Chapter Twenty-Seven: Embracing Solace
Mature Chapter: Language, Sexual Activity
Makayla POV
I slowly started to stretch beneath the soft white sheets, every inch of my naked body engulfed in the luxury comforter.
I could hear the familiar sounds of the city outside the window. It was a sunny day in Boston. My eyes were struggling to adjust to the sunlight, though the corners of my lips were rising.
For the first time in over a year, I slept through an entire evening without a single nightmare or concern. I felt well-rested, rejuvenated, and genuinely happy.
Knowing the cause for such a delightful morning, I rolled over and reached for him.
My eyes opened as I realized the other side of the bed was empty, but I didn't mind that too much. I still needed some time to digest where I was waking up.
Basking in such unexpected bliss, I brought the sheets to my nose and closed my eyes again while I embraced his spicy sandalwood scent.
Ho-seok was built differently and I sincerely felt the Lord took his time creating such a man.
Images of him fluttered through my mind. His perfectly shaped nose, those extremely full lips, that million dollar smile and the low voice that accompanied it. The confident gaze in his large brown eyes, his thick hair that was always styled so well, and my God that man's body.
I was still dumbfounded such a tall and muscular man could feel so soft. The skin that covered every inch of him was satin smooth, and the muscles along his body were perfectly delineated. His rear was firm, round, and so easy to grab. And his member, far from the stereotype that unfairly followed Asian men.
I bit my lip just thinking about the long, thick, and smooth flesh.
Clenching my legs together, I began reliving the evening in my mind.
Ho-seok was the most attentive and affectionate man I had ever been with.
His kisses were so tender and sweet. His large veiny hands though assertive, extremely gentle with each deliberate touch he dispersed across my entire body. The feeling of his slick tongue as he teased my love bud. The weight of his herculean body and the slight curve of his heavy length that effortlessly stimulated my g-spot.
I remembered the sex being good our first time, but I didn't recall him feeling like that.
I opened my eyes, smiling like a fool... Only to realize what the hell was happening.
"Oh no!" I gasped, sitting up straight. "Kayla, girl no! No, no, no! You can't be like this!"
I grabbed handfuls of my disheveled hair and quietly through a tantrum with the hope of shaking away these unwelcomed thoughts.
No matter how amazing last night was, I could not catch feelings for Ho-seok.
"Don't be such a simp!" I scolded myself. "It was just sex. Really good sex. That's all, Kayla."
Conflicted and confused, I climbed out of the bed to discover my dress wasn't where it fell last night. But I soon noticed a stack of clothes on Ho-seok's dresser with a sticky note.
Wear me, and go to the bathroom.
I unfolded the large grey hoodie and boxers he prepared for me. Seeing as my outfit from last night was nowhere to be found, I didn't have much of a choice but to do as instructed.
When I entered the bathroom, I found another sticky note beside a new toothbrush.
Freshen up, then put me in the holder.
"What the heck?" I chuckled, although I continued to do as I was told.
While I brushed my teeth, I spotted another sticky note hanging on the wall behind me through the reflection of the mirror.
Come downstairs for breakfast cooked by yours truly :)
A smile crept along my toothpaste covered lips as I pulled down the cheeky note.
Once my teeth were clean, I placed the pink toothbrush beside his blue one in the holder.
I then splashed water against my face and tamed my curly hair as best I could, pulling it into a low ponytail with the hairband I always kept on my wrist.
While physically ready for the morning ahead, I nervously walked down the narrow stairs of Ho-seok's home.
I winced as I stepped onto the main floor. It was exceptionally bright in this part of the house but my eyes soon widened seeing Ho-seok and the literal aura surrounding his divine body while he stood in front of the stove.
His back and broad shoulders looked amazing in a simple white t-shirt, and now I knew exactly what was swinging beneath those grey joggers.
"Good morning." I shyly greeted, grabbing his attention.
His smile was bright as he turned to face. "You're finally awake. You must have slept well."
"I did. The best I have in months, actually." I admitted. "What time is it? I left my phone down here last night."
"Almost noon." He replied, making me gasp. "What time is your shift?"
"I don't have to be there until 2:00, but still. I can't believe I slept in this late."
"You were exhausted. You needed the rest, and I'm glad I could help." He winked at me and that damn smile of his had my cheeks burning. "I'm sure you're hungry by now too?"
I nodded. "What are we eating? It smells like the soup you made me when I hated you."
He laughed with me as I stepped beside him, his presence alone creating that warm and safe emanation I practically submitted to last night.
