Ten

Unedited

I was lying on my bed, suffering from the worst menstruation cramps I’ve ever had. Tonight, Sehun and I were supposed to go out and meet up Chanyeol and his girlfriend for a double date but I just couldn’t. I usually could whenever times like this of the month comes, like go out and not be stuck in bed like this despite being a little irritable and moody than usual. But it was okay, it was usually tolerable and I just have no idea what happened now.

I turned my head over to the other side to see that I have more or less an hour before we all agreed to meet up. Judging from what I was feeling though, I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it. I thought I could if I skip the day from work and get that rest to recuperate enough for the night but it really didn’t work that way. I was beyond unhappy.

It didn’t help that Joonmyeon wasn’t home either — being in Jeju for work and he wouldn’t be back until the day after tomorrow. Not that I wanted to bother my cousin and have him take care of me but it would’ve been more helpful for me to know that someone would be there when the cramps get too unbearable. I didn’t want to worry Sehun. Although, I could already feel how mad he’d be if he came to know that I didn’t resort to him when I needed someone.

Scared of that, I reached for my phone and dialled Sehun’s number. No, I wouldn’t tell him about the pain I was feeling just yet, but I was just calling to inform him that I wouldn’t be able to go to the double date and it would be best if we move it. Calling him though, he missed my call and strangely, I didn’t get pissed or even upset over that. It saved me from lying to my boyfriend. So instead, I called Chanyeol.

“Hey, Chan.” I greeted him in the best way possible, without sounding that I was experiencing some abdominal pains. I pressed my lips hard, suppressing myself from grunting.

But I didn’t succeed at my attempt when I heard him return worriedly, “Hey… are you okay?”

I breathed out. “I’m fine. I’m...uhm, fine. But can we move the date? Next week maybe?” I then apologised, much to my guilt. “I’m sorry I just don’t think I can make it tonight.”

“That’s...okay.” He said. Knowing him, I knew he felt reluctant believing me with my response of ‘I’m fine’. And I was right when he asked again, “Are you sure you’re okay? Is Sehun with you?”

“I’m fine, Yeol.” I said again. “I just need the rest tonight. I’m really sorry.”

“Oh no, it’s okay.” He reassured. “Don’t worry about it. This isn’t the last, anyway.”

“Thank you.” I told him. “Say sorry to Jieun for me too.”

“I’m sure she’s fine with it. Please take care.”

“Will do, thanks.” I said and the call ended from there.

I tossed my phone out of my hand and curled into ball, pressing over the heat pack more over my lower abdomen. I stayed in that place, breathing in and out regularly when my phone rang two minutes later. I didn’t look at the caller and answered. I didn’t even notice a tear already streamed out the corner of my eyes.

“Babe, are you okay?” It was Sehun. “I’m sorry I missed your call. I was about to call back when Chanyeol called me. He said we’re not pushing through.”

I my chapped lips wet before I took a quiet deep breath to respond to him. “Where are you?” I asked.

“I was on my way home to shower, get changed and then get you. But… what’s happening?” With the last two words, he sounded so concerned it clenched my heart. But obviously, in a good way.

“I’m just having some really bad cramps.” I admitted to him. I would have anyway, sooner or later. “But I’ll be okay.” I sighed. “Are you driving?”

“I’m coming to you.” He told me straight away, not having it any other way. “Do you need anything?”

“No, just…” I felt myself giving in. “Come, please?”

“Will do. Wait for me, hm?”

“Okay.” I said breathlessly.

“I won’t be long.” He promised.

And indeed Sehun didn’t take long because ten minutes later or even less, he arrived and entered my room to find me lying on the bed with a twisted smile.

He sighed. “How long have you been like this?”

“Since this morning but it didn’t hurt as much as it does now until later this afternoon.”

He sat on my bed and carried me to his embrace. I didn’t even mind that his shoes were on my bed. I couldn’t care less about it. He guided my head with his hand to snuggle on his chest.

“Have you eaten anything?” He asked me, I could feel the rumbles of his chest as he spoke.

I nodded my head. “Some noodle soup.” I took in his scent more. “I’ve taken some meds too.”

“Okay, if you need anything, tell me okay?” He said and I bobbed my head to that again. His fingers that were softly brushing through the strands of my hair were giving me comfort. It was soothing me, enough to forget the pain I was feeling.

I fell to sleep and when I woke up, I found myself alone on the bed. And without me being conscious about it, my boyfriend had taken care of me all the while I was sleep. I had a warm heat pack over my stomach and I heard movements outside, presumably from the kitchen. I knew I wasn’t wrong when Sehun came in with food for breakfast on a tray.

