double take
a zeenunew one-shot
fluff ; popular x shy type ; orgmates ; secret admirer
Disclaimer: If the story seems familiar, I have already published it on another platform.
Boy, you got me hooked onto something
Who could say that they saw us coming?
Tell me
Do you feel the love?
Nunew has always been invisible. Well, he thought he was.
Nunew was just a simple freshman wanting to survive high school. Until he saw him. Zee Pruk Panich.
The first time he saw him, it wasn’t that special. There was no doubt that Zee is handsome, wearing that blue jersey with the number 18 and shooting three-point shots. But, Nunew just found him attractive. It wasn’t all butterflies and sparks.
But then, Zee was so much more than a basketball player.
Apart from being the captain of the basketball team, he was running to be the batch valedictorian. He received multiple awards in debate contests and quiz bees. He was a very active organization member, being the team lead for most school events.
However, above all those achievements, what Nunew really fell for was his kindness.
You see, life sucks when you’re a freshman. Being an introvert, Nunew always struggled to build connections with others. He is very shy, timid, and all awkward. Fortunately, he gets by. He met Nat, the only person he managed to make friends with. But Nat was a social butterfly. He joined multiple clubs and organizations, barely having any free time, and left Nunew studying alone most of the time.
So when one afternoon, on a gazebo, Nunew was struggling to open his laptop, he felt like crying. Nat was super busy, so he didn’t want to bother him, but he had no one else. He was not very good with technology stuff, so he felt helpless. He tried watching tutorials online, but he doesn’t understand any of it. He has an assignment due on the same day, so he really needs this dang laptop to work.
At some point, he wanted to give up and just accept that he’s gonna fail that assignment. When someone spoke beside him.
“Do you need help with your laptop?”
Holy crap. It was Zee Pruk Panich. All handsome with his glasses and white buttoned shirt.
He probably stared at him way too long, so Zee had to repeat his question.
“Hey, do you need help? I can help you if you want.”
Sweet heavens. He was so thoughtful. I wanna squeal so bad, but it would probably scare him. I need to answer him now, or else I’m gonna look like a complete idiot in front of him.
“Uh, yeah. If it’s okay. I just can’t seem to open my laptop.”
“Hey, it’s okay, don’t cry. I’ll fix it for you.”
Nunew didn’t even notice that tears were now shedding from his eyes. Well, he’s breaking down, okay. No amount of Zee Pruk handsomeness can take that away.
Like what Zee said, he fixed Nunew’s laptop with ease. And that was the day that Nunew had a big fat crush on Zee Pruk Panich.
But, come on, everyone has a big fat crush on Zee. Nunew knows he’s not that special. That encounter in the gazebo was a one-time thing. Zee couldn’t possibly notice him when he was just an invisible freshman, while Zee is the triple-threat junior. So Nunew just admired him from afar.
He watched every basketball game, every debate contest, every quiz bee, every event Zee organized. Like Nat, he became a very active organization member. He wanted to be in the same room as Zee, but he wouldn’t dare get close to him. Most often, he stayed in the shadows, helping with minimal tasks.
A school year went by, and it stayed like that.
Now a sophomore, he became much open than before. He was now comfortable making conversation with other members. However, he still wouldn’t dare talk to his crush. Seeing Zee in his element was more than enough for Nunew.
So imagine his surprise when Zee asked him to prom one evening.
It was the day of the Valentine’s event. This year, he was assigned to the decorations team. Most of the decor was already finished the day before, but they still had to hang it up.
He came to school super early; in fact, he was the first one to arrive in the event hall. He doesn’t have anything else to do, so he decided to start hanging up the decor. He assembled the ladder and started hanging up the hearts and cartoon cupids.
Suddenly, the door opened. Still up the ladder, he turned to the door and saw his valentine. Oh how he wished he were his valentine. But the awkward guy that he is, he just smiled weirdly before breaking eye contact.
“Hi, you’re here early.”
