Chapter 10.1: The Chaotic Holiday in Phra Nakhon
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Suddenly, he spoke, his voice deep, calm, and polite. "Uncle… may I take Woran to explore the city today?"
I was still chewing, my mouth half full, so I slowly lifted my head. My heart thumped violently in my chest, my thoughts a whirlwind—was he asking if I wanted to come along? I stole a glance at him. His eyes, soft and gentle, stayed fixed on me with that faint, calm smile.
I turned to meet my father's gaze. He nodded lightly, granting permission. I could only gape, unable to speak, caught between looking at my father and him.
After breakfast, the adults departed to tend their own business. I stood up, straightening myself as best I could before following him outside the grand house. He walked ahead, composed, one large hand reaching out to open the car door. I hesitated for a heartbeat, then followed, trying not to reveal my bafflement at the situation.
Sitting on the car seat, I glanced around the interior—simple yet spotless. Everything arranged meticulously, radiating a subtle attention to detail. Before I could even form a full thought, I found myself asking softly, "So… where are we going?"
P'Theer looked up, meeting my gaze squarely. A faint smile touched the corner of his lips. His voice was calm but steady. "To Nang Loeng Market."
I furrowed my brow, puzzled. "Nang Loeng Market? I've never heard of it before."
He looked at me directly again, his eyes intense yet gentle, as if he genuinely wanted to understand everything about me. His deep, calm voice carried quiet curiosity.
"And… in your current era, what kind of person are you?" he asked slowly, clearly, eyes fixed on mine as though reading every unspoken word from my expression, tone, and posture.
He merely nodded slightly, a deliberate, patient gesture, his gaze unwavering. The calmness of his voice concealed an underlying pull—a subtle intensity behind the solemnity.
He glanced my way, steadfast and unwavering. That look seemed to study my every reaction. His lips curved into a slight, understated smile. He raised a brow faintly before tilting his head toward me, intent yet not pressuring.
"You'll see when we arrive," he said, calm, deep, yet compelling, carrying an unspoken weight that drew my attention.
He paused briefly, then looked directly at me again. His eyes were dark but not harsh, softened with a depth difficult to describe. His voice remained composed, but now layered with genuine curiosity.
"And… in your current era, what kind of person are you?"
The question emerged slowly and clearly. Each word paired with a gaze that refused to break, as if he wanted to hear the answer for himself—not just through sound, but by reading every nuance of my face and posture.
I remained silent for a moment, staring at the long road ahead. My lips lifted unconsciously, a subtle curve, before I tilted my head and glanced at him briefly. My voice came out calm, but honest.
"Sure… I'll tell you."
I scratched the back of my head lightly, searching for words, choosing where to begin. The car was quiet, broken only by a whisper of wind slipping through the windows, making every word I spoke feel distinct and clear.
He remained silent, patient, simply nodding once. His solemn demeanor never wavered, yet behind it, I could sense that his curiosity wasn't merely about the story—he truly wanted to understand me.
I cleared my throat softly, preparing to speak seriously, though my eyes flickered to him seated beside me, prompting a small, involuntary smile.
"Ahem… well, here goes," I began, my voice half serious, half laced with a laugh.
"Right now… I'm twenty-two, studying at university," I nodded slowly, shrugging as if weighing whether to continue, then spoke with a playful boast, "Honestly… I'm handsome. Extremely so. Good looks, rich dad, beautiful mom—the complete package."
He glanced at me slowly, as if gauging whether I was joking or serious, but his intense gaze didn't shift.
"I study well, have a solid family, everything's perfect… sometimes too perfect, and I even worry I might get bored of it all," I said with a chuckle, sneaking glances at him.
He stayed silent, yet I noticed the faint twitch at the corner of his lips, as if suppressing a smile.
I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes slightly. "Not to brag, but it's true. You can't see someone like me every day," I said, giving myself a thumbs-up proudly before leaning back and laughing aloud. "And yes… I have plenty of girls chasing me, haha!"
Before my laughter could fade, the car braked abruptly—I nearly lunged forward. If I hadn't grabbed the seat, I'd have hit the glass. I opened my mouth to protest, but froze under the full force of his sharp gaze.
