Echoes of Encounter

Chapter-29 The Unexpected Duo

As the semester progressed, the workload at Chulalongkorn University intensified. Projects and assignments piled up, and the gang found themselves spending more time in the library and less time hanging out. Despite their busy schedules, they made it a point to meet up frequently to relieve stress. Whether it was a quick lunch at their favorite campus café or a late-night study session that turned into a mini party, the gang knew that being together made the academic pressure more bearable.

The tension between Sea and Jimmy had eased over time. They had come a long way since the early days of university when emotions were running high. But despite the progress, Sea wasn't ready to jump back into a relationship with Jimmy. He still loved him, but the fear of getting hurt again held him back. Jimmy understood this and didn't push. He was content with the friendship they were rebuilding, hoping that with time, Sea might come around. The rest of the gang, sensing the delicate nature of the situation, wisely chose to stay out of it, letting Sea and Jimmy navigate their relationship at their own pace.

**Setting: University Campus**

One evening, after finishing a particularly grueling assignment, Sea was walking home through the dimly lit university campus. His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. It was a message from his dad, checking in on him after months of silence. The message brought a small smile to Sea's face, reminding him that despite everything, his dad still cared.

As Sea replied to his dad, another notification popped up-a series of messages from the gang's chat, planning a weekend trip to unwind after finals. Sea was about to respond when he noticed a third message from an unknown number. Curious, he opened it.

Unknown Number: Hi Sea! This is Ohm. Got your number from your wallet, so I hope you don't mind. If you're free, can we grab dinner?

Sea hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. Ohm had been persistent in trying to spend time with him since they first met, but Sea wasn't sure if he was ready for this. Still, his stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since lunch, and the thought of a warm meal was tempting.

Sea: Sure, Ohm. Why not?

Unknown Number: How about tonight? If you're free, we can go right now!

Sea glanced at his watch. It was already past his usual dinner time, and he figured he could use the break. Plus, he had just enough time to change into something more comfortable before heading out.

Sea: Okay, I'm free. Let's go tonight.

As Sea continued walking toward the university entrance, still engaged in the chat, a loud honk caught his attention. He looked up to see a bike approaching, the headlight making it difficult to see the rider. The rider, hidden behind a helmet and jacket, pulled up in front of him, and Sea squinted, trying to make out who it was.

"Hurry up, or we're going to be late," the biker called out, the voice unmistakably familiar.

Sea's eyes widened in recognition. "Ohm? Is that you?"

The rider switched off the headlights and lifted his visor, revealing a familiar grin. "Who else?" Ohm replied with a wink, clearly enjoying Sea's flustered reaction.

Sea felt a rush of heat to his face, flustered by the playful wink. No one had ever openly flirted with him like this before. Since their first encounter, Ohm had been popping up everywhere Sea went-after classes, in the canteen, even when Sea was hanging out with his friends. It had been surprising at first, but Sea had gradually gotten used to Ohm's constant presence.

"What are you doing here? I didn't even close the chat, and you're already here?" Sea asked, trying to steady his voice despite his growing nerves.

"Oh, you know," Ohm replied with a smirk, "wherever you are, I'll always be there." He winked again, sending a shiver down Sea's spine with the cheesy line.