Episode 2 - "Closer Than Friends"

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."]

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***