Sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the modern kitchen, glinting off sleek counters and the chrome edges of the coffee machine. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with warm toast and scrambled eggs. Krit's parents were seated at the table, quietly chatting as they ate.
Krit's mother stirred her tea, eyes narrowing playfully. "Did you hear? Your aunt apparently bought a new dog without telling me. Can you believe it?"
His father laughed, shaking his head. "Typical. Always making big decisions behind your back, huh?"
"Stop teasing me, Anan" Krit's mother smiled.
Krit grinned from the top of the stairs. "Morning, guys," he called, bounding down.
He grabbed the half-full glass of orange juice from his father's side. "Thanks," he muttered, chugging it in one gulp.
"Hey! That's mine!" his father protested, waving a hand.
"Don't be stingy," Krit shot back, finishing the glass.
His mother laughed, shaking her head. "Eat something proper, Krit. Don't rush out on an empty stomach."
"No time," Krit said, already reaching for his shoes. "I need to see Win before he gets to class."
His father chuckled, raising a finger. "Careful. Don't scare him off before you even get a chance!"
Krit rolled his eyes, smirking. "Relax, Dad. I've got it under control."
His mother called after him as he jogged toward the door, laughing. "Drive slowly, Krit! And eat lunch later!"
"Will do, Mom!" he shouted over his shoulder, already halfway down the driveway. In a flash, Krit had started the engine and was off, determination set in his eyes.
The morning at university, Win was making his way to the art studio when he sensed playful footsteps behind him. Krit's shadow fell over him suddenly, startling him.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across Win's path. "You're late," a familiar, teasing voice said, dark and confident.
Win jumped, nearly dropping his bag. He spun around to see Krit leaning casually against the railing, one hand in his pocket, the other resting lightly on the metal. His dark eyes glimmered with amusement; the corner of his mouth tugged into a smirk.
"So," Krit said, stepping closer, voice teasing, "did you think about my question from yesterday?"
"I… I didn't think about it," Win stammered, eyes darting nervously.
Krit's smirk widened. "Ah, of course. Playing coy. Hiding behind your sketchpad like it's a shield." He leaned slightly closer, dark eyes scanning him. "You're not going to get away that easily, you know."
"I… I'm not—" Win started, panicked.
"Not gay, right?" Krit finished teasing, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes… I… I'm not gay!" Win stammered, cheeks burning.
"Perfect," Krit said, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "Then nothing's stopping you from giving me your number."
"I… I… can't!" Win whispered, panic rising.
Krit smirked, stepping closer, voice playful but firm. "You're saying no to me? Interesting… very interesting."
"I… I'm late for class!" Win blurted.
Krit tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Then we can both be late," he teased, hands in pockets, tone stubborn. "No one will die if two students stroll a minute slower."
"Please… I have to go," Win said softly, his voice edged with desperation. He looked up at Krit, eyes wide, almost pleading—puppy-like.
Krit's smirk deepened. "And you think I'll let you run away that easily?" he teased, stepping a little closer. "Your number, Win."
Win hesitated, lips twitching into a faint, almost involuntary smile. Krit's eyes narrowed slightly, surprise flickering across his face. "Wait… are you smiling?" he asked, leaning closer, voice teasing.
Win's cheeks burned red. "I… I'm not," he mumbled, quickly turning his gaze away.
Krit chuckled softly, unrelenting. "Right. Still giving me that coy act, huh?" He held out a hand, playfully demanding. "Number. Now."
Win's fingers shook, glancing at the path ahead, realizing if he didn't comply, he'd be late. With a reluctant sigh, he scribbled his number on a scrap of paper and handed it to Krit.
Krit grabbed it triumphantly. "Finally. You know, you could've just given it to me without all the theatrics."
Win groaned softly, but his heart raced as Krit pulled out his phone. "Now, save it," he said, holding the device in front of Win, voice teasing but firm.
Win carefully saved the number, cheeks burning even more. "Done," he whispered, avoiding eye contact.
