Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 11 - The Past (Part 4) The Parents

We finished the food Togame ordered for us and I'm now sipping hot tea he made, sitting opposite each other on the couch. Though I'm not a fan of tea or coffee, I decided to have a cup since he insisted. It's clear that he definitely enjoys tea.

Togame: How do you like the tea? studying my expression

Ruby: This is good! What kind of tea is it?

Togame: It's chamomile tea. It helps with the nerves. he smiles

I stare at him in awe; once again, he's being considerate and thoughtful.

Ruby: smiling It actually helps.

He places his cup down, signaling he's finished, and checks the time. It's getting late, so he stands up and heads to his room.

Togame: Let me get the bed ready for you.

I nod and notice two other bedrooms. I assume he'll use one of those, and I'll be sleeping in his.

He exits his room and lets me know that the room is ready.

Togame: You can use this room. I'll take the other one.

Ruby: Okay, that works for me.

Togame: Goodnight! If you need anything, just call my name.

Ruby: Sure! I will.

I walk into the room and close the door behind me. Leaning against it, I let out a deep sigh.

I flop onto the bed and stretch, but ouch*—my shoulder twinges slightly, probably from all the resistance earlier. I massage it as I lie down.

Staring at the ceiling, I quickly drift off to sleep.

I wake up to sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains. I notice an arm stretched above my head. Oh my god, he's in bed with me. Damn it! How long has he been here?

My sudden movement gives away that I'm awake.

Togame: Are you up? he removes his arm from above my head and stretches with a groan

Ruby: still facing away Ah, yes! I'm up.

Togame: Turn around, would ya?

Ruby: I don't think I want to...

He clasps my side and deftly maneuvers me to face him, catching me off guard with the speed of his action.

Togame: Good morning, beautiful! in his groggy voice

Still startled, I notice he's bare-chested. He pulls me closer, but I freak out, placing my hand on his face to push him away. I quickly get out of bed.

Ruby: "Hey! Stop it! Don't act clever with me first thing in the morning," attempting to maintain an air of annoyance.

He chuckled, clearly amused by teasing me.

Ruby: Ugh, I'm going to freshen up. Stop with these silly ideas. I'm honestly getting annoyed by all this," I mutter to myself as I head towards the bathroom.

Togame intercepted me, blocking my path.

Ruby: "Togame, what's your deal?" I asked, visibly irritated.

He lifted me effortlessly, throwing me over his shoulder and depositing me back on the bed. With a playful grin, he positioned himself over me, hands on either side.

Togame: "I said, 'Good Morning, Beautiful!' I didn't hear you say it back," he teased.

I turn my face away, unable to meet his gaze. As I glanced back at him, I notice his hair is down, which piqued my curiosity. I found myself staring at his features, silently admiring the man before me.