North: How much is your love?

Chapter 27: Cat & Fortune.

(>> North <<)

I feel like I have a fever.

I feel like I'm drunk, too.

Now we're lying in bed, Johan holding me tightly around the back, just like he always likes to do. Almost every time we're together, it's like this; I always really enjoy the feeling of being held by him.

But now…

"Ah, ah... that's enough," I said hoarsely, trying to pull away from his embrace after he'd kissed the back of my neck several times. What happened last night made me feel embarrassed, but every time I tried to pull away, Johan held me even tighter.

 

"Does your head still hurt?"

"Oh... it just hurts a little."

"It'll be alright," Johan reassured me, because as soon as he woke up, he went out to buy porridge, painkillers, and hangover medicine for me. Now my symptoms are gradually subsiding.

 

"I hope so." I coughed lightly because my throat felt sore and dry. I took the bottle of water he offered, "Thank you. My throat hurts so much," I groaned.

 

"You were moaning so loudly last night."

 

"Brother!" I called out, but couldn't speak loudly because my throat still hurt. I frowned, pouted, and picked up the water bottle, taking a sip before putting it back on the bedside table. Not only did my throat hurt, but my hips ached all over, too. Whose fault is it all? And yet you're still teasing me!

"It's all my older brother's fault!"

"I told you not to mess around, don't blame me if you can't get up!"

 

"Well, it's because I was drunk..."

I protested softly, feeling embarrassed by the teasing. My face flushed as I recalled what had happened last night, from the pub to sitting in Johan's car. But I couldn't remember everything clearly, and yet I dared to do that? Frank and James were there too; they'll surely laugh at me next time they see me. What happened in the car and on the way back to the room?

All I know is that when I woke up, my hip was aching. I leaned against the chest of the person behind me, trying to sit up, but it was almost impossible. I thought it would get better if I stayed still, just like last time. When I woke up, I saw that Johan had already gotten dressed. He must have showered and changed clothes afterwards.

 

"Do you have a class?" I asked.

"I'm studying this afternoon, what about you?"

"I have classes both in the morning and afternoon, but I probably won't have time this morning," I said. "Luckily, your friend is in class, so he’ll still be able to see what the lecture is like."

 

"Okay, I'll take you to school this afternoon."

 

"Yes." I nodded in agreement.

 

Since we moved in together, everything has changed so much. From waking up in the morning to hugging each night. If I wake up first, Johan will wake up shortly after, probably because he no longer senses my presence. I've noticed that every time I leave the bed, he unconsciously searches for me. When he doesn't find me, he wakes up looking annoyed.

 

This amused me. He seemed to need to hug me to fall asleep, and he didn't want me to disappear; neither did I. He said I was addicted to being close to him; I couldn't sleep without his hug.

 

Waking up to prepare lunch now feels just like being at home. We have breakfast together, then he drops me off at school first. After school, we're back together again. I lifted one of his hands. Honestly, I really liked these hands; they were unusually warm. We held hands for a moment, and my gaze lingered on the tattoo on his arm.

 

"Should I get a tattoo?" I asked casually, almost jokingly.

"Do you really want a tattoo?"

"Um... does getting a tattoo hurt?"

"I don't feel any pain."

"Okay, stop teasing me." I laughed, but I wasn't used to this kind of teasing yet. "You've been teasing me more lately, haven't you?"

 

Since we became a couple, my heart has changed a little, not the same as before. Or perhaps it's better to say, things have gone back to how they used to be? Maybe it's because his job has become less stressful. He once said he didn't want to joke with me when he was stressed out from work, because he easily gets angry then. And then, in the end, we had a relationship, which was probably the first milestone.

 

When the Boston project was finished, the work pressure eased considerably, and he returned to his teasing, leaving me completely bewildered 😭 Before I could react, he leaned down, gently pressed the tip of his nose against my cheek, then pressed a little harder. But when he turned away, I immediately turned back and planted a kiss on his cheek in return. Actually, this wasn't the first time I'd kissed him on the cheek. We were already a couple, so it was my way of showing affection, even though I was still a little shy, but I still wanted to do it.

