Ping had always eaten alone.
It wasn't something he had never questioned.
Over time, it simply became the rhythm of his days-quiet, predictable, safe.
While the cafeteria buzzed with noise and life, Ping learned how to exist within it without truly being part of it.
The air was always filled with overlapping voices. Trays scraped against tables, chairs screeched across the tiled floor, laughter burst out too loudly and too suddenly. It was overwhelming to most people like him, but Ping had developed his own way of coping.
He found a quiet corner.
He sat with his back slightly turned from the crowd.
He focused on his food.
One tray.
One seat.
One person-himself.
And that was enough.
Or at least, he thought it was.
Unknowingly to Ping, today was going to be different.
He didn't notice Keng at first. Not the way he usually noticed people-through peripheral movement or rising noise. This time, it was the sound of a chair scraping against the floor directly in front of him that broke his routine.
"Mind if I sit?"
Ping froze.
The cafeteria seemed to blur around him, the noise fading into something distant and muffled. He slowly lifted his head, heart thudding hard against his ribs.
Keng stood there, tray in hand, expression calm and casual-like this was the most normal thing in the world.
Their eyes met.
Keng's gaze was steady, unflinching, certain.
Ping's thoughts scattered.
"Why here?"
"Why me?"
"Why now?"
Without giving himself time to overthink, Ping nodded.
Keng smiled slightly and slid into the chair across from him.
Almost immediately, whispers bloomed around them like ripples in water.
"Isn't that Keng?"
"Why is he sitting with Ping?"
"Are they... close?"
"Is Ping trying to get attention?"
Ping's chest tightened.
Heat rushed to his face as he gripped his spoon harder, knuckles turning pale. Every word felt like it was aimed directly at him, sharp and accusing. He wished he could shrink into his seat, disappear into the background like he always did.
He lowered his head, eyes fixed on his food.
Then, from the corner of his vision, he noticed Keng's friends at a nearby table.
One of them smirked faintly.
Another lifted a hand and gave Ping a small wave.
None of them spoke.
They didn't tease.
They didn't interfere.
Their silent observation-present but nonthreatening-eased something tight in Ping's chest. It was strange, but it made him feel... protected.
The quiet between him and Keng was unexpected.
It wasn't awkward.
It wasn't heavy.
It was calm.
Keng shifted slightly, then nudged a small portion of his food toward Ping.
"You should eat more," he said casually.
It was such a simple gesture, but it made Ping's chest warm in a way he hadn't prepared for. He nodded shyly and focused on his food again, trying to hide the sudden flutter in his heart.
But in his flustered state, he didn't notice the small smear of sauce clinging to the corner of his mouth.
Keng did.
Ping took another bite, chewing quickly-then froze when he realized something was wrong.
Before he could react, Keng leaned forward.
"Here," Keng said gently.
Ping barely had time to register what was happening before Keng took a napkin and carefully brushed the sauce from his lips.
The world stopped.
Ping's face burned crimson.
His mind went completely blank, thoughts dissolving into static as he stared at Keng in shock.
"I-I... I'll wash the napkin," Ping blurted out instead, holding out his hand.
Keng chuckled softly.
"It's okay." he said smiling at ping.
His hand lingered just a second longer than necessary as he patted Ping's head, fingers warm and gentle.
That simple, casual touch made Ping's heart flutter wildly.
Before Ping could recover, a presence approached their table.
A girl stood there-the most popular and beautiful girl in school. Her steps were graceful, her smile confident, and in her hands was a neatly wrapped gift.
"Hey, Keng," she said sweetly, holding it out.
"I got this for you."
Ping's hand froze midair.
His stomach twisted-not because of jealousy he didn't want to name, but because this moment felt intruded upon. The space he had unknowingly shared with Keng suddenly felt fragile.
"I don't talk while eating," Keng replied flatly, not even looking up.
"Please leave."
The girl blinked, clearly startled. Her eyes flicked briefly to Ping, her smile tightening before she stepped away. She didn't argue. She didn't linger. She simply walked off, attention lost.
The cafeteria felt both bigger and smaller at the same time.
Keng turned his gaze back to Ping, expression calm and reassuring.
No explanation.
No apology.
Just him.
Ping swallowed hard.
Lunch passed quicker than he expected.
When it ended, Keng stood and stretched casually, sliding his tray aside.
"See you tomorrow," he said.
Ping lingered, unsure if he should follow or stay seated. His cheeks still tingled from the earlier pat, and the memory of Keng brushing his lips made his heart race again.
"Um... thanks, Phi," Ping whispered.
Keng leaned down slightly, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
"Don't mumble," he said softly, giving Ping a quick wink before walking away.
Ping stiffened.
His face heated again-but this time, it wasn't embarrassment.
It was warmth.
Happiness.
Something dangerous and sweet.
As the cafeteria buzzed around him, Ping allowed himself a tiny, shy smile.
For the first time, he found himself looking forward to lunch.
Not because of the food.
But because of who might sit across from him.