#cattob

The alarm clock made its way into my unconsciousness, effectively ruining whatever good dream I had. Groaning, I slammed it off and tried to sit up. However, my movements were halted when I realised that there was an arm wrapped tightly around my waist; unmoving and unwilling to let me go. Tracing the arm to its owner, I turned my body and saw that my boyfriend was still sound asleep, snoring slightly next to me. Since the comeback period was over, he would often spend his free time lazing around or going out with his friends when I was at work.

I tried to free myself from him again but that movement caused him to subconsciously flex and tighten his grip. I sighed and leaned over him. Stretching a finger, I jabbed him none too lightly in his arm to wake him up.

“Babe,” I whispered. 

No response. I poked him again and continued to do so until I heard his groan. Instead of stirring awake, he kept his eyes closed and pretended to be asleep. Giggling, I rolled my eyes and studied his handsome face that was clearly feigning sleep. While waiting for him to release me, I traced my finger along his nose bridge and flicked his nostrils lightly. He wrinkled his nose, yet the arm remained where it was. Brushing my hair to the side of my neck, I lowered my head and gave a peck on his cheek. Still no reaction. I trailed soft kisses down his jaw and all over his face. When my lips touched the corner of his, I felt his smile before seeing it. 

Clearly he was awake. “This wasn’t what I had in mind…” I muttered under my breath. I heard his chuckle as he gripped my wrist tighter and pulled me closer to his side. 

“Minhyuk, babe, love… I’m going to be late,” I whined, even as I reluctantly glanced at the digital clock on the side table. 

“Mmm… five more minutes?” he bargained, his voice deep and hoarse with sleep. Even though we were entering our fifth year together, I could never resist the way his voice sent warm tingles down my spine. As if he knew the effect that he had on me, he buried his head closer to the back of my neck and simply… breathed. Then, he closed the small space and pressed a light kiss. 

“Mmm… don’t,” I warned him half-heartedly. Aware that my words would not have any effect on him, I twisted around to face him. His eyelids were half-lowered and his cute front teeth peeped out from his half-opened lips. With his messy hair that fell over his eyes, it gave an overall innocent and peaceful look on him.

And he knew it. 

Slowly, as if he felt my gaze on him, his eyelids fluttered open and his face brightened up. Stretching his lips into a lazy smile, he asked, “Did I manage to persuade you to stay home with me?”

“Unfortunately, no. I can’t be late, Minhyuk.” I tapped his nose teasingly. With a small groan, he pushed himself nearer and buried his face into my chest. 

He sighed. “Can’t you call in sick?”

I chuckled when I heard the pout in his voice. Resting my chin on the top of his head, I tried to pacify him. 

“I’ll be back real soon, okay? I really have to go. There’s a very important meeting today,” I explained slowly and gently. At the same time, I lifted my hand up and brushed his hair. 

He pulled back to look at me in the face. “No more working late?”

“Not tonight. Tonight’s especially for you.” I chuckled when his smile deepened, clearly satisfied with my response. 

Slowly, he pulled his arms away and set me free. Hurriedly, I spent whatever little time that I had to wash up and get ready for work. Realising that I barely had time for my morning coffee, I made my way to the kitchen while tying my hair up in a ponytail. Surprisingly, Minhyuk was standing by the coffee maker. Grinning, he slid me a cup of freshly made coffee. I pecked his cheek as thanks and downed it slowly. While I drank my coffee, I peered over the rim of the cup and admired my boyfriend’s bare chest. On any other days, I would have hugged him and kept my hands on the waistband of his pyjama pants. Pity, today was not such a day. 

I turned around to see him packing a box of egg-mayo sandwich into a lunch bag. “Is that for me?” I asked as I took another sip of the coffee. 

“You think?” he countered playfully as he zipped the bag up. 

Once he was done, he picked the bag up and placed it by my arm. Then he hugged me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. “Of course it’s for you, dummy. It’s filled with my love so you will think of me when you have your lunch.” To punctuate his point, he kissed the top of my head and patted it twice. 

“Love you too,” I replied, grinning. However, our sweet moment would have to wait. I gulped the rest of the coffee down and placed the cup on the table. “Okay, I really got to go now,” I said, turning around to hug him goodbye. 

His arms remained by his side as he pouted, silently protesting my actions. With a laugh, I kissed his pursed lips. “Cheer up, you’ll see me soon.”

“Not soon enough.”

Nevertheless, he took the empty cup and placed it in the sink. At the same time, I collected the lunch bag and my handbag. As I slipped into my heels at the doorway, he played around and tried to keep my car keys out of my reach. After giving him another kiss, he placed them reluctantly in my hand. 

“Be good, then I’ll come back early,” I teased. Just as I was about to unlock the front door, he tapped on his cheek. With a dramatic sigh, I stepped closer to give him his goodbye kiss but he turned his head and caught my lips with his instead. 

I tsked. “Sneaky”

“I’m missing you already.”