North: How much is your love?

Chapter 7: Warm milk with honey.

[>> North <<]

!!!

I stared at my phone screen, rereading the old message over and over to make sure I wasn't mistaken.

 

Johan: I'm in front of the dorm.
Johan: Come down.
Johan: I told you not to go anywhere, right?

 

What?! Seriously?!

 

"Ter!!" I shouted, calling out to it even though it was right nearby, making it jump in surprise.

"What the heck! You scared the hell out of me."

"Johan said he's in front of the dorm," I said, showing him my phone. Ter glanced at it, and his jaw dropped just as much.

"Huh, seriously!?" I nodded in confusion, 

"What's wrong? Did you two have a date?"

"No way, he just sent that message out of nowhere."

 

North♣: Huh??
North♣: You're in front of my dorm!?
Johan: I already told you.
North♣: Wait a minute, why is it like this?
North♣: You came to pick me up?
Johan: Yes.
North♣: Where are we going?
Johan: Come down quickly.
Johan: You have 5 minutes.
North♣: Oh waityyyy!
North♣: Tell me where we're going first!

 

"He sent the message but didn't even read or reply to it. It seems like he came to pick me up, but didn't say where we were going."

"Are we going to stay overnight?" Ter asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

"I don't know," I shook my head. "I'm so confused. What is this? I didn't have time to prepare at all; everything is happening so fast."

 

I scratched my head, still feeling confused. I'd just gotten home from work and hadn't even had time to shower, and he said he was in front of the dorm and wanted me to come down. What's going on? Why does Johan always act like this?

 

"So what are you planning to do?"

"Yes, yes, I feel completely unsafe."

"But when I asked earlier, P’Hill said it was fine."

“Really? Are you sure you’re okay?” I was still hesitant, almost forgetting that Johan had said I only had 5 minutes. “What do I do now? Can I refuse?”

"Have you ever managed to do it?" Ter's question hurt me so much I had to clutch my chest. Never. I've never once refused Johan. He's never asked for my opinion or listened to me 😭

 

TENG!!

Johan: Don't make me come pick you up.

 

Oh my god 😭 I was so busy talking to Ter that I forgot he was urging me to hurry up.

 

North♣︎: Hey, wait a minute, let me take a shower first!
Johan: Give you ten more minutes. Otherwise, I'll come up there.

 

"Oh no, Ter! Help me pack! Put it in this backpack!" I asked Ter to help me pack and then ran straight to the bathroom. Ter looked at me, confused, but still helped. I don't know what else to do, but if Johan comes all the way up to my room, it's probably not going to be good. And with only that much time, I'm not The Flash, how am I supposed to finish in time? 

 

"What do you need to bring?"

I heard Ter shouting a question while frantically scrubbing with soap.

"Uh... what was it... the uniform hanging in the closet. And the shoes too."

"Where are your socks?"

"It's in that bottom drawer."

"I can't find it anywhere."

"I must have forgotten to wash my clothes. Can I borrow yours first?"

"You've borrowed so many pairs from me already, give me back one." I heard Ter mumble, then fall silent, probably helping me pack. After a while, I finished showering and threw on a t-shirt and soccer shorts. Oh well, I'll wear this outfit. No matter where he takes me, I'll wear this! I'll even sleep in this!

 

"Where are the textbooks?" Ter asked.

 

"That's enough," I said while checking the contents of my backpack. "Is there anything else?"

 

"Power bank."

"Yeah, I can't forget this." I went to the table, grabbed the power bank, and put it in my backpack. I figured I wouldn't forget anything else.

"Do you have any mosquito repellent?" Ter asked, handing me a bottle. I looked at it in surprise.

"Oh, just in case Johan takes you camping."

"What, going camping? Are you crazy?"

"Who knows? He hasn't even said where he's going. Maybe he'll go stargazing in the mountains. Take this," Ter said, then stuffed the mosquito repellent into my backpack.

"Why are you so well-prepared? You even brought mosquito repellent," I grumbled, making a displeased face. Ter stroked his chin, seemingly deep in thought.

"Given this situation, we'll probably need a flashlight and a water bottle too."

"Did you apply sunscreen?"

"Why apply sunscreen?"

 

"Just in case you wake up tomorrow morning,  and can go to the beach."

"That's ridiculous. I have classes. I even brought my uniform just in case."

"Anything else? You don't have any regular medicine, do you? We can buy whatever we need."

"Do you mean he'll actually take me to the mountains or the beach?"