His previously calm face was now stern, brows furrowed slightly. Those deep eyes glimmered with something I couldn't quite describe, making my heart pound violently.
"Uh… why the sudden brake? I wasn't…" I hadn't finished, when his strong hand seized my chin, pulling my face close unexpectedly.
In an instant, the distance between us vanished. His warm breath brushed against my cheek. His deep, low voice resonated in my ear.
"From now on… ignore those girls," he said, calm, yet undeniably commanding. "Your focus should be only on me."
My heart skipped a beat. I stared into those piercing eyes, so near that I dared not blink.
He leaned slightly closer, eyes unyielding, as if pinning me in place. "Because I… am your true partner. The one who will stay with you across all lifetimes."
I swallowed audibly. My face burned crimson, but I tried to cover it with a nervous, stammered laugh.
He was just too dazzling sometimes.
The car continued along the narrow streets until we reached Nang Loeng Market. I inhaled deeply, feeling my heart race with the lively atmosphere. We stopped by the side, and I stepped out alongside P'Theer. His hand remained on the door, calm, yet his gaze followed me carefully.
The moment I stepped into the market, I nearly forgot to breathe. Crowds bustled everywhere, shouting greetings. Vendors called prices for fresh fruit, spices, and household goods. The aroma of traditional breads mingled with fragrant herbs, filling the air.
Women wore bright cotton fabrics, shopping busily. Children ran, laughing. Men carried baskets of fruit and vegetables stacked neatly. Some shouted promotions with clear, loud voices, teasing one another playfully, adding vibrancy to the atmosphere.
I stood dumbstruck for a moment. Compared to markets of my era, everything seemed simpler yet so lively and full of life. Every sound, smell, and color drew me into another world. I blinked, excited and confused, as if I'd stumbled into a time I didn't know.
P'Theer walked beside me, his large hand still guiding me. Seeing me gape, he smiled faintly, eyes soft and amused, as if wanting to record every reaction of mine.
"You seem excited," he said, calm, with that subtle corner-smile.
I let out a dry laugh, trying to hide my astonishment. "Well… I've never seen a market like this before. Everything—people, goods, smells—is… completely different from my home market."
He walked beside me, careful, yet never took his eyes off me. I couldn't help feeling that every gesture—each step, the way he held himself, even the faintest smile—made me feel both safe and intrigued.
We moved past the fruit stalls, colorful and stacked neatly—red tomatoes, yellow bananas, green vegetables. I couldn't stop glancing around.
A woman's voice rang out from a sweets stall: "Fresh Thong Muan (rolled golden Thai dessert) here! Come try some!" I turned and smiled, the scent irresistible.
Though from the modern era, this place made me feel like I had stepped into the past. Every step I took echoed with life: footsteps, chatter, children's laughter, vendors calling. It formed a symphony I'd never experienced before.
P'Theer glanced at me once more, gaze steady, letting me enjoy everything around me.
We wandered through the market, the sounds of carts rolling and children laughing filling the air. I walked carefully beside him, stealing glances occasionally. He kept pace with me, hand subtly gesturing forward to guide. The faint smile tugging at his lips hinted at a quiet happiness he kept to himself.
I picked up a small treat to offer him. He leaned slightly, accepting it slowly, eyes attentive.
"Delicious?" I asked, laughing.
"Yes… because you're here," he said calmly, yet his gaze and smile drew me in irresistibly.
Damn… he was skilled at teasing.
I laughed softly, nodding, then stood to continue exploring sticky rice and other snacks. He stayed beside me, offering a small bag of sweets. Though brief, the moment radiated warmth.
Eventually, we found an old traditional dessert stall tucked in a quiet corner. A small wooden shed with a thatched roof offered shade. Surrounded by bustling shops, this one felt like it had stepped out of another era.
The elderly woman behind the counter, kind-faced, wore a faded floral blouse, hair tied loosely in a bun. Her eyes were warm, her smile gentle, hands worn yet nimble as she prepared treats in folded banana leaves.
The market buzzed around us, yet this stall remained serene. My eyes were drawn to a golden-yellow piece, oddly shaped, gleaming in the soft sunlight.
"Grandma, what's this called? It looks so unusual," I asked, voice bright with excitement, eyes sparkling like a child discovering a new toy.
