Tequila
☾︎✯☽︎
It was three in the morning. A bit late for my liking and I had pretty much overstayed my welcome in a stranger's home especially after having sex with said stranger, who was sound asleep naked as I dressed up preparing for my departure. We both got what we wanted, so I had no reason to stick around longer than I wanted to.
I felt a pair of arms circle around my waist followed by a pair of lips pressed against the crook of my neck. I internally cussed exasperated knowing exactly what she was doing and why she was doing it.
"Leaving already?" I could feel the smile on her lips as she whispered in my ear.
"I have no business staying here," I answered curtly, untangling her arms from my waist. I tried getting up, but I got pulled back.
"Stay." She whined, her lips almost wavering.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes and released a sigh. It wasn't the first time a woman I slept with asked me to stay and insinuated the idea of wanting to pursue a relationship with me despite expressing my disinterest in such. I was used to it, but I never like it either.
"I already made it clear that it was going to be just sex and nothing more," I reminded her.
"I'm not asking for a relationship. I'm just asking you to stay a little longer. The night is still young."
"You're not the first woman who's said that, and you certainly won't be the last." I finally got out of her clutches and grabbed what was left of my belonging and made my way towards the door.
"Will I see you again?"
I looked at her and forced a smile and said, "It's better if you don't." before leaving.
Relationships were never part of my agenda. I had never been in a relationship let alone dated anyone ever since I hit puberty. The closest thing I had to a relationship was with this girl from my class back when I was around eleven or twelve years old.
I had no idea that she liked me like that. I didn't even know that we were in a relationship until she addressed me as her boyfriend in front of her friends and I had to explain to her that I wasn't interested in her nor did I even want to be in a relationship with her.
I went back home with a red handprint on my cheek that day and went straight into the shower so I could wash the milkshake out of my hair.
I rested my chin on my fist, staring at the amber-lit streets. 'Leave Before You Love Me' by Marshmello and the Jonas brothers was playing on the radio as I drove myself home.
People have asked me why I haven't pursued any relationships and settled down, especially at my age and I had entertained the thought. Relationships come with a lot of expectations and sacrifices; things I doubt I would have the time and energy for, and it all seemed pointless to me.
I love my individuality and independence. I love living free, working hard towards my goals and being in control of my life. I also love having a good time and living in the moment even when it comes to sex. But all good things have to come to an end before they get out of control and for that reason, I have set rules and boundaries for myself.
Rule one: Always distance yourself from the people you sleep with. Don't exchange names, numbers, social media et cetera.
Rule two: Avoid any hook-up arrangements.
Rule three: Always communicate and make your intentions clear to avoid any misunderstandings.
Rule four: Never mix work/business with pleasure. Sleeping with co-workers, bosses or anyone involved in your work life is strictly prohibited.
☾︎✯☽︎
"Can I have two vodka and cokes, please?"
"Sure," I quickly made the cocktail and poured it into the two red solo cups, before passing them to the person who requested them.
"Thanks." He grabbed them and left.
Not a minute passed and another one came by the bar - a girl this time.
"Can you pour me some gin?" She asked.
I observed her closely. Judging from the slight flush on her cheeks and the slight slur in her speech, she must have been tipsy. Probably had about two or three cups of alcohol in.
"Sure," I answered grabbing a bottle of gin and a solo cup.
"No!" she stopped me. "Pour it here." She points to her mouth.
I arched an eyebrow at the request.
"I'm waiting." She opened her mouth wide.
The host better be paying me handsomely. I stifled a sigh and poured the gin into her mouth as per request. She closed her mouth, swallowed and wiped the access alcohol leaking from the corners of her mouth before screaming with enthusiasm and running straight to the pool, jumping inside.
I've bartended at many venues and events. I've bartended at birthday parties, engagement parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, and high-class fancy social events, but never college/university parties.
It was pretty packed. The music was blasting so loud I'm surprised the police hadn't shown up yet. If you were one of the people who loved music and dancing their asses off, you'd find them on the dancefloor near the DJ's booth. Video games and party games were played along with other unholy things people do when they're high on hormones (which I had the fortune to not have to see).
Introverts were found either in the corners or at the bar quietly observing or waiting for their extroverted friends (who probably forced or dragged them out of their dorms), while I watched and observed the party as I wiped the counter.
"Ollie!"
My eyes shifted from the party and saw Chaeyoung making her way towards the bar with a very familiar friend of hers. One I never thought I would see again until I started officially started my first shift at the bar.
"Fancy seeing you here." Chaeyoung smiled.
"I could say the same about you," I replied before turning my eyes to her friend briefly. "And your friend."
She laughed before turning to her friend. "This is Ollie. He's the new bartender I've been telling you about." She turned to me. "You already know Lisa."
"Nice to meet you," she bowed her head slightly with a smile.
"Likewise," I answered with a nod. "What can I get you, ladies?"
"I'm fine. I already had a drink before coming here." Chaeyoung declined with a dismissive wave.
"Tequila on the rocks," Lisa replied.
"Coming right up," I said.
"So, what brings you here?" Chaeyoung asked as she and Lisa sat down on the stools. "Aren't you too old to be hanging around at university house parties?"
I rolled my eyes at her comment. "I was bribed with a handsome amount of many to offer my services. I couldn't resist." I put the ice in the glass and poured the tequila inside before sliding it to Lisa.
"Bambam hired you?" Lisa asked.
"You know him?" I arched an eyebrow.
"A childhood friend of mine." She answered vaguely, sipping from her cup.
"And he was named after a Flintstones character."
"Most Thai names are long. Not a lot of foreigners would be able to pronounce our full names without butchering them and not many people will remember them. Bambam doesn't even remember his own brother's full name."
"Wow," Chaeyoung commented while my eyebrows flew up amused by her friend's story.
"That's why we have nicknames. Sometimes from the last letters of our full names. Sometimes given to us by family and friends." She shrugged. "It's in our culture."
"What about you, Ollie?" Chaeyoung turned to me. "Any interesting names?"
"Well, I used to go by Bolin before switching to my English name when I entered high school," I answered.
"You're named after an Avatar: Legend of Korra character?"
"Please," I rolled my eyes. "I've had this name long before that two-dimensional drawing ever existed, but somehow that never stopped my best friend from poking fun at the idea. I never really liked people nicknaming me Bobo or Bawling Pin either."
They both burst into laughter.
"Not gonna lie, that's actually a very creative and puny nickname. Maybe I should bring back that nickname." Chaeyoung teased.
"Oh, the nostalgia," I answered sarcastically.
Suddenly, Chaeyoung's phone started ringing. She sighed as she pulled it out of her purse and checked her screen. "I gotta take this."
She hopped off the stool and went off somewhere to take her call, leaving me alone with Lisa.
The silence wasn't awkward, but I couldn't decide whether or not I should continue conversing with her or just go about my business. I know as a bartender, I should be more sociable and engaging with my patrons and customers, but I prefer it to be more natural than forced.
"Didn't think I'd see you again," she broke the silence.
"It's a small world we live in," I said. "We were bound to see each other one way or the other since we both work at the same bar."
"But why work there when you've pretty much established your own business as a freelance bartender?"
