pig princess.
g, fluff.
nichkhun/oc.
11 chapters, complete.
~8500 words in total.
What happens when two students thrown out of class fall for each other? A story of sweet love.
My first fanfic - written for my friend Ashley. I decided I would try posting here. I hope you guys enjoy it although it isn't very good~ Please give me comments and suggestions!
Chapter 1: The Blonde Guy
“Ashley cleared her throat noisily.
“Yes, Ashley?” The teacher turned around from the blackboard. Almost immediately, a wad of chewing gum came flying toward her face, a trail of saliva streaming behind it. It hit her square on the nose, its pinkness a strange contrast against the pasty pale skin upon which it clung onto.
Ashley watched gleefully as the pasty skin turned crimson. Temper, temper, stupid Dumpling.
“Ashley Tan!” Dumpling teacher’s face turned a violent purple from red. Ashley smirked to herself.
“Here it comes …” she whispered.
“Get out!” Dumpling gave a roar. “Get. Out. Now!”
Ashley pushed her table forward carelessly and stood up. As she sauntered out, Crystal, her table mate and partner in endless class crime, gave her a thumbs up. Ashley grinned back, pushing the door open.
She tossed a piece of gum into her mouth as she sat herself down next to the door. Dumpling wouldn’t be able to see what she did out here; what with her crazy problem of closing the windows and drawing the curtainsto block out “external unnecessary and distracting noise”. Chewing absentmindedly, Ashley chortled to herself, her mind stuck with Dumpling’s epic face stuck on replay.
Just then, a loud slam sounded form the classroom next door.
“Crap.” Ashley paused in mid-chomp. A harmless, blonde guy appeared before her. She heard his sharp intake of air when he noticed her, but he remained silent and sat down, pretending to be unaware of her presence.
Ashley resumed chewing her gum, peeking at him from the corners of her eyes.
He had thick blonde hair and eyebrows, and large brown eyes. He had a lean build, with muscles vaguely obvious through his white printed tee.
Ashley couldn’t stop gazing at him, her senses suddenly highly sensitive to his every move, highly aware of his being as he sat a mere metre away. He caught her staring and spun around to face her. Ashley looked away hurriedly.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” Ashley said, trying to be nonchalant.
“So…” He looked warmly at her. “What ‘chu got thrown out for?”
“Spitting gum.”
“Ah.”
“You?”
“I kissed a guy in my class.”
“No, seriously.”
“I kissed a guy in my class.”
“Oh.” Ashley furrowed her brows.
“Naw, I’m kidding.” He flashed her a smile. “I was singing unstoppably.”
“Uh. Seriously?”
“Yup,” he said, eyes lighting up. “I’m going to make it into the music industry some day and have my own concerts and everything.”
“Those are big dreams.”
“I’m gonna make it big.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Don’t you have singers you’re a fan of?”
“Of course! SHINee, Super Juni-“
“So what do they have that I don’t?”
“Talent, looks-“
“Hey! I have talent. And looks too!”
Ashley laughed.
“What’s so funny?” he asked innocently, eyes widening, his head cocked to one side.
“You,” Ashley made out in between a giggle. “You’re so cu-“
She stopped herself. She’d almost said it. Almost. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed.
“Finish your sentence.” He looked at her expectantly.
“What? What sentence?” Ashley made futile attempt at ignorance.
“Your last sentence. About me. Finish it,” he insisted.
“You’re so … cu … cube-like.”
“You’re really …” The blonde boy leaned towards her, his large brown eyes now even more prominent, his warm, coffee-smelling breath even stronger. He moved in closer and closer, till his face was inches form hers.
“Wh-what?” Ashley stuttered, her face flushing.
The blonde boy grinned. He could see right through this girl.
“You’re so cute,” he whispered, tousling her curly dark hair.
Then, he leaned away, as though nothing had happened.
Ashley looked at him in wonder. Had it all been a dream? She looked down at her hands as she continued chewing her gum. The blonde boy didn’t look at her again. Ashley sighed.
Later that day, Ashley found a note on her desk, along with a pack of green apple gum.
9832 5910
- Khun (the blonde guy who finds you cute 8D)
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (22 00 - 00 13)]
9342 1879: Hey, I got your note.
9832 5910: 8D Okay.
9342 1879: What’s with the gum?
9832 5910: An offering. To your cuteness.
9342 1879: Har-dee-har-har.
9832 5910: You know, you are just like my Pig Princess.
9342 1879: Who?
9832 5910: Nevermind. 8D Good night.
Chapter 2: My Pig Princess
The next day, Ashley stood before her locker in school, throwing in “To Kill A Mockingbird” and pulling out “Train Man”.
“You read that?”
Ashley whipped round. It was the blonde guy (who found her cute).
“You’ve read it?” she asked in return, trying to act like she didn’t give a damn that he was there.
“Yeah. It’s cheesy shit.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe I like reading cheesy shit.”
“Good for you. So, what’s your name?”
“My name is Ashley.”
“Ashleeeeeeeeeeigh,” he drawled in a strange accent. “I like that name veh-ree mahh-ch.”
Ashley gave the blonde guy one of her classic weirded-out looks.
“Sohhhh, mistah, vat about your name?” Ashley said, grinning.
“Eet ‘tis Nichkhun, missus.” Nichkhun bowed.
“Nichkhun? You’re not local?”
“I’m Thai,” Nichkhun said, nodding his head.
“Wow, it must be cool to migrate to a whole new country.”
“Not really.” Nichkhun looked at the ground with a sad smile.
Ashley didn’t know what to say. She kept silent, clasping her hands together tightly with her eyes fixed on the the lonely back view of the boy before her.
“Come on, let’s get up and go for class,” Nichkhun stood up and pulled at her hand with a grin. “We’re going to be late.”
Ashley gazed at him questioningly, her surroundings flying behind her as Nichkhun pulled her along up the stairs. Those sad eyes, something about them called out to her heart.
Nichkhun stopped before their two classrooms side by side and let go of Ashley’s hand.
“See you later during break, Ashleeeeigh.” He gave her hair a tousle and strode off to class.
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (08 37 - 09 21)]
9832 5910: Hey, what class’re you having? Mine sucks.
9342 1879: Math. It’s only the most exciting thing ever.
9832 5910: I hear you. I’m having Math too.
9342 1879: Hey, when’s break?
9832 5910: In 5 minutes?
9342 1879: Yehh! Bell just rang.
9832 5910: See you 8D
Ashley went to the canteen with her lunchbox. It was in a Japanese-style cloth bag, dangling carelessly as Ashley held it roughly and bumped down the stairs.
“Hey, you’re slow.”
Nichkhun stood on the first floor, arms folded. He smiled cheekily at Ashley for a moment, then he stopped, eyes fixated on the Japanese cloth bag.
“What do you have there?” He pointed at it, eyes large like a 6-year-old hoping for candy.
“You want some?” Ashley laughed, taking his hand. “Come on, let’s go to my spot first.”
“Your spot?” Nichkhun asked.
“Yup.”
Ashley pulled him along, running hurriedly to the huge school garden. It was the size of a football field, and was shunned by students, because of both fear of the gloom and disgust at the unnecessary spending of money. Ashley just liked it for providing her with isolation from the rest of the student body.
“Here.” Ashley stopped in front of a few tall trees and plopped down on the grass, pulling Nichkhun down along with her.
“Wow. This place is … pretty cool. How come I’ve never noticed it?” Nichkhun said, looking around appreciatively.
“Because you’re not cool enough,” Ashley said teasingly.
“Hey! I’m cool! I’m the coolest in the whole school, I -“ He stopped mid-sentence, staring the girl giggling unstoppably before her.
“What’d I do now?” he asked her, confusion in his voice.
“You did it again!” Ashley said, gasping for air. “You are really cu-“
Not again! Ashley sighed.
“I am really cu-what?” Nichkhun asked, nudging Ashley’s shoulder. “Say it! C’mon!”
He chuckled quietly to himself. She was obviously attracted to him, and that, he found, made her even cuter.
“You’re really … uh … cu …” Ashley struggled to find a word.
“Cute?” Nichkhun suggested, leaning toward her once again.
Ashley’s heart palpitated.
“No, I …”
“Nevermind.” Nichkhun moved away. “Let’s eat.”
“Oh … but I … Okay.” Ashley picked up her lunchbox, dazed.
Nichkhun looked at her, smiling secretly to himself. Ashley, Ashley. His Pig Princess.
Chapter 3: Getting Closer
Ashley opened her lunchbox. Nichkhun resumed his carefree vibes upon seeing the (leftover) spaghetti, (freshly) grilled German sausages and potatoes (just baked that morning). Grabbing the wooden forks and spoons from the cloth bag, Nichkhun passed a set to Ashley, then began hurriedly spooning potatoes into his mouth.
“You look like you haven’t eaten for day, Nichkhun,” Ashley said, smiling, holding up her utensils. She looked down at her lunchbox, and her eyes widened.
“MY FOOOOOOD!” she squealed. Nichkhun did not have any intention of stopping, forking a sausage and stuffing it into his already full mouth along with a spoonful of spaghetti.
“I’m hungreeeeeeeee!” Nichkhun said, the inner contents of his full mouth showing.
“Oh. My. God!” Ashley shielded her eyes. She tried snatching back her lunchbox, but Nichkhun wouldn’t allow it. Ashley’s eyes narrowed. There was only one thing to do. She took her utensils and began stuffing her mouth with potatoes and sausages.
It was a comical sight, a curly-haired girl and a blonde boy stuffing their faces with food. It was somewhat like an eating competition - as disturbing, but not as messy.
Three minutes later, the eating came to a standstill. The lunchbox was now completely cleaned out. There wasn’t a single drop of gravy (Nichkhun spooned them all into his mouth) or strand of spaghetti left (Ashley’s work).
The two students looked at each other, and began to laugh at the craziness of what just took place.
“That was fun!” Nichkhun said, licking his lips.
“Yeah!” Ashley said, letting herself falling backward onto the soft carpet grass. She put her hands behind her head, staring up at the sky. Nichkhun put his hands on the grass behind him leaned backwards on them. He looked over at the dark-haired girl, grinning to himself as he spotted a splotch of spaghetti sauce on her nose. He moved so that he was now leaning over her, casting a shadow over her face.
Ashley stiffened, not daring to look in his eyes. Was he going to …? Maybe?
“You have sauce on your nose, you doof.” Nichkhun reached over and wiped the sauce off with his finger. Then he leaned back again.
Ashley began to breathe normally again. Phew. She was just thinking too much. Nichkhun grinned, his heart soaring. Her face when his towered over hers … it was the epitome of epic. He rubbed his hands together happily.
