Just a few moments before Oat had dragged Lamon into the locker room, another scene was unfolding in the parking lot.
Artit reached out and captured Toffee's hand. He didn't squeeze hard, but his grip was firm and steady—an unspoken promise that he wasn't ready to let go of that tiny, soft hand just yet.
With his other hand, he reached for the handle of his sleek car, pulling the door open wide for Toffee with a protective, gentlemanly grace.
"Get in," Artit murmured, his eyes lingering on Toffee's face. The cool air of the university campus swirled around them, but the heat between their joined hands was all Toffee could feel.
Thanks, P'Artit... you really didn't have to open the door for me," Toffee murmured, his voice small and shy.
Swallowed by Artit's oversized engineering jacket, Toffee looked incredibly tiny and adorable. The heavy fabric shielded his rain-soaked frame, making him look like a stray kitten. Artit just stood there for a moment, watching him with the doting, protective gaze of a husband looking after a precious wife.
"Why were you running like you were in a marathon?" Artit asked, his voice dropping into a low, concerned hum. "Is something wrong? You're soaking wet."
Toffee bit his lip, wearing the guilty expression of a puppy that had done something clumsy. "Oh... it's a long story, P'..."
"Then where are your spare clothes?" Toffee asked softly, looking up at him.
"They're back at my workshop," Artit replied with an indulgent smile. He reached out, his palm lingering on Toffee's damp hair for a second, before gently closing the car door for him.
As Artit climbed into the driver's side and sparked the engine to life, the interior of the car felt suddenly very small. Toffee was still blushing, his skin tingling from that brief, warm touch on his head.
"Let's go," Artit said. Before shifting into gear, he leaned across the center console.
"Wait, let me help you with the seatbelt."
Like a devoted husband, he moved slowly, his chest nearly brushing against Toffee's. As he pulled the belt across, their eyes locked in.
They were so close that Toffee could feel the heat radiating from Artit's body.
Panicked by the sudden intimacy, Toffee pressed himself back into the seat, his ears turning a bright, frantic red. He quickly turned his head to stare out the window to hide his shyness, while Artit simply let out a quiet, satisfied chuckle.
Trying to break the heavy silence, Toffee spoke up, his voice still a bit shaky.
"I'm Toffee, P'. From the Painting Department... it's nice to meet you, khab."
Artit glanced at him, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"I'm Artit , from Mechanical Engineering. I'm a senior—but you already knew that, right?"
"Khab... I've heard quite a bit about you," Toffee admitted, looking at his knees. "I mean, you're famous, P'."
"And does being 'famous' change your impression of me?" Artit teased, his tone dropping an octave.
"What impression...?" Toffee asked, blinking in confusion.
"Forget it. You'll figure it out later," Artit replied with a knowing smirk.
"P'Artit... how do you know me?" Toffee finally asked the question that had been bugging him.
"I met your friend Mok earlier. He realized he forgot to submit your application form, so I lent him a hand."
"Thank you, Phi. And I'm so sorry... because of me, you had to come all the way here," Toffee said, his face full of genuine concern.
Artit's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly." It's a good thing I came", he thought, his protective instincts flaring. "Otherwise, some leeches would definitely have made a move on you. "I need to keep him hidden," he whispered so softly that Toffee couldn't hear.
Noticing Toffee shivering, Artit immediately reached out to adjust the AC, turning the vents away from the younger boy.
"Thank you, P'," Toffee murmured.
"Don't get sick on me, Toffee," Artit said, his eyes filled with a sudden, deep concern as he looked at the wet boy beside him.
The car pulled up to the curb of the engineering building.
"We're here. Let's go, I'll help you." Before Toffee could even reach for the handle, Artit was already out of the car, opening the door and offering a hand to help his Nong out into the cool air.
Artit walked slowly, matching his steps to Toffee's pace so perfectly that Toffee didn't even notice.
He led the way toward his engineering workshop. Since it was lunch break, the other students had all gone out to eat, leaving the vast, open workshop completely empty for the two of them.
