NORTHHOWMUCHISYOURLOVE, Chapter 23 part 1
Chapter 23: Waiting for You
Ugh…
It hurts.
The first feeling was pain…pain all over, especially in the waist and hips, and then my mouth. I could already tell that my lips must be chapped again. I grimaced with the pain that shot through when I moved slightly, and soon after, I started to feel a headache as if I was coming down with a fever.
I opened my eyes with difficulty, looking around the somewhat familiar room, but there was no sign of the room’s owner. When I looked down at myself, I found I was wearing Phii Joe’s shirt, but no pants; the shirt was large enough to cover down to my thighs.
Ah…last night.
I tried to shake off those thoughts, but couldn’t. The events from last night replayed in my head, from when we returned to the room, to the images of Phii Johan. Oh, my, him…
Ugh. No, I won’t think about it. How am I supposed to face him now? Just thinking about it makes my heart race. I understand why so many people like him.
And why is my throat so dry?
I tried to get up from the bed but couldn’t. I had no strength to stand, and my hips hurt terribly. He’s so mean, the meanest, it was my first time, why wasn’t he gentle at all?
“Why are you trying to get up?” Suddenly, I heard Phii Johan’s voice. I turned towards the sound to see Phii Joe walking into the bedroom, freshly showered and not wearing a shirt.
Why isn’t he wearing a shirt?
I quickly turned away. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t face him; I couldn’t look at him either. It was embarrassing…too embarrassing. I had seen him without his shirt once before when he changed at the gym, but seeing him like this now…
“What’s wrong?” Phii Johan asked after I turned away, then sat down on the bed next to me. I wanted to move away, but I couldn’t move.
“Ugh. I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” I said softly before burying my face in the blanket to hide my red face. At least could he put on a shirt first, T^T?
!!
I was surprised when suddenly pulled into a hug from behind, my back pressed against his bare chest. Before Phii Joe pressed his nose and mouth to my cheek and whispered softly in my ear,
“What are you sulking about with me, hm?”
iii
I bit my lip tightly before releasing it because of the pain, instinctively trying to move away because his deep whisper near my ear made my heart skip a beat. Good grief, why does he love teasing so much? Seeing me embarrassed only seems to please him more.
“Can you…put on a shirt first?” I asked with a soft voice, still held in his embrace, feeling my face flush again. Being embarrassed to the point of wanting to cry is definitely a thing…
“Why?” Phii Johan asked before nuzzling my neck, which scattered my thoughts even more. I didn’t know what to say next; last night had almost driven me mad. Now he’s teasing me even more without giving me a moment to breathe? “If you want something, just ask.”
“…”
Why is it always like this!
I protested slightly in my mind before slowly turning around to face him. Phii Johan loosened his arms to let me move. I looked at his face before averting my gaze again, seeing it only reminded me of last night, making me even more unable to meet his eyes. I closed my eyes, then leaned in, touching my lips to his gently, just for a moment before pulling back.
“Just that?” Phii Johan raised an eyebrow, looking not quite satisfied.
“Phii…my lips hurt.”
!!
“Uh.” Suddenly Phii Johan reached out, pressing the back of my neck to bring me closer, kissing me deeply until my lips hurt again, his hot tongue flicking in slightly. Due to the pain, I tried to push him away with my hands. After just a moment, he withdrew from the kiss. I tasted a faint metallic taste of blood from my own lips.
“You’re…so cruel.” I said, pouting at him, and Phii Johan gave a slight smirk. “Do you want Phii to be kind too?” “…” “Be cute to Phii then.”
“…”
“But if my North being cute has the opposite effect, don’t blame Phii.”
!!!
No! I absolutely won’t give in, the result has to be the opposite. Why does he tease me so much? Especially when Phii Johan refers to himself as “Phii” I really can’t resist. Normally he would use the word like Ku/Mung but hearing him call himself “Phii” and using my name, I just melt every time…
My face was so hot it spread to my ears, my heart was beating fast. He slowly let go of me and put on the T-shirt that was nearby, and I saw the tattoo on the side of his waist peeking out from his pants.
Oh, my.
As I said, I’m definitely going to go crazy because of him someday.
Before being pulled into another hug. This time, he let me lean against his chest, and then Phii Joe leaned against the headboard. It seems like he really likes it this way, and I like it too. It’s very warm, and Phii Joe could rest his chin on top of my head perfectly.
