Matching Key (JoongNine AU)

Code XXV

Nine

"Kim is not answering his phone", I didn't manage to bring my key as Kim pushed me out before I could reach the card on the table, "Should I knock?", I was about to, when Joong held my wrist and shook his head.

"You might disturb other people, it's already ten, some may already be asleep. I guess, Kim fell asleep too, he must be tired after a full day shoot".

Joong was right, even I, who just waited, felt a little tired, more so the one who worked, "I'll check in for another room", I said and trying to pull my hand off, but Joong held tight.

"We're not yet finished. My room. There's only a bed, but huge enough for two. Come", he pulled me to the elevator without releasing his hold.

"But, Joong...my clothes, I still need to shower. I could get another room, really, and could use the bathrobe to change into..", I tried to give an excuse but was dismissed, as Joong looked at me sharply, clearly not buying it.

"One more excuse, and I'll carry you bodily to my room", he said without a care. My mouth hung open, but I know he was dead serious too.

"Alright, I won't run, please, release my hand, it hurts...", as soon as I said that, he released his hold and looked a bit guilty too. I rubbed my wrist and waited quietly.

His room was large, I guess, it was supposed to accommodate a couple, since the single bed was a king size. Ah, he had enough money to even stay in a suite, so the cost of this room, was considerably cheap, in his estimation. He was right, it would fit for two. But, somehow, this situation reminded me of my start with Chen more. I sat down, and sighed, I missed him. Joong was rustling something in his bag, and then, a set of clothes was dumped on my lap. I looked up and blinked.

"Wear my shirt. You, in a bathrobe...not good for my sanity", he said directly.

I gasped and blush, "Joong! I would rather not taking a shower than wearing only that too, I was saying that if I stay alone. Eyy, whatever you're thinking, Cut it!", I smacked him hard, a few times, with the pillow besides me.

"Aww, urgh, alright, stop", he was rubbing his sides that was attacked, "No. Go and shower, it must be uncomfortable after sweating for the day and sleep with the same shirt. I took a bath before coming here, so my shirt is generally still okay". I nodded and relented. Arguments seemed to be useless at this moment, because my skin had started to itch.

His shirt was hanging down on me liked a comfy sleep shirt, considering his height and built, and his shorts fell to reach below my knees liked a bermuda shorts. Joong was smiling looking at me being engulfed in his large clothes.

"Ah, this is trouble, Nine. I thought it was better, but now you looked too homely, that my heart is jumping", he said, and seemed flustered too. I wiped my face, wishing that he stopped being too direct, or else I feel rather naked, than ever.

"Joong, if you have funny designs on me, I'll step out this room, right now. You carry me bodily, I'll roar as loudly as I can, that you're a pervert, till the whole hotel wake up, not just this floor".

Joong laughed and fell down on the bed, "Sorry Nine. Not that I don't take your word seriously, but the scene that you said, is playing in my mind liked a movie, and I agree, it will really be a chaos indeed! No worry. I didn't bluff though, my heart is really jumping. But, I am still sane enough to  respect your space. Come here and cover yourself with the blanket, the airconditioner is blasting, you'll catch a cold. Look, I already put the pillows in between, basically you're safe, unless you rolled over it, towards me", he said cheekily and tapping the space at the other side of the bed.

He was both direct and also playful. I sighed, rubbing my wet hair till almost dry and only then went under the blanket. Joong turned to his side and support himself on his arm, a sign that he wanted the talk we had at the cafe to continue.

I turned to my side too, though awkward, it was better, to be able to assess his expression and reaction, rather than to talk while looking at the ceiling. Joong reached out and smoothened my hair that was in disarray and covering half of my face. I stiffened, but as long as he stopped at that, it was alright. If his hand brazenly moving elsewhere, my feet would join in tandem, with the attack of my hands.

"Be at ease, you looked guarded. Don't you trust me, Nine? I'll keep my words you know, to respect your space. I wanted to rub your shoulder to calm you down, but I'm afraid, you'll react in alarm. I'll behave, see, keeping my hands under my chin liked this, so you could be sure it moves nowhere else". Liked a puppy!; that image, calmed my anxiousness, and I released a relief sigh, feeling my tight muscles loosening up. Joong smiled as he saw me lowering my guard down.

"Do you really like him, Nine? I am cutting my own heart here, but I wanted to know how do you feel too. No matter how much I want to fight for you, if your feeling is hurt, I won't do it...".

"He doesn't understand all this, Joong. I like him, but also needed to accept that he doesn't understand".

"What is that? He never loves someone else, before you? Is that it, the reason that he doesn't understand? Gosh, I like you so much, even when you wanted nothing to do with me", he boasted liked a child who was saying that he did better. I laughed a bit.

"I really could only say this much. Any other explanation will confuse you more, heck I am still learning to adapt too. But, it is beautiful, seeing him try and also the wonder that he'd shown every step of the way. He is liked you a little; direct, sharp, logical to almost annoying degree; and also, protective...of me".

"You're saying that with both tenderness, and also sorrow in your eyes".

"You could see? Ah, I should be used to it already. Our relationship is not fragile, as you put it. But, it is rather complicated; that whether it is to stay, or go; is already stamped in a limited time line".

"He's sick? Or are you!? Nine, don't scare me...", Joong was too shock that he sat up and held my hand.

I sat up too, looked at Joong, and shook my head. He sighed in relief. I hesitated to say these words, but it was the truth, "He will leave me, Joong...not now, but someday, and I think, it won't be long, since he's already asking me to give up... ", without reason, my eyes felt damp, "and go to you...", my tears fell down unexpectedly, "Chen...he...doesn't understand, that feeling couldn't be changed so easily. I'm not putting you down, or belittling your feelings, Joong, but right now... it is him, and no one else...", I wanted to continue but couldn't, my voice was stucked and all I felt was that I wanted to run home and buried myself into his comforting hug.

Joong is hurt. I know my words cut him deeper than what he'd already felt. But, still, I am his priority. He tried to wipe my rivulets of tears, but it was endless.

"Nine, though I am not him, right now, could I just hug you?. No other intention. I won't even think of it as taking a chance. No. Really just to  give you a little comfort", he asked, waiting for my answer. I didn't say a word, but my hand, held his, tighter, and my sobs was getting worse.

Joong just took things in his hand, and pulled me into his arms. Stroking my back warmly, consistent.

"So, I am not that dramatic, hmm? Though you haven't broken up, but this is as good as being heartbroken, you crybaby...", Joong said after a little while.

"Joong!!!", I protested, my voice muffled by his tight embrace. He pushed me away, enough to put a space in between us.

"Then, take things into your hands...if he doesn't understand, show him how you feel, say it out loud. Don't keep crying hurtfully liked this, and feel regretful later", he said, wiping my traces of tears.

"You're not fighting anymore?"

"You failed to listen to me, again. I respect your space. I'm not fighting, but I don't give up on you too. Liked you said, feelings is not easily changed. So, until I see you happily in a stable relationship, I consider myself still in the run for your heart".

I was overwhelm, but also,so grateful; that I jumped on him and hugged him tight.

"Ah, be careful, Nine, your snot will smear my shirt and then I'll need to wear the bathrobe in exchange. I'm afraid, you can't resist me, if that's the case...", he said, and nuzzling my ear to tease.

"Joong!!!", I pushed away, to the laughing Joong who fell on the bed again. I realized, though he was a handful; but, he's also, really just an amazing person, who has the biggest heart to offer.