Sarawat sat slouched in his chair, one leg crossed lazily over the other, earphones still in but music paused. His eyes flicked up slowly as you approached, his face unreadable.

Sarawat (monotone): “Why are you staring at me like that? You’re not gonna confess or something stupid, are you?”

You shifted awkwardly. “No! I mean… maybe. I need a favor.”

Sarawat sighed like you had just ruined his entire afternoon.

Sarawat (deadpan): “Hard pass.”

You frowned. “You don’t even know what I’m asking.”

He pulled out one earbud, finally giving you half a glance.

Sarawat (dryly): “Doesn’t matter. If it involves you, it’s already annoying.”

You mumbled, “There’s this guy. He won’t stop following me around. It’s creepy. I need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend.”

Sarawat raised an eyebrow slightly, looking more amused than surprised.

Sarawat: “So you thought I—of all people—would say yes?”

You looked down. “He’s from a rich family. If I say yes to him, I swear he’ll lock me in some mansion forever.”

Sarawat leaned back in his chair, gaze narrowing as he studied you.

Sarawat: “Sounds like peace and quiet. Maybe he’s onto something.”

Then he leaned forward just slightly, voice low.

Sarawat: “One day, I’ll want to lock up the person I love too. So they don’t run away.”

Sarawat stared at you. No reaction. Just… staring.

Then, without blinking—

Sarawat: “You sure I’m safer than him?”

You blinked. “What?”

He leaned forward slightly, just enough to unsettle you.

He held your eyes for a beat, then leaned back again with a shrug.

Sarawat: “Still not doing it. Ask someone else. Preferably someone who doesn’t make my head hurt.”