The woman looked up warmly, smiling. "Golden Rain Stone, young man. Rare these days."
I nodded, eyes still fixed on the glimmering treat. Light bounced off it like a jewel more than food. I glanced at him beside me. P'Theer remained calm, silent, yet his steady gaze showed interest, watching to see my reaction.
"Golden Rain Stone… such a beautiful name," I murmured, gently picking one up.
The woman chuckled softly, voice like rustling bamboo. "Try it, young man."
"Thank you, Grandma," I said, smiling, and bit into it.
A crisp crunch echoed in my mouth. The texture was hard at first, like stone, but quickly broke down, melting into the sweet fragrance of palm sugar blended with roasted flour. Simple yet mesmerizing, I closed my eyes without realizing.
I laughed softly. "Even better than I expected."
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him looking at me. Just the slightest curve at the corner of his lips, a smile almost invisible, yet it made my heart pound louder than the chaotic market sounds all around us.
I stared at the little sweet in my hand, my eyes shining as if I were holding treasure, then lifted my face toward him standing beside me.
"P'Theer… it looks like gold, doesn't it? Want to try?"
He didn't answer right away. His sharp gaze lingered on the small piece of candy in my fingers, so intense that I unconsciously held my breath. Then, slowly, he leaned down. His lips brushed against the sweet, biting gently, grazing the tips of my fingers. Warmth—just a fleeting touch—yet it sent a shiver down my entire body. My heart pounded so wildly it felt like it might burst out of my chest.
"How is it, P'Theer?" I asked softly, my lips curving up despite myself.
He chewed in silence, his eyes never once leaving my face. "Delicious…" His voice was low, steady, the word carrying more weight than its meaning. "Like eating a small piece of gold, hiding sweetness inside." His tone was calm, but his gaze carried a depth that made my whole body burn.
"You two look perfect together," an old woman's gentle laughter drifted from the stall beside us, making me wish I could crawl under the table and disappear.
But he only turned to her, smiling wide, eyes crinkling with genuine warmth.
"Thank you, Khun Yai (grandma). How many bags of this sweet do you have left?"
"About five, young man."
"I'll take them all." He handed her the money without hesitation, voice steady. "Keep the change."
"Oh! Thank you so much!" The old woman gasped, both surprised and delighted, bowing her hands together in gratitude.
"You bought them all, P'Theer?" I blurted, eyes wide in disbelief.
"You said you liked them, didn't you?" His reply was simple, but his hand rose gently to ruffle my hair, so soft it felt like he was afraid I might scatter away with the wind. "Take them home. That way you won't run out."
My heart swelled so full it nearly spilled out of my chest. I couldn't stop the grin spreading across my face.
"Thank you… you're the best."
He looked at me, lips curving in a voice that was almost a whisper yet clearer than any market noise around us.
"Your happiness… is mine."
And just like that, the whole market seemed to fall silent. All I could hear was the echo of my own heartbeat.
I walked at his side, eyes drinking in every detail of Nang Loeng Market. Stalls bursting with colorful sweets, the fragrant steam of rice and traditional Thai desserts, vendors shouting for customers, children laughing as they darted between legs—it was like stepping into another world. My free hand pointed excitedly at brown sugar blocks, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, and rows of fresh fruit.
"P'Theer… you're like a time machine," I said brightly, eyes sparkling.
He paused, raising his sharp gaze at me with calm curiosity. "What is a time machine?"
I laughed softly, waving my hand. "A machine that lets you travel back in time. That's why I call you one. Because you're the only person who makes me feel like I'm not lost in this world."
He stayed silent for a moment, then turned to meet my eyes directly. His gaze was so deep I couldn't tell what lay inside.
"Then I guess… you'll have to stay with me forever." His tone was calm, yet the pull behind his words made me freeze.
I swallowed hard. "P'Theer… that's not a pickup line, okay? I was just joking."
"I wasn't." His words came slow, every syllable steady, eyes fixed on mine.
A shiver shot down my spine. I tried to laugh it off, shaking my shoulders. "Ah—don't do that, P'Theer. You're making me break out in goosebumps."
He tilted closer, the corner of his lips softening into something almost tender. "Your face is red. Are you coming down with a fever?" His large hand brushed lightly against my forehead.
