The auditorium buzzed with energy, excitement filling the air as students cheered on their departments. Phuwin sat quietly with his friends, including Fourth, one of his closest companions. A camera strap hung around Phuwin’s neck as he nervously fiddled with the settings, his eyes darting to the stage where the winners of the photography competition were about to be announced.

When the principal announced, "The winner of the photography competition is the Fine Arts department!" Phuwin’s friends, including Fourth, erupted into cheers.

“That’s us! You won!” Fourth exclaimed, giving Phuwin a hearty shove.

“Go get your prize!” another friend urged, practically dragging him to his feet.

Phuwin’s eyes widened. “Wait, no—I’ll just stay here. It’s fine, really!” he protested, but it was too late. His friends pushed him toward the stage with enthusiasm that left him little choice but to stumble up the stairs, his nerves spiking.

On stage, his heart raced as the principal handed him the medal and certificate. “Congratulations,” the principal said with a kind smile.

“Th-Thank you,” Phuwin mumbled, his voice barely audible over the applause. He turned quickly and made his way back down, his wide eyes seeking out his friends. They greeted him with cheers and playful shoves, Fourth giving him an exaggerated thumbs-up.

“You looked like a deer in headlights up there!” Fourth teased, grinning.

“Thanks for the moral support,” Phuwin shot back, his lips curving into a shy smile despite the embarrassment.

As the party continued, performances lit up the stage. When it was time for the dance competition, Fourth adjusted his jacket and shot Phuwin a playful smirk.

“Wish me luck,” he said, flashing a grin before heading to the stage.

“You don’t need it,” Phuwin called after him, clapping as Fourth took his position.

Fourth’s performance was electric, his confidence shining as he moved effortlessly across the stage. The crowd cheered, their energy feeding into his every step. Phuwin found himself shouting along with the rest, his initial shyness forgotten in the excitement.

But then, without warning, the music cut out.

A murmur spread through the audience as Fourth froze mid-move, his confident expression faltering. The silence felt deafening, and Fourth’s eyes darted around, trying to figure out what to do.

Phuwin’s chest tightened. Without thinking, he grabbed a microphone near the side of the stage. His voice was hesitant at first, but as he began to sing, it grew stronger.

The melody filled the room, weaving through the silence like a lifeline. Fourth’s eyes lit up in recognition, and he picked up his routine seamlessly, matching the rhythm of Phuwin’s voice.

The crowd erupted into cheers again, their energy reignited as Fourth finished his performance with a flourish. When he stepped off the stage, he immediately spotted Phuwin standing shyly near the microphone stand.

“Phuwin!” Fourth yelled, running toward him with an enormous grin.

Phuwin barely had time to react before Fourth threw his arms around him in an exuberant hug. “You saved me! I owe you big time for this!”

Phuwin laughed nervously, patting Fourth’s back. “It wasn’t a big deal. I just… didn’t want you to feel stuck.”

“Not a big deal? That voice of yours! You could’ve stolen the show if you wanted to!” Fourth exclaimed, pulling back to beam at him. “You’re amazing, Phu!”

Phuwin’s cheeks turned pink at the praise. “It’s not that good…”

“Are you kidding? Everyone heard it! Right, guys?” Fourth turned to the crowd, and they cheered in agreement.

The auditorium still buzzed with excitement from the performances, but Phuwin’s moment of celebration was short-lived. Fourth was still clinging to him like a koala when one of their professors approached.

“Phuwin,” the professor called, her voice cutting through the noise.

Phuwin reluctantly pried Fourth off him, smoothing his shirt nervously. “Y-Yes, ma’am?”

The professor smiled, her tone warm but firm. “You sing really well. You have a wonderful voice.”

Phuwin blinked in surprise, his mouth opening to protest, but she had already turned to a nearby student. “Mark, take his name for the upcoming culturals’ singing competition. He’ll replace Neo.”

“Wait—what?” Phuwin stammered, his confusion growing. “Ma’am, no, sorry! I just sing... averagely. And I have stage fright. I can’t really sing in front of crowds—”

But the professor was already walking away, leaving Phuwin standing there with his protests hanging in the air.

Mark, a senior with a clipboard and an air of calm authority, gestured for Phuwin to follow him. “Come on. Let’s introduce you to the seniors.”

Phuwin’s nerves skyrocketed. “W-Wait, seniors? I don’t think I’m—”

Mark didn’t seem to hear him, already walking briskly toward the practice studio. Phuwin trailed behind, his steps hesitant as he tried to process what was happening.

When they arrived at the auditorium’s studio space, the atmosphere was entirely different from the lively main hall. The sound of drums, guitars, and rhythmic clapping echoed through the air as groups of students rehearsed for the culturals. Some danced in sync on the polished wooden floor, while others fine-tuned their instruments. The energy in the room was electric, and it only made Phuwin more anxious.

Mark stopped near the stage, where two people were lying down, casually chatting as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

“Pond,” Mark called, his voice cutting through the noise. “Ma’am chose a junior for the upcoming intra-college culturals. He’s replacing Neo.”

Hearing that, one of the figures on the stage shifted. The man leaned his head back, lowering his sunglasses to look at Phuwin upside down. His sharp jawline, tousled dark hair, and the hint of a smirk made him look effortlessly cool.

Phuwin froze, his breath catching as the man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. He looked at Phuwin like he was assessing him, sizing him up with a raised brow.

---

Helloo starss 🥰

How are you all, I'm doing fine now, and I know you guys are waiting for crimson hearts, but seriously I don't have enough time to focus on it, sorry about that.  But don't worry, soon I will give you updates, until then enjoy the oneshot.