Chapter 29

From: Porter Kim Are you free tonight?

Janine read the text message from Porter. She looked at her luggage. Since she’s on her vacation leave, she’s going home. To Busan where her parents are at.

Johann was supposed to come with her but he had some errands to work for some matters his dad couldn’t handle. Too bad he couldn’t come with her when he wanted it the most.

She sighed as she replied to the text.

To: Porter Kim I’m going to Busan later. I’m going home for Christmas.

Sent. Then she went on to check if she had gotten all of her luggage. She’s leaving at three o’clock in the afternoon and it’s eleven o’clock already. She must be at the airport by now.

Porter Kim calling…

She looked at her phone ringing and answered the call. “Yes?” She spoke.

“Hello to you too, Janine Kwon.” Porter sarcastically replied from the other line.

Janine couldn’t help but smile at his sarcasm. Porter gets pissed as well from time to time and she doesn’t know why she finds it cute when he’s pissed off. “Hello, Porter Kim?” She replied trying to suppress her laughter.

She could imagine Porter rolling his eyes from the other line.

“Why are you going to Busan for Christmas?” He asked in a serious tone. “How long will you be there?” He asked again.

Janine sat on the couch. “Well, my family lives in Busan.” She replied to his first question. “I will be there until New Year.” She replied.

“Are you not celebrating with your boyfriend?”

Janine stopped as she heard him ask about Johann and her. She smiled to herself. He’s suppressing his feelings. She knows that he wants to be with her but then he knows he couldn’t do it all the time so he’s asking politely.

“No. We’ll just celebrate when I come back.” She replied carefully to not hurt Porter. “He’s busy with some year-end deals.” She added.

Somehow, when she thinks of Johann, she couldn’t help herself but think about what Porter told her that night he was drunk.

Johann had an affair with Czarina when she was still Porter’s girlfriend. Johann used to be Porter’s closest cousin but then he stole his girl from him.

And now it’s the opposite.

Porter’s stealing Johann’s girl from him.

Just how fucked up can destiny be?

“Then can I come with you to Busan?”

Janine could barely move when she heard what L asked her. He wanted to come to Busan with her? To see her family?

“Aren’t you busy?” She asked.

The truth is, she wants to be with L. But then she thinks of what her parents would think of L coming with her and would ask questions about their relationship.

Her family knows that she’s in a relationship with Johann and of course they would wonder about L.

“Baby, I’ll always find time to be with you.”

Janine paused for a moment to contain all the feels that Porter just gave her. How can he so sweet even on the other line?

“So? Can I come?” He asked. “As a friend?” He continued.

Janine didn’t know but her heart sank when he degraded himself as a friend. She sure knows that Porter is not just a friend. She’s more than that but she can’t exactly tell the real score.

She shut her eyes are sighed deeply. “Okay.” She beamed. “You can come.” She told him.

“Yes!” Porter beamed from the other line. “Wait for me, Janine. I’ll get you from there.” He told her. “Bye. I love you.” He finished as he hung up.

Janine looked at her phone and she couldn’t help but sigh heavily and blush.

Oh, Porter Kim, why must you do this to her?

--

Janine and Porter boarded on the plane just in time. She didn’t know how L managed to get the seat next to her when she knew that the seats are taken already.

She looked at Porter with narrowed eyes. “How did you manage to get the seat next to me?” She asked in curiosity. “Aren’t all seats taken?” She asked again.

Porter looked at her and shrugged. “I have my ways, Janine.” He told her as he sat next to her.

Janine frowned at him. “I’m really curious about your ways, Porter Kim.” She said as she looked at him.

Porter smiled. “Even if you’re cute like this, I won’t tell you.” He beamed and she just rolled her eyes on him. He chuckled. “If I told you, I won’t be able to surprise you in the future anymore.” He told her.

Janine gave him a look. “What surprise?” She asked.

He smiled. “There are going to be a lot of surprises, Janine. Brace yourself.” He told her as he took his iPod and earphones out. He looked at her. “Let’s listen to music together.” He told her as he gave her the other earpiece.

Janine was hesitant but in the end, she took it.

Porter smiled and leaned his head on the head rest.

Said all I want from you is to see you tomorrow…and every tomorrow. Maybe you’ll let me borrow your heart.

And is it too much to ask for every Sunday? And while we’re at it, throw in every other day to start.

Janine looked at Porter who was humming at the song with his eyes closed. She smiled to herself without knowing why.

Is it because of his flawless face? Or his perfect nose? Or his sexy dimple? Or maybe a combination of all?

I know people make promises all the time then they turn right around and break them.

Someone cuts your heart open with a knife. Now, you’re bleeding.

But I could be that guy to heal it over time and I won’t stop until you believe it.

‘Cause, Baby, you’re worth it.

Porter suddenly laced his fingers with hers making her leap an inch in surprise. He looked at her and sang the next words of the song.

“So don’t act like it’s a bad thing to fall in love with me. You might look around and find your dreams come true, with me. Spent all your time and your money just to find out that my love was free. So don’t act like it’s a bad thing to fall in love with me.”

He was telling her that. It’s not a bad thing to fall in love with him.

Janine smiled as Porter’s voice lingered in her ears. He sings so well. How could he manage to be good in almost all of these stuffs?

She didn’t know what has got into her. He looked at her in the eyes and suddenly, she had the urge to kiss him. Right now.

And she did.

Porter’s eyes widened as Janine planted a swift kiss on his lips. For the first time, Janine initiated the kiss. He didn’t know if he was going to celebrate like a fangirl or continue to kiss her tenderly.

“What was that for?” He asked in shock after the kiss.

She smiled widely. “For coming with me.” She replied. “At least I won’t be alone in this trip.” She added making Porter smile at her. “And your song. I love your song.” She finished making L smile even wider.

He looked at her. “Just my song?” He asked.

Janine smiled and didn’t respond. She wasn’t ready to confirm anything. She has to sort things out.

“Don’t worry, I love you.” He whispered to her.

Janine looked at him and nodded. “I know that, Porter.” She replied. Of course she knows how L loves her so much. He was willing to be her second. He was willing to do anything just to have her.

He smiled. “Then that’s good enough for me, Baby.” He spoke. “At least you know that I love you.” He told her as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

Janine smiled at his sweetness.

Porter sighed deeply.

“What?” She asked him.

He shrugged before hugging her tight. “I wish time would stop right now.” He said. “I don’t want to be away from you even for a second anymore.” He told her. And she blushed.