Ashley gave yawn, eyelids slowly drooping. She closed her eyes, but didn’t fall asleep, deciding to just rest her eyes.
Nichkhun noticed the unusual silence, and looked over at her. Pig Princess was sleeping. That reminded him of an English fairytale - Sleeping Beauty. He never knew of such a story until he got to Singapore, for in Thailand his mother only told him their local fairytales. In Sleeping Beauty … didn’t the prince wake his princess with true love’s kiss?
Nichkhun leaned over to Ashley again, stealthily and quietly. Her eyelashes were so thick and long, he thought. So pretty.
Ashley felt Nichkhun moving towards her, but continued closing her eyes. She paid more attention to her senses, trying to figure out what he was doing without ending her pseudo sleep and scaring him.
She began to feel his body warmth. He was close. Really, really close. Then she felt him looking at her, his face towering over hers. That face above hers began to cover the distance between their two faces, moving nearer and nearer and nearer …
Chapter 4: Impacted
Ashley squeezed her eyes shut tightly, as if with that nothing would happen. Act normal, act normal, she tried to tell herself.
She felt something hot and wet press itself against her cheek, sending tingles through her body. Her heart beat ecstatically as she tried to stay still. After a few seconds Nichkhun moved away, and Ashley pretended to stir and wake.
Staying normal, she sat up and gave a little stretch and yawn. Nichkhun didn’t say anything. Ashley turned to face him, realizing that he was in fact blushing! His cheeks were a pastel pink, like a little spark on his face, strong and steady.
Ashley looked away, her cheeks burning. Nichkhun … he was so confusing. Why did he …? Could it be that he liked her? Ashley shook her head, trying to shake away the thoughts from her head.
“W-We’d better get back to class,” she said in a whisper. She packed the utensils and lunchbox clumsily, her hands shaking in her attempt at speed packing despite her current state. Swinging the cloth bag over her shoulder, Ashley took off, rushing up and up and up the stairs.
Nichkhun was left under the trees, dazed and speechless at what he had just done. He … He kissed her. Was he possessed? She probably thought him crazy now. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, pacing back to class.
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (23 49 - 00 11)]
9832 5910: Hey. You there? I can’t sleep.
9342 1879: Yeah, I’m here.
9832 5910: You can’t sleep neither? Ashley, about today during lunch …
9342 1879: LUNCH WAS GREAT 8D GOOD NIGHT I AM GOING TO SLEEP.
Nichkhun sighed as he looked forlornly at Ashley’s reply. It was obvious that she was avoiding that subject. He leaned back on his chair, taking off his oversized glasses and placing them on his desk. Why did he have to mess things up so fast?
The next day, Ashley slumped on the sofa, staring at the television screen. It was a Saturday free of homework, but it was too scorching hot outside to go cycling as Ashley usually did. Instead she stayed in the cooler the indoors, watching Music Bank and We Got Married on her plasma television. Her parents came from their bedroom, her mother’s face caked with some white substance. Her father took the newspapers from the table, then slouched back to the bedroom.
“Ashley dear, why are you watching TV so early?” Ashley’s mother said with a yawn, pouring herself a mug of coffee.
“Because I want to.”
“Why are you so grouchy, my dear?” Ashley’s mother took the mug and began walking back to the bedroom.
“Because I like it,” Ashley muttered.
She flicked through the channels absentmindedly. Yesterday … Nichkhun kissed her. She put a hand to her cheek, blushing vehemently. Nichkhun … he liked her? Ashley found herself smiling at the thought. Then, the doorbell rang.
She hopped off the sofa, giving a little skip and she walked to the door. She opened the door a crack and peeked out.
“Hey, it’s me. I won’t rob you, don’t worry.”
Ashley gave a start and pulled back. Why was he here? And how did he get her address?
“What are you here for, Nichkhun?” she said through the crack.
“To see you. To clear the air.”
“Clear the air?” Ashley feigned ignorance. “What happened?”
“Stop faking it, Ashley.” Nichkhun was solemn.
Ashley swung open the door and walked back to the sofa. She plopped herself down as Nichkhun closed the door behind him with a soft thud. He took off his shoes, then sat himself on the sofa next to Ashley.
“So?” Ashley said, eyes fixated on the screen.
“Well, firstly. About yesterday during lunch … I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“You did.”
“I’m sorry.”
Silence took over, like a fog settling between the two of them. It was a kind of calmness and peace that was difficult to speak through, and so they just sat side by side.
After what felt like eternity, Ashley spoke.
Chapter 5: Ice Cream Friendship
“Nichkhun, let’s not drag this. I hate how it’s messing up our friendship, and how we can’t talk like before,” Ashley said, looking straight at him.
Nichkhun winced at how Ashley said “friendship” as though it was all they could share. A pang of sadness rose in him.
“Ashley … I honestly … I … I was a little drunk that day.”
“What?!”
“I had, uh, taken some alcoholic chocolates earlier that day, so I was a little drunk. I’m really sorry for what I did.”
“I thought that … alcoholic chocolates were not enough to make you drunk?”
“Oh, um, I can’t hold my liquor well, and I took more than half the box.”
“Oh.” Ashley seemed to be acknowledging his weak excuse.
“…”
“I see! Nichkhun, I didn’t know there were guys who can’t hold their liquor well! Aren’t you embarrassed to be admitting it?” Ashley broke into a smile. Finally, this mess was cleared up. Nichkhun and her could talk comfortably again, free of burdens.
“Yeah …” Nichkhun scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Ashley was really happy being friends. Why ruin everything? This was for the best. He just had to hold on to his heart.
“Hey, since it’s Saturday, you’re free right?” Ashley asked him eagerly.
“Yup.”
“Do you want to make ice-cream together?”
“Ice-cream? You know how?”
“Of course,” Ashley grinned.
“Okay then, but I have to warn you, my skills are non-existent.” Nichkhun smiled, poking Ashley’s nose with each syllable.
“Just try, nobody can do anything well from birth,” Ashley said simply. “Let’s go. We need to get ingredients first.”
She took his hand, pulling him to the door. Then, she paused, turned around and gave a shout to her parents.
“Mom, Dad, I’m going grocery shopping with my friend! We’re making ice-cream later!”
“Okay Ashley, be careful!” Her father’s voice sounded down the stairs.
Ashley slipped on a pair of flats as Nichkhun put on his high-cut sneakers. She tugged on his sleeve and dragged him out the door like an excited child, an extra bounce in her steps.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a nearby grocery store, laughing and hitting each other. (Nichkhun had several red marks for the next few days.) The cashier raised her eyebrows at them, her eyes resting for a second more on Nichkhun than Ashley. She hurriedly pulled out a compact mirror and checked her hair.
Ashley noticed what she was doing, rolling her eyes. She pulled Nichkhun closer to her, clinging on to his arm. Nichkhun looked at her in surprise, then smiled to himself as they walked into an aisle.
“So, what do we need?” he asked Ashley.
“Mm, milk, fruits, chocolate, cream, sugar, eggs. I already have eggs and sugar, so all we need is -“
“- milk, fruits and chocolate. Got it.”
The two of them quickly picked up their ingredients and headed to the cashier. As the cashier keyed in the prices of their purchases, she batted her eyelashes at Nichkhun, driving Ashley mad.
Nichkhun seemed oblivious, playing with Ashley’s hair as the goods were packed into brown crinkly paper bags. Ashley handed over the money to pay, giving the cashier a good, hard glare.
“Come on, let’s head back,” she said after collecting her change. They each hugged a paper bag, stepping back into the sweltering heat. Ashley tottered unsteadily under her paper bag, biting her lower lip in concentration as they slowly made their way back to Ashley’s house.
Thankfully, they reached home with no major accidents and plonked themselves of the sofa for a breather.
“You alright?” Nichkhun glanced over at Ashley. She was drenched in perspiration, panting slightly as she sat.
“I’m fine~” Ashley replied cheerfully. These kinds of activities, no matter how tiring, were fun, and completing them made her feel awesome. “You’re sweating a lot too.”
“Yup,” Nichkhun replied, towelling himself down with an old towel Ashley had passed to him.
Ashley could see the faint impressions of his muscles showing as his wet cotton tee clung to his warm body. She tore her eyes away quickly as he turned towards her, heading into the kitchen. Pulling a pair of aprons from the hooks on the wall, she called Nichkhun over and tied one of them around his waist, grinning wickedly to herself. Nichkhun looked down after she was done.
“Yah, Ashley! It’s PINK!”
Chapter 6: Somewhere In Heaven
Ashley stuck out her tongue at him. “Pffffffft.”
“Hey!” Nichkhun said in mock anger, running toward her menacingly.
“Whoaaa!” He couldn’t stop in time, bumping straight into Ashley with great force. Ashley had her faces covered with her hands, and as he crashed into her, she stiffened. She got pushed into the wall, Nichkhun forming a sort of chrysalis around her, his arms wrapped around her, body against hers, head towering over hers.
Nichkhun pulled back in a flash, apologizing.
“Sorry, I was careless. Sorry.”
“It’s … okay. Let’s just get back to making ice cream,” Ashley said, slightly dazed.
Then, a pair of footsteps came plodding down the staircase.
“Ashley?” her mother’s voice rang out.
“Yes, Mom?”
“Your dad and I are going out for lunch. You wanna come along?”
“You guys go ahead, I’m making ice cream now. I’ll settle my lunch on my own.”
“Okay then, we’ll be -“ Ashley’s mom spotted the tall, muscular boy standing beside her daughter. “Hello there. You must be Ashley’s … friend?”
Ashley’s mom gave Ashley a knowing look. Ashley shook her head fervently in horror.
“Yes ma’am,” Nichkhun replied politely.
“Well then, I’ll be counting on you to take care of our Ashley. And you’re welcome to come over any time,” Ashley’s mom said, smiling.
Ashley’s dad caught on and gave Ashley another knowing look. Ashley groaned, putting her head in her hands.
“Bye, you two.” Ashley’s mom walked out the door, Ashley’s dad after her.
“They seem pretty nice,” Nichkhun said happily, as they began taking out the ingredients from the paper bags and setting them out on the table.
****
“Okay … first, we need to heat the sugar, milk and eggs in a saucepan,” Ashley said, taking out a saucepan from a shelf.
They worked at a peaceful pace; chatting as they let the mixture heat, then cool after turning off the stove 15 minutes later. Then they divided the mixture into two bowls. Ashley beat softened chocolate into one half while Nichkhun squeezed juice and tossed fruits into the other half. After folding the cream into the custard, they put it in the refrigerator. They were finally done, and it was 3 hours later.
Looking at Ashley, Nichkhun gave a laugh.
