Episode 3 "Protective Shadows"

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 ✨

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