glare, his lips twitching into a smile he couldn't quite suppress. “I didn’t sign up for this level of chaos.”

William’s grin widened, his hand brushing a strand of hair from Est’s face, his fingers lingering at the side of his jaw. “Well, you’re stuck with it. Or, you could just marry me, and I’m all yours. No more interruptions. Just us.”

Est’s smile faltered for a second, the warmth in William’s words melting away any resistance. He shot him a playful but pointed look, attempting to sound stern, but his heart betrayed him. “William,” he started, voice filled with affectionate exasperation. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Only for you, Phi Est,” William murmured, his grin softening as he leaned in just a bit closer, his fingers gently tracing the edge of Est’s jaw. “Only for you.”

Est’s chest tightened at the touch, the gentle intimacy of the moment making everything else fade into the background. He didn’t say anything more, but the look in his eyes — soft, trusting, a little vulnerable — said it all.

---

The moment the group finally agreed on a place to eat, chaos erupted once more. They flooded out of the quad and spilled onto the bustling street, laughing and shouting over each other about where they should go. William, still clutching Est’s hand, couldn’t help but grin at the absurdity of it all. After the chaos of graduation, this was the perfect way to end the day: together, in the mess of it all, with food and laughter and friends.

“Okay, okay!” Nut called over the noise, hands on his hips. “We’re going to that new place down the street. I’ve heard their fried chicken is amazing, and I’m starving.”

Lego gave a mock groan. “Did you have to pick that place? I swear, every time we go there, I get sauce all over my shirt.”

Dunk rolled his eyes. “Just wear a bib, Lego. Problem solved.”

“Don’t even get me started on your fashion sense,” Lego shot back. “At least I don’t look like a walking ad for food stains. ”

“I’m not even gonna dignify that with a response,” Dunk said, crossing his arms dramatically. “But I will say this: I’m definitely getting extra fries.”

As they walked toward the restaurant, William leaned over to Est, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You sure you’re ready for this?” he teased. “Nut’s about to go full food critic on us.”

Est snorted, shaking his head. “As long as he doesn’t try to make us order a five-course meal again, I’m good.”

“Well, I’m in for anything,” William replied, squeezing Est’s hand. “As long as I’m with you.”

The group finally made it to the restaurant, a lively spot with an open kitchen, the scent of sizzling food wafting through the air. As they all squeezed into a long table, Nut immediately began debating with the waiter about which dishes were non-negotiable for their table.

“You know what we need?” Nut said, tapping the menu with his finger. “The spicy wings . And don’t you dare bring us any of those bland fries—extra spicy, all the way.”

“Nut, I’m not gonna survive that level of heat,” Lego protested, looking pale at the mention of the wings. “I’ll be in the bathroom for the next hour.”

“Oh, stop being dramatic,” Nut replied, rolling his eyes. “It’s just spicy.”

Est leaned over to William, his voice barely a whisper. “Are we really going to let Nut destroy our taste buds again?”

William chuckled, his voice soft. “Probably. But I’m down for anything as long as it makes him happy.”

As the food came out, the table erupted into a frenzy of passing plates and excited chatter. Laughter filled the air as they dug into the fried chicken, the spicy wings, and plates of fries piled high. William and Est sat next to each other, sharing bites of food and small jokes, their connection undeniable amidst the chaos of their friends.

At one point, Nut threw a wing in the air, attempting to catch it in his mouth, only to have it land in Lego’s lap. “Nice throw, Nut,” Lego deadpanned, reaching for the napkins.

“Hey, it’s the thought that counts,” Nut shot back, unbothered.

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted from chaotic antics to heartfelt talks. They all leaned back in their chairs, content after an evening of good food and even better company.

“You know,” Joong said, his voice quieter than usual, “this feels right. Like we’ve been doing this forever.”

Dunk nodded, a soft smile playing at his lips. “Yeah. It’s weird, but in a good way. Like... this is us.”

Est, leaning his shoulder gently against William’s, looked around at the group — their friends, their family in all but blood. He felt something warm stir in his chest. "Yeah," he said softly. "This feels like the beginning of something good."

William, still watching the group, gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. “It is. It really is.”

Nut raised his glass, his grin never fading. “To us! The chaotic, unstoppable, impossible group of friends who somehow make it through everything together. And to food that makes us forget about all the chaos for a few hours.”

Everyone lifted their glasses, the clinking sound echoing in the cozy restaurant.

“To us,” they all echoed together.

And in that moment, it felt like everything had come full circle — the madness of the day, the warmth of their friendships, and the quiet certainty that no matter what came next, they’d face it all together.

That Night — Rooftop

The sun had dipped behind the Bangkok skyline, leaving a deep violet sky painted with flickers of gold, casting a soft glow over the city. The night air was warm, but not too hot, just enough to wrap around them like a comfortable embrace.

