Lately, It's Winter Season.
Chapter 35- ..You idiot!
At around 2 pm, the road near the university was quite crowded. I was riding my motorbike to school as usual when suddenly a car changed lanes and cut in front of me. I didn’t have time to brake or avoid it, so I crashed into the back of the vehicle and fell onto the road.
When I regained consciousness, I saw someone helping me to my feet. My left arm and leg were burning from the scratches. Before I could even come to my senses, the car owner rushed over and scolded me:
"Why are you driving so carelessly?!"
I took off my helmet. Luckily, my head was not hit. Then I checked my body for injuries, looking down to see that my left pant leg was torn from the thigh due to the strong friction. Next, I turned to check my motorbike to see if it was badly damaged. When I saw its condition, I could only sigh at the thought of the repair costs.
Turning back, I saw that she was even angrier when she realised I wasn't paying attention to her. People around also tried to stop her, but it was useless because she was too hot-tempered.
“Pay the compensation! Oh my, people are in a hurry, and kids nowadays drive around without paying attention.”
“You were the one who cut me off first,” I replied, starting to get annoyed when I saw my car was destroyed. It was clearly wrong, and I even cursed at others, “You can check the surveillance cameras. There are cameras in this area.”
But my words only seemed to irritate her more. We argued back and forth for a while in front of a large audience. I did not give in, she did not give in, and suddenly she took out her phone, muttering that she would call her husband. She also threatened that I would be expelled from the department.
…Wait. What? Why am I being expelled just because a lady in a car cut me off? “Fuck.” I cursed. She glared at me, pointed at me, and continued to scold me. But I didn’t care anymore. What I cared about was whether her husband really had power or not. If she were just bluffing, it would be fine, but if it was true… then I was screwed.
“Call me, what are you afraid of?” I sneered. Not only was she wrong, but she also turned the situation around, and even scolded my mother, saying that my parents didn’t know how to raise their children, didn’t respect adults, and even insulted my parents. She wanted me to respect her like that? I really wanted to punch someone!
“Okay, just wait,”
I call Tiger.
(What's wrong?)
“Are you studying?”
(Yes, studying.)
“I'm in a bit of trouble… Hey, can you help me out?”
(What?) His voice suddenly became more serious.
“A car suddenly changed lanes and cut me off. I couldn’t avoid it in time and crashed into it.” I recounted. He listened quietly, “The owner of the car was a nasty woman who scolded me to no end, even scolded my mother. Said she would sue me and kick me out of the department. She said her husband had a lot of power.”
(What about you? Are you hurt anywhere?)
“My hands were scratched, and my pants were torn. I also had to stand here and get scolded for ten minutes. Think about it!”
(I'm coming. Where are you?)
I reported my location, and not long after, Tiger arrived. He looked very hurried. As soon as he arrived, he immediately checked to see where I was injured. Meanwhile, I continued to complain:
“She just got out of the car and started scolding me. Actually, just turn on the camera and you will know who is wrong. Even Vin Diesel couldn’t avoid cutting her off like that!” I was upset. Tiger listened while checking the wound, “She kept scolding me, not listening to anyone. I tried my best to stay calm, but she also insulted my parents.”
Tiger said nothing, just frowned tighter.
“She also said that her husband has great power and can sue my family for bankruptcy and kick me out of the department. At first, I thought she was just bragging, but looking at the car she drives, it might be true. And why doesn’t she buy insurance for such an expensive car?”
Tiger took off his jacket and tied it around my waist.
“What are you doing?”
“Your pants are torn. People can see your legs.”
“I don't mind showing my legs, I just mind torn pants.” I said softly, “…But, uh, thanks.”
“Get in that black car.” Tiger pointed, “They will take you to the hospital to clean your wound. I’ll take care of this place.”
“Huh? But my bike is still here. Is it okay if I don't stay?”
"It's OK."
The other person raised his hand to pat my head, smiling sweetly. Two men in black, looking scary, walked over, preparing to take me to the car.
When I got to the hospital to get my wound bandaged, I realised that these two people were treating me so politely that it made me nervous. They got out of the car to open the door for me, bowed slightly, and called me:
"Sister-in-law."
Yes… sister-in-law. This time I heard it clearly.
