The sound of motorcycle engine roared outside the small café. Customers turned their heads briefly, but most went back to Sipping their drinks. Only one person kept staring at the glass door as it swung open.

{Theme.}

Tall, handsome, with sharp features

that seemed to belong more on a movie screen than in a quiet town café. he walked in with a cool stride, his leather jacket hanging perfectly over his shoulders. Even his boots made a confident sound against the floor tiles.

But the moment Theme stepped inside, his sharp eyes softened.

There behind the counter, was a boy with warm eyes and a soft smile-Toptap.

{ Toptap.}

He wasn't tall. he wasn't trying to stand out. His black apron was dusted with flour from arranging pastries earlier. His hair fell slightly over hi forehead, and he wiped his hands on a towel before greeting the next customer.

Theme: Lips curved for no reason.

He wasn't here for coffee. Not really.

When it was his turn, he stepped forward. "One cappuccino," Theme said, his deep voice making Toptap glance up quickly.

Toptap met his gaze-and froze for a second. He had seen many customers before, but this one... something about him was different.

His eyes were intense, yet there was a strange warmth hiding them.

"Cappuccino." Toptap repeated, nodding.

^^^"Coming right up."^^^

^^^ Theme watched him work.^^^

^^^The way Toptap moved-careful, gentle almost graceful-made his chest tighten. When their fingers brushed slightly as he handed over the cup of coffee, Theme's heart skipped.^^^

"Thank you... uh-" Theme started, releasing he didn't know his name.

"Toptap" the boy said softly, a polite smile on his lips.

Theme repeated the name in his mind like a secret mantra. "Toptap."

He didn't want to leave, but he force himself to step out. Outside he, got on his bike, yet couldn't resist glancing back at the café window. Through the glass, Toptap was wiping the counter, but then-eyes flicked up. Their gaze locked again.

Theme smirked and revved his engine before speeding off.

Inside the café, Toptap blinked, flustered. He shook his head quickly and went back to cleaning. But his mother, who has arranging fresh bread behind the counter, noticed.

"Who was that?" She asked casually, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Just... a customer," Toptap said quickly, though his ears turned red.

His mother chuckled. "A customer who looked at you like he already knew you?"

"Mama!" Toptap groaned, hiding his face with hands. "Don't say things like that."

"She laughed warmly. I've seen plenty of people walk into this café, my dear. But that boy? He looked at you differently. He's not from around here, is he?"

"No." Toptap muttered. "I think he's... new. Or maybe he doesn't come to cafés often."

His mom leaned closer, lowering her voice. "And? Did you like him?"

Toptap froze. His heart was still beating faster than normal, and the memory of his eyes-so sharp, yet gentle-refused to leave.

"I don't know," Toptap whispered looking down. "He just... felt different."

His mother smiled knowingly, touching his shoulder. "Sometimes, fate sends people our way without warning. Be careful, but don't be afraid either."

Toptap bit his lip, his cheeks still warm.

Fate...? He shook the thought away. It was silly. He had just met him.

Yet as he closed the café for the night, Toptap found himself glancing at the door again, wondering if that mysterious boy on the motorcycle would return.

Outside, parked a little distance from the café. Theme leaned against his bike, helmet in hand. He stared at the glowing café sign, a quiet smile on his lips.

"This isn't the last time,"

he murmured.

"Toptap... we'll meet again."

The Campus was buzzing with life that morning-students rushing to their classes, laughter echoing in the courtyard, and the crisp sound of footsteps against polished floors.

Toptap walked quietly among the crowd, his books hugs to close to his chest. His dark hair fell softly over his forehead, swaying with each step. He wasn't used to place this big. For years, his life had been split between helping his mom in the café and studies. Now, being admitted to one of the city's best universities felt like stepping into a whole new world.

"Just focus on your classes. " he muttered to himself. "And don't cause trouble"

But fate, as usual, had it's own plans.

When Toptap entered his first lecture hall, he hesitated. The room was filled with noisy groups of students claiming seats, chatting, about the latest games, fashion, and weekend parties. He searched quietly for a spot at the far corner, wanting to blend in.