"Who knows? You said anything could happen with Johan." 

 

Why does Ter always think of such improbable scenarios? Is that one of his strengths? But I agree with the latter. Just then, a notification popped up on my phone.

 

Johan: Hurry up,
North♣︎: I'm in a hurry, I just finished showering.
North♣: You're about to fall headfirst!

Seriously, why was he in such a hurry? If he had told me beforehand, he wouldn't have pushed me like that.

"Okay, I'll go first. Hey, are you staying here alone?" I suddenly remembered I'd never left Ter alone in the room before. "Can you manage on your own?"

"No, I can't stay," Ter shook his head. "But if I wanted you to stay, that wouldn't work either."

"Why create drama like that?"

"I've never left you alone, no matter how busy I am, but if you have to sleep in your room, I'll come and stay with you. And now you're abandoning me so easily?"

"Ter, calm down, I feel guilty now," I whispered, knowing Ter was just joking but still a little worried. "Let me ask Hill to come pick you up."

"Oh, it's late now, it's okay."

“So what do we do?” I stopped immediately while looking for my shoes, turning to look at Ter, who was feigning sadness. I knew he was just joking, “Well, I’ll ask Johan about it because I don’t want to leave you alone.”

North♣: What about Ter?
North♣︎: I don't want to leave Ter alone.
Johan: Ter should come down too.
North♣: You'll take him with you?
Johan: Hill's here too.
Johan: Hurry up.

Huh? What's going on with these two guys...?

 

I waited for Ter to finish packing his things, then we went down from the dorm together.

"That's strange," I said as we were going down the stairs.

"What's up?"

"Normally, I should be happy, right?"

"Oh, why aren't you a fan of mine? And now I'm not a fan of yours?"

"That's disgusting, I shouldn't have asked," I said, shaking my head slightly. I was just curious.

"Honestly, I'm nothing special."

"Really?!" My eyes widened, and I couldn't believe my ears. "Is this really nothing?"

 

"Honestly, I enjoy teasing you, but I'm also worried."

 

"There's no need to call it a secretive preference."

"But now I'm more worried about you. If anything goes wrong, give me a call."

"Yeah, sure. If anything happens, I'll call you right away," I replied.

 

When I went downstairs, I saw a Benz and an Audi parked in front of the dormitory. Honestly, if it were daytime, there would definitely be a lot of people staring. Hill and Johan were leaning against their cars, chatting. Even though it was just a normal conversation, I felt there was something special about it. It was like they were shooting a magazine advertisement or posting it on social media, like male models posing with cars.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Ter went straight to P’Hill. P’Hill smiled and patted Ter's head. It felt so soft, as if the whole world were covered in pastel colours. 

 

This was in stark contrast to Johan, who stood there with a rather displeased expression. The atmosphere around them felt distinctly different.

"When did you go out?"

"It's been like this since Johan said he'd be coming," P’Hill replied, and I walked closer. "I don't know what's going on. I'll be back at the apartment in less than five minutes."

"Slow down." Johan turned around and scolded me.

"Oh my god, I've already walked as fast as I can," I complained.

"Johan."

"What is it?" Johan turned around when he heard someone call his name.

"Don't forget what just happened."

"I know."

"Wait a minute, you... I'm tired, I don't want to talk about you anymore," P’Hill said, looking dejected. P’Johan wasn't much better.

"Yeah, send me your latest job postings."

"I don't have any."

"Huh? Who did that?"

"Fah did it."

"Again, are you going to give everything to Fah to do? Did you quit your job because you got a boyfriend?"

"You, someone who's never done anything before, have no right to speak," P’Hill said, frowning. I'd never seen Johan talk to his friends like this. He was usually so relaxed. Why was he so irritable with me? "There's nothing left for you at the company, is there?"

"Yeah, it's all done now. Let's take a break. Just a break."

"Okay then, I don't want to work for you anymore," P’Hill said, then turned to Ter and asked, "Are you hungry? Want to stop and buy something?"

"No need, I'm starting to get sleepy too."

"Let's go. Oh, class starts at 8 a.m. tomorrow," P’Hill said as he prepared to open the car door.

 

"Don't be late."

"Why 8 o'clock in the morning?"

"The teacher set that time."

"Oh my god, yeah, let's meet up."

"Okay." Then the white Benz slowly drove away, leaving Johan and me standing there, still bewildered.

 

"Get in the car," Johan ordered, then opened the door and sat in the driver's seat. I opened the car door and sat down next to him. He didn't say anything; he just started the car, reached over to touch the seat beside me, looked behind him, then turned the steering wheel with one hand and reversed the car. 