“Um… can I ask, why are you calling me sister-in-law?” I couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity. They even helped me sit in a wheelchair. Actually, there was no need to go that far; I only had scratches. Do I need to be taken to the hospital?
“It's your order, Tiger.”
“Ah… er… can we not call it that?”
“Anyone who does not call Duen Nao sister-in-law will be considered disobedient.”
“…Ah, yes.” I couldn’t tell them to disobey. This was mafia-level, and disobeying orders was no small matter. The one to blame was the guy who gave the orders. What the hell kind of order did he choose? I had to speak with him and cancel it immediately. What sister-in-law? You stupid buffalo!
After the bandages were done, I was taken to the VIP ward even though I had made it clear that I wanted to go back to the dormitory. But of course, this was an order from 'Mr. Tiger'. So I had to sit in a luxurious ward of a high-class hospital, bored beyond words.
Next to me was Tiger's jacket, the one he had taken out to tie around my waist earlier. I instinctively reached out to pick it up.
…He took it off without thinking. Because he didn't want anyone to see my legs?
Funny, why do men have to cover their legs? I smiled unconsciously. What a worrier!
Thinking back, I realised that even if that auntie didn't use her husband as an excuse, I would still call Tiger. It may be because of habit. We've been together for a long time. Whenever I'm in trouble, the first person I think of is him. Whether he can help or not, as long as I tell him first, I'll feel more secure.
Tiger has been pursuing me for almost two months. After making a big move by putting our pictures on the movie poster as the main actors, he hasn’t done anything extravagant anymore. Of course, I wasn’t being complacent. I asked North to investigate on my behalf. Honestly, I’ve accepted my fate. I don’t intend to stop him anymore; I just want to know in advance so I can be mentally prepared.
Did all that extravagance help him score points? Hmm, no. He almost lost points, you idiot! The only plus he had was his persistence.
I never told him about my feelings. Partly because he never asked, partly because I was shy. If he didn't ask, I didn't have to tell him, right? Should I just say: “Hey Ger, I think I'm starting to have feelings for you.” Sounds so cheesy.
Last month, he began learning to cook seriously, asking to be my mother's disciple. The reason? “The food around school doesn’t suit his taste. I want him to eat well and eat his mother’s cooking regularly because he will definitely miss home-cooked meals.”
At first, his cooking skills were quite poor, but he improved steadily. Sometimes, when he ate, it felt like his mother was cooking for him. This really impressed me. But honestly, just seeing him wake up early every day to cook made me happy.
Before school, he cooked breakfast for me. He prepared my clothes, books, and checked to see if I had all my school supplies. He took me to school, and sometimes even picked me up, even though our schedules didn’t match very well.
On Wednesdays, my schedule is so packed that I don’t have time for lunch. But I always have milk and snacks in my bag, along with a note with a cute message: 'Study hard.' 'Remember to eat everything.'
The snacks also change constantly, so I don't get bored. Strangely enough, there's nothing I don't like. It's like Tiger knows me down to the last detail. I told you, I like simple things like this.
I hadn’t waited in the room long when Tiger came to pick me up and take me back to the dormitory. He said everything was taken care of and there was no need to worry. My motorbike was also being repaired, and while it was being repaired, he would find another one for me to borrow.
“Are you going to continue studying?” I asked. Normally, he would have skipped school during this break. Before, he always skipped class to find me.
“Can you live alone?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Then you just sit there and play your game, don't go anywhere. Just half an hour, I'll be right back.”
“I thought you skipped school again.” I teased him.
“Or do you want me to stay?”
“No, no. Go to school, school is good.”
“Well, you said you like someone who studies hard.”
“…Oh, okay. Be careful.”
“Yeah, call me if anything happens.”
"YES."
After the door closed, I immediately took out my phone, opened the message and texted Nuea.
Dn: Nuea.
Dn: Is there anyone who can remember everything about themselves?
Dan: What's wrong?
Dan: What does Tiger remember?
Dn: Before, he often skipped school to find me.
Dn: So I told him that I like studious people.
Dn: But I only say that because I don't want him to skip school a lot.
Dn: Now I understand why he doesn't skip school anymore.
Dan: hahaha
Dan: You like him a little more, don't you?
Dn: I like it even more…
Dn: Stupid buffalo.