"Good," Krit said, slipping the phone back into his pocket with a satisfied grin. "Thought you'd escape me, huh?"
Win muttered something unintelligible and bolted toward his classroom, bag clutched tightly.
Krit watched him go, smirk lingering. Then he turned, shoulders relaxed, and headed toward his own class, the morning sun warm on his back and a quiet sense of satisfaction lingering in his chest.
The lecture had just ended, Krit was gathering his bag when a tall, confident classmate, Niran, approached, smirking. He wasn't one of Krit's friends, but he had a reputation for being bold and unafraid to challenge anyone.
"Hey, Krit," Niran drawled, leaning against the desk with a lazy confidence. "So… what's going on with you and Win? Are you two… a thing?"
Krit's dark eyes immediately narrowed, irritation flaring. "No," he said sharply, voice low and clipped. "We're… casual. Nothing serious. Got it?"
Niran grinned, undeterred. "Casual, huh? Interesting. Because I like him, you know. And if you're not serious… I might just ask him out."
Something snapped inside Krit. His fingers clenched around the strap of his bag; the air seemed to tighten. "No," he growled, stepping closer, the volume in his voice rising. "You are not asking him out. I am. End of story."
Niran chuckled, clearly enjoying the effect. "But you said you're not serious. If Win's not a player, he'd probably want someone serious. Don't you think you're wasting your time?"
Krit's chest tightened, possessiveness boiling over. His eyes darkened, jaw tightening, a dangerous edge in his voice. "I don't care what he wants. He's mine. You hear me? Mine. Not yours, not anyone else's!"
Niran's smirk widened. "Whoa… bold words. You really like him, huh? Didn't think the carefree, teasing Krit had this side."
Krit froze, realizing his own words sounded louder, harsher than intended. Heat rose in his face. "I… I said he's mine," he snapped, voice low and deadly. "Anyone tries anything, and I swear—"
"Relax, relax," Niran said, holding up his hands, pretending to be unbothered. "I'm just saying, if you're not serious, I'd be more than happy to give him a chance. Honestly, I think he'd prefer someone serious. Someone who wants a real relationship, not… whatever this is with you."
That last comment hit Krit like a punch. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and he stepped forward, standing almost chest-to-chest with Niran. "Listen to me carefully," Krit hissed, voice sharp, controlled but vibrating with anger. "You. Will. Not. Touch. Him. Not now, not ever. I don't care how serious you think you are. He's mine. Do you understand me?"
Niran raised an eyebrow, still smirking, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Oh, wow… look at you. The teasing, playful Krit? Gone. Replaced by a jealous tiger. Someone's taking this way too seriously."
Krit's fists clenched at his sides, the air around him tense. "I don't care what you think," he snapped, voice rising. "He's not a game, he's not a trophy, and he's certainly not someone you mess with. Got it?"
A few students nearby turned to watch, whispering. Krit's friends exchanged shocked glances. "Whoa… Krit's actually defending someone? Jealous?" one muttered.
Niran laughed softly, stepping back slightly, clearly amused but also intrigued. "Alright, alright… fair enough. I get it. He's yours. Wow… you really like him, huh?"
Krit's chest heaved, realizing for the first time just how true that was. His lips pressed into a thin, hard line, but the intensity in his eyes betrayed him. "Yes. I like him," he said, voice low, almost dangerous. "More than I realized. More than I can ignore. And no one, no one, will take him away from me."
One of Krit's friends, whispering from the side, nudged another: "Wow… the tiger's settled. No more playing. He's serious now."
Krit didn't even notice the whispers. His gaze stayed fixed on Niran for a heartbeat longer. "He's mine. End of discussion," he said, voice firm, final, almost possessive.
Niran raised both hands in mock surrender, grinning. "Okay, okay… message received loud and clear. But wow… our boy's growing up fast. Who knew Krit Tanakorn could get this… territorial?"
"Everyone, listen up!" Krit's voice cut through the murmurs like a whip, sharp and commanding. He stepped to the front of the room, arms folded, gaze sweeping across every corner of the lecture hall, letting the silence stretch just long enough for every pair of eyes to lock on him. "Let me make this absolutely clear, so there's no confusion, no excuses, and no misunderstandings." He paused, letting the weight of his tone settle in.
