'Did I... mess up?' Ningshun's jaw clenched tighter, frustration bubbling up as his gaze lingered on the spot where Meilin had been. 'I shouldn't have tried this. I feel bad. But why am I...'
Opening his browser, he rushed to the message board. A comment from a girl stopped him cold: "What are you guys, twelve? This is emotional manipulation and a red flag. Ghosting us and playing hot and cold is toxic. We're better off not knowing you."
His face went pale as he reread the comment. 'Great, now I feel even worse...' With trembling hands, he typed in fury to the guy who had advised ignoring. "Hey, idiot! Your method didn't work!" He hit 'post ' and shut down the computer. 'I've been ignoring her all day, and what did I get? Just looking like a jerk!'
He studied his reflection on the dark screen, took a deep breath, and exhaled. A steely glint entered his eyes.
'I can't do this. I'm done playing around.' His lips pressed into a firm line. Rising from his chair, he squared his shoulders. 'Focus.'
~*~
Meilin marched down the hallway, her footsteps heavy. 'He let me die and didn't even bother to bring me a drink? What's his deal? Am I overreacting? What have I done to him to deserve—'
Her mind raced back to the pizza party, recalling how she had avoided him whenever he appeared before her.
She sighed, shaking her head. "I guess I don't really have a right to be this upset..."
Her steps slowed, her frustration lingering. But then, an idea sparked a glimmer of hope, and a smile crept onto her face.
"I should call Yuming. She'll know what to do."
Reaching the laundry room, she opened the door and stepped inside. The comforting aroma of clean linens and laundered fabric mixed with a hint of lavender from the dryer sheets. The hum of the washer and dryer provided soothing background noise. Minutes passed as she sorted through the fresh load of clothes, folding each piece with quick movements. She dialed Yuming's number and tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder.
"Hey, Yuming." She had a hint of relief in her voice. "Yeah, I'm doing well. I've settled in pretty quickly... Come visit soon if you can." She tossed a folded shirt onto the growing pile and reached for another.
"That's awesome! Yeah, I think I can visit in... two weeks, I guess," Yuming's voice crackled with excitement. "So, is everything okay there? The boys aren't causing you any issues, are they?"
Meilin paused, her mind flashing to the team members. "You should be worrying about me, not them!" She grabbed a towel and began folding it.
"I know, I know you!" Yuming's laughter warmed the line.
Meilin blinked. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Laughing along, her shoulders relaxed.
"So tell me—what did you mess up this time?"
Hesitating, she grabbed another shirt and folded it. "Ah, I get along with almost everyone, but... I think I messed up with Ningshun." She paused, her mind wandering. Then she snapped back to focus, her hands halting in their work. "Actually, you tell me."
"Sure."
She sighed, folding the last of her laundry. "Well, today during practice, I pinged and asked him to help me, but he ignored me and let me get killed by an enemy! And he just stood there!"
Yuming gasped, "How dare he?" followed by a chuckle.
"It's not funny! It's serious, I tell you!"
"Sorry, go on."
Meilin sighed. "And I... I decided to let it go, but then after I asked him to bring me a can of soda, he just brought his own and didn't even speak to me."
"Oh, I see. He's ignoring you."
"Ah, I knew it!" Meilin frowned, her movements becoming sharper.
"So, what did you do before he started ignoring you?"
"Well, something happened... in my room, and I, well, I avoided him."
"Really? You REALLY think you need help with figuring this one out?"
Meilin bit her lip as her movements slowed, leaning against the washing machine. "No, I mean, I know I... I messed up. I don't know why I avoided him. I'm just... Yuming, he's pissed off. I want to make it right, but I don't know how. Please help me."
"First of all, you ignoring him just confirmed that something DID happen."
"But it didn't!"
"Alright." Yuming's tone lightened. "Listen to me."
Yuming's voice crackled as she explained further, and Meilin's smile grew wider.
"Wait! So, I just find something he has left behind and bring it to him as an excuse?" Her eyes widened.
Yuming's relieved voice boomed through the phone. "Yes, easy as that."
~*~
Meilin's footsteps echoed down the hallway, their thuds blending with faint noises from the corridor. She strained to make out what resembled soft, rhythmic moans.
"What the..." Discomfort flushed her cheeks red as her mind raced with possibilities. "Is that what I think it is!?"