Dan: hahaha
I smiled, finished texting, and put the phone down on the table. I was about to open the game when North called first.
“What is it?”
(I know Tiger's big plan.)
“…”
(Are you there, Nao?)
“Yes, there is.”
(Why so quiet?)
“A little shocked. I thought he wouldn’t do anything anymore.” I said honestly. I was stunned when I heard North say that. Because he’s been so quiet lately, I thought everything had stopped. “Come on, tell me, I’m ready to listen.”
(Tiger knows you like playing games.)
“Oh, and then what? He bought the game company?”
(No, no.)
“Oh, that's okay.”
(It invests in stocks.)
“…Ah, that's a little better.”
(That's right.)
“Crazy, I was just being sarcastic. What is he doing as a shareholder?”
(To create a character based on you.)
“…”
I was silent for a moment and then asked again, “What?”
(There's a new Mid champion called Nohowl. He has all the mechanics you're good at. You're good at long-range, AoE skills, right? Nohowl has it all. His default outfit is a college uniform, and his summer outfit is a t-shirt and floral pants.)
“Fuck!!!” I cursed instinctively. I became a general in the game? Let me explain simply: When playing a game, you have to choose a character, also known as a general, to control. I specialise in Mid and have a few favourite generals. And Tiger is going to create a general based on me? “It will be the strongest Mid general I have ever played, right?”
(Yeah, because it's designed for your playing style. I just tested it, and I guarantee you'll be hooked as soon as you pick it up.)
“How does it work?” I asked in detail about the skills, movements, and attack range. North described each one, and I could imagine it.
(How? How do you feel?)
“The champion I would enjoy playing the most. Bastard.” I sighed, “So I have to play the champion with my face on it?!”
(Hahaha, cool! In the upcoming tournament, the commentator will say: 'Nohowl player picks Nohowl champion!')
“No way!” I shouted, “I have to make him cancel it right now!”
(No time. This champion is coming out next season, and there are only a few days left. But this one is very strong, you can dominate it right away.)
"I can play any game."
(Holding a gunner is a pain in the ass in every battle.)
“I mean, Mid!” I argued back but resigned myself to my fate, “So there’s nothing I can do anymore?”
(Right.)
“Do people think I cheated? Carno created the champion based on me.”
(No, anyone can play champions. Who knows, there might be someone better than you.)
“That's right.” I nodded, “Can we change the name? 'Nohowl' is too obvious.”
(Let me try to suggest.)
“But why did you get tested first?”
(Just finished testing. I still have to ask Johan to take me to the subsidiary company to investigate this matter. I've worked so hard for you.)
“Yeah, thanks.”
(Just thanks?!)
“What do you want?”
(Just give me a snack.)
“I really like simple people like you.” I laughed, “Oh, North…”
(What?) He was about to hang up, but when I called, he waited.
“No Ger general yet?”
(Not seen yet, but might be coming. Ger said he wants to create a champion based on himself, to pair with you.)
After that day, I was feverish. I'm not sure if it was due to the weather or because of his big game. Not only did he spend money recklessly, but he was also very creative. I didn't know what to say.
“Minced meat porridge,” Tiger said as he put down the bowl of homemade porridge, then helped me sit up. He carefully fed me spoon by spoon and then gave me the medicine.
“Are you sure you don’t need to go to the hospital?” he asked, his face clearly worried. He had asked several times. I could tell he just wanted to take me to the doctor. However, I felt that I only had a fever due to the change in weather and would be fine after two days of rest. I shook my head in response.
“Okay. But… I want to stay and take care of you,” he whined.
“Go to school. I'm sleepy, I'm going to sleep.”
“…Yeah, but what—”
“If anything happens, I'll call you right away, I know. Hurry up and go, or you'll be late for school.”
“Okay. Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.” He said. I just nodded. Tiger was so worried about me that he hesitated to leave. He was so stubborn. After he left, I fell asleep again because I was tired. I don't know how long I slept, but when I opened my eyes, I saw someone sitting next to me, playing with their phone.
“North?”
“Awake?” North put down the phone and helped me to my feet. “Want some water?”
“It's good to have.”
He gave me a glass of water. “Ger asked you to come?”