"As liberating as it is being independent and being your own boss, I still need a job with a stable income. Freelancing can only do so much and get you so far. Besides, it's always good to have a backup plan to fall on in case it doesn't work out."
She gave me a tight lip smile and hummed in concession to my statement.
"I take it you are a university student seeing you at a place like this," I commented.
"Unfortunately." She answered.
"What are you studying?"
"I'm doing an Honours Degree in Hospitality. Currently in my last semester."
My eyebrows quirked up at this information. I'm not one to judge or assume, but for some reason, I just couldn't see her as someone who would want to pursue that kind of field or profession, especially after I saw the way she danced when I first laid eyes on her. She seemed more of a Performing Arts type of person. Or at the very least someone who has dreams of being a K-Pop artist.
"What's with that look?" she giggled amused.
"It's nothing," I answered, mentally shaking off my thoughts.
We went silent again. She pushed her empty glass towards me and her head towards it, silently asking for a refill.
"They say that people who drink tequila are the type who enjoy life and live in the moment," I said, refilling her glass. "Very plain and straightforward individuals and risk takers."
She quirked an eyebrow intrigued and leaned forward, tilting her head slightly. "Is that what you think of me?"
"I wouldn't know," I shrugged, "I'm just quoting what I've heard from other bartenders and thought I could share."
"And what if I was that kind of person," she contested. "One who likes taking risks and living in the moment."
"Then I'd tell you to be careful," I told her. "Your type tends to get caught up in the moment and get into a lot of trouble because of it."
"I like a little trouble. Life is more interesting and exciting that way." She smirked.
We silently stared at each other, never breaking eye contact. In this silence, I took the time to drink in her appearance. Her raven bob-cut with a blonde underlayer and bangs covering her forehead. Her round but proportionate doll-like face. Her slightly wide. Her soft and slightly plumb tan lips. The white fur coat covered her slim body but exposed her creamy shoulders. The mischief and playfulness that glinted in her almond-like brown eyes.
"Sorry, that took so long." Chaeyoung's voice broke me out of my trance, making me clear my throat awkwardly. "What did I miss?"
Lisa smiled assuredly. "Not much. Just banter among colleagues." She offered me a peculiar glance and she sipped from her glass.
"Yeah, what she said," I replied.
0 notes
Soju
☾︎✯☽︎
"You did pretty well during your shift," Jiyong commented by the time my shift ended.
It was already three in the morning, and everyone vacated the club since it was closing time. The staff cleared and rid the tables of any empty bottles of alcohol and plates, placing the stools on top. The DJ was putting away his equipment in their designated cases, in preparation for his departure from the club. Chaeyoung left a bit early saying that she - and I quote - "needed to catch some Zs and watch Netflix later in the day."
"It was nothing I couldn't handle." I shrugged nonchalantly.
"Glad to hear it."
"So, did I pass the test?"
Jiyong smiled, extending his hand toward me. "Welcome aboard. I look forward to working with you."
"Likewise." I smiled, shaking his hand briefly.
"Make sure you go to the reception desk. Jisoo will give you your schedule and some documentation that you may need to fill in," he told me. "When do you wanna start?"
"Anytime is fine. I'm just glad I have a job."
"Alright. So, I guess I'll see you next week." He turned his heels and started leaving, but not before yelling. "Don't be late."
☾︎✯☽︎
"We get health benefits?!" I exclaimed surprised, staring at my contract.
Jisoo, the receptionist laughed. "Yes, everyone here has health benefits."
In all my years of bartending, getting benefits of any sort was rare. Most bar owners, club owners et cetera don't always feel obligated to provide such since it's the employee's responsibility. So, you can imagine the shock I got after finding out that not only did I get paid in addition to the tips I collected per shift, but I also had my health covered and health insurance is expensive as hell.
"Just how rich is this guy?" I thought out loud.
"He is a businessman. Not only does he own this establishment, but he also has his very own fashion label."
My eyebrows flew up. "Well flip me like a pancake. I won't be surprised if this guy owns a whole island because holy shit!"
Jisoo laughed again. "He is a generous man who treats everyone who works for him like family. You'll fit right in."
"Sure." I drawled out, checking the time on my phone. "Look, I gotta dip and head home. It's pretty late. See you next week."
"Okay." She smiled and waved at me as I made my way to the exit.
I went to the parking lot where my car was. As I searched for my car keys, I spotted the dancer from earlier hopping on her motorcycle. Gone was her stage outfit and lo and behold was her casual attire that consisted of a pair of tight jeans that hugged and shaped her small waist going down to her hips and slender legs with a pair of combat boots and a black leather jacket over her white tank top.
I watched her slip on her helmet before her eyes met mine. We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. I awkwardly waved at her not knowing what else to do in the situation. She smiled, sliding down the visor of her helmet and kick-started her motorcycle before driving off into the night.
☾︎✯☽︎
"Can you explain to me why you were fighting with the police over garden gnomes at your gig?" Chaerin asked, raising an eyebrow at Christian.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about?" he stuttered with a laugh.
She took out her phone and open the video in question where Christian was arguing with the police while holding the garden gnome possessively to his chest until he was eventually tased and handcuffed on her Instagram.
I watched nonchalantly chewing on my gimbap while Christian's face flushed with embarrassment. "Okay. In my defence, I thought that was a Leprechaun." He said.
"Really dude?" I lidded my eyes, unamused by his excuse to hide the fact that he was drunk.
"What? Leprechauns are cool!"
"They're not real."
"But they're still cool."
Chaerin sighed while I rolled my eyes.
We were at one of the restaurants we usually hung up to catch up after our hectic and busy schedules with Christian running his record and filming company, Chaerin freelancing as a DJ at various clubs and events while also touring with Christian and me freelancing as a bartender.
"Anyway, how did your interview go?" Chaerin turned to me.
"Better than I expected," I answered. "I start next week and judging from the high-paying salary among other things, I'll say your friend's joint sounds promising."
"Oh, it is. I worked for Jiyong for years before I started my own thing. You'll love it there." She said. "Plus, with your good reputation, his place will attract new patrons and that will look good for business."
"You should give us free drinks when we come by some time, yeah?" Christian said, making me roll my eyes.
"You've been saying that for years and I will give you the same answer; no, I will not be doing that," I told him.
"Why not?" he pouted.
"Because one: that is unethical. And two: giving you free drinks means I have to pay for them and last I checked, you're old enough to pay for your own drinks, Christian."
"Chaerinnie! Olive Oil is being mean to me!"
"I'm not the one who's being a baby about it."
"And I'm not the one who's the namesake of one of the characters from Avatar: Legend of Korra."
"You're lucky I'm in too much of a good mood to even pimp slap the bitch outta you."
"Run them hands, boi. I will fold you like an omelette."
"Boys!" Chaerin reprimanded us with an unamused face. "Ton down on the testosterone, please. I am the middle child in this friend group - not the mum."
"Whatever." Christian rolled his eyes before waving at the waitress to come over to our table. "Can we have the bill, please?"
"Not a problem, sir. Will you be paying in cash or card?" she asked.
"Cash, please." Christian took out his wallet and opened it until he cussed under his breath. "I'm short on cash and I lost my bank card."
"Again?! This is the fifth time this month, Christian!" Chaerin scolded him.
