Tuesday came around, and my ankle wasn't any better, so I had texted the boys that I would not be able to come in for practice. They all told me to rest and get better soon, though Pond was awfully silent, not saying anything.
I couldn't deny that he had been on my mind since Sunday. He has been awfully nice to me ever since my hospital stay, and I realized he was always just looking out for me. It was nice to be taken care of but not something I should get comfortable with as my brain keeps reminding me.
But I keep pushing away his offers of assistance all the time. I wonder if there will be a day he will stop offering it altogether?
I was trying to fix myself some lunch when my doorbell rang. I hobbled over to open the door and there stood Pond with food in his hand.
"What..what are you doing here? I thought there is practice now?"
"I told the boys I wanted to come and check in on you first before going for practice. They were fine with it."
"I.. you didn't have to."
"I know. But I wanted to. Have you had lunch?"
I shook my head, saying I was about to prep something.
"Good. I bought you lunch and pastries from your favorite cafe. You can have it. Do not try to put too much pressure on the injured ankle."
I nodded, taking the package from him.
"Have you eaten?"
"I will do so with Aou and Santa once I get to work. I get going now then."
I nodded and he was about to go off when I called out to him.
He turned to look at me.
"Thank you.'
"Anytime. I know your brain probably tells you not to rely on me but I don't think your heart says that. It's ok to listen to your heart too."
"I can't help but want to look after you Joong. You.. deserved to be looked after too and even if you keep pushing me away, I will still be around for you."
My heart almost stopped hearing him say all that. I just kept quiet, looking as he went off, saying he will text later. I nodded.
I closed the door and sat down on my couch trying to gather my heart from beating so wildly. This guy was messing with my heart and brain without even knowing the extent of it.
I opened the food packages and realized he had gotten things I would want to eat. I just looked at it blankly for a bit before realizing I was sobbing again.
I really had to get my head on firmly but this Pond keeps messing with it every single time with his words and actions!
I just looked at the food and realized as much as it was appetising, I really didn't want to eat it alone. I wanted company as I did so and specifically Pond's.
I took my phone out, looking at his number. My finger kept hovering over the call button.
I finally took the plunge and called him.
"Where..where are you?"
"I just left your place. I'm at the carpark here about to drive off. Why?"
"If you had lunch, what time do you have to get back to practice by?"
"Huh? I am going to eat lunch with Aou and Santa so it's own time own target?"
"But what if you ate lunch out?"
"I don't quite understand what you are trying to ask or say Joong."
"I.. can.. I wanted to ask.. could you eat lunch with me then go for practice?"
Pond was awfully quiet for a while but suddenly he just hung up. I was extremely confused. Did he not want it or what?
I was about to call him back when suddenly my door bell rang again. What the heck? Who was it now? I walked over or hobbled rather to open it, only to find Pond standing outside, panting slightly.
"Did you run back here?!"
"Sprint would be the better word. I had to do it before you changed your mind."
"Pond!"
"Can I come in?"
I nodded, making way for him. He came in, texting in the group chat that plans changed and he told the other two to have lunch on their own and that he would be back by 3pm.
"I havent even asked if it's ok?"
Pond just showed me the messages from Aou and Santa who told him to enjoy lunch and that they will see him later.
"Pond..."
He just smiled at me, ruffling my hair. He was about to walk past me into the living room when I held onto his hand. He turned to look at me, surprised now.
"Joong?"
And what did I do?
I just went forward, covering the gap between us and hugged him tightly.
Right. Don't know what the fuck I was thinking but I just wanted to do it. My heart told me to.