 

My God, if a girl saw that, her heart would have raced.

 

!!!

It felt like I was being pushed into my seat as the car accelerated. I forgot that Johan drove so fast. I was so scared, I quickly buckled my seatbelt, and then I saw how smoothly Hill had been driving earlier. I missed Hill's car so much. Oh my God, I want him to come back and pick me up. I can't stand it anymore.

 

"Older brother."

"Jo, hey..."

"What's up?"

"Could you drive a little slower? I'm so nervous, my legs are numb," I said. The person next to me didn't answer, but just slowed down to a normal speed. Oh, I was so scared, this time it was even scarier than before because the road was so empty. "Driving fast at night is very dangerous."

The whole journey was so silent that I wanted to take out my headphones and listen to music to pass the time, but I didn't dare. I wanted to ask Johan where he was taking me, whether it was camping or going to the beach like Ter said? But it didn't seem to be the case because, if I remember correctly, this road leads to Johan's apartment.

So the next question is… What was he taking me to do?

Suddenly, I heard my phone vibrate. I took it out and saw nothing, so I assumed it was Johan's.

 

"Would you like me to answer the phone for you?" I offered, noticing the phone was nearby, and Johan was driving and couldn't take it. He was silent for a moment, then nodded in response.

 

Incoming call: May

May?

"Who is that, sir?"

"It's May."

"No need to accept it."

"It's okay, I'll answer it," I said, then answered the call without waiting for Johan's reply.

(Johan, why aren't you replying to my messages?)

"Johan is busy, he's driving," I replied into the phone. There was a moment of silence on the other end before someone spoke again.

(Driving? In the middle of the night? So who is this person?)

"Uh, um..." I paused, unsure whether I should say my name, "You probably don't know me."

(So ​​, where are you two going?)

“Let’s… let’s go home,” I replied hesitantly, then looked at Johan, “We’re going home, right?” But Johan was only looking straight ahead, not paying attention to my question.

(About the apartment?)

"Yeah, probably."

(Can you turn on the speakerphone? I want to talk to Johan.)

"Just talk to me, Johan is driving." Hearing me say that, Johan turned to look at me with a surprised expression. I just raised my eyebrows at him without saying anything.

(Is this okay too?) The voice on the other end asked, then chuckled. (Please ask Johan why he hasn't replied to my messages.)

"Johan, why aren't you replying to my messages?"

"It's you who's not replying to my messages."

Huh…
But it’s true.
So why did he seem so annoyed?

"No, it wasn't you. They asked why you weren't replying to their messages." This time, Johan said nothing, just shook his head slightly in response.

What does shaking your head mean? Are you busy?

"He said he wasn't free."

(Not free? Working? But I saw you at the cafe already.) Huh, why does your voice sound a little angry? (Then why did you take a picture with Pang?)

“…”

"So why are you taking pictures with Pang?" I asked, echoing what May had said.

“…….?” The person next to me didn't answer, just turned to look at me with a slightly puzzled expression before looking back out at the street. I thought he really wouldn't answer? I tried to emulate May's feelings.

"He didn't answer."

(It's always the same, always like this. I know we agreed not to interfere in each other's affairs, but... hmm.)

"Sister May"

(Huh, what is that?)

"Stop talking to Johan and talk to me instead."

(...?)

"I'm single too."

!!!

When I said that, Johan immediately turned to look at me, took his hands off the steering wheel, grabbed his phone, ended the call, and tossed it onto the dashboard irritably. He drove into the apartment complex so quickly that I was slightly startled. When the car stopped, he immediately opened the door and got out without waiting for me.

I quickly got out of the car and followed him, his expression now even more annoyed than before.

 

“...”

"Are you jealous?"

“...”

"Jealous of May? I was just joking, I didn't mean to flirt with her."

“...”

 

"Hmm."

Johan simply replied like that, then swiped his room key on the door. I followed him inside, even though I still didn't understand why I was there. I didn't ask any more questions now because I didn't want to talk or ask anything. When he sat down on the sofa, I quietly sat down beside him.

"Where are you going?" he asked in a cold voice that sent chills down my spine. How scary!  He was perfectly normal when talking to Hill.

"Uh... I'm just going out for a bit." I replied exactly as in the text message, but I really didn't know how to respond. If I had known beforehand, I would have prepared my answer.

"Where to go?"

