Chapter 11: The RealisationIn the days that followed, something shifted between them. The playful banter was still there, but so was something deeper—something neither of them dared to name.One evening, as they walked along the campus grounds, Kit spoke up. "You've been quiet lately."Than shrugged. "Just thinking.""Dangerous," Kit teased, but his tone was gentle.They stopped by the fountain, the water glimmering under the soft glow of campus lights. Than took a deep breath. "I don't know what this is."Kit's expression softened. "Does it matter?"Than hesitated. "Maybe."Kit stepped closer, their faces inches apart. "I like you, Than. Not just for the fun stuff. All of it."Than's heart raced. He wanted to say it back, but fear held him back."You don't have to say anything," Kit said quietly. "Just... don't run from it."Than nodded, the weight on his chest lifting just slightly.That night, lying side by side in Kit's dorm room, Than found himself tracing patterns on Kit's arm. The quiet intimacy spoke louder than any words."You're annoying," Than murmured.Kit grinned. "And you're terrible at compliments."Than rolled his eyes but didn't pull away. For the first time in a long while, he felt... okay.