 

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nothing at all," I replied. "I won't tell you because if I do, you'll just keep teasing me." I deliberately repeated my words.

 

“…”

"But why did you call me 'baby' last night?"

"Can you belong to North alone?"

 

“P’Johan!!” I yelled when he repeated the words I’d blurted out yesterday.

 

Oh my god, how can you be so good at teasing me? When you see me angry, you just laugh with amusement.

 

"How could you let someone else hug you like that?" I pressed.

"Are you jealous?"

"...Well...Of course I'm jealous, because you're my boyfriend."

"Yeah, that's what makes it adorable."

 

“…”

"You belong only to me."

 

"Please stop teasing me, I beg you," I said, burying my face in the blanket. Damn, that deep, warm voice whispering in my ear made my heart stop. I just want to cry. 😭 

 

"I like it a lot."

"Huh?" I was taken aback when he suddenly said that.

"I like it when North gets jealous because of me."

 

“…”

"You're so cute, how could I possibly leave you?"

"Johan!!"

 

I think I can't take it anymore. My hands are starting to get ice cold, and I'm trying to take deep breaths to calm myself down and stabilise my racing heart. Otherwise, I'm really going to have a heart attack.

 

"Um... hey," I called out to him when I suddenly remembered something, "My mother invited you to our house. Are you free this Saturday and Sunday?"

"I'm free, do you want me to come along?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

 

"Oh, and your house… can I come over?" I hesitated for a moment before asking. The person opposite seemed slightly surprised by my question.

 

"Do you want to come?"

"Yes."

"We can go, but you probably won't get to see my mother."

"What's wrong? Is your mother not home?"

"Yes, Mom isn't home."

"Oh, so I'll be meeting your father?"

"Well, my dad's the busiest person in the house. Do you want to meet my grandparents?"

"Okay, then we'll visit your grandparents, right?"

"Yeah, we'll go to both places on Saturday," Johan said, then leaned down and gently rubbed the tip of his nose back and forth between my neck and cheek, just like he often did when he wanted to tease me. "So, where?"

"Well, I guess I'll have to stay because I'll be out on both Saturday and Sunday. Would you like to stay overnight at my place? I think my mom would probably like you to stay, too."

"Sleeping over at North's house?"

"…Yes."

 

His voice was so low it confused me. Oh my God, why am I still not used to him calling me by my real name like this!

 

At first, I thought I was feeling better and could go to school, but in the end Johan absolutely refused to let me. I sat there watching him put on his uniform, getting ready to go to school.

 

"Are you really sure I can't go?" I asked again. I didn't want to miss school at all.

 

"How many classes have I missed?" I wondered. Probably not too many, since I've been attending school regularly. Part of it is also thanks to my relationship with Johan; he's a real inspiration to me in many ways.

 

"You don't need to go anywhere."

"But..." I frowned slightly.

 

Johan sat down beside me and gently continued, "If you come to school in this condition… I don’t want to see you exhausted."

 

“…”

"Do you want me to worry?"

"No, I don't want to," I replied softly, shaking my head slightly.

 

"Yes, that's good." He leaned down and placed a light kiss on my lips, holding it for quite a while before pulling away. I felt a warmth spread across my face and gave him an embarrassed smile.

 

"What time will you be home?"

"I'll be home right after class at 6:30," he said, gently stroking my head and giving me a soft smile. Normally, I don't like anyone touching my head, but Johan was an exception.

 

When Johan left the room, I just sat there, not knowing what to do. Although getting up and walking was a little difficult, I managed to do it. I sat in front of the computer for almost two hours before getting up to make a cup of tea.

 

Unexpectedly, Ter texted me.

Easter: North, come to the club today.

North♣️ : What club?

