The Engineering student lounge was a place where silence usually meant respect, but today, it felt like the calm before a storm. In the hierarchy of this faculty, money and power spoke louder than words. While Pete-Wasuthorn sat at the top as the undisputed king of wealth, followed closely by the elite Gao-James duo, the gap between the seniors and the freshmen was starting to blur.
The heavy glass doors creaked open. Gao walked in first—tall, sharp, and wearing a watch that cost more than most people's tuition. He was the second richest person in the faculty, right after Pete. But right behind him, bouncing with an energy that didn't match the serious atmosphere, was James.
James didn't come from a billionaire background like the others. He belonged to a notorious middle-class family known for their "Dada-giri" in the local districts—tough, fearless, and a bit rowdy. But around Gao, James was just a chulbula, pampered brat.
"Gao! Wait for me! These shoes are tight, and you're walking like you're in a marathon!" James huffed, his hands on his hips. He was the only freshman brave enough to shout at Gao in public.
Gao stopped instantly. He didn't say a word, but his cold eyes softened as they landed on James. He waited for James to catch up, his hand slightly hovering near James's waist as if ready to catch him if he stumbled.
They reached the table where Wave and Kao were sitting. Wave looked exhausted; being the poorest student in a sea of elites was draining. His family background was a secret he guarded closely, but his worn-out bag and simple shirt told their own story.
"Wave! My favorite person!" James chirped, sliding into a seat and ignoring the stares from the other students. "Did that Head Hazer Pete bother you again? Don't worry, my brothers have some 'connections' in the city. One call, and I'll make sure he never looks at you again!"
Gao pulled a chair out for James and sat down silently. His presence was like an invisible wall protecting James from the world. Gao knew James's family was "different," but he didn't care. To Gao, James was the only person who made his silent world feel alive.
"James, don't start a fight on the first day," Wave whispered, smiling weakly. "And Pete... he's just doing his job."
"Job? He's a bully!" James pouted, reaching for Gao's water bottle and drinking from it without asking. Gao just watched him, a hint of a smile almost touching his lips.
Kao leaned in, whispering, "You're lucky, James. You have Gao to back you up. Meanwhile, my mom is dating Sky's dad, and Wave is basically Pete's favorite target."
As the group talked, the atmosphere shifted. Pete and Sky entered the lounge. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Pete's gaze swept over the room, pausing for a second on Wave, before landing on Gao. The two richest 'Tops' of the faculty locked eyes—one a cold senior, the other a silent freshman heir.
James felt the tension and instinctively moved closer to Gao. Under the table, Gao's hand found James's, squeezing it firmly. James looked up, surprised, but Gao was already looking away.
Gao knew his feelings were deep. He had loved James since they were kids—the fearless boy from the rowdy neighborhood who wasn't afraid of the rich heir. He kept James close, paid for his dorm, and stood by him not just as a friend, but as a guardian. James didn't know yet that every time Gao looked at him, he was seeing his entire world.
"Let's go," Gao said suddenly, his voice low but commanding. "Class is about to start."
"Wait! I didn't finish my snack!" James complained, but he stood up anyway, following Gao like he always did.
As they walked out, Gao looked at James's bright, talking face and thought to himself, 'One day, you'll realize that everything I own is yours. But for now, just stay by my side.'
Wave watched them leave, feeling a pang of jealousy. He wished Pete looked at him the way Gao looked at James—with silent, unconditional love, instead of that freezing cold stare.