"Let's go out for a meal near the city centre."

"With whom?"

"Uh... friends, you wouldn't know."

"Who?"

Oh my god, why am I so stressed T^T. Someone save me!

“With Nao, Sket, Ikkyu.” I used the names of my friends that I could remember.

“…”

“…” Johan said nothing but let out a small sigh, “Didn’t I tell you already?”

"Tell him not to go anywhere," I replied softly, lowering my head, remembering what he had said in the text message. Although I didn't understand why he was so angry, Johan was truly terrifying when he was upset.

"Why aren't you replying to my messages?"

“…”

"I'm sorry." I didn't know what else to say, so I could only apologise.

"What time are you leaving?"

"Around… around what time?"

"Hmm." Johan just replied, running his hand through his hair irritably before falling silent again. I'm not sure why, but it seemed Johan didn't believe what I said. It made me feel guilty for lying, but I was just going to work T^T.

"Ah... sir."

"What?"

"Oh, it's nothing." At first, I was going to ask why he didn't deduct the money from my bill, but then I decided against it. It's better not to deduct it, so I didn't say anything more. Then suddenly, Johan got up and went into what I guessed was a bedroom. Oh… what am I supposed to do now? I've been dragged here. What does he want me to do? Where do I sleep, and what about school tomorrow? With nothing to do, I took out my phone to kill time, intending to text Ter.

"Hey!" I jumped, suddenly remembering something. I quickly emptied my bag, as I usually do when I'm in a hurry to find something – it's convenient. Everything in my bag was scattered all over the coffee table in front of the sofa.

"What are you looking for?" Johan's voice came from behind me. I turned around; he seemed a little surprised by my reaction.

"Oh... I'm looking for my wallet." After emptying everything out, I rummaged around. Johan seemed to have finished changing clothes and sat down on the sofa as before, "Damn, I forgot my wallet."

"You forgot your wallet, but you brought mosquito repellent?"

Don't look at me with that disappointed face! I'd rather be scolded! 

Ter, hey, why did you remember the mosquito repellent but forget your wallet? I tried to think of what else I might be missing.

"Then why bring mosquito repellent?" Johan asked.

"Well... just in case you take me camping."

“…”

Johan didn't say anything; he just raised his hand to his forehead and sighed. I told you, scold me, scold me like you always do, please. Doing that only makes me feel worse! T^T

"Because you didn't say where you were going," I replied softly, my face slightly contorted.

"I'm not taking you anywhere at midnight."

"Not necessarily, maybe he wants to go."

"Not for you either."

How cruel! Why? What did I do wrong? Why don't you want to go camping with me?

"So, are you going to work?" I asked while packing my things into my bag. Johan didn't seem angry anymore, or so I guessed...

"Star?"

"I guess you thought I wanted you to stay and work here."

"So what?"

"Oh..." I raised my eyebrows in surprise, "Do you have a blanket for me?" I asked, no longer really caring why he brought me here. He'd tell me what he wanted me to do later; right now, I just wanted to know if I'd have a blanket to sleep under tonight.

"Yes, why?"

"At least give me a blanket, it's so sad sleeping without one." I said, standing up, "Where are you? Let me go get one."

“Upstairs,” Johan said, pointing to the large cabinet behind him. I immediately followed his instructions.

"Is there a chair?" I asked, noticing how tall the cupboard was—not that I couldn't reach it, just that it was a little difficult. Johan didn't say anything, but just walked over, reached for a blanket, and handed it to me.

"Thank you." I took the blanket from him, feeling a little embarrassed. T^T

"Are you going to sleep on the sofa?"

"Yes." I spread out the blanket; it was a thin, plain blanket. If I didn't mind, I could have asked for a pillow too, but on second thought, it would be strange if Johan had a pillow, as it didn't suit his personality at all.

"Can you sleep?"

"It's so comfortable, your sofa is even softer than the pork bed in my room," I said as I walked over and sat on the large sofa, which was about to become my bed. It was soft, very soft, much softer than the pork bed in my room. Actually, saying I'd sleep on a pork bed wouldn't be an exaggeration, but I'm someone who can sleep anywhere. Like last time, I fell asleep on a table; sleeping on the floor wouldn't be a problem either.

Johan didn't say anything, but he seemed a little surprised by my actions. Then he went into the room, probably the bedroom. So, I'm just changing sleeping places tonight? I took out my phone and texted Ter. After a while, I thought there was nothing else to do, so I turned off all the lights, leaving only a small light on.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

Even though I've worked incredibly hard, I can't sleep...
Is it because this place is unfamiliar?
Or is it...?

