North: How much is your love?
Chapter 20: Until you.
(>> North <<)
Penalty!?
“You… No! Ah!” I tried to protest, but my lips were locked in another kiss, this time more intense than before. It was as if all limits of patience had been broken. My heart pounded, as if it wanted to burst out of my chest. My body temperature rose from both the fever and his warm breath. The increasing pace signalled that he was also becoming aroused, which was driving me almost insane.
"Ugh!" I felt his grip tighten, moving from my thigh up to my back, making me dizzy. A sharp pain began to shoot through my body. I gasped for breath through both my nose and mouth, unable to bear the intense sensations rising within me. A hot tongue moved everywhere, oblivious to the fact that I was about to reach my breaking point.
"Ah!" I screamed unconsciously as I was suddenly pushed down onto the bed, Johan right above me. Before I could catch my breath, he gave me another passionate kiss. His warm hand slid up from my waist, caressing me slowly as he pulled my shirt up. His other hand held my waist, pressing me tightly against his hips.
My consciousness was fading. Each touch seemed to pull me away. Was it irresistible, or simply a lack of desire to resist? I was truly going insane. Why did you do that...?
"Ah!" I moaned as he pulled his lips away from mine and moved down to my neck. He lightly touched my neck with the tip of his nose, then moved it back and forth. I unconsciously held my breath as his warm breath fanned the curve of my neck and ears. I flinched when he pressed his lips together, leaving red marks all over, and I was even more shocked when Johan continued kissing me from my neck down to my collarbone, then gliding down to my chest, kissing me again and again.
“Ah! You… I… don’t want to.” I tried to push him away, but my body had no strength left. I felt dizzy, but my body still responded to his touch. My headache worsened as my fever increased.
“Brother… ah, I… I can’t take it anymore, please stop.” I tried to speak, my voice weak from exhaustion. Johan slowly stopped, then moved up and sat opposite me. He lightly touched my lips, then slowly pulled away. His deep eyes gazed at me intently. In the dim light, I could still see him.
This time, strangely, I didn't want to avoid his gaze as I had before. I dared to look him straight in the eyes. This wasn't the first time I'd seen him at such close range, but it was the first time I'd had the courage to look him in the eye so deeply.
His eyes are so beautiful.
His nose bridge is the same.
His lips, too.
He was strikingly handsome in every way. Seeing him up close like this made me feel even more confident.
"Do you want me to stop?"
His deep, warm voice rang out. The smile on his lips made my heart race again. Everyone says you can get lost in Johan's smile, but I never thought I would. Perhaps I've lost my mind.
"Uh..." I replied softly.
“North?” Johan whispered in my ear. His deep, husky voice startled me slightly.
"What do you have to do if you want me to stop?"
“…” I turned away, confused and unsure what to do. Suddenly, he lifted me up and placed me on his lap, bringing my face very close to his. Our eyes were so close that I couldn't avoid his gaze anymore. I numbly raised my hand and placed it on Johan's shoulder.
"Ah!" I flinched slightly as he gripped my waist, pulling me even closer and increasing my embarrassment. "Um... actually, what you're trying to do is... is..."
“…” Johan didn’t answer. Just looking into his eyes revealed a mischievous, cunning glint. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to get out of this awkward position, but my heart was pounding uncontrollably. What should I do now… do you want me to take the initiative?
Finally, I leaned down, tilting slightly towards him and lightly touching his lips. This time, he responded, but not as proactively as usual; instead, he seemed to be waiting for me to take it a step further. But… I really don’t know what to do.
"Ah!" I let out a soft gasp as he gently bit my lower lip, but Johan let me awkwardly kiss him. I paused and slowly pulled away from his lips.
"That's all?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. His arms wrapped around my waist, and when I looked at him like that, I saw a smug expression on his face that made me feel embarrassed. I tilted my head up slightly to look at him a little longer. He seemed quite pleased to see me so flustered.
"I... I don't know," I said, turning away, not daring to look him in the eye. Why was I so embarrassed?
"Let's do it again."
"Yes?"
"Kiss me again. I'm not satisfied yet."
════[changbins_delulu_wife]════
(>> Johan <<)
So beautiful…
I looked at the person opposite me, who was trying to kiss me even though he was too embarrassed to do so. Was it okay? His face was flushed with fever, getting hotter when I touched him. His body temperature was about two degrees higher than normal, and each touch made him even hotter.
I knew he was sick, so I had to be patient… But I couldn’t be. He came closer and asked for a hug, and someone like me didn’t know how long I could endure it. His mouth told me to stop, but his eyes, his smooth, white skin, invited me to touch every inch of his body. His gentle scent and sweet voice whispered in my ear, calling my name. It's me who's gradually losing control.
He seemed pleased with the red marks I left behind. They stood out against his pale skin. The marks spread across his neck and extended down to his chest, more numerous than before. I barely realised I had left so many marks. And that is also a sign of ownership.
"Um... I can't take it anymore?" the other person whispered. Their hands, which had been holding my shoulders, slowly moved downwards, as if they were losing all strength. Their eyes narrowed slightly, and they gasped for breath, exhaling warm air into my ear.
Every feeling I get when you hug me, kiss me, or do anything else makes me want to do it more. That's why I want to cover your body with marks. Ah, but now my body is covered in red marks…
"No," I replied, then looked into those eyes again. North avoided my gaze once more. I felt as if he never dared to look me straight in the eye. There were only a few times he dared to look at me, and even those didn't last long.
The other person boldly leaned closer and kissed me again, this time more gently but hotter than usual. A warm tongue sought to penetrate inside. When I didn't react much, they didn't dare do anything more, until they stopped kissing again, their small face flushed and biting their lip tightly.
"Hmm..."
"North."
"Um... honey, I don't know what to do... Really," he whispered, still a little confused. His eyes were looking elsewhere.
"Couldn't you have done it earlier?"
"Doing what?"
"Kiss me."
“…”
"Please be gentle."
I chuckled a little when I heard that. Because I understood what he wanted, I just wanted to hear him say it out loud.
"And then what?"
"Can I... can I kiss you?"
════[changbins_delulu_wife]════
(>> North <<)
Scattered kiss marks…
I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the curtains. My first sensation was a slight headache due to a fever. With the kiss marks still visible from last night…My mouth hurts…
He said that if I wanted to ask for anything, I had to be the one to kiss him first. Even so, every time he initiated a kiss, I didn't know what to do, and I felt really embarrassed. Luckily, I was able to do it, but I think it would have been better if he had kissed me first. Hey, that's so cruel! I'm sick. Why can't you ever be kind to me?
I didn't see Johan anywhere, but I remember him saying there was an early exam, around 9 o'clock. I have classes too, but I probably won't be able to attend. My fever seems to have subsided a bit since I rested, but it would have been better if I hadn't... Ah, never mind, let's not talk about it again 😭.
I slowly got out of bed to wash my face. Although I tried not to think about it, the image kept repeating in my head. Oh my God, why is this happening? I'm going to have a heart attack someday. Should I do anything? I'm afraid I'll die.
When I looked in the mirror, I saw red bruises on my neck, extending down to my chest, and I felt a little pain in some places. How did it get so bad?
After washing my face, I sat down on the sofa, feeling a little dizzy. Initially, I intended to go out and find something to eat, but once I sat down, I felt lazy. I didn't want to get up or go anywhere; I just wanted to sit here and feel quite bored. I sat down and watched TV, and about 15 minutes passed. Suddenly, I heard a loud knock on the door. I immediately stood up and opened it. Was Johan back? Why did the exam end so quickly? No… It’s Prang.
"Wait, why the long face? You look disappointed to see me," Prang said, making a sulky face.
"Hello, Ms Prang. Um, Johan isn't here; he's gone to take an exam."
“I know. Johan told me to come here. I bought some food for you,” Prang said, holding up a bag in her hand to show me—it contained oatmeal, some snacks, and a few pills. “Oh, wait a minute.”
"Yes?"
“This is…?” Prang was silent for a moment, then looked at my neck. “Ouch, wait, wait…” Prang shrieked in panic. I immediately raised my hand to cover my neck, because I hadn’t thought anyone would come, so I hadn’t covered my neck. Damn, this is terrible 😭
"Did Johan do this?!"
"Yes... Yes." I nodded, feeling very embarrassed.
“Hey, why did Johan do that? You're sick, why treat you like that? Why be so rough? North will go crazy with someone like that.” Prang said, turning around, “Too harsh, not even sparing the sick… And don’t tell me… You were forced?”
"No, no, absolutely not." I immediately shook my head in denial.
“Really? Even with a mark like that on your neck?” Prang said, stepping back. She went to the kitchen, grabbed a cup, and poured me some oatmeal. “There’s really nothing to hide, is there? I told you not to be ashamed to tell me.”
"Sister Prang, I'm not lying." I dragged out the words. Why did she have to ask questions like this? 😭. I thanked her for buying me porridge, but I couldn't eat it. My mouth hurts so much…
"Oh, does your mouth hurt? You can't eat, your lips are cracked. Why was Johan so rough?" Prang said, then sat down beside me and gently stroked my head.
"Wait a minute, Prang, am I acting like a child now?"
"Wow, that's so cute. Look, there are so many red marks on your neck, and your lips are cracked, too. Did you two really just kiss?"
I didn't dare answer, just nodded slightly. "Oh my god, I'm going to faint. Kissing until your lips are cracked, did Johan really have to do that? As far as I know, Johan isn't usually like this. What did you do to make him lose his patience?"
"Losing patience?" I raised my eyebrows at the other person's words.
"Yes, he must have been very patient, but something happened that made him unable to hold back any longer," Prang said, her face beaming with excitement before taking a bite of the snack she bought. Oh, so she bought the food for herself?
But…
Were you patient?
Hey, I'm covered in injuries 😭
"How long have you two been in love?" Prang asked as I struggled to eat my porridge, each spoonful causing me pain. Unlike last time, this time it hurt more.
"We're not in love yet," I answered honestly, and my answer surprised Prang greatly.
"Wait, you two aren't in love yet? Do you like each other? Or not?"
"Um... well, I like him," I replied, based on my feelings. Yes, I'm liking him more and more; you could say I'm starting to be infatuated with him.
"Then why not?"
Right…
I never told him, but I thought he probably already knew. Even without saying it, he surely understood, but I never had a good opportunity to tell him.
"I never told him."
"Okay, then tell me, what's your relationship with each other?" Prang asked.
"What are we to each other?" I muttered to myself. We weren't really a couple, and I didn't know if that would change. "Probably not anything to each other yet," I said, shaking my head slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"Our relationship probably won't go any further. He's already very busy." I think exams and work have kept him too busy.
"Oh my God, why don't you understand? I didn't intend to ask or rush anything. I came here alone and didn't think too much about this. What I don't understand is why you didn't ask or say anything about it?" Prang frowned and said, a little annoyed, "But really, if you told him to stop or made a fuss, Johan would definitely stop bothering you."
“…”
"But I don't think you mind, do you, North?" Prang said before patting my head gently again.
“Really? But I’m not afraid of Johan getting angry. But I feel, anyway, it’s okay now, as long as he feels comfortable.” I thought so.
Actually, that’s how I felt. Work and studies were giving him headaches and exhausting him to the point of near collapse. I didn’t want him to worry about me anymore. I just wanted to be someone he felt comfortable around.
“But later, if I can, I’ll ask.”
"So you're going to ask about dating?"
"Yes, I think I have to wait until the right time."
I added, "Prang, tell me about Johan. I think you know him better than I do. It's better if I ask you about anything I don't know; at least you can help me learn more about his work."
"Oh, so what do you want me to tell you? You already know everything about the job, about the company, what else? Johan is a second-year medical student here."
"I already know. Just tell me what I don't know yet," I said, putting the last spoonful of porridge into my mouth. Eating porridge is really hard.
"Yeah, what else? One really impressive thing is that Johan, the boss's son and the successor to the company president, got to stand in front of all the employees. You know, I was really surprised to see that, and everyone working there was very polite to him."
"Oh, really?" I said, not that I didn't believe it, but I was a little surprised. It was truly impressive, that's what I thought as I took the packet of medicine that Prang had bought and looked at it.
“These medications were prescribed by Johan, so just take them. What else? Actually, my work was quite busy at first, with no free time, but Johan slipped me an extra bonus. No matter how difficult the work was, I tried my best. I had to ask my colleague at the next desk to help with some of the work so I could have time to deal with other things for him; it was really tough.”
"Really."
"Look at the clock, Johan's exam will be over soon, don't be angry with him."
“I’m not angry. Even if Prang doesn’t come, I won’t be angry. I’m just going to find something to eat because I have a fever.” I thought, " Why should I be angry about this? He has school and exams.
"Yes, that's good. Is there anything else I can tell you? Actually, there's something I've never told North, can I tell you?"
"Yes." I nodded.
“Initially, when the chairman intended to transfer Johan to the position of secretary, Johan's mother frequently came to talk to him. She was a very beautiful and kind mother, but the chairman was quite strict. Because he was the company's chairman, he was quite intimidating. Johan always resembled his father. Later, he started to act more and more like his father.”
"Ah." I nodded as if I understood. It was truly terrifying, I could imagine. I also wanted to see how beautiful Johan's mother must be. How beautiful must she have been to give birth to such a beautiful son?
“Johan is the chairman’s only son and his hope. The pressure is immense, I’ve told you before. Johan wasn’t here before, ever since he went to university.”
"Really?"
“The house here is where the chairman and his wife live, but there’s actually another big house where his grandparents live,” Prang said. “Back when Johan was in high school, he lived with his grandparents because his parents were busy and only visited occasionally.”
"Ah..." So, because his parents are busy, he lives with his grandparents.
"So when did you two first meet?"
"When I was drunk. I had met him a few times before because he's a friend of my friend's boyfriend."
"Your friend's boyfriend..." Prang repeated my words, then thought for a moment, "Ah, so you two have never met before?"
"I don't know."
"Have you ever asked him?"
"Yes, but he definitely won't tell anyone." I think that's probably the case.
"I might have met him before, but I just don't remember."
“My friend said the same thing, but I really don’t remember anything.” I tried to think back, but after Ter kept asking, I figured I was overthinking it. At this rate, I might have to take my brain apart. I really don’t remember anything; I first heard Johan’s name when I went to university.
"Johan probably knew you before."
"Really?"
"It seems like he already knew you. Where do you live? Not here, right?"
"No, my home is in a different province. But it's not too far."
“Hey, Johan’s grandparents live in a nearby province. You two must have known each other for a long time; he wouldn’t like you so much, North.” Prang’s words surprised me a little. At first, I really couldn’t figure out how we knew each other before, because his house is here, and mine is in a different province.
“Oh, wait a minute. I have a picture in the president’s group chat. Someone went to Johan’s grandparents’ house, took a picture, and posted it. Everyone was amazed by how grand the house was; it’s even bigger than the president’s house.”
"Bigger?"
I can't imagine things turning out this way.
"Here, this is the house." Prang looked at the phone for a moment, then handed it to me.
I looked at the screen.
Wait.
This house…
HALLO!!!
"Does this look familiar to you?" Prang asked.
"It's not just about knowing each other."
“…”
"I walked past there every day on my way to school."
“Wow, really? Is your house nearby? How come you didn’t know him?” Prang exclaimed excitedly. I was shocked too. What the heck? This is unbelievable.
"No, our houses aren't that close either."
I can say this is a very beautiful and large house, almost to the point of being called a castle. The grounds surrounding the house are beautifully decorated, from the entrance to the front garden. The first time I saw it, I was very surprised to see a wealthy person in our neighbourhood. There were a dozen luxury cars parked there. How many people are there? Why are there so many cars?
At first, I knew there was a big, beautiful house on another street. Everyone in the neighbourhood knew about it. I even talked to my friends about it and wondered who the owner was. Were they descendants of royalty? How could they be so rich? My mother said that he owned all the land here. It seemed like the land had belonged to him for a long time, and then he built an entire residential area where people could buy or rent, and my mother is still paying off the mortgage. Everything in the area belonged to him, including the market where my mother sells her goods.
Damned…
Does my whole family belong to him, too? 😭
“At first, I went through a different street,” I began telling Prang. “I used to ride my bike home, not through that area. But one day, P’Maen, who lives at the end of the street, brought his dog, Kluay, home, and it hated me and would attack me whenever it saw me. So, every time I went to school, I had to go through a different street.” It was complicated to take the detour, but every day I had to pass that house.
"Oh, really? Have you never met him? Or have you heard of him? We live in the same neighbourhood."
"No, I've never heard anyone mention the children or grandchildren of that family. Even your mother, the market vendor, doesn't know much about them. When did he start living there?"
"Oh, I don't know when he started living there either. So why do you think Johan likes you? Is it because he often sees you passing by the house?" Prang asked, making an expression of disbelief.
“That sounds ridiculous, Prang. How many people do you think have passed by that house? How many drivers have driven past it? He certainly wouldn’t notice me,” I replied honestly. If that were the case, then what Prang said might be true; I might have known him before. But the problem was, I had never met him before.
"He might have seen you somewhere."
"Maybe." I sighed, still surprised that the house unexpectedly belonged to Johan's grandparents. If that's true, then the luxury cars I saw parked outside could all belong to him.
"But I remember his mother telling me that Johan was quite a mischievous kid when he was in high school."
"Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, he wasn't very well-behaved when he was little. Because he came from a wealthy family, he liked to spend money lavishly. Actually, he still spends money like that now, only he uses money he earns himself instead of his parents'. He said it gives them a lot of headaches. He only started to change a little when he entered high school because he realised the work his parents had to do, but he still has many bad habits."
"Bad habits?"
“For example, alcohol, cigarettes, women… things like that. Even when he went to university, things got worse. His parents didn't say anything because he was very responsible with his work and studies, but after work, he would spiral out of control. But since you came into his life, he seems to have restrained himself a little.”
"Yes." I nodded as if I understood.
"So what do you think? Do you think he liked you from the start?"
"Well, if you're asking me about this, I don't think so." I paused, thinking for a moment, "At first, I felt like he didn't like me very much. I really did feel that way, but gradually he started showing more affection."
"So, do you like him that much?"
"Oh, maybe so," I replied, feeling a little embarrassed. I'm really glad I asked Prang. I would never have known about Johan. He never told me anything. Why is that? Was it just a normal thing, or was there something else I didn't know? 😭
"Oh, I'm so embarrassed. Who would have thought you two would be so close?" Prang teased me. I could only smile shyly. The other person looked at their wristwatch.
"I wanted to say a little more, but it's time for work now. Can you stay here alone?"
"Okay." I nodded.
"Oh, Johan asked me to bring you a spare card. Here, take it. Remember to keep it safe and don't lose it," Prang said as she handed me the spare card. Is this Johan's spare key card?
"Thank you," I said, taking the card. He really trusts me. This card must be very important for him to give it to me. Does that mean I can come see him anytime?
"I'm telling you beforehand, nobody has this spare key. Johan is very protective of his privacy. He doesn't like anyone disturbing him in his room either." Oh, right, I remember Aunt Da once said that nobody should have a spare key to his room.
"Okay, I'll go first. Don't leave, Johan will be back soon. He'll be angry if he doesn't see you, I'm serious. Take your medicine and rest. Johan will finish his exam around 3 PM. If you have nothing to do, just wait here for him."
“Yes, I understand.” I agreed. Actually, I wasn’t planning to go anywhere because I’m lazy. I couldn’t go to school because I was sick, and if I had to choose between studying and sleeping, I would definitely choose sleeping. I waved goodbye to Prang as she left the room.
I got up, took the cup I had just used, and washed it in the sink. The plates and bowls from yesterday, too. Normally, the housekeeper would do this, but it's okay, I'll wash them myself.
Having nothing to do, I thought about connecting on LINE to ask Duean Nao if he was okay. Was he in class? When I opened LINE, I saw that my class's engineering group chat was more active than usual. I wondered if something was going on. Surely it wasn't a problem with the student lab, right? But it was best to check the group chat first to see if there was anything important.
Misfortune keeps chasing me!
All I could say was "fuck" after reading all the messages in the group chat. In the end, there was only one simple conclusion:
Today is the day we hand out toolkits…
Everyone needs to be in the activity room before 1 PM. It seems like some kind of event is going to happen, and the room will probably be crowded and lively until evening. The appointment starts in the early afternoon. What should I do now? If I don't come today, I won't get my things.
I really didn't want to go anywhere because Prang told me not to, Johan would get angry. But I needed this kit. I decided to ask about it in the group.
North♣️: If I'm sick today, can I come pick it up later?
Primmm: What's up, North? I didn't see you in the activities room yesterday.
I typed the message and replied immediately.
North♣️: I have a fever. Could I come another day?
Primmm: Several other people also had fevers but still came. There must be a very serious reason for them to allow it.
North♣️ : Only if it's an accident can I come later?
So, he was just hit by a car a moment ago.
Primmm: Sorry, but you should try to get there first. If you really can't stand it, you can go home early, but at least give it a try.
North♣️ : I really can't come. I had such a high fever I almost fainted, and now I'm bedridden.
Sketch: @North♣️' I've been sick since yesterday afternoon too, I had to go to the doctor for an injection.
North♣️: @Sketch Sketch, you're really full of tricks.
Primmm: North, try to come. Otherwise, you won't make the team. Today is a very important day.
North♣️ : 😭
I just sent that message. But I really have to go. If I hurry, I can finish everything before Johan gets back. That way, he won't scold me. If he finds out I sneaked out, he'll definitely be angry, not just angry, but worried too, and I don't want that at all.
North♣️ : Duean Nao, are you going this afternoon?
🌛 : Aren't you sick?
North♣️ : Yeah, that's true.
🌛 : It's all your fault I had to get drenched in the rain, but… You want to leave? I'm looking for someone to ask to get my things for me.
North♣️ : Honestly, I don't want to go. But if I don't go, I won't get the kit.
🌛: Okay, I'll drag myself there. Prim said I can ask the older students for permission to leave early if I'm not feeling well, so I can pick up my things another day.
North♣️ : Really? Are you sure we can go home first?
🌛: I think it's okay, we can't just stay in this situation, it's too cruel.
North♣️ : Do you seniors usually treat freshmen so well?
🌛 : I heard that the older members have been preparing for the reunion for quite some time now. They don't seem too enthusiastic about welcoming us. Actually, I'm busy with my own things, so I rarely participate in activities, and going to cheer them on would be quite tiring.
North♣️ : Maybe I shouldn't go? I don't really need the kit anyway.
🌛 : Let's go, at least stay here for a while to see what the situation is like, then we'll find a way to get back early. Remember to send my regards to Johan. We'll probably have to part ways soon, you know that, right? He's going to Boston soon, too.
North♣️ : Yeah, I hope he comes home soon, too. When are you leaving?
🌛: They've rescheduled it to 12:30 PM.
North♣️ : Okay, see you later.
🌛: OK.
I decided to wear Tonfah's jacket, which Johan lent me yesterday, to keep warm. Luckily, it wasn't too hot today, otherwise I might have felt dizzy on the way. The weather was pleasantly cool, so I quickly left my room and took a minibus back to the dorm to change into my department's sportswear.
If it weren't for today being the gear distribution day, I wouldn't have come anywhere. I don't understand why everyone is so excited about the gear. I know Ohan would be angry if he found out I snuck out, but as Duean Nao said, the gear distribution event is a great way to connect people; it's like a spiritual gift.
I'll just be gone for a little while, and then I'll be right back. Johan finishes his exam around 3 p.m., so I should have enough time to get back before he finds out.
Upon arrival, I saw everyone wearing their engineering department uniforms and masks; they all looked unwell. I approached a group of friends who were lining up to receive gear, and at that moment, a second-year student came up to me and asked:
“You’re a new student, right? What’s your student ID?” Then he said, “You can take off your jacket now.”
“Code 249, um… I can’t take off my jacket, I’m sick.” I really was sick. Even though it wasn’t freezing, my neck was covered in red marks.
"Oh, are you sick? Are you alright?"
"Well, actually, it's not very good. I thought I'd leave a little early; my friend said I could go ahead, but I have to ask your permission first," I explained, my voice hoarse from a sore throat. I covered my mouth with a handkerchief because my lips were cracked.
"Oh, really? Let me ask around, I'm not sure if they'll allow it. But you can line up with your friends first. I'm going into the cheering room for a bit now." The senior said, then led me into the line. My number was right next to Duean Nao's, so I could see he was also wearing a jacket and a mask like me.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"You have a cold, too?"
"Well, look, they're both wearing masks and jackets."
"I can't celebrate yet. Before we leave, we have to ask Wak for permission and get his approval," I said.
"But I asked another senior, and he said we can go home, but we have to wait a little longer before going into the room to cheer."
"Oh, okay then."
I went into the cheering room, showed my student ID, and was told to turn off my phone so the older students could put theirs away. I stuck my ID number on my phone and gave it to them.
"Everyone will get their phones back after the event. Please turn them off." A senior student said so loudly that everyone was startled. Why was he speaking so loudly? My head hurts.
When everyone had gone into the cheering room and sat down, the cold air from the air conditioner made me shiver. Last night, I didn't turn on the air conditioner because I felt cold. But Johan probably didn't sleep well. I've put him in a difficult position again.
The senior students started talking about the tasks that the freshmen would have to do. There was an annual activity, like a departmental performance. Everyone split into groups and discussed who would do what. From setting up stalls to sell merchandise in the evening to preparing the stage and performing – everything had to be self-organised.
After a while, the senior students started shouting, which was quite common in the engineering department. Everyone sat still, bowed their heads, and closed their eyes, listening as they spoke about responsibilities and other things to teach the younger students. Then, it was everyone's turn to line up according to their assigned numbers. I had to wait almost an hour for my turn.
"What time is it?" I whispered to Duean Nao next to me, as I didn't have a watch.
"It's almost two o'clock in the afternoon."
"Now that I've received the gear, can I go home?" I looked at the gear in my hand; it was exactly the same type I'd seen before. I really wanted to ask permission to leave early; otherwise, I'd be in big trouble. I quietly asked the senior standing next to me to let me go home early because I was sick, but he said to wait until everyone else had received theirs before leaving, and to try to endure a little longer.
Johan's exam is almost over, it's so stressful 😭
"Which code are we at now?" I whispered to Duean Nao again.
"312."
"There are over nine hundred people in one course. How long will it take to finish?" I sighed. Could I leave early? If I wait until everyone else has received their assignments, I'll be in trouble.
"Why do you look so rushed? This room isn't that cold; the senior has already adjusted the air conditioner."
"I have an urgent matter," I said, feeling like I was racing against time to get back to Johan's apartment. I only had about 15 minutes to be there before he got home, or I'd definitely be caught.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Are you going to meet Johan?" Duean Nao asked.
"I snuck out. Johan told me not to go out and to stay home and rest," I replied.
"Oh, where is he then?"
"He's taking an exam, it'll be over around 3 p.m.," I said.
"It's only been two hours. And will he be angry?"
"Hmm, they'll definitely be very angry."
"He's just worried about you being sick; he wouldn't have forbidden it like that. Why are you so stubborn?" Duean Nao said, causing me to immediately turn and look at him.
"I'm not being stubborn, I just want this gear. You said it was a special gift, didn't you?" I protested, trying to explain. I wouldn't accept being told to come back another day to get it.
"That's what I said, but I think he can understand that this is important to us. I'm sick myself, but I still made the effort to come here to get that gear."
"Oh, but I don't think he'll understand. He'll be furious if he doesn't see me at home." I tried to hold back my words because I was starting to cough. My fever had subsided, but wasn't completely gone; I'd say I was okay, but I was still very tired.
"Brother, can't I really leave early?" I asked the senior standing next to me for the umpteenth time. My mind had completely wandered. It was already 2:30, and if I didn't hurry, I definitely wouldn't make it back in time.
"No, couldn't you wait until everyone else was finished?" the senior said in a heavy tone. He had initially said I could leave first. "Don't you think this is important?"
"But I'm sick," I said irritably. What does that have to do with the importance of this? Besides, this person wasn't sick, so they adjusted the air conditioning to cool the room because someone complained it was too hot. That made me feel even colder and worsened my fever.
"Didn't you say we could leave early?" I turned to ask Duean Nao, speaking softly.
“That senior said we could go home first, but this senior won’t let us,” Duean Nao said, sitting down and shivering from the cold in the room. “Damn it, I’m going to die!”
"What the hell is this?" I whispered. "Where's Tiger? Why is he leaving his wife sitting here trembling like this? What time is it?"
"It's 2:42 PM."
"Damn it, I'm definitely going to die," I muttered to myself. "Why are these things happening to me?"
...
By the time we finished, it was almost 5 PM. My phone was off. Johan would definitely be worried about me. I don't know, but he'd certainly be angry. What should I do? I'm sorry, I didn't want to worry him at all.
"Who said we can't go home? Why do we need to ask permission?" Duean Nao said in a hoarse voice, "We came to get our things, but we're sacrificing our health in the process. Is it worth it? Right?"
"At this point, will this change our lives? Damn, it's so cold."
"What's wrong?"
"I wasn't talking about you, I was just saying I'm cold."
"Hey, why don't you go to the restroom? Go in quickly and then hide," Duean Nao suggested.
"I asked to go to the restroom, but they said I wasn't allowed."
"Did the seniors say they wouldn't let you go? That's outrageous!" Duean Nao said, frowning. I think they wouldn't let me go to the restroom because they suspected I would sneak out.
“Which one is number 249?” P’Wak shouted from the front of the stage. The room fell silent. I jumped when I heard my number called, but I immediately stood up, “Go to the front.”
I was a little confused, but I still stood up and walked forward as instructed. I shook my head slightly when Duean Nao asked, "What's wrong?"
"Yes?"
"Your parents have come to pick you up. You can go home now."
My parents? Who was that? Was my mother here to pick me up? Why did they let me go so easily, when I had to beg for permission for so long? I looked at the person with a slightly confused expression before leaving, while listening to the whispers from the people around me.
!!!
Johan…
My heart sank when I saw Johan, dressed in his student uniform, standing outside the common room, arms crossed over his chest, leaning against a pillar. When he saw me come out, his gaze was calm but cold.
Damned…
It felt terrifying…
His eyes flashed with anger. I could do nothing but stand still as he approached. I don't know why, but Johan was so terrifying when he was angry. My hands started to sweat slightly. My heart pounded before Johan grabbed one of my wrists and pulled me toward him.
"What do you think I did all this for?"
“…”
"Do you know how worried I was when I came back to my room, and you weren't there?"
“…”
"I won't let you disappear from my sight again!"
════[changbins_delulu_wife]════
I sat silently in Johan's car, saying nothing. The atmosphere in the car was awkward. Only when we arrived at his apartment did I follow him inside, still hesitant to speak. As always, I didn't like it when he was angry. He was terrifying and made me feel uncomfortable, unsure of what to say.
“Brother…!” I walked towards the person sitting on the sofa and sat on his lap. But no matter how many times I tried, I still wasn't used to it and felt nervous. Each time, his face didn't show much expression, but I could sense the anger, even though he tried to suppress it. Johan pulled my mask down over my mouth and gently touched my lips with his finger.
"Ow, it hurts." I unconsciously said, tilting my head slightly and frowning in pain. My mouth hurt terribly at that moment, and the other person still said nothing.
“Brother… I’m sorry, today is the day to pick up the gear. If I don’t go, I won’t get it.” I tried to explain, “I didn’t want to worry you. I’m sorry.” I said, feeling a surge of regret in my chest.
Johan said nothing, as if deep in thought. But it seemed he was waiting for something from me. I continued speaking, biting my lip, then took his hand and placed the gear in his palm.
"I'll give it to you."
“…” The other person didn’t react much. He just glanced quickly at what I was holding in my hand.
"I heard the engineering students say that when they give someone their gear, it's like giving them their heart," I said, a little nervously, waiting for his answer.
"Can you keep it?"
“…”
"I like you."
"I really like you. I'm sorry, and thank you for always being there for me. No one has ever taken care of me as you have. Before, I thought every day of my life was fine, but since you came into my life, I feel like everything is getting better."
“…”
"Thank you very much."
"You…"
"Why are you so cute?"
...
Until You – Shayne Ward
🎶Baby life was good to me
But you just made it better
I love the way you stand by me
Through any kind of weather
I don't wanna run away
Just wanna make your day
When you feel the world is on your shoulders
Don't wanna make it worse
Just wanna make us work
Baby, tell me, I will do whatever
It feels like nobody ever knew me until you knew me
Feels like nobody ever loved me until you loved me
Feels like nobody ever touched me until you touched me
Baby, nobody, nobody, until you
Baby, it just took one hit of you, now I'm addicted
You never know what's missing
Till you get everything you need, yeah
I don't wanna run away
Just wanna make your day
When you feel the world is on your shoulders
Don't wanna make it worse
Just wanna make us work
Baby, tell me, I'll do whatever
It feels like nobody ever knew me until you knew me
Feels like nobody ever loved me until you loved me
Feels like nobody ever touched me until you touched me
Baby, nobody, nobody until you
See, it was enough to no
If I ever let you go
I would be no one
Cos I never thought I'd feel
All the things you made me feel
Wasn't looking for someone until you
Nobody, nobody, until you🎶