"That's exactly what it is." He beamed. "I wasn't sure how your body would react to the soju, so I figured I'd play it safe this morning. Hangover soup is the best after a night of drinking."
"Oh yeah, it definitely saved me back then."
"Want to taste it? I can season it to your liking." He dipped a spoon into the soup and blew on the steamy broth as he offered it to me. "Careful, it's hot."
I accepted the kind gesture and the vibrant flavors were just as impressive as I remembered.
"It's perfect." I nearly drooled, earning a pleased grin from him.
Our eyes locking, he placed his hand on my lower back. I felt my heart racing seeing him lean in and just as our lips brushed, I pulled away from him.
"I can't kiss you?" He asked, though he was still smiling at me. "I guess it's a good thing I woke up to cook for us. You may have ran away again, despite what you promised."
"I told you that wouldn't happen." I assured him. "I'm not running away. It's just, last night was last night... That's it."
He fell silent, calculating his his next choice of words carefully.
"Let's talk about it over breakfast." He responded. "Go take a seat. I'll bring the soup, shortly."
I did as he said, the table already set with the side dishes we enjoyed last night. I spotted my phone as well and scrolled through my notifications as Ho-seok finished preparing breakfast.
After he set down the hot pot of soup, he sat beside me with two bowls of rice.
"By the way, your dress will be back soon." Ho-seok said. "I got it express dry cleaned this morning. I figured wherever you went from here, you'd want to do so in fresh clothes."
"Thanks." I replied, my heart fluttering as I accepted another thoughtful gesture from him.
Ill at ease, I started eating the meal in silence. But that didn't last for long.
"Did you not enjoy it?" He asked.
I sighed. "Of course I did. That's not it."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I just want to maintain our friendship, Ho-seok. I'm sorry that I'm an emotional disaster. I don't regret last night, but I mean it when I say last night was last night. We should move on from it."
"You say that, until you ask for another escape."
"And you should reject me when I do."
He shook his head. "Why would I do that? You're a beautiful woman I care about and trust."
I gulped hearing such a direct confession, his gaze confident and determined.
"No matter how I see it, we can't go back to what we were." Ho-seok continued. "There is no denying the attraction anymore. I can't unsee your body or the fact that I want last night to happen again. I see you differently now, Makayla."
My lips parted witnessing the beast I unleashed, a clear indicator of my indecision.
Biting his lip, Ho-seok observed the flesh on my leg before he rested his hand on my knee. My heart began racing when he tenderly glided his fingers up the inside of my thigh, and despite what I had just said, I couldn't bring myself to stop him.
It was his eyes. They hadn't broke contact with mine for a single second. I felt like I had no control, and his gaze pulled me in so much our noses were brushing.
"I know you want this too. I felt it last night." He whispered. "Maybe you just need a little more convincing this morning."
A shuddered breath spilled from my lips when his fingers slipped beneath the boxers he lent me. His mouth hovering mine, a smile formed on his face seeing the growing desire in my eyes and I gasped as he gave me exactly what I wanted.
Our lips clashing, his fingers slid along my slick entrance and I could barely contain myself the moment he dipped them inside me.
My head fell backwards when he took it a step further, massaging my pulsing bud with his thumb while he kissed on my cheek and the sensitive spot along my neck.
I dropped my spoon feeling the sensation forming in my center when suddenly...
We both heard someone punching in the passcode of Ho-seok's front door.
"Damnit." He sighed, his head falling as I snapped out of the lustful trance.
I pushed his hand away, and did my best to act normal as his roommate entered the house.
"Roomie, I'm home!" Shawn laughed as he walked into the kitchen. "And Makayla's here too! Wearing your clothes?"
His eyebrows furrowed, Shawn looked between Ho-seok and I.
"Welcome back." Ho-seok pressed forward. "I just finished making breakfast. It's the hangover soup you like. Join us if you're hungry."
"You sure?" Shawn asked, setting his luggage to the side. "I can read a ro-..."
"It's fine!" I interjected. "Please, join us! It's been awhile, I'm so happy to see you!"
Though hesitant, Shawn accepted the offer while I used every cell in my being to focus on the meal in front of me.
"Grab a bowl and get settled." Ho-seok said to Shawn, though his gaze was fixed on the side of my face. "I'll be right back... I should go wash my hands."
Hearing his tone and such a dead giveaway, I choked on my latest sip of the soup. Shawn had certainly caught onto the raunchy comment, his eyes widened and lips parted.