The sighs pulled her closer. Each step quickened her heartbeat until she stood still behind the door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. As she tiptoed closer, the faint moaning grew louder. Once she stopped mid-stride, her eyes widened at the sight before her. Fitness equipment scattered everywhere, but her eyes remained glued to the man's bare back, his neck covered by his now-tousled hair. Leaning against the wall, she took in the view of her guilty pleasures.
Wearing earphones and lost in his music, Ningshun remained oblivious to her presence, focusing on his pull-ups. Beads of sweat glistened on his skin, accentuating the sculpted lines of his muscles as he lifted his body with controlled strength. With his arms stretched out, breathing deep and husky, he pushed through each rep, a primal grunt escaping his lips.
'Oh, thank God. He's just working out.' A snicker escaped Meilin's lips. 'He's totally making those sounds on purpose, isn't he? This is so embarrassing.'
She could not tear her eyes away and crept closer, standing just below him while he remained absorbed in his music.
'I can't believe I'm just standing here watching him work out.' She bit her lip to suppress a burst of laughter.
A playful grin spread across her lips as her gaze lingered on his strong arms. The sight of his raw power and focus sent a thrill through her.
'Oh wow, he looks so... No, focus, Meilin!' Flushed cheeks adorned her face. 'But maybe I shouldn't... distract him. Yeah, that's it. I can wait and...' Her thoughts trailed off, jaw dropping as she leaned in closer. Her eyes traced the contours of his bare chest, where sweat glistened and trickled down his chiseled abs with every movement. 'Wait... what am I doing? How can I face God in prayer tonight after acting like a total—'
"Pervert."
'Yeah... WAIT! What?' she panicked, lifting her gaze with hesitation.
"I knew it." Ningshun paused mid-motion and eyed her from above with one earphone out. His lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Enjoying the show, Meilin?"
Beet red flushed her face. "I-I wasn't—I mean, I just—"
Raising an eyebrow, he released the pull-up bar and landed on the floor, his confident smirk still intact. "You just happened to be standing there, gawking at me? Sure, that sounds totally innocent."
"So what if I was?" Arms crossed, her statement caught him by surprise. "Maybe if you didn't make such... weird noises, I wouldn't have to check if you were, you know, dying or something."
He chuckled, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Right, because checking on someone's well-being involves ogling them." He stepped closer, and his smirk widened as he maintained eye contact with a playful glint. "Admit it, you couldn't resist."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night!"
Leaning in, his voice lowered to a husky murmur. "Oh, I sleep just fine. But now I know you're the one losing sleep over me."
She swallowed hard, her heart racing as his intense gaze held her captive. "I didn't come here to peek!" she shot back, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
Ningshun leaned against the wall in a relaxed manner, crossing his arms with a cocky smirk. "Then why are you here?"
Meilin took a deep breath. "I brought you your underwear."
"My what!?"
"I... I had to dry my clothes, and yours were dry, so I..."
"Wait, did you—" His breath hitched at the sight that scared him stiff. He bent down to the small laundry basket. His fingers fumbled as he reached for his black underwear, lifting it with an expression of shock. "You!" His eyes bulged, and his voice rose an octave in panic. "You actually saw them!?"
She stood quiet, taking a deep breath.
'Is this her excuse to come and talk to me? Did she really think this was better than coming empty-handed?'
"Look, Ningshun, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have avoided you like that, and... I guess I just felt awkward about that day in my room."
He pushed himself off the wall, chuckling. "If I had known taking off my shirt was what I needed to do for you to talk to me, I would've done it sooner."
Meilin stood rooted to the spot, her face heating up as she processed his words. "I'm not in the mood for jokes right now! This worried me."
"Okay, okay." His gaze softened as he listened, his smirk fading into a more neutral expression. He tilted his head, his posture more relaxed. "So, that was the reason? I see... Sorry I made you uncomfortable and just stormed out like that. Nothing happened, so don't worry. I didn't think much of it. And next time, tell me if I did something wrong."
"I will." Her lips curled up into a smile. "I'll tell you next time."
"You better."
In an instant, the doorbell rang.
"It's here! It must be!" Meilin sprinted toward the exit.
"What?" Ningshun called after her, eyebrows raised.
~*~
Ningshun stepped out of the bathroom, his wet hair dripping down to his collarbone, dampening the sleeveless black shirt clinging to his body. Curiosity tugged at him as he made his way down the corridor, drawing his gaze toward the living room.