“That’s right, I came because I was free. What’s wrong? Did you come all of a sudden, just hearing about General Nohowl?” North laughed and teased, “I admit, the destructive power of my captain’s over-the-top style is quite something.”
“Yeah, I'm so feverish that I'm going crazy.” I said hoarsely, “Don't you get bored looking at me like this?”
“Not boring.”
"Why?"
“Who would be bored with a thousand an hour?” North said cheerfully. I wanted to say, ‘Your husband is already rich, why do you need to earn more?’, but I understood him. He probably didn’t want to spend other people’s money. If I were him, I wouldn’t want to spend Tiger’s money either. After all, he had to work hard to earn it.
“Hey, North.”
"Huh?"
“I have something to say.”
“Speak.”
“I'm going to confess to Ger.”
“….!!!!”
“Your face is too surprised, or is it just like that?”
“Wait, really?” He held up his hand to stop me. I nodded in response.
“Oh no! Damn it! I can't believe it! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!!”
“Calm down,” I said. I expected a shock. North’s eyes widened, looking at me as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Are you really going to confess to Tiger!?”
“Just said that.”
“You… Is it you? No, Tiger should be the one to confess. Why is it you!?” North was so confused that he stuttered.
“Wait, wait a minute.” He rubbed his face vigorously to regain his composure, “Okay! Tell me! Why did you suddenly decide that? Why? Why?”
“Let me ask you this first.”
“Say it! Say it!”
“What did Ger say about me? Does he think I like him?”
“Ah… no.” North shook his head, “The other day, he was complaining to me about why you still don’t like him. Maybe he didn’t exaggerate enough. That’s why he told me about the champion in the game, and asked me if he impressed you.”
“I knew it.” I sighed. Tiger was so focused on making a scene that he didn’t realise how much his little everyday actions touched me. He also didn’t know that his dramatics weren’t helping.
“Actually, I told you to reduce my own nervousness.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Actually, I don’t show it much, but I like him a lot now.” I started to say, “As you know, he and I have been together for a long time. I used to see him as a friend, but when I discovered he had liked me for a long time, my perception of him shifted. The same action but from a different perspective is completely different.”
“Yeah, yeah.” North folded his arms, listening intently.
“I like the way he cares for me. Looking back, he has always been like that, whether before or after the confession; he hasn't changed at all. He just shows it more clearly. I don't mean any of that.”
“Um, um.”
“You're too serious. This isn't a lecture.”
“Okay, okay, I'm serious. Go on.”
“The more I think about it, the more I like it. Everything he does for me is good.” I said honestly, “I thought about it a lot, and even consulted Nuea. I realised that all this time I have loved him very much. I couldn’t live without him. But because I still considered him a friend, I never thought further.”
“Didn't you love him for a long time, but didn't realise it?”
“No. How do you differentiate between friendship and love?”
“Um… well.” North rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “I don’t feel emotional around you. I don’t want to be so close that we’re touching. I don’t always need to have you in my sight. And I don’t feel like I want to keep you to myself.”
“That's right. Tiger and I were like that at first.” I said frankly, “I even encouraged him to get a girlfriend. That means I only saw him as a friend, right?”
“Right. So does that mean you're just starting to like him?”
“Yes.” I nodded, “And I like him more and more. To the point where I love him as a lover now.”
“Damn, I feel bad for the captain. Captaineeeeee!!” North shouted.
“Do you think I can confess?”
“Okay! If you're sure you love him, then go ahead and confess!”
“I'm sure.” I smiled.
“Then what are we waiting for! Go for it! You can do it!!” North clasped his hands in encouragement.
(Tiger: Sorry, I have something urgent to do today. Can you stay with North?)
“I'm alone now. His boyfriend came to pick him up.”
(Huh? Then what should I do? Let me ask someone else to come over?)
“No need, I can stay.”
(You… I'm worried.)
“I worry about you, too.”
(…)
“I can do it alone. You be careful, don't get hurt.”
(…YES.)
“What's wrong? Why haven't you hung up yet?”
(Oh, I thought you hung up first?)
“Okay, I'm hanging up now.”
(This…)
"What?"
(I love you.)
“…Idiot.”