"I'm fine." I cupped my own cheeks, trying to calm my racing heart.
He frowned slightly, then that teasing curve appeared again.
"But I think you are sick."
"How could I be? I don't have a fever." I laughed nervously, embarrassed.
His face moved closer still, his gaze locking me in place. "Not the flu… just lovesick."
Those two words echoed in my chest like an arrow piercing straight through. His smile, his eyes—they made the bustling market blur, colors melting away until it felt like the world held only us.
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He chuckled quietly before speaking again, his sharp eyes never leaving mine, that faint smile playing on his lips, carrying something deeper.
"If you were a poem… I'd be its refrain, wouldn't I?"
My jaw dropped. The sweet in my hand nearly slipped. "H-huh? What's that even supposed to mean?" My voice squeaked higher, my heartbeat rattling inside my chest.
He lowered his head slightly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips, hands relaxed at his sides, but his gaze never wavering.
"The refrain is the most important part of a poem. Just as I… am the one important to you." His tone was calm, but each word landed with purpose, like he wanted me to carry its meaning forever.
I stood frozen, fingers trembling, the sweet forgotten. My chest felt like it might burst. My eyes wavered, but I couldn't help smiling at his old-fashioned kind of romance.
He lifted his head again, the smile still lingering, eyes softened with warmth and tenderness. It was as though he was waiting for my reply, whether with words or just my gaze.
I only nodded, holding his stare. The world seemed to pause around us, leaving just the two of us—complete, like a perfect verse.
Damn, how did he even come up with that? Smooth as hell.
Then he leaned even closer, eyes glowing like still water under sunlight. His voice dropped, low and steady.
"If one day… we're together… I won't let you be just a dream."
My breath caught. I looked up at him, lips trembling into a question. "Then… what would I be?" My hand twitched slightly, aching to reach out.
His lips curved again, his voice soft but unwavering. "…You'll be my reality."
I almost forgot to breathe, my chest tightening as if struck. My lips curved up slowly. I nodded, unable to do anything else.
Nearby, the old woman giggled, her voice carrying the playful tone of generations past. "Such poetry, young man… words that sweet ought to come with a khan maak (a ceremonial engagement offering in Thai weddings) to make it official."
(Khan maak = a tray of gifts brought by the groom's family to formally ask for the bride's hand in marriage, part of a traditional Thai wedding.)
Her words made my face flush crimson. I shook my head quickly, trying to hide, but my heart thundered out of rhythm. I darted away from the stall, desperate for cover.
Theer followed behind at a slower pace, silent, but his sharp eyes never left me. In their stillness was a quiet warmth that made me turn back, helplessly drawn.
"It won't be long…" his voice dropped, calm yet steady, carrying an undertone that made my chest tighten. "Because if you run any farther, I'll have to come ask for you at home."
I forced a dry laugh, pretending to be distracted. "I-I'll just go look at more sweets, maybe find something tasty."
He only arched a brow, lips twitching faintly in amusement, before his hand brushed the bag I held. I flinched at the sudden touch but couldn't stop smiling. His eyes carried that same quiet care, steady and grounding.
I can't handle him anymore. His charm is lethal—I'm dying here.
As we walked, I kept sneaking bites of sweets, speaking between mouthfuls.
"P'Theer… why do you keep looking at me like that?"
His lips curved slightly, eyes softening with something almost gentle.
"Just keeping an eye… on someone important."
I laughed shyly, following him along, my hands full of sweets but my attention completely stolen by him.
Theer drove us out of Nang Loeng Market, the car weaving between old trams and automobiles. The scenery shifted from small wooden shops to grand European-style buildings rising tall. He took me to theaters and department stores, the city's proud landmarks. It was so classic, so unreal, I wished I had a camera to capture every moment.
We spent the whole day wandering, from morning until the edges of evening. I only guessed the time from the softening of the light. The car soon left the bustling streets, taking a quieter road lined with trees and hills. I noticed the way back wasn't the same as before.
"Where are we going?" I asked, curious.
He only smiled faintly, not answering.
"Almost there," he said at last, voice carrying mystery, making my chest stir with anticipation.