“There’s chocolate and egg on your face,” he said, tossing her a napkin. Ashley wiped her face with it, brown gooey mixture flecked with yellow coming off on it.
“So, when can we have the ice cream?” Nichkhun asked.
“We have to freeze it for eight hours first, then put it in the ice cream maker.”
“WHAT?! I thought we could have it now. I’m hungry!”
“You’re so naïve, Nichkhun!” Ashley grinned. “Ice cream isn’t that easy to make!”
“I’m hungry!” Nichkhun said, and a idea formed in his mind.
“Owwww! Ashley, my stomach hurts!” Nichkhun yelled. “It must be my gastric problem. If I don’t eat immediately when I’m hungry, I get horrible gastric pain. I got hospitalized before, Ashley. Oh, I’m so hungry!”
“Oh my god, Nichkhun!” Ashley’s eyes widened in horror. “I’ll cook immediately! Hang in there!”
She pulled out a pot and opened two packets of ramen, preparing to cook. Nichkhun smiled wickedly to himself. Ashley had fallen for it, hook, line and sinker.
Five minutes later, Ashley brought a bowl of steaming ramen before Nichkhun.
“Are you okay?” she asked, eyebrows furrowed in worry.
“I … I’m fine,” Nichkhun said weakly. “I just need to eat.”
“Okay, but can you feed yourself?”
“I think I can …”
Nichkhun lifted the pair of chopsticks on the tray Ashley held shakily, dropping it suddenly and clutching his stomach.
“Nichkhun!” Ashley squealed.
She picked up the chopsticks from the tray and began feeding him the ramen, wiping his mouth with a napkin once in a while. Nichkhun was in heaven. His heart soared, like it was about to fly out of his chest. He smiled blissfully as spoonful after spoonful of ramen was delivered to his mouth.
He had got to do this more often.
Chapter 7: Losing
After the last spoonful of ramen was finished off by Nichkhun, Ashley set the bowl and utensils aside.
“Are you feeling better?” She gave Nichkhun a little nudge, eyes scanning his face carefully for any signs of pain.
“Yup!” Nichkhun replied a tad too enthusiastically. “I feel great.”
“That’s good to hear.” Ashley heaved a sigh of relief, still not realizing Nichkhun’s apparent white lie. “You’d better rest a little longer. I’ll go eat my ramen now.”
She stood up nonchalantly, putting the empty bowl and utensils in the sink. Nichkhun smiled dreamily to himself, a faraway look in his deep brown eyes. He grasped Ashley’s hand as she walked off, making her pause. She turned around, heart thumping.
“Thank you.” Nichkhun gave her a smile that crinkled his eyes into a beautiful eye smile, his thick upper and lower eyelashes touching. “Very much.”
Ashley’s heart crashed around madly within her chest, bumping this way and that in its frenzy.
“You’re welcome.” Ashley smiled weakly.
She sat on a yellow bean bag, slurping up her noodles. She had been so focused on feeding Nichkhun that she didn’t notice how hungry she was. Eating ravenously, Ashley picked up her phone from the coffee table next to the bean bag and started checking through old messages when it suddenly rang.
“Hello?” Ashley said. “Oh, why not. Hang on.”
Covering the receiver with one hand, she turn around to face Nichkhun, a strand of curly noodle hanging from her lips.
“Nichkhun, my friend Crystal just asked me if I would like to go to the new water park nearby. Would you like to go?”
“Sure,” Nichkhun said carelessly. “I just need to pop home for my swim clothes.”
“Okay then.” Ashley turned away. “Hey Crystal? I’m coming. My friend Nichkhun’s coming too. Yup. See you~”
She put down her phone and resumed eating, holding the bowl up to finish off the seasoned soup.
“Ahhh,” Ashley gave a contented sigh as she placed the now-empty bowl on the table.
“I’ll help you do the dishes.” Nichkhun pushed off from the sofa and stood up smoothly, walking to the kitchen sink with the empty bowls and utensils.
“It’s okay, I’ll do it.” Ashley went over and bumped Nichkhun with her hip, pushing out a space for herself next to him at the sink.
“Go rest, I’ll do it,” she repeated, giving him a nudge.
“Go on.” She bent down in a bowing fashion and gave him a push, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried as hard as she could to make him budge. Her hair hung downwards on either side of her face, framing her face.
“Not so easy, Ashleighhhh~” Nichkhun turned around, pushing back against her gently as a tease. “You might as well just let me help you~”
Ashley stopped pushing and straightened, facing Nichkhun. Giving him a face of mock solemnity, Ashley said, “Okay then Nichkhun, but you must promise me one very important thing -“
She turned on the tap, reaching for a handful of water.
“Don’t call me Ashleighhhh!” Ashley tossed the water at him, laughing gleefully.
“Yah!” Nichkhun covered his face with his hands, laughing as water droplets fell on his golden locks. He grabbed at the water flowing out of the tap, flinging it at Ashley. Giggling unstoppably, Ashley jumped away, avoiding the flying drops. Nichkhun widened his eyes, shaking his head as he looked at Ashley.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” He moved his right index finger side to side, grinning. “Come here, right now!”
Nichkhun made a lunge at Ashley, water flying from his hair. Ashley made a run for it, sticking her tongue out at him.
“Blehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~”
Nichkhun ran after her. Her speed was no match for his, and he soon caught up to her.
“Gotcha!” he cried, grabbing her by the wrist. Ashley struggled to free herself, trying to pry his fingers off.
“Not so fast, Ashley!” He wrapped his arms around her waist, caught in the moment. He tousled her hair with a laugh. “You lose!”
Ashley stood stone still as the heat rushed to her face, giving the tiniest of a nod.
“Nichkhun?” she said in a small voice.
“Yes?”
“I’ve lost. I’ve really lost.”
Chapter 8: Heart Burn
Nichkhun continued hugging Ashley. Neither of them spoke, each wrapped in their own thoughts.
Nichkhun felt a tug at his heart, urging him to make known that explosive feeling rocketing around in its walls. It was a burning sensation, one of desperation, frustration and sadness. Nichkhun held Ashley tighter, biting on his lower lip as his closed his eyes as if to shut out the feeling.
Ashley turned slightly towards Nichkhun’s head, her chin clasped over his broad shoulder. She closed her eyes, trying to enjoy the moment as much as she could. She realized, how much being with Nichkhun comforted her and made her smile a lot more than normal. It had only been a few days since she got to know him (this was only the 4th day), but she found herself talking to Nichkhun with ease, her heart soaring whenever he smiled, her skin tingling at his touch. Nichkhun, she’d realized, meant so much to her.
They pulled away after those few minutes of mixed feelings and revelations, unable to look each other in the eye.
“We should get ready to meet your friend Crystal,” Nichkhun said softly. “I’ll go get my swim clothes.”
He let himself out the door, closing it with a quiet click behind him. Ashley trudged up to her room in a blur, changing into a grey tee and black shorts. Leaving a note on the table for her parents, she slipped on dark purple slippers and went out the door. Sitting down on the steps of the porch, she put her head on her hands, waiting.
Nichkhun came by a little later in a white printed tee and yellow hoodie, donning black three-quarters and red high-cut sneakers that reflected the sunlight as he walked.
“Let’s go,” Ashley said with a weak smile, standing up.
They got on a bus at the bus stop a little way down the street. Sitting next to Nichkhun, Ashley stifled a yawn. Today had been exhausting, what with buying groceries, making ice cream and tending to Nichkhun. Her eyes gradually closed, and she fell into a sound sleep as the bus rumbled on.
Her head fell sideways, hanging in mid-air just inches from the window. It bounced up and down as the bus went over a bump. Nichkhun noticed. Pulling her head towards him with one hand, he steadied his shoulder and rested her head upon on it.
“She’s so cute when she sleeps,” he thought with a chuckle as he gave her head a gentle stroke. Having Ashley sleeping upon his shoulder made the earlier burning sensation fade a little.
Then, his phone rang.
“Hello?” he said, picking up.
“Nichkhun ah!” It was his sister.
“Sherleen! What are you calling for?”
“Just catching up. How are you doing?”
“I guess … I’m okay.”
“What’s with the “I guess” ”?
“It’s this girl I’m friends with. I like her, but I think I’ll mess up our friendship if I confess.”
“Nichkhun ah, hasn’t growing up thought you anything?” Sherleen said with exasperation.
“Mm … not really.” Nichkhun grinned.
“Take chances! Carpe diem! Seize the day! Ra-ra-ra!”
Nichkhun smiled to himself.
“You’re right, Sherleen.”
“Like I always am. Now get confessing! Bye now!”
His sister hung up with a click. Nichkhun gave his phone a baleful look which gradually became determined.
“I have to tell her,” he decided. “Even if I ruin everything, at least she’ll know my feelings. Taking chances. I will take one this time.”
Turning towards Ashley, Nichkhun closed his eyes and pressed his face into her hair, falling into a peaceful slumber. A smile hung on his lips, lighting up his face.
Chapter 9: Nichkhun, Meet Crystal
Ashley’s eyes fluttered as she woke with the feeling of something warm and solid pressing against the top of her head. Blinking her eyes in disorientation, she moved her head, realizing that there was indeed a certain something pressed against it. Head tilted sideways, she slowly turned her head to face upwards toward that something, finding herself face to face with a mop of blonde hair and Nichkhun’s face of slumber.
Her eyes widened. How … how did they end up like this? And on a public bus!
“Nichkhun …” she whispered. They were soon reaching their stop. But how was she supposed to wake him in this embarrassing state?
“Nichkhun … wake up …” she mumbled into his ear.
Nichkhun frowned for a moment in his sleep, then slowly opened his eyes. Finding himself face to face with Ashley, he gave a sleepy smile.
“Hey Ashley …” he said softly, his warm chocolate-smelling breath blowing gently onto her face.
“Nichkhun …” Ashley began. “We’re nearly there. Y-You need to get up.”
Looking away, she gave him a little push. Nichkhun moved his head away, stretching his arms. He smiled to himself, the thought of what he planned to do that day warming his heart like a mug of hot chocolate. Finally, he would be telling her the little dream in his heart.
Ashley looked at the reflection in the glass window, gazing at Nichkhun smile to himself. She felt a spark of warmth in her chest spread through her body as she watched him. Ashley bit her lip, keeping Nichkhun from seeing her smile.
They got off a few stops later, plodding to the water park 5 metres away. Ashley walked in front, Nichkhun behind her. They walked quietly, their pace a steady and similar beat.
Reaching the water park, Ashley took out her phone and gave Crystal a call.
“Hey Crystal, where are you? We’re here,” Ashley paused. “Oh, okay. We’ll just change and pop over there. Yup. No I am not wearing a swimming costume Crystal! LALALALALALA, CAN’T HEAR YOU. BYEEEEE.”
