The wind brings winter with it. They say happy times pass quickly, and before I realized it, we were already in the last month of the year. After winning his fight in Japan, Jay got a month-long break. He didn't need to train or fight, just needed to exercise regularly.
I woke up early to go running with Jay. As expected, I stopped and walked because I couldn't keep up with his pace. But I wanted to exercise with him, so I switched to cycling. Even so, I still got tired faster than Jay. After our morning workout, we had breakfast and rested. During the break, we hung our laundry outside.
We actually own a dryer. Nao bought it because he doesn't like hanging clothes. It's practical, but I prefer drying them under the sunlight. For Nao, the smell of clothes doesn't matter, what matters is that they're dry. So he often complains because we rarely use the dryer.
As I was thinking about Nao, he appeared. I saw him standing in front of the glass door with a blank expression, squinting his eyes, and crossing his arms before leaving. Suddenly, heavy rain started pouring. Jay and I quickly gathered the clothes and ran inside the house.
"Wow!" Nao returned with towels, handing them to us. "Sudden rain. Ten seconds ago it was still sunny. Tough luck, Dan."
"Yeah," I accepted the towel from him.
Nao crossed his arms. "Time to use my dryer. You should apologize for ignoring it."
"No, I'll wait until the rain stops and hang them again."
"It might rain all day."
"Then, tomorrow."
"The clothes will smell."
"I'll wash them again."
"Why do you hate my dryer?"
"I'm kidding. I'll use it."
"If you buy me bingsu... no, honey toast, you can use it."
"Hmm..." I pretended to think. "Your honey toast costs at least one hundred, but using the dryer is only forty."
"That's not practical. Why should we walk?"
"We can save sixty, just by walking a little."
"Ah!" Nao, at a loss for words, pretended to blow fire from his mouth. I couldn't hold back my laughter. "Dan is annoying!"
"I'll treat," said Jay. We both turned to look at him.
"Using the dryer is more practical than walking. Besides, it's raining now. If Nao is so touched, I'll treat him. That way, Dan won't be upset."
"Eh..." Nao tilted his head. "I feel like I'm being scolded and as if I'm extorting a child. But it's okay, if you want to treat me, I don't mind. Besides, you're a boxing champion, you should treat your 'older brother' to food." Nao patted Jay's shoulder.
"Since you insist, I also want garlic bread, the new menu."
"Alright."
"No," Tiger's voice came from behind him, looking displeased. "Who allowed you to buy my husband dessert?"
"Your husband himself," Jay answered casually.
Tiger turned to Nao. "Why didn't you ask me?"
"I just wanted to see if this boxer would buy me something... Aiihh..!" Nao was immediately lifted by Tiger, who carried him to the living room.
After that, we used the dryer and took care of the plants. Earlier the weather was very hot, but the rain made the air cooler. I made warm drinks for Jay.
"You don't need to treat Nao, I was just joking," I said as I put the cup on the table. "But if you really want to treat him, I don't mind."
"Do you treat him often?"
"Often."
"Nao doesn't have money?"
"Of course he does, he just likes being treated. Sometimes he treats me back."
"I understand." Jay fell silent. I asked what he was thinking about.
"I wonder if I could lift you and smack your bottom like Tiger did earlier."
I put down my cocoa cup. "Of course not. Nao is just naughty."
"What if you're naughty?"
"I'm not naughty."
"Sometimes a little."
"Just talk to me, why argue?" I finally muttered, "Don't, okay?" I emphasized again.
Jay nodded. We finished our drinks, then I took the cups to the sink. We decided to watch a movie in my room, but we were stopped in the living room.
"Where are you going?"
"Going to watch a movie," I answered.
Nao invited us. Tiger immediately frowned, clearly wanting to spend time alone with Nao.
"We want to watch a different movie."
"Which one?"
"We don't know yet."
"Choose with us."
"Can't we have time alone?" Tiger and Jay said simultaneously. I smiled as Nao finally agreed and let us go.
Although my room doesn't have a big screen like the new house, I bought a projector. We've tried it several times, and the results are good. The screen is large and the image quality is clear. We turned on a small light. Outside, the storm was getting stronger. I used to dislike rain because it made traveling difficult. But now, at home, with a blanket and Jay, watching movies has become enjoyable. The sound of rain added to the warm atmosphere.
"Let's watch this series. It's popular everywhere."
"Alright."
"Okay," I played the first episode. "Without subtitles, I want to practice my English."
"Alright."
We lay under the blanket. While watching, Jay kissed my cheeks and head.
"You missed a scene," I complained softly. I rewound the playback. "This series is good, I understand why many people like it."
"Yes."
In the middle of the episode, Jay went to exercise according to his schedule. I was too tired and skipped the jump rope session. The ground floor of this old house is a small gym for Jay, complete with training equipment. While watching, I remembered his fight in Japan.
It wasn't a big match, just a debut against an up-and-coming Japanese boxer. I thought it would be a big event, but it turned out to be just an introduction. Jay won easily without many injuries. But this time, his fight seemed quite challenging, and he got hurt.