Soon, the car stopped at the base of a hill. A narrow path wound upward into the trees. I blinked in surprise—how could a place like this exist so close to the city?
"They say this is where you can see the most beautiful view of the city," Theer said, taking my hand as we began to climb.
When we reached the top, the sight stole my breath. The whole capital stretched out beneath us, bathed in the golden orange glow of the setting sun. Temples, rooftops, winding roads—all painted in radiant light.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Theer asked, but his eyes weren't on the horizon. They were on me.
I nodded quietly, overwhelmed, my chest swelling with joy.
"I never thought you'd bring me somewhere like this…" My voice was barely a whisper.
He chuckled softly, ruffling my hair with tender care.
"I wanted you to see what I see… and for us to share something beautiful together."
When I looked up again, his eyes no longer carried only calm—they were full of warmth so deep I thought I might melt under it.
"What should we do now?" I asked shyly.
His lips curved, amused. "Sit here and watch the sunset with me." He led me to the car's hood.
I sat down, turning to face him as he settled beside me, both of us gazing at the sinking sun.
"You know… sometimes happiness doesn't need much," he murmured. "Just watching the sunset with the one you love… is enough."
I couldn't reply. Words failed me. I only stared at the fading sun, my heart filling with a happiness I had never known.
Thump. Thump.
My heartbeat raced, too fast, too loud. If he didn't stop, I was sure it would stumble and give out.
When I stepped down from the car, the city spread wide before me. The last light of day bathed temples, rooftops, and streets like strands of silver-gray thread stretching far into the horizon.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" His voice was softer than usual. I didn't answer, only nodded lightly, feeling as though my heart was being filled with an indescribable warmth. I looked up at him again. The gaze that had always been calm now radiated such deep, tender emotion that I felt myself melting under it.
Standing atop the hill, the cool wind brushed gently against us, a refreshing contrast to the heat of the city below. I closed my eyes slowly, inhaling the crisp, pure air deep into my lungs.
"It's wonderful," I whispered. He gave a faint smile at the corner of his lips before reaching out to hold my hand firmly. I flinched slightly but didn't resist, letting his hand envelop mine under the serene, gentle breeze.
We stood there, still, letting time pass slowly. Only the wind whispered around us, and the rhythm of our hearts beating fast in our chests filled the silence, framed by the scenery too magnificent to be captured in words.
I sat beside him on the car hood, but my mind wandered to the sweet words he had been teasing me with since the market. Suddenly, a mischievous plan sparked in my head, and I bit my lip to suppress the playful smile threatening to escape.
I narrowed my eyes, watching his sharp features as he gazed forward. The evening wind lifted strands of his hair, revealing a jawline both defined and enticing. Before I could get lost in the sight, he turned, those calm, steady eyes locking onto mine as if reading my thoughts.
"Is something wrong—" he began, his deep, velvety voice making my chest tighten.
Before the words could finish, I acted. Both hands cupped his face, and I leaned in, pressing my lips to his in a swift, decisive kiss.
The touch was soft yet burned with warmth that seemed to overflow from my chest. My heart raced like a battle drum, each beat thundering in my ears.
When I slowly pulled back, our eyes remained locked. Neither of us broke the connection, not even for a moment…
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The pounding in my chest echoed so loudly that it blurred the line between his heartbeat and mine. What was clear was this: in this moment, we were beating together.
He said nothing, yet lifted his hand to grasp my wrist, still holding my face in my hands. His long, slender fingers pressed gently, ensuring I couldn't pull away.
"You…" His deep, low voice nearly drowned in his breath. His sharp face leaned in closer, leaving barely any space between us. "Do you realize what you're making me…"
Before the sentence could finish, his full lips covered mine again. This time, it wasn't a mere brush or gentle press like before. It was possessive, forceful, passionate—a fire igniting and consuming my reason in an instant.
I flinched, stiffened from the suddenness, but the deeper, pressing warmth melted every ounce of resistance. His lips explored mine with growing intensity, each breath mingling, setting my heart ablaze, pounding so violently I felt it might burst from my chest.
His large hands cupped the back of my head firmly, leaving no room for escape. Every moment of his touch penetrated deeper, fierce yet filled with longing. I closed my eyes, surrendering completely, letting him guide me further down into this consuming warmth.