Nichkhun laughed a tinkling laugh. He could only imagine what this Crystal was like. She seemed like an interesting character.
“Go on and change,” Ashley said after hanging up. “I’m just gonna wear my tee and shorts in.”
She plopped herself down on a plastic beach chair near the changing rooms, tying her hair into a loose bun. Nichkhun walked into a changing room and shut the door behind him.
A few minutes later, he came out, decked in loose black boxer-styled trunks. The entire top half of his body was exposed, the light glinting off his finely-sculpted muscles as he walked over to Ashley. A few girls standing nearby stared, giving Ashley envious looks. Ashley could practically see drool streaming out of their gaping mouths.
Without much thought, Ashley hooked her arm through Nichkhun’s dragging him off. This had happened twice now. Why did she keep doing that? It was becoming a subconscious thing of hers to grab Nichkhun whenever another girl shot him a yearning look. She shook her head. It had to just be her natural instinct to treat Nichkhun like a close older brother. It was disturbing for younger sisters to see girls drooling over their older brothers.
Dragging him off, she returned his look of confusion with a bright smile. They went to the wave pool, chatting nonsensically along the way.
“Oh look!” Ashley pointed to a figure dressed in a dark blue swimsuit, bobbing on the water atop a large donut-like float. “It’s Crystal.”
Nichkhun squinted his eyes, trying to make out the face of Crystal. He stood on his tiptoes earnestly, covering his eyes with one hand to prevent the sunlight form shining into his eyes. The figure spotted them and gave them a fervent wave, screaming, “HI ASHLEY AND NICHKHUN!” Nichkhun laughed, clutching his stomach.
“HEY CRYSTAL!” Ashley grinned madly, waving vigorously. She jumped up and down in the pool, causing water to fly everywhere. A couple nearby gave her a dirty look.
Nichkhun laughed again. It was like watching two little children greeting each other when they arrived at kindergarten. Just like how he used to greet Pig Princess.
Chapter 10: Playing Around
As the threesome tottered down to the waterslides, they spoke noisily, drawing stares from the public. Nichkhun’s body got a lot of attention as well, producing muffled shrieks from girls as they covered their mouth in excitement. A few men patted their own stomachs balefully at the sight of his abs, and a group of old ladies relaxing by the pool blushed and turned away, some shaking their heads in disapproval.
After a while, Crystal began to notice the look Ashley had in her eyes when she looked at Nichkhun, that extra spark that lit every time she looked at him or spoke to him. She grinned to herself, popping in between Ashley and Nichkhun. Giving Ashley a knowing look, she turned to face her and whispered excitedly, “I approve~”
“Eh?”
“I approve of you two~”
“What, no, I don’t -“
“It’s okay, Ashley, you don’t have to hide it. I can tell! I approve!”
“No! I -“
At this point, Nichkhun swivelled around, eyes opened wide.
“What happened?”
“Nothing, Nichkhun! You know what, I think I’ll be going. I already spent 3 hours here earlier; I should be going home,” Crystal said gleefully, running off before Ashley could voice her protests.
Nichkhun felt rather relieved at Crystal’s departure. Now he could speak to Ashley without having to get away from Crystal.
“… Shall we go on the waterslides on our own, then?” he asked.
“Sure,” Ashley nodded, deciding she would ignore Crystal’s remarks. She definitely did not bear such feelings for Nichkhun. He was just a close friend she felt comfortable with. It was ridiculous to speculate that she liked him.
Ashley and Nichkhun had great fun at the slides, racing each other up the plastic yellow staircase to slide down again and again. After a few times, they began sliding down together, finding that going down individually was getting too conventional.
Ashley sat down first, and Nichkhun sat behind her. Their legs sticking out in front of them, Nichkhun pressed himself close to Ashley, holding her waist as they slid down, laughing and screaming. After a few rounds, Nichkhun decided he wanted to go in front. Ashley sat behind him, leaning away from the smooth muscular back in front of her in embarrassment.
“What are you waiting for?” Nichkhun turned round. “I want to go down~”
He grabbed her hands quickly but gently, placing them upon his stomach. “Hold on tight, Ashley~”
Ashley felt her arms go stiff. There were little bumps pressing into her hands, the pressure on her hands changing back and forth as Nichkhun breathed. As they went down the slide, Ashley neither screamed nor laughed, her hands feeling numb against Nichkhun’s muscles.
The two of them then went to the water play area with its multicoloured rubbery textured floor to prevent slipping and water spraying from tiny holes spaced out neatly on the floor.
Nichkhun pushed Ashley into the sprays, chuckling at the expression of mock anger and disbelief she wore on her face. She pulled him towards her into the sprays, grinning at her revenge. Ashley and Nichkhun started playing enthusiastically, flinging water at each other. Ashley gripped onto Nichkhun’s left arm as he tried to pull away to the right, laughing.
Now’s the time, Nichkhun decided, holding Ashley’s hand tightly and pulling her out of the water sprays with him. Ashley stumbled along behind him, eyebrows raised in wonder.
“Ashley, I - I,” Nichkhun steadied his voice. “I would like to show you something.”
My heart, he thought. I would like to show you my heart.
Chapter 11: Honey?
Nichkhun pulled Ashley up a long wooden staircase to an alfresco pavilion where one could see the entire overview of the water theme park. It was deserted; silence all around save for the tinkling of wind chimes in the gently-blowing wind.
Ashley felt a strange atmosphere settling upon her and Nichkhun. The fierce determination on Nichkhun’s face scared her, and she gave a little shiver, walking faster to stay close to Nichkhun’s warm figure.
All of a sudden, Nichkhun stopped. Whirling around, he looked carefully at Ashley, his eyes travelling all over her face - from her dark eyes to her button nose, to her full lips and curly black hair framing her chubby cheeks. A sigh escaped from his lips.
“You look just like her,” he said.
“Who?”
“My Pig Princess.”
Ashley felt a pang of jealousy rise in her chest. “Who’s that?”
“She was my best friend in kindergarten. We were really close, and we promised to marry each other when we grew up.”
“So why aren’t you marrying her?”
“That’s the thing, Ashley. She moved here from Thailand after we graduated from kindergarten. I don’t know where she is now.”
“Then go find her,” Ashley said bitterly. “Why are you just wasting your time with me? You should be searching for your Pig Princess.”
“Ashley. I don’t want to.”
“But you promised to marry her …” Ashley mumbled, looking down.
Nichkhun pulled her towards him, putting his arms around her firmly. He held her close to him and pressed his face into her hair fondly, taking in the strong shampoo scent. Ashley found herself pressed against Nichkhun, her face against his chest. She could hear the fierce thumping of his heart. Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump.
“Ashley …” Nichkhun’s heart beat even more wildly. “I like you. A lot. Will you be my girlfriend?”
Ashley’s head snapped up. She gasped, eyes opening wide as she took a step back in shock. Nichkhun’s hands slid down from her shoulders to her elbows, clinging on lightly.
“Nichkhun …” she said breathlessly. “I …”
Ashley had never felt more unsure about her feelings then right then. They had only met for a few days, and she had been so convinced that they were just friends.
Suddenly, she felt happiness welling up in her, flowing out from her heart to every part of her body. She found herself smiling, her lips stretched wide. Ashley held her hand against her heart. What was this? She was … really happy? Was this the feeling Crystal was seeing earlier? How was it that she hadn’t realized before?
Nichkhun saw Ashley’s expression of agony, and misread it.
“Ashley, it’s okay. I understand.” He smiled weakly, hands falling from her elbows to his sides.
Tears began to roll down Ashley’s cheek as she slowly made sense of her feelings. She liked Nichkhun. A lot. And he liked her. That meant that … she had hurt him earlier. She had avoided him when he kissed her, and he … he must have lied about the liquor chocolates.
“Don’t cry!” Nichkhun begin to panic at the sight of her tears. “It’s okay, I’ll just … leave. Don’t cry anymore.” Nichkhun took a step away, and another and another. He quickened his pace a little and walked off, turning back every few steps to check on her.
Ashley just about freaked out when he started walking off. “N-Nichkhun …” she said. He couldn’t hear her. “Nichkhun.” She tried again. “Nichkhun!” He was too far away.
He was going away. No. She had to stop this and tell him her feelings. Nichkhun. Nichkhun!
“NICHKHUN! Don’t go! Stop! Wait!” Ashley cried, running towards him with her arms flailing.
Nichkhun spun around, finally hearing her.
“Ashl -“ Before he could say a word, Ashley came flying into him, throwing her arms around him.
“I like you,” Ashley blurted, tears running down her cheek onto Nichkhun’s body in relief.
Nichkhun gave a start. Then, a smile formed on his face, and his downcast face lit up, his happiness shining through.
“Ashley …”
“I like you a lot. I’m sorry I hurt you the other time. I’m so, so, so sorry. I didn’t know that I like you so I avoided you when actually I should have realized that you like me and I hope I can make it up to you next time please give me a chance I’m really sor -“
Ashley felt her breath catch as Nichkhun pressed his lips firmly against hers, warm and moist. Closing her eyes, she kissed him back.
Then, they pulled away from each other, smiling.
“You’re still going to have to pay for hurting me,” Nichkhun said.
“I know, Nichkhun sshi.”
“You are going to pay with your youth. You’ll have to spend the rest of your life with me!”
“…”
“Hey! Don’t give me that lamed-out look! That was such a witty joke!”
“Yeah sure, Nichkhun. But I’d be glad to spend the rest of my life with you …” Ashley blushed.
“Of course you would! And stop calling me Nichkhun.”
“Then what do I call you?”
“Khun. Or Khunnie. Or … Darling?” Nichkhun grinned.
“Okay, Khunnie … Grandpa~”
“YAH, are you tired of living?”
“So what if I am?” Ashley stuck her tongue out at Nichkhun. “What do you call me then, Khun~”
Nichkhun nearly choked at the sickly sweet way Ashley called him Khun. “Um … Ash?”
“Ash? But it sounds so boring …” Ashley frowned.
“Honey~” Nichkhun whispered, leaning towards her ear.
A chill ran down Ashley’s spine. “That’s so … Goosebump-inducing.”
“It suits you! HONEYYYY~”
“You want to be like that, KHUUUUUUUUUN~?”
“Yes, HONEYYYYYY~” Nichkhun replied, laughing. Ashley smiled blissfully, eyelashes squeezed into two thick lines on her face. Putting his arms around from behind her, Nichkhun rested his chin upon her shoulder.
“Thank you, my Pig Princess.”
All and any comments will greatly appreciated! (^-^)
nichkhun/oc.
