Episode 5 "Permission Granted?"

The campus buzzed with chatter that morning, students pouring in and out of classrooms. Toptap sat quietly in his seat, neatly arranging his notes, while Korn leaned back in his chair, smirking like he was plotting trouble.

"So..." Korn drawled, his eyes flicking between Theme and Toptap, "did you two have a romantic stroll last night? Don't tell me you held hands under the streetlights like in those cheesy dramas."

Toptap nearly dropped his pen. "W-we didn't!" he stammered, cheeks flaring pink.

Theme slammed his book shut, glaring at Korn. "One more word you'll regret it."

Korn laughed completely unfazed, "Relax, I'm just saying... you look different these days, Theme. Softer. like a Knight protecting his little prince."

Toptap's face turned redder, and he bent his head, pretending to focus on his notes. Theme cursed inwardly. Korn had always been good at reading people-too good.

The Invitation:

After classes ended, Toptap lingered in the library, flipping through his textbooks. Theme walked in, his tall frame impossible to ignore, and casually dropped a black helmet onto the desk with a loud clunk.

Toptap Jumped. "Wh-what's that?"

"My helmet," Theme said coolly, leaning against the table. "Come watch me race tonight."

Toptap eyes widened. "R-race? you mean those underground bike races you do?"

Theme smirked, crossing his arms. "Exactly. Don't worry, I'm the best on the track. You'll see."

Toptap shook his head quickly. "But... but those races are dangerous!And—" He lowered his voice. "My mom... she's really protective. She won't let me go."

Theme raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So what? Sneak out?"

Toptap's lips pressed into a pout. "I don't sneak around. If I go, you'll have to ask my mom for permission first."

Theme blinked, then chuckled, leaning close until his shadow fell over Toptap.

"Ask your mom? Seriously?"

"Yes!" Toptap said firmly, though his cheeks burned. "She won't let me go otherwise And I don't want to upset her."

Theme tilted his head, amused by how serious Toptap looked. "So. If I convince your mom... you'll come?"

Toptap fidgeted with his pen, then nodded. "Y-yeah."

Theme's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then consider it done."

At The Café:

Evening came, and the café bustled with the usual hum of customers. Toptap tied his apron nervously, glancing toward the door every few seconds. He couldn't believe Theme had actually said he'd come here... to talk to his mom.

The bell above the café door chimed, and there he was—Theme, tall and confident, wearing his leather jacket and carrying his helmet. Head turns as soon as he walked in; his presence was magnatic, commanding.

Toptap's mother looked up from behind the counter, eyebrows arching in mild surprise. "You Again," she said warmly "Back so soon?"

Theme smiled politely. "Yes, aunty. But today, I'm not here for coffee."

Toptap froze. His mom give him a curious look before going focusing back on Theme. "Then what brings you here?"

Theme straightened, his voice steady, respectful. "I wanted to ask your permission... to take Toptap to watch one of my bike races tonight."

The café went silent. Even the clinking cups seemed to pause. Toptap's jaw dropped. "Th-Theme!"

His mom blinked, then laughed softly. "A bike race? That sounds dangerous."

"It is," Theme admitted honestly, "but I promise I'll keep him safe. I wouldn't let anything happen to him."

Toptap's face flushed. Sincerity in Theme's voice made his heart pound.

His mom crossed her arms, studying Theme carefully. "Why are you so insistent about this? Toptap can barely stay awake past midnight. why drag him into a crowd like that?"

Theme hesitated for a moment, then spoke firmly. "Because I want him there. He should see the part of my life, if he's going to be my friend, I don't want to hide it from him."

Toptap's eyes widened at the word friend. For some reason, it sung a little, he didn't know why.

His mom tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You're asking a lot, young man. Do you even understand how much I worry about him?"

"I do." Theme said seriously. "And I respect that. Which is why I'm asking you first. If you say no, I won't push."

The room grew tense. Toptap fidgeted behind the counter, his hands twisting in his apron.

Ending:

His mom finally sighed, looking at her son. "Toptap, do you want to go?"

Toptap froze, caught between his mom's cautious gaze and Theme's steady one. His heart raced, torn between fear and the strange excitement Theme stirred in him.

"I..." Toptap whispered, voice trembling.

Theme's eyes never left him, waiting.

And just Toptap opened his mouth to answer—

The café door burst open, a group rowdy seniors from college stepping inside. The same ones who had teased Toptap earlier.

"Well, look who we found," one sneered. "The little café boy."

Toptap paled, his answer lost in his throat.

Theme's jaw tightened, fists clenching.

The night was far from over.

........🥧🍰🥧🍰🥧🍰🥧🍰........

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