Prologue

Nani Hirunkit

Laughter echoed through the crowded cafeteria, trays clattering and voices blending into an endless hum of life. It was our usual spot, the long table in the corner where ten of us gathered every day-a mix of playful bickering, inside jokes, and easy companionship.

Today, however, the conversation had taken a teasing turn.

"You guys are all disgusting," Sky groaned dramatically, watching as Perth fed Santa a spoonful of rice with an exaggerated smile. Across from them, Aou and Boom leaned into each other, whispering in low voices, while Dew and Win shared a knowing glance before clinking their drinks together. At the end of the table, Joong and Dunk sat shoulder to shoulder, Dunk's fingers absentmindedly playing with the hem of Joong's sleeve.

"Face it," Perth smirked, throwing an arm around Santa, "everyone in our group is taken now-except you two." He tilted his chin toward Sky and me, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

I felt the weight of everyone's attention shift onto me, and I swallowed. I hadn't thought about it much-at least, I tried not to. It was easier to push down the feelings when they weren't pointed out.

Sky, on the other hand, grinned, completely unfazed. "Well, if Nani and I don't find anyone, we'll just date each other, right?"

His words were meant as a joke, casual and carefree, but they sent a jolt straight through my chest.

The table erupted into cheers, hoots, and whistles. Santa smacked the table with laughter, Boom clapped his hands together, and Joong leaned into Dunk, whispering something that made them both chuckle.

But me... I couldn't breathe.

My heart stuttered, warmth creeping up my neck, settling into my cheeks, burning at the tips of my ears. It was stupid. It was just Sky being Sky-saying things without thinking, laughing like it didn't mean anything.

But to me, it meant everything.

A soft nudge at my side made me flinch. I turned to see Dew watching me, his sharp eyes filled with quiet understanding. Without a word, Dew grabbed my wrist and tugged me up from my seat.

"Bathroom," Dew announced, not waiting for a response before leading me away.

We slipped into the quiet of the hallway, away from our friends' chatter. The silence was deafening. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to will away the heat in my face.

Dew crossed his arms, one brow arched. "You like him."

It wasn't a question.

I stiffened, opening my mouth to deny it, but the words refused to come out.

Dew sighed, shaking his head. "Nani."

I swallowed hard, my fingers curling into my sleeves. "...Yeah."

Dew exhaled like he had been expecting the answer, his expression softening. "And Sky?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "Oblivious."

Dew hummed, his gaze flickering toward the cafeteria doors. "So, what are you gonna do about it?"

I forced a small smile, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. "Nothing."

Because Sky didn't mean it. Because to Sky, this was all just a joke.

And to me... it wasn't.