Smirking, Ho-seok stood up from the table and left me to face both this embarrassing moment and the undeniable fact that I too saw him differently.
- 10 Hours Later -
Standing in the cold sterile room, I zoned out beneath its large mounted lights and dooms.
For the 100th time, I was replaying last night's steamy round of sex with Ho-seok in my head. Hell, even the unexpected encounter this morning kept surfacing in my brain. I could not stop thinking about him, and what was worse was that each flashback left me hot and bothered.
What type of sorcery was this? How was he consuming my mind to such an existent? Why could I still smell him as if he was right beside me, and even feel his touch as if we were still pressed together in his bed?
"Cut." Dr. Schwartz's voice echoed in my head. "Cut."
I sighed, my shoulders falling as I grew even more confused about my feelings for Ho-seok.
"Dr. Pearson!" The surgeon snapped, pulling me back from my trance. "I said, cut."
"Sorry, sir!" I replied, though he was noticeably irritated with me.
After the crazy amount of mistakes I had made today, I knew a scolding was around the corner and that's exactly what happened when the successful operation was complete.
"Pull yourself together!" Dr. Schwartz hissed, discipling me in front of my fellow residents. "We all have our problems, but its your responsibility to leave them outside of the OR every single time! Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir." I responded.
"Go home, and don't worry about being called in for the overnight shift. You're not present today. It's too much of a hassle for the rest of us."
Dr. Schwartz stormed off and while such a scolding would have normally eaten away at me, I was still thinking about Ho-seok.
"You okay?" Miguel asked. The other residents showed me a remorseful smile as they followed the lead surgeon out of the scrubbing area. "You know he tends to be harder on you."
I nodded given the microaggressions I often experienced from the conservative doctor.
"Keep your head up, okay?" Jackson's roommate encouraged.
I smiled to him, despite the guilt I felt in the pit of my stomach. "Thanks, Miguel."
He patted my shoulder and soon followed the rest of the residents to continue his shift.
After a long day a screwing up, I needed fresh air and a space to think things through.
I grabbed my winter coat from the on-call room, and took the elevator up to the green roof of the hospital. Since it was past curfew for our patients, it was empty and the perfect place for me to sort out these thoughts that could not continue to occupy my mind like this.
I sat on a cold wooden bench, and looked out to the city view.
I wanted to cave and go for it with Ho-seok, but there were so many reasons for me not to.
For one, I was destined to experience disappointment falling for a playboy like him and I was scared of losing Ho-seok as a friend the moment that happened.
Second, no matter what decision I made my action's last night were going to hurt Jackson.
Third was the matter of my revenge. Even if Ho-seok's mindset on monogamy shifted, Jackson taught me that a single change in my behavior could be noticed by anyone with an emotional attachment to me, especially if they see me often.
Lastly, I still had no idea what Jackson was going to do now that he knew everything and I had no idea if I was even in the clear or not following my interaction with Antonio's right hand man.
The team and I had been lying low for weeks, and there had been no movement from Antonio and his men. The silence was alarming and frankly, it was starting to eat away at me as well.
"There you are." Madison said. When I looked to my left, I saw her walking towards me along the concrete path. "You okay? I heard you got in trouble with Schwartz again."
I shrugged. "He's an asshole, but I deserved this scolding."
She chuckled as she sat beside me. "What's got you so distracted this time?"
"Do you want full transparency?"
"One second, let me take off my mentor hat and slap on the friend hat." I smiled as she cornily put on an act to show the shift. "Alright, lay it on me."
"Well." I sighed. "Putting it plainly, I think I'm dick whipped."
"Oh." She loudly gaped, her eyes widening. "I guess Jackson is finally back in town?"
My shoulders fell as I shook my head.
"If not him then-..." She gasped. "Wait, you were at Paul's last night! Did if finally happen?"
My features covered in guilt, I bit my bottom lip to answer her question.
Madison started cracking up, even clapping her hands as tears formed in her eyes hearing the latest gossip of our tiny crew.
"Johnny is going to lose it when he finds out! The sexual tension between you and Paul is more apparent than you know, Makayla. Johnny and I could see it every time we were all together. It's no wonder you feel like this! That build up must have been crazy, girl!"
"Will you stop laughing!" I pleaded, given the laughter that was still spilling from her lips. "I'm in such a weird place, Madison! I don't know what to do!"
"Okay, okay, okay." She simmered down. "Lets talk through it. You and Paul had sex, what are you so confused about right now?"
"Well for one, there's Jackson."