The gentle hum of the city below was a soft background to the stillness on the rooftop. The cool breeze tangled with Est’s hair, and for a brief moment, the world felt perfectly still — as if time itself had slowed down for them to savor the quiet. William’s gaze never left Est’s face, the moonlight catching the curve of his smile, making everything feel impossibly intimate.

They sat on Est’s rooftop, legs stretched out in the cool concrete, sharing a blanket. Leftover cupcakes from Dao’s surprise party were beside them, forgotten for now, their sweetness lingering in the air.

“I’m glad I didn’t give up,” William said quietly, his voice soft but steady, as if he were confessing something deeply personal.

“You never do,” Est replied with a small, knowing smile, his gaze never leaving the horizon.

“I would’ve,” William admitted after a beat, his words a little heavier. “If you kept pushing me away. If you said no.”

Est turned his head to look at him, his expression thoughtful, calm. “You would’ve, yeah. But I wouldn’t have let you.”

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward or uncertain anymore. It was easy, comfortable — the kind of silence that filled up with all the things they didn’t need to say aloud. Just being there, together, was enough.

“So,” William asked after a while, breaking the peaceful stillness, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity. “What now?”

Est shifted slightly, facing him fully now, and his eyes softened. “Now?” he repeated, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “We graduate. We grow up. You chase your music. I figure out whether I’m going into teaching, coaching, or whatever else life throws at me. But we do it together. Whatever comes next, we’ll do it together.”

William’s heart stirred, a soft warmth spreading through him at the thought of it. “That sounds a lot like a forever plan.”

Est’s smile deepened, and he reached for William’s hand, intertwining their fingers with a quiet certainty. “That’s because it is.”

The air seemed to still around them as the weight of Est’s words settled in. William didn’t respond with words. He didn’t need to. Instead, he leaned in slowly, his gaze meeting Est’s with a quiet intensity. His lips brushed Est’s in a kiss — not rushed, not hungry, but soft. Warm. Sure. Certain. It was the kind of kiss that said everything they didn’t have to speak.

Like he’d finally arrived at the place he was always meant to be.

Epilogue — 5 Years Later

@williamjkp
📸 Est kneeling down in front of William in their favorite park, with William’s hand over his mouth in complete surprise, laughing in disbelief. The sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the perfect moment.
Caption: “Still remember the day he asked. So much has changed, but what hasn’t is the fact that I’m still the luckiest person on Earth. 💍❤️ #ForeverAndAlways #MyHeart #BestDecisionEver”

💬 @nnutdan:
I’m going to cry all over again. Phi Est, you’re killing me with this. Can’t believe you asked him first, but I can’t think of a more perfect match. 💖 #BestProposalEver

💬 @dunknatachai:
“I knew it!! You guys are #couplegoals in every sense. Est, way to take the plunge. You had me at ‘Will you?’ 😭 So happy for you both! 💍”

💬 @chen_joong:
HE asked?!? My heart just exploded. This is so you two. Congrats, guys, truly. Can’t wait to be part of the wedding festivities! 👏👏

💬 @hongshihoshi:
I swear I’m about to cry for the hundredth time. I’ll never stop rooting for you both. Please, take my tears and have a beautiful forever 💖💍

💬 @le_tsgo_eating:
“Phi Est, you’re a man of surprises. William, you’re one lucky guy! But honestly, we all saw this coming. The two of you are meant to be. 💕”

💬 @oueiijadaou:
“Still obsessed with how beautiful and pure this moment was. Watching you both grow has been nothing short of magical. Love you two to the moon and back. 🌙✨”

💬 @m.tuiiii:
“I’m not crying... okay, maybe I am. I can’t even. This is what love looks like. 💖 So proud of you both.”

💬 @offroadtotogaback :
“Est, I always knew you had the courage to do something epic like this. You’re the perfect match for each other. Congrats, you two! 🙌”

@est_rvp
📸 William and Est on their wedding day, holding hands under an arch of flowers, the sunlight sparkling through their wedding bands.
Caption: Yesterday, today, and always. And now, I can call him my husband. 💍 Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and all the little moments in between. #HappilyEverAfter #WeMadeIt #OurStory

💬 @nnutdan: I’m going to cry. This is the stuff of fairytales. Congratulations, my best friends. Here’s to forever. 💕

💬 @dunknatachai: THESE TWO. 💖 I’m not crying, you’re crying! Congrats, guys. You’ve made me believe in love again. 🥂

💬 @le_tsgo_eating: You’re officially off the market, Phi Est. Sorry, William, but it was inevitable. 😂 Seriously, congrats to both of you. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

💬 @chen_joong:
YOU GUYS DID IT. 💍 Now when’s the party? Asking for a friend. 👀

💬 @oueiijadaou: Couldn’t be happier for you both. The world just got a little bit brighter with these two getting married. 💖

💬 @m.tuiiii: Looking at you both makes me want to fall in love. Who knew it could be this beautiful? 🤍

💬 @offroadtotogaback :True love. You two are proof that anything is possible when you have each other. Congratulations! 👏

💬 @hongshihoshi: Forever looks good on you two. 🌟