“Does it hurt?” the person behind me asked.
“Yeah, it hurts.”
“I’ve applied medicine. It’ll get better soon. And the fever will go down.”
Applied medicine…
T^T
“Th…thank you.”
One of his hands let go of my waist to hold mine. I really like his hands; they can completely envelop mine when we hold hands. I’ve noticed for a while now that Phii Johan has a tattoo on his arm too, but I’ve never really looked at what it said, until now. I’m a realist, dreaming the impossible.
I am a realist, dreaming of the impossible…
Is that what it translates to…
“The tattoo…” I said, touching the tattoo on Phii Joe’s arm with my finger, “What’s the impossible dream?” I asked.
“I don’t know. Just liked the phrase.”
“…” I didn’t respond, just stared blankly. Phii Joe’s arm had visible veins, indicating strength. I found it very charming and quite attractive; it’s something girls would really like.
Phii Johan has everything women like: handsome, rich, smart, and a good physique. Why does one person have it all like this?
“Why did you end up liking me?” I voiced my thoughts, still not understanding why it had to be me until now. I know it’s good for me, but why? When there are so many better people out there, and it’s not like Phii Joe doesn’t have good people interested in him.
“…” Phii Johan was silent, not responding.
“It’s almost unbelievable, you know.”
“Why?”
“Ever since you started liking me, it’s been strange. So many people like you, why does it have to be me? I still hardly see any good points in myself.” I said with a dry laugh, I mean, I’m just an ordinary person. What about me would someone like you like? But I’m not overthinking it, just a bit puzzled.
“Sigh.” the other person let out a small sigh.
“…”
“I’ve loved my dog for a long time now. Why does it matter?” !!! And…why does that make me irritated, T^T? “Oh…” I bit my lip slightly to hold back the overwhelming feelings inside. I might not be someone who overthinks, but he never lets me overthink anyway, “Tell me about it, will you?”
“About?”
“Why do you like me?”
“If I tell you, what do I get?”
“…” What’s with this crafty tone? “Uh…never mind.”
“Then I won’t tell.”
“Really…what’s this about?” I said, slightly frustrated, “Just give me a brief explanation then.”
“One kiss for one answer.” Phii Johan said. I could almost see him smiling, teasing me must be that fun.
“Uh…well…”
“Why? Don’t you want to know anymore?”
“You tease so much.” I said, slightly sulking, making a face at him.
“You don’t want to know anymore?”
“…”
“If you don’t want to know, Phii won’t tell.”
Oh, why does this man…!
Can you stop addressing yourself as “Phii” with that tone? I can’t take it anymore. I’ve really given in, why does Phii Johan have to be like this, knowing I’m weak to it just makes him tease more, my heart feels like it’s about to burst.
“Uh…So, Phii, how long have you liked me? How long has it been?” I asked the first question I was curious about. Initially, I thought about asking why he likes me, but it’s better to ask gradually, while turning slightly to look at him. Phii Joe just smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth, looking at me without taking his eyes off. “What was the offer from before?” Phii Joe asked.
“Exchange…one kiss for one answer.” I repeated his words in a soft voice, why do I have to say it…Don’t tell me I have to kiss before he’ll answer.
I hesitated for a moment, as he didn’t continue speaking, seemingly waiting for me to make the move. So, I decided to slowly sit up, pressing my lips against his slowly. Phii Joe responded slightly to the touch. I cautiously slipped my tongue in, and his hot tongue flicked back, deepening the kiss. He pulled me closer by the waist, our lips locked for a while until I felt numb and tasted a faint hint of blood before Phii Johan pulled away, looking slightly regretful.
“Your lips are cracked again.” I touched my lips, finding a bit of blood. And why doesn’t he feel guilty at all? My lips are cracked, and he still wants me to kiss him?
“Yeah, because of you. Now answer the question.”
“A long time. Maybe three years.”
“Three years? That’s when I was about in my fourth year of high school. Since when?”
“That counts as another question.”
“You…” I said, sulking, I can’t take it anymore, my lips really hurt. If he’s going to count questions like this, I’m definitely going to die, “I don’t need to know then.”
“Hmm, is that so?” The person in front of me raised an eyebrow slightly but still had a slight smile.
“Well, if you set conditions like that, it’s cheating.”
“If you want to know, ask again later. Just know that I’ve liked you for a long time, that’s enough.”