"There's a student in this college — Win Thammarat. First-year, Fine Arts. I like him. More than that… he's going to be my boyfriend. My future boyfriend. And I am not joking. From this moment forward, no one — and I mean no one — is allowed to talk to him, hit on him, flirt with him, touch him, or even come near him." Krit's dark eyes flicked over the room, scanning faces, letting each student feel the force behind his words.
"He is mine. And I will not tolerate anyone crossing that line. Anyone who dares try will regret it — I'm not just talking about a warning. I mean it. You will regret it for the rest of your life. And I will know. I will make sure you regret it." His tone was calm but razor-sharp, every word deliberate, leaving no room for doubt.
Krit leaned slightly forward, letting a small, dangerous smirk tug at his lips. "So, understand this. Win Thammarat is mine. I care about him, and I will protect him. Anyone thinking otherwise… think carefully before you even try. Because I will stop you. And trust me, you don't want to see that side of me. Are we clear?"
The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Krit's words hung heavy, bold and possessive, and the students slowly realized the full seriousness behind the claim.
The girls' faces went pale, eyes widening as they exchanged stunned glances. Some covered their mouths, disappointed and flustered. "He's… taken?" one whispered, her voice barely audible. "And… by Krit?" another mumbled, her cheeks burning. A few leaned on their desks, sulking dramatically, while others muttered under their breath about how impossible it would be to get his attention now.
The boys, on the other hand, froze mid-motion, mouths slightly open, exchanging bewildered looks. Narin, sitting near the back, tilted his head, eyebrows raised. "Whoa… he actually said it," he muttered, shaking his head. "Krit… wow."
His friends continued chuckling, teasing him silently. One nudged him, whispering, "Look at you… all possessive and territorial. Who knew the mighty Krit could get flustered like this?"
The room slowly calmed, the tension lingering in the air like smoke, and the message was unmistakable: Win Thammarat was off-limits. Krit had made sure everyone knew it — loud, clear, and impossible to forget.
The final bell rang, echoing through the nearly empty hallways. Win hurried to pack his sketchpad and bag, hoping to slip out unnoticed, when he felt a firm grip on his bag.
"Going somewhere?" Krit's dark, teasing voice echoed from behind him. He held the strap of Win's bag effortlessly.
"Uh… I… it's okay, Krit, I can carry it myself," Win said, reaching for it, but Krit didn't budge.
"Nonsense," Krit said, tugging the bag toward himself with a mischievous smirk. "I'm dropping you home. Come on."
Win hesitated, cheeks burning, then sighed, realizing he had no choice. "Fine… but you're using your strength and authority against me," he muttered, following helplessly.
Krit laughed loudly, the sound echoing down the hallway. "Authority, huh? Maybe," he teased, tossing a glance over his shoulder.
Win's chest tightened, eyes welling with unshed tears. Krit noticed immediately, stopping mid-step. His playful expression softened. He crouched slightly, taking both of Win's hands in his.
"Win," Krit said, voice low and sincere, eyes locking onto his, "I'm very serious about you. You probably know a little about me already—I have plenty of people chasing me. Girls, guys… all of them. But I like you. I didn't ask you to be my boyfriend for fun. I'm serious. More serious than anything else in the world. You're different from anyone I've ever met. Calm, focused, and… genuine. You don't put on a show or try to impress anyone—you just are. And that… that's exactly why I like you. I can't just walk away or ignore it, Win. I've never felt like this before, and I don't want to lose it, or you. Ever."
He took a deep breath, leaning closer. "So… my name is Krit Tanakorn. My dad, Preecha Tanakorn, runs his business and is always buried in numbers, but he's protective and smart. My mom, Suthida Tanakorn, is playful, modern, and always teasing everyone—including me. I don't have siblings. And… I told them about you. They're thrilled and curious to meet you. Win… I will never hurt you. I will always protect you."