He slid into a seat near the window, relieved no one noticed him. At least, that's what he thought-until a familiar shadow loomed over his desk.

"You."

Toptap looked up, startled. His eyes widened when he saw him. Theme.

The boy from the café.

 Theme smirked slightly, his tall frame leaning down just enough to meet Toptap's gaze. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"You." Toptap stammered, gripping his pen tighter. "You study here too?"

"Mm," Theme said casually, dropping his bag onto the seat beside Toptap. "Guess you've been seeing a lot of me."

Before Toptap could respond, Theme sat down like it was the most natural thing in the world. His presence filled the space, his cologne faint but noticeable. Every time Toptap tried to look at his notes, he could feel Theme's eyes on him.

A group of flashy students entered the lecture hall then, laughing loudly. They were clearly Theme's friends-the kind of crowd that drew attention wherever they went. One of them, a tall boy with blond hair, called out. "Theme! Over here!"

But Theme didn't move. Instead, he turned slightly, tilting his head toward Toptap. "Guys, This is Toptap. He's with us now."

The group blinked in surprise. Theme rarely bothered to introduce anyone-let alone a quiet, shy boy like Toptap.

"Seriously? This little guy? One of them teased lightly, glancing at Toptap's smaller frame."

Theme's eyes darkened.

In a heartbeat, his arm was slung protectively over Toptap's shoulders. His voice low, sharp, and dangerous.

"Say that again, and you'll regret it."

The atmosphere shift instantly. His friends fell silent, exchanging awkward glances. None of them wanted to mess with Theme when his voice took that tone.

Toptap froze, his heart hammering against his ribs. The warmth of Theme's arm was heavy around him, protective in a way that made his face heat up.

"Theme..." whispered, unsure what to say.

Theme leaned down just slightly his lips, curling in a half-smile. "Don't worry. I don't let anyone mess with my... friends."

The lecture begin and Theme kept his arm casually draped on the back of Toptap's chair, as if silently declaring his claim to the entire room. Toptap tried desperately to focus on the professor, but the steady presence beside him was impossible to ignore.

When class ended, Theme stood up first, holding Toptap's book before he could even react.

"I can carry them."

"You don't have to—"

"I want to." Theme's tone left no room for argument.

As they walked together, students whispered. Some recognized Theme as the bike racer who occasionaly showed up at underground races. Others noticed the strange sight of him walking side by side with someone like Toptap.

But Theme didn't care. His attention was fixed only on the boy beside him.

Later that day, Theme's friends gathered in the courtyard. They were still curious about this new "friend" Theme had suddenly picked up.

"So, Toptap," one of them asked, "what do you do when you're not studying? You don't look like the type who goes to parties."

"I help my mom at café," Toptap said honestly, fiddling with the strap of his bag.

"A café? cute," another teased. "So, you're a café boy, huh?"

Before Toptap could even feel embarrassed, theme shot them a glare sharp enough to cut glass. He stepped closer, his tall frame shielding Toptap completely.

"Watch it" Theme snapped.

His friends instantly quieted. They knew Theme well-when he became protective, there was no winning against him.

Toptap blinked up at him, his chest tightening strangely. No one had ever stood up for him like that before.

On the way home, Theme insisted on walking with him.

"You don't have to." Toptap said softly. "I can go by myself."

"I know," Theme replied, shoving his hands in his pockets. "But I want to."

Silence hung between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. When they reached near the café, Toptap hesitated.

"Thank you... for today," he said, his voice almost a whisper.

Theme stopped walking, turning to face him. His eyes eyes softened else. something warmer.

"Get used to it," he said quietly. "I'll always have your back."

Toptap's breathe caught. He didn't know what this strange feeling was blooming inside him, but it scared him... and excited him at the same time.

[That Night lying in bed, Toptap thought about Theme's words. I'll always have your back.

his heartbeat faster just remembering the way Theme looked at him.]

[Meanwhile, in his luxurious apartment, Theme leaned against his window, staring at the city lights. A rare smile curved his lips as he whispered to himself: "Toptap... you're mine already. You just don't know it yet."]

The morning sun peeked through the window of Theme's luxurious bedroom, casting soft golden light on the walls. Theme's stretched lazily, running a hand through his messy hair, but instead of his usual calm rotine, one thought occupied his mind-Toptap.

