“No,” he said quickly, his voice soft. “It’s…it’s nice. Feels good.”
I smiled, my movements slow and deliberate as I cleaned the rest of his skin, paying attention to every detail. When I was done, I helped him sit up just enough to slip the T-shirt over his head. He slumped back against the pillows, his head falling against my shoulder.
“You’re spoiling me,” he murmured, his voice muffled against the fabric of my shirt.
“You deserve it,” I said simply, running my fingers through his hair, smoothing the wild strands.
His hand found mine, his fingers lacing weakly through mine as he looked up at me. “Thank you,” he said, his voice barely audible.
“For what?” I asked, brushing his hair back from his forehead.
“For…everything,” he said, his gaze heavy with sincerity.
I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “Always,” I whispered.
“I can’t wait to see your world, darling,” he expressed, “Jakarta waits.”
“Me too.”
He smiled, his eyes slipping closed as exhaustion took over. I stayed there with him, my arms wrapped around his shoulders,his head resting against my chest. His breaths grew slower, steadier, and before long, he was asleep, his body finally at ease.
I didn’t move, didn’t even think about leaving. This was my favorite part—the quiet, the intimacy, the simple act of caring for him when he needed me most.
As I listened to the sound of his breathing, a soft, steady rhythm that matched the beating of my heart, I knew there was nowhere else I’d rather be.
36
Me In Your World
We woke up, incredibly early the day of our flight to Jakarta, much to my dismay. The airplane humming softly beneath us, alongside the sound of the clicking of Soleh’s Nintendo Switch was all I could hear. Although the cabin lights were dimmed, I was written with anticipation of seeing my mother after so long, fidgeting in my seat and making Wyn’s attempt to sleep impossible.
“Do you ever not move?” Wynter asked me, his deep voice edged with exasperation. He had his hoodie pulled up, hisdark hair slightly messy from the flight, and even then he still managed to look drop-dead gorgeous.
“Sorry I can’t help it. Just nervous I guess,” I whispered back, leaning closer to him like a hyperactive child. “I can’t believe that I’m going to see my mom again. I can’t believe that I get to show you my world.”
“I’m happy for you. Maybe someday I’ll get to show you my world too. Maybe our next destination will be Korea or Nottingham,” he contemplated.
“Hopefully. I can’t wait for you to try authentic Indonesian food!” I sighed, leaning back. “Nasi goreng, rendang, and the beaches—oh my God, Wyn, you’ve never seen any like that before, I assure you!”
“It isn’t particularly difficult to beat UK beaches, they’re all rocks and fog,” he explained. "Now, darling, I ensure you your excitement is shared but you’re bouncing up and down like an Energizer bunny, and it’s making me motion sick just by looking at you."
I did my part trying to calm down for the rest of the ride, but we continue to feel the occasional kick on the back of our seats and ever so faint beeping and music from my little brothers and Nintendo Switch coming from behind us. I glanced over my shoulder to see him completely immersed in his game.
“Cooking Mama?” Wyn laughed then learned closer to catch a glimpse of his screen.
“Of course,” I responded, “he’s been hooked on it for weeks—it’s like crack or something. It’s a childish game if you ask—”
“Cool, can I play?” Wynter asked Soleh, and he paused, glancing up at my boyfriend in shock.
“You’re making fun of me…aren't you?” Soleh pondered.
“I wouldn’t dare, I knowCooking Mamademands excellence in her kitchen,” ne mused, and Soleh smiled.
“You get it. Game on, Kwon,” He challenged, passing Wynter his Switch.“The curry is the hardest. aApparently you have to chop the carrots in perfect timing or else you fail.”
“Soleh, Wynter, doesn’t know the first thing about gaming. He spent his childhood actually playing outside unlike you,” I teased.
“Meh, outside is overrated. It’s time for me to learn,” Wynter supported my brother in comradery. I knew exactly what he was doing and it was sweet.