11 chapters, complete.
~8500 words in total.
What happens when two students thrown out of class fall for each other? A story of sweet love.
My first fanfic - written for my friend Ashley. I decided I would try posting here. I hope you guys enjoy it although it isn't very good~ Please give me comments and suggestions!
Chapter 1: The Blonde Guy
“Ashley cleared her throat noisily.
“Yes, Ashley?” The teacher turned around from the blackboard. Almost immediately, a wad of chewing gum came flying toward her face, a trail of saliva streaming behind it. It hit her square on the nose, its pinkness a strange contrast against the pasty pale skin upon which it clung onto.
Ashley watched gleefully as the pasty skin turned crimson. Temper, temper, stupid Dumpling.
“Ashley Tan!” Dumpling teacher’s face turned a violent purple from red. Ashley smirked to herself.
“Here it comes …” she whispered.
“Get out!” Dumpling gave a roar. “Get. Out. Now!”
Ashley pushed her table forward carelessly and stood up. As she sauntered out, Crystal, her table mate and partner in endless class crime, gave her a thumbs up. Ashley grinned back, pushing the door open.
She tossed a piece of gum into her mouth as she sat herself down next to the door. Dumpling wouldn’t be able to see what she did out here; what with her crazy problem of closing the windows and drawing the curtainsto block out “external unnecessary and distracting noise”. Chewing absentmindedly, Ashley chortled to herself, her mind stuck with Dumpling’s epic face stuck on replay.
Just then, a loud slam sounded form the classroom next door.
“Crap.” Ashley paused in mid-chomp. A harmless, blonde guy appeared before her. She heard his sharp intake of air when he noticed her, but he remained silent and sat down, pretending to be unaware of her presence.
Ashley resumed chewing her gum, peeking at him from the corners of her eyes.
He had thick blonde hair and eyebrows, and large brown eyes. He had a lean build, with muscles vaguely obvious through his white printed tee.
Ashley couldn’t stop gazing at him, her senses suddenly highly sensitive to his every move, highly aware of his being as he sat a mere metre away. He caught her staring and spun around to face her. Ashley looked away hurriedly.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey,” Ashley said, trying to be nonchalant.
“So…” He looked warmly at her. “What ‘chu got thrown out for?”
“Spitting gum.”
“Ah.”
“You?”
“I kissed a guy in my class.”
“No, seriously.”
“I kissed a guy in my class.”
“Oh.” Ashley furrowed her brows.
“Naw, I’m kidding.” He flashed her a smile. “I was singing unstoppably.”
“Uh. Seriously?”
“Yup,” he said, eyes lighting up. “I’m going to make it into the music industry some day and have my own concerts and everything.”
“Those are big dreams.”
“I’m gonna make it big.”
“Whatever you say.”
“Don’t you have singers you’re a fan of?”
“Of course! SHINee, Super Juni-“
“So what do they have that I don’t?”
“Talent, looks-“
“Hey! I have talent. And looks too!”
Ashley laughed.
“What’s so funny?” he asked innocently, eyes widening, his head cocked to one side.
“You,” Ashley made out in between a giggle. “You’re so cu-“
She stopped herself. She’d almost said it. Almost. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed.
“Finish your sentence.” He looked at her expectantly.
“What? What sentence?” Ashley made futile attempt at ignorance.
“Your last sentence. About me. Finish it,” he insisted.
“You’re so … cu … cube-like.”
“You’re really …” The blonde boy leaned towards her, his large brown eyes now even more prominent, his warm, coffee-smelling breath even stronger. He moved in closer and closer, till his face was inches form hers.
“Wh-what?” Ashley stuttered, her face flushing.
The blonde boy grinned. He could see right through this girl.
“You’re so cute,” he whispered, tousling her curly dark hair.
Then, he leaned away, as though nothing had happened.
Ashley looked at him in wonder. Had it all been a dream? She looked down at her hands as she continued chewing her gum. The blonde boy didn’t look at her again. Ashley sighed.
Later that day, Ashley found a note on her desk, along with a pack of green apple gum.
9832 5910
- Khun (the blonde guy who finds you cute 8D)
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (22 00 - 00 13)]
9342 1879: Hey, I got your note.
9832 5910: 8D Okay.
9342 1879: What’s with the gum?
9832 5910: An offering. To your cuteness.
9342 1879: Har-dee-har-har.
9832 5910: You know, you are just like my Pig Princess.
9342 1879: Who?
9832 5910: Nevermind. 8D Good night.
Chapter 2: My Pig Princess
The next day, Ashley stood before her locker in school, throwing in “To Kill A Mockingbird” and pulling out “Train Man”.
“You read that?”
Ashley whipped round. It was the blonde guy (who found her cute).
“You’ve read it?” she asked in return, trying to act like she didn’t give a damn that he was there.
“Yeah. It’s cheesy shit.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe I like reading cheesy shit.”
“Good for you. So, what’s your name?”
“My name is Ashley.”
“Ashleeeeeeeeeeigh,” he drawled in a strange accent. “I like that name veh-ree mahh-ch.”
Ashley gave the blonde guy one of her classic weirded-out looks.
“Sohhhh, mistah, vat about your name?” Ashley said, grinning.
“Eet ‘tis Nichkhun, missus.” Nichkhun bowed.
“Nichkhun? You’re not local?”
“I’m Thai,” Nichkhun said, nodding his head.
“Wow, it must be cool to migrate to a whole new country.”
“Not really.” Nichkhun looked at the ground with a sad smile.
Ashley didn’t know what to say. She kept silent, clasping her hands together tightly with her eyes fixed on the the lonely back view of the boy before her.
“Come on, let’s get up and go for class,” Nichkhun stood up and pulled at her hand with a grin. “We’re going to be late.”
Ashley gazed at him questioningly, her surroundings flying behind her as Nichkhun pulled her along up the stairs. Those sad eyes, something about them called out to her heart.
Nichkhun stopped before their two classrooms side by side and let go of Ashley’s hand.
“See you later during break, Ashleeeeigh.” He gave her hair a tousle and strode off to class.
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (08 37 - 09 21)]
9832 5910: Hey, what class’re you having? Mine sucks.
9342 1879: Math. It’s only the most exciting thing ever.
9832 5910: I hear you. I’m having Math too.
9342 1879: Hey, when’s break?
9832 5910: In 5 minutes?
9342 1879: Yehh! Bell just rang.
9832 5910: See you 8D
Ashley went to the canteen with her lunchbox. It was in a Japanese-style cloth bag, dangling carelessly as Ashley held it roughly and bumped down the stairs.
“Hey, you’re slow.”
Nichkhun stood on the first floor, arms folded. He smiled cheekily at Ashley for a moment, then he stopped, eyes fixated on the Japanese cloth bag.
“What do you have there?” He pointed at it, eyes large like a 6-year-old hoping for candy.
“You want some?” Ashley laughed, taking his hand. “Come on, let’s go to my spot first.”
“Your spot?” Nichkhun asked.
“Yup.”
Ashley pulled him along, running hurriedly to the huge school garden. It was the size of a football field, and was shunned by students, because of both fear of the gloom and disgust at the unnecessary spending of money. Ashley just liked it for providing her with isolation from the rest of the student body.
“Here.” Ashley stopped in front of a few tall trees and plopped down on the grass, pulling Nichkhun down along with her.
“Wow. This place is … pretty cool. How come I’ve never noticed it?” Nichkhun said, looking around appreciatively.
“Because you’re not cool enough,” Ashley said teasingly.
“Hey! I’m cool! I’m the coolest in the whole school, I -“ He stopped mid-sentence, staring the girl giggling unstoppably before her.
“What’d I do now?” he asked her, confusion in his voice.
“You did it again!” Ashley said, gasping for air. “You are really cu-“
Not again! Ashley sighed.
“I am really cu-what?” Nichkhun asked, nudging Ashley’s shoulder. “Say it! C’mon!”
He chuckled quietly to himself. She was obviously attracted to him, and that, he found, made her even cuter.
“You’re really … uh … cu …” Ashley struggled to find a word.
“Cute?” Nichkhun suggested, leaning toward her once again.
Ashley’s heart palpitated.
“No, I …”
“Nevermind.” Nichkhun moved away. “Let’s eat.”
“Oh … but I … Okay.” Ashley picked up her lunchbox, dazed.
Nichkhun looked at her, smiling secretly to himself. Ashley, Ashley. His Pig Princess.
Chapter 3: Getting Closer
Ashley opened her lunchbox. Nichkhun resumed his carefree vibes upon seeing the (leftover) spaghetti, (freshly) grilled German sausages and potatoes (just baked that morning). Grabbing the wooden forks and spoons from the cloth bag, Nichkhun passed a set to Ashley, then began hurriedly spooning potatoes into his mouth.
“You look like you haven’t eaten for day, Nichkhun,” Ashley said, smiling, holding up her utensils. She looked down at her lunchbox, and her eyes widened.
“MY FOOOOOOD!” she squealed. Nichkhun did not have any intention of stopping, forking a sausage and stuffing it into his already full mouth along with a spoonful of spaghetti.
“I’m hungreeeeeeeee!” Nichkhun said, the inner contents of his full mouth showing.
“Oh. My. God!” Ashley shielded her eyes. She tried snatching back her lunchbox, but Nichkhun wouldn’t allow it. Ashley’s eyes narrowed. There was only one thing to do. She took her utensils and began stuffing her mouth with potatoes and sausages.
It was a comical sight, a curly-haired girl and a blonde boy stuffing their faces with food. It was somewhat like an eating competition - as disturbing, but not as messy.
Three minutes later, the eating came to a standstill. The lunchbox was now completely cleaned out. There wasn’t a single drop of gravy (Nichkhun spooned them all into his mouth) or strand of spaghetti left (Ashley’s work).
The two students looked at each other, and began to laugh at the craziness of what just took place.
“That was fun!” Nichkhun said, licking his lips.
“Yeah!” Ashley said, letting herself falling backward onto the soft carpet grass. She put her hands behind her head, staring up at the sky. Nichkhun put his hands on the grass behind him leaned backwards on them. He looked over at the dark-haired girl, grinning to himself as he spotted a splotch of spaghetti sauce on her nose. He moved so that he was now leaning over her, casting a shadow over her face.
Ashley stiffened, not daring to look in his eyes. Was he going to …? Maybe?
“You have sauce on your nose, you doof.” Nichkhun reached over and wiped the sauce off with his finger. Then he leaned back again.
Ashley began to breathe normally again. Phew. She was just thinking too much. Nichkhun grinned, his heart soaring. Her face when his towered over hers … it was the epitome of epic. He rubbed his hands together happily.
