I have been sick for the last two days, but at least I haven’t spent the rest of the trip completely miserable.

“Let’s celebrate the last day that you’ll be here with us.” Jay holds his drink up and salutes me. “It’s been a wild week.”

“Thank you.”

“Kang looks completely exhausted from taking care of you,” DaeDae teases. “He doesn’t take care of us the way he takes care of you. I feel sad.”

Everyone chuckles. “Because we know you’re a baby when you’re sick.” Hajoon rolls his eyes. “You complain about everything.”

I turn to Kang. “Did I complain?”

He shakes his head and gives mine a pat. “You did well as my patient.”

A blush starts to rise in my cheeks. Really? I bite my lip and turn back to my food. I haven’t gotten my appetite back yet, but not eating seems rude.

“So when did you two decide?” Jun asks as he takes a sip from his drink.

I raise an eyebrow. “Decide?”

“To become a couple?”

Kang and I glance at each other but neither one of us say a word. What am I supposed to say? What is he going to say? I open and close my mouth.

“We’re friends,” Kang replies with calmness.

Something shatters inside my chest and I slowly lay my fork down. Friends? Is that all he sees me as? Everyone is giving each other looks, but no one says anything as tension mounts inside of me. I can feel the tears brim and I’ll be damned if I let him see me cry.

“I need air. I don’t feel good.” I stand up quickly and rush towards the door.

“Did I say something wrong?”

Fresh cool air meets me as I push the front door open harder than I expect. I keep moving down the sidewalk.

“Morgan,” Kang calls from behind me.

Don’t look back. Don’t make a fool of yourself. I take in a shuddering breath and count the steps until I reach my hotel. Kang grabs my arm and pulls me around.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I say, jerking my arm free.

He clenches his jaw. “Morgan.”

I make my way into the hotel and repeatedly push the button to the elevator.

“What did I say wrong?”

“You didn’t say anything wrong. I was…” I cut myself off as the door slides open to the elevator. “You did nothing wrong.”

Kang hits the button to my floor and I keep my eyes straight. When we reach my floor I open my door and turn to Kang.

“Is that all we are?” The question bursts from me.

“What?” Kang asks, clearly confused.

I take a deep breath and stare at him. “I like you.”

“I like…”

Grabbing Kang by the back of the neck, pulling him close until we are nearly nose to nose. “I like you,” I say, the words breathless. “More than I have ever liked someone before.”

His eyes widen and I can see his throat working as he swallows. His tongue peeks out to lick his lips.

Releasing him, I take a step deeper into my room. “I know I shouldn’t. I don’t even know how it happened. I’m not even sure if you even feel the same about me.’

Kang advances into the room.

“Don’t,” I croak out. “If you step into this room, Lee Kangsu, you’re not leaving.”

He pauses but his eyes never leave mine.

“If you step into this room you’ll be admitting your feelings for me.”

Kang takes another step and my hand accidentally slips from the door out of shock. It makes a quiet click, and then it’s just us two. My heart skips a beat and I take a step forward. His head slightly dips back and I can’t think. My lips crash into his as I frame his face with my hands. I begin to walk him backwards until his back hits the door. My lips consumes his hungrily until his breath becomes mine. Kang’s hands tangle into my hair.

Lifting him up, I hold him in place with my hips as I tug on his lip with my teeth, spurring a slight moan from his lips.

“Morgan.”

That one word completely unravels me but mends me back together just as quickly. I pull away slightly, pleased with his ragged breathing. Taking a deep breath, I stare into his eyes.

“I am here, just a simple man, asking you to love me,” I tell him softly.

Kang brushes his fingers across my cheek. My heart skips a beat as they trail down to my neck.

“What if I told you that you could never leave me?” he rasps.

“I’d be the luckiest guy in the world.” I puff out a chuckle. “Such a fucking lucky guy.”

I watch as Kang leans down, brushing his lips against mine. Our kiss becomes slow and I can’t help but feel in awe. He is mine.

“Then both of us can be lucky,” he mumbles against my lips.

“This is my last night. Why did I wait so long?”

“We shouldn’t waste anymore of it then.”

***

Waking up to Kang drawing circles with his fingers on my back is one of the best moments of my life. We didn’t want to leave the hotel. I even got my flight changed so that I could leave later. The ride over to the airport in the taxi is too quick. I clutch his hand, scared to let go.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

“We have three more stops and then I’ll be on vacation.” He holds his fingers up and gives me a smile. “I’ll come running to you the moment we’re done.”

I pull him into a hug, trying to memorize his smell and touch. “You better.” I watch as they make the last boarding call for my flight. Sadness settles itself into my gut and I turn to Kang. Sighing, I lean back and run my hand over his hair.

“Okay, I should go.” I take a deep breath. “This is harder than last time.”

Kang grabs my face. “Go before you miss your flight. Let me know when you’re home safe.”

I nod but I can’t move. Kang presses his lips against my head and I melt completely.

“Go,” he chuckles.

“Stay safe,” I whisper.

He leans back and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Shouldn’t I be the one telling you that? Call me when you land.”

I step back and give him a wave before I walk to the terminal. My lips curl up into a smile and I rub my thumb against my lower lip.

“I’ll see you soon!” Kang bellows as I’m stepping into the terminal. That is my man and I couldn’t be prouder.