Page 48 of Teach Me K-Pop
Before I can respond, there’s the sound of a lock clicking, and we both turn toward the door just in time to see Lux breezing back in.
“I hope you’re dressed,” he singsongs in Korean, even as he’s got us in his line of sight, obviously still clothed.
Nikko gives him an icy glare. “Of course we are.”
“Hello, Lux.” I wave at him, feeling like I need to prove my hands are where he can see them.
“Hi, Jase. Nice to see you again.” He smiles, but it’s one of those that clearly says he will be giving Nikko so much shit after I leave. “Don’t mind me. It’s late and I need to do my skincare,” he announces, turning toward the bathroom.
I finally notice the time again. It’s so late that it definitely counts as early now. I’m not sure when they have to check out and leave for their next stop, but it probably won’t be too long.
Nikko doesn’t say anything as he tips over, letting himself sort of just fall into my lap. It’s sweet and domestic and makes my heart hurt a little bit, knowing that there’s a countdown on how long this can last. I slip my fingers through his hair, still thinking about our conversation—the ways things could have been in another life.
If this is all I get with him, it’s enough. I’ll always want additional time, but these three days have been more than I expected to be able to have. Nikko nuzzles against my thigh as Lux belts out some poppy tune while he goes through what seems to be an extensive routine, the sound of his voice and water splashing filtering into the room. It’s an odd moment in a weird situation, but it’s good. Bittersweet.
Lux reappears, his hair tucked back in some sort of furry looking headband, skin glowing. He drops down onto the other bed and stretches out. “You look pretty comfortable, ’Ko,” he comments casually.
“I am,” Nikko mumbles, his response a little muffled by the fabric of my pants.
“You were just talking this whole time then?” Lux asks, raising an eyebrow that seems disappointed somehow.
“Not the whole time,” I tell him, winking down at Nikko and he turns his head to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
“Good,” Lux remarks, folding his hands under his chin. “It would have been a waste for me to leave if not.”
Nikko sits up again, facing Lux. “We talked about you. And Kija-hyung.”
Everything about Lux’s nonchalant body language changes into something like panic. Interesting.
“What? Why?” he questions, then seems to catch himself. “I don’t know why you would talk about me. Or anyone else. When you could be doing things with each other.”
I can see Nikko trying not to laugh, and that seems like as good a sign as any that I need to leave while he’s amused. “I’m going to let you two get some sleep before you have to check out.”
Lux rolls himself up in the covers until he looks like he’s in a blanket burrito, then grabs a pillow. “Annyeong, Jase!” he yells, right before he puts the pillow over his face, either trying to block us out or maybe give us some kind of privacy to say goodbye.
Sliding off the mattress, I hold my hand out to Nikko and pull him up to me, then start toward the door. It’s shadowy here, and it feels like some kind of metaphor for us, being hidden. I’m not about to unpack it now, as I slip my fingers around the back of Nikko’s neck and gently tug him toward me.
He sighs as our mouths meet, opening up so sweetly. I hope he feels everything I wish I knew how to say as I kiss him, slow and deep. His arms wrap around me, tight at my waist, squeezing me as he moans softly.
Finally breaking away when we absolutely have to have air, I bow my head to rest my forehead against his. “I’m just going to say good night, because this is not goodbye. I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but this is not over.”
His eyes look a little watery, but he still whispers, “Okay. Good night, Jase.”
I kiss him once more before I reach for the door handle. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
Nikko nods, watching me until the door closes between us.
At least I make it to the elevator and start descending before the ache sets in and has me pressing my hand to my chest.
Ijustwalked away, but damn, this hurts already.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
JASE
“MR. KITSON!”
I don’t know why I’m startled enough at the decibel level to almost drop my cup of coffee. I’ve been expecting a visit from them since I got back to work this morning, hoping I can remain nonchalant and impassive as they undoubtedly go full fangirl with their concert review. “Hello, Harper and company.”