"I thought I had more than enough cash to pay this time. And I was going to replace it first thing tomorrow!" he retaliated.
"How did you lose it this time?"
"...I got robbed while I was drunk."
"Unbelievable. Unbe-fucking-lievable. How Mei puts up with your shenanigans is far beyond me."
"Hey! Keep my fiancée's name out your fucking mouth!"
"I'll pay," I told the waitress, giving her an apologetic smile while my friends were bickering.
"Okay. I'll be back with your bill." She smiled.
I nodded, returning the smile, which caused her cheeks to turn red before she turned her heels and went where she needed to go.
"Oh no. I know that look." Christian commented.
I looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "What look?"
"The look you give when you set eyes on the next female you want to penetrate."
Chaerin cringed in disgust while I rolled my eyes. "I just smiled at her, and she blushed. I can't help the fact that every small thing I do will cause an attractive and sexual reaction out of every woman who sets their sights on me." I retorted.
"Sure." He drawled out sarcastically.
"Read this, asshole." I flipped the bird at him as he and Chaerin stood up and gathered their things.
"We're gonna head home and call it a night," Chaerin said before pulling Christian's ear. "And you better pay him back when you replace your card, you hear me."
"Aish! Careful or you're going to rip my ear off, woman!" he cried on their way to the exit.
The waitress returned with the bill and slid it towards me. I noticed the 'My shift ends in five minutes' written in cursive blank ink right underneath the amount I was supposed to pay.
I met her eyes and arched an eyebrow. She simply smiled and winked at me in response.
☾︎✯☽︎
I nearly stumbled as I entered the small bedroom inside of her small apartment. She pushed me against her door, closing it in the process, as she smashed and devoured my lips with her own. I placed my hands on her hips pulling her closer to me.
We kissed and kissed, Tongues brushing and dancing against another. Our heads tilted and switched positions after every few seconds or so. Our breaths mixed with the sound of our lips smacking against each other. Clothes were removed and thrown carelessly across the room.
Wanting to re-establish my dominance, I switched our positions, pushing her against her door. She gasped softly at the action then smiled before pulling me into another kiss. My left hand slid into her lace panties and brushed against her already wet clit. She pulled away and gaped her mouth. I moved my digits around her clit, rubbing it in circles and staring into her lust-filled eyes. Her body shook and trembled under my touch. Her moans occupied the silence in her room.
"You're teasing me." She whined.
"Is that so?" I inserted two digits inside her.
She titled her head back, crying out in pleasure. "Yes!"
I slowly pumped my digits in and out of her until I picked up and quickened the pace.
I laid her down on her twin-sized bed, pulling down her lace panties. I lapped up, using my elbows to support myself. I kissed her tummy, then her inner thigh and gave her throbbing womanhood a light blow, making her shiver with anticipation. I could tell that she was waiting and silently begging me to give her what she wanted from the way she moved her hips. And waste no time I gave it to her.
She arched her back and dragged out every syllable in the word 'fuck. I reached up and cupped her breasts while she grinded her hips, wrapped her legs around my neck and ran her fingers through my hair, tugging it in the process. Her moans grew louder with every stroke my tongue made against her clit and folds.
"I'm gonna cum." She cried out.
"Not yet." I pulled away, flipping her on her stomach, lining my hard cock to her entrance. I kiss her spine and work my way up to her shoulder.
"Once I go in, I won't hold back," I whispered in her ear. "Do you want this?"
She nodded with anticipation. I rubbed my cock against her entrance before slowly slipping inside her. A high-pitched gasp escaped her lips while a grunt left mine. When I was sure she had adjusted to my size, I slowly moved, snapping my hips back and forth.
Her head pressed against her pillow. Her hands gripped her sheets. She bit her lips trying to stifle her moans but to no avail. She adjusted herself, propping herself up on her elbows, lying on all fours as she moved her hips to meet my thrusts with her own. I buried my face in the crook of her neck and cupped her breasts.
Everything else became a blur that night in her room along with her moans.
0 notes
just for the night . ten
"It wasn't real. Until suddenly, it was."
Genre: fakedating!, fluff, pining, enemies to lovers sorta
----
"Ugh. Fight me."
"You wish," Ten smirks back at you in that obnoxious way of his and you swear you'd like to throw a brick at him.
It's Monday evening and raining. The warmth from Baro Baro Bakery is the only thing that's keeping your fingers from falling off altogether, and you honestly would not have been in such a bad mood, if it hadn't been for your insufferably cocky co-worker.
You focus on organizing the buns along the countertop, making sure that they are all aligned and well displayed while trying to ignore the dark-haired man leaning against the storage door, "don't you have anything better to do?"
"Better than watching you organize your buns? I don't think so."
"Do you really enjoy being here?"
"Couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my Monday," his smirk widens into a grin.
"I'm not coming with you."
He has the audacity of throwing you a look full of innocence, "I didn't say anything."
"But that's what you came here for isn't it?" you scowl back.
He pouts then, breaking all semblance of nonchalance as he holds up his clasped hands in an attempt to beg, "a night is all I ask. Please."
"We barely know each other, even less support each other's presence. This is recipe for disaster," you lean back, slide the counter door closed before looking over at him, "what do I even get from this arrangement?"
"This body as your boyfriend, and free food," he quickly adds when he sees you're about as murderous as chucking him out of the bakery altogether, "and my parents don't care who, trust me. They won't even notice."
Your scowl could've murdered him, "Why are you asking me?"
"Because you're the only option I have. The other girls will use this to their advantage--"
"Wow Ten," you let out an exasperated chuckle, "way to make me feel special."
"Well you shouldn't have asked--"
"If we do that, you'll cover my shifts for the next two months," you interrupt before he can retort back, "and give me all your free coupons that you get."
"Uh last time I checked I'm supposed to work up to thirty-five hours--"
"Do we agree or not?"
In the end, he had no choice but to comply to whatever ordeal you'd asked of him and you briefly wonder how bad are his parents for him to be so desperate. It isn't like Ten to ask for favours, especially not those that concern being his fake date for his cousin's wedding. According to Ten, his parents had been badgering him for ages to get himself a date or else they'd present him to someone else altogether -- someone fitting -- and fearing that they'd push him into the arms of whatever businessmen's daughter they could find, Ten had called for help out of desperation.
To say that the situation was out of hand is definitely an understatement. It's not that you don't know Ten. You do, having gotten acquainted during the last year of university when you'd decided to join the dance club, only to find that the said cocky asshole in question was actually talented, more so than others.
You're not quite sure yourself how you'd gotten such a bad first impression of Ten Lee. To be honest, nothing major had sparked fireworks between you, apart from the fact that you spent the first hour of dance class being picked apart and mocked for your lack of dancing skill.
"No, you're doing it all wrong. It's this way."
"A little higher. You need more power in your muscles."
"Do it again. No, not like that--"
It had been torture. It hadn't been fun anymore. And you'd already made up your mind to run away. Nevermind that you loved dancing in your free time. You found dancing in your bedroom much more peaceful and satisfying.
Alas, it seemed like the universe loathed youe plans for every time you tried escaping, you'd manage to bump into Ten himself. Needless to say that he dragged you to class whether it was against your will or not.
"I really don't think I want to continue--"
"Why not?" He'd raised an amused brow, "scared?"
