Chapter 11: Buzzing Behind the Scenes
The studio was buzzing with activity, cameras flashing and assistants running between sets. Lin Yue was checking his phone between takes when a notification made him pause.
"@LinYueFans: Did you see how Krit stood so close to him? š³ #KritYueShip"
Lin Yue's eyes widened, and he quickly glanced at the camera crew behind him. His fingers hovered over the phone screen, unsure whether to laugh or panic. Shipping? Already?
From the corner, Krit adjusted a lighting setup, entirely focused on his work, golden eyes scanning the room with calm precision. Lin Yue's heart skipped a beat at the subtle awareness in Krit's gaze, as if the man had noticed something he shouldn't have ā or maybe had noticed him noticing. The flutter in his chest was small, restrained, and utterly unnameable.
Mei Lin, energetic as ever, bounded toward him with a grin. "Lin Yue, check this out! Fans are going crazy over usā¦ well, mostly over you and Krit!"
Lin Yue froze mid-step, eyes widening. "M-Mei Linā¦ that'sā¦ I meanā¦" His voice trailed off, flustered beyond words.
Krit's presence beside him was steady, professional, yet Lin Yue felt the tiny shift ā the slight narrowing of Krit's eyes, the subtle protective stance. It wasn't dramatic, but it made Lin Yue acutely aware of every movement, every glance.
Meanwhile, the rival's latest attempt to stir trouble arrived via an online post, claiming Lin Yue was distracted by "unprofessional attachments" on set. Lin Yue groaned, feeling the tension tighten in his chest.
Krit leaned just slightly closer as Lin Yue scrolled the post. "Ignore it," he murmured calmly. His voice was low, controlled, but the subtle closeness made Lin Yue's pulse race. Just a little closerā¦ but why does it feel like too much?
During the photoshoot, fans watching the livestream noticed the tiny sparks ā Krit adjusting Lin Yue's jacket, guiding him subtly into position, or standing protectively nearby during a group shot. Comments flooded in:
"Omg they're so close! #KritYueShip"
"Lin Yue looks nervous around Kritā¦ is it love?"
"Krit's golden eyes never leave himā¦ š"
Lin Yue tried to keep his expression neutral, but his cheeks burned with embarrassment. Mei Lin nudged him playfully. "See? They love you together! You have to admit, there's chemistry."
Krit's gaze flicked briefly toward Lin Yue's flustered face. The moment was fleeting, professional ā but Lin Yue caught it, and the flutter inside him grew just slightly stronger. That spark, small and restrained, seemed to ignite whenever Krit's awareness brushed against him.
By the end of the day, Lin Yue felt both exhausted and exhilarated. Fans were still buzzing online, the rival had stirred minor drama that Krit had quietly blocked from reaching him, and the tiny, quiet sparks between him and Krit lingered, unspoken but undeniable.
As they left the studio, Lin Yue glanced at Krit, realizing once more that this man wasn't just a guardian, but someone who affected him profoundly ā in small, restrained ways, in subtle glances, in quiet protection. That spark, now fanned gently by fan attention, was slowly, quietly growing.