Chapter 7: Hidden Motives
Lin Yue arrived at the studio later than usual, still thinking about the morning at the apartment. Krit had already left earlier, presumably on some security check, leaving Lin Yue alone with his swirling thoughts , and the faint awareness of the spark that lingered from their quiet breakfast.
The rival from before was already present, hovering near the props and crew. His eyes flicked toward Lin Yue, sharp and calculating, the same thinly veiled challenge as before.
"Ready to mess up someone else's perfect day?" the rival muttered under his breath, loud enough for Lin Yue to hear.
Lin Yue's stomach tightened. He forced a calm expression, but his mind raced. Professional. Ignore him. Just focus on rehearsal.
Before Lin Yue could step forward, Krit appeared silently at his side. The presence of the tall, composed man brought an unexpected relief, though the spark of awareness from before made his chest tighten. Krit's golden eyes swept the room, noting the rival immediately. No words, no gestures — just a quiet, controlled vigilance that made Lin Yue feel safer and… strangely aware.
"Keep your focus," Krit murmured softly, leaning just slightly closer. The movement was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to make Lin Yue's heart flutter.
The rival smirked but held back, clearly aware that Lin Yue was not alone. Krit's presence, calm and imposing, created an invisible barrier, one the rival dared not cross.
Rehearsals began, and Lin Yue tried to focus on lines and choreography, but the subtle tension in the studio made it hard. Every glance at Krit reminded him of the controlled strength the bodyguard carried, and that tiny spark — curiosity, admiration, or something more — continued to tease him quietly.
During a brief break, Lin Yue accidentally dropped his script near the rival's feet. As he bent to retrieve it, Krit was already there, silently standing beside him. Lin Yue felt the proximity, the quiet awareness in Krit's golden eyes, and his face warmed just slightly.
"Watch your surroundings," Krit said lowly, voice calm but firm. There was no scolding, no lecture — only a quiet, deliberate attentiveness that made Lin Yue acutely aware of him.
Lin Yue nodded, heart thudding in a way he couldn't fully explain. That spark, small and restrained, had grown slightly, teasing him without revealing itself entirely. He knew Krit noticed it too, even if he wouldn't acknowledge it.
By the end of the day, the rival left for another meeting, clearly frustrated by the invisible tension he couldn't break. Lin Yue exhaled slowly, leaning against a wall. Krit remained nearby, scanning the studio one last time before nodding once and returning to his usual distance.
Lin Yue watched him leave, feeling a mix of relief and an odd, persistent warmth. That subtle spark — curiosity, awareness, and a small flutter of attraction — lingered, growing quietly, like embers waiting for a breeze. And he realized, with a quiet certainty, that Krit's presence had already become essential, both for his safety and for… something he couldn't yet name.