Everyone ate quietly around the dining table.
Except Thomas.
He kept glancing at Eric…
again and again…
eyes narrowed, mind racing.
---
🌩 FLASHBACK — SCHOOL DAY (Thomas remembering)
That day Eric had his panic attack.
Justin held him tightly from behind, arms wrapped around him protectively.
Eric's tiny hands were clutching Justin's shirt like his life depended on it.
When the teacher approached and spoke gently, Eric finally came out of his frozen fear…
But he still didn't let go of Justin.
If anything—
he clung harder.
Because Justin sensed Eric shivering and responded instinctively…
hugging him more securely, warm and steady.
It made Eric melt.
Made him feel safe.
Like home.
Teacher:
"Justin, take Eric to the infirmary, okay? 😊"
Justin:
"Okay, ma'am. 😊"
And he lifted Eric gently—
in the exact same hugging position,
Eric's face buried in his shoulder.
Lussy blinked.
Lussy:
😶
Everyone else:
Class:
(Awwww… so cute 🥰)
The teacher nearly squealed.
Teacher:
(Omo… I ship them… can I, please? 🥰)
Emily leaned toward Lussy with a dramatic sigh.
Emily:
"Looks like you have a rival, darling. 😏"
Lussy:
"Shut. Up. 😤"
Thomas, meanwhile, felt something different.
A tight heaviness in his chest.
Thomas:
🙁
Why is Eric this scared of touch?
Why does he tremble like someone will hurt him…?
---
BACK TO PRESENT — DINNER TABLE
Eric happily slurped his noodles again.
Eric:
"Hehehe… tasty! 😁"
Justin watched him with soft eyes.
But Thomas?
Thomas stared at Eric like he was solving a puzzle.
Thomas (thinking):
🤨
What is wrong with him?
That first day—
Eric didn't even look at Justin.
Second day—
he volunteered to speak? On his own? Why?
Why is he terrified of touch?
Why did he freeze when Joseph uncle tried to pat him?
Why… why is he like this?
Thomas's spoon stopped midair.
His face darkened with worry—not jealousy, but fear.
Thomas (internally, anxious):
What happened to you, Eric?
Why do you look so happy now…
but so broken inside?
He looked at Eric again—
the boy eating noodles with bright eyes, smiling so innocently.
The same boy who trembles at a single touch.
And Thomas felt something twist in his chest.
Not romance.
Not anger.
Concern.
Deep, heavy concern.
Thomas (quiet whisper to himself):
"…What happened to you…?"
---continue