Parallel Universe [NaMon Fanfic]

Chapter 11

Nanon's POV

What just happened? What's happening to me? I should be asleep now, not replaying this afternoon's happenings in my mind. I sighed and turned to my side, clutching my pillow tightly. I decided to reach for my phone on the bedside table and messaged Janhae.

I miss you.

I felt a little off, perhaps because I don't have Janhae to talk to right now, but I'm not sure.

"And why would it hurt you, huh?"

"Because I... care." Since when did I become outspoken about my feelings?

"I mean, you're my friend and I don't want to see you hurting."

He smiled when he heard that though.

"Thank you... friend, but I'd rather go home." He smiled then, and he placed his hand on my shoulder. He only makes physical contact when he's comfortable. That's how I knew that his smile was real and sincere. Ah. That cursed smile.

My phone in my hand suddenly vibrated. It took me a moment to open my eyes and check the message. I almost fell asleep thinking about Chimon's lips.

I miss you too, Nanon

I smiled and typed a reply, Good night Chi-

I sat upright, my mind jolted awake by those last three letters. I swallowed a lump in my throat and deleted those last three letters, then typed Janhae.

"Good night Janhae," I read the message out loud, but something about it doesn't feel right. Maybe, I'm just sleepy. I hit send and slumped back on my bed. What just happened to me? I lazily opened my phone when it vibrated. I was thinking then, it's Janhae telling me to go to sleep. But I was wrong.

Thank you for today

My mind froze but I could feel my hands tingling with excitement. It's Chimon! My mind spun many ways to reply to this message.

No problem

Isn't that a little arrogant?

You're welcome

I think it's too cold and formal though. Sigh.

Always got your back, friend

My fingers unconsciously hovered on the backspace. What am I doing? I should send it. I hit send and laid down, staring at the ceiling while tightly clutching my phone. Then it vibrated, and I whipped it up so quickly it almost flew out of my hand. Then I saw the notification. It was from Janhae.

See you tomorrow :))

Tomorrow? Ah! An orientation! Which reminds me that I should be sleeping right now. Sigh. I placed my phone back to the bedside table and finally slept.

I woke up feeling oddly well-rested although I only slept for 6 hours. Well, that's probably the longest uninterrupted sleep I've had since I can remember. I sat upright and made my bed, suddenly having a vague feeling that I dreamed about making up the bed. But I'm pretty sure I was seeing someone else do it. I also remember hugging that someone from behind. It's probably just a dream.

"Good morning, mom." I grabbed a plate and a pair of utensils and ate.

"You're... blooming today." I stared at my mom.

"Probably the girlfriend," my dad whispered, but I still heard it loud and clear. I showed them a smile before returning my focus back on the food. Then, I grabbed my bag and my phone that I charged when I woke up. I immediately sent a message to Janhae.

Good morning <3

Unconsciously, my finger hovered on my conversation with Chimon. I want to send him a message, but I don't know what I should text him. Maybe I could ask how he's doing. I hope he had a good night's sleep. But I don't want to test my luck, especially because I feel like I'm partially at fault for making a mess out of Chimon's love life. Maybe they broke up because of that fake news about Chimon and I being together. Sigh. Maybe I could ask more about Chimon of his situation when things have settled down for a little bit.

Should we go to the office together?

I bit my lower lip. Why does it feel like I'm asking too much of him? Whatever. I placed the charger in my bag and went out of my room. Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It's probably just my manager. But he usually calls me though. I'm on my way to the office anyway, I'll meet my manager there.

"Mom, I'm leaving." I shouted and went out of our house. I almost took a step back when I opened the gate and saw Chimon standing there.

"I know I'm good looking, but you don't have to be so shocked." There's a hint of pride in his voice. Why is he here?

"Get in. I'll drive," he replied. I was too stunned to speak so I simply did as he said. Chimon was already on the highway when my phone vibrated again. It's my manager calling. Then it dawned on me, the notification earlier was not from my manager. I checked it after the call ended. Sure enough, it wasn't from him. It was from Chimon.

Let's go to the office together.

"I just saw your text right now," I said and he burst out laughing.

"No wonder you looked shocked a while ago." I shook my head and let myself laugh at my foolishness. Then, I looked at Chimon and studied him.

"You look pale," I said. He glanced at me then back at the road.

"I barely slept last night." Is he always like this?

"And I haven't eaten anything." What? Is he trying to slowly kill himself or something?

"I haven't eaten as well. Why don't we grab something to eat first?" Lie. But that made him smile and nod. I'll probably need to work out twice as much today. And I'll have to skip dinner. I could've just told him to buy food for himself. Why do I have to suggest eating together?

Because he can't be bothered when it's for himself, but barely hesitates when it's for someone else.

Why can't he care about himself even just for a bit?

Or maybe I should I should do the caring for him

"What are you pissed off at?" I turned towards Chimon. I guess my inner monologue shows on my face.

"N-nothing. Just drive. I'm craving bread." I replied. I heard him whisper but I can't make out the words.

"What did you say?"

"You look cute."