Seeing walk towards me, I couldn't help but utter with sincere guilt, “I’m sorry.” I lowered my head, failing to see how his face changed from a soft and sweet expression to a frown. I sensed him place the tray done safely to the table and he sat next to me. He cupped my face, assessing my countenance.

He sighs. “Why are you saying sorry?”

I attempted to look away but my boyfriend held my face firmly. It wasn’t hurting me. In fact, I felt how careful he was with me, as though I was a fragile glass ready to shatter once I am dropped on the ground. I contemplated the words inside my head, but I realised there was really no point in that when it’s him I’m with. So, I breathed out. “It’s just that,” I mustered the little guts I had with me and looked into his eyes. “It’s just that we planned for the double date to happen for two months only to have it cancelled because I wasn’t feeling well.” I confessed the guilt underlying my apology. “Jieun even cleared her night to be with us and then I ruined things.”

Sehun looked away and I witnessed his jack tick. His lips are pursed tight and I just knew that he knew that there was no point in telling me otherwise. What I said was true and truth to be told, I was glad that he didn’t say anything just for the sake of comforting me. I wasn’t a kid who needed someone to tell me that it’s okay so that I’d stop. I needed someone who was (still is) true and honest to me and not treat me like a little girl desperately needy for attention.

“I’m really sorry.” I said again sincerely. I felt really sorry and bad.

After a few seconds, Sehun looked at me with earnest eyes. I felt his over the side of my eyes and it was almost an instinct to snuggle my face on his big palm. The pad of his thumbs rubbed over my cheekbone and with much worry in his voice, he asked, “How are you feeling?”

I my lips together and slowly nodded my head. “I’m okay.”

My boyfriend tried to search lies in my eyes but when he found none, he breathed out affectionately and embraced me. I hugged him back, loving the warmth of Sehun was giving off. When we pulled away, suddenly remembering the breakfast he brought me, he told me, “Eat. You need to eat and maybe we’ll watch a movie or something.”

And so, I did. I ate the breakfast Sehun prepared, finding out that he even called his Mum to help him prepare the breakfast. Which a simple girlfriend like me appreciated greatly. Through that entire time, he watched me eat fondly, satisfied with the appetite I was having and how I was filling it up. It’s been years since I’ve known him but his stares, whenever he watched me with those sweet eyes he has, I felt like a teenager all over again. Because I felt myself heating up and blushing. I wanted to hide my face but there was no use for that because he already noticed it and chuckled. Oh, how I love the sound of it!

When I finished, Sehun told me to wash up as he would look for a movie for us to watch together. Happy with that arrangement, I did washed up and felt refreshed like I hadn’t taken shower for weeks. I loved the feeling. It was like I was so clean even though I literally just showered the previous day.

I dressed myself up in a hoodie and shorts, putting black socks on. I was about to dry my hair when Sehun came in and smiled fondly at me. I felt like I missed something with that smile but I didn’t think so much of it because there was really nothing much to miss! I mean, what else could happen when it was just Sehun and I viewing the movie. Or maybe, he found a movie both of us would like! The thought was enough to make me feel excited.

“I’m just going to dry my hair. I won’t take long.” I promised.

“I’ll watch.” He told me and walked towards my bed, lying on his stomach. He faced me and I saw his smile just over my shoulder through the reflection. It warmed my heart. “Go…” He cued, knowing how he was distracting me so much and I might’ve stared at him for a little too long.

Since I had a lot of hair, not to mention it was pretty thick too, it took me awhile to get my hair really dry. I turned off the hair dryer and unplugged it, putting it away. As I closed the drawer, I heard my boyfriend say something.

“You’re so pretty.”

I smirked and looked at him playfully, thinking of what he was playing at. “Do you want something?”

He faked a scoff and pretended to look slightly offended, saying in defense, “Hey, I’m not a kid!”

I giggled and decided to tease me a little bit. “You sure about that?” I saw him pout at me. I swear he’s the most adorable boyfriend ever! I stood straight and walked towards him as he shifted and sat on his bottom on the edge of the bed. He wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me, resting the side of his head over my stomach. “What movie are we going to watch?”

Sehun moved and looked up, his chin pressing on my belly button. He blinked and smiled at me. He smiled with a meaning.

I frowned lightly. “What?”

“About that…”

As though on cue, the doorbell rang and I frowned even more. I quickly glanced towards the direction of the front door and back to Sehun who withdrew his hold on me. “What was that?” I asked while he stood up.

Sehun, my sly boyfriend just winked at me and said, “You’ll see.” Then, he walked off to open the door.

