𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐲 | 𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨

20

"Ben!" I exclaimed with glee. I ran towards him and gave him the tightest hug that I could ever give. He almost lost his balance though when I ran into his arms. He just chuckled away at my reaction. He then hugged me back, rocking us side to side. It felt nice being in his arms. I missed this. He was my only friend from my chilhood and I'm happy that I got to meet him again.

"Mimi! " He cooed, mimicking my tone. I pulled away and gave him a glare when he called me by that nickname he gave me when we were little.

"Stop calling me Mimi. You know I hate that." I frowned at him. He just smiled at me before he tousled my hair. I looked back at him, he grew taller. I mean he's towering over me now. He was just a few inches taller than me before. His looks are more defined. He's much more handsome now. But there is one thing that hasn't changed and that is his smile which is my most favorite thing about him. Taken by my emotions, I pulled him back again into a hug.

"I missed you." I said quietly. Everything that happened after he went away was something I wanted to forget.

"I missed you too, Mirae." He said softly, caressing my back. "It's been a long time huh?"

"Yes, it's been a really long time but I'm glad you're back." I told him. I heard him chuckle lightly.

"I told you that I'll come back." He said. "I don't break my promises, Mirae."

Then it occurred to me that Ben is also part of Treasure. He's also part of a gang. I suddenly remembered Asahi's story about Ben. My heart began to ache. Tears began to form on my eyes but I fought them back. I don't wanna make this reunion a sad one. For now, I'll just treasure the fact that we've reconnected with each other. The stories can come after.

We hugged for a couple more minutes before someone pulled us apart. I turned around to see Yoshinori glaring at us. What is his problem?

"Okay, stop with the hugs now." He said coldly. The other boys began giggling at the side, including Ben who raised his hands up and backed away.

"What is your problem?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Nothing." He clenched his jaw before sighing. "Let's go, it's getting late already. We still have a lot to discuss."

After he said those words, he walked away. What the hell? Why is he acting like that? I stood there looking at his back in disbelief.

"Noona, don't mind him." Haruto snickered, "He's just jealous."

I was stunned. Yoshinori is jealous?

---

The ride to Yoshinori's house was quiet. I mean Yoshinori and I were quiet while the other boys were loud. I mentally cursed Jeongwoo for taking the seat I was supposed to take. I was then left with no choice but to sit beside Yoshinori who was leaning on the window with his eyes closed. I don't know if he was just pretending to sleep to avoid any communication with me or if he's really asleep. I sighed. If he doesn't want to talk to me then fine. It's not like I want to talk to him either. Lie.

We arrived at his house after the dreadful ride. One by one, the boys hopped off the van. I was about to get down when Jaehyuk stopped me.

"Noona, can you please wake Yoshi hyung up?" He asked, making me groan. Can't he just do it instead? Why do I have to be the one to do it?

"Why me?" I asked him.

"Because you're the one sitting beside him, noona." Jaehyuk answered as if it was the most obvious thing. He's right though. I sighed, feeling defeated. Jaehyuk already followed the rest of the boys who went inside the house, leaving me and Yoshinori behind. I guess I am I left with no choice.

I carefully shook him."Yoshinori..." I said softly, trying to wake him up but he wouldn't budge.

"Yoshinori..." I made my voice louder this time. I saw him move on his seat, his eyes fluttering open. He suddenly turned to me, his eyes boring into mine. The intensity of his stare made me scoot backward.

"What?" He asked, his voice still groggy. He sat properly, rubbing his eyes.

"Jaehyuk told me to wake you up." I answered quietly. "We're already here at your house."

"Oh, I might have slept during the whole ride." He spoke.

"You did." I answered, sarcasm laced on my tone. He slept during the whole ride making it very uncomfortable for me especially since I don't have any idea if he's mad at me or something.

I didn't wait for his response. Instead, I turned my back from him and was about to get off the van when he grabbed my hand and pulled me back in. I ended up falling into his arms. I instantly tried to get away from him because it feels awkward. But instead of letting me go, he tightened his hold on me. My heart started beating erratically. I can feel his breath on the exposed skin on my neck. My face began to turn red because of our proximity. My mind began to be clouded with thoughts. What is he doing exactly? One moment he's being an ass and the next thing he's being this close. It's always hard to read him. I don't know if he really likes me or if he's just leading me on.

"Let's stay like this for awhile." He whispered in my ear. He buried his head on the crook of my neck. I was stunned for a minute. I didn't know how to respond. After awhile, I found myself giving in to his hug. It felt comfortable after all. It feels like home. Yoshinori feels like home.

"Yoshinori..." I mustered all the courage I have. I need to make things clear between us. I don't want to assume things anymore. I don't want to conclude based on his actions. I need to hear it from him.

"Hmm?" He hummed.

"D-do you... I mean do you..." I mentally facepalmed myself for stuttering.

"Do I what, Mirae?" There is a hint of teasing in his tone. It's as if he knows where this is heading.

I sighed before facing him. Our faces are so close to each other. I searched for his eyes. He's already looking at me, anticipating my question.

"D-do you like me, Yoshinori?" I finally asked. I immediately averted my gaze after that. I didn't want to look at his face. I don't want to be disappointed. What if it turns out that he doesn't? What if it's just one-sided?

I waited for his answer but it never came. Instead, he placed his hand on my left cheek and made me face him. I locked my eyes with him. I love his eyes. Suddenly, he closed his eyes and began to inch his face close to mine. My heart began to beat wildly when I felt his lips on mine. I was frozen. I'm feeling all sorts of emotions right now. Does this mean that he likes me too? Or is it just one of his games? Actually, I don't care anymore. Whether he likes me or he's just playing with me, I don't care.

I began to kiss him back. It was soft and delicate. Both of us are enjoying the moment. This kiss was different from the one we shared before. This one is more intimate, more meaningful. I can feel every emotion poured into this. I don't know... I just feel loved.

We both pulled away after awhile. Our faces are still close to each other. I can feel his hot breath on my lips.

"Did that answer my question?" He playfully asked. He smiled widely making me smile too. "I like you, Mirae. I like you so much."

For a moment, everything is perfect. The boy I like likes me too. My life has never been better. So this is how it feels to have your love be reciprocated? I hugged Yoshinori tightly and he did the same. I don't know what the future holds but I'm already sure that I'll be with him every step of the way. With him, it's going to be ride or die.

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Sorry for the late update! I've been busy with a lot of things recently. Anyway, thank you for the 2k reads! I hope you'll continue to support this story. <3