Nunew panicked at that moment. He didn’t know what to say. He just wanted to scream and run away. But again, the rational side of him doesn’t want to look stupid in front of his crush. He composed himself and managed to reply.
“Hi, I honestly didn’t think I would be the first one to arrive. Anyway, I just wanted to start the decorations early.”
“Okay, I’ll help you.”
For about an hour, it was just the two of them. They hung the decor one by one, and Zee kept their conversations light. It was mainly Zee asking questions and Nunew replying to the best of his abilities, without looking like he wanted to fanboy and scream so hard.
Of course, their date (yes, Nunew considers this a date) would have to end. Soon after, other members start arriving. When Nat arrived, he immediately pulled Nunew away from Zee, asking for help with the event script. His best friend seems to be oblivious to the fact that Nunew’s with his crush. Blame the pressure of the event.
He helped Nat with revising the script. Sometimes he would look over where Zee was, and surprisingly, Zee was also looking at him. Nunew breaks eye contact right away and tries to hide his blush.
A few hours passed by, and lunch came. Nunew felt very hungry, given the fact that he barely ate breakfast, but he didn’t want to break Nat’s focus as he was in his momentum right now. However, the growl in Nunew’s stomach is begging for food.
For some reason, like an angel, Zee announced that he would buy lunch for everybody.
“Hey everyone, it’s lunch break already. I know everyone’s focused and busy right now, so I will just buy lunch for all of us.”
Everyone applauded. The ever-handsome Zee just became more charming for everyone, including Nunew.
“Nunew, do you want to come with me? You deserve a break, you’ve been working all morning.”
World pause. Nunew couldn’t believe what Zee said. He wanted to pinch his arm or slap his face to test if this was just a dream. The possible close proximity is something that Nunew couldn’t handle. He wanted to say no.
But then his stomach growled. Of course, Zee heard it; he even chuckled as Nunew blushed from embarrassment due to his stomach noises.
“Okay. I’ll help you.”
Both of them walked towards the cafeteria. Nunew’s heart was pounding very loudly. He might hyperventilate at any point.
They arrived at a concessionaire, and Zee ordered their meals.
“Auntie said that the meals will be ready within 15 minutes. How about we sit down first?”
“Sure.”
They sat down and once again, Zee initiated the conversation. They talked about the most random things.
Suddenly, something caught Zee’s attention.
“Nunew, can you wait here for a while? I will just buy something.”
“Okay. I’ll wait here.”
A few minutes later, Zee came back. He was holding a heart-shaped red box.
Nunew thought it was a valentine gift for Zee’s special someone. Of course, he has someone. With his looks, intelligence, athleticism, and personality, he is absolutely taken.
A small pang hit Nunew’s heart. He tries to convince himself that Zee was just a happy crush. He is just someone meant to be admired from afar.
Nunew was looking down, fiddling with his fingers, when Zee suddenly spoke.
“Here, Nunew.”
Nunew looked up and saw the heart-shaped box gestured towards him. He was so confused.
“Uh, what is this, Zee?”
“It’s a box of chocolates.”
Nunew can’t hide his confusion.
“For me?”
“Yeah, for you.”
“But, why?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day, remember.”
“I know, but why are you giving it to me? Shouldn’t you be giving it to your partner?”
“I don’t have a partner. Well, at least not yet. I still don’t have the courage to confess to him. Anyways, that’s not the point. I just want to give you chocolates. You deserve a special treat.”
That’s a lot of information to process, Nunew thought. But at this time, he convinced himself to stop the overthinking first and be grateful for the sweet gesture.
He took the box and said his thanks.
“Thank you, Zee. I’m really grateful for this.”
He opened the box and saw pieces of white chocolate molded into bears and hearts.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it so much. White chocolate is my favorite! Thank you!”
Nunew can’t hide the huge grin and the blush on his face. He felt so happy to receive a valentine gift from Zee. If he could, he would’ve kept the chocolates forever. But, he is a foodholic. He can’t resist eating sweets.
