Red Strings

Chapter One

In the lively, sprawling campus of Ashbourne College, where the air buzzed with the chatter of students and the occasional hum of distant music, Satang stood out in his own quiet way. A third-year engineering student known for his sharp intellect and reserved demeanor, he preferred the sanctuary of equations and circuits over the cacophony of social gatherings. Despite his introverted nature, Satang harbored a secret that had held his heart captive for years.

The moment the bell chimed, signaling the end of class, Satang gathered his belongings with the same meticulous care he applied to his studies. Yet, instead of heading back to his dorm or the library, his steps led him toward the expansive football field, a place he rarely had any reason to visit. He walked with purpose, though his hands trembled slightly as he clutched the strap of his backpack.

Reaching the edge of the field, he found solace under the shade of a towering oak tree. Its thick, ancient branches stretched wide, shielding him from the harsh afternoon sun and, more importantly, from curious eyes. Satang sank to the grass, settling into the shadows. From here, he had the perfect vantage point—not too exposed, but just close enough to see him.

Winny.

Satang's gaze softened the moment he spotted him. Winny, with his confident smile and boundless energy, was the center of attention as always. The cheerleading squad captain moved with effortless grace, rallying his team with infectious enthusiasm. His auburn hair caught the sunlight, creating a halo-like effect that made Satang's heart thrum in his chest.

It all began in his final year of high school. Satang hadn't cared for sports or pep rallies, but his best friend, Marc, had insisted they attend a cheerleading competition to kill time. Satang remembered the exact moment he saw Winny for the first time—a leap into the air, a perfect flip, and a landing so flawless it drew gasps and applause from the crowd. But for Satang, it was more than athleticism. It was the spark of something he hadn't felt before.

Love at first sight.

Satang's gaze remained glued to the figure across the field, his chest tightening with every laugh and motion from Winny. The world around him seemed to blur, leaving only the object of his silent affection in sharp focus. He hardly noticed the crunch of footsteps on the grass until a familiar voice shattered his reverie.

"Why don't you just confess already? You look like you're ready to eat him alive," Marc teased, dropping down onto the grass across from Satang with the kind of casual ease that only a close friend could manage.

Startled, Satang tore his gaze away and shot his friend a scowl. "Marc! What are you even doing here?" he hissed, glancing nervously toward the field as though afraid someone might overhear.

Marc grinned, utterly unbothered by his friend's flustered reaction. "Dentistry was dull today. No professor showed up for the lecture," he said, leaning back on his hands. "So I figured I'd head back to the dorm. But guess what I stumbled upon instead? My dear, lovestruck friend lurking around the football field again."

Satang crossed his arms, his frown deepening. "Why are you here so early? Don't dentists have anything better to do?" he muttered, attempting to steer the conversation away from the dangerously personal territory Marc had breached.

Marc chuckled, amused by the weak attempt at deflection. "Oh, Satang. You can try to change the subject all you want, but we both know why you're here," he said with a knowing smirk. "You've been mooning over that cheerleader since high school. High school, Satang. That's practically an eternity."

Satang's ears burned as he glared at his friend. "I'm not mooning! And keep your voice down," he hissed, stealing a quick glance toward the field. Winny was still there, blissfully unaware of the turmoil unfolding just a few feet away.