"No, it's just--"
"Just what?"
That had done it. Never in your whole life had you been so determined to prove this little shit wrong. And so you stayed.
Now though, as you comb through your wardrobe in search of something to wear, it becomes increasingly apparent how bad of an idea this is.
The wedding is a monumental event in the Lee family. The celebrations last for three whole days, three whole evenings of family dinners and having to put on airs for people he doesn't actually like. But he does it, because of his unwavering loyalty to his family name and if not that, his grandmother, whom you learnt -- a few days before the wedding -- had been the mother figure he'd leaned upon his entire life.
"So you're telling me that nobody really matters, apart from your grandma whom I should impress?" you ask him one evening at Baro Baro as you're busy stacking the rest of the baked goods away in the storage area, "well, that doesn't put any pressure at all. Thanks for that."
"My grandma is...special. She doesn't usually speak much, so we never know what she might be thinking," Ten answers, "so I wouldn't advise you to say anything you don't mean."
"And yet, you're straight-up lying to her face?" is what you ask with a raised brow.
He has the decency to flush, "that's different."
"She wants you to get married?"
"Who doesn't?" he snorts, "practically everyone in my family is begging me to at this point, ever since Anong announced her marriage."
"What a tough life you have," you say dryly, cackling when he tosses the cleaning rag at your head, "I'm curious though...why me?"
"C'mon Y/N, use your head a little. Why you, of all people?"
"Even with logic that doesn't make sense Ten," you cast him a scowl, "so please, do enlighten me."
"For starters, you're not my type--"
Ouch. Well that didn't hurt at all. You scowl.
"--and there's no way I'm yours--"
"Damn right about that," you grumble out, reaching into the room behind the said young man to make a grab for the broom.
He follows you around the counter as you start sweeping at the floor, "--second, you have no attachments to me or my family, so that shouldn't be a problem when we have to break-up. Third, none of my family actually knows you, so we can practically make things up."
"You're a fucking walking cliché, Ten Lee."
"Wha--I am not a cliché."
"This is literally what romance novels write about."
"Are you saying I'm a romantic?" he grins at you, eyes sparkling in mischief and you grunt, shoving him out of the way in favour of finishing up your work. In all honesty, your bed sounds pretty damn tempting.
"You wish."
You've never really assisted at a wedding before -- the ones you went to as a child don't count -- so to say that you're not bothered at all would be a lie because admittedly, you're really quite curious about how this whole thing plays out.
"A wedding?" Your mother's stare is piercing, eyes boring holes into your skull. You, on the other hand, force yourself to keep gulping down your toast, "whose wedding is it?"
"Someone's cousin."
"And why are you invited?"
You try not to choke on your toast, coughing and quickly downing it with some scalding coffee that burns your tongue, "uhm--I--well, this-- my friend. It's my friend's cousin and he asked all of us to go."
"Who's this friend of yours?"
"Oh you don't know him, he's--" your mind panics, trying to scramble for any kind of information you know from your supposed boyfriend, "he's part of the dance crew I go practice with."
Your mother doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't push further and for that, you're grateful.
"We probably should go over the basics," Ten says as he walks you to the subway station after the night time shift. Part of you wonders whether he has another job, a stable income, or whether he's judt trying to figure out life, like you.
"Like how we met?" Your nose crinkles in distaste.
"We don't have to change all the facts. We met during dance class, and--and we staeted working on a piece together. For a competition."
"We'd have to make up an imaginary competition to prove it to them."
"Ah shit, you're right. Uhm, how about...we were working on something for...uh..." he's struggling and you would've mocked him if you weren't in the same boat.
"End of year performance," you shrug when he sends you a look, "it's not like we'll last till the end of the year. We're breaking up after three days."
"Yeah yeah, that works. Okay so, couple dance. And bam, we fell in love. I fell for your--uh--"
The way he glances over you makes your jaw roll. Does he really have to make it obvious that you're not his type? As if you're not aware of that already.
"Let's say I fell for your amazing sense of sarcasm."
You're not certain why it hurts, hearing it from him. But you brush it aside quickly, not wanting to dwell on it too much.
"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend," you snort.
"No. Don't and can't are too different things. In my case, I just don't want it."
"Yeah, because no one wants you," you mutter, before continuing in a louder voice, "and I fell for your sense of humour. Let's leave it at that."
"Deal."
"You owe me. Big time."
---
A few days later finds you decked in one of your sister's dresses, biting your lip nervously as you take in your reflection in the mirror. It's a simple one; black with a boat neckline that shows off your shoulders, curving along your chest, waist, all the way to your mid-thigh. One might think that it's a little too plain for such a thing as a wedding, but it's not like you'll be the center of attention. On the contrary, you wish to blend in with the background and if the dress helps, then so be it.
The doorbell ringing jolts you out of your small reverie. Casting one last look at your reflection, you sling your purse of your shoulder before wobbling your way down the stairs only to find your mother already opening the door.
Terror washes through you. Shit, you think to yourself as you quickly scramble the rest of the way down just in time for the door to reveal Ten's face.
"Hello! I don't believe we've met before!" your mother cooes in that sickeningly sweet voice of hers that makes you want to push her into the kitchen and away from the said young man, "you're Y/N's friend?"
"Indeed I am," Ten's lips curve into a smile as he bows slightly, "it's nice to meet you."
"Well if I knew that Y/N had such a handsome friend, I would've invited you over sooner!"
He laughs, "we actually work together so we're--"
And that's when his eyes find you.
There's surprise. Then shock, mixed in with something you can't quite decipher as he takes you in, your dress, down to the heels adorning your feet.
"What?" you half-bark at him, tearing your own gaze away to fidget with your purse when in truth, you just don't want to gawk at how handsome he is in his suit and tie.
"You clean up well," is what he replies, that same old infuriating smirk dancing across his lips and if you had imagined his shock a few seconds earlier, it's all replaced by his usual playful banter.
"Shut up--ow!" you recoil as your mother whacks the back of your head, "where are your manners, Y/N? Is this the way to talk to someone who's inviting you out?"
"Sorry," you don't mean it though, your scowl deepening as you notice Ten's face lighting with a devilish grin, "and stop smiling like that, it's fucking creepy."
"Apologies your highness," he bows in mock salute, before motioning toqards his car, "shall we?"
It doesn't occur to you that you're actually doing this, actually going to fake date for Ten Lee's sake, until you're sitting in his car and glancing at his side prpfile every now and then. It seems that Ten is just as wary, for he doesn't tease you as he normally does, for once actually allowing the silence to speak in his stead.
"Hey," his voice brings you back to reality. You blink at him, catching sight of the slight curl of his lips, "you look like you're about to shit your pants."
"Well maybe it didn't occur to you, but I don't particularly like lying to people," you reply snarkily.
"Who says we're lying, baby?" And with that, he makes a grab for your hand, intertwines your fingers together, and brings it up to press a chaste kiss on your knuckles.
You can't help but flush slightly, though you don't dare rip your hand out for fear of his driving skills.
"See?" He continues, dropping your still-entangled hands in his lap as hr turns a corner, "not that hard to fool people if you keep blushing like that."
"Oh fuck off," you really hope he can't hear how loudly your heart is beating.
