"Campus Hearts: The Beginning"

Chapter 2: Unavoidable Encounters

The following weeks at Chulalongkorn University passed in a blur of lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions after the intese basketball game that happened between Daou and Offroad everything back to normal.. The campus, usually alive with the chatter of students, seemed even more vibrant as the final year students pushed themselves to excel in both academics and extracurriculars.

For Daou Pittaya Saechua, life was a constant balancing act between his demanding engineering coursework, rigorous basketball practices, and the social scene that seemed to revolve around him. Yet, no matter how packed his schedule was, one thing remained a constant in his mind: Offroad Kantapon.

It was a strange feeling for Daou, who was used to getting what he wanted with little effort. Offroad was different. He was a challenge, and that only made Daou want him more.

On the other side of campus, Offroad was doing his best to stay focused. He buried himself in his finance studies and threw himself into his role as the captain of the football team. Anything to keep his mind off Daou and the unsettling effect the engineering student seemed to have on him.

Yet, despite his best efforts, Offroad couldn't escape Daou. The university was a big place, but it seemed that fate-or perhaps Daou himself-had other plans.

It was a Friday afternoon when Offroad found himself in one of the university's quieter study lounges. He had a finance exam coming up, and he was determined to get some uninterrupted study time in before the weekend. The lounge was nearly empty, just the way he liked it.

He was so engrossed in his textbook that he didn't notice the door open, nor the tall figure that entered the room. It wasn't until a shadow fell over his table that Offroad looked up, his heart skipping a beat when he saw who it was.

"Fancy seeing you here, Offroad," Daou said with a smirk, dropping his bag onto the chair opposite Offroad before sliding into the seat.

Offroad's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Daou?"

Daou leaned back in the chair, folding his arms behind his head in a casual gesture that made Offroad's irritation flare. "What, I can't study here too? Last I checked, this lounge wasn't reserved for anyone in particular."

Offroad sighed, closing his textbook with a bit more force than necessary. "There are plenty of other places on campus for you to study. Why here?"

Daou shrugged, his smirk never faltering. "Maybe I just wanted some peace and quiet. Or maybe..." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I wanted to see you."

Offroad's pulse quickened, but he refused to show any sign of weakness. "You're wasting your time, Daou. I'm not interested."

Daou chuckled softly, leaning back again. "You say that, but I don't believe you. Not really."

Offroad's grip tightened on his textbook. "You're unbelievable."

"And you're stubborn," Daou shot back, his tone playful but with a hint of seriousness underneath. "But that's okay. I like a challenge."

Offroad rolled his eyes and stood up, gathering his things. "Well, enjoy your challenge somewhere else. I've got better things to do."

Before he could make his escape, Daou reached out, catching his wrist with a firm but gentle grip. Offroad froze, his breath hitching at the sudden contact.

"Wait," Daou said, his voice dropping the teasing tone. "Why are you so determined to avoid me, Offroad? I get that you're not exactly my biggest fan, but you don't have to hate me either."

Offroad slowly turned to face Daou, his heart pounding in his chest. He searched Daou's eyes, looking for any sign of insincerity, but all he found was genuine curiosity-and something else he couldn't quite place.

"I don't hate you," Offroad finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... don't want to get involved in whatever game you're playing."

Daou's grip on his wrist loosened, though he didn't let go entirely. "It's not a game, Offroad. At least, not to me."

Offroad felt his defenses waver, but he couldn't afford to let them down. Not now, not with Daou. He pulled his hand free, taking a step back.

"I don't have time for this," he said, his tone firmer than he felt. "You do whatever you want, but leave me out of it."

With that, Offroad turned and walked out of the lounge, his heart still racing. He could feel Daou's eyes on his back, but he didn't look back. He couldn't.

Daou watched him go, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. Offroad was putting up walls, but Daou wasn't the type to give up easily. If anything, this just made him more determined.

As he sat alone in the study lounge, Daou couldn't help but smile to himself. Offroad was proving to be more than just a passing interest. There was something about him that pulled Daou in, something that made him want to break down those walls and see the real person underneath.

And Daou Pittaya Saechua wasn't one to back down from a challenge.