Ashley gave yawn, eyelids slowly drooping. She closed her eyes, but didn’t fall asleep, deciding to just rest her eyes.
Nichkhun noticed the unusual silence, and looked over at her. Pig Princess was sleeping. That reminded him of an English fairytale - Sleeping Beauty. He never knew of such a story until he got to Singapore, for in Thailand his mother only told him their local fairytales. In Sleeping Beauty … didn’t the prince wake his princess with true love’s kiss?
Nichkhun leaned over to Ashley again, stealthily and quietly. Her eyelashes were so thick and long, he thought. So pretty.
Ashley felt Nichkhun moving towards her, but continued closing her eyes. She paid more attention to her senses, trying to figure out what he was doing without ending her pseudo sleep and scaring him.
She began to feel his body warmth. He was close. Really, really close. Then she felt him looking at her, his face towering over hers. That face above hers began to cover the distance between their two faces, moving nearer and nearer and nearer …
Chapter 4: Impacted
Ashley squeezed her eyes shut tightly, as if with that nothing would happen. Act normal, act normal, she tried to tell herself.
She felt something hot and wet press itself against her cheek, sending tingles through her body. Her heart beat ecstatically as she tried to stay still. After a few seconds Nichkhun moved away, and Ashley pretended to stir and wake.
Staying normal, she sat up and gave a little stretch and yawn. Nichkhun didn’t say anything. Ashley turned to face him, realizing that he was in fact blushing! His cheeks were a pastel pink, like a little spark on his face, strong and steady.
Ashley looked away, her cheeks burning. Nichkhun … he was so confusing. Why did he …? Could it be that he liked her? Ashley shook her head, trying to shake away the thoughts from her head.
“W-We’d better get back to class,” she said in a whisper. She packed the utensils and lunchbox clumsily, her hands shaking in her attempt at speed packing despite her current state. Swinging the cloth bag over her shoulder, Ashley took off, rushing up and up and up the stairs.
Nichkhun was left under the trees, dazed and speechless at what he had just done. He … He kissed her. Was he possessed? She probably thought him crazy now. He ran a hand through his blonde hair, pacing back to class.
[TRANSCRIPT OF SMSES (23 49 - 00 11)]
9832 5910: Hey. You there? I can’t sleep.
9342 1879: Yeah, I’m here.
9832 5910: You can’t sleep neither? Ashley, about today during lunch …
9342 1879: LUNCH WAS GREAT 8D GOOD NIGHT I AM GOING TO SLEEP.
Nichkhun sighed as he looked forlornly at Ashley’s reply. It was obvious that she was avoiding that subject. He leaned back on his chair, taking off his oversized glasses and placing them on his desk. Why did he have to mess things up so fast?
The next day, Ashley slumped on the sofa, staring at the television screen. It was a Saturday free of homework, but it was too scorching hot outside to go cycling as Ashley usually did. Instead she stayed in the cooler the indoors, watching Music Bank and We Got Married on her plasma television. Her parents came from their bedroom, her mother’s face caked with some white substance. Her father took the newspapers from the table, then slouched back to the bedroom.
“Ashley dear, why are you watching TV so early?” Ashley’s mother said with a yawn, pouring herself a mug of coffee.
“Because I want to.”
“Why are you so grouchy, my dear?” Ashley’s mother took the mug and began walking back to the bedroom.
“Because I like it,” Ashley muttered.
She flicked through the channels absentmindedly. Yesterday … Nichkhun kissed her. She put a hand to her cheek, blushing vehemently. Nichkhun … he liked her? Ashley found herself smiling at the thought. Then, the doorbell rang.
She hopped off the sofa, giving a little skip and she walked to the door. She opened the door a crack and peeked out.
“Hey, it’s me. I won’t rob you, don’t worry.”
Ashley gave a start and pulled back. Why was he here? And how did he get her address?
“What are you here for, Nichkhun?” she said through the crack.
“To see you. To clear the air.”
“Clear the air?” Ashley feigned ignorance. “What happened?”
“Stop faking it, Ashley.” Nichkhun was solemn.
Ashley swung open the door and walked back to the sofa. She plopped herself down as Nichkhun closed the door behind him with a soft thud. He took off his shoes, then sat himself on the sofa next to Ashley.
“So?” Ashley said, eyes fixated on the screen.
“Well, firstly. About yesterday during lunch … I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“You did.”
“I’m sorry.”
Silence took over, like a fog settling between the two of them. It was a kind of calmness and peace that was difficult to speak through, and so they just sat side by side.
After what felt like eternity, Ashley spoke.
Chapter 5: Ice Cream Friendship
“Nichkhun, let’s not drag this. I hate how it’s messing up our friendship, and how we can’t talk like before,” Ashley said, looking straight at him.
Nichkhun winced at how Ashley said “friendship” as though it was all they could share. A pang of sadness rose in him.
“Ashley … I honestly … I … I was a little drunk that day.”
“What?!”
“I had, uh, taken some alcoholic chocolates earlier that day, so I was a little drunk. I’m really sorry for what I did.”
“I thought that … alcoholic chocolates were not enough to make you drunk?”
“Oh, um, I can’t hold my liquor well, and I took more than half the box.”
“Oh.” Ashley seemed to be acknowledging his weak excuse.
“…”
“I see! Nichkhun, I didn’t know there were guys who can’t hold their liquor well! Aren’t you embarrassed to be admitting it?” Ashley broke into a smile. Finally, this mess was cleared up. Nichkhun and her could talk comfortably again, free of burdens.
“Yeah …” Nichkhun scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Ashley was really happy being friends. Why ruin everything? This was for the best. He just had to hold on to his heart.
“Hey, since it’s Saturday, you’re free right?” Ashley asked him eagerly.
“Yup.”
“Do you want to make ice-cream together?”
“Ice-cream? You know how?”
“Of course,” Ashley grinned.
“Okay then, but I have to warn you, my skills are non-existent.” Nichkhun smiled, poking Ashley’s nose with each syllable.
“Just try, nobody can do anything well from birth,” Ashley said simply. “Let’s go. We need to get ingredients first.”
She took his hand, pulling him to the door. Then, she paused, turned around and gave a shout to her parents.
“Mom, Dad, I’m going grocery shopping with my friend! We’re making ice-cream later!”
“Okay Ashley, be careful!” Her father’s voice sounded down the stairs.
Ashley slipped on a pair of flats as Nichkhun put on his high-cut sneakers. She tugged on his sleeve and dragged him out the door like an excited child, an extra bounce in her steps.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a nearby grocery store, laughing and hitting each other. (Nichkhun had several red marks for the next few days.) The cashier raised her eyebrows at them, her eyes resting for a second more on Nichkhun than Ashley. She hurriedly pulled out a compact mirror and checked her hair.
Ashley noticed what she was doing, rolling her eyes. She pulled Nichkhun closer to her, clinging on to his arm. Nichkhun looked at her in surprise, then smiled to himself as they walked into an aisle.
“So, what do we need?” he asked Ashley.
“Mm, milk, fruits, chocolate, cream, sugar, eggs. I already have eggs and sugar, so all we need is -“
“- milk, fruits and chocolate. Got it.”
The two of them quickly picked up their ingredients and headed to the cashier. As the cashier keyed in the prices of their purchases, she batted her eyelashes at Nichkhun, driving Ashley mad.
Nichkhun seemed oblivious, playing with Ashley’s hair as the goods were packed into brown crinkly paper bags. Ashley handed over the money to pay, giving the cashier a good, hard glare.
“Come on, let’s head back,” she said after collecting her change. They each hugged a paper bag, stepping back into the sweltering heat. Ashley tottered unsteadily under her paper bag, biting her lower lip in concentration as they slowly made their way back to Ashley’s house.
Thankfully, they reached home with no major accidents and plonked themselves of the sofa for a breather.
“You alright?” Nichkhun glanced over at Ashley. She was drenched in perspiration, panting slightly as she sat.
“I’m fine~” Ashley replied cheerfully. These kinds of activities, no matter how tiring, were fun, and completing them made her feel awesome. “You’re sweating a lot too.”
“Yup,” Nichkhun replied, towelling himself down with an old towel Ashley had passed to him.
Ashley could see the faint impressions of his muscles showing as his wet cotton tee clung to his warm body. She tore her eyes away quickly as he turned towards her, heading into the kitchen. Pulling a pair of aprons from the hooks on the wall, she called Nichkhun over and tied one of them around his waist, grinning wickedly to herself. Nichkhun looked down after she was done.
“Yah, Ashley! It’s PINK!”
Chapter 6: Somewhere In Heaven
Ashley stuck out her tongue at him. “Pffffffft.”
“Hey!” Nichkhun said in mock anger, running toward her menacingly.
“Whoaaa!” He couldn’t stop in time, bumping straight into Ashley with great force. Ashley had her faces covered with her hands, and as he crashed into her, she stiffened. She got pushed into the wall, Nichkhun forming a sort of chrysalis around her, his arms wrapped around her, body against hers, head towering over hers.
Nichkhun pulled back in a flash, apologizing.
“Sorry, I was careless. Sorry.”
“It’s … okay. Let’s just get back to making ice cream,” Ashley said, slightly dazed.
Then, a pair of footsteps came plodding down the staircase.
“Ashley?” her mother’s voice rang out.
“Yes, Mom?”
“Your dad and I are going out for lunch. You wanna come along?”
“You guys go ahead, I’m making ice cream now. I’ll settle my lunch on my own.”
“Okay then, we’ll be -“ Ashley’s mom spotted the tall, muscular boy standing beside her daughter. “Hello there. You must be Ashley’s … friend?”
Ashley’s mom gave Ashley a knowing look. Ashley shook her head fervently in horror.
“Yes ma’am,” Nichkhun replied politely.
“Well then, I’ll be counting on you to take care of our Ashley. And you’re welcome to come over any time,” Ashley’s mom said, smiling.
Ashley’s dad caught on and gave Ashley another knowing look. Ashley groaned, putting her head in her hands.
“Bye, you two.” Ashley’s mom walked out the door, Ashley’s dad after her.
“They seem pretty nice,” Nichkhun said happily, as they began taking out the ingredients from the paper bags and setting them out on the table.
****
“Okay … first, we need to heat the sugar, milk and eggs in a saucepan,” Ashley said, taking out a saucepan from a shelf.
They worked at a peaceful pace; chatting as they let the mixture heat, then cool after turning off the stove 15 minutes later. Then they divided the mixture into two bowls. Ashley beat softened chocolate into one half while Nichkhun squeezed juice and tossed fruits into the other half. After folding the cream into the custard, they put it in the refrigerator. They were finally done, and it was 3 hours later.
Looking at Ashley, Nichkhun gave a laugh.