He doesn't drop your hand until he has to park the car, swinging his entire arm back and giving you a glimpse of his collarbones peeking out of his shirt as he does so. You avert your eyes adamantly, cursing inwardly at yourself to just calm the fuck down.
Dim fairy lights illuminate the path up to the hotel venue where the celebration is taking place. Beautiful victorian pillars adorn the entrance that cascades with light flooding from the chandelier above. All around hanging from the ceiling are an assortment of potted plants, vines twirling down with such majestic beauty that it makes your breath away.
"How much did you say your family spent on this?" You croak out as you walk past the reception area in your wobbly heels. Ten, as if sensing your hesitances, places a hand on the small of your back, causing you to jolt at the sensation.
It's not unpleasant. Though it is strange, to have the warmth of his palm close to your skin.
"I don't even want to remind myself," he answers as he guides you down the white marble steps leading to a pavillon billowing with white trails.
People are already chatting by the makeshift stands adorned with the same vines, probably waiting for the said bride and groom themselves to appear. Ten leads you over to a pair of women, one older and sporting grey hair, the other looking like a younger version of herself, and you do not miss the way they glance at each other with smiles that suggest they're falling straight into your trap.
"Ma," it's when Ten calls her name that you manage a forced smile on your face, "grandma. How are you?"
"Chittaphon," His grandma is quick to embrace him, his mother following close behind.
"Hey grandma, this is Y/N. Y/N," Ten motions towards the said woman, "my grandma."
"Lovely to meet you," your throat feels dry athow intensely she seems to be studying you.
"And is this the girl you've been telling me about all this time?" His mother asks.
"Ma," Ten whines out, though the permanent grin on his face says otherwise, "you don't have to call me out like that."
"Oh as if she doesn't know," his mother retorts and without warning, makes a grab for your hands as she smiles up at you, "it's lovely to finally meet you Y/N. Ten's been telling me all about you from the moment you started dancing together."
"Oh did he?" You relish in Ten's sudden embarrassment as he is quick to splutter out, "that's not true!"
"Totally is," his mother replies, "and what a fine couple you make. When can I expect the grandkids? I'm not going to be there forever you know!"
"Ma!"
Ten's face is practically fire engine red at this point and though you should technically feel just as embarrassed, you can't help but cackle at his face. Cute.
No! Your mind screams out, no way.
But you don't have time to ponder over the new flurry of feelings when the wedding march starts blasting through the entire room and in a bout of panic, Ten's arm shoots out to drag you in the seat beside him, just behind his family.
He leans over, mouth barely brushing over your ear, "just a warning; my mother will probably ask you to ask me to propose." He shoots you a piercing glower, "don't you dare say anything."
"Aw, but she's just looking out for her son," you wriggle your eyebrows, loving the sudden turn of events, "wasn't aware that you'e already introduced me to your family before asking me out. How cute."
"Shu--"
"Chittaphon!"
A loud hush from his mother is enough for Ten to close his mouth, opting to throw you a scowl instead as you cackle silently. It seems that you've won...for now.
The ceremony is, undoubtly, beautiful and everything that a woman would ever want and you can't help but get caught up with emotion at the speech delivered by the grrom, a knot forming in your throat at the way he looks down at his soon-to-be wife like she's the most precious thing on this earth.
A brief thought crosses your mind; will there be anyone that will look at you like this?
Claps erupting through the pavillon makes you blink back to reality only to see the newlyweds walk by with brilliant smiles. Congratulations are thrown about in-between peals of laughter and, feeling Ten's hand weave through yours, allow him to tug you to the outer steps where everyone is gathered.
"What's happening?" You ask Ten in a murmur.
His lips quirk up, "oh best part, doll. Just wait," before he cocks his head towards the bride.
You turn towards the said beaming woman, bouquet clasped to her chest and before you know it, she's thrown it in the air with a whoop as the crowd gasps.
And it lands. Right in your arms.
Shocked, you drop it, scramble to pick it back up as cheers erupt through the crowd like an excited buzz.
"Congrats!"
"Oh my god, you're next!"
Ten's mother appears, beaming as she says, "so you will be next, I knew it!"
"Oh, uh--well, I'm not quite sure--" your words are interrupted by Ten's cousin rushing in to offer you his congratulations, "what an honour, Y/N! You have my blessing!"
It's so overwhelming that you freeze on the spot, unable to process that information until Ten manages to pull you away from the crowd around the corner of the pavillon, where you manage to catch your breath.
"Jesus," you can feel your heart hammering against your ribcage, voice breathless, "what was that all about?"
"Like I said, they really want me to get married," Ten shrugs, "you catching the bouquet doesn't help by the way."
"Well what was I supposed to do?" You glare down at the flowers as if hoping they'd combust if you glared hard enough, "give them back?"
He laughs at that, and surprises you by reaching over to push your hair away from your face before grabbing hold of your hand for the nth time that evening.
"Come on," his grin is wide, reaches his eyes and makes your stomach flip over, "let's not miss out on dinner. They have amazing sushi here."
True to his word, Ten is right about the sushi, for it all but melts in your mouth in a mixture of bold flavours that explode on your tongue. Even the main course -- either the option of a steak, grilled fish or beautifully cooked lentil burger for the vegans -- cannot compare to those tiny rolls of delight that make your mouth water with every bite.
Your table, despite being filled with his family, makes you feel at ease. They welcome you with huge smiles and friendly pats on the shoulder, before engaging you in conversation that makes your heart all warm and giddy. It doesn't matter that Ten doesn't love you as he should, you've never felt so comfortable with a group of people that should have picked your every flaw apart like vultures.
Instead though, they ask you about your own family, about where you grew up and what you want to be. His mother doesn't hesitate to pile up your plate when she notices it's empty, his uncle ready to pour wine the moment you're done with your glass. His cousins all fawn over you, telling you stories about Ten's childhood and his inability to make friends back when he was still young and wasn't accustomed to the country.
"He used to be so shy and reserved. I don't know what happened to him afterwards," one of the younger girls says with a snort, "he used to have girls over all the time."
"Wha--really now?" You can't help but raise a brow at Ten, who's in mid-action of grabbing some pork slices to add to his rice mountain.
"What?" He asks innocently.
"Apparently, your reputation precedes you."
"That's--stop feeding her lies!" He bursts out, half in annoyance and half in embarrassment as said cousins fall into peals of laughter, "you were always so fun to tease, Ten."
"Don't make me tell your mother about your secret night dates with that guy from your science class," he points an accusatory fork across the table.
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
It's funny to see Ten in such an environment, away from your usual surroundings and from the way his eyes glow and the way his entire face crinkles up when he laughs, it seems that this night means more to him than he makes it out to be.
He catches you staring during the groom's speech after the dinner is cleared, and raises a brow in question before leaning closer, "you're drooling, doll. Speak up." He smirks.
You shove his shoulder with a scowl, "you're actually tolerable when you're not trying to be a know-it-all."
"Funny, I could say the same for you."
"Wow, nice comeback."
"See, you were doing so well up till now. One might even think you're in love with me."
The speed at which your cheeks colour deep red is instantaneous and you look away, hoping that he wouldn't see past the hair falling across your cheek.
But Ten is faster, leaning over his chair to catch a glimpse of your face, "aw," he coos at you, "you're blushing."