"It's too heavy... What should I do?" Meilin eyed the large box until an outstretched hand drew her attention, and she turned her head in surprise. "No, it's fine. I can handle it."
"Yeah right. Step aside." Rolling his eyes, Ningshun stepped forward and lifted the box without breaking a sweat. "Where to?"
She bit her lip, her eyes darting between him and the box. "My room," her voice softened, and she followed him up the stairs, hiding the smile that threatened to break free. "You really didn't have to... but thank you."
Deep in contemplation, his eyes darted down, his lips curving into a gentle smile as they reached her room. "Anytime," he murmured, glancing back at her. With a grunt, he set the box down beside her bed.
A soft, rosy hue spread across her cheeks. A warm smile graced her lips, and her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met.
Clearing his throat, he teased, "Can't have you slowing down the team."
Meilin's smile faded. "Really? You could've just said 'anytime' and left it at that."
His eyes held hers, his lips curving into a soft smile. "Anytime," he repeated, his voice almost a whisper.
'He's doing... that THING again. Must... resist!' She turned to the box as if it were a lifeline. "Let's open it. He's finally here!" Her fingers fumbled with the edges, prying it open.
"He!? What? Who's here?"
"The love of my life."
"In a box? What is he, a corpse?" His gaze shifted between her and the box.
"I mean, he is 'dead' in a way," she said with a mischievous grin.
"Uh, what?"
She took a step forward, her naughty grin widening. "Yes, and he's going to be mine forever."
"Okaaay, Meilin, I think I'm going to go now..."
She slammed the door shut. His face drained of color as he eyed the box with increasing dread.
She peeled back the flaps of the box. Reaching inside, her fingers brushing against a soft, padded surface, she unwrapped the box with a swift motion.
A vibrant image of a game character sprang into view. The surface offered a soft texture under her fingers, and her eyes lit up as she traced the character's sculpted abs, long hair, and intense gaze, as if it stared back at her.
"Behold, my main champion, Zayn," she announced with dramatic flair.
Ningshun remained dumbfounded, his mouth agape as he took in the scene with horror. He blinked, trying to process the absurdity. "Seriously? A life-size body pillow?"
She laughed. "Yes, you should've seen your face!"
He scoffed. "What else have you got?"
"Some energy drinks."
"You sure?" He reached into the bottom of the box. "What's this?" He pulled out a thick magazine.
Meilin kept her eyes low as she admired her new body pillow. "Oh, thanks. I'll look at it later."
He unfolded the magazine with Zayn on the cover. His eyes widened as he flipped through the pages, face pale. Clearing his throat, he struggled to maintain his composure. "Uh, your boyfriend came with a passport." He held up the magazine. "Two hundred pages of just this dude without his shirt?"
"What?" She lifted her head, her eyes widening as she read the magazine's title: Hot And Steamy Illustrations. Her face turned crimson. "W-Wait, that's not what I ordered."
Ningshun raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Really? NOW you're embarrassed? Not by a giant body pillow of a half-naked man?"
She flushed, her cheeks burning. "Hey, I know my boundaries!"
"You really do." He chuckled. "Then I guess you won't mind if I take this."
"What? Why?"
"Motivation. He looks fit."
"Oh, that makes sense. You do work out." Meilin still blushed. "Uh, sure, take it. I don't need it anyway."
"Alright. I'll go grab something to eat. You have fun with... whatever that is." Ningshun cast one last glance at her before heading toward the door.
~*~
Standing in the corridor, Ningshun pushed open the door to his room. His jaws tensed, and his pace quickened as he marched to the corner. Gritting his teeth and frowning, he tossed the magazine into the trash can.
Turning his gaze to the large mirror, he assessed his reflection. He tilted his head and flexed his shoulders, the sharp line of his collarbone casting a shadow in the soft light. "Is this not enough for you?"
He turned, his gaze shifting to the trash can in the corner, and retrieved the magazine from the crumpled mess of discarded items. Flipping it open, he skimmed the pages again with a frown, his eyes prowling the spicy images like a predator tracking its prey.
A smirk spread across his face. "I look better," he declared, his voice a peacock's proud display. He crumpled the magazine again, tossed it back into the trash can, and exited the room.
~*~
Demon King's Love - Copyright © 2023 by Aurora Luxi. All Rights Reserved.