Chapter 35

Janine’s heart was racing up until Porter had finally driven them away from the location. She doesn’t even have an idea on how she escaped the occasion.

It wasn’t really easy for her to finally make up her mind and choose one from them. Like everyone else, she didn’t want to hurt one when she knew they both loved her so much, only under different circumstances.

Johann was the best thing that happened in her life. He was the person who made her see the light in love. He was the person who opened her heart to love.

But Porter. He was the one who made her heart race faster and slower at the same time. He was the person who made her feel like she was always the priority – that he would give up everything just to be with her.

If only there was something she could do to not hurt anyone, she would’ve done it. But is there really a way to not make a certain goodbye painful?

“You’re still trembling.” Porter spoke as he pulled into his place. He held her hand and tried to calm her down. But she just couldn’t. How could she calm down when she knew that everyone would be looking at her differently than they did before?

“I’m here, Janine. Don’t be scared. I won’t ever leave you.” Porter’s words were music to her ears. And yes, she knows that he wouldn’t leave her. She didn’t even know how she trusts him this much right now.

Janine looked at him with tears brimming in her eyes. How could she possibly love a person this much? That despite everything that happened tonight, she’s happy that she’s with him. She’s happy that he’s with her.

“I love you, alright? Don’t ever forget that.” He whispered as he planted a kiss on her forehead. He smiled and wiped her tears away. “Am I being too selfish because I am happy while every person in my family tree is shocked like hell?”

Janine couldn’t help but smile and bite her lip. “Then, am I selfish, too?” She asked back making L smile and lean over to capture her lips.

It felt as if magic was on the works when their lips met. This isn’t the first time that they kissed but how could they feel so surreal? A powerful kiss because their feelings are finally mutual. Finally, no one was holding back.

He smiled as she responded to his kisses, for the first time, without him pulling her closer to him. “Promise me we’ll be together.” He spoke in between the kisses.

Janine smiled and nodded. “I wouldn’t let him go if I won’t end up with you.” She replied and L smiled, kissing her even more passionately.

So it was real. When you love a person, everything seems right. When you really love a person, you wouldn’t care if the whole world is against.

Because right now, even after hurting the whole Kim clan, Janine was happy. She was finally free of guilt. It was as if a huge load had been lifted from her shoulder.

And more importantly, she doesn’t have to hold back anymore.

They both smiled after the kiss as their foreheads were connected with each other. It was as if time had stopped and nothing else mattered in the world than the two of them and their feelings for each other. Is it wrong to pursue such a risky and dangerous love?

“He almost proposed to you.” Porter spoke. Janine looked at him, observing his expression.

“I knew that the party was about him proposing to you,” he started. “I didn’t want to come.” He looked into her eyes. “But then if I didn’t have come, would you have turned him down?” He asked.

She stared into his eyes. She didn’t have to think of the answer. “I love you. I wouldn’t say yes even if you’re not there.” She replied and then she chuckled. “I’m so glad you were there, though.”

Porter smiled.

“If you weren’t there, I would’ve ended up roasted by all of your cousins.” She tried to joke. She didn’t want to think about Johann anymore. What matters to her now is that she’s with Porter. She’s happy she’s with him.

He chuckled with her. “Then I’d have to kill all of them right after.” He beamed as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I love you.” He spoke out of the blue. “And I’m going to repeat it until you get enough of my words.”

She smiled. “Then you have your whole life to make me get enough of it.” She replied. “I love you, too.” She leaned in and kissed Porter’s lips.

He smiled. “You amaze, don’t you know that?” He asked.

“Why?”

“Because you’re the only person rude to me who made me fall this hard and deep,” he replied. “You were the most annoying girl I have ever met who made me fall into my knees and head over heels for.”

She chuckled. “I believe that’s a compliment.” She retorted.

Porter smirked. “Well, of course it is.” He replied as he leaned in and kissed her once more. “God! Your lips are the softest thing in my whole world.”

Janine smiled. “You’re the most unexpected gift this world has given me.” She told him as she held his face. “I won’t ever let you go.”

“Me, too. I’d love to get stuck with you for all eternity.”

And it was magic. Everything was a fairytale.

--

“Where are we going?” Janine asked Porter as they entered the building.

Porter smiled as he laced his fingers with hers. “My place.” He replied. “I live with my friends, if you’re wondering.” He added.

Janine’s eyes widened. “Why are we going to your place?” She asked in alarm.

“Then do you want me to book a hotel room for us?” He asked making Janine blush.

She hit his arm strongly.

“Hey! What was that for?!” He whined as he massaged his sore arm.

Janine glared at him. “For you and your perverted thoughts.” She wrinkled her nose at him and tried to walk ahead but Porter caught her hand, making him pull her closer to him.

“You’re the only reason for my perverted thoughts, though. Aren’t you lucky?” He grinned.

Janine scoffed at him and stomped on his feet making him grunt in pain. “You’re lucky you’re the only person I have stomped my foot on, Porter Kim.” She shot before walking towards the elevator.

Porter hardly followed her in front of the elevator. “Hey! That’s out of the line!” He hissed.

Janine chuckled as she pressed the ‘Up’ button. “What floor are you staying?” She asked, changing the topic.

“Twenty-seventh,” he replied.

Janine nodded. “How many are you staying in one unit?” She asked again. This is the first time that she asked something about Porter’s life and she was so disappointed that she knew so little about him.

“Seven.” He replied.

Janine’s eyes widened. “Seven?!” She couldn’t hide her shock as he pushed her into the empty elevator.

Porter pressed the twenty-seventh floor button and looked at Janine. “I deserve a massage from you.” He spoke.

She narrowed her eyes on him. “Why? You deserved the pain.” She retorted.

He glared at her. “Why did I?” He asked.

Janine shrugged. “Because you got me?” She replied as she looked around, waiting for the door to finally open on their destination.

Porter smiled and shook his head upon hearing her reply. Sure, everything was worth it because he got her. Every pain he felt was worth it because Janine was the prize.

The elevator door opened. Janine was about to get off but before she could even take a step, L grabbed her hand and laced his fingers with hers.

Janine looked at him weirdly.

Porter shrugged. “I want my friends to know.” He smiled then pulled her out of the elevator and led her to their unit.

Janine couldn’t hide her smile. She’s loving everything that Porter is doing. It’s getting too dangerous because she’s loving it too much. She’s wanting it too much that she’s afraid she’d get really dependent on his presence.

Porter took his key card from his back pocket and opened the door.

Janine expected it to be messy but it’s not. The shoes are organized on the racks and there are no trashes around.

So, maybe L and his friends are clean.

“Amused that it’s clean?” He asked.

Janine looked at him and nodded. “I didn’t know you were hygienic.” She tried so hard not to laugh.

Porter rolled his eyes and asked her to get to the living room. “No one’s home. I guess.” He beamed then he started calling his friends’ name.

Janine looked around. Porter and his friends must really be rich kids. Their unit, she thought, was one of the biggest and the best in the building. Hence, the location was at the top floor.

“They’re out.” Porter beamed as he waved some sticky notes posted on their fridge. He looked at Janine innocently. “What are we going to do then?” He asked making Janine blush.