"Fuck you."
"Right now?"
The image is so vivid in your head that you can't help but swallow thickly, forcing your eyes to the happy couple feeding each other wedding cake as you grovel out, "you wish."
As if on cue and thankfully saving the tension building between the two of you, another round of applause fills the room as the newlywed couple makes their way to the dance floor. You focus your gaze on the pair, try hard not to let yourself cringe at the heat of the young man's eyes intense on yours.
And it's easier that way, to ignore the sensation of butterflies fluttering through your ribcage wih feelings you can't quite place into words.
You're glad when one of Ten's aunts drag him away to introduce him to some other family friends, leaning back with a soft sigh as you relish the quiet moment of peace. Because a little bit more and something would've shifted in the air between you, something dangerous. Something you cannot quite look in the eye yet.
And that something, in retrospect, is a mistake.
---
"Care for a dance?"
A few hours later finds you in the courtyard overlooking the lush green plains surrounding the villa, closing your eyes to enjoy the pleassnt hum of circadas and the gentle brush of the night breeze tingling the back of your neck.
It's where Ten finds you, on the bench amidst the foilage, high heels discarded at your feet while humming along to the distant beats coming from the dance floor.
You look up in surprise, eyes flitting to his extended hand to his face, "I'm not much of a dancer."
"You're literally in my dance crew, Y/N."
"Well, maybe I just don't feel like dancing today."
You'd hope that he wouldn't push further and just get back to the party. But as insistent as he is, you shouldn't have been surprised when he makes a grab for your wrist, pull you up as his other arm quickly cages you against his chest.
"We can dance here, no problem," he grins down at you, that same grin that makes your heart soften at the edges, "plus, you can't go to a wedding and not dance or you'll get seven years of bad luck."
"You just made that up."
"I just did," his grin turns bashful, "but hey, you're dancing aren't you?"
As much as you don't wish to give him the satisfaction, his smile is infectious. Soon, you find your own mouth curling up at the edges, "have I already told you how insufferable you are?"
"More times than I can count."
"It's not a compliment."
He bursts into laughter and you chuckle, shaking your head as he tugs you even closer as if on instinct, "you really are something, aren't you?"
You blink, "are you complimenting me?"
He wriggles his brows but doesn't answer, causing you to pinch his shoulder, "ow!" He jumps at the contact, a pout forming on his lips, "what was that for?!"
"For being an ass," you mutter while leaning into his shoulder and effectively hiding your embarrassment. In all honesty, Ten has been nothing but the best tonight and it's nothing but your pride that is holding you back from admitting such a thing.
That maybe Ten Lee isn't all that bad.
Oh come off it, your brain screams at you. He's been tormenting you all these years. One single night doesn't change anything.
You're so wrapped up trying to come up with a plausible excuse about Ten Lee that surprise jolts through you upon feeling the weight of his cheek pressing against the side of your head. His hand, initially at your wrist, brings it up to settle upon his shoulder before his other hand joins itd pair around your waist.
He'a humming, the softest tune of the music under his breath that makes you feel all tingly and giddy from goosebumps suddenly eroding across your skin. As much as you hate to admit it, being in his arms had never felt so...good.
Clearing your throat, you bite down on your lower lip as your cheek rests against his shoulder, "this is nice," you can't help but admit grudgingly, "you're not so bad of a partner."
He chuckles, "you're just saying that because it's cold and I'm warm."
You grimace, "I was trying to be nice."
A comfortable silence settles over you as a thought starts nagging at your subconscious. One that you cannot help to voice out after some time.
"You know," you murmur, "we don't have to pretend when nobody's around."
There's a pause. Then, he says:
"I know."
But he doesn't loosen his hold. Nor do you step away. And in the silence, there's some kind of understanding that blooms. It's warm, and crackling with a heat that sends liquid warmth down to your stomach.
Still, you stay in his arms, trying -- and failing -- not to enjoy the moment.
At some point, you're reminded of the wedding party still ongoing and reluctantly pull away when Ten suggests that maybe you shouldn't absent yourselves for so long. Though you have to admit to yourself that you're slightly disappointed as you walk back into the big hall, hanging a few paces back when he runs into some other family of his so as not to disturb their little reunion.
A pat on your shoulder causes you to turn to the source, only to find none other than the bride beaming at you.
"Hi!" She waves for good measure, a dimple on her left cheek, "I'm so glad you could make it, honestly. Y/N right?"
"Thank you for inviting me," you smile back, eyes unwillingly finding Ten's figure twirling a child in his arms on the dance floor. Cute. "Your wedding is lovely."
"Trust me, it was anything but lovely," she sends you a pointed look, "anyway, I'm glad I got to meet you now. Ten has been raving about you for so long that we started thinking you didn't even exist!"
Oh. Now that's interesting. You try to keep a poker face on, "raving about me? Are we talking about the same Ten here?" You try to joke.
"Please Y/N, that boy is whipped for you. If you knew how highly he spoke of you all the time, you'd marry him in a heartbeat."
Your chest tightens. You bite down on your lower lip, not sure how to respond to such a praise when in truth it's the furthest thing from the truth.
"And I have to say," the bride continues, not noticing your silence, "that I've never seen Ten so happy. I don't know what you're doing, but I think you're doing it really well--"
"What is Y/N doing really well?"
You don't have time to turn when sudden arms lace around your waist, a chin dropping upon your shoulder as you stiffen on impulse.
Ten, meanwhile, seems completely at ease pressing you to his chest, ignoring the pointed stare you're throwing his way.
Something jittery flutters in your stomach.
"None of your business," his cousin sticks out her tongue playfully, "we were having girl talk. Right Y/N?"
"Y-Yeah," and then, in a soft mutter that only Ten can hear, "what the fudge are you doing?!"
"Hugging you," you don't have to look at him to know that his smirk is there.
"Anyway, I guess I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she winks at you, before throwing her cousin a dirty look, "make sure you get a ring on her finger soon. She's a keeper."
You make sure she's out of earshot, then proceed to elbow Ten in the stomach. He grunts, letting you go so that you can turn to throw him a scowl.
"What the fuck was that about?"
Hurt flickers through his face, but you go on nevertheless, "and don't tell me that was for your cousin. That was clearly unecessary."
"Chill babe," he holds up his hands in surrender, "just playing the part, is all."
"Well maybe you should've asked me before doing stuff like that."
"You were fine with me holding you earlier," Ten answers, a frown furrowing his brows, "so I thought that was fine too--"
"You don't get to decide that."
"Okay okay," his frown deepens, emotion swirling in his brown orbs as he lowers his hand, "fine. Sorry I did that, and--"
"And what's all this about you being crazy over me?" It seems like a dam has suddenly flooded through you, all sense of self restraint thrown out of the window as the words slip out like the sharp sting of knives, "your cousin thinks we're in love with each other! And she--she thinks there's a chance we might get married and-- what the actual fuck Ten, have you been lying to them all this time?"
Ten's mouth opens. Then closes. He opens it once more, only to fall short in the silence that prevails.
And as if this couldn't get any worse, a familiar soprano rings through the air, slicing through with an icy coldness.
"What is going on?"
You turn, and sure enough, terror rips through your chest as you spot none other than Ten's grandmother standing before you.
