Response || Malum || (Sequel to Reaction)

14

Michael's POV

When I tried to move my body I felt like I was asleep on a brick wall. I was flat on my back against the hard surface and no doubt about it Calum was what was holding me down. I attempted to roll my head to the side but the crick in my neck thought otherwise. Just as I was giving up on waking up, I heard someone saying my name with a soft hand shaking my shoulder.

"Mikey, Michael wake up." When I cracked open my eyes I saw Mali's face close to mine.

"What time is it?" I groaned, still trying to wiggle against Calum.

"It's almost 2 in the afternoon." She said calmly and I sat up straight. As I stretched I looked around to see we had fallen asleep on the living room floor. Images of last nights events flooded my mind and I became very thankful we put our clothes back on.

"Shit." I sighed and Mali giggled, standing up. She disappeared into the kitchen and I finally slipped out from under Calum and followed her.

The kettle was already steaming on the stove and I smiled to myself at how accommodating Mali was being. She's going to make a great mother in my opinion. I watched as she poured the steaming liquid into a black mug and sat it in front of me at the table.

"Thanks." I offered while I ran my hands over my face. I definitely will not be sleeping on the floor again.

"Why were you guys asleep on the floor?" She questioned, digging out some cereal and setting the boxes on the table in front of me.

"We uh, got hungry so we made food and ate in front of the fireplace. I guess we just fell asleep." I half lied, trying not to let my voice falter.

"The floor isn't that comfortable." She teased, still gathering things to make a bowl of cereal.

"No it's not." I chuckled. "Mali you don't have to take care of me I can get my own food." I said and started to stand but she halted me.

"It's a habit. Just stay there." She giggled and returned with a spoon so I could make me some breakfast. Well breakfast for me considering the rest of the world had breakfast hours ago.

"Well thank you." I offered over the noisy cereal.

"So I was thinking, and what about if we threw Calum a surprise party tonight? Then you could, you know, ask him." She whispered the last part while she peaked out of the kitchen for any sight of Calum.

"We are supposed to be having dinner with my mum." I grumbled. I really liked Mali's idea.

"What about if we get her in on it too? Make him think your mum went all out to throw you guys a welcome home party but it's actually an engagement party." Her voice was quiet still and my heart was racing. Was tonight still too soon or should I just get it over with?

"That's actually a really good idea. But won't he know something is up?" I asked feeling worried because it's hard and stressful to keep secrets from Calum.

"Not if you just leave everything to me." She winked.

"But don't tell my mother about the proposal." I paused the spoonful of cereal headed to my mouth and Mali nodded.

"Got it. Oh goodness this is gonna be the best damn party ever!" She clapped her hands together with a beaming smile.

"Thanks for doing this Mali." I offered her a smile but then I felt an overwhelming rush of nerves. "Shit am I ready to do this?" I asked.

"Yes," she covered her hand with mine. "You are beyond ready Michael." Mali assured and I nodded.

"Holy shit." I sighed and rubbed my hands over my face. Tonight was a moment that could make or break Calum and I.