Still confused, I slowly followed him and saw that it was Jieun and Chanyeol with big grins, carrying two boxes of doughnuts and drinks too. They called my name, greeting me happily and I just had my jaw dropped. I was frozen. I couldn’t believe it.

My man welcomed them in and Jieun hugged me. It was only then when I snapped from my spot and hugged her back. I was still in a moment of shock though and she saw that. She laughed at me. “What...what are you guys doing here?”

“Well, since our double date was cancelled last night, we’ll make up for it today!” Jieun explained.

“Uhm… what?”

She giggled and stepped aside to turn to Sehun. “It’s your Sehun’s idea. I wanted to see you too, just to see if you’re really okay but good thing he called Yeol and invited us over.”

I glanced to Chanyeol who only nodded his head with a proud smile. “Jieun and I were free anyway so we thought, why not?” He added.

“Oh my god.” I couldn’t believe it. I was so close to crying and I sensed Sehun panic a little bit so I held it in. He could get really protective over me. I was just too happy and I couldn’t believe it!

“Oh, we bought doughnuts because it’s what we all like anyway.”

And that… was more than enough for the world to remind me just how I have the actual best boyfriend in this entire universe!

"Love, come here please." I heard Sehun request sleepily. I turned to him as he moved closer to me, wrapping his arm around my hip to move me closer. I complied and shifted myself. His nose on me.

I was sitting on his bed and it was half past five in the morning. My laptop was over my lap, editing the document needed for my work. Naturally, I massaged Sehun's head as I read over the text on the screen and he moaned with satisfaction. "Comfortable?"

He hummed as a response and I smiled to myself. I continued doing that and just when I thought my boyfriend went back to sleep, I heard him ask anxiously, "Babe, did I do anything wrong?"

I stopped what I was doing and looked at him properly. He then opened his sleepy eyes and rested the side of his face on my upper thigh. I saw the apprehension in his eyes.

"No, Sehun. You didn't. Well," I pressed my lips together, "not that I know of. Why?"

He moved his head side to side. "You were strangely quiet last night and just went to sleep without talking to me. I thought I did something wrong."

"It bothered you that much?"

He nodded. "Did I?"

I smiled softly at him. "No, no, you didn't do anything wrong, Se."

"Then why were you suddenly so quiet?"

I felt my heart swell with so much love and I couldn't help but have my lips be painted with an endearing smile. "You told me you were so tired and didn't have a good day so I let you have your night and didn't bother you. I was doing my work early so I could finish it and cook breakfast for you."

"Sweetheart..." He called, pouting though I could see the relief wash over him. "Please don't do that again. My bad day of work is nothing compared to you not talking to me at all. You got me so anxious."

"Oh, Sehun." I called, not knowing what else to say. Just really made me think, how much love does this man have ever for me? Was it unmeasurable like my love for him? Incomparable to any other kind of love there is in the world, maybe? I didn't know for sure but what I was though is that, Sehun loved me so much and he made me feel that everyday.

"I just... I just don't want to lose you again." He confessed. "I lost you once... I don't want to go back there again."

"No, Sehun." I reassured. "You won't lose me. I'll be here forever." At that moment, I knew I was sure that Sehun was the man I wanted to be with for the rest of my life and that he would be the only man I would ever love. No matter the stages of our relationships would go towards; no matter how challenging, exciting, or boring it would be. I just knew that he was the one for me.

Dipping his face into the upper part of my thigh and squeezing me tight on the hips closer to him, he mumbled albeit clearly, "I just love you so much."

"I know that." I smiled at him, brushing my fingers through his locks. "And I do, too." I said sincerely. "Get some more sleep, okay? I'll wake you up for breakfast later."

I heard my man hum and soon went back to sleep.

“Sehun, hang on, wait!” I called, pulling him back. I didn’t want to be caught as we were in the middle of setting up Jongin on a date. He would be so mad for us doing this but I really hope everything would work out for him.

“He won’t notice us.” Sehun reasoned, trying to peek more.

“Yes, he would.” I insisted, holding his hoodie in a fist, stopping him. I whispered but it almost came out like a mutter. “I’m sure Jongin is trying to spot us right now. He’s not that dense!”

And my point was proven when the male we were spying started looking around as a familiar figure came into his sight. Jongin was smart, too smart and I just knew that the moment she saw my college friend, Nari, he would’ve figured what was happening. But at that moment, I was just really anxious, hoping that this match-making would succeed. Because if not, I would have no face to show Sehun’s good friend.

It’s been about seven months since we confirmed that Jongin’s ex-girlfriend was indeed getting married; that the ring on her fourth finger didn’t mean something else (as much as I— we hoped). I honestly felt sorry, so guilty and just bad because, why can’t their relationship be the same as us? Why did we have it differently?

