Ideal | ni-ki

Chapter 26 • Question

Chapter TWENTY-SIX

I fixed my posture as I wrap my arms around Ni-ki's nape. His hands on my waist tightened. The song 'Only Hope by Switchfoot' starts playing in the background as we starting swaying. Ni-ki just looks at me and since he's taller, I had to look up to him.

"Sorry for not being your first dance tonight. I'm your date yet I took another woman to dance first." He said.

I softly chuckled, "It's fine. I can't really dance anyway. Plus, you seem to be enjoying her company."

"I'm not." He immediately fired back.

"Relax, I was just teasing you." I said in between chuckles. 

"You really like teasing me huh? Do you tease Spencer like that?" 

"Sometimes but Spencer is a good kid so I don't really tease him that much." I started playing with Ni-ki's hair from behind. My nails softly caress his hair.

"You look beautiful everyday and one day I might just snap and might not be able to hold myself back..." His voice is hoarse as he speaks while his eyes flickered to my lips then back to my eyes. 

I swallowed a lump on my throat as I follow his eyes stare at my lips. Our moment was cut off when suddenly, a water was thrown at Ni-ki's face. Ni-ki's eyes remained closed as water drips from his face and I immediately turned my head to see Jade's angry face with a glass on her hand.

The lady near me is holding a glass of wine so I did not hesitate to grab it and throw it back at Jade's face and she looked absolutely in disbelief.

"What the fuck is your problem bitch?" She screamed, facing me.

"What is YOUR problem? You're the one who threw water at Ni-ki." My voice remained calm as I came face to face with her.

"Do you even know what he did to me? Do you know what's my relationship with--"

"I don't care about the reasons behind it. Listen here, if you assault him, I'll make sure to return the favor."

What I said made her angrier so she was about to attack me when Ni-ki stopped her by grabbing her arm and pushing her a bit.

"Learn to accept rejections, Jade." He hissed.

"No! Why?! For this woman?! I didn't know your taste is this bad, Riki-san." She huffed. She is now being held back by Sunghoon and Heeseung as she continues to be scandalous. Seems like she's already wasted. 

She continues to scream as she is being dragged away by the boys, "You can never be me! You hear me bitch!? Ask Riki who was his first! Ask him!"

First? First what?

I disregarded the thought and paid attention to Ni-ki who is now dripping wet. I held his hand and dragged him out of the venue. We were just walking and then we stopped at the a park. I opened my purse and took out my handkerchief and started wiping Ni-ki's face and neck.

"You alright?" I asked. He just nodded and removed his coat. I was confused at first but then he placed it on me. "...You'll get cold."

"I'm fine. You're shivering."

My attention was immediately caught by a small boutique. I asked Ni-ki to wait for me so I ran to the store to see if there's a scarf available. I saw one so I didn't hesitate to buy it. I went back to Ni-ki and wrapped the scarf around his neck.

"It's already winter." I said.

"You didn't need to buy this. I still have body heat."

"But not for too long, I don't want you to get sick." I smiled when I was able to wrap the scarf around Ni-ki's neck with him looking like a cute puffer fish. "Wanna seat somewhere and chill?"

He nodded so we went to the park  to chill for awhile. The moon is full and shining tonight.

I took my heels off, finally giving my feet a breather. 

"Ni-ki...I'm sorry to ask but, what was Jade was saying earlier? About the 'first' thing?" I asked.

He took a deep sigh before answering, "Well, she was indirectly telling you that we slept together. That we did it."

My heart dropped to my stomach, "...Oh."

"I'm sorry if you had to hear something like that."

"It's okay...I mean, it's your personal stuff and I don't judge you for it. Everyone does it, I guess. You're a man...you have nee--"

"No no. Nothing like that has happened. Jade and I never slept together."

I looked at him as he stares back with a straight face. I mean, it's none of my business but why did it gave me a slight of relief?

"Why was she so mad at you then? You were just dancing with her before it happened."

"Jade....she has always been into me. Jade is one of the main dancers in one of the clubs the boss owns. She confessed to me and I rejected her, that's why she was so mad. Yeah she's not bad, but I don't see her that way, no." He explained.

"I see..." I looked down and just stares at my swollen feet.

"How 'bout you? Why did you do that?" 

I turned at Ni-ki with a confused look, "Huh?"

"Why did you step up and threw the wine back at Jade? Why did you defend me?"

"Why not? She was being mean to you and I can not just stand there and watch her assault you more. You don't deserve the humiliation." I continued, "You've been protecting me all the time Ni-ki, and I want to do the same to you. We protect each other. Plus, I wasn't scared of her. She may have the looks and body but gurl, I can fight. This baker has fighting skills bruh. She better not mess with me, especially you. I don't know who you like or what your type is but she better respect your decision and--"

"I love you."

I was blabbering but then was stopped at Ni-ki's sudden response, "What?"

"I'm inlove with you, Serena. All this time."

"Wha...who...why? I mean, you are not drunk are you?"

"No. Want me to say it again?"

"No. I mean, wait....is this real?"

"I've been thinking about it for long and I've to come to realize that I truly am inlove with you. Madly. Deeply. And I'm not sure if you feel the same way and I am not expecting you to say it back but I'm hoping you would think about it too."

My heart is beating so fast right now and nothing is absorbing in my mind. It's like my mind suddenly stopped responding as soon he said those words. Ni-ki is inlove with me? Do I feel the same way?

"Can you give me time?" I bit my lip.

"Can I ask you out? On a date? Tomorrow?"

"What?"

"Your answer can remain unknown but I just want to spend time with you tomorrow. I want to take you out on a date, now that you know how I feel, then I'll show you how I feel. Dress nicely."

My lips curled up in a smile but then I looked away, "Don't expect an answer Nishimura. It's a surprise."

"I won't, love. Take your time." He whispered and then pulled me closer as he plants his lips on my forehead.

Ni-ki, you'll have my answer.