"Campus Hearts: The Beginning"

Chapter 3: The Unspoken

The days following their encounter in the study lounge left Offroad more on edge than he cared to admit. No matter where he went or what he did, he felt Daou's presence like a shadow, always hovering just on the edge of his consciousness. It was infuriating, distracting-and worst of all, it made his heart race in a way that was impossible to ignore.

He told himself it was annoyance, pure and simple. Daou was just a playboy, a guy who thought he could charm his way into anything or anyone. But even as he tried to convince himself of this, Offroad couldn't shake the lingering feeling of Daou's hand on his wrist, the warmth of his touch, the intensity in his eyes.

He was determined to avoid Daou as much as possible, but fate-or perhaps something more mischievous-had other plans.

It was late in the evening when Offroad found himself in the university's gym, hoping to burn off some of his pent-up frustration with a vigorous workout. The gym was mostly empty, save for a few other students scattered around the equipment. Offroad preferred it this way-no distractions, no one to bother him.

He was in the middle of his third set of bench presses when he heard the familiar sound of a basketball bouncing nearby. His heart sank as he realized who it was even before he looked over.

Sure enough, there was Daou, alone on the court, effortlessly sinking a shot from the three-point line. He was wearing a sleeveless athletic shirt that clung to his sculpted torso, showing off the defined muscles that had earned him the admiration of many. His skin glistened with a thin sheen of sweat, and his movements were fluid and graceful, like he was born for this.

Offroad tried to focus on his workout, but his eyes kept drifting back to Daou, watching as he moved across the court with a natural ease that was both mesmerizing and infuriating. He didn't want to be impressed, but he couldn't help it. Daou was good-really good.

As if sensing Offroad's gaze, Daou glanced over and caught his eye. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face, and he waved casually before jogging over.

Offroad quickly racked the barbell and sat up, wiping his hands on a towel as Daou approached. "Don't you have anyone else to bother?" he asked, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.

Daou chuckled, leaning against the nearest piece of equipment. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're the one following me, Offroad."

Offroad scowled, but there was no real heat behind it. "You wish."

"Maybe I do," Daou replied, his voice dropping a notch as he moved a little closer. The air between them seemed to crackle with a tension that neither of them could ignore.

Offroad's pulse quickened, and he looked away, focusing on the dumbbells on the rack beside him. "What do you want, Daou?"

Daou tilted his head, his eyes roaming over Offroad's figure with a slow, deliberate gaze. Offroad could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, a mix of anger and something else he didn't want to name.

"I want to know why you keep running away," Daou said softly, his tone laced with something that sent a shiver down Offroad's spine. "Are you afraid of me, Offroad? Or is it something else?"

Offroad clenched his jaw, forcing himself to meet Daou's gaze. There was something in those dark eyes that made him feel exposed, like Daou could see right through him, straight into the thoughts he didn't want to admit to himself.

"I'm not afraid of you," Offroad replied, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him. "I just don't want to play your games."

Daou's smile softened, and he took another step closer, closing the distance between them. Offroad could feel the heat radiating off his body, the scent of his cologne mixing with the faint smell of sweat. It was intoxicating, and it made Offroad's heart pound in his chest.

"What if I told you I'm not playing games?" Daou murmured, his voice low and intimate. "What if I told you that I want you, Offroad? That I can't stop thinking about you?"

Offroad's breath hitched, his eyes widening as he searched Daou's face for any sign of deception. But all he saw was sincerity, mixed with a desire that mirrored his own, no matter how much he tried to deny it.

"You're lying," Offroad whispered, though even he didn't believe the words as they left his lips.

Daou shook his head slowly, his gaze locked onto Offroad's. "I'm not. I've been with a lot of people, but none of them made me feel the way you do. You're different, Offroad. And it's driving me crazy."

Offroad swallowed hard, his mind racing. This was Daou-Daou Pittaya Saechua, the guy who had everything, who could have anyone. And yet, here he was, standing inches away, confessing that he wanted *him*.

It didn't make sense, and yet it made all the sense in the world. The tension between them, the way Daou always seemed to be around, the way his heart reacted whenever they were near each other-it was undeniable, no matter how much Offroad tried to fight it.

But he couldn't let himself give in. Not now, not when he knew what kind of person Daou was. He couldn't let himself be another notch on Daou's bedpost.

"I don't believe you," Offroad said, his voice trembling slightly. "You're just saying what you think I want to hear."

Daou sighed, reaching out to gently grasp Offroad's arm. The touch was electric, sending a jolt of heat through Offroad's body that he couldn't ignore.

"I'm not asking you to believe me," Daou said quietly. "I'm just asking you to give me a chance. Let me prove to you that this isn't just some game."

Offroad hesitated, his heart warring with his mind. Part of him wanted to pull away, to put as much distance between them as possible. But another part-a part he had been trying to suppress-wanted to close the distance between them, to give in to the attraction that had been simmering between them since the day they first met.

He didn't know what to do. But before he could make a decision, Daou leaned in, his lips brushing softly against Offroad's ear as he whispered, "You feel it too, don't you?"

The sensation of Daou's breath against his skin sent a shiver down Offroad's spine, and he felt his resolve crumbling. He did feel it-he felt it every time Daou was near, every time their eyes met, every time they exchanged words laced with unspoken tension.

But he couldn't admit it. Not yet.

"I need to go," Offroad said abruptly, pulling away from Daou's touch. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, his heart racing as he hurried toward the gym's exit.

"Offroad, wait-" Daou called after him, but Offroad didn't stop. He couldn't. If he stayed any longer, he knew he would lose whatever fragile control he still had.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, Offroad took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He had to stay strong, had to keep his distance from Daou.

But even as he walked away, he knew it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed again. And when they did, he wasn't sure he'd be able to resist the pull between them.

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