The gym had been a crucible of suffering, as it always was on leg day. My muscles burned with a searing ache, each step a reminder of the grueling weights I had pushed myself to endure. The walk home felt like a march through a fog of exhaustion, my body heavy and my mind yearning for the solace of my room. When I finally crossed the threshold, the dim light of the afternoon spilled through the curtains, casting a muted glow over the scene before me. There she was—my lazy panda—sprawled across the bed like a creature of comfort and indulgence, her head buried deep into my pillow, her dark hair a wild halo around her face. She looked like a dream I didn't want to wake from, her soft breaths the only sound in the room.
I couldn't resist her. The ache in my legs faded into the background as I slipped behind her, my arms encircling her waist, pulling her close. Her warmth seeped into me, a balm against the lingering pain. I leaned in, my lips brushing against her ear as I whispered, "Hey, panda, wake up." My voice was low, almost a growl, and I couldn't help the playful impulse to nip at her ear, my teeth grazing the delicate skin. She groaned, a sound that was both protest and pleasure, her eyelids fluttering open as she blinked up at me, disoriented but undeniably adorable.
She propped herself up on her elbows, her hair a chaotic mess, her eyes still heavy with sleep. I sat beside her, my body sinking into the mattress as I delivered the news. "Today, I'm not going to college."
Her brow furrowed, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Why not?"
"Because today was leg day," I replied, wincing as I shifted my weight, the muscles in my thighs screaming in protest. "And my legs are screaming for mercy."
Her expression softened, but there was a stubbornness in her eyes that I knew all too well. "Alright," she said, her voice lilting with a teasing edge. "But you're still going to drop me off, right?"
I chuckled, the sound low and rough. "Of course. I can't leave my lazy panda without a ride. Go get ready."
She nodded, slipping off the bed with a grace that belied her sleepy demeanor. I watched her disappear into the bathroom, the sound of the shower soon filling the room. As the water ran, I busied myself preparing her things, my movements slow and deliberate. But when I reached for my bag, I noticed her packing her books into it.
"What are you doing?" I asked, my eyebrow arching in amusement.
She turned to me, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Because you're going to miss me all day at home!"
I rolled my eyes, the gesture exaggerated for effect. "Really? I'll just be playing Call of Duty the whole day."
Her expression shifted, a playful annoyance tightening her features. "Won't you even drop me off properly?" she pressed, her voice mockingly serious.
I laughed, the sound echoing in the room. "Okay, okay, I get it! I can't leave my lazy panda in a lurch. Now hurry up and get dressed. After that, let's go to the garage. I want you to count how many cars we have."
Her eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting in them. "Wait, really? You're letting me count the cars?"
"Absolutely," I nodded, my amusement growing as she dashed off toward the garage, her energy infectious. I could hear her muttering to herself as she entered, counting and chuckling at the assortment of vehicles we had collected over the years. I smiled to myself, knowing that despite the agony of leg day, mornings like this with her made every bit of pain worth it.
When she returned, she had chosen the G-Wagon, her favorite. I was still in my gym wear—a vest and shorts—and as I slid into the driver's seat, she shot me a look of mock disapproval. "Are you really going to drop me off like this?" she asked, her tone teasing but with a hint of genuine annoyance.
I smirked, shrugging. "Yes, of course."
She huffed, disappearing upstairs only to return moments later with my jacket. She threw it at me, the fabric hitting me in the face. "At least wear this," she insisted, her voice firm.
I chuckled, slipping the jacket on. "Someone's possessive," I teased, catching her gaze. She stared at me, her eyes dark with a hint of something primal.
"Exactly," she replied, her voice low. "Only I should see you."
She was wearing tracks and an oversized t-shirt, her casual attire somehow making her even more irresistible. I dropped her off at college, her chatter filling the car as she asked for her favorite chocolate. I decided to indulge her, rushing to the store after she disappeared into the campus. When I returned, chocolate in hand, I found her in the corridor, surrounded by a group of guys who were teasing her, their compliments on her body crossing the line into discomfort. She wanted to protest, but when she saw me, her eyes locked onto mine, silently pleading for me to intervene.
I understood. In an instant, I was beside her, pressing her against the wall, my hands gripping her thighs as she wrapped her legs around my waist. Our kiss was rough, a collision of need and possession, a silent declaration that she was mine. When I pulled away, I turned to the guy who had been the most persistent, twisting his arm with a force that made him wince. I shoved a hundred dollars into his pocket, my voice cold and commanding. "Take care of her all day. Treat her like your sister."
With that, I handed Krithi her chocolate, my tone softening as I said, "Have a great day. Bye."
As I drove home, she texted me, her message tinged with curiosity. *Why were you so serious about him? It's common for every girl in her life.
I replied without hesitation. Not in yours. Not when I'm in your life. There's something special waiting for you when you come home. Now, focus on your classes and take notes. Okay? Bye.
I spent the rest of the day immersed in Call of Duty, the hours slipping by until she called, her voice soft and expectant. "Are you coming to pick me up?"
"Yep," I replied, already grabbing my keys. "I'll be there in five."
And just like that, I was back in the car, the ache in my legs a distant memory as I drove to bring her home.