Easter: Drawing. You're a member of the art club, don't forget that.

*Send photos.

 

I reached out and opened the photo Ter had just sent. It turned out to be a club attendance sheet. Looking at my name, I saw many blank spaces that hadn't been marked, indicating that I hardly participated in any club activities.

 

Easter: If you miss another session, you won't be eligible to participate in club activities.

North♣️ : Really? So, what time do I have to arrive?

Easter: Four o'clock, but we've been waiting for you.

*Send photos.

 

Ter sent a photo of himself sitting on a stone bench near the old art department building, where our drawing club met. Since we didn't have a private room, we often sat outside, near the stone horse statues, to draw.

 

North♣️ : You look really sleepy. Go get some sleep. Your face looks like you haven't slept for eight years.

Easter: What's wrong with you?

North♣️ : Who's not letting you sleep?

Easter: Stop teasing. Everyone's asking about you.

North♣️ : What do you want to ask?

Easter: They asked if you were coming today?

North♣️: I'm coming. If the teacher writes my name in red pen, I won't get away with it.

Easter: Then come quickly.

 

"Ah!" I screamed in shock as the hot water I was preparing for tea unexpectedly burned my hand, causing me to accidentally drop the cup to the floor. The sound of shattering glass echoed, and shards scattered everywhere.

 

North♣️: Brother… I'm sorry 😭

*Send photos

 

I sent him a picture of broken glass scattered all over the floor. Why do things like this have to happen to me? In the blink of an eye, I've made his room a mess.

 

I was a little surprised when Johan suddenly called. At first, I thought he was in school and wouldn't have time to check his messages.

( Are you okay?)

"Oh... yes, I'm fine. I just burned my hand a little with some hot water."

 

(Why do I always have to worry about you like this?)

"Brother," I whispered, feeling guilty at being scolded by him, but at the same time, I also felt a little hurt.

 

( At least when I'm not around, you should take care of yourself.)

 

“…”

( How can I possibly feel at ease leaving you alone like that?)

"I'm sorry... I'll be more careful," I said, my heart filled with guilt.

 

(Did you get cut by a piece of glass?)

"No."

 

( Okay, then there's no need to pick anything up or clean up, and don't walk around that area.)

"Yes, Johan. But I have to go to the club. If I miss another session, I won't be eligible to participate. Please, let me go?"

 

( What club?)

"It's the art club."

 

(Hey… Hill.) I only realised they were together when I heard Johan's voice calling Hill.

(The art club is the one you signed me up for, right? Back at the beginning of the semester?)

(Yeah, what's wrong?)

( Is Ter there? If so, why don't I see any drawing clubs on my website? My name is on the membership list, isn't it?)

( The teachers wouldn't let them in, and neither were the medical team members.)

 

Then P'Johan turned to me and asked, "What time do you have to arrive?"

"It's 4 o'clock, but they’re already waiting," I replied.

 

(Okay, let me take you there.)

"Yes," I replied and hung up.

 

Shortly after, Johan arrived and bandaged the minor burn on my hand. Although it wasn't serious, the hot water had still stung. And so, I got scolded a little more. He really cared about me, I thought to myself. I need to be more careful next time.

 

I saw him call the maid to clean up the broken glass, then he drove me to the art club – a place I hadn't been to in a long time. Just looking at the building made my heart sink a little.

 

"Are you supposed to go to the entertainment room today?"

"No need, my friend has already told the teacher that I'm sick."

 

I think it's probably because Sports Day is so close, only a few days away, and during this time, my cheerleading team has to practice more. The practice sessions last until late at night, making me tired and my spirits low. Having to go into the cheerleading room meant I would get yelled at a lot, and that made me feel like I was being drained of energy.

 

At first, Johan said that if I didn't want to go in, I didn't have to, and if I had any problems, I should just tell him. The phrase "tell him" gave me goosebumps, and I replied that it was fine. Ultimately, I still participated in the group's activities because it only happened once a year.