The boy's shy smile from yesterday lingered with him. Theme didn't understand why it felt different... warmer... as if the world around him had shifted slightly.

Meanwhile across the city, in a much humbler above the café, Toptap tied his apron carefully before heading out. His mother was already preparing trays of bread.

"Study well today, Toptap," she reminded gently. "And don't forget to eat on time. I know you... you get nervous and skip meals."

"I won't, mama," Toptap promised with a sweet grin.

But in truth, he was nervous. New surroundings, new classmates and above all-Theme. Theme had been unexpectedly kind, introducing him to everyone yesterday. It had made Toptap's heart race in ways couldn't explain.

At college, the hallway buzzed with chatter. Toptap stood at the entrance, clutching his notebook tightly. He spotted Theme immediately-tall, confident, his leather jacket catching the light as if he belong to another world.

"Hey you came," Theme's deep voice called out. He waved Toptap over. "Come sit with us."

Korn and the others were already seated in class. Korn raised a brow as Toptap slid into the seat Theme saved for him.

"You've been usually nice, Theme." Korn teased lightly. "Didn't you know you had a soft spot for new students."

Theme shot him a glare. "Shut up."

Toptap lowered his head, cheeks pink.

The first lecture began. Toptap scribbled notes quickly, determined to keep up, but the murmurs of some serniors nearby made his chest tighten.

"Look at him clinging to Theme already."

"Probably thinks he can get popular that way."

Their whispers weren't loud but, Toptap heard them. His hands trembled slightly, pen pausing.

Theme noticed instantly. His jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he turned his head and spoke, voice cold, sharp like a blade.

"Got a problem?"

The seniors froze, shifting uncomfortably under his glare. Everyone in the class knew Theme wasn't someone to mess with-not just because he was handsome and rich, but because he had that aura of someone who never backed down.

"No... nothing," one muttered quickly.

Theme leaned back in his chair, but his hand subtly reached under the desk, tugging Toptap's sleeve softly-just a gesture of reassurance.

Toptap looked at him, eyes wide, heart pounding at the unexpected protectiveness.

By lunchtime, Korn slung an arm around Theme. "Man. I swear, you act like his bodyguard. What's going on?"

Theme smirked faintly. "Maybe I just don't like seeing people being idiots."

Korn chuckled but let it slide, though his curious glance lingered on Toptap.

Theme however, had no intention of letting Toptap slip away. When Toptap hesitated at the cafeteria line, Theme grabbed his wrist.

"Don't even think about skipping lunch," he said firmly. "Come with me."

Before Toptap could protest, Theme guided him outside the noisy cafeteria and toward nearby café street. To Toptap's surprise, Theme dragged him right back to his own family café.

Toptap blinked. "Y-you... why here?"

"Because I know you feel comfortable here," Theme replied simply. "And because your mom's cooking is better than the cafeteria food."

The words made Toptap's heart skip.

Inside, his mother raised her brows in surprise at seeing Theme again, this time with her son in school uniform.

"You two... already look like good friends," she teased warmly.

Toptap flushed crimson while Theme just smiled coolly, sliding into a chair.

"Your son doesn't eat properly, aunty," Theme reported with mock seriousness.

"I'm making sure he does."

His mother laughed softly. "Good. I'll pack something extra for both of you."

Later that evening, as they walked back toward campus, the silence between them felt heavy but not uncomfortable. Toptap finally gathered courage to speak.

"...You didn't have to defend me today. I can handle it."

Theme stopped walking, turning to face him. “No. you don't have to handle it alone. As long as I'm around, no one's going to mess with you.”

The intensity in his voice made Toptap's breath hitch. He looked away, clutching his books tighter.

Why... why does my heart beat faster whenever he talks like that?

As they reached the gate, Korn was waiting, arms crossed, eyes sharp with curiosity.

"Theme", Korn said slowly, gaze flicking between him and Toptap, "Are you sure this is just friendship?"

Theme froze for the briefest second.

Toptap's cheek burned.

{The question hung in the air- dangerous, heavy, undeniable.}

✨ End of episode 3 ✨