Oh shit.
----
You're not really sure what happened that night. After his grandmother found you screaming your head off at her grandson, she'd asked him for a private chat and before you knew it, Ten's mother had bundled you up in a taxi, smiling apologetically as if she knew about your little plan gone to wreck all along.
You hadn't seen Ten since, nor have you heard from him. A few days after the incident had you caving in to send him a simple text to ask whether he was okay, only to receive nothing in return.
Today marks a week and he hasn't turned up for work either.
You're not sure how you should feel about the whole ordeal, for it is true that he'd lied to his family, yourself, and had made a complete mess out of things. He should be reaping what he sowed.
And yet, part of you wistfully wondered whether the way he'd spoken to you, held you that night, had been built on a lie. His touch had been gentle, tender, almost affectionate.
And you find, to your utmost horror, that you don't mind it.
That night, you don't get a wink of sleep.
Maybe he's guilty and embarrassed by what he's done, and trying to disappear off the face of the earth, which means ignoring you completely. Although, since you had taken part in his whole masquerade, weren't you technically allowed to know whether he wasn't losing his mind, at least?
Your mind keeps on turning and sifting over everything that had occurred between the two of you that night, so focused on remembering how his arms had felt around your waist that you don't even realise there's a presence at the counter until they speak.
"Y/N."
You jump, a yelp dying at the back of your throat when you whirl around only to see the said young man, decked in a light blue hoodie and white-washed jeans.
Ten.
Your heart flips. There's a brief thought of panic; you wonder if you ook dishevelled.
Oh come on, Y/N. Who cares?
"Ten," your voice comes out as a weak murmur and you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a wanton maid. Clearing your throat, you straighten, "thanks for ignoring me. Thought you got shipped to another country."
"Sorry, I was busy sorting out...stuff," he has the decency to look embarrassed for once, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he lookd around in an attempt to find a distraction.
Biting the inside of your cheek, you don't bother answering. Instead, you lower your eyes to the till, hands clenching into fists at your sides.
When Ten speaks again, it's a very soft-spoken proposition.
`"Look, I...I'm really sorry. About the lies, about everything really. I...there's no excuse and--" he stumbles over his words, pauses, starts again, "I'm really sorry, Y/N."
Your eyes flutter up to his then, and the amount of emotion swirling through his eyes makes your chest pinch with sympathy, throat tightening with emotion.
"Why?" You finally manage to croak out, "why the lies, Ten?"
A pause where he chews on his bottom lip, the silence ringing through your ears as awkwardness settles in the air.
"I was being stupid," he breathes it out, a broken echo of a murmur, "I thought that convincing my family beforehand would make it justifiable and I didn't realise until it was too late that I actually--actually like you, see you that way and...and next thing I know you're on my arm with that pretty dress and looking like everything I've ever wanted. And I'm sorry if I got carried away with it. I know you didn't like me that way and I--I wanted to at least have this night to daydream about what it would actually be like," he swallows thickly, takes another shaky breath, "to be with you."
You take in his words in silence, shocked at first at what he'd meant. And it isn't just about what he'd said but how he'd said it that resonates with you and makes your heart suddenly cartwheel in your chest.
The more you replay his words, the more it becomes clearer to you; standing in front of you, for a moment, isn't just Ten the boy who always finds faults, who always mocks you for everything that you are, but just Ten, the boy who got your heart beating like crazy when you danced together, the boy who flirted with you throughout thr wedding and who, without shame, is spilling out his hesrt for you take or break however you like.
He's probably anxious about the thoughts running through your brain and doesn't waste time to say, "I don't want anything out of this Y/N. Do with it whatever you like, but you deserved an explanation, at least."
Still, you open your mouth, only for nothing to come out.
"That's all I wanted to say," he turns away slightly, eyes quickly finding yours before dropping away, "I won't bother you again. Sorry."
And you watch as he turns his back and strides for the door, heartbeat suddenly roaring through your ears, blood pulsing along your brain as a knot coils in your stomach.
He's leaving, and he's going to leave without giving you the chance to even say something back, to give him an answer to his sudden confession.
You don't wait.
Your feet jolt forward and you barely realize you've called his name until he turns, just in time for you to hook your fingers onto his shirt and tug him in close enough that your noses brush.
The sight makes your breath stutter. You take a shaky inhale, feeling Ten's own body stiffen slightly, before he lets out a soft breath of his own.
Time stops on its axis, a pocket of infinity carved out for you and him as you softly allow your lips to press against his.
Warmth blooms, spreads through your limbs. Ten's gasp is silent, dying at the back of his throat.
Pulling back slightly, your teeth find purchase on you bottom lip as your orbs flit up to his in fear of what you'd find there.
Only to find nothing but deep, naked affection.
Your own breath staggers. Chest tightens, goosebumps blossom along your skin.
Ten holds your eyes as a silent question hangs in the air and after what seems like eternity, you open your mouth only for his hand to slip up to your cheek, cupping it in his palm before pulling you in.
He kisses you.
Fireworks ignite behind your lids. He tilts your head and you comply without much effort, quickly surrending to the way his lips move against yours, a rythm that drowns out the entire universe altogether. Your chests press together as one of his hands grips your waist, fingers pressing into the small of your back through your shirt, and a gasp falls from your mouth.
He swallows it up, mouth slotting against yours intimately as your hands find their way up his shoulders to wrap around his neck. He grunts softly as you kiss back, sighing into the kiss once your fingers card through his hair and doesn't hesitate to part your lips with his tongue to kiss you longer, harder. Deeper.
It's overwhelming, exciting. You can't get over how good it feels, about how good this feels.
You don't realise that he's backed you up to the counter until the cool wooden surface presses against your back, and as your lips part in distraction, Ten doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around your frame to haul you up before stepping between your legs.
"Ten!" You can't help but gasp at his boldness, but he only grins back, that same crooked smile you'd glimpsed of the night of the wedding.
"What?" He murmurs, breathless, nose skimming down to your neck and nuzzling the skin there. Liquid warmth pools to your core as you shiver, flushing upon feeling his fingers slipping underneath your shirt to rest on your naked skin.
His eyes are dark, intense with emotion as they lock on yours. Tilting his head and nose brushing yours once more, he doesn't hesitate to land another chaste kiss. And another. And another. Until your head is spinning. Until all you can feel, see, smell, is Ten. And Ten alone.
And when he leans in for another kiss, tongue dancing with yours, you welcome him with open arms, a small whimper muffled into the kiss.
Ten's chest rumbles before he presses againts you, and the contact makes you whine out his name in breathless stupor, a sound that causes him to smile into the kiss.
You part for air after some time, chest heaving as you lean back. The young man takes this as his chance though, lips finding their way to your jaw and presses a string of kisses right up to your ear.
It makes your toes curl in delight, even more so when he murmurs out, "I wish I could've done that sooner."
Bright red spots of colour bursts across your cheeks and your body squirms in reaction, trying to turn your head away as embarrassment rushes in, "well maybe if you weren't such a dick, you--"
You inhale sharply as his lips cage in the sensitive skin at your neck, a slow bite causing a whimper to fall from your mouth,
"T-Ten--" you try to stammer out, only to fall short with another strained gasp when he slowly starts suckling on the said patch of skin.