Unable to bear the fear any longer, I hastily pulled out my phone again and searched for the contact's name on Line. Ter definitely couldn't be there because he was with P’Hill. I quickly called P’Nao.

(Why are you calling so late?) As soon as I answered, he started yelling at me, and there was a lot of noise too (I was playing a game, I almost got shot!).

"I knew you weren't asleep yet."

(Yes, is there anything?)

"Why are you so cold? I can't sleep."

(What does that have to do with me?)

"Are you angry? You're getting short-tempered."

(No, I'm concentrating. You're calling at this hour, I don't know anything, damn it! Ger shot me, I don't know who shot me, I'm already down.)

(Hey, over there to the right, I'll shoot it. That beast, I'll take it down.)

(Heal me!)

"Oh, are you with your boyfriend?" I asked, hearing Nao's roommate, Ger, as Nao called him. Actually, his name is 'Tiger,' but Nao calls him Ger.

(Get lost, why do you keep asking that?)

(Who is it?) Tiger's voice rang out.

"It's me."

(You? So you know how to use a phone now?)

"Ger, speak nicely," I said in a low, deliberately threatening tone.

(Tiger, my name is Tiger.)

"You fraud!" I cursed, feeling a little annoyed. Tiger wouldn't let anyone call him Ger, only Nao. No need to ask why, just because of that, it was agonising to be stuck in this circle of friends. How pathetic! What's noteworthy is that Nao didn't understand anything at all, still thinking that Tiger was just a true friend, "I told Fuse to call you Ger back in kindergarten, and now you won't let him anymore?"

(North!!!)

"Why is it so big!" I jumped when I suddenly heard Tiger yell my name; it seemed like Nao had scolded it again.

(North, shut up, what are you doing?)

"I suddenly feel like saying something," I said, teasingly. Tiger looked very worried and had probably already taken Nao's phone to talk privately. "But if I have a cup of green tea tomorrow, I probably won't want to say anything anymore."

 

(You dog, North, you really are… Yeah, I’ll buy it for you tomorrow, okay? Don’t say anything more, alright?) Tiger whispered, his voice very low, (Suddenly you took Nao’s phone out to talk, she’s definitely confused, luckily she was playing a game.)

 

"Hey, why aren't you playing?"

(I'm dead.)

"What's up?"

(I had to take a bullet for my wife. I'm really good at saving her.)

"That's quite something. But how did you get married? When did that happen?"

(Of course, it will happen. I want to force him to become my wife every day.)

"That's terrible."

 

(You're something else, knowing my secret and using it to threaten me. What good does that do? You're completely useless, you're a real dog.) The voice on the other end of the line sounded like it had been building up for a long time.

 

"I've already taken a picture of him for you."

(Yeah, thank you, Nao is so cute. Huhu, my heart is racing.)

"Watch out, Tiger might lose his position in the engineering department this month, and he's the cool captain of the soccer team."

(You don't understand how adorable Nao is.)

"Who could understand? How do you expect me to understand?"

(No, no, don't you dare touch my Nao. Go away!!)

"Damn it, go inside, or your wife will get suspicious."

(Huhu, you called my wife that and made me embarrassed. Okay, I'm going into the room now, don't say anything more, okay?)

"Yes," I agreed. Actually, I didn't intend to say anything to Nao; I just wanted to tease Tiger. My habit of teasing Tiger was still the same, and Nao didn't understand at all.

 

(I'm dead, Ger is screwed.) Nao's voice sounded whiny. If Nao whined like that, Tiger would surely give in.

(Sorry, let's play again.)

(Take a break, let me talk to North first.)

"Finally, you get to see my face, right?"

(Yeah, what's wrong? Why aren't you sleeping? You usually sleep like a log.)

"It's because... I'm so scared, so very scared. My eyes are wide open, and everything I see is terrifying, understand?"

(No, I don't understand. I'm Nao. If you remember me, give me a call.)

"Yeah, let me call him, get out of here! What kind of game is this, playing without looking at the situation? My eyes are about to burst with tears!" I started yelling, looking around in panic. I'm extremely afraid of ghosts, and Ter understands this best. I can't sleep alone, especially in a completely unfamiliar place.

 

(Where is Ter?)

"No, not with him."

 

(Oh, what? Did he dump you? I can't believe it.)

"No, it's more accurate to say I dumped him."

 

(Why is that? Where are you?)