I waited for Tiger until about 2 in the morning and finally fell asleep due to the fever. When I woke up from thirst, I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost four in the morning. Looking down at the floor, I saw Tiger sleeping right next to the bed. After taking a sip of water, I just lay there looking at him. The dim moonlight coming in through the window made the room a little hazy. I unconsciously reached out and gently stroked his cheek. Tiger suddenly opened his eyes wide, making me scream in surprise.
"Damned!!"
“…”
He looked at my hand in shock. Seeing that, I immediately pulled my hand back,
“Sorry… Um, I have a habit of waking up immediately if someone comes near me when I sleep.”
“You always have to be on your guard in the mafia.” I couldn't help but tease. Tiger didn't answer, just sat up and looked at me. I was still lying on the bed, looking back at him.
“Why are you up? Headache? Hungry?”
“Tiger.”
"YES?"
"Be my boyfriend."
“…”
“I love you— Hey, Tiger!!” I panicked when Tiger suddenly collapsed. I tried my best to push myself up to see how he was, but because I was still weak, I lost my balance and fell on top of him. Afraid that he would be in more pain, I quickly turned him over and shook him, but he didn’t respond. I frantically dialled North’s number.
“North! North! Come here now! Tiger is unconscious! I've been calling him for so long, but he won't wake up!!”
(Huh!!?)
“North, hurry! He fell unconscious! He probably hit his head on the floor too!!”
(Okay! I'm coming!)
North hung up the phone hastily. I wanted to get up to find some essential oil, but I had no strength left; I could only continue to shake and call his name.
“Tiger, please be okay! Damn it, is it because of work? Did you get hurt at work?”
Thinking that, I quickly scanned his body for any injuries, but couldn’t find any. Or was he injured under his clothes?
North and his boyfriend came running in shortly after. I tried to crawl to the door and open it, but as soon as I opened it, I collapsed on North.
“Hey! Watch out!” North caught me, “Damn it, Johan, help me catch Tiger.”
North's boyfriend quickly picked up Tiger, while North helped me, who was having a high fever. Then we immediately rushed to the hospital.
“Tiger, nothing can happen to you.” I was so worried that my heart felt like it was in a knot.
“What's wrong with him?”
“I don’t know. We were talking normally, and then he collapsed. I guess it was because of work, but I didn’t see any wounds or blood.” North frowned, turning to ask his boyfriend's opinion.
“It could be due to exhaustion or a strong impact that didn't show any symptoms at first.”
“Damn it.” I muttered, “I told you to be careful! Why won't you listen to me?”
When we arrived at the hospital, Tiger was examined by the doctor and given a full scan. The results were normal. In the luxury ward, Tiger was resting on the bed, North and I sat beside him, and North's boyfriend sat behind him. Although I was very tired, I couldn't sleep because I was so worried.
“What do you think is the cause?”
“I don’t know. But the doctor said it’s okay, he’ll wake up soon. You should rest too; there’s a private room ready. You’re a patient too.”
“No. I'm afraid he will wake up and not see me.”
“Oh my.” North pouted with envy. I didn’t answer, just waited quietly. About fifteen minutes later, Tiger woke up. He sat up, looking at me with a normal expression as if nothing had happened.
"You are sick. Why don't you go to sleep?"
“You are the one who is sick,” I said. Tiger looked down at his body and then looked up, his expression one of bewilderment.
“What disease do you have?”
“I don't know, I just fainted.”
“…”
Suddenly, he froze, looked at me with wide eyes and frowned.
“You… Did you say anything?”
“Before you fainted… was it because of that?”
“…Yeah,” he nodded slightly.
"Be my boyfriend."
“…”
“What happened?” I asked, bewildered. “Don’t tell me you fainted… because of that?”
Tiger nodded again. “Yes.”
“Fuck!!” I couldn’t help but curse. You fainted just because I confessed!? You idiot!! You loser!! I was so worried I was about to cry, you bastard!!
“You… you bastard! Do you know how worried I was about you?!” Even though I was so feverish that I had no strength left, I still used all my remaining strength to punch him.
“You still have the nerve to admit it?” North laughed.
“No! That ‘yes’ means agreeing to be my lover, not confirming that I fainted! Sob…” Suddenly, Tiger started crying and pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly, “I agree… I agree to be your lover… Sob… I love you the most in this world…”
I lay in his arms, my heart beating wildly, my face burning. I could only mumble softly:
“…Idiot.”