OBSESSION (slow updates)

The Echo of Power

The lecture hall buzzed with excitement. The announcement of a guest lecture from one of the most influential business magnates had electrified the campus. Students whispered and speculated about who the speaker could be, but no one expected the man who strode into the room with an air of unshakable authority. Mingkwan Daichapanya, a name synonymous with power and excellence, was both revered and feared in equal measure.

He owned one of the most successful conglomerates in the country, with ventures in technology, real estate, and finance. His public persona was that of a visionary leader, lauded by the media and respected by the elite. Yet, there were whispered rumors that his influence extended far beyond legitimate businesses. Deals made in the shadows, alliances with the underworld, none of it was proven, and no one dared ask. Even the highest-ranking politicians treaded carefully around him. Mingkwan was untouchable.

When he entered the room, the low murmur of conversation ceased as if someone had flipped a switch. Mingkwan's presence was magnetic, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly, his piercing gaze sweeping over the room like a predator assessing its prey. The air grew heavier, charged with an unspoken tension that even the most confident students felt.

Phana, seated near the back, felt his stomach drop. His breathing became shallow as he clutched the edge of his desk. He recognized Mingkwan instantly, though he prayed the man wouldn't notice him. Why was he here? Of all the universities in the city, why had Mingkwan chosen this one? More importantly, why this class? It couldn't be a coincidence. Not with Mingkwan.

Mingkwan's voice cut through the room, deep and commanding, as he introduced himself. "Good morning. I am Mingkwan Daichapanya. Today, we'll discuss leadership in business and what it takes to carve your path in a competitive world."

The students sat enraptured as Mingkwan began his lecture, his tone smooth and authoritative. He spoke of ambition, discipline, and strategic thinking, weaving anecdotes from his career with practical advice. He was captivating, his every word deliberate, every movement calculated.

Phana tried to focus on his notebook, but his hands trembled, betraying him. He could feel Mingkwan's presence as though the man's gaze were a physical weight on him, though he didn't dare look up to confirm it. His mind raced, each word Mingkwan spoke feeling like a veiled message directed solely at him.

"As a leader," Mingkwan said, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Phana, "you must always be in control. Control your environment, your circumstances, and above all, the people around you. They should move to your will, even if they don't realize it."

Phana swallowed hard, his knuckles white as he gripped his pen. It felt like Mingkwan was speaking directly to him, and the subtle smirk tugging at the corner of Mingkwan's lips confirmed his suspicion.

When the lecture ended, the applause was thunderous. Mingkwan's charisma had left the students awestruck, some even lining up to shake his hand. Phana, however, tried to make himself invisible, slipping out of the room as quietly as possible. He barely made it to the corridor when a familiar voice stopped him cold.

"Leaving so soon, little rabbit?"

Phana froze, his heart pounding in his chest. Turning slowly, he found Mingkwan standing there, his expression calm but his eyes blazing with an intensity that made Phana's knees weak.

"I - uh - I have another class," Phana stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mingkwan stepped closer, his towering presence forcing Phana to look up. "Another class? Or are you running from me again?" His voice was smooth, almost amused, but the underlying steel sent a chill down Phana's spine.

"I'm not......" Phana started, but Mingkwan interrupted him, his tone darkening.

"Don't lie to me." He leaned in, so close that Phana could feel the warmth of his breath. "You can try to avoid me, Phana, but it's useless. I always get what I want."

Phana's lips parted, but no words came out. His mind screamed at him to run, but his body refused to move. Mingkwan's presence was suffocating, his sheer dominance overwhelming.

"You're scared," Mingkwan said softly, almost mockingly. "Good. You should be. But fear won't save you. Nothing will." He straightened, his gaze never leaving Phana's. "Mark my words, Phana. I will make you mine. Willingly or not, it's only a matter of time."

With that, Mingkwan turned and walked away, leaving Phana rooted to the spot, his heart racing and his mind spinning. There was no escaping him, no hiding from the man who had declared himself his predator. As the weight of Mingkwan's words sank in, a single thought echoed in Phana's mind: What have I gotten myself into?