Not that I was ungrateful but then in my heart and my mind, Jongin deserved a happy ending too. It was just so sad to think that the lady whom he loved and cared so much about wasn’t the one who would give the kind of bliss and love he really deserved.

Jongin didn’t much had expectations, not in a sense that he highly hoped that what Chanyeol saw was something else. However, we all saw how Jongin’s world shattered again, like how it did when they first broke up. He was so broken. And what hurt him more was the fact that, just like the first, he knew what was coming but he wasn’t ready for either of it. Because, really, who would be?

It took months before we saw Jongin again, back to his own pieces. But there were changes— and if I may, it was an apparent change. Because I guess, they did not get that proper closure. His ex-girlfriend didn’t seem to need it when she was moving on with her own life and when she didn’t even ask about Jongin; as though our friend weren’t part of her life at all. It made me bitter, part of me wanted to understand her but another part was standing on defense for Jongin. It was just so difficult to do so when she didn’t seem interested about it anymore.

Nevertheless, we were there for Jongin, particularly Sehun, because leaving him on his own was never a choice. So, even with the many months that have passed, I wanted Jongin to be loved more than he would this time. I wanted him to receive the kind of love he wasn’t able to get out of his previous relationship.

Yes, I know, the fact that love couldn’t be forced. But I wanted to help. I want to see him happy again, genuinely happy because he found his other half. And this was my first attempt and as much as I hoped it would work, I was also apprehensive about how things were going to turn out. What if this thing I’ve set up would fail? What if what I did would taint our relationship with Jongin? Neither Sehun and I wanted that but, we didn’t want Jongin to hold himself back just because his past relationship failed miserably. I—

My train of thoughts were interrupted when I heard Sehun’s phone vibrating (I knew it was his because I left mine at his place as we rushed down here). We actually came too early but we thought that was okay instead of coming later when Jongin could notice.

I watched Sehun slip his device out of his pocket and unlocked it, opening to the chatroom he has with Jongin. I peek as he tilted the screen towards my direction so I could read it too.

“I knew it.”

- Jongin

I gave Sehun a look and frowned at him but he just shrugged his shoulders and kissed my temple like nothing had happened. He hugged me closer and locked his phone to keep back inside his pocket.

“Let’s go.” I heard him say.

“But—”

“Baby, they’ll be fine. Jongin isn’t that kind of a jerk. I’m sure the date would go well for them.”

“If it doesn’t?”

“Then at least we know.” He asserted, reassuring me that it was all okay and I shouldn’t even be worried over what I was worrying about. “Jongin won’t mind.”

I sighed and leaned my forehead over his sturdy chest. “I hope so, Sehun.”

He rubbed his hand over my back comfortingly. Feeling the vibration inside his chest as he speaks, he told me, “Told you to trust me.”

With a moment of silence from me, trying to alter my heavy and negative thoughts, I looked up to meet his earnest eyes. “Where are we going?”

“Taking you out on a date.”

I looked at him weirdly. “Why?”

He bobbed his shoulders and took my hand into his. He smiled at me as he answered, “Just because.”

The weird look I have did not change. “You’re so—”

I haven’t finished my remark when he countered, “I just want to take my love out. We’ve been so busy.” His eyes did not leave mine when he said, “I just miss you so much.”

The look I wore slowly changed, suddenly feeling so sorry. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy.”

Sehun sighed but he was far from being withdrawn. He shook his head as he cupped my face with his free hand, kissing my forehead. “It’s okay. I understand. We were both were, anyway.” I smiled sadly at him and that urged him to press his lips on the side of mine, “Now that we’re not, I am only planning to spend it all with you.”

I felt my heart warm up that I felt like I couldn’t breathe anymore but, in a good way. “I’m totally fine with that.”

And so with that, we walked towards my boyfriend’s car and he drove us to the biggest and most shopping precinct in the country. For the most part we were window shopping, but we bought some stuff, some were clothes, shoes and other things we, or more of I thought I needed. After about five bags, I took him to the joint that newly opened near the area. We were walking on the street side when I asked Sehun for his phone.

“What are you doing?” He asked in pure curiosity.

“We haven’t taken any photos yet…”

I didn’t see him eye at me with a smirk. “That’s what you know.”

I snapped my head to turn at him with a soft crease between my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

This boyfriend of mine just gently shrugged at me and bobbed his chin towards the screen of his phone. “Have a look and see…”

I gave him an angry pout and opened the gallery through the camera app, just to see candid photos of mine: when I was ordering at the cute coffee house we quickly dropped by in, when I was tie my hair up with the hair tie in between my lips, when I was on my phone while sipping my milkshake, when I was ogling at the soft toys, when I was admiring the flowers that was displayed from the flower kiosk, and when I was walking ahead of him (trying to find to the shop Joonmyeon’s girlfriend mentioned to me).