“There’s chocolate and egg on your face,” he said, tossing her a napkin. Ashley wiped her face with it, brown gooey mixture flecked with yellow coming off on it.
“So, when can we have the ice cream?” Nichkhun asked.
“We have to freeze it for eight hours first, then put it in the ice cream maker.”
“WHAT?! I thought we could have it now. I’m hungry!”
“You’re so naïve, Nichkhun!” Ashley grinned. “Ice cream isn’t that easy to make!”
“I’m hungry!” Nichkhun said, and a idea formed in his mind.
“Owwww! Ashley, my stomach hurts!” Nichkhun yelled. “It must be my gastric problem. If I don’t eat immediately when I’m hungry, I get horrible gastric pain. I got hospitalized before, Ashley. Oh, I’m so hungry!”
“Oh my god, Nichkhun!” Ashley’s eyes widened in horror. “I’ll cook immediately! Hang in there!”
She pulled out a pot and opened two packets of ramen, preparing to cook. Nichkhun smiled wickedly to himself. Ashley had fallen for it, hook, line and sinker.
Five minutes later, Ashley brought a bowl of steaming ramen before Nichkhun.
“Are you okay?” she asked, eyebrows furrowed in worry.
“I … I’m fine,” Nichkhun said weakly. “I just need to eat.”
“Okay, but can you feed yourself?”
“I think I can …”
Nichkhun lifted the pair of chopsticks on the tray Ashley held shakily, dropping it suddenly and clutching his stomach.
“Nichkhun!” Ashley squealed.
She picked up the chopsticks from the tray and began feeding him the ramen, wiping his mouth with a napkin once in a while. Nichkhun was in heaven. His heart soared, like it was about to fly out of his chest. He smiled blissfully as spoonful after spoonful of ramen was delivered to his mouth.
He had got to do this more often.
Chapter 7: Losing
After the last spoonful of ramen was finished off by Nichkhun, Ashley set the bowl and utensils aside.
“Are you feeling better?” She gave Nichkhun a little nudge, eyes scanning his face carefully for any signs of pain.
“Yup!” Nichkhun replied a tad too enthusiastically. “I feel great.”
“That’s good to hear.” Ashley heaved a sigh of relief, still not realizing Nichkhun’s apparent white lie. “You’d better rest a little longer. I’ll go eat my ramen now.”
She stood up nonchalantly, putting the empty bowl and utensils in the sink. Nichkhun smiled dreamily to himself, a faraway look in his deep brown eyes. He grasped Ashley’s hand as she walked off, making her pause. She turned around, heart thumping.
“Thank you.” Nichkhun gave her a smile that crinkled his eyes into a beautiful eye smile, his thick upper and lower eyelashes touching. “Very much.”
Ashley’s heart crashed around madly within her chest, bumping this way and that in its frenzy.
“You’re welcome.” Ashley smiled weakly.
She sat on a yellow bean bag, slurping up her noodles. She had been so focused on feeding Nichkhun that she didn’t notice how hungry she was. Eating ravenously, Ashley picked up her phone from the coffee table next to the bean bag and started checking through old messages when it suddenly rang.
“Hello?” Ashley said. “Oh, why not. Hang on.”
Covering the receiver with one hand, she turn around to face Nichkhun, a strand of curly noodle hanging from her lips.
“Nichkhun, my friend Crystal just asked me if I would like to go to the new water park nearby. Would you like to go?”
“Sure,” Nichkhun said carelessly. “I just need to pop home for my swim clothes.”
“Okay then.” Ashley turned away. “Hey Crystal? I’m coming. My friend Nichkhun’s coming too. Yup. See you~”
She put down her phone and resumed eating, holding the bowl up to finish off the seasoned soup.
“Ahhh,” Ashley gave a contented sigh as she placed the now-empty bowl on the table.
“I’ll help you do the dishes.” Nichkhun pushed off from the sofa and stood up smoothly, walking to the kitchen sink with the empty bowls and utensils.
“It’s okay, I’ll do it.” Ashley went over and bumped Nichkhun with her hip, pushing out a space for herself next to him at the sink.
“Go rest, I’ll do it,” she repeated, giving him a nudge.
“Go on.” She bent down in a bowing fashion and gave him a push, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried as hard as she could to make him budge. Her hair hung downwards on either side of her face, framing her face.
“Not so easy, Ashleighhhh~” Nichkhun turned around, pushing back against her gently as a tease. “You might as well just let me help you~”
Ashley stopped pushing and straightened, facing Nichkhun. Giving him a face of mock solemnity, Ashley said, “Okay then Nichkhun, but you must promise me one very important thing -“
She turned on the tap, reaching for a handful of water.
“Don’t call me Ashleighhhh!” Ashley tossed the water at him, laughing gleefully.
“Yah!” Nichkhun covered his face with his hands, laughing as water droplets fell on his golden locks. He grabbed at the water flowing out of the tap, flinging it at Ashley. Giggling unstoppably, Ashley jumped away, avoiding the flying drops. Nichkhun widened his eyes, shaking his head as he looked at Ashley.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” He moved his right index finger side to side, grinning. “Come here, right now!”
Nichkhun made a lunge at Ashley, water flying from his hair. Ashley made a run for it, sticking her tongue out at him.
“Blehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~”
Nichkhun ran after her. Her speed was no match for his, and he soon caught up to her.
“Gotcha!” he cried, grabbing her by the wrist. Ashley struggled to free herself, trying to pry his fingers off.
“Not so fast, Ashley!” He wrapped his arms around her waist, caught in the moment. He tousled her hair with a laugh. “You lose!”
Ashley stood stone still as the heat rushed to her face, giving the tiniest of a nod.
“Nichkhun?” she said in a small voice.
“Yes?”
“I’ve lost. I’ve really lost.”
Chapter 8: Heart Burn
Nichkhun continued hugging Ashley. Neither of them spoke, each wrapped in their own thoughts.
Nichkhun felt a tug at his heart, urging him to make known that explosive feeling rocketing around in its walls. It was a burning sensation, one of desperation, frustration and sadness. Nichkhun held Ashley tighter, biting on his lower lip as his closed his eyes as if to shut out the feeling.
Ashley turned slightly towards Nichkhun’s head, her chin clasped over his broad shoulder. She closed her eyes, trying to enjoy the moment as much as she could. She realized, how much being with Nichkhun comforted her and made her smile a lot more than normal. It had only been a few days since she got to know him (this was only the 4th day), but she found herself talking to Nichkhun with ease, her heart soaring whenever he smiled, her skin tingling at his touch. Nichkhun, she’d realized, meant so much to her.
They pulled away after those few minutes of mixed feelings and revelations, unable to look each other in the eye.
“We should get ready to meet your friend Crystal,” Nichkhun said softly. “I’ll go get my swim clothes.”
He let himself out the door, closing it with a quiet click behind him. Ashley trudged up to her room in a blur, changing into a grey tee and black shorts. Leaving a note on the table for her parents, she slipped on dark purple slippers and went out the door. Sitting down on the steps of the porch, she put her head on her hands, waiting.
Nichkhun came by a little later in a white printed tee and yellow hoodie, donning black three-quarters and red high-cut sneakers that reflected the sunlight as he walked.
“Let’s go,” Ashley said with a weak smile, standing up.
They got on a bus at the bus stop a little way down the street. Sitting next to Nichkhun, Ashley stifled a yawn. Today had been exhausting, what with buying groceries, making ice cream and tending to Nichkhun. Her eyes gradually closed, and she fell into a sound sleep as the bus rumbled on.
Her head fell sideways, hanging in mid-air just inches from the window. It bounced up and down as the bus went over a bump. Nichkhun noticed. Pulling her head towards him with one hand, he steadied his shoulder and rested her head upon on it.
“She’s so cute when she sleeps,” he thought with a chuckle as he gave her head a gentle stroke. Having Ashley sleeping upon his shoulder made the earlier burning sensation fade a little.
Then, his phone rang.
“Hello?” he said, picking up.
“Nichkhun ah!” It was his sister.
“Sherleen! What are you calling for?”
“Just catching up. How are you doing?”
“I guess … I’m okay.”
“What’s with the “I guess” ”?
“It’s this girl I’m friends with. I like her, but I think I’ll mess up our friendship if I confess.”
“Nichkhun ah, hasn’t growing up thought you anything?” Sherleen said with exasperation.
“Mm … not really.” Nichkhun grinned.
“Take chances! Carpe diem! Seize the day! Ra-ra-ra!”
Nichkhun smiled to himself.
“You’re right, Sherleen.”
“Like I always am. Now get confessing! Bye now!”
His sister hung up with a click. Nichkhun gave his phone a baleful look which gradually became determined.
“I have to tell her,” he decided. “Even if I ruin everything, at least she’ll know my feelings. Taking chances. I will take one this time.”
Turning towards Ashley, Nichkhun closed his eyes and pressed his face into her hair, falling into a peaceful slumber. A smile hung on his lips, lighting up his face.
Chapter 9: Nichkhun, Meet Crystal
Ashley’s eyes fluttered as she woke with the feeling of something warm and solid pressing against the top of her head. Blinking her eyes in disorientation, she moved her head, realizing that there was indeed a certain something pressed against it. Head tilted sideways, she slowly turned her head to face upwards toward that something, finding herself face to face with a mop of blonde hair and Nichkhun’s face of slumber.
Her eyes widened. How … how did they end up like this? And on a public bus!
“Nichkhun …” she whispered. They were soon reaching their stop. But how was she supposed to wake him in this embarrassing state?
“Nichkhun … wake up …” she mumbled into his ear.
Nichkhun frowned for a moment in his sleep, then slowly opened his eyes. Finding himself face to face with Ashley, he gave a sleepy smile.
“Hey Ashley …” he said softly, his warm chocolate-smelling breath blowing gently onto her face.
“Nichkhun …” Ashley began. “We’re nearly there. Y-You need to get up.”
Looking away, she gave him a little push. Nichkhun moved his head away, stretching his arms. He smiled to himself, the thought of what he planned to do that day warming his heart like a mug of hot chocolate. Finally, he would be telling her the little dream in his heart.
Ashley looked at the reflection in the glass window, gazing at Nichkhun smile to himself. She felt a spark of warmth in her chest spread through her body as she watched him. Ashley bit her lip, keeping Nichkhun from seeing her smile.
They got off a few stops later, plodding to the water park 5 metres away. Ashley walked in front, Nichkhun behind her. They walked quietly, their pace a steady and similar beat.
Reaching the water park, Ashley took out her phone and gave Crystal a call.
