Chapter 10



From that day on, something shifted between them. It wasn't anything grand but in the quiet, everyday things, they had started acknowledging each other.

It began with small things. A brief nod when their paths crossed on campus. A casual remark when Sky caught Nani frowning at paperwork in their usual café.

"You'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that." Sky had teased once, plopping down across from him like he had every right to be there.

"I'll take my chances." Nani had replied, not even looking up from his documents. But notably, he didn't tell Sky to leave.

Sky didn't, either. Instead, he made himself comfortable as if he belonged there. It was little things like that small, unspoken moments, that crept into Nani's routine without him realizing.

Somewhere along the way, these little moments had become a habit.

Nani didn't wait for Sky, but if they happened to cross paths, they naturally fell into step. He never expected Sky to sit with him, yet it was never a surprise when he did. It was as if their lives had found a rhythm, subtle yet constant an unspoken understanding between them.

And Win, Dew always find way to invite Sky to have lunch with them so their heartless friend could has a chance to meet Sky. When Sky casually stole one of Nani's fries from his tray, Nani had just stared at him.

Sky, completely unbothered, simply popped the fry into his mouth and grinned. "If you're gonna glare at me, at least do it with some passion."

Nani let out a slow breath, setting his drink down with exaggerated patience. "You do realize you have your own food, right?"

"Yeah, but yours tastes better."

Nani looked down at their identical trays. "It's literally the same order."

Sky shrugged, stealing another fry. "Exactly. So why does yours taste better?"

Nani muttered something under his breath, something suspiciously close to unbelievable, but he didn't actually stop Sky.

And that was just how things were now.

--

Morning

Nani was buried in his usual mountain of paperwork when his phone buzzed.

Sky: My niece's birthday is today. She wants you to come.

A simple message that straightforward, nothing overly enthusiastic. But for some reason, Nani read it twice.

Before he could second-guess himself, his fingers were already moving.

Nani: Time?

Sky's reply came almost instantly.

Sky: Evening. Just drop by the restaurant.

No unnecessary details. No expectations. Just an invitation. And yet, when the time came, Nani found himself finishing work earlier than usual.

Again.

By the time Win and Dew stopped by Nani office, it was already empty. Win frowned. "What is going on with him lately?"

Dew crossed his arms, deep in thought. "That's the second time this week."

They exchanged a look.

"Suspicious."

"Very suspicious."

Meanwhile, Nani sat in the back of his car, glancing at his watch. There was still time before the party started. "Stop at a toy store first." he instructed his driver.

He wasn't sure what kids liked, but showing up empty-handed didn't seem right.

The toy store visit took longer than expected. Nani had planned to grab just one gift, but somehow, he ended up with bags full of stuffed animals, dolls, and a miniature kitchen set.

By the time he arrived at the restaurant, Sky's niece's eyes went wide with delight. "All for me?!" she gasped, hugging a giant teddy bear almost bigger than her.

Nani only nodded, feeling oddly pleased by her reaction.

Her mother smiled warmly at him. "You really didn't have to bring so much, but thank you. She's over the moon."

"It's nothing," Nani replied casually, though the warmth in his chest lingered longer than he expected. As the party went on, Sky's family buzzed around, busy with guests and laughter filling the restaurant. Nani found himself standing at the edge of it all, beside Sky, neither of them saying much.

The warmth of the celebration stretched around them, the sound of laughter and playful shouts filling the air. Sky glanced at Nani, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You really went all out."

Nani shrugged. "Didn't want to show up empty-handed."

Sky hummed in response, his eyes drifting back to his niece, who was now proudly showing off her new toys to the other kids.

They stood there in comfortable silence, watching the happy scene unfold in front of them.

--

Nani had gotten used to having Sky around. He never really thought about it, it just happened. They weren't always together, but they weren't just classmates either. Somehow, Sky had become a part of his life, and Nani never questioned it. Until now.

Standing in front of Sky's class, Nani realized far too late, that he wasn't just here as a guest but as a speaker. The moment Nani stepped into the lecture hall, all eyes turned to him. Dressed sharply in his usual tailored suit, he carried himself with the same cool confidence that made him impossible to ignore.

Sky, sitting in the middle row with his friends, blinked in surprise. He knew Nani had been invited to speak at the university, but he hadn't expected it to be for his class.

Nani's usual easygoing posture stiffened for just a second before his expression returned to its usual unreadable state.

"Good afternoon" Nani began, his voice smooth and controlled, commanding the room without effort. "I was told I'd be here as a guest, but it seems I'm also expected to give a speech." He glanced at the professor with a small smile before continuing. "So, let's make this quick."

Sky leaned back in his chair, staring.

This was not the Nani he knew. When they were together, Nani was still himself, sharp-tongued, a little smug, but never this distant. Never this cold. Around him, Nani was... softer. Less guarded. But standing up there now, Nani was untouchable.

But this was the Nani the world saw. Polished, distant, untouchable. And somehow, it made Sky's heart race.

"Damn." one of Sky's friends whispered, elbowing him. "You're staring."

Sky blinked, jolted out of his thoughts. "What? No, I...." Another friend smirked. "You've got that look."

"I don't have a look." Sky still trying to refuse.

"Oh, you definitely do."

Sky tried to laugh it off, but an unsettling thought crept in. He had always liked being around Nani, but had he ever really stopped to think about why?

And suddenly, he was scared.

What if this wasn't just friendship?

What if he was feeling something more?

And worse, what if he ruined everything?

