Episode 4 "His Strange Protectiveness"

"Why are you suddenly so protective of this new guy? Don't tell me you like him?"

Korn's words hit the air like a thunderclap.

Theme, who had just casually slung his arm over the back of the chair near Toptap, froze. His confident smirk faltered for a split second, his throat tightening. Hey wasn't someone who usually lost his cool, but Korn had aimed straight for the truth. Theme himself wasn't ready to admit.

"What nonesense are you spouting?"

Theme finally said, scoffing. He leaned back, crossing his arms as if that could shield his restless heart. "He's my junior. Just being friendly, that's all."

Korn raised an eyebrow, smirking knowingly. "Friendly? Since when did you care if anyone teased a junior? You didn't even defend me when those seniors made fun of my hair last year."

Toptap, sitting between them awkwardly, blinked rapidly. His wide doe eyes darted from one boy to the other, unsure what was happening. He tried to laugh it off, waving his hand. "Um... you guys don't have to argue because of me. I'm fine—"

But Theme cut in sharply. "No. You're not fine. You're uncomfortable, and I don't like people crossing the line."

The firmness in Theme's voice silenced the space for a moment. Even Toptap's heart skipped a beat.

Korn leaned forward on the table, chin resting on his palm, grinning like a cat that caught the mouse. "Intersecting. Since when did Theme care about someone else's comfort so much? Especially someone he just met?"

Theme rolled his eyes and stood up abruptly. "Forget it. I don't owe you an explanation." He glanced at Toptap. "Come on. Didn't you say you hard work at the Café later? I'll wake you."

Toptap blinked. "Eh? But—It's not necessary–"

"I said I'll walk you." Theme's tone left no room for argument.

Korn whistled teasingly as two left together, but he didn't push further. The smirk on his lips said he already knew enough.

At The Café:

The late afternoon light streamed through the café windows, casting a warm glow across the wooden tables. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and sweet pastries wrapped around Toptap as he slipped behind the counter, trying his apron. Theme sat at a corner table, arms folded, eyes following Toptap's every move like a shadow.

Toptap tried to ignore the weight of those eyes, but it was impossible. Everytime he glanced over, Theme was watching him with an intensity that made his chest tighten.

Finally, Toptap walked over, balancing two drinks on a tray. "Here. Since you're just sitting there glaring at people, at least drink something."

Theme smirked, taking the cup. "You made this?"

"Of course," Toptap replied, proud. "My specialty. Try it."

Theme took a sip, and his eyes widened slightly. The drink was smooth, sweet, with just balance. "Not bad," he admitted.

Toptap's face lit up at the compliment. "Really? I was nervous you wouldn't like it."

Theme tilted his head. "why nervous?"

"Because... " Toptap hesitated, looking down at his hands. "You always look so serious, like nothing impress you. If you don't like it, I Would've thought I'm not good enough."

The word hit Theme harder than expected. His chest tightened again, but this time with something softer. He leaned forward slightly. "Don't ever think that. You're already good enough."

Toptap's breath caught. His cheeks turned pink, and he quickly looked away, pretending to fuss with the sugar jar on the counter.

Later That Evening:

When the café quieted down. Theme lingered, helping Toptap stack chairs and wipe tables.

"You don't have to help," Toptap said, smiling awkwardly. "This is my job."

Theme shrugged, picking up another chair. "I want to."

They worked side by side, the silence between them oddly comfortable. Yet inside, Toptap's heart was racing, and Theme kept sneaking glances when Toptap wasn't looking.

Finally, Toptap broke the quiet. "Why do you... care so much?"

Theme paused, caught off guard his lips parted, but no words came out at first. How could he explain when he didn't fully understand it himself?

After a long moment, he forced out, "Because you remind me ... of something worth protecting."

Toptap looked up, puzzled. "Hug?"

Theme quickly brushed it off, smirking to cover his slip. "Don't over think it. Just focus on making me more of those drinks."

The Walk Home:

The night air was cool as they left the café. The streets glowed under soft yellow streetlights, the city quieter now.

"You really don't have to walk me home everytime," Toptap said hugging his bag close.

"I'm not doing it for you," Theme replied, hands shoved in his pockets. "I just happen to be going the same way."

Toptap glanced at him with a tiny smile.

"You're a bad liar."

Theme stiffened, then chuckled softly.

"Maybe."

They walked in silence, but the silence wasn't heavy anymore. Their steps fell in sync, their shoulders almost brushing. For the first time, Theme didn't feel the urge to rush or hide.

When they reached Toptap's street, he stopped and turned to Theme "Thanks. For today."

Theme looked down at him, his usually sharp eyes softening. "Anytime."

For a heartbeat, they just stood there, gazes locked. Toptap's heart thudded wildly, and Theme felt something stir deep inside him he couldn't deny anymore.

Before either could say anything else, Korn's voice rang from behind.

"Well, well. what do we have here?"

Theme and Toptap whipped around to see Korn leaning casually against a lamppost, grinning wide.

Theme's jaw tightened "Korn—"

Korn smirked knowingly. "Don't mind me. Just making sure my best friend doesn't fall too hard, too fast.

"

Toptap 's face turned crimson. Theme cursed under his breath.

The night ended with Theme glaring at Korn, Korn smirkng, and Toptap clutching his bag, completely flustered.

But one thing was ckear-whatever this was, only just beginning.

.....💓❤💓❤💓.....

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