“Wait…hold on.” I interrupted first, “You…said you’ve liked me for a long time. But why were you so flirtatious with other people?” “Another question?” “Uh…yes.” Before he leaned in for another gentle kiss. This time not forceful at all, the slow and tender touch made my stomach flutter. It took some time before he finally pulled away.
“The answer then?”
“Umm…”
“…”
“Well, you were the one who kept rejecting me, weren’t you?”
I looked at him, puzzled, my mind trying to catch up. Oh…right, because in high school, I was dating Ja. So I rejected everyone who approached me, no matter who asked, I always told them I had a girlfriend, meaning I never gave anyone a chance to pursue me. So, because I had a girlfriend, Phii Joe didn’t pursue me back then, right?
Phii Johan pulled me into another tight embrace. I leaned into him, setting that matter aside for now. Being together like this made me so happy; the familiar scent always comforted me whenever I was close.
“Thank you, Phii.”
“For what?”
“Well…for still liking me.”
“Umm, I’ve actually tried to give up on you several times too.”
“And why…”
“Because I couldn’t let go in the end, that’s why I’m still here.”
“The person who made me feel like I want to stop flirting around with someone. In the end, it’s still you.”
“…” I felt my heart swell with the words I heard. Whether by actions or words, Phii Joe always made it clear. I turned to him with a smile, then tightened my embrace around him. “I love you.” “Hmm, I love you too.”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Phii Johan released me from his embrace and got up. I could move a bit now; it wasn’t as painful as when I first woke up. I immediately looked for my phone, remembering that I had left the booth unattended yesterday. Would there be any trouble?
I was shocked by the numerous notifications, especially on my seldom-used Facebook. Usually, my profile was pretty inactive since I preferred using LINE to chat with friends, but now there were lots of friend requests and messages. Most of the messages were like, “Are you dating Joe?” or “Are you the one from the Gear Lawn?”
Phii Joe is really famous, huh.
And then there’s…
The kiss…at the Gear Lawn.
It’s bound to become university-wide news, and there might even be photos. I heard the university’s “Cute Boys” page has been revived, version two, but I’m not interested anymore. I used to follow it to check out cute guys, but now there’s no need for that.
I dismissed the notifications from my Facebook without much care before opening the LINE app, chatting briefly with Kyu. Kyu said everything was fine yesterday, just some trouble tallying up the money. Duennao got a major scolding because he was the one counting the money, and there was quite a bit missing, but Tiger ended up covering the shortfall.
Tiger…you really are a good person, T^T
Easter: North
Easter: Where are you?
North♣: At Phii Joe’s place, why?
Easter: When are you coming back to your room?
North♣: Probably evening.
Easter: I’m sorry, T^T
Easter: sends image
Easter: I’ll wash it for you.
I furrowed my brows slightly when Ter sent an image. Why the apology? I understood immediately once the image loaded.
North♣: You’re the worst.
North♣: Why did you do this to my stupid duck, TT^TT
It was a picture of my duck, a silly-looking duck toy that I found cute. It’s the duck toy I’ve photographed and used as my profile picture. It’s my only toy. I really love it, why did Ter spill cocoa on my stupid duck like that, T^T?
Easter: It’s been washed.
Easter: Gave the stupid duck a bath.
Easter: Sends image
The image was of the stupid duck lying in a bucket full of soap suds.
North♣: Don’t forget to powder it too.
Easter: Sure, sure, lol.
North♣: Sends Tiger sticker
Before I could put down my phone, I heard what sounded like people arguing outside my door. Who’s here? I couldn’t hear clearly. So I decided to get up from bed to check. As soon as I stood up, a sharp pain shot up from my hip, but I could still stand, so I slowly made my way to the door.
“Phii Joe…” I called softly to the person in front of me. The person turned around immediately, frowning slightly at me before showing a look of mild displeasure.
“Why did you get up?” he asked sternly, then moved away from the door to come to me. “…” “What if you fell, what would you do?” Phii Johan extended his arm to support me. It hurt, but I could manage to walk; the pain had lessened a bit. But seeing his worried expression, I didn’t dare argue or say anything.
“North, Joe won’t let me in…Oh!” Phii Prang peeked from the side of the door, and seeing me and Phii Joe, she quickly covered her mouth, “What’s with this sweet scene?”
“You can leave now.” Phii Joe said.