"Whom you haven't heard from in weeks." She responded "Your current condition tells me all I need to know. You might be comfortable with him, but you don't like him that way. Be honest and end things with him whenever he choses to resurface. Next concern?"
"You know Ho-seok and the type of man he is. He's a well-spoken playboy who is openly opposed to monogamy."
"I'm aware. He and Johnny are pretty much the same person."
"And when you met Johnny, it was just meant to be a one-night-stand. Wasn't it?"
"Yeah, that's how it started but the sex was amazing. I gave him my number with a means to enjoy some rendezvous here and there, and kept my expectations very low."
"What did you do when your expectations changed though?"
"They only changed because he started doing things that showed me, they could." She started smiling thinking about the evolution of their relationship. "He bought me lunch and showed up with it at the hospital out of no where the first time he surprised me.
"Then the third night he invited me over, he surprised me with a sweet home cooked meal and he took a keen interest in my daily life and the future I wanted. That same night, when we had sex he only broke eye contact when we would kiss. From there, our relationship changed."
I bit my bottom lip as I thought back to Ho-seok and I. We had checked all of those boxes, but it was the last one that had me so spooked right now.
"I guess you two didn't simply do the do, last night." Madison giggled. "It was emotional?"
I nodded. "It was for me at least. I let things get too vulnerable, and it's dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"Aside from the high probability I'll be the one to get hurt when he gets bored with me, there's also something preventing me from dating at this time..."
"Does this "something" happen to be the reason you lied to Paul about you're whereabouts the night we had dinner at Johnny's?"
I allowed my silence to answer her question, and a solemn look started clouding her features.
"Listen I won't get in your business, but whatever you're hiding - when you have to tell such extensive lies this frequently to people you care about, it never ends well Makayla." I looked down to my lap, twiddling my thumbs. "I also want you to consider how much you may be risking for this secret. Do you still not see it? How happy you've become?"
She brought her hand to the side of my face so I could look at her.
"I remember when your residency first started. You were brilliant and so friendly with patients, but you couldn't bother to show that warmth to those around you every day. Of course we all knew why. What happened to your friend and the pain you must have felt, of course it took a toll on you. You were basically a shell. You were emotionless, you never smiled, you were frail, and you barely ate.
"You're so different now though. You're glowing, your energy is magnetic, and you're motivated again. You're actually making friends with your fellow residents, and even you opening up to me with this discussion is huge! I still can't believe you just said "dick whipped" to me!"
I started laughing with Madison. It hadn't occurred to me, even our relationship had improved.
"As someone who has seen you and Paul together multiple times, I'm here to tell you this new woman you have become is all because of him. The night Johnny and I met, that was the first time I ever saw you with your wall down. I had never seen you smile and laugh so much. A part of me wondered if that was just a one-off, but then I saw you two again at Johnny's house.
"It was the exact same and you know what, Paul looks at you just like you do him. I also see how attentive he is with you, the way he watches you so he can learn about you, and the way he worries about you when he can't reach you. He was so anxious when you showed up an hour late to the dinner, Makayla. He checked his phone nonstop, and he couldn't stand still."
"Really?" I uttered, and she nodded.
"Give him more credit. We all have a past, and maybe Ho-seok is looking for a different kind of future if it's with the right person."
"I'm scared." I admitted. "I can't even think of the word to describe the way he makes me feel when I'm around him. I told him I feel safe, but it's more than that."
She smirked. "You'll figure it out in due time. But for now, how about you just act on what you want to do. I heard you're off the hook for the overnight shift. You should take advantage of this newly acquired time off, and spend another evening with him. See if you feel the same spark."
Wavering, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at the last message he sent me.
(Ho-seok): I'm sorry if I went too far this morning. I only did what I'm confident we both want. Think things over, and let me know if you change your mind.
"What do I even say?" I asked Madison, showing her his text.
"What happened this morning?" She grinned, though I kept my lips sealed. "Okay, okay. Don't overthink this. Just ask him if he's home. He'll figure it out from there."
Hesitantly, I did as she advised although there was a harsh reality I needed to accept.
"I left him on read all day." I sighed. "He probably won't even respond to-..."
Our eyes widened hearing the notification, and I couldn't help but smile seeing his reply.
(Ho-seok): I'm out, but I can be home in 30. Should we meet at my place?
"Looks like you better get going!" She enthused as I stood up. "Let me know how it goes!"
"I will!" I giggled. "Thanks, Madison! You're the best!"
The two of us waved goodbye while she watched me run towards the rooftop exit.