My mind went blank… leaving only the feeling that at this very moment, my entire being was utterly his.
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The sound of our breathing intertwined with the rapid beat of our hearts. In a swift motion, he pressed down on my shoulder, forcing my back against the cold hood of the car. The chill of the metal contrasted sharply with the heat spreading through my body, sending a shiver down my spine.
His sharp features leaned closer, lips pressing against mine again—this time deeper, more commanding, leaving me nearly defenseless. His large hand moved from cradling my neck down, brushing slowly over my chest before slipping beneath the lapel of my shirt. The warmth of his touch made my body tense and shudder immediately.
"Ah…" A soft moan escaped me involuntarily. My eyes widened before I hurriedly closed them tight, letting that touch consume every feeling I had.
He didn't speak—his actions communicated everything. Lips pressed with insistence, hands firm, refusing to let me escape. I could only surrender, allowing my body and heart to be fully claimed by him.
The outside world vanished. Only the sound of our hearts beating wildly together remained…
Damn, he's taking me outdoors, too. He seems like someone from another era—who would have thought it would get this intense?
His lips pressed down so forcefully I could barely breathe. The heated sensation made my whole body shiver, yet simultaneously, a stubborn fire ignited in my chest. I didn't want to be the only one consumed.
I raised both hands, cupping his face, before pressing my lips back against his, forcing him to pause for a moment. His usually steady gaze flickered slightly.
"Huh…" I chuckled softly in my throat. Timing it just right, I bit his lips teasingly, making him squint as if in both pain and pleasure.
He paused for a moment, then a deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, as if pleased by my defiance. His thick lips pressed against mine again, harder this time, as if to assert who really controlled the game.
I didn't back down. My hands dug lightly into his strong arms, and I leaned into him, matching his intensity. This kiss was no longer just his possession; it had become a battle between two equally passionate hearts.
Our breaths echoed in the silence, heat radiating as if the world belonged only to us—no one giving in.
The night breeze brushed gently past, carrying the scent of damp earth and faint leaves, mingling with our heated breaths on the car hood. Cicadas chirped loudly, accentuating the chaos raging in our chests.
He kept me pinned, his tall frame enveloping ours into one shadow. His face leaned close until our foreheads nearly touched. His sharp gaze, usually calm, now burned with the same intensity as his lips, red and bruised from our struggle.
"Do you realize…" His husky voice whispered close enough to send shivers down my back. "…that you're making me want more than just a kiss?"
I swallowed hard, heart pounding so violently I felt it might explode, trying to look away, but his hand forced me to meet his eyes.
"Don't avoid my gaze."
I tried to compose myself, laughing lightly, voice trembling, "If I say… I want to know too… what more than your kiss feels like."
He was silent for a heartbeat, eyes almost darkening before letting out a low chuckle. His lips twitched slightly. "Crazy kid… don't you know how much you're teasing a hungry tiger?"
Then he pressed down again, heavier than before, hands sliding from my neck to my waist, gripping tightly as if fearing I might vanish. A low moan escaped his broad chest, heating the cool night around us.
I didn't give in. I returned his kiss with equal force, my hands threading through his hair, gripping the car hood to steady myself. It was a duel, not just of possession, but of two hearts burning in equal intensity.
Our pants and gasps echoed in the night, heat spreading as if we were the only beings in the world.
The kiss intensified, cutting off my air, breaths tangling. His hand slid further beneath my shirt, fingers tracing my bare skin at my waist, sending jolts like fire through me.
"Ugh…" I moaned, trying to push him away, but he pressed me tighter against the hood. His face leaned in, lips trailing along my jawline, making sounds escape me that I couldn't hold back.
"Don't run from me…" He whispered hoarsely near my ear, hands exploring my torso, the heat nearly melting my skin. "…because you started this."
My heart raced, breath shaky, hands trembling as they wrapped around his neck, responding fiercely to his kiss. Our lips collided relentlessly, wet sounds making my cheeks burn.
A deep chuckle escaped him, clearly pleased I fought back, but it only made him press harder, nearly melting me into the hood.
Just as the fire between us threatened to erupt…
The headlights of a passing car cut through the night!
