FLAMES - A KimChay AU

eight

Chay’s heart skipped a beat when Kim asked, “When will you be free?”

Chay froze, unsure how to respond. His mind raced, but no words came out. He didn’t know what Kim meant. Was this about the game? Or was it something else? He felt his face grow warm.

Kim noticed his hesitation and quickly corrected himself. “I mean, when are you going to be free?” he said, a small smile on his face. “I was thinking about what you told me last time. I think it’s cool to teach you... I mean, why not? Are you okay with it?”

Chay let out a quiet sigh of relief. Phew, it’s not what I thought it was. He nodded quickly, still a little flustered. “Uh, yeah, sure. That sounds good” he said, still a little embarrassed.

Rain, who had been watching with an amused grin, leaned in clearly enjoying the moment “He’ll be free tomorrow” Rain said “We don’t have classes tomorrow, it’s Sunday, right, Chay?” He raised his eyebrows at Chay, giving him a teasing look.

Chay flushed but nodded, not sure what Rain was implying. “Yeah, Sunday”

Kim smiled. “Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow”

As Kim turned to talk to Phayu, Chay let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. The tension was still there, but at least he didn’t have to worry about what Kim was actually asking.

Meanwhile, Rain and Phayu were chatting quietly to the side. Chay glanced over at them. There was an easy, relaxed vibe between the two of them—something comfortable. Phayu often teased Rain, but it was clear they had a strong connection. They communicated easily, sharing inside jokes and looks that didn’t need words. It was obvious they understood each other without trying too hard.

Chay felt a little envious of that how easy it seemed for them to be around each other. It made him wonder if he could ever be that comfortable with someone like Kim.

After some time passed, they resumed studying. But Chay still felt that awkwardness lingering in the air, especially now that Kim was so close.

Rain broke the silence as he looked up from his textbook and said “I don’t get this math lesson at all” turning the book around so Chay could see. “Can you explain this to me, Chay?”

Chay glanced at the page and started to think about how to explain it, but before he could say anything, Phayu spoke up. “I can help you with that if you want, Rain” Phayu said casually, pointing at the textbook. “It’s easier if you break it down this way”

Rain looked at Phayu, his face lighting up with relief. “Thanks, 'Phayu” he said, grateful for the help with his voice having a hint of admiration.

Chay glanced between them, noticing how Rain seemed to admire Phayu’s every word. It made him feel something he couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was jealousy... or maybe something else. But he couldn’t deny that watching them together felt like witnessing something beautiful. They look so comfortable with each other  Chay thought, feeling a little left out.

Suddenly, Sky’s phone vibrated. He looked at the screen and answered the call. The group fell into a brief silence as they waited for Sky to finish his conversation. The smile on Sky’s face grew as he spoke to the person on the other line.

Chay noticed the contact name on the screen: Prapai—with a heart next to it. Oh, so that’s who it is, Chay thought, recognizing the name immediately. Prapai was one of Phayu’s close friends, someone outside the campus who shared Phayu’s interest in cars and motorbikes.

As Sky spoke to Prapai, the conversation was light-hearted, with Prapai being sweet and Sky’s usual cool attitude in contrast.

“Yeah, I’m good” Sky said, his tone relaxed. “You’re coming to pick me up?” Sky asked, sounding dismissive but affectionate. “Fine, fine. Don’t keep me waiting too long”

The teasing continued on the phone, but Chay couldn’t help but notice the chemistry between Sky and Prapai. The warmth in their exchange was clear.

When Sky finally hung up, he looked at the group. “Prapai’s picking me up” he said. “I’m heading out now "

Rain smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Good luck on your date, Sky” he said teasingly. “Don’t be too grumpy with him”

Phayu, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, added, “Tell Prapai I said hi”

Sky rolled his eyes but smiled slightly. “I’ll tell him, See you guys later” he said as he grabbed his things and stood up, preparing to leave.

Chay couldn’t help but smile at the friendly teasing. It was nice to see everyone getting along so well. There was an ease in the air now that hadn’t been there before.

As Sky left, Chay turned back to his own study materials, but his mind wandered. Seeing Sky with Prapai and their easy interaction made him feel like he was missing something. It was clear that Prapai was important to Sky, just as Phayu was to Rain.

Chay turned back to the table, where Rain and Phayu were deep in conversation. He could feel the bond between the two of them and how easy it was for them to communicate, how natural it seemed. Chay couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever have something like that with Kim, or if he was simply overthinking things.

But for now, he focused on the task at hand, studying for the upcoming exam and tried not to think too much about what was happening with Kim. After all, tomorrow was just another day and maybe, just maybe, he'd figure things out with Kim