I confirmed with Ho-seok that I was on my way, but I needed more than 30 minutes according to the bus schedule.
I rushed through the huge hospital to grab my bag out of the on-call room, and the moment I ran outside of the main doors, I saw another text come in from Ho-seok.
(Ho-seok): I got you an Uber. It's the white Tesla.
I blushed seeing the car Ho-seok described was parked beneath the entrance overhang.
Settled in the premium Uber vehicle, I felt my heart racing as I headed towards the man I could not get out of my head. What do I even say when I see him? Would our common banter remain the same? Could things stay as comfortable and easy between us now that sex was involved?
When we pulled in front of Ho-seok's townhouse, his Corvette was not parked in its usual spot. However knowing I'd likely beat him home, Ho-seok gave me permission to use the passcode he sent me last night.
"Hello?" I cautiously called as I stepped inside the warm home.
Since I had to turn on the lights and there was no response, I assumed Shawn wasn't home.
I placed my jacket on the back of a kitchen table chair and set my bag down.
Taking advantage of arriving first, I walked into the half bathroom to check my appearance.
"Oh my goodness!" I gaped, seeing my horrific reflection in the mirror.
I was so eager to see Ho-seok that I forgot I was still wearing my scrubs, I had no makeup on my face, and I even had cap hair from the last operation.
I rushed to my bag to grab my bristle brush and powdered foundation, but unfortunately I was too late. I heard Ho-seok punch in the front door passcode and when he entered the house, he stumbled into the kitchen.
"Hey." He breathlessly chimed.
"Hey." I replied, though I grew insecure seeing how good he looked.
Beneath a long navy blue overcoat, he was wearing the same colored hoodie and slim-fitted trousers that exposed a pair of white socks.
"How much time do I have?" He asked, pulling his jacket off his shoulders.
"What?"
He tossed the outerwear to the side and walked towards me. "You're on call tonight, right?"
I shook my head. "No, I suddenly got the shift off."
He smirked. "Thank God."
Waisting no time, he clashed his lips against mine while he held the sides of my face.
We both smiled like fools as the first kiss of the evening trailed into another, and just like that, all the nervousness I felt on the way here vanished.
Feeling his hands glide down to my waist, I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him press me against his huge body. The hight difference was a little much for us though.
He stole a firm grip of my behind before grabbing the back of my thighs, and I squealed when he lifted me from the ground.
Laughter spilling past our lips, I cupped his cheek and looked into his beautiful eyes.
He also took this moment to embrace me while my thumb brushed his soft skin. I could taste the bourbon laced along his warm breath as it lingered over my lips.
"Were you busy?" I asked. "I'm sorry if I interrupted something important."
"No, it's fine. Nothing was more important than hearing from you tonight."
I shyly smiled, rubbing my nose against his.
"Thank you." He softly beamed. "I was so scared I messed things up between us."
I shook my head. "I'm sorry I panicked. Last night was just sudden and shocking, but you're right. I enjoyed it a lot and I want to continue down that path with you, Ho-seok."
Delighted, he stretched his neck so we could resume the fun-filled smooching.
I held on to his wide shoulders while he carried me up the slim stairway. The playfulness and lively banter only continued as we bumped into a few walls and loose items along the way.
When we entered his bedroom, he kicked the door shut and set me down on my feet.
My hands roamed his entire upper body as I excitedly accepted that this would be the third of many more nights I'd spend with this colossal being.
Our lips barely parted, I melted seeing his striking features up close again.
"You look so handsome." I gushed. "I'm sorry I wasn't very prepared, tonight. I got so excited, I ran out of the hospital looking crazy."
He chuckled, pecking my lips. "You're a natural beauty, Kayla. You don't need to try. Plus, the scrub look is so damn sexy on you."
I playfully rolled my eyes as I nudged his chest. "You're just sweet talking me now."
"Not at all. We can really make something of this, you know."
My brows scrunched seeing him cheekily grin, and as he walked around me my gaze followed.
He pulled the hoodie over his head, first revealing his impressive back muscles and then his pecks and perfectly defined six-pack when he turned around to face me.
"I think this calls for a round of role play, Dr. Pearson." He winked.
My lips parted while a shocked scoff escaped them.
He tossed his hoodie on the ground and took a seat on the edge of his bed, his legs spread as he purposefully showed off the growing bulge beneath his pants.
Getting into character, I stepped in front of him and welcomed his enticing gaze.
"So, Mr. Ahn Ho-seok. What brings you in, today?"
"My entire body." He simply stated, grabbