One Step Too Far

Kind's POV

Kind's eyes widened as he processed Win's words. Jun Tamasha? The name echoed in his mind, bringing with it a strange mix of disbelief and curiosity. He had just met the guy a few minutes ago, and now Win was saying that Jun wasn't exactly the model student he appeared to be.

"Wait, he was suspended for hitting someone?" Kind asked, still processing the information.

Win nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, that's what I've heard. It's a bit of a mystery because he doesn't really act like someone who'd do something like that. But apparently, he has his moments. It's weird because he's always been top of the class. So, you wouldn't expect that from him."

Kind felt a chill run down his spine. There was something unsettling about Jun's sudden kindness, especially after hearing this. Was it all an act? Was he pretending to be something he wasn't?

"I guess everyone has their secrets," Kind muttered, more to himself than to Win. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jun than met the eye. The way he had smiled and handed him the milk, the way he had been so polite—it felt too perfect. Too calculated.

Win gave Kind a strange look. "Yeah, I guess... But still, if he helped you, maybe there's more to him than what people say. Just be careful around him, okay? You never know who you're dealing with here."

Kind nodded slowly, his mind still racing. He didn't know what to think anymore. It seemed like everyone had something to hide. Even Win, who was always so friendly and open, had hinted at secrets buried beneath the surface.

"Let's just get to the canteen. I'm starving," Kind said, trying to push the uneasy thoughts away.

Win agreed, but there was a lingering tension between them. They left the health center, walking in silence as Kind replayed the events in his head. Why had he collapsed like that? And why had Jun, of all people, been the one to help him?

By the time they reached the canteen, Kind's hunger had overpowered his swirling thoughts. He felt like he needed something familiar, something grounding to return to. At least the food will be normal... right?

But when he entered the canteen, it felt different. The air was thick with whispers, and the faces of the students seemed more distant, more guarded. Kind couldn't help but feel like everyone was watching him, waiting for something to happen.

"Let's just eat," Win suggested, picking up their trays. Kind could hear the unease in his voice, too.

They sat down, but as Kind took his first bite of fried rice, his mind wouldn't stop racing. What was really going on here? He glanced around, scanning the room for any signs of normalcy, but it was hard to find. Everywhere he looked, students exchanged looks, murmured under their breath, and acted as if there was something lurking just beneath the surface.

And as for Jun... Kind of didn't know what to make of him yet. But one thing was for sure: he wasn't going to forget him anytime soon.

Win greeted the lady with a smile. "Hello, Auntie."

The lady beamed back, asking, "What do you want to eat today, Win?"

"Um, I'd like to have some orange juice, please," Win replied.

She turned her attention to Kind. "And what about you?"

Kind flipped through the menu, unsure of what to pick. "Fried rice with half a fried egg and pink milk," Win suggested, watching Kind struggle. "It's one of the best drinks I've ever had."

"Okay, that sounds delicious," Kind said, smiling, relieved to have someone take charge of the decision.

The lady nodded, wrapping up their orders. Kind's thoughts briefly wandered. Wait a minute, did he just say 'pink milk'?

As they moved to a nearby table, Kind's mind raced. He had read about pink milk in Thai BL novels, but he never thought he'd actually get to try it in Nepal. He couldn't help but speak up, "Did you just say 'pink milk'?"

"Umm..." Win looked a little confused.

"I didn't think they made it here. I thought it was only in Thailand," Kind said, still in shock.

"Well, she knows how to make it. She's from Thailand," Win explained, noticing Kind's wide-eyed surprise. "Wait, how did you know about pink milk?"

"I'm a big fan of Thai BL novels," Kind admitted with a laugh, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Wait, me too!" Win's face lit up, his excitement contagious. "I didn't know you were into them."

Before Kind could respond, the lady called out, "Win, your order's ready!"

They both stood up and walked over to pick up their trays. But as they turned around, disaster struck.

Kind froze. His eyes locked onto someone in the distance, and for a split second, everything around him blurred. Then, he collapsed, his food flying from his tray and scattering across the floor.

Win rushed to his side, shouting, "Kind! Are you alright?"

Kind remained unresponsive, still out cold. The canteen's employees, including the supervisor, rushed over to check on him.

"Can you tell me what happened?" the supervisor asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I don't know, sir. He was fine just a second ago. He just... collapsed when he turned around to grab his food," Win explained, his voice shaky.

The supervisor turned to some nearby students. "Boys, help Win take him to the health center," he ordered.

With the help of a student, Kind was carried to the health center. There, a doctor quickly began examining him.

The student who carried Kind into the room addressed the doctor. "He passed out in the canteen."

The doctor remained calm, running tests as the others stood by, waiting for an explanation. After a few tense moments, the doctor spoke. "Don't worry. He's just unconscious due to weakness. I've given him a shot. He'll wake up soon."

The principal, who had also followed them, exhaled a relieved sigh. "Thank you, doctor."

The doctor nodded, walking out after saying, "It's no problem. I'm just doing my job."

Kind's eyes fluttered open shortly after, and Win was by his side in an instant.

"Ahhhhh, what happened to me?" Kind groaned as he slowly sat up.

"You passed out from weakness," Win said, his voice filled with concern. "You okay now?"

Kind looked around, feeling the weight of the room on him. He realized he'd just ruined everyone's day. Nice, because of my poor luck.

As Win and the others left the room one by one, Kind tried to stand, still feeling shaky. "Win, let's go to the canteen. I'm starving."

But then the student who had helped him into the room spoke up. "Wait, don't go."

Kind lifted his brows, surprised. The student standing before him was the same one who had helped him pull a book from the shelf earlier in the day at the bookstore. His eyes widened once more in recognition.

The student smiled and handed him a bottle. "Here's the pink milk you ordered in the canteen." He handed it over with a warm smile. "Thanks for helping me earlier, and for today."

Kind blinked in surprise. "You remembered me?" he asked softly.

The student's face flushed with embarrassment. "It's an honor," he replied, his voice almost sheepish.

He turned to leave, but Kind caught himself just in time. "Wait, what's your name?"

But it was already too late. The student was gone, leaving Kind with only the fading warmth of the encounter.

Win, who had been standing nearby, finally spoke up. "Do you know who that was?"

"Umm... not really. He helped me the other day," Kind said, still trying to process the brief interaction.

Win froze. "He helped you?!"

Kind looked at Win, confused by his intensity. "Yeah? What's the big deal?"

Win placed his hands on Kind's shoulders, his voice full of surprise. "That's Jun Tamasha. The class 11 topper. He's not the kind of guy to go around helping people for no reason."

"Jun...?" Kind repeated, a strange feeling stirring in his chest.

"Yeah," Win continued, "he's known for being... complicated. Some people say he's got a bad streak. Rumor has it he was suspended for a month for hitting a random kid."

Kind felt the weight of Win's words settle over him. Jun? The guy who helped me at the store?

Win's voice softened. "Just... be careful with him. He's not who he seems."

Kind sat back down, his mind racing. He had no idea who Jun really was, but one thing was clear: there was more to this story than he could see. And somehow, he was tangled in it.