"Well... you know what, don't scold me."

 

(A real dog.)

"Hey, why are you scolding me?"

 

(Since you said you knew but shouldn't scold me, I'm scolding you first just to be sure.)

"Is that okay?" I raised my eyebrows in surprise, not understanding what the person on the other end of the line meant. Is that even okay? "Oh well, just scold me, scold me, just don't sigh in my face," I said, remembering Johan's sigh and dejected look earlier. Being scolded felt better than that.

 

(What's wrong with you? Are you pretending not to understand?)

"Well...that's how it was..." I recounted everything to Nao, from my part-time job to Johan picking me up, then me secretly going to work and Johan picking me up again.

(Oh…)

(Wow…)

"Why does that sound like Tiger's voice?"

(I've turned on the speakers.)

 

"Oh, betrayal? I told you not to tell anyone," I said. This couldn't be revealed to Sket and Kyu, so I didn't call them. Otherwise, they'd tease me endlessly. Only Nao was a little nicer; he did tease me, but less than them.

 

(It's late, the speakers were on from the beginning, so what? Is there anything? Did you become a couple?)

 

"Gerrr, why would you say that?"

(I'm just your angry shadow, that's all. I'm just letting you go change sleeping places.)

 

"I don't know, he didn't say anything, he didn't answer when I asked, he's probably asleep now."

 

(Oh, why? You're thinking too little. If it were me, I would have forced him to answer.) Nao said. (And yet nothing happened? What if he did something?)

 

"It's okay, I don't think he'll do anything."

(You think so little, Nao.) Tiger said, seemingly teasing me. (Then why didn't you call back? Didn't you think about it?)

 

"It's also because I'm scared, I told you so."

(A ghost?)

 

"Nao, who's talking like this in the middle of the night?" I drawled, "I can't stand it anymore, I don't dare move."

 

(Hmm, I understand. If you're scared, then don't read or watch it anymore. You'll get used to it later; it's not that scary if you don't know anything about it.) Nao tried to explain.

 

"I just couldn't help it," I replied softly, knowing I was scared but also liking it. I don't know why.

 

(I told you so, don't read stories about dorms or school. Go read stories about the jungle, the sea, the mountains, or stories about life abroad.)

 

"I did as you told me to."

(Then why be afraid? It's so far away.)

 

"He could fly to another country to see me."

(A real dog, just your imagination…)

"Come on, talk to me, let me sleep a bit, I can listen to you guys playing games too." I said, calling Nao and Tiger for a while, then suddenly remembered something.

 

"Oh no, I forgot."

(What's going on?)

 

"Student uniform."

(What's up?)

 

"It's wrinkled, Ter. Put it in the bag for me, I probably forgot to fold it."

(Oh, so what now? You don't like wearing wrinkled clothes?)

 

"Yes, what do we do now?"

(Try borrowing Johan's jacket and putting it on to prevent the wrinkles.)

 

"Can I borrow it like that?"

(Okay, just borrow it for now and wash it back later. Otherwise, you'll be complaining to us all the time like last time when you forgot to iron your shirt.)

 

"Yeah, why don't I borrow his iron? Wouldn't that be easier?" I asked, suddenly remembering. Borrowing an iron is easier than borrowing a shirt.

 

(He does? You think someone like Johan would iron his own shirt? Think about it, North.)

 

"Yeah, so what should we do? Can we borrow it for tomorrow?"

 

(If he's not asleep yet, just ask him. You might forget tomorrow. Besides, he has classes in the morning, and we have classes in the afternoon. Remember that, don't forget.)

 

"He probably has morning classes," I said, recalling that Hill had told Johan he had classes at 8 a.m. before leaving the dorm, so he must have been asleep by now.

(Try knocking on the door.)

"Really?"

 

(Try knocking gently; if there's no answer, he's probably asleep.)

"Okay," I replied, then slowly propped myself up and walked to Johan's room door. I raised my hand and gently knocked, just as Nao had instructed. A moment later, the door opened... Is he not asleep yet?

 

Incorrect…

The lights in the room were off, and yet you're still awake, even though I knocked gently like this?

 

"Um, Johan."

 

"What's wrong?" He sounded annoyed, like someone who hadn't slept well. "Making noise and then daring to call me?"

 

"Huh... Did I make too much noise? I'm sorry," I said, feeling guilty. I didn't expect to make so much noise. Surely it wasn't because I was talking on the phone too loudly that he couldn't sleep, right?

 

"Yeah, so what happened?"

