The café buzzed with soft chatter and the comforting clinking of dishes, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Outside, the sun cast a warm glow, but inside, Alex was comfortably enveloped in a cocoon of familiarity. He leaned back in his chair, his indifference evident as he took another leisurely sip of his coffee. Meanwhile, Kevin was practically vibrating with energy, his enthusiasm spilling over as he engaged the waitstaff with jokes.

"So, what's up with you and Wiyan last night?" Kevin asked, finally leaning forward, a mischievous grin dancing on his lips as he set his iced tea down. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, knowing he was poking a bear.

Alex's expression darkened slightly at the mention of Wiyan. Seriously? This again? He took a moment to enjoy the silence, staring out the window as if it held the answers he needed. After a deep breath, he muttered, "Wiyan was different."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor shifting to genuine curiosity. "Oh? Tell me more. What did he do this time?"

Alex sighed, trying to articulate his thoughts. "It's not just what he did. It's the whole vibe he gives off. He's so... extra. Like he's always trying to steal the spotlight. Last night, he was all over the place, trying to draw attention to himself." He paused, searching for the right words. "I mean, who stares at someone like that unless they're trying to provoke a reaction? It's like he's an attention seeker."

Kevin chuckled, clearly amused. "Attention seeker? Really? You sound like you're in high school again, bro."

"I'm serious!" Alex shot back, irritation bubbling up. "It's annoying. I don't mind people being lively or whatever, but there's a line. Wiyan crossed it when he started directing questions at me like I'm some kind of freak show. I just wanted to enjoy the stream, and he made it all about him!"

Kevin shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "I get that. But maybe it's not all about you. Some people just want to connect, and maybe he sees you as this interesting guy. You know, a challenge." He smiled, clearly enjoying this back-and-forth

Suddenly, Kevin raised an eyebrow, leaning in even closer, a smirk stretching across his face. " But Different how?" He already had a hunch but loved the anticipation of drawing Alex out.

Alex rolled his eyes and shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. "Like... I don't know... He kept staring at me, like I had something on my face or something," he said, his tone barely masking his irritation.

Kevin chuckled, reveling in Alex's annoyance. "You're telling me that a cute guy like Wiyan looking at you is weird? Really?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, clearly enjoying this line of conversation.

"Not just looking," Alex replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It was like he was trying to figure me out or something. It was annoying as hell. And the way he spoke to me? Ugh, super irritating." He shook his head, reliving the uncomfortable moments from the night before.

Kevin leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a teasing grin. "I think you're overthinking it, man. Wiyan's harmless. He's just awkward. I mean, that's part of his charm, right?" He couldn't help but lean in closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or maybe he's into you. Ever think about that?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched across his features. "Into me? Seriously?" He almost laughed at the absurdity of it.

"Why not? You're a catch, bro," Kevin said, feigning a dramatic swoon. "I'm just saying, it's not crazy to think someone like Wiyan might have a crush on you."

Alex leaned back, crossing his arms defensively. "Yeah, well, it didn't feel like a crush. It felt more like he was trying to get under my skin."

Kevin shrugged, unfazed. "Maybe that's his way of flirting. Nerds are weird like that, right? Long hair, glasses, shy... not exactly 'your type,' though, huh?"

Alex shot him a look. "I don't care about looks, Kev. That's not the issue." He felt a twinge of annoyance, but Kevin's grin was contagious, and he couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

"Sure, sure," Kevin replied, nodding along, his tone teasing. "But think about it. If he's into you, it wouldn't be hard for you to handle, right? You could charm him right back."

"Handle? What are you trying to say?" Alex asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Just messing with you, bro! But hey, maybe a guy like him could be good for you. Someone less complicated, y'know?" Kevin leaned back, arms crossed, a satisfied grin plastered on his face.

Alex snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "Good for me? Now you sound like you're trying to set me up with him."

"Why not?" Kevin shot back, raising his eyebrows playfully. "Sometimes the best relationships come from unexpected places. Opposites attract, right?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "You seriously think I'd 'hit it off' with someone like Wiyan?"

