The next day on campus, Alex and Kevin are walking side by side, engrossed in their discussion about the trading market. Alex, as usual, is in full "professor mode," his hands gesturing as he explains the latest trends and potential opportunities. Kevin listens intently, chiming in with occasional questions, but Alex can tell he's struggling to keep up with all the jargon.
"At least he's trying," Alex thinks with a smirk, glancing at his friend. Kevin wasn't exactly the most market-savvy person, but he made up for it with genuine curiosity.
As they cross the courtyard, Alex's mind begins to wander. "The market's been so volatile lately... If I just invest a bit more..." He's mid-thought when a loud "Boo!" cuts through the air behind him.
Alex jolts, a sharp gasp escaping his lips, while Kevin yelps loudly, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Jesus Christ!" Kevin shouts, clutching his chest like he's been shot. "What the hell?"
Alex spins around, his heart pounding as his mind scrambles to process what just happened. Standing there, grinning like he's just won the lottery, is Wiyan.
"Gotcha!" Wiyan exclaims, his laughter bubbling out of him.
Kevin, still recovering, glares at him before breaking into a sheepish grin. "Man, I was ready to meet my maker just now!"
Alex, meanwhile, feels his face flush with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "How the hell did I not notice him sneaking up? Get it together, Alex," he scolds himself internally.
"You scared the hell out of him," Alex says, trying to deflect attention from his own reaction.
"Oh, come on," Wiyan replies, his grin widening. "You looked just as freaked out."
Alex opens his mouth to protest but falters when Wiyan's eyes meet his. There's something in Wiyan's gaze mischievous but warm that leaves Alex momentarily speechless. "Why does he always have that stupidly perfect smile? It's annoying... and distracting," Alex thinks, tearing his eyes away.
Kevin, oblivious to Alex's inner turmoil, laughs and throws an arm around him. "Don't let him fool you, Wiyan. Alex jumped like someone set off a firework behind him."
"Did not," Alex mutters, his cheeks heating further. "Why am I even blushing? It's just Wiyan. Get it together."
"Sure you didn't," Wiyan teases, his tone light but playful. "You okay, though?" His voice softens slightly, and Alex feels the question hit deeper than he expects.
"I'm fine," Alex replies curtly, refusing to meet Wiyan's gaze. "Why does he always have to look at me like that? Like he actually cares..."
Noticing the tension, Kevin claps his hands together. "Alright, enough scaring the crap out of us. I'm starving. Let's eat!"
Alex seizes the opportunity to compose himself. Clearing his throat, he says, "Lunch is on me today." He pauses, glancing at Wiyan before quickly adding, "You wanna come with us?"
Wiyan's face lights up, and Alex's chest tightens. "Why does he have to look so happy about something so small? It's just lunch."
"Absolutely," Wiyan replies, his voice warm. "Thanks, Alex."
"Why does he have to say my name like that?" Alex wonders as they start walking toward the café. He keeps his eyes on the ground, feeling uncharacteristically nervous.
As they enter the café, Kevin immediately dives into the menu. "I'm getting the biggest burger they've got," he announces.
"You'll regret that during training later," Wiyan quips, grinning.
"Worth it," Kevin replies, unbothered.
Alex pretends to scan the menu, but his mind is elsewhere. "Why am I acting like this? It's just Wiyan. He's always been... friendly. It doesn't mean anything." Yet, despite his best efforts to rationalize, Alex can't ignore the way his heart skips every time Wiyan laughs or how his chest feels lighter with Wiyan sitting across from him.
When it's his turn to order, Alex stumbles over his words. "Uh, just the... pasta," he mumbles, feeling Wiyan's gaze on him.
"You okay, Alex?" Wiyan asks, his tone laced with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Alex replies, too quickly. "Stop looking at me like that," he thinks, resisting the urge to fidget under Wiyan's warm gaze.
The server leaves, and the conversation flows again, mostly between Wiyan and Kevin. Alex stays quiet, but he can't help stealing glances at Wiyan. Every time Wiyan laughs or gestures animatedly, Alex feels a strange warmth bloom in his chest. "What is wrong with me today?"
Midway through the meal, Kevin excuses himself to take a call, leaving Alex and Wiyan alone at the table. The silence between them feels heavier now, though not uncomfortable.
Wiyan leans back in his chair, his eyes studying Alex. "You've been quiet today. Something on your mind?"
Alex hesitates, his fork hovering over his plate. "No, just... thinking about some stuff," he says vaguely.
Wiyan smiles gently, and Alex feels his pulse quicken. "Well, if you ever feel like talking, you know where to find me," Wiyan says softly, his sincerity cutting through Alex's defenses.
"Why do you have to be so... you?" Alex wonders, feeling both drawn to and terrified by Wiyan's kindness.
Kevin returns, breaking the moment, and the conversation shifts back to lighter topics. But as they finish their meal and prepare to leave, Alex can't shake the feeling that something inside him has shifted.
Walking back to campus, Alex finds himself trailing behind slightly, watching as Kevin and Wiyan joke ahead of him. "What am I doing?" he thinks, a mixture of nervousness and excitement swirling in his chest. For the first time in a long time, Alex feels like he's on the edge of something new something he's not sure he's ready for but can't bring himself to walk away from either.
YOU ARE READING
LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH
Romance"Alex is a man searching for love amid his emotional struggles. In a world where heartbreak is constant, he meets Wiyan, who brings both hope and confusion, alongside his best friend Kevin. Despite knowing that love is not enough to fill the void wi...