"Could I borrow your jacket, please? My student uniform is wrinkled."

 

"Ah."

 

"Is that okay?"

 

"Okay, I'll give it to you tomorrow."

 

"Thank you."

 

"So why aren't you asleep yet?"

 

"Yes... I couldn't sleep, so I called a friend."

 

"Oh, I couldn't sleep either."

 

"Yes?"

 

"Make me something to eat," Johan said, reaching out to switch on the light in the room. "Can you do it?"

 

"Okay, what would you like to eat?" I asked, then told Nao to pause the call. "You may not look like one, but you're a really good cook," I said proudly, even though Ter had complimented me several times.

 

"Anything will do," Johan replied, then went into the kitchen. I followed him in, thinking to myself, it's two in the morning, what should we eat? Why do I feel a little happy? Maybe it's because I'm not just here to change my sleeping place anymore.

 

I rummaged through the refrigerator for a moment, then turned to look at Johan, who was sitting there with his usual grumpy expression. If that's the case, I guess he told me to come here to cook him something to eat since he couldn't sleep. Maybe even breakfast.

 

"Do you often have trouble sleeping?"

 

"YES."

 

"So what do you usually do?"

 

"When you're tired from working, you'll just sleep."

 

"Oh dear, that's not good at all. What if there were days like today when we didn't work?"

 

"Then I won't be able to sleep."

 

"I thought you'd have someone calling you or someone watching over you while you slept or something."

 

"Like you, huh?"

 

"Well... Actually, I'm really scared."

 

"What are you afraid of?"

 

"I'm scared... I'm really scared, I don't dare say it." I said, opening the lid of the pot, intending to warm the milk first and then add honey. I'd heard people say honey helps with sleep, but I'd never tried it before because I fall asleep easily if I'm not scared of anything.

 

"You... Do you ever have a serious conversation?"

 

Oh my god, it's getting intense again 😭

 

"Huh? People have to have something to be afraid of, too," I said, unintentionally making a face, though I'm sure the other person didn't notice. "Aren't you afraid?"

 

"No, if you've forgotten, I'm studying medicine."

 

"Oh, right, he studied to be a doctor." I often forget that Johan studied to be a doctor because he doesn't look like one at all. "I was going to ask him why he studied to be a doctor when his family already has plenty of work?" I said as I prepared to pour milk into a small saucepan.

 

"That's a lot of questions."

 

Is this considered a polite insult? 😭

 

“Mom said to just apply and see what happens. If I fail, so be it, but if I get accepted, I have to study,” Johan said dejectedly, seemingly not very keen on becoming a doctor either. I said from the start that Johan didn’t look like a doctor at all.

 

After a while, my warm milk with honey was ready. When I placed it on the table, the person opposite picked it up without asking any questions.

 

“Honey milk. I heard it helps you sleep well,” I said. Johan didn’t say anything; he just took a sip.

 

"Everything you do is so sweet."

 

“…?”

 

“Really? Me? How do you know?” I was surprised by his words. Johan didn’t answer until he finished his glass of milk, “Everything you make is so sweet? How do you know?” I only made him coffee, and even that coffee didn’t have any sugar in it.

He set the empty glass down on the table, and I picked it up and put it in the sink. When I came back, I saw Johan leaving the kitchen.

 

"Good night," I said, and walked towards the old sofa. However, my wrist was grabbed before I could move. Johan pulled me into the bedroom, where the lights were off. The cold from the air conditioner was palpable.

 

“Brother?” I called out to him, not understanding what was happening, before Johan let go of my hand and sat down on the bed. It was pitch black, so I could barely see the bed.

 

"Go to sleep."

 

"Are you letting me sleep here?"

 

"YES."

 

"Actually, I could sleep on the sofa," I said shyly, even though he had pulled me in here; sharing a bed seemed a bit much.

 

"You're scared, aren't you? And if you sleep outside, you'll just make noise again."

 

“Ah… Okay, sir.” I slowly reached out in the darkness, and when I found the bed, I lay down carefully. Oh, actually, I wanted to ask Johan many more things, but because I was tired and the air conditioning was cold, I decided against it.

 

The only sound in the room was the gentle hum of the air conditioner. At first, I couldn't sleep because I was scared, but having someone to sleep with made me feel safer. Soon after, I was so tired and sleepy that I quickly drifted off.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"Wake up!" A voice and the yanking of the blanket startled me awake. The bright sunlight made me squint.