"Dang… these boys have no shame!" an old man riding a bicycle shouted mockingly, making me jump and push him away in a panic.
"Shit!" I scrambled to sit up, fixing my clothes, face burning. "Don't blame anyone but yourself!"
He laughed softly, looking at me with a sweet, teasing smile, lips still wet and tempting, then bent close to whisper, "…my fault… next time, I won't let anyone interrupt."
I looked away, heart racing faster than when kissed.
Back on the way home, the car hum was steady, matching the rhythm of my wildly beating heart. I crossed my arms, avoiding his glance, but could feel every subtle movement—his sharp gaze checking on me, the curve of his lips hiding amusement at my reddened face.
"Why so quiet…" he finally asked, voice soft yet sly.
"Because of you!" I snapped, cheeks blazing. "Who told you to do that there?!"
He chuckled, hand brushing my head gently. "Normally no one does… guess today wasn't in our favor."
"We'll do it again later, promise. Even if you ask, I won't stop."
I shook my head, voice trailing off, knowing deep down… yes, it's only ever us.
Arriving home, I bolted from the car, not wanting him to see me still flushed. His voice followed behind…
"Goodnight tonight…"
I froze, looked back. He leaned on the car, hands in pockets, eyes not leaving me.
Heart nearly bursting, I quickly turned away, heading inside, leaving him outside, yet his soft laugh and smile haunted my mind.
Later, I lay on my bed, heart pounding like it might explode. His face was still vivid in my mind, every expression, every mischievous smile, his calm yet maddening voice. My thoughts replayed every touch from the hood of the car—the grip at my waist, the press of his lips.
Clutching my pillow, a fire burned inside me, breath uneven, trying to calm myself but failing. His eyes alone could send my heart racing to the point of madness.
"I… can't take it…" I whispered, biting my lips. The beat of my heart thumped urgently, reminding me… he drives me insane.
Hands trembling, every joint remembering the heat and force of his touch. Swallowing, I tried to control myself, but the more I remembered, the more I desired. My mind pulled toward him as if he stood right in front of me.
I held my wrists tighter, knowing I was nearly losing control, smiling slyly, pretending I could handle everything, yet knowing there was no escape from him.
Eyes closed again, letting imagination flow through every sense of that night on the car hood. My hands traced the imagined contours of his body—only in my mind. No one saw, no one knew but me.
Heart racing, slight sweat, heat spreading. Every imagined touch made my heart feel ready to burst. Hands followed the rhythm of my pulse, heat flowing, cheeks flushed, mind restless, yet overwhelmed with happiness and desire.
I bit my lips gently, releasing tension through my hands, letting the intensity reflect in the heat of my body. Conscious, yet responding to every rhythm as if fire ran through my veins… heart nearly breaking from want.
Every movement of my hands, every imagined breath, every curve of his lips—all vivid enough to almost feel real.
Eyes closed tight, breath quickened, hands gripping myself to hold steady, heart ablaze, image of him near, gaze intense yet gentle, everything tangible—the scent, breath, weight in my imagination—I nearly melted.
"Mm… uh…" soft sounds escaped. Even trying to stay still, my body reacted, hands following the imagined touch. Heat, embarrassment, madness, all together.
"Ah~" a low moan came, imagination so vivid I nearly lost myself completely.
Cut to me, Ray.
Back home, I ate quickly, then showered off the sweat from the day at the market. Warm water soothed my fatigue but couldn't wash the image from my head.
The sunset on the car hood… his sharp gaze that seemed to devour me completely.
After dressing, I collapsed on the bed, tossing and turning instead of closing my eyes. Cheeks burning, covering my face with my hands.
"Damn… why do I keep thinking about him…" I muttered, flopping like a stranded fish. The more I tried to resist, the clearer his smile and words appeared in my mind.
Thump!
I tumbled off the bed, hitting the floor lightly. "Ouch!" Pain snapped me back, sitting cross-legged, one hand holding my head.
Looking up at the bed, I sighed. "Fell out like this… still thinking about him, Ray?"
Even whispering his name, his image stubbornly popped up again, cheeks flaring red. I looked down, trying to hide my embarrassment. Eventually, I fell asleep, a lingering smile on my lips.