Soon after, the auntie called them as the packed meals were ready. Nunew tried to carry one of the bags, but Zee wouldn’t let him.
“It’s fine, Nunew. I can carry them.”
Still, Nunew felt very conflicted about not helping.
“But, didn’t I come with you so I could help carry all the meals? Give me one bag.”
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“I asked you to come with me because you deserve a break. You’ve been working nonstop since you arrived.”
Nunew did not know how to reply. Zee smirked at his silence and began walking towards the event hall. Nunew just stayed quiet and followed him, clutching the heart-shaped box in his arms.
The day went by, and the event started. Both Zee and Nunew were busy doing their respective duties. Fortunately, the event was successful. Everyone had a great time. Waking up early feels worth it for Nunew.
“Good job, everyone! Thank you so much for all your efforts to make the event successful. As the team lead, I feel very lucky to have all of you help me. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night and take care on your way home.”
Zee said as he expressed his gratitude.
Cheers were heard everywhere. Everyone chattered and made plans with one another. Nunew wanted to go home already; his social battery is almost out. But he needs to start taking down the decor so that it won’t be much of a hassle the next day.
“Jelly, are you not yet going home?”
Nat asked Nunew.
“Not yet. I think I have to start bringing the decor down. I don’t want to wake up super early again tomorrow.”
“I wish I could help, Jelly. But we have a family dinner. My parents will kill me if I come home late.”
“It’s okay, Jelly. I can handle this. Take care on your way home.”
“Okay, stay safe. Call me once you arrive at your dorm, okay?”
“Okay, Jelly. Take care.”
After Nat left, Nunew took the ladder and started bringing down the hanging hearts and cupids. He honestly thought that everybody had already left, so he was startled when he heard a voice.
“Why are you still here?”
It was Zee. Nunew wondered why he kept running into his crush. Was this a valentines thing?
“I have to take this down. It would be such a hassle to leave all this for tomorrow.”
“Okay, I’ll help you so we can go home already.”
“You don’t have to. I can handle this. You can go home already.”
Nunew felt bad if he let Zee stay longer just because of the decorations.
“Nonsense. I can’t let you do all this alone.”
Right, Zee was kind like that, Nunew thought. He was such a great team leader and very considerate to his members. Nunew just let him be, he wouldn’t want to argue anymore.
Together, they removed the hanging decorations. Since it was a two-man effort, it didn’t take long.
“I think this is enough for now. There are only a few pieces left that the others can disassemble tomorrow. You can go home now, Zee.”
“Okay. Come on, I’ll take you home.”
Nunew paused.
“What?”
“I’ll take you home. It’s already dark, so it isn’t safe to walk alone.”
Why is Zee so kind? So considerate? So boyfriend-coded? How can Nunew prevent himself from falling deeper?
“I don’t want to be a hassle.”
“You aren’t. Come now, so you can rest already.”
Zee and Nunew walked side by side in silence. But for the first time today, Nunew didn’t feel awkward or anxious to be with the person he liked. The silence just felt comfortable.
Nunew’s dorm isn’t that far from the university. Not long after, they arrived in front of his dorm.
“This is my dorm. Thank you for taking me home, Zee.”
Nunew widely smiled. He felt very lucky to spend this day with the person he had admired for so long. This one day was enough to keep him happy.
Nunew thought that Zee would immediately leave. But then, Zee walked towards him.
“Nunew, I have something to ask you.”
Nunew felt his heart stop. He didn’t know why.
“What is it?”
“Will you go to prom with me?”
Nunew froze. He physically blinked about ten times, not being able to process what Zee said. Is Zee really asking him to the prom?
“What?”
“To be honest, Nunew, since I saw you in that gazebo trying not to cry, I found you cute. Actually, no, I found you beautiful. I just can’t take my eyes off you. I tried to shrug it off. I’m a busy man, I can’t afford to have a crush.”