“Oh come on, I brought food, can’t you let me in for a bit?” Phii Prang said with a resigned look, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe, then she covered her mouth again, “Oh my, darling, why are you so sexy like this?”
I looked down at myself in confusion. I was wearing Phii Johan’s shirt, which was big enough to cover my thighs. No pants, and I assumed there were red marks all over my neck.
“ Phii Prang.” Phii Johan called out, his voice low and spine-chilling, making Phii Prang’s smile vanish instantly.
“Okay, okay, no more teasing.” Phii Prang immediately looked dejected, before Phii Joe scooped me up and carried me back to the bedroom. I could hear Phii Prang shouting after us, “So, can I come in or not? I promise I won’t look at your North.”
“Uh, come in.”
I slowly walked out of the bathroom. Initially, Phii Johan offered to bathe me, but I absolutely refused. In the end, I showered and put on clothes that fit perfectly, as Phii Prang had just bought a few sets in my size, saying Phii Joe had ordered them.
“Can you walk?” Phii Johan asked as he helped me to the kitchen area, “If you had let me bathe you from the start, this would have been over.” “No thanks. Not necessary.” I replied softly, making a slight frowning face. I was afraid I would die of embarrassment if Phii Johan were to bathe me.
I sat down at the dining table with Phii Joe next to me and Phii Prang on the other side. Phii Prang had bought takeout. The person sitting opposite me kept covering his face with his hands, looking embarrassed, alternating his gaze between me and Phii Johan.
“…”
“Oh my, Johan, at what number did you unleash on the kid that the kid would not be able to walk?”
Phii Prang’s words made me lower my head to hide my blushing face. So much for not teasing. Glancing sideways, I saw Phii Joe watching with a slight smile, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
“North, you can handle it, right dear? Your face and ears are all red.”
“ Phii Prang…” I called out her name with a long drawl.
“Well, I know you’re cute and fun to tease, it’s just too tempting, but he was not being gentle at all, was he?” Phii Prang continued her teasing while serving porridge, “Oh my, I’m embarrassed. Can’t take it anymore. My son is all shy now. Can I take Nong North back from you, Johan?”
“No way.” Phii Joe interjected quickly, lifting his chin slightly to look at the person in front of him.
“Oh, he’s completely shy now.” Phii Prang said, reaching over to pinch my cheek gently with a teasing grin. I winced a little, not from the pinch, but because it hurt my already split lip.
Before Phii Johan could pull Phii Prang’s hand away, she looked back with a mischievous smile.
“Well, very protective, aren’t you?” “Well, he’s my wife, isn’t he?” Oh…what’s with you, Phii? You didn’t have to be this direct, did you? Think about the listener’s feelings a bit, T^T. And you said it so nonchalantly too!
“Annoyed yet, the one who’s smitten?” Phii Prang said with a hint of annoyance before handing me a bowl of congee. “Do I have to eat this congee with difficulty again? When my mouth hurts like this, nothing tastes good.” My lips are cracked again.
Phii Johan raised his hand and gently touched my lips with his thumb.
“Does it hurt?”
“Yeah, it hurts.”
“I’ll be gentler next time then.”
I didn’t reply, just continued eating the congee with my head down. Is his idea of gentle really gentle? I somehow feel skeptical, but I’m still swayed by these warm words. After a while, Phii Joe’s phone rang. The person next to me took out his phone, glanced at the screen, sighed slightly, then answered and walked outside to talk.
“North, Phii has something to tell you, just remember it.” Phii Prang whispered softly when she saw Phii Joe leave. She leaned in a bit closer.
“Yes?”
“About the kissing, I just remembered when it came up earlier.”
“Yes, why?”
“Joe doesn’t kiss his bed partners.” Phii Prang said. Her words made me raise my eyebrows in surprise. “You’ve heard of those who are flirting all over the place, right? Some of them don’t kiss their bed partners. If they do kiss, it means they’re serious. As for the other matter, that’s just the nature of the body.” I nodded in understanding. I’ve known someone like that too. He said sex is natural for humans, but kissing isn’t necessary unless there’s love.
“…” “North, you might be Joe’s first kiss, you know.”
“Hmm, yes.” That’s all I replied before scooping more congee into my mouth, feeling my face heat up again. My heart started beating faster thinking about Phii Prang’s words over and over.
If that’s true, it would be great.
But even if it’s not, it’s still good…
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