Win stood frozen, overwhelmed, speechless, his heart hammering in his chest.
Krit's lips tugged into a teasing smirk. "Think about it, kid. Let me know. But just so you know… I will never give up on you."
He hoisted Win's bag effortlessly and led the way to his car. The engine purred to life, and as they drove through the afternoon streets, Krit stole glances at Win, smiling softly, the weight of his words lingering in the air.
They arrived at the Thammarat household driveway, and as Krit approached the door, Preecha's sharp voice rang out. "Win! Where have you been? You're late again!"
Krit's eyes narrowed slightly. He'd only met this man briefly, but something in Preecha's harsh tone, the way he scrutinized Win, didn't sit right. A chill ran down Krit's spine.
"I… I just—" Win began quietly.
Preecha's gaze swept over Krit, lingering with suspicion. "Who's this?"
"This… is Krit," Win whispered nervously.
Krit extended a hand politely but stiffly. "Sir."
Preecha's frown deepened. "Are you influencing my son?"
Krit's jaw tightened. "Just… dropping him home, sir."
Preecha's eyes narrowed, sharp and dangerous. "You don't talk to me like that," he said, voice low but hard.
Krit raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly forward. "I'm not arguing, sir. Just… making sure he's safe."
"Safe? He's, my son. You think you get to tell me what's best for him?" Preecha's jaw tightened.
"I'm not telling you what to do," Krit said evenly. "I just… care about him. That's all."
Preecha's glare cut through the morning air. "No one speaks against me. Not ever. You understand?"
Krit smirked, unfazed. "I get it. But I'm not walking away from someone I care about."
At that moment, Suthida appeared from the kitchen, her soft voice breaking the tension. "Preecha… Win… and you must be Krit?" she said warmly, glancing at him.
Krit straightened and smiled politely. "Yes, ma'am. Just dropping him home after class."
Win stayed silent, eyes lowered, as his mother's gentle presence eased the tension slightly.
Krit gave Win a brief, reassuring nod before turning to leave. "Take care, Win," he said lightly, then strode out the door.
No sooner had the door closed than Preecha's sharp voice cut through the silence. "Win! Who was that? Do not… do not speak with him again. Understand me?"
Win swallowed hard, keeping his gaze firmly on his shoes. "Yes, Father," he murmured softly, barely audible.
"That boy… he counters everything I say. I don't like it. You will stay away from him; do you hear me?" Preecha's tone was icy, leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, Father," Win repeated quietly, heart pounding, the weight of the warning pressing down on him.
Later that evening, Krit lounged in his modern living room, phone in hand, recounting the day to his parents.
"So… did he behave?" his mother asked with a teasing grin.
Krit smirked, spinning the phone in his fingers. "Behave? Hardly. But I dropped him home safely. His dad… wow. Intense doesn't even begin to cover it."
His father chuckled, sipping his tea. "Intense? That's one way to describe someone who's probably sizing you up for breakfast."
Krit laughed. "Exactly! I'm not sure he even liked me being there. But he's… worth it."
"Worth it, huh?" his mother teased. "Careful, Krit. Don't let your charm scare him off."
Krit grinned. "Relax, Mom."
Later, after finishing dinner, Krit dialed Win's number. Once. Twice. No answer. Not even a text reply.
"Seriously?" Krit muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Ignoring me already? Bold move, Win."
He sent a playful text: "Hey… you alive over there? Don't make me come find you."
Minutes passed. No reply. Krit smirked, setting the phone aside. "Fine… stay mysterious. Tomorrow, I'll teach him a lesson. Can't let him get away that easily."
Meanwhile, across the city, Win sat at his desk, phone untouched, dinner done, heart still thumping from the earlier encounter. He read Krit's messages, but with a quiet shake of his head, he left them unanswered. His father's warning still loomed over him, but somewhere deep down, a small, reluctant curiosity lingered.
Krit, meanwhile, leaned back, smiling to himself. "Patiently waiting… tomorrow's going to be interesting."
The night settled softly.