Brute

Part 23

Joong

The sun shone brightly, basking its' ray into the small room. I had woken up earlier than the small body that I held inside my embrace, quietly looking at his serene face. He was a lot thinner than how I remembered, but his beauty was unchanging, both inside and outside. He asked me to accept everyday as it is, not expecting what tomorrow would bring. So, this was how I should do it then, remembering every inch of him, savouring every moments, every breath taken. I was not a mushy type, but just liked what Jay had said, I am, lovestruck.

Before Nine opened his eyes, he smiled first and nuzzling his face softly on the crook of my neck, giving light little kisses, liked a kitten.

"Hmm, this is such a bliss. But, if your kisses are put right on my lips, it is even better..." I said while stroking his hair.

"Need to brush my teeth first...", he said and continued the kiss that had moved to my jaw. Gosh, did he realize that small kisses or not, it was not easy for me to remain calm? I laid him down on his back, swiftly, and gave him a proper kiss, solid and deep before he could even protest.

"There! No worry. Didn't you kiss me back at my house just after you woke up too? Why being shy now, eyyy... ", I whined to the laughing kitten that was helpless. When his laugh subsided, he carressed my cheeks and smiled.

"That was different. I was a bit emotional, and desperate too", he said cheekily.

"Desperate? Why?", I asked, curious.

"We would seperate. It was going to be just once, and then no more. I... was thinking of leaving you still, Joong...at that time...", he said with sorrow in his eyes. Maybe, if last night didn't happen, I wouldn't understand his thought, and would misunderstand again. But, I could tell the reason for that now, so I nodded in understanding.

"Then, how about right now?", I asked back. There was still a little fear that crept up in my heart, whenever I overthink of the chance that I might be left again. Nine wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight.

"That answer is with someone higher, up there now. As long as the time that I'd be given to be here, then I won't leave you ever again. I love you", he said and kissed the side of my jaw when he turned his head a bit. I felt blessed, but also knew, this love was standing on the edge of a cliff. A strong wind, or a push, would cause it to fall down, crushing to and end. Lets not think about that; it was too bright a day to imagine some darker unknown. I pulled away a bit, smiled and sat up. Nine sat up too. I took both of his hands and he looked at me curiously.

"Nine, though I have not taken a bath yet, my hair is a mess, my breath stinks even if I just boldly kissed you; I wanted you to know; just liked you, I would hold your hands liked this too in whatever. I...don't have a ring to seal this vow for now... but please consider your hand is taken", I told him and proceeded to kiss his hands. Nine eyes were damp, and he just suddenly moved ahead and gave me a solid kiss on the lips. "I don't own a business to know how to seal the deal; but as in my book, that is a Yes, Joong".

God, what is this that I feel in my heart? This is a true happiness. I would forget every harsh things that had happened to me, I would forgive my family, I would be more grateful and give back to the world, in exchange, could you make this  happiness stay with me for so much longer time, than what you had already written for him? For the first time, I beg you sincerely, with all the graciousness that you could shower me, shower them onto this person that I love instead, I beg you... Please...

I hugged Nine tight, and prayed tightly too...

Nine

"Yes mom, I am alright.. Yes, don't worry, I don't skip taking the med everyday...no..no more fever, just a little tired or headache, that's all... What? You wanted to talk to Joong? When did he call you?... Oh.. Alright...", I walked to Joong who had just finished dressing up and came out from his room. I gave him the phone, and he talked to my mother liked they'd known each other for long. When did this happen?. Joong gave the phone back to me and smirked.

"When did you start to be close to my mother?", I asked, dumbfounded.

"Well, they say to get to your loved one's heart, is to make the parent happy. Since your family already assumed we are a couple, of course I need to keep in touch with them". My mouth hung opened in wonder.

"You didn't call me, yet you keep up with my parents?", he just nodded and smiled.

"I know now why their son is so kindhearted and sweet. Actually, your parents gave me a call, after you went back here from the city. They felt it's not right for me to pay for the medical expenses even if I am with you, and keep insisting that they would pay back, but it would take time. I keep rejecting their wish. After that, your parents relented, and asked me to feel free to treat them as my own. And that Nine, is more than all my riches could ever buy...", he said the last word quietly. I understood, that he never got them from his own, a parental love, so being able even to experience how it is to have someone that love you unconditionally and  worrying about you no matter how old you already are, must be so fullfilling to his heart.

"Remind me, Joong, to be careful with you..." I said before we went out from the house. We were going out to explore the village, I wanted to give a tour of this place that I loved, so my beloved would feel at ease knowing that I am surrounded by good people, even if he was not here later. We also need to send the car back to P'Sam.

"Be careful? Because of what?", he asked back, confused.

"First, you are more slick than I thought, damn, being a businessman really upgrade your sharp mind, and second... You would be whining to my mother if we bicker, somehow, I could already sense that would be the case...".

Joong just shrugged his shoulders, and smirked in agreement.