The cafeteria was bustling with students during break, trays clattering, chatter blending into a constant hum. Pond and Light were sitting at a small table near the windows, each with their own tray of food, notebooks and pens tucked beside them from earlier studying. Pond was quietly picking at his lunch, eyes flicking toward Light now and then, heart a little too aware of every small movement the other made.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the noise.
—Good morning, Pondy! —Nina said, sliding her tray right in front of Pond with a bright, teasing smile. She leaned slightly toward him, eyes sparkling with amusement and charm.
(Nina is a popular university student, known for her charisma and natural charm. She easily draws attention without trying—always smiling, confident, and playful in her tone. She hasn't really met Pond in person yet, but she knows him from his photography exhibitions)
Pond froze mid-bite, fork paused in the air, blinking at her. —Uh… hi, Nina… —he murmured, voice low, flustered.
Light, sitting beside him, immediately noticed the way Nina leaned in, the way her gaze lingered on Pond. A small flash of something protective—and maybe a little jealous—passed through him. He shifted subtly, brushing a shoulder lightly against Pond's, a silent reminder: I'm here.
—I saw your latest photos at the exhibition, —Nina continued, her tone warm and casual, but unmistakably playful. —They're really amazing. You always capture such… beautiful moments.
Pond's fingers twitched slightly, still holding his fork. He tried to focus on eating, pretending to take a bite, though his mind was racing. —Mhm… thanks… I… appreciate it, —he muttered, voice low, glancing at Light for reassurance.
Light's jaw tightened subtly. He leaned just a little closer to Pond, the proximity grounding him even as his chest tightened with a hint of jealousy. Pond felt it immediately—a mix of warmth and calm—and stole a quick smile at him, trying to stay composed.
—So… how's your week been so far? —Nina asked, leaning casually against the table, eyes twinkling. —Busy with your photography, I bet?
—Uh… good… busy… —Pond replied, voice quieter than usual, trying to keep his focus on the tray in front of him. But his attention kept drifting back to Light, the presence at his side a quiet anchor amid the sudden attention.
Before Pond could respond further, Nina reached across the table and lightly tapped his arm with a playful smile.
—Hey, Pondy… do you always look this serious when you eat? —she asked, tilting her head, eyes sparkling with teasing curiosity.
Pond froze, fork halfway to his mouth, cheeks heating instantly. —Uh… I… maybe… —he stammered, voice quiet, glancing at Light for support.
Light's eyes narrowed just slightly, the protective tension in his shoulders subtle but unmistakable. He leaned a little closer to Pond, brushing his shoulder gently, an unspoken "I'm here" message. Pond exhaled softly, comforted, though aware of the tiny spike of jealousy in Light's gaze.
Nina pulled out her phone next, grinning. —Hold still for a second… I need to capture this "serious photographer at lunch" look!
Before Pond could react, she snapped a quick photo. His cheeks flamed, and he fumbled with his fork, pretending to be fully absorbed in his tray.
Light finally leaned a little closer, voice calm but firm, just enough for Nina to hear clearly.
—Is Nina your name? —he asked, tilting his head slightly, eyes fixed on her. —Well, Nina, you're crowding Pond. I don't know if anyone told you, but he doesn't really like these things.
Pond froze, fork halfway to his mouth, cheeks burning. He looked at Light, heart thumping, a mix of relief and embarrassment washing over him. He… he defended me…
Nina raised an eyebrow, playful but not offended. —Oh? Is that so? —she said, tilting her head and smirking. —I didn't realize I was making him uncomfortable.
Pond quickly waved a hand, trying to downplay it. —N-No, it's… fine… I'm okay… —his voice was soft, almost stammering, still leaning slightly toward Light for reassurance.
—See? —Nina said, smiling, holding her hands up in mock surrender. —I can give you space… for now.
—Anyway… —Nina added, leaning back just enough to leave Pond some space, though her smile remained playful. —I just wanted to say hi. And maybe see you smile a little…
Pond's lips curved into something small and hesitant, more reflex than intention. His shoulders stayed tense, posture careful, like he was afraid of doing the wrong thing just by existing. He nodded once, eyes dropping to his tray.
—Yeah… uh… thanks, —he murmured.
Nina seemed satisfied with that. She straightened, slid her tray under her arm, and gave him a last bright look. —See you around, Pondy.
She walked away without another glance, blending back into the noise of the cafeteria.
The moment she was gone, the air shifted.
Light turned to Pond slowly. Too slowly.
—You know you don't have to do that, right? —he said.
Pond blinked, confused. —Do… what?
—That. —Light gestured vaguely toward where Nina had been, his jaw tight. —Sit there. Go quiet. Let people get all up in your space like you're some kind of display.
Pond stiffened. His fingers curled around the edge of his tray. —I wasn't—
—You were, —Light cut in, voice low, controlled, but unmistakably jealous. —You always do this. You let people decide how close they get to you because you don't want to be rude.
Pond swallowed. He stared at his food, suddenly very aware of how loud the cafeteria felt. —I just… didn't want to make it awkward.
Light leaned closer, forearm resting on the table, invading Pond's space now in a way that felt deliberate. —It's already awkward when you're uncomfortable and say nothing.
Pond's shoulders slumped a little. —I didn't know what to say.
Light exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face.
Light studied him for a second longer, then clicked his tongue softly. —You're hopeless.
—but Light reached out and tapped his knee lightly under the table. —And way too easy to like.
—Eat your food, —Light added, already turning back to his own tray. —Before someone else decides to flirt with you again.