Afraid to Care

Chapter 3

Morning

Nani slowly opened his eyes, the faint morning light filtering through the curtains. As his mind cleared, the events of last night came rushing back, each memory playing like a film reel in his head.

The sound of Bright, Dew, and Win's scolding him still lingered like an annoying buzz he couldn't shake off.

It wasn't just the words-they were harsh, yes-but it was the way they delivered them, as if they were defending Sky more than trying to knock sense into him.

"Are they my friends or Sky's friends?" Nani muttered to himself. Everything feel like a mess right now.

Nani groaned, tossing a pillow across the room.

Nani let out a deep sigh as he dropped his body back onto the bed.  His hand reached out  to grab his cherished My Melody doll. Pulling the plush figure close, he hugged it tightly, his chin resting on its soft head.

"What should I do now, huh? Nong Melody?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The room was silent, save for the faint rustle of the sheets as he adjusted his hold on the doll. His brows furrowed, his heart caught in a web of emotions he couldn't quite unravel.

Bangkok University

By the time lunch rolled around, Nani and his friends made their way to the School canteen. As always, they headed straight to their usual spot-a table unmistakably reserved for them, the one nobody else in school dared to sit. The unspoken rule was clear: F4's favorite spot belonged solely to them.

"Nani, what do you want to eat? The usual? Or are you going to change it up today-like your playboy personality?" Groya glanced at Nani , she didn't wait for his response, spinning on her heel and heading toward the food counter. She knew full well that Nani would stick to his regular order. She just want to giving him a light scolding.

Nani took a deep breath, watching Groya walk away. Her stubborn scolding was something he get used to, but it still got to him every time. It seemed like he'd never make it to the end of this life without being scolded again and again-especially about last night.

He leaned back in his chair, letting out another sigh. "Can't you guys catch a break?" he muttered under his breath, his gaze drifting to the bustling food shop as he waited for her return.

"Nope. What you did last night deserves a smack on the head," Before Nani could react, Bright's hand came down in a playful yet firm smack on his head.

"Hey!" Nani yelped, rubbing the spot where he'd been hit. "You didn't have to actually do it!"

Bright shrugged, completely unfazed. "You brought it on yourself, man."

Nani scowled, leaning back in his chair with a groan. "Great. First Groya, now you. What's next? Dew and Win lecturing me with a PowerPoint?"

Bright chuckled as he pulled out a chair and sat down." Dew doesn't need a PowerPoint. One look from him and you'd be groveling for forgiveness."

"Forgiveness for what?!" Nani shot back, still rubbing his head. "I didn't even do anything."

Bright raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "Oh, really? Flirting with someone else right in front of Sky isn't bad? You're lucky Dew didn't turn that camera of his into a weapon."

Before Nani could fire back, a familiar voice cut through the chatter.

"Bright, don't give him too much credit. I wasn't planning to use my camera as a weapon," Dew said coolly, setting his tray of food on the table. His sharp gaze, however, landed squarely on Nani, making the latter squirm in his seat. "But I did think about it."

"Okay, enough!" Nani groaned, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "I get it. I'm the villain of the story. Everyone loves to hate Nani, the big bad playboy."

"You said it, not us," Dew deadpanned, earning a laugh from Bright and Win.

Before anyone could respond, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Sky and Prim walked beside each others, chatting animatedly. Their laughter rang light and cheerful.

Nani's eyes lit up as he saw Sky approaching. He knew Sky would be mad at him, but a part of him still wanted to check. How much had Sky gotten mad? Did this giant puppy get mad enough for him to stop following Nani around?

Nani hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously between them. Would Sky keep his distance, or would he still try to bridge the gap?

But Sky quickly grew quiet as his gaze flickered toward the group.

Just before they reached the F4's table, Sky leaned closer to Prim, saying something in a low voice. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

As Sky walked away, Nani knew completely that this time, Sky was really mad at him. There was no mistaking the way he turned his back and disappeared without a glance back. The flicker of hurt in Sky's eyes had been replaced by a hard look.

Prim stopped in her tracks, watching him go with a slight frown. She sighed before continuing to the table alone.

As she set her tray down, her sharp eyes locked onto Nani, a silent glare that spoke volumes.

"Well," Prim said, breaking the tense silence with a mocking tone. "If you were wondering whether Sky cared or not, that's your answer."

Nani let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Great. More lectures. Exactly what I needed."

Prim's gaze softened slightly, her tone losing some of its edge as she spoke. "Nani, it's not about lectures. Sky's just... hurt. And it's not going to just go away because you decide it's no big deal."

Nani clenched his jaw, frustration flaring in his eyes. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you guys this, but I don't care if he's hurt or not. Because we're not even a thing, okay?" Nani said and walk away .

As Nani walked away, the group exchanged uneasy glances, the tension lingering in the air like a thick cloud. Prim sighed, Bright was the first to break the silence.

"Well, that was dramatic. Even for Nani," he said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms.

"Dramatic or not, he's in denial," Dew replied as he sipped his drink. "He cares. He just doesn't know how to deal with it."

Prim glanced at Dew, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. He's pushing Sky away because he's scared, not because he doesn't care."

Bright raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Since when did you become Nani's therapist?"

"Someone has to be," Prim shot back. "And honestly, you guys are worse. You're either making jokes or slapping him on the head."

"Hey, I call it tough love," Bright defended, holding up his hands.

Win, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke  "We all know Nani has feelings for Sky. But we can't force him to admit it. He has to figure it out himself. "

Dew nodded in agreement.

Prim finally sighed, shaking her head as she stood up.

"I'm going to class." she announced, grabbing her bag.

As she walked away, Bright leaned toward Dew with a mischievous grin. "Five bucks says she gives Nani an earful when she finds him later."

Dew gave him a side glance, unimpressed. "That's not even a bet. We all know she will."

Evening

Nani escape to the green field at the back of University after his class end. Nani sat on one of the stone benches beneath a sprawling tree.

Why did he care so much? Why did it bother him that Sky had walked away?

"You're such an idiot," he muttered to himself, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

"Nani," a familiar voice called, cutting through his self-loathing.

He looked up to see Prim standing a few feet away, arms crossed and her expression a mix of concern and exasperation.

"Here to lecture me again?" he asked bitterly.

Prim sighed, sitting down beside him. "No. I'm here to talk. But if you want another lecture, I can arrange that."

Nani let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "I'm fine, Prim. Give me a break form those lecture things."

"Yeah, you're fine," she said sarcastically. "That's why you're sitting out here brooding like a character in a bad drama."

He shot her a glare, but she didn't back down. Instead, she softened her tone, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Nani, listen. I know what happened to you before, it is hard for you to easily let your guard down. But you can't run away forever. "

Nani looked away, his jaw tightening.

Prim insisted. "You're the one making it complicated because you're scared. And that's fine. But don't let your fear ruin something that could be good for you."

For a moment, Nani didn't respond. He stared at the ground, the weight of her words sinking in. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh.

"I don't know how to do this, Prim," he admitted quietly.

Prim smiled, squeezing his shoulder. "You start by being honest-with yourself and with him. The rest will follow."

With that, she stood up, giving him a pointed look before walking away. Nani watched her go, her words echoing in his mind.

Honesty.

Could he really do that?