Fake Turns Real

Date

I turned the key in the keyhole and moved as quietly as possible. I did not want to let Mum know about me coming back; she would cause a scene for sure as I was alone this time. I did not want her to blow up the house - or me, in that matter. After all, John was waiting for me outside.

When I saw the coast was clear, I went up the stairs and quickly snatched a random floral dress from my wardrobe. I changed into it and shrugged a denim jacket on top, and then I slipped on some flats. I combed my hair for a bit and headed downstairs with my bag.

I tiptoed past the kitchen where the clatters of pots and pans could be heard. I almost screamed when she was about to turn around, but fortunately she was only reaching for a plate across the counter.

When I was safely outside the house again, I sighed with relief. I did not realize my heart had been beating furiously until now.

I half ran towards John's car and let myself in. John was looking at me with an amused grin.

"What's so funny?" I asked him.

"You acted like you're a thief,"

"I was so scared; it wasn't even funny!" I huffed, placing a hand on my frantic heart and took a deep breath, "Jeez."

"Let me check," he leaned closer to me and reached out a hand towards mine that was on top of my chest, "I can help you calm your heart down."

"Eww!" I slapped his hand away, "Don't touch me!"

"Way to ruin the mood, (Yn)," he turned towards the front again and started the car.

"Shut up," I mumbled, slotting my seatbelt into place.

"By the way, you look beautiful," John gave me a scan for a brief moment, biting his lip.

"Focus on the road, John," I muttered, and I was also talking to myself actually. I had to pull myself together – I was somehow distracted by his lip bite.

Since when was my resistance so low? I really had to remember not to drink so much next time.

"You should tell the other drivers," John said, "When they see you they won't be able to focus as they're clearly not as good at driving as I am, and you're a huge distraction."

I stuck my tongue out at him and he looked back on the road, laughing.

"Stop that, you don't want to get us killed,"

I ignored him and let John took us to wherever he had in mind.

At last we arrived at a mall and we got off the car. John came to my side and attempted to grab my hand; and of course I hit his hand away.

"John!" I said, "I don't think this is needed here, no one—"

"(Yn)! John!" a familiar voice rang behind us and we both turned around to find Liam walking towards us with some takeaway in hands. I almost got a heart attack – I thought John did too, as he had frozen by my side.

"Maybe it's needed," John whispered with a hint of smugness in his tone, and relaxed his posture.

"Hey Liam," I smiled at Liam, and John punched him on the shoulder.

"I didn't expect to see you two here!" Liam wan now grinning at us, looking from John to me, "Didn't you just go home? Can't stand being apart from each other, huh?"

"You know how my mum is," I pulled a face, trying to act casual, "She of course doesn't approve, and Richard was there..."

"Whoa," Liam raised his brow, "How did he react?"