When the question part arrives, A girl from the front row raised her hand, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "Excuse me, Khun Nani, but... do you have a partner yet?"

The room immediately buzzed with energy. Whispers and excited glances exchanged between students as they waited eagerly for his answer. Some leaned forward, clearly hoping for a glimpse into Nani's personal life, while others exchanged teasing grins, knowing this would be the highlight of the class.

Nani let out a short laugh, casually glancing at the room before responding. "Haven't thought about it. " he said with a smooth, confident tone. "I've been busy."

The room erupted into cheers and happy exclamations. The class clearly thrilled by the idea that the impossibly attractive Nani was still available.

"You heard that, right?" one of the girls whispered to her friend, grinning. "He's still single!"

"I still have a chance!" another student muttered excitedly.

Even Sky's friends were nodding in agreement, clearly amused by how the entire class seemed to react to Nani's answer.

Nani smiled at the chaos he unintentionally stirred, but his eyes, for just a brief moment, wandered to Sky.

Sky, who was already looking at him.

For a moment, everything around them faded. The noise of the classroom, the quiet chatter, it all blurred into the background as their gazes locked.

Sky felt a sudden tightness in his chest, an unfamiliar flutter. Why did it feel like Nani's words were heavier than they should be? Like that answer wasn't just for the class, but for him?

Nani blinked, a small chuckle escaping his lips as he shook himself from the moment and looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

As Nani stepped out of the classroom, his phone rang. It was Win.

"Party at mine tonight. You in?" Win's voice was bright and loud as usual.

Nani's eyes casually flicking over to Sky, who was walking out of the classroom with his friends.

"I'll be there." Nani replied, glancing at Sky's retreating figure.

"Sky," Nani called out, his voice carrying slightly as he looked toward Sky, "Win's throwing a party tonight. Wanna come?"

Sky stopped in his tracks, his back stiffening, as if caught off guard by the sudden invitation. He turned slowly, offering a strained smile.

"Uh, no. I... I'm good, thanks." Sky shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable. "I have some stuff I need to do." He quickly glanced over his shoulder at his friends, signaling them to move ahead without him.

Nani raised an eyebrow, noting Sky's awkward response. Something didn't feel quite right.

"Are you sure? It's just a casual hangout" Nani pressed, his curiosity piqued.

Sky nodded, forcing a grin. "Yeah, I'm sure. You go have fun, Nani. I'll catch up with you later." Without giving Nani a chance to respond further, Sky turned and hurried to join his friends.

Nani stood there for a moment, watching him leave, his mind swirling with a mix of confusion and something else he couldn't quite name.

--

The music was loud, the chatter animated, but Nani was distant. Nani was standing in the corner, looking like he was in a world of his own. He wasn't participating in the conversations.

Win noticed right away. Dew caught on too, glancing over at Nani. "Something's off with him" Dew whispered to Win.

"Yeah, I noticed." Win replied, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "And I bet I know why."

Dew raised an eyebrow. "You knoe?"

Win nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Sky."

Dew's expression shifted from curiosity to realization. "Ah, so it's him?"

Win sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Nani's been like this ever since he started hanging out with Sky. Every time something happens between them, Nani gets all moody."

Dew chuckled lightly. "It's that obvious?"

Win grinned, crossing his arms. " "Trust me, it's written all over his face. This guy's obviously into Sky, but refuses to admit it to himself."

"And Sky?" Dew asked. "Do you think he knows?"

Win shrugged, giving Nani one last glance before turning back to Dew. "Knowing Sky? Probably not. He's too wrapped up in his own world. But it's pretty clear to everyone else. Nani's just too arrogance to admit it."

Dew glanced at Nani again, still standing alone, his body language closed off. "So, what's the plan?"

"Nothing for now." Win replied with a grin. "Let's just sit back and watch the drama unfold. Nani's too stubborn to do anything about it."

Meanwhile, Nani stood there, a million thoughts swirling in his mind. "Grumpy much?" Win's voice cut through Nani's thoughts.

Nani looked over to find Win standing next to him, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. "You look like you're in the middle of a storm."

"I'm fine." Nani muttered, trying to sound dismissive.

Win raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Right. Fine. You've barely spoken all night. What's up with that?"

Nani let out a short, frustrated breath. "Nothing. Just... tired."

"You and Sky" Win said, his voice quieter now. "Something's going on with you two. I can see it."

Nani's face remained expressionless, though internally, his stomach twisted. "Nothing's going on."

Win smirked. "Then why are you acting like this? You think no one can tell? I've known you for how long now, Nani? You can't hide it. I've seen that look before."

Dew, who had been watching the conversation unfold, joined in. "Win's right, you know. You've been like this ever since Sky showed up more often."

Nani took a long, deep breath, his frustration finally spilling over. "Alright, alright. The day you two mind your own business will never come, will it? Fine, I'll say it." He exhaled sharply. "I don't know why Sky's avoiding me. It's like he's trying to keep his distance, and I have no idea what I did wrong."

Win and Dew exchanged a quick look, both sensing the tension in Nani's voice. Dew was the first to speak up, his tone soft but understanding. "You really don't know?"

Nani shook his head, frustration evident in his eyes. "I've tried everything, but I can't figure it out. One minute, things are fine, and the next... it's like he's pulling away. And I don't know what happened."

Win raised an eyebrow, looking at Nani with a knowing look. "Why don't you just ask him? It could clear things up. Sky's not the type to stay upset over something for long."

Dew nodded, adding his thoughts calmly. "Yeah, he probably has his own reasons. It might not even be about you at all."