Your body jolts, hands grabbing fistfuls of his hair to pull him closer. You feel, at the back of your mind, the slow sensual caress of his fingers up your spine to trace the underside of your bra. You can't stop yourself from melting in his touch, head falling back to give him whatever he wants and the satisfied growl that leaves him makes your heart giddy, your stomach knot up deliciously.
It's only when he finally halts his attack and draws his mouth away that the realization hits you; you're making out with Ten Lee, in Baro Baro Bakery, and loving every second of it.
He must feel you stiffening in his arms, for his head tilts to the side in hopes of catching your gaze. And when he does, you blink at the rosy blush littering his cheeks.
"What is it?" He whispers, unconsciously stroking up and down your naked spine.
You shiver in his hold, though you lean into him as if it's second nature, "nothing," you mutter into his neck, "it's just weird."
"Weird?" He laughs.
"Yeah," you pull back slightly, "it's weird to think that just a week ago I could barely look at you without wishing to slap your face."
He scowls momentarily and you can't help but giggle, "don't look at me like that. It's true."
"Yeah maybe for you," he mutters, loud enough that it reaches your ears.
That causes your eyebrow to perk up curiously, "oh? Care to elaborate? Are you confessing something here?"
"Y/N, I literally just confessed to you."
"And I seem to have short term memory," your grin widens, loving how flustered you seem to make him with all those poignant assumptions, "are you blushing?"
"You are," he retorts hotly.
"Look at yourself, honey--"
Ten yanks you forward, chest pressing against yours and lips hovering over your own. His eyes are dark, stormy with self-restraint and that's enough to shut you up.
You swallow thickly as the corner of his lips curl up, teasing, "I could say the same for you. You're all talk until I make you speechless, aren't you?"
"Don't use my words against me."
Chuckling, Ten proceeds to press a chaste kiss on your forehead, "I'm not, doll. I'm teasing you."
Heat springs through the back of your neck and you try piecing words together to distract yourself from how close he is.
"So, uhm--" you stammer out, hating how his grin widens at your struggle, "you said something about liking me?"
"I did. And I recall you telling me you did too."
"I never said such a thing."
"Right. Yeah. You were too busy snogging my face off--" Ten's words cut off in mid-laugh while he catches your arm aiming to slap his shoulder, "oh god, you're so fun to mess around with."
"Fuck off, Ten!"
His laughter just increases tenfold and it's so catchy that you join in, grinning as you push away some of his hair away from his eyes, "you're an idiot," is what you declare.
His grin is so wide it's almost blinding, "am I yours, though?"
"If you want to be."
He moves so close he can kiss you if he tilts his head, "I want to," he whispers.
A smile breaks across your face and before you know it, your arms wind around his neck once more before you bring him down into a kiss.
----
“So you’re actually together?”
That is the first thing that bursts out of Ten’s mother’s mouth as her eyes dart between you and the said young man as if she can’t quite believe it herself. Your hands, clenched until white in your lap, are starting to sweat underneath the pressure of her gaze. It’s not that you fear her, quite the contrary, you’ve no doubt she’s an amazing mother with kind gentle eyes and never having raised her voice all her life at her children. But from the impression that you’d left that night at the wedding, there’s a very little chance that Ten’s mother actually wants to accept you back with open arms.
“Yes,” Ten’s hand slide into yours for good measure, breaking your fingers away as he keeps his gaze on his mother’s, “we didn’t start on a good foot, and I did ask her to accompany me because I — because I didn’t want you to worry. But whatever I said about likingY/N— this part is true.”
Silence descends as his mother’s eyes flicker from his face, to yours, then back to him. It’s clear that she’s confused. Heck, you would be too if your son suddenly turns up to say that he’s finally going out with his fake date after having caused a ruckus. Maybe she doesn’t want to trust you anymore. Maybe she’s already started finding someone else for Ten, someone more suitable, someone who doesn’t lie in the first place.
But all those thoughts fly straight out of the window the moment her face breaks into a grin too wide to be faked.
“Finally!” She claps her hands together in childish glee, her eyes crinkling up into half-moons, “I’m so happy for you! Wait till Grandma knows this! Oh Ten, I knew there must’ve been something more all along!” There's no way this could have been all fake."
Your head ducks shyly at her reaction, “I’m really sorry about that night,” you murmur out, eyes quickly straining to the edge of the table.
"As long as Ten is happy and you both are finally together for real,” his mother beams, “that’s all that matters, hm?”
You swear you could’ve hugged her. The thought is so strong it makes your eyelids water slightly.
You quickly blink the emotions away as you mumble out your thanks along with a shy smile that she answers tenfold. That is followed by Ten’s fingers squeezing your own gently, but firmly, a reminder that he, too, is here for you.
"Anyway, would you two like some mangoes? We just received a fresh batch from the neighbours," she's already standing up before you have a chance to say anything, quickly toddling out of the kitchen like it's her main mission.
"Your mom is so cute," you murmur out to Ten, who can't help but grin back at you. That same, crooked grin that makes your heart flutter in your chest.
"You know where I got my genes from?" He wriggles his brows, making you bump your elbow into his shoulder with a chuckle.
It's safe to say that your relationship has smoothened out ever since his confession. No more mockery or hatred, and that makes you wonder if there ever was any hatred to begin with, or just tension. Your sister likes to think you're the epitome of enemies-to-lovers trope and for once, you're not the one to stop her. Because it's clear from Ten's teasing demeanour and mischievous behaviour that it had always been his way of demonstrating affection.
"I was flirting with you all along Y/N," is what he says when you ask him about it while he walks you back to your house that night. His arms are full with sweets from their homeland that his mother had insisted you take, "you were just too blind."
"Well then, you suck at flirting."
He scoffs, "uh no? You're the one who can't take a hint."
"Making fun of how awkwardly I dance in front of everyone is not flirting."
He can't help but grin cheekily at the memory, "you were pretty funny though, admit it."
You show him the finger as response, which only makes him laugh even louder before landing a quick peck on your cheek, "c'mon, that was ages ago. Don't sulk with me now."
"I'm not sulking."
"You so are."
You growl at him, making him laugh even harder at the situation. And despite everything, you grin at the happiness stretched across his face like an ephemeral painting you wish to keep forever.
He's so beautiful. How have you not noticed that before? It's not his face, but more the way his face transforms whenever he's genuinely happy.
You wish you can engrave that picture in your head forever.
"Well, that's me." You stop in front of your house and without looking at your watch, know that you're thirty minutes after curfew. Though...your mom doesn't mind. Not when Ten is responsible.
His fingers catch yours, essentially drawing you back to him as he flashes you a sweet smile, "see you tomorrow?" He murmurs, bringing your knuckles up to press a kiss atop your skin.
You try not to let your blush show, "being all smooth now, are we?"
"If it's gonna make you blush, why not?" And he tugs you even closer until your foreheads touch. Then, in a movement so gentle you fear he might break, he allows his mouth to catch yours.
You all but melt, arms slipping around his shoulders as you deepen the kiss with a sigh. Ten grunts in response, pressing one last chaste kiss on your lips before pulling back to hug you against his chest.
He allows his head to rest against your temple, and when you hug him, you swear you can hear his heart throbbing in his chest.
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