The campus fair was always a chaotic mess of colors, laughter, and the smell of fried snacks. Stalls lined the courtyard, each decorated with banners and glittering lights, while music from the student band bounced through the open space. Maya walked ahead of Leon and Richard, careful to weave through the crowd without getting pushed or bumped. Her backpack bounced gently with each step, and she hummed softly to herself, enjoying the rare moment of freedom between classes.
Leon and Richard trailed close behind, both hyper-aware of every movement around them. Leon kept stealing glances at Maya, while Richard maintained a calm, calculated watch over the crowd. The tension between them was silent but potent, like a taut wire ready to snap at any moment.
"Don't let anyone near her," Leon muttered under his breath, mostly to himself.
Richard's smirk was faint but sharp. "She's not a fragile statue, Leon. She can handle herself."
"She's not a fragile statue—but I am responsible for her getting through this fair alive," Leon whispered fiercely.
Richard raised a brow. "Responsible, or possessive?"
Leon clenched his jaw, glaring at him. "I'm not possessive!"
Richard's calm, amused silence said more than words ever could, and Leon hated it. He shoved his hands into his pockets, letting the tension simmer.
As they approached the central area, a group of first-year students carrying water balloons ran past, laughing loudly. One of the balloons slipped from a careless hand, flying toward Maya with alarming speed.
"Watch out!" Leon shouted instinctively. He lunged forward, shoving Maya out of the way just in time. The balloon exploded on the ground, splashing water across a nearby stall.
Maya yelped, laughing despite herself, and Leon felt a surge of pride mixed with embarrassment.
Richard stepped forward immediately, pulling a cloth from his pocket to help wipe the water from the stall table. "Are you okay?" he asked Maya calmly.
"I'm fine!" Maya said, brushing off the last drops of water from her sleeve. She turned to Leon, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks for the save."
Leon's face went red. "I—uh—well, you know. Somebody had to."
Richard raised an eyebrow at Leon's awkwardness but didn't comment. Instead, he addressed the stall owner politely, and within moments the spill was cleaned up.
Maya laughed nervously. "You two are like… like bodyguards."
Leon opened his mouth to argue, but Richard was faster. "We're just being helpful."
Leon groaned. "You're too helpful!"
Maya giggled and shook her head. "You two are ridiculous."
Before Leon could catch his breath, Tunde appeared from behind a game stall, grinning like he owned the place. "Well, well! Look who we have here. Maya and… her two knights in shining armor?"
Leon's stomach twisted. "Tunde—don't—"
Richard's gaze hardened ever so slightly. "What are you doing here?" he asked flatly.
Tunde laughed, ignoring the tone. "Just having fun. And maybe checking out a little competition."
Leon's blood boiled. "Competition? With who?!"
Tunde's grin widened, and he leaned closer to Maya. "Maybe with me."
Maya's eyes widened, and she waved him off. "Tunde! Not now. Please!"
Leon's fists clenched at his sides. He wanted to step forward and say something, anything, but Richard placed a steady hand on his shoulder, holding him back.
"Let it go," Richard murmured, calm and deadly serious.
Leon froze. The touch sent a jolt through him that he didn't understand, and for a moment, all he could do was watch.
Tunde laughed again, oblivious, and finally wandered off toward the food stalls. Maya let out a sigh of relief.
Leon exhaled shakily. "Why does he keep showing up?"
Richard's eyes narrowed slightly. "Because he wants to mess with us."
Leon blinked. "Mess with us? Or with her?"
Richard didn't answer immediately. He simply followed Maya's lead as she continued through the fair, scanning the stalls. But Leon could feel it—the weight of Richard's gaze, the subtle way he stayed slightly closer than necessary.
Finally, they found a quieter corner near the flower stall, away from the noise. Maya bought a small bouquet of daisies, smiling at the vendor.
Leon leaned slightly closer. "Maya, you're not worried about Tunde?"
She shook her head. "He's harmless. I just… wish you two wouldn't fight so much."
Leon opened his mouth to defend himself, but Richard spoke first, voice low and almost unreadable. "We're not fighting. Not exactly."
Leon blinked. "Not exactly?"
Richard didn't elaborate. Instead, he watched Maya tuck the flowers carefully into her bag, his expression softening slightly.
Leon felt a strange twist in his chest—part jealousy, part frustration, part something else he couldn't name.
Maya looked up at them both, smiling warmly, and said, "You know… it's nice having you both around. I feel safe."