the one, who stepped on my foot. (TayNew)

"Class dismissed."

The moment the teacher announces their dismissal, New immediately gathers his things inside his bag. It has become a routine for New to hurry right after their subject before lunch time. New goes to school and spends nine hours from Monday to Friday, and his only free time is their long lunch break.

New Thitipoom has always been someone who is seen alone. The thought of a company surely is appealing but being alone makes New find peace. Ever since he was young, he values the comforting silence he receives on being alone.

Until he meets Tay Tawan, the popular college dude that everyone, including New, is head over heels for. New's quiet world became a chaotic one. New met Tay during one of those times he's in the university's garden, contemplating his life decisions. Tay accidentally steps on his shoe.

"Ah!" New screams, which made Tay flustered.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry! I didn't notice you there." Tay immediately asks him, "Does it still hurt?"

New freezes on the spot, not expecting an interaction from anyone, especially from a popular person like the guy in front of him.

"Hello?" Tay calls his attention, "I said, are you okay? Does it still hurt?"

New nods then suddenly shakes his head. It makes Tay chuckle, "I don't understand."

"I-I am o-okay," New stutters.

"Thank goodness," Tay sighs, "I'm really sorry! I usually come here when no one's around to unwind, but I guess it isn't the right time."

New just stared at him. He doesn't know why but he feels like his heartbeat increases even more than normal.

"Hey, you're quiet." Tay pointed out, "I'm sorry, did I disturb your alone time?"

"N-no," New answered, "I-I'm not really used t-to talking to p-people. That's why I-I'm here, t-to escape."

Tay smiles, "Me too! Being with a lot of people exhausts me. I usually come here during my vacant period. I don't eat lunch anywhere because I don't want to interact with people."

Upon hearing that, New became curious about him. He knows that Tay is a popular guy, but learning this thing about him makes him interested.

"A-aren't y-you the popular guy?" New asked, "I'm sorry to ask, but I'm just making sure."

Tay nods, "Well, you can say that. I became the face of the school whenever they do endorsements and ads... that's why I think why you knew me right away."

"Yeah," New offers his right hand for a hand shake, "I'm New, by the way. I'm a junior in high school."

Tay gladly receives New's hand, "I'm Tay. I'm a junior too, but in college. Nice to meet you, New."

"Nice to meet you too, P'Tay."

After that encounter, New learned so much about Tay. New makes sure to visit the university garden during lunch time to meet up with Tay. Tay, on the other hand, always invites him for lunch which New gladly accepts. There are times that they share each other's lunchboxes. There are other times that it's Tay's treat.

Their lunches had been a frequent thing, and New realized that he grew a crush on Tay. Their closeness reached to that point where they talk about personal stuff like frustrations at home and in academics. They became each other's company.

Until when they both reached senior year. Tay rarely visits the university garden, while New still does. It just saddens New not seeing Tay as frequently as before. Because of that, instead of going to the garden first, New passes by the department where Tay attends most of his class. And luck is always on New's side because he gets a glimpse of Tay. New is contented with that. After all, Tay's presence is all New wanted to see, even if he's from afar.