Knock knock

Lani cautiously approached the front door curious of who could be knocking at such a late hour. It was just before 10 and she wasn't expecting anyone. She opened the door a few inches and poked her head out.

"Happy birthday!"

Standing in front of her was none other than L.Joe. He had a wide smile on his face and a bag in his hand.

"Byunghun!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her and gave her a small spin.

"I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow," Lani stated with slight confusion.

"I wanted to surprise you so I took an earlier flight," he explained with a half smirk, "I see it worked."

"I wasn't expecting it to be you at the door."

"Speaking of which, how can you just randomly open the door for strange men?" L.Joe joked, but Lani could hear the underlying concern and seriousness in his voice.

"So you're calling yourself a strange man?" Lani giggled before skipping into her apartment.

"Yah come back here!" L.Joe chuckled. He ran in after her and kicked the door close. Before she could get further than her kitchen table, L.Joe grabbed her by the waist and scooped her up into his arms. Lani squirmed a bit before relaxing in his strong hold and secured her arms around his neck. They met eyes and stared at each other in silence.

"I missed you," L.Joe was the first to break the silence.

"I missed you too, Byunghun," she softly replied.

She stretched her neck upwards until her lips met his. She kissed him gently and he kissed her back. They stood in the middle of her apartment giving each other tender kisses until Lani pulled away.

"Wait," she suddenly said.

L.Joe was slightly taken aback and cocked his head to the side looking at Lani. 

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

"What's in the bag?" she goofily smiled. 

He looked back towards the door where he had dropped the bag on the floor. "Is that what you were thinking about while kissing me?" he chuckled.

"I'm curious," she gave him another wide smile.

L.Joe walked over to the couch and gently put Lani down. He then walked over to the entrance and grabbed the bag. He headed back towards her and dumped everything out of the bag and onto the coffee table.

"I brought you back some Japanese snacks," he happily said, "but your real present comes tomorrow."

"Omo! All of this for me?" Lani eyes were wide and her smile just like a child's.

"Yup, what's more fun than staying up late and eating delicious snacks?"

"Eating them with you!" Lani's smile only got bigger as L.Joe chuckled and took a seat next to her.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for your birthday,” L.Joe sincerely apologized.

“You’re here now and that’s all that matters,” she replied.

“Right,” L.Joe agreed. “Did you have fun with Woohyun?”

“Yeah, I met Infinite and hung out with them! They even sang me my favourite song!” Lani excitedly explained. She went on with her story but suddenly stopped. “…how do you know I spent my birthday with Woohyun?”

L.Joe’s eyes slightly widened, “I uh…” L.Joe couldn’t come up with an excuse.

“Were you the one who told Woohyun about my birthday?” Lani asked.

L.Joe tried to deny it but Lani saw right through him. “I was wondering how he knew,” she stated. “Thank you. I thought I would be spending my birthday alone, but because of you I was able to have fun.” Lani wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly, “thank you L.Joe.”

-

They cuddled on the couch eating all sorts of chips, candy, and chocolate as they watched reruns of classic dramas. It was just past one when Lani started nodding off. 

"I think it's time for someone to head to bed, but not before brushing your teeth," L.Joe stated.

"Okay, mom," Lani teased before walking off to the bathroom. 

L.Joe quickly picked up their wrappers and threw them away. He turned off the TV and met Lani in the bathroom. They brushed their teeth side by side as a happily married couple would.

Once they were done, they jumped in bed and cuddled under the warm blankets; talking about anything and everything until they were sound asleep.

-

Lani awoke the next morning and was startled by L.Joe who was staring at her.

"Morning sleepy head," L.joe softly chuckled.

"What time is it?" she asked with a yawn.

"Just past 8."

"Why are you awake so early?" she mumbled as she moved into a more comfortable position under the blankets. She curled up in a ball and closed her eyes.

"Well... Someone's snoring was extra loud this morning," he casually remarked.

Lani's eyes shot open and she turned to look at him. "I don't snore!" she defended.

"How would you know? You were asleep," he lightly argued back.

"But I don't snore!"

"Sureee," L.Joe sarcastically remarked.

"I don't!" Lani whined. She made a pouty face at him and tried to turn away. Before she could he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him.

“Don’t pout,” he softened, “you’re prettier when you smile.”

Lani couldn’t help but giggle. L.Joe smiled and held her close. “There’s my beautiful girl.”

Lani looked at him and gave him an even bigger smile. “Come on, let’s get dressed,” Lani said as she attempted to get up.

“Where do you think you’re going?” L.Joe responded as he pulled her back down. He wrapped his arms back around her and looked her in the eyes. Lani stared up at him before closing her eyes and leaning in. Their lips met and their hearts pounded. L.Joe held Lani tightly against himself as his hands roamed her body. Lani ran her hands through his hair and down his chest; her fingers grabbed the end of his shirt and she easily slipped it off, their lips only parting for a moment. L.Joe’s hands continued to explore her body as he pulled her clothes off and threw it on the floor.

“I love you,” she whispered once their lips parted. L.Joe continued kissing her body, his lips traveled up her neck to her ear, “I love you too,” he softly and sincerely responded.

it's been awhile hasnt it? i've been super busy and stressed since its the end of the semester. theres sooo much going on. but i didnt wanna keep you guys waiting~ :) i have one more week of school then exams then im free! and i'll be able to update regularly once im off :)