After winning, Jay looked very happy. He spoke seriously with Ryan about his mistakes and how to fix them. He's very dedicated. Speaking of dedication, I'm also trying to be dedicated to my new job. Not as great as Jay, but my work is slowly starting to develop. I waited for Jay to finish his workout and shower. Then, we continued watching the series. Suddenly, Jay spoke.
"Dan, do you want to move in with me?"
"Hm?" I stopped the series we were watching. "What did you say?"
"..." Jay thought for a moment. "I just want to live with you. I know you love your family very much, but in the future, we will have our own family."
"Our family?"
"Yes, if you want."
"You're talking about children?" Jay nodded. I was surprised. "Children with you?" I smiled broadly. "I like children, as you know. But I won't force you. If you don't want to, just the two of us is enough."
"I will follow you."
"Oh, really?"
Jay frowned, looking worried. "I don't know if I can be a good father."
"Me too," I answered. Jay looked surprised.
"You're worried too?"
"Of course, I've never had children. Although I took care of Fei, it's different. Lack of experience does make us worry." I was honest. Having children also makes me anxious. "Why are you suddenly thinking about children? You're only 19."
"But you're 27."
"Are you saying I'm old?"
"Nao said so."
"Oh," I smiled. "Does that pressure you? Because I'm older, we have to rush to build a family?"
Jay shook his head. "Because I thought Dan already wanted to have it. And if Jay isn't ready, maybe Dan wants to build a family with someone else who is more ready."
"This kid," I pinched his cheek playfully. "If it's not you, then there won't be anyone else."
Jay pouted and looked away. "I'm not sure."
"Why do you think that?"
"I don't know. Jay just thinks too much."
"Oh." I hugged this big young man. "Why do you think too much? If you think too much, then I'll also start thinking. Hmm. Does Jay have someone else besides me?"
"Not possible," Jay said seriously. "Absolutely not possible."
"Haha, me neither." Before releasing the hug, he brought his face closer until our foreheads touched. "Then, never think that I will let you go. Jay, you will be with me for your entire life. Get ready."
"Dan too. If there's someone else, I won't accept it."
"I know." I pulled him once more before sitting back down. "Let's continue our conversation about living together. We can talk about children later."
"Alright."
"Because you want us to live together just the two of us, right?"
"Yes."
"Don't you feel lonely? I thought you would be happy with many people."
"I don't feel lonely. Being with everyone is indeed fun. But I want to live with Dan."
"I understand." I nodded understandingly.
"See, I can't kiss or hug Dan when cooking or eating. We can't bathe together. We have to keep our voices down, and we can't make love anywhere other than the bed. And..." I quickly covered his mouth before he could continue. After making sure he wouldn't speak further, I slowly released my hand.
"Why did Dan cover my mouth?"
"So the main reason is sex?" I protested while covering my face. Just hearing that was enough to make my face hot.
"The main reason is because I want us to live together. I can hug Dan anywhere and anytime. We can always be together, not just in the bedroom."
"Hmm, I understand."
"Then why are you covering your face?"
"Hmm, just for a moment."
"Dan," Jay pulled my hand before bringing his face closer to mine. Our lips touched lightly before turning into a passionate kiss. His hot tongue slipped in, exploring my entire mouth, biting my upper and lower lips before our tongues intertwined, creating embarrassing sounds. My heart beat faster. Jay slowly pushed me until I was lying on the bed.
"No, we can't."
"Yes, because Aunt Mew is sleeping in the next room."
"Hmm." I responded softly as Jay continued to caress my neck, pushing it slightly back. I just went along with it.
"Do you want to move?" I sat back up as before. "I want to be with you. Where do you want to move to?"
"Does Dan have any ideas?"
"Hm, I need to know your goal first. Moving somewhere close or far, like abroad."
"Anywhere, I just want to be with Dan. Actually, we could live next to this house."
I laughed at his answer. "Hmm, actually, I've thought about it before. When I retire, I want to live in a house like this."
Jay immediately looked interested. "What kind?"
"But it might not be suitable for you. You have to keep boxing."
"I will stop boxing."
"Wait," I said. "You really like it. Don't say you'll just leave it."
"But I like Dan more. I like Dan more than anything."
"You're really good at expressing love." I ruffled the big young man's hair. "Keep boxing for now. When the time comes, I'll tell you what kind of house I want to live in."
Hearing that, Jay puffed his cheeks. I thought it was very cute. So cute that I had to kiss his cheek once. "But if you want to move somewhere else first, we can."
"If we move, I want a house that Dan likes."
"Then, you have to wait."
"When will Dan tell me? Jay will also save money."
"You'll save money?"
"Yes, because I will be a husband. I have to be Dan's support."
I was stunned by his words. Besides that, his expression looked very serious. So, I hugged him again with full happiness.
"Thank you, but don't burden yourself."
"I will do it."
"Haha, I understand."
"So, what kind of house does Dan want?"
"I'll tell you later."
"Alright."
I kissed his cheek. Jay returned my kiss then lay back down on the bed.
"No, no."
"Relax, Mom is sleeping."
I immediately covered his mouth with my hand, my face heating up at his whisper.
"Jay, don't talk like that now," I whispered back, feeling embarrassed.
"Wa... Wait."