 

"If anything happens, just give me a call," Johan said, his eyes fixed on me.

 

I nodded to show I understood before I could say anything more, and he leaned in and kissed me again. But this time it wasn't just a quick touch of lips like before; the kiss lasted longer. Finally, he pulled away, looked at me, and said, "This club won't take up much time, will it?"

 

"Yes... Um... I will study hard," I replied, trying to remain calm.

 

I opened the door and got out of the car, still feeling a little embarrassed. Johan actually kissed me every time we had to separate, and although I liked it, I still felt shy. I walked into the club and sat down with three friends. Ter sat next to me, while Typhoon and Daotok sat opposite me.

Typhoon is Ter's friend from the same department, and Daotok is a friend from the club. I still don't understand why his name is Daotok.

Dao, a science student, has exceptional drawing skills. He creates beautiful pictures of animals and plants, ranging from black-and-white to colour, using various materials such as wood, watercolours, crayons, oil paint, and even computer-generated artwork with a pen and mouse. He also takes on freelance work in this field, despite his family's disapproval of his artistic pursuits, which led him to choose to study science.

 

"North, do you know how long it's been since you last came to the club? Dao has done all the work for you."

I was so surprised that I raised my eyebrows.

"Really?"

"Yeah, otherwise you wouldn't have finished your assignment a long time ago."

"Dao, why are you so kind?" I said weakly, feeling a little guilty. I had bothered someone else and let them do my homework for me, without even knowing that it had to be submitted.

"Everyone else is nice, except you."

"It really is a dog!"

 

At that moment, Daotok, who always had something on his mind, spoke up: "North, are you in love with Johan? Hill's friend?"

I nodded instead of responding verbally.

"Well, I wish you two a lifetime together. But why? What happened? I'm still a little confused after Ter told me."

 

"It's a long story."

 

“So you guys ended up moving rooms?” Daotok asked before frowning, “I’m really annoyed. Why do they have to act like that? Why move out of the dorm when you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? It’s the same wherever you sleep.”

 

"Mew is angry again," I said.

 

"Mew Phoon."

 

"Mew again," Phoon said, sounding annoyed, 

 

"Why are you calling me 'Mew' again?"

 

"Well, your face looks like a cat's, a cat that's always sleepy. Seriously, how many hours do you sleep each day? Get more rest." I teased a little, "You look like you've never had a full night's sleep."

 

"I did sleep, North, and my face still looks like this," Phoon said irritably. People often tease Phoon because he looks like a sleepy cat. I've noticed he's frequently late and always looks sleep-deprived.

 

"Ah, Dao, tell my fortune," I thought, remembering that I'd forgotten about it because I hadn't seen Dao much lately. Ter lifted his head slightly to look at me.

 

"North, what have you done again?" Ter asked.

 

"Relax, Ter," Dao said before taking a deck of cards from his pocket. He flipped them over and placed them in front of me.

 

"Um, could you tell my fortune today?" I asked.

 

"Ah, today is the perfect day to watch it," Ter said.

 

"Damn, I'm so excited!" I said, my voice trembling with anticipation. "So what do I have to do?"

 

"First, choose two cards."

 

I'm quite a believer in astrology. I heard Dao say he can also predict fortunes, so that's why I often go to him for a reading. He's always very accurate. Last time, I won the lottery thanks to Dao's advice. And my Line username is a nickname made from the letters of my clubs because Dao said it would bring me good luck. I believe in things like this…

 

I hesitated for a moment before choosing two cards.

 

"Huh!!"

 

"What the hell is this, North?"

 

“Pok kao song deng!”

 

Everyone at the table fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter.

 

"You're here for fortune telling, not playing Pok Deng, you dog. And you could have chosen Pok kao two deng instead," Ter said, though still smiling.

 

"So, I did well today, right?"

 

"Are you crazy? It has nothing to do with anything."