With that, I gaped at him with my eyes wide. I couldn’t believe.

Softly brushing his pointing finger over the tip of my nose, he said to me affectionately, “It’s because you look too pretty.”

He really still hasn’t gone off this habit of his.

I weakly pushed him in the arm, not really knowing how to react or what to say to that. I felt my cheeks heating up and I felt like my whole body was being electrified. But my boyfriend just hugged me by the waist as he pulled me closer. He confessed sincerely, as though it’s the first time, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Sehun.”

He must be feeling the love we had for each other so overwhelming like how I was feeling that he hid his face on the crook of my neck, hugging me so tight. I nearly couldn’t breathe but as much as tight it was, I liked it. No, actually, I loved it! Because it showed so much of how much he loved me. It felt so reassuring. As if that wasn’t enough, he whispered that I could feel his warm breath over my skin. “My only one.”

After a few minutes, we both pulled away and looked at each other. I gingerly played with his locks with my own hand as the other was still holding his phone. I smiled affectionately at him, “Enough about me… Should we take photo together?” When I sensed that he was about refuse, I pouted at him with hopeful eyes, “Please…?”

He breathed out as he muttered with love, pinching my nose gently, “How can I say no to you when you act like this?!” I giggled. “Just because you know I love you so much…”

“Well, I love you too!”

He squinted his eyes at me playfully and grabbed the phone out of my grip and opened it again to the camera app. He raised his arm up and put it on an angle as we took couple of selfies together.

Sehun and I smiling.

Him kissing my cheek.

Me cupping his chin.

Us trying to look gangsta.

Him looking cool, me grinning.

Me wrapping his neck with my arms, kissing his jaw.

Me smiling, him kissing my temple.

I was making some stir-fry with Sehun sitting behind the high counter top, watching me. The boys were coming over for dinner and just to bond, really, like always.

“You sure you don’t need any help?” My boyfriend asked.

I moved my head side to side and smiled at him. “Nope. Has the guys messaged you their whereabouts yet?”

“They said they’ll be here in a bit.” He said.

It’s been two years and a half since Sehun and I got back together and contrary to my worries, Jongin and Nari got together. Though, they did not start dating until five months ago. It was funny actually,the way they got together. After the set up Sehun and I did, it went well, at least, to us it went well because instead of things getting awkward. In fact, Nari became part of our circle and that became a way for them to get closer to each other. Jongin really had a crush for him, but this time, he took his time and didn’t rush anything. It came to a point that he really confirmed to himself that he liked her so much but was too scared to confess. It was funny because if not for Jongin getting so jealous and threatened by another man, he wouldn’t have come clean to beautiful Nari. I’m happy for the way things turned for the people around me. Chanyeol and Jieun were already planning for their wedding, Joonmyeon was on the middle of planning his proposal for his girl, Sehun’s brother and his partner were married to each other and already has a toddler. (Sehun has a niece!) Everything was going well for everyone — everyone including Sehun and I.

I did not realise that he already walked and was behind me until he s his hand around my waist. He held me loosely, allowing me to still move around even if I was on his hold. He rested his chin on my shoulder. “You’ll be with me forever right?”

I stopped what I was doing and looked at him concernedly. I wondered why he asked that all of a sudden. “Of course.” I answered him, knowing how my quick silence could bother him. “Why? What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly asking that?”

“Just…” He sighed. “You’ll marry me, right?”

“Yes, because who else if not you, baby?”

With that, Sehun kissed my head, inhaling the scent that I realised was his favourite.

“Did I do something?” I asked.

“No, you didn’t. I just really love you so much.”

I chuckled. “Was that a proposal, Oh Sehun?”

“Maybe.” He answered. “But until I’ve got the ring, it isn’t official yet.”

“I can’t wait to be your wife, Mr Oh.”

Now reassured, he brushed his nose over mine and said, “To me, you’re officially my wife. It’s forever now, sweetheart.”

“Forever.” I repeated, making my man give me the sweetest kiss we had for all the years we've been together.

Author's note:

I felt so stuck with this last chapter. I was also quite busy with UNI too, and had barely any time to write. And for the times I'm free, I wasn't really in the zone to write. I don't like this chapter given it's the last but yeah, rather update than never. I'll try making up for it with my other fics. Sorry to disappoint.

I don't know but I might change this chapter altogether once my exams finishes.