FOREIGN ATTRACTION (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 9: EXAM

My eyes resist opening, weighted down by lingering fatigue, yet I sense the morning sun entering the window. Light seeps through closed lids, urging wakefulness. I slept so well last night, with the soft bed, pillow, furry blanket and the person next to me. But at the realization of where I am, I jolt upright, still nestled in Liam's place.

Now fully awake, I take in the scene. Sunlight plays across his room, filtering through swaying curtains, filling the space with a sense of calm and tranquility. The morning air carries a gentle warmth tempered by a lingering chill, and the once familiar figure beside me is conspicuously absent. I've slept a little late, but soon after Liam fell asleep, I also rested my weary head.

The ambiance of his home is bright and fresh, filled with light and a cold breeze of air. As I cast off the blanket enveloping me, I became aware of still wearing his sweatshirt. Glancing at my phone to check the time—8 a.m.—I notice a string of missed calls from Aunt Julia, adding to the weight of my oversight.

"Oh shit" I whispered. I forgot to text her that I won't be able to return home last night. She's definitely worried by now.

Intent on rising, my plans are interrupted by Liam's entrance, towel draped casually over his shoulder, his torso bare save for the training shorts he favors. My pulse quickens, the once-cool atmosphere now suffocates with an unexpected heat, sending a flush to my cheeks.

"He's not wearing a shirt, what should I do?" I speak to my mind.

I hastily covered my face beneath the blanket, overcome with embarrassment. It caught me off guard—I never imagined feeling shy in a situation like this, especially considering the times I've showered together with my teammates before.

"You're acting weird, dude. We're both guys here," he remarked casually as he looked through his closet for something to wear. Despite his reassurance, I couldn't shake off the discomfort. Just seeing him in a shirt and shorts last night was enough to fluster me, and now this?

Who wouldn't feel intimidated by his towering frame, broad chest, and imposing shoulders? Not to mention those well-defined abs and that V-line. Oh, what am I even thinking? This isn't like me at all. What have you done to me, Liam?

"Uh, w-where are you going?" I managed to stammer out, my face surely resembling a ripe tomato by now. "We've got training today," he replied matter-of-factly.

Realizing he was leaving so early meant I had to get moving to make it back home. Hastily, I straightened out his bedsheet and blanket as he left the room to gather his things. With the bed tidied up, I swiftly removed his sweatshirt, eager to return it. Without an undershirt of my own, I am now completely shirtless.

"What are you doing?" he exclaimed as he entered the room, his expression a mix of surprise and confusion, leaving me unable to decipher his thoughts.

"Why? I thought we're both men here?" I retorted, standing my ground and echoing his earlier statement. He didn't respond, simply retreating back to the living room.

"Wear it back, you can have it," he called out from outside. Despite my shyness, his offer made it impossible for me to refuse.

"I'm not going to toss you in the laundry just yet, I still want to smell Sungjin on you," I murmured to the mustard sweatshirt, slapping myself realizing what I had just whispered.

Leaving his condo together, Liam sported a black hoodie and white shorts for his training. In the elevator's inside, the sunlight streaming through its transparent side illuminating Liam's physique, his damp, tousled hair, chiseled jawline, and commanding presence that could drown you with a single glance. I just can't believe someone like him exists.