They stepped inside together. While Artit went to his locker to grab his spare clothes, Toffee stood in the middle of the room, looking around at the heavy tools and machines with curious eyes.
Artit walked over to his locker and pulled out a gift-wrapped box that had never been opened. He looked at it for a moment, a trace of sadness in his eyes. "I never thought I'd actually get to give this away," he murmured to himself. "I always missed the timing before. But this time, I'm not letting go."
He glanced over at Toffee, who was still exploring the workshop. Seeing the younger boy there made Artit feel a strange sense of peace and happiness. He walked up behind him quietly. "Toffee, come here."
Toffee turned around and gave him a polite smile.
"Thank you, P'. About this jacket, I'll wash it and bring it back to you as soon as I can."
Artit stared at him, thinking to himself: " Why does my jacket look so good on you? I don't even want it back. The jacket is just my excuse to see you again."
He cleared his throat to hide his thoughts. "Mmm, no rush. You can take your time."
"Then... let me change my clothes, Phi," Toffee said.
Artit handed him the box. He had already removed the gift wrap, leaving only the clothing box. Toffee opened it and gasped. Inside was a soft, puffy yellow T-shirt and a pair of gray pants that looked exactly like his size.
Toffee looked up at Artit , shocked. "P'Artit ... this is..."
Artit quickly looked away, pretending it was just a coincidence. He was too shy to admit he had bought it specifically for him.
Toffee stepped into a quiet corner of the workshop and began to unbutton his damp shirt, draped in Artit's jacket for cover. Artit tried to be a gentleman and look away, but he couldn't help stealing a few peeks at the cute boy in the corner.
Toffee tried to unbutton his damp shirt, but his fingers were shaking, and the fabric got stuck. No matter how hard he pulled, the button wouldn't budge. Suddenly, Artit stepped closer. "Let me help you," he murmured.
Before Toffee could even say no, Artit's warm fingers brushed against the buttons. Toffee blushed deeply, his heart racing.
Artit moved slowly, trying to stay calm, but his skin accidentally grazed Toffee's soft, wet shoulder. For a few long moments, they both froze, locking eyes in the quiet workshop.
A gentle breeze blew through the open window, making the thin curtains flutter and drape over Artit's face.
Toffee reached out with a trembling hand, slowly lifting the curtain to see Artit's eyes again.
They leaned in, closer and closer, the space between them disappearing. But just as the moment deepened, Artit's phone began to ring loudly, breaking the silence.
The atmosphere turned shy and a bit awkward. Toffee quickly finished changing his shirt while Artit answered the call.
After hanging up, Artit looked at him kindly. "I already ordered some food for you. Eat well, and then I will drive you back to your dorm."
"No need, P' Artit . You are probably busy... I can go back alone," Toffee said, looking down.
Artit reached out and gently patted Toffee's head. "Don't be stubborn. I will drop you off after you finish your meal. Understand?"
Toffee nodded softly, a small smile appearing on his face. "Okay, P'..."
When they arrived at the dorm, Artit reached into the back of the car and pulled out several items.
"Toffee, take these. This is medicine in case you catch a cold, and this is a special dessert—it's very tasty, I think you'll like it. And this is for your leg, so it doesn't stay sore."
Toffee looked at the many things in his hands, feeling overwhelmed by the gesture. "P' Phi... why did you buy so many things for me? I..."
"Just take them, Toffee. It's getting cold, so get inside quickly," Artit said, his voice full of concern.
Toffee stood there, his hands full of bags and Artit's jacket tucked under his arm. He looked at his senior and gave him a heartfelt smile. "I will go in after you leave, P'."
Artit smiled back and started the engine. "Alright then. See you, Toffee. Take care of yourself and don't get sick."
As the car drove away, Toffee stood in front of his dorm, looking at everything Artit had given him. He couldn't stop smiling, completely lost in the moment and forgetting for a second that he was still standing outside.