"Hey, stranger things have happened," Kevin replied, still grinning. "And he's harmless, bro. It'd be easy, no drama. You like easy, right?"

"Easy? It's not about 'easy,' Kev. The guy just bugs me. I don't need that kind of hassle." Alex rolled his eyes, leaning back as if the topic was exhausting.

Kevin leaned in, his playful demeanor shifting slightly. "Fair enough, but don't close yourself off too soon. Sometimes the people who get under our skin are the ones we end up needing the most."

Alex sighed, shaking his head. "You really believe that?"

"Who knows?" Kevin shrugged again, still wearing that damn grin. "Keep an open mind, though. You never know where it'll take you."

As they continued their lunch, Alex found himself slipping back into thoughts about Wiyan. The way he had stared, the relentless questions, the playful banter—it all rubbed him the wrong way. Yet, beneath his irritation, a flicker of curiosity remained. What was Wiyan's deal? Was he really just awkward, or was there something more?

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics—plans for the weekend, Kevin's latest escapades with his girlfriend—Alex's mind drifted back to Wiyan again and again. He tried to push the thoughts away, but the tension from the live stream nagged at him, like an itch he couldn't scratch.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Kevin asked suddenly, catching Alex in his reverie.

"Nothing," Alex replied, shrugging.

Kevin leaned forward, scrutinizing him. "Liar. You've got that look. What's bothering you?"

Alex sighed, rolling his eyes again. "It's just... Wiyan. He's too much, you know? Like he has something to prove. I don't like that."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued now. "What do you mean?"

"Like he's trying too hard to be liked or something. It feels forced," Alex explained, frustration creeping into his voice. "And I don't trust people who put on a show."

Kevin tilted his head, considering Alex's words. "You know, not everyone is like you. Some people genuinely want to connect, even if they come off as awkward. Wiyan might just be trying to figure you out, get to know you better."

"Or he's just a drama king trying to get attention," Alex replied, his voice heavy with skepticism.

"Maybe," Kevin admitted, "but isn't that what makes him interesting? Sometimes you gotta take a chance. What if you miss out on something good just because you don't like his style?"

"Not interested in his style, Kev. Just... ugh, I hate this," Alex muttered, running a hand through his hair, clearly flustered.

"Hey, it's okay to be annoyed. Just don't dismiss him outright. You might find out he's more than just a quirky nerd." Kevin's tone was softer now, almost encouraging.

Alex took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease just a little. "Yeah, maybe. But I don't want to get roped into some drama." He looked out the window, watching people pass by, trying to find clarity in the chaos.

As the conversation drifted, Alex felt a strange mix of emotions—irritation, curiosity, and an unshakeable feeling that Wiyan was going to pop up again, whether he liked it or not.

Kevin finished his iced tea and leaned back, stretching his arms overhead. "Alright, let's change the subject before I have to start talking you into dating Wiyan. What's the plan for the rest of the day?"

"Just heading home. Gonna hit the gym later," Alex replied, trying to shake off the earlier conversation.

"Cool, cool. I might join you for a workout, you know. I need to keep up my game!" Kevin laughed, clearly in a good mood.

"Yeah, I guess," Alex said, his mind still wandering back to Wiyan, the questions lingering like shadows. What was it about him that was so irritating, yet so compelling?

As their lunch came to an end and they headed out of the café, Alex felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. Yet, even with the bright day, he couldn't shake the underlying tension. He still wasn't sure how he felt about Wiyan, but one thing was certain—this wasn't over. And the more he tried to dismiss it, the more he realized he was probably going to have to confront it eventually.

"Hey, let's go grab some ice cream," Kevin suggested, pulling Alex from his thoughts. "You need to lighten up, buddy."

Alex chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "Sure, why not?" He followed Kevin down the street, the thought of ice cream a welcome reprieve from his swirling thoughts about Wiyan. But deep down, he knew this wouldn't be the last time he thought about him.

As they walked, he couldn't help but feel that this unexpected annoyance might just turn into something more—whether he wanted it or not. And for the first time, he was curious about what that might mean for him.