Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

The Breaking Point

Krit stepped onto the college campus, a sense of familiarity mixed with a touch of apprehension settling over him. It had been quite a while since he’d last been here, and the place felt both new and old at the same time. As he approached the courtyard, he spotted his friends gathered around, chatting animatedly.

“Krit!” Michael called out, waving him over. “Where have you been hiding? It feels like it’s been ages!”

Krit chuckled, dropping his bag and taking a seat beside them. “Just took some time off, had a bit of a vacation,” he replied casually, omitting all the complexities of his recent life.

The group continued to catch up, discussing classes and random college gossip, when suddenly, Michael turned to Krit with a curious look. “By the way, where’s Vel? Haven’t seen him in a while. Is he still working for you?”

Krit hesitated for a moment but quickly composed himself. “Oh, Vel? No, he’s not working for me anymore,” he answered as naturally as possible, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Michael nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer, and the conversation moved on to lighter topics. “So, I’ve got a new crush,” Michael began, glancing across the courtyard. “That guy over there—sonic . He’s sitting by the fountain, all brooding and mysterious. He’s got this vibe, you know?”

Krit followed Michael's gaze, noticing North for the first time. “He does seem interesting,” Krit admitted, though his thoughts were elsewhere. The mention of Vel still lingered in his mind, and he wanted to say more, to explain everything.

Just as he was gathering his thoughts, Emma, who had been sitting quietly beside them, suddenly spoke up, her eyes flicking toward Krit. “You know, it’s nice that Vel’s not working for you anymore,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of flirtation. “He always gave me... weird vibes.”

Krit tensed, his jaw clenching slightly. He wanted to defend Vel, to set the record straight, but before he could say a word, the professor entered the courtyard, clapping his hands for attention.

“Everyone, to your seats! We have a lot to cover today,” the professor announced, cutting the conversation short.

Krit sighed, frustration building inside him. He had been so close to telling them that Vel wasn’t just some ex-bodyguard but his boyfriend now. But the moment was lost, and as the lecture began, Krit pushed his thoughts aside and tried to focus.

Emma, still eyeing Krit with a playful smile, seemed satisfied to leave things unsaid for now. Krit couldn’t help but feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. Outside, his new bodyguard, Max, stood watching, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if nothing had changed.

Krit leaned back in his chair, his mind drifting back to Vel. He’d tell them eventually, but for now, he had to navigate this unexpected interruption.

Krit sat in the canteen, idly stirring his cup of coffee. The noise around him was familiar: the clatter of trays, the hum of conversations, and the occasional laughter from a nearby table. Yet, it all felt distant, muffled by the thoughts swirling in his mind. His eyes roamed around the room, searching for something, or rather someone, who wasn’t there.

His mind kept drifting back to Vel. Everything about Vel had become a constant in his life—the way his eyes seemed to pierce right through him, both serious and soft, depending on the moment. Krit could almost hear Vel's voice in his ear, the deep tone that would calm his nerves and, at times, drive him to the brink of madness. The thought of Vel’s lips—how they curved into that rare smile, both mischievous and affectionate—made his chest tighten.

Krit's fingers unconsciously traced the edge of his coffee cup, his thoughts plunging deeper into a whirlwind of memories. Vel's waist, how it felt when they were close, the heat and strength of him. It was intoxicating. A sigh slipped from Krit's lips as he stared off into space, practically losing himself in the thought of Vel’s touch and presence.