 

"So, how does Dao feel about it?"

 

"What do you think, Dao?"

 

"Guess," I repeated the word until Daotok sat opposite me and drew a card. The two cards were identical.

 

"I won!" I shouted.

 

"Are you really planning to play Pok Deng?" Daotok asked before gathering the cards in his hand. "Let's choose." He dealt the cards to everyone.

 

"My luck is definitely going to improve today," I said confidently.

 

"You're speaking too soon, North," Ter said before picking up the card in front of him. 

 

"Dao, do you want to play?"

 

"Alright."

 

"Wait, what's this?" Phoon asked, looking confused and bored. "North initially said we were going to do fortune telling, right? Why did we start playing Pok Deng?"

 

"Mew, show me the card," Daotok said.

 

"Damn it… How am I supposed to stop you guys?" Phoon said, "Why do I have to play this?"

 

"Mew, show me your card," I repeated Daotok's words.

 

"What?"

 

"Mew, let's match a song," Ter said again.

 

"Uh uh!" Phoon said impatiently. He took the card and flipped it over, "Pok kao."

 

"Damn it, what the hell is this?" I angrily threw the cards I was holding down.

 

After a few rounds, we had to stop because Daotok was too good. How could he be so good? But we didn't bet any money because none of us had any. It would be better if I asked someone else to tell my fortune. Daotok said I was very lucky lately, especially financially.

 

"Really? Should I buy another lottery ticket?" I thought.

 

"Lottery tickets again, North? Since you started buying them, you've won once and gone out drinking with your friends," Ter said.

 

"Everyone has to believe in this; you'll strike it rich someday. I've bought hundreds of lottery tickets worth millions, but you have to be patient. There's no need to stress because it's an investment in hope, and it will yield real returns."

 

"Even though your boyfriend is very rich?" Ter asked.

 

"But I'm not rich. While Johan was asking for 10,000 baht, I was still wondering which ATM would be big enough to withdraw that much."

 

"That's right," Phoon said. Daotok nodded, then gathered the cards in his hand and arranged them.

 

"Mew..."

 

"Huh?"

 

"I've guessed your fate."

 

"Damn, Dao actually did it." I think I'm about to burst out laughing. Phoon's face made me feel so happy. "Why is Phoon so unlucky?"

 

"No, I was just joking."

 

"That knife scared me," Phoon said. "My heart was racing just now."

 

"Mew will have a love story someday..."

 

"Kids!"

 

We turned around when we heard the call. I realised the club teacher had arrived. Today's assignment was to draw an object the teacher had prepared. Trying to make it look as three-dimensional as possible was incredibly frustrating. When I first joined the club, Ter and Phoon had about the same drawing skills as I, but over time, their skills have improved. Mine, however, remains stagnant…Furthermore, the teachers are very strict. That's why very few people join the club.

Although this is actually a drawing club.

 

"Oh my god, do I have to add colour too?" I secretly glanced at Daotok while he was trying to cover up his mistakes with black paint. Daotok was painting with watercolours when I said, "It's so ugly."

 

"Is your drawing bad?" Dao said, frowning at me, "The teacher said your drawing isn't good enough yet."

 

"Well, I still can't even shade properly," I said sadly before picking up my drawing board and looking at it. "Art and I just can't get along."

 

“North, let me see,” Phoon said before leaning forward to look, “What is this? Why are the leaves like this?”

 

"Shut up, or I'll hit you in the face with a sardine."

 

"Are you planning to beat Mew with sardines?" Ter asked before bursting into laughter.

 

I finally finished. I sat next to Daotok and watched him draw, and no matter how many times I looked, I was still amazed. Why did he draw so beautifully? Ter and Phoon also draw very well. Damn, I feel like my life is at a standstill 😭

 

“Daotok.”

 

"Huh?"

 

"Why is your name Dao? You're a boy."

 

"Well, back in the day, my parents prayed together to a shooting star for a child. So, they wanted their child's name to be Daotok, whether it was a girl or a boy."

 

"Why? Why pray to shooting stars? We could pray to something else, couldn't we?"

 

"Why are you suddenly questioning my name?" Dao said, still concentrating on his watercolour painting. "The name isn't that strange."

 

"So, should I call you by a stronger name?"

 

"Huh."

 

"Hmm, let's see which name sounds more powerful," I thought. Dao laughed at my remark, "So why does it have to be Daotok? How about another name? How about Meteorite?"

 

"You're going to call him Meteorite? Huh, North?"

 

"Why are you suddenly using English?"

 

“…”

"Hey, but why does it have to be Daotok? I don't understand. Calling it Dao sounds like a girl's name."

 

"Why do I feel like I'm being bullied?"

 

"Hey, don't bully the person who's always helping you, North. You didn't participate in club activities, you didn't do your homework, and Dao had to do two paintings at once, including yours. Even though I haven't said it out loud, you're terrible!" Ter started scolding me. I immediately frowned.

 

"Huh, what is that?"

 

"Dao, don't overthink it. North is just a rude guy," Ter said.

 

"That's right," Phoon added.

 

"Now I realise I'm the one being bullied."

 

"So why is it called North?" Daotok turned to me and asked, swinging his paintbrush back and forth.

 

"My mom said 'North' means the North, but I don't know why she named me North." I think I asked my mom about the name, but she just said it means North, that's all.

 

"So what about Ter and Phoon's names?"

 

"Oh, mine means Easter; my mom went travelling and liked that name. My sister's name is also Christmas, the name of a holiday," Ter explained.

 

Please listen to me just once when I ask a question.

 

"My little Chris, oh, so cute," I said, "If I were Hill..."

 

"Hey, North," Ter said before tossing the piece of paper over to me.

 

"Oh, what's wrong?"

 

"What about Phoon?" Dao asked, looking up.

"I was named this way to match my sister's name."

 

"You have an older sister, too?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "That's great. What's her name?"

 

"Torfun."

 

"Oh, do they match?"

 

"Typhoon and Torfun are quite similar," Phoon said.

 

After that, we continued talking and working. Some time later, the art club's session ended, and my activity score was still very low. Daotok was the first to leave. Only the three of us remained. Ter had to go wait for Hill, so I decided to go with Ter.

 

"Do you guys want to go eat together? There's food for sale at the cafeteria under the medical building. Let's go, Phoon," Ter said. Phoon hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

 

We sat down to eat and chat. I called Johan and told him, "I'm downstairs waiting with my friends." We talked for a while, then the doctors came into the cafe, all at once. Hill sat next to Ter, and Johan sat next to me.

 

"Oh, Phoon, you're leaving already?" I said when I saw him stand up.

 

"Okay, see you later."

 

"Okay, see you later," Ter and I said, both feeling awkward. I just realised he seems to be in a bit of a hurry. Everything was normal when we were walking and talking, right?

 

When I returned to the table, I noticed that Fah seemed to be staring intently at the person who had just left. He looked at him for a moment, then shifted his gaze elsewhere. It's not yet time for us to say anything for sure, is it?

 

A commotion erupted among the people sitting in the cafe, so I turned to see what everyone was looking at. I saw a woman standing in front of the cafe, and I could see her through the cafe's glass door. So beautiful…

 

She was truly beautiful. No wonder everyone was talking about her. The woman had waist-length hair. I guessed she was in her twenties, and she was wearing a business suit and high heels. She looked like a celebrity. Or maybe she was a celebrity I didn't know?

 

“Jin…” I heard Johan call her that before he got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant.

 

Jin?

Is she someone Johan knows?

 

"Do you know that person?" I asked the person sitting next to me. P’Hill was about to reply, but then there was a commotion. Everyone in the pub suddenly started shouting, causing me to turn and look. Kissing on the cheek...?

