Ping wasn't looking for Keng.
At least, that's what he told himself as he walked across campus, eyes drifting everywhere except the place he knew Keng would probably be. Still, when he didn't spot him where he usually did, an uncomfortable itch settled in his chest.
He didn't even show up this morning…
Ping turned a corner—and stopped.
Keng was there.
Laughing.
Not the small polite smile he gave most people, but the easy one. The one Ping knew too well.
And he wasn't alone.
A girl stood beside him, close enough to lean in as she spoke. She looked comfortable. Familiar. Too familiar.
Ping slowed without realizing it, his steps faltering as he watched from a short distance.
"Be honest," Mia said, holding Keng's phone. "This is him?"
Keng nodded, arms folded, pretending not to care—though his eyes were glued to the screen.
Ping's picture filled it.
Mia let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh my God, Keng. You have good taste."
"I know, right?" Keng replied without hesitation.
She zoomed in a little. "Make sure you get him. I already like him just from his picture."
Keng's brows knitted instantly. "What do you mean you like him?" he frowned. "He's mine."
Mia burst out laughing. "Relax, Hia. I like him as a future brother-in-law. Don't be so overprotective."
Keng huffed, snatching the phone back. "Still. He's mine."
Ping's chest tightened.
Mine?
He was eavesdropping and that was the only word his ears could catch on.
He didn't know why that word bothered him so much—or why it warmed him at the same time. All he knew was that seeing Keng laugh so freely with someone he didn't recognize irritated him more than it should.
He stepped back before they could notice him.
So that's what you're busy with..... He thought to himself.
He turned his head away and continued walking, pretending not to care. He didn't even slow down when Keng finally noticed him.
"Ping."
He didn't answer.
"Ping," Keng called again, louder this time.
Ping stopped abruptly and turned around.
"What."
The girl followed Keng's gaze, then smiled politely at Ping before excusing herself. She walked away, glancing back once.
Ping noticed.
Of course he noticed.
Keng walked up to him, hands casually in his pockets. "You didn't say hi."
"I didn't see you," Ping replied flatly.
Keng raised an eyebrow. "Liar."
Ping scoffed and adjusted the strap of his bag. "Why would I lie."
Keng stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Because your ears are red."
Ping froze. "They're not."
Keng reached out, gently brushing his finger near Ping's ear. "They are."
Ping slapped his hand away instantly. "Don't touch me!"
Keng laughed softly. "Relax. You're so jumpy today."
Ping turned away again and started walking.
"Shouldn't you go back to your fan club?"
Keng blinked. "Fan club?"
"The girl from earlier," Ping said, a little too quickly. "She seemed entertained."
Keng smiled—slow, knowing. "Is that what this is about?"
Ping stopped again. "Don't flatter yourself."
"Then why do you look like you want to bite someone?"
Ping clenched his jaw. "You talk too much."
Keng stepped in front of him this time, blocking his path. "You didn't eat this morning."
Ping frowned. "How do you—"
Keng pulled out a neatly packed lunch bag. "I brought you food."
Ping stared at it. "…Why."
"Because you won't take care of yourself," Keng said lightly. "And because I like doing this."
Ping looked away, his grip tightening on his bag. "You don't have to."
"I know," Keng replied. "I want to."
That made it worse.
Ping snatched the lunch bag from him.
"You're unfair."
Keng tilted his head. "Unfair how?"
"You act like this," Ping said, frustrated, "and then talk to other people like nothing matters."
Keng's smile softened. "So you were watching."
Ping stiffened. "I wasn't."
Keng leaned closer, voice low. "Ping… if you're jealous, just say it."
"I'm not jealous!"
"Okay," Keng said easily. "But for the record—"
He leaned even closer, just enough that Ping could smell his cologne.
"—no one else matters."
Ping's heart skipped. He hated it.
He pushed past Keng quickly. "You're unbelievable."
Keng watched him walk away, smiling to himself.
Ping kept walking, heat burning his ears again.
Keng watched him walk away, but didn't follow. Instead, he turned toward his friends with a slow, dangerous smile.
"So you won't hide anymore," Tao teased.
"I want to make him mine already," Keng said, his eyes darkening with a sharp, almost dirty intensity aimed in Ping's direction.
"I thought someone said he'd be patient," Bank teased.
Keng didn't answer. He only continued staring at Ping as he walked away, the look in his eyes saying everything he wasn't saying aloud.
.... Too cute .He thought aloud.