Chaos & Secrets
The first class of the semester finally ended. The professor’s voice had droned on about theories, strategies, and technical details that seemed to fly over everyone’s heads.
Kai Liang
(dropping into his seat with a sigh)
Kai Liang
Did anyone understand a single word of that?
Min Jae
Of course not. But you should’ve pretended you did—keep the illusion of intelligence alive.
Kai Liang
Tch. Like you understood anything either.
Araya Thepparit
(groaning)
Araya Thepparit
I thought I was good at theory… turns out my brain’s allergic.
Lin Yue
I copied half the notes without knowing what they meant.
Their three new acquaintances—Mei Ling, Jian, and Hao—were still with them. Mei Ling leaned against the desk beside Aya (Arayas nicknamed ), laughing softly.
Mei Ling
Don’t worry. Most of the new students look like they just survived a battlefield. At least you four make it look… stylish.
Araya Thepparit
(smiling, nudging her playfully)
Araya Thepparit
Stylish? I’m dying, Mei Ling. Dying.
The group chuckled, but Kai and Yue both exchanged quick glances—Aya seemed a little too comfortable with Mei Ling already.
They headed to the massive university cafeteria, where students stared as the heirs took their trays. The whispers followed again.
Crowd
That’s Kai Liang and Min Jae—why are they sitting together?”
Crowd
Araya Thepparit’s actually eating here?!”
“Lin Yue looks even colder in person
Min Jae
(grinning, holding his tray)
Min Jae
So, where does royalty sit?
Kai Liang
Just shut up and eat your noodles.
Araya Thepparit
(smirking, poking at Yue’s food)
Araya Thepparit
You’re really just eating salad? On the first day?
Lin Yue
Unlike you, I don’t need fuel for chaos.
Araya Thepparit
(laughing)
Jian and Hao tried to mediate, but even they started laughing when Kai and Min Jae bickered like an old married couple about whose chopsticks technique was better.
Min Jae
You don’t slurp noodles like that in public. Have some dignity.
Kai Liang
You’re Korean, not Japanese. Stop pretending you’re an expert in etiquette.
Araya Thepparit
(nearly choking with laughter)
Araya Thepparit
Oh my god, stop—people are watching!
Mei Ling
Let them watch. They’re entertaining.
Aya’s laugh lingered as she leaned closer to Mei Ling—too close. Yue noticed. And so did Kai.
[After University – Practice Time]
Classes ended, but the day wasn’t over. Their respective teams gathered on the courts and fields for evening practice
Sweat, determination, and competitive fire filled the air.
Coach
Faster! Push harder! You think talent alone will carry you?!
By the time practice ended, the group was exhausted—shirts clinging, water bottles drained, breaths heavy.
Araya Thepparit
(collapsing on the bench)
Araya Thepparit
I’m officially dead. This is my ghost speaking.
Kai Liang
(rolling his eyes)
Kai Liang
Good. Your ghost might finally shut up.
Min Jae
Careful, Liang. She might haunt you.
Araya Thepparit
(weakly tossing her towel at him)
Despite the bickering, there was an odd comfort in being together after such a draining day.
Later that evening, the group returned to their dorms, ready to collapse. But one person was missing.
Kai Liang
(checking his watch)
Kai Liang
It’s late. Practice ended hours ago.
Just as they were about to message her, they heard voices outside. Aya’s voice—louder than usual.
Araya Thepparit
(angry, outside)
Araya Thepparit
told you, Dad, I’m not going back to Bangkok just because you say so!
Somchai Thepparit
(over phone, sharp)
Somchai Thepparit
You’re forgetting your duty, Araya. Our family name comes first. Sports are nothing compared to the Thepparit legacy.
Araya Thepparit
My life comes first! You can’t keep controlling me from across the ocean!
The others froze just inside the dorm, hearing every word.
Kai Liang
She’s fighting with her dad?
Lin Yue
(quietly, conflicted)
Lin Yue
It sounds serious.
Min Jae
(thoughtful, frowning)
Min Jae
The Thepparit name… that explains a lot.
Aya stormed back inside, her eyes red but her head held high. She froze when she saw the others waiting.
Araya Thepparit
What? You heard everything?
The dorm was silent. For the first time, the group realized Aya’s smile wasn’t as carefree as it looked.
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