“Hey Crystal, where are you? We’re here,” Ashley paused. “Oh, okay. We’ll just change and pop over there. Yup. No I am not wearing a swimming costume Crystal! LALALALALALA, CAN’T HEAR YOU. BYEEEEE.”
Nichkhun laughed a tinkling laugh. He could only imagine what this Crystal was like. She seemed like an interesting character.
“Go on and change,” Ashley said after hanging up. “I’m just gonna wear my tee and shorts in.”
She plopped herself down on a plastic beach chair near the changing rooms, tying her hair into a loose bun. Nichkhun walked into a changing room and shut the door behind him.
A few minutes later, he came out, decked in loose black boxer-styled trunks. The entire top half of his body was exposed, the light glinting off his finely-sculpted muscles as he walked over to Ashley. A few girls standing nearby stared, giving Ashley envious looks. Ashley could practically see drool streaming out of their gaping mouths.
Without much thought, Ashley hooked her arm through Nichkhun’s dragging him off. This had happened twice now. Why did she keep doing that? It was becoming a subconscious thing of hers to grab Nichkhun whenever another girl shot him a yearning look. She shook her head. It had to just be her natural instinct to treat Nichkhun like a close older brother. It was disturbing for younger sisters to see girls drooling over their older brothers.
Dragging him off, she returned his look of confusion with a bright smile. They went to the wave pool, chatting nonsensically along the way.
“Oh look!” Ashley pointed to a figure dressed in a dark blue swimsuit, bobbing on the water atop a large donut-like float. “It’s Crystal.”
Nichkhun squinted his eyes, trying to make out the face of Crystal. He stood on his tiptoes earnestly, covering his eyes with one hand to prevent the sunlight form shining into his eyes. The figure spotted them and gave them a fervent wave, screaming, “HI ASHLEY AND NICHKHUN!” Nichkhun laughed, clutching his stomach.
“HEY CRYSTAL!” Ashley grinned madly, waving vigorously. She jumped up and down in the pool, causing water to fly everywhere. A couple nearby gave her a dirty look.
Nichkhun laughed again. It was like watching two little children greeting each other when they arrived at kindergarten. Just like how he used to greet Pig Princess.
Chapter 10: Playing Around
As the threesome tottered down to the waterslides, they spoke noisily, drawing stares from the public. Nichkhun’s body got a lot of attention as well, producing muffled shrieks from girls as they covered their mouth in excitement. A few men patted their own stomachs balefully at the sight of his abs, and a group of old ladies relaxing by the pool blushed and turned away, some shaking their heads in disapproval.
After a while, Crystal began to notice the look Ashley had in her eyes when she looked at Nichkhun, that extra spark that lit every time she looked at him or spoke to him. She grinned to herself, popping in between Ashley and Nichkhun. Giving Ashley a knowing look, she turned to face her and whispered excitedly, “I approve~”
“Eh?”
“I approve of you two~”
“What, no, I don’t -“
“It’s okay, Ashley, you don’t have to hide it. I can tell! I approve!”
“No! I -“
At this point, Nichkhun swivelled around, eyes opened wide.
“What happened?”
“Nothing, Nichkhun! You know what, I think I’ll be going. I already spent 3 hours here earlier; I should be going home,” Crystal said gleefully, running off before Ashley could voice her protests.
Nichkhun felt rather relieved at Crystal’s departure. Now he could speak to Ashley without having to get away from Crystal.
“… Shall we go on the waterslides on our own, then?” he asked.
“Sure,” Ashley nodded, deciding she would ignore Crystal’s remarks. She definitely did not bear such feelings for Nichkhun. He was just a close friend she felt comfortable with. It was ridiculous to speculate that she liked him.
Ashley and Nichkhun had great fun at the slides, racing each other up the plastic yellow staircase to slide down again and again. After a few times, they began sliding down together, finding that going down individually was getting too conventional.
Ashley sat down first, and Nichkhun sat behind her. Their legs sticking out in front of them, Nichkhun pressed himself close to Ashley, holding her waist as they slid down, laughing and screaming. After a few rounds, Nichkhun decided he wanted to go in front. Ashley sat behind him, leaning away from the smooth muscular back in front of her in embarrassment.
“What are you waiting for?” Nichkhun turned round. “I want to go down~”
He grabbed her hands quickly but gently, placing them upon his stomach. “Hold on tight, Ashley~”
Ashley felt her arms go stiff. There were little bumps pressing into her hands, the pressure on her hands changing back and forth as Nichkhun breathed. As they went down the slide, Ashley neither screamed nor laughed, her hands feeling numb against Nichkhun’s muscles.
The two of them then went to the water play area with its multicoloured rubbery textured floor to prevent slipping and water spraying from tiny holes spaced out neatly on the floor.
Nichkhun pushed Ashley into the sprays, chuckling at the expression of mock anger and disbelief she wore on her face. She pulled him towards her into the sprays, grinning at her revenge. Ashley and Nichkhun started playing enthusiastically, flinging water at each other. Ashley gripped onto Nichkhun’s left arm as he tried to pull away to the right, laughing.
Now’s the time, Nichkhun decided, holding Ashley’s hand tightly and pulling her out of the water sprays with him. Ashley stumbled along behind him, eyebrows raised in wonder.
“Ashley, I - I,” Nichkhun steadied his voice. “I would like to show you something.”
My heart, he thought. I would like to show you my heart.
Chapter 11: Honey?
Nichkhun pulled Ashley up a long wooden staircase to an alfresco pavilion where one could see the entire overview of the water theme park. It was deserted; silence all around save for the tinkling of wind chimes in the gently-blowing wind.
Ashley felt a strange atmosphere settling upon her and Nichkhun. The fierce determination on Nichkhun’s face scared her, and she gave a little shiver, walking faster to stay close to Nichkhun’s warm figure.
All of a sudden, Nichkhun stopped. Whirling around, he looked carefully at Ashley, his eyes travelling all over her face - from her dark eyes to her button nose, to her full lips and curly black hair framing her chubby cheeks. A sigh escaped from his lips.
“You look just like her,” he said.
“Who?”
“My Pig Princess.”
Ashley felt a pang of jealousy rise in her chest. “Who’s that?”
“She was my best friend in kindergarten. We were really close, and we promised to marry each other when we grew up.”
“So why aren’t you marrying her?”
“That’s the thing, Ashley. She moved here from Thailand after we graduated from kindergarten. I don’t know where she is now.”
“Then go find her,” Ashley said bitterly. “Why are you just wasting your time with me? You should be searching for your Pig Princess.”
“Ashley. I don’t want to.”
“But you promised to marry her …” Ashley mumbled, looking down.
Nichkhun pulled her towards him, putting his arms around her firmly. He held her close to him and pressed his face into her hair fondly, taking in the strong shampoo scent. Ashley found herself pressed against Nichkhun, her face against his chest. She could hear the fierce thumping of his heart. Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump.
“Ashley …” Nichkhun’s heart beat even more wildly. “I like you. A lot. Will you be my girlfriend?”
Ashley’s head snapped up. She gasped, eyes opening wide as she took a step back in shock. Nichkhun’s hands slid down from her shoulders to her elbows, clinging on lightly.
“Nichkhun …” she said breathlessly. “I …”
Ashley had never felt more unsure about her feelings then right then. They had only met for a few days, and she had been so convinced that they were just friends.
Suddenly, she felt happiness welling up in her, flowing out from her heart to every part of her body. She found herself smiling, her lips stretched wide. Ashley held her hand against her heart. What was this? She was … really happy? Was this the feeling Crystal was seeing earlier? How was it that she hadn’t realized before?
Nichkhun saw Ashley’s expression of agony, and misread it.
“Ashley, it’s okay. I understand.” He smiled weakly, hands falling from her elbows to his sides.
Tears began to roll down Ashley’s cheek as she slowly made sense of her feelings. She liked Nichkhun. A lot. And he liked her. That meant that … she had hurt him earlier. She had avoided him when he kissed her, and he … he must have lied about the liquor chocolates.
“Don’t cry!” Nichkhun begin to panic at the sight of her tears. “It’s okay, I’ll just … leave. Don’t cry anymore.” Nichkhun took a step away, and another and another. He quickened his pace a little and walked off, turning back every few steps to check on her.
Ashley just about freaked out when he started walking off. “N-Nichkhun …” she said. He couldn’t hear her. “Nichkhun.” She tried again. “Nichkhun!” He was too far away.
He was going away. No. She had to stop this and tell him her feelings. Nichkhun. Nichkhun!
“NICHKHUN! Don’t go! Stop! Wait!” Ashley cried, running towards him with her arms flailing.
Nichkhun spun around, finally hearing her.
“Ashl -“ Before he could say a word, Ashley came flying into him, throwing her arms around him.
“I like you,” Ashley blurted, tears running down her cheek onto Nichkhun’s body in relief.
Nichkhun gave a start. Then, a smile formed on his face, and his downcast face lit up, his happiness shining through.
“Ashley …”
“I like you a lot. I’m sorry I hurt you the other time. I’m so, so, so sorry. I didn’t know that I like you so I avoided you when actually I should have realized that you like me and I hope I can make it up to you next time please give me a chance I’m really sor -“
Ashley felt her breath catch as Nichkhun pressed his lips firmly against hers, warm and moist. Closing her eyes, she kissed him back.
Then, they pulled away from each other, smiling.
“You’re still going to have to pay for hurting me,” Nichkhun said.
“I know, Nichkhun sshi.”
“You are going to pay with your youth. You’ll have to spend the rest of your life with me!”
“…”
“Hey! Don’t give me that lamed-out look! That was such a witty joke!”
“Yeah sure, Nichkhun. But I’d be glad to spend the rest of my life with you …” Ashley blushed.
“Of course you would! And stop calling me Nichkhun.”
“Then what do I call you?”
“Khun. Or Khunnie. Or … Darling?” Nichkhun grinned.
“Okay, Khunnie … Grandpa~”
“YAH, are you tired of living?”
“So what if I am?” Ashley stuck her tongue out at Nichkhun. “What do you call me then, Khun~”
Nichkhun nearly choked at the sickly sweet way Ashley called him Khun. “Um … Ash?”
“Ash? But it sounds so boring …” Ashley frowned.
“Honey~” Nichkhun whispered, leaning towards her ear.
A chill ran down Ashley’s spine. “That’s so … Goosebump-inducing.”
“It suits you! HONEYYYY~”
“You want to be like that, KHUUUUUUUUUN~?”
“Yes, HONEYYYYYY~” Nichkhun replied, laughing. Ashley smiled blissfully, eyelashes squeezed into two thick lines on her face. Putting his arms around from behind her, Nichkhun rested his chin upon her shoulder.
“Thank you, my Pig Princess.”
All and any comments will greatly appreciated! (^-^)