“But then, I started seeing you everywhere. To my every basketball game, every debate contest, every quiz bee. Then, you became part of our club. You were so helpful, always taking initiative and helping out as much as you can. How can I not fall for you? How can I not fall for your kindness? Your genuineness? Your cute habits?”
“I’m a busy man, Nunew. But you were a breath of fresh air. So I want to try. I want to try seeking my happiness now. And that is you, Nunew.”
Nunew was speechless. He was so busy trying to be in the shadows and looking from afar that he hadn’t noticed that someone was also looking at him.
Nunew thought he was invisible. How was Zee able to see him?
Before you knew it, tears dropped from Nunew’s eyes.
Zee was quick to wipe it off and cupped his cheek.
“Don’t cry. You’re still beautiful even if you do, but I want you to always have a smile on your face.”
Nunew smiled.
“I just can’t believe that you were looking at me. I always thought I wasn’t worthy of being close to you, so I just admired you from afar. You were like a star, something I can admire but can never really touch. Knowing that you were also looking at me just feels like a dream. How were you able to see me?”
“How can I not? You’re dazzling every time I see you. If you thought I was a star, I thought you were sunshine. Something so bright, something I’m so scared to touch. But now, I’m not scared anymore. I want to be with you. Be with my sunshine.”
Nunew just cried even harder. He threw his arms around Zee’s waist and hugged him tight.
“So, will you go to prom with me?”
Both of them laughed at the question. Nunew said his reply while still hugging Zee.
“Of course, my star.”
Upon hearing his answer, Zee hugged him tighter, if that was even possible.
“Thank you, my sunshine.”
A few months after
Nunew frantically ran towards the event hall. He was late. He can’t believe that of all the days that he forgot to set an alarm, the universe chose today.
He arrived in front of the event hall. Luckily, it seems like the graduation ceremony hasn’t started yet, given the number of students still taking their pictures outside.
While catching his breath, he looked for one person.
“Sunshine!”
Nunew heard someone shout behind him. He turned around. And then he saw the love of his life. Zee Pruk Panich.
He immediately ran towards him and embraced his partner.
“I’m sorry I’m late! I don’t know why I forgot to set an alarm last night.”
Nunew separated from the hug and pouted his disappointment. Of course, Zee found it endearing.
Zee chuckled and ruffled his partner’s hair.
“It’s okay, sunshine. You still made it.”
They smiled at one another. After a thousand sorrys and a thousand it’s okays, they took pictures with the help of Nat. Shortly after, the graduation ceremony started.
Nunew sat with Nat at the back of the hall. He kept taking pictures of Zee with his phone. Until the batch valedictorian speech was about to start.
Zee walked towards the stage, head held up high. He walked with confidence, and Nunew just fell in love all over again.
Zee began his speech. He started by greeting and thanking everyone. Then proceeded to share some inspirational words with his fellow batchmates. Nunew was smiling so wide with every word Zee uttered. He felt very proud.
Then, at the end of his speech, Zee said something that made Nunew’s heart beat so loudly.
“Before I end this speech, I want to say thank you to a very special person in my life. I always thought that I was just meant to do my best in everything I do. I worked hard for every exam, every game, every contest, every event. At some point, I felt like a robot, programmed to just do what I had to do. Then, I saw him. My ray of sunshine, Nunew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong. Thank you for making my world brighter every single day. I am proud to stand on this stage and say that I love you so much.”
Nunew knows tears are now dropping from his eyes.
Their relationship, nobody saw it coming. Not even Nunew himself.
From the moment that they walked on campus while holding hands, he saw a lot of people doing a double-take.
At first, Nunew felt very conscious of the stares and the whispers.
But then, Zee would squeeze his hand, peck his cheek, and call him sunshine every single time. Everybody fades at that moment.
In the midst of the crowds, Zee can only see Nunew, his sunshine.
So now, Nunew can only see Zee, his star.
The End.