 

The woman kissed Johan on the cheek, and he didn't react. I was stunned by what I saw, feeling like I didn't understand what was happening, and then we both went into the cafe.

 

“Come here,” Johan said, approaching me. I watched the woman walk to another table and sit down to wait. When they both entered the restaurant, almost everyone looked at them. I mean, the sight of them standing next to each other was really striking.

 

I stood up and followed Johan, even though I didn't understand what was happening. I sat down next to him and waved to the woman, who returned the gesture. My limbs felt tense, but I was genuinely uncomfortable. Um... What's going on here? Why is she looking at me like that?

 

I inadvertently glanced away because her gaze was fixed on me. She raised her hand to her chin, looked at me, and smiled gently. Why do I feel like I'm about to be devoured? It feels the same as when Johan looks at me; those eyes are so similar.

 

"What are you looking at?" Johan said, sounding quite annoyed, but the smile on the woman's face didn't fade. She simply shifted her gaze from me to Johan.

 

"Can't I even just take a quick look?"

 

"Impossible."

 

"Did I embarrass you?"

 

"Mom." The woman sitting next to me lowered her voice slightly, but it still sent shivers down my spine. She smiled even more broadly when she saw Johan's unhappy expression.

 

"EH?"

 

"Oh my, that's terrifying! This is the first time I've ever seen Johan like this," she said, lowering her hand from her chin. "Okay, okay, I'm not joking anymore. I just wanted to find some cute little boy who could make our Johan so worried."

 

Mom…?

Is this Johan's mother?

 

She was indeed as beautiful as Prang had described, even more beautiful than I had imagined. Honestly, it wouldn't be wrong to think she was only in her early twenties.

 

"You're so cute," she said before reaching out to touch my cheek, but before her hand could touch mine, Johan quickly put his hand up to stop her. "What? Can't I touch him?"

 

"Impossible."

 

"You probably get jealous at the slightest thing, right? After all, he's waited for you for three years." His mother's joke made me smile shyly.

 

"So why did Mom come here?" Johan asked.

 

"Mom was passing by. Suddenly, I wanted to see my son in his medical uniform, so I thought I'd come in and visit you," she said with a gentle, even cheerful expression. So why didn't he want to see her?

 

"Mom has already met her."

 

"You look so handsome with that haircut. Can I take a picture of you?" After saying that, Mom took out her phone and snapped a picture of Johan. "You really look handsome, this hairstyle suits you so well."

 

"You're even more handsome than my husband, Jin."

 

“…”

That's a compliment beyond my expectations; does that mean I'm more handsome than my dad?

 

Johan's words made his mother burst out laughing.

 

“Yes, I wouldn’t object. You’re even more handsome than your father was when he was young. Let me introduce myself. I’m Johan’s mother. The nickname you just heard was given to me by Johan. He’s called me that since he was little because I told him to. I like being called that; it feels like we’re good friends.” His mother happily introduced herself, “So, what about you two? Are you and Johan dating?”

 

"Yes, Miss." I smiled.

 

"Oh, I'm so happy! Let me tell you, I only know this story because Grandma told me. Before, Johan always came home drunk. I can't tell you the details, but he'd never been that drunk before. That day, when I visited, I found Johan drunk when he got home. I asked him repeatedly, but he wouldn't tell me why. He kept calling out 'North' until he fell asleep."

 

"North?" I repeated the other person's words. I turned to look at Johan; he didn't react at all, not a bit, but I was the one feeling awkward. Why is that 😭?

 

"Yes, your name is North, right?"

 

"Yes."

 

"So my mother started investigating and found out you lived nearby. But she was furious when my grandmother prevented her from approaching you."

 

"Grandma thinks Mom is approaching you?"

 

"Yes, Mom doesn't know why it's like that."

 

"So what exactly was Jin planning to do at that time?" Johan asked irritably.