 

"Ugh..." I unconsciously rubbed my eyes hard; I was so sleepy. It must be very early in the morning. I reached for my phone: "7:40, it's really morning already." I said in a sleepy voice and prepared to lie back down.

 

"Get up, I'm going to be late," Johan said irritably, casually running his hand through his hair before hurrying out.

 

"But I have classes in the afternoon."

 

"Go make some coffee."

 

"Huh?"

 

"Make some coffee," Johan repeated. I sat up, surprised, and went into the kitchen. He woke me up just to make coffee? "Get dressed when you're done."

 

"Changing clothes? Changing into student clothes?"

 

"YES."

 

"But I have classes in the afternoon."

"Mind your own business."

 

Huh! Why does someone like me, who has afternoon classes, have to go to school so early in the morning? 😭

 

Johan also seemed to be in a hurry, one hand buttoning his shirt, the other gathering his belongings. Actually, I like his style—the kind of hurried look that still looks great. No need for fancy adjustments or anything elaborate, just a quick, casual touch, and it's still fine. From his hairstyle to his clothing, he doesn't need to do anything to look handsome and stylish.

 

I made coffee just like I used to make it for him, but Johan said to use a plastic cup instead of a glass one—the kind with a lid like in cafes—because he was worried I wouldn't have enough time. After I finished, I quickly took a shower, just like last night, then changed into my school clothes and went out.

 

"Oh, sir, the jacket I borrowed last night…" I said, noticing my jacket was crumpled.

 

"Hang it in front of the closet," Johan said. I turned around and saw a jacket hanging in front of the closet. I forgot that Johan's clothes were very expensive, and although I wouldn't dare wear his, I couldn't be picky at the moment because he was in a hurry.

The jacket was so big that I had to roll up the sleeves. I was startled when Johan suddenly threw a black helmet at me.

 

Wait a minute…

Don't tell me...

Just as I thought…

 

“Why are you riding this bike?” I asked as we stopped in front of a gorgeous black motorcycle. Even though I didn’t know anything about bikes, it looked cool and impressive. But the problem was, Johan rode incredibly dangerously… and especially on this big bike, would I even survive to get to school…?

 

"I'm in a hurry, and there's a lot of traffic early in the morning."

 

“…”

 

"Get on the bike."

 

Johan seemed a little annoyed that I wasn't getting on the bike, but what could I do? I'd never been in a car this big before. I slowly and with difficulty lifted my legs.

 

"Will I fall, sir?" I asked anxiously, even though I was already on the motorbike. The person in front of me immediately started the engine.

 

"Hold on tight."

Oh my God, I'm about to faint!!

 

The big motorcycle pulled up in front of the Medical Faculty. I let go of Johan's waist, only then realising I'd somehow ended up hugging him, and probably never let go because there were so many cars and I could see how Johan was driving! We arrived at the Medical Faculty in less than ten minutes. Oh my god, I thought I was going to die! This is really the last time, please, I beg you, just sitting on the bike made me feel like I was going to die 😭

 

"Are you that scared?" Johan asked before taking off his helmet and gently running his hand through his hair. Oh my god, why is he so handsome? He looks so different from when I took my helmet off 😭

 

“I was scared, my hands are still shaking,” I exclaimed a little. “Luckily, the coffee is still intact,” I said, then took the coffee cup out of my bag and smiled at him. Because he was in a hurry, I had to put it in a plastic cup, carefully cover it, and put it in my bag to carry. Johan took the coffee cup away.

 

"So what am I supposed to do? I have classes in the afternoon."

 

"It's around here."

 

"Huh? What do you want me to do around here?"

"Want to go to class with me?" His question made me turn around immediately to look at him, and it seemed he wasn't joking.

 

"Are you crazy? How can I go? Let me call a friend to pick me up," I said. Hopefully, someone will bring a car today. I'll try calling them.

 

"Yeah." Johan only replied with that one word before going into the building. It was only after he went inside that I realised there were so many people staring at us. Oh no 😭, I need to get out of here quickly. Will his fans catch me and smash my head in?

 

…What's in that cold jacket pocket? Money?! Furthermore, it is also three one-thousand-dong banknotes.

 

I texted the owner of the jacket, hoping he had forgotten it, and I couldn't understand how someone could leave 3,000 dong in their jacket pocket.

 

North♣: Hey brother,

North♣: I found three thousand dong bills in your jacket pocket.

North♣: Would you like me to bring it over for you?

Johan: No need.

Johan: You keep it.

Johan: Didn't you forget your wallet?