 

"Well, at that time, I was planning to propose to the boy with a dowry of around one or two hundred million, plus twenty gold bars, and bring the Khan Mak ceremony from his house to his grandmother's house. Otherwise, I would go and meet the boy's mother first. I would ask for their son's hand in marriage and promise to take good care of him."

 

I laughed at her words. Why is his mother so lovely?

 

"Johan keeps complaining that the soy milk is too sweet, but he drinks it every single day, without fail."

 

"Really?" I turned to look at the person next to me; I didn't think he'd drink.

 

“When Grandma heard Johan complaining about the soy milk being too sweet, she stopped forcing him to drink it. But then he voluntarily bought it every day. So, ultimately, did he want to drink it, or did he just buy it to secretly watch the seller?”

 

“…” I laughed and unconsciously covered my mouth with my hand out of embarrassment. I didn’t dare turn around to look at Johan. Did he really secretly watch me every day before?

 

"Mom was really surprised," she continued, teasing me.

 

"Because he’s cute. If he wasn't cute, why would I come to see him every day?"

 

!!

I placed my hands on the table and covered my face, trying to stop laughing, but I couldn't. My face started to flush, and my heart pounded. How could he say such things so calmly?

 

"Sometimes you're too blunt, it makes me embarrassed," Mom said, then covered her face with her hand. "Okay, it's thanks to you that he's more serious about his work."

 

"Huh? Taking work seriously?" At first, Johan said that it was thanks to me that he became more interested in the family business. When I heard that, I was very happy, "I feel..."

 

"I want to be someone he can trust."

 

“…”

“Johan started working harder and decided to take over the family business. Mom wondered why I accepted Dad’s offer when I was only in my second year of college. When she found out, she screamed because she knew I was there and she knew why Johan was working so hard.”

 

Because of me… did Johan decide to take on the family business? Does every job have to be this hard?

 

"But when he’s around, I always try my best at work. After returning from Boston, I asked her to reduce my workload."

 

“…”

"Because there are people who need taking care of."

 

“…” I lowered my head, my lips tightly pressed together.

 

My heart swelled with joy. I was so happy to hear him say he wanted to spend time with me. I'd never felt bothered by his busy schedule or lack of time for me before. As I said, I always understood him. But being someone someone wants to spend time with… it truly felt amazing, beyond words.

 

“That’s great then. I don’t want you to overwork yourself because you’re still studying. After you graduate, you can continue your work. But when you’re working, I’m afraid you won’t have much time for him. Do you understand?” My mother turned to look at me and asked, “This person will probably work even harder than before.”

 

"Yes, I understand," I replied, "But if he overworks himself, I'll be worried too."

 

"Can I give you a hug, my dear? You're so cute! And you're the one my son loves so much, too." My mother said, then got up from her chair, walked over, and sat down next to me.

 

"Jin, I forbid you from hugging him," Johan said before pulling me closer. "That's why I don't want you to see him."

 

"Why? I'm just happy. Why are you so adorable? I understand why Johan likes you so much now. Please let me give you a hug."

 

"No," Johan replied firmly.

 

"Oh dear," Mom sighed, returning to her seat. 

 

"But I want to thank you for everything. If I had the time, I'd probably treat you to something delicious, but unfortunately, I have to leave now." She glanced at her watch as she spoke.

 

"Oh, it's alright," I replied.

 

After that, my mother asked me a few everyday questions, like what I was studying and whether my studies were going well, and then she hurried away. We all saw her off to her car.

 

"Remember to bring the boy home, and I'll talk to your father about it," Mom said.

 

"Is Dad free?" Johan asked.

 

“Your father will definitely have some free time. See you later. Johan, keep a close eye on him, make sure no one steals him away.” Mom said, rummaging through her bag, “I heard there are a lot of guys flirting with North, aren’t there?”

 

"Oh, really?" Johan replied nonchalantly, as if it were nothing to worry about. This kind of response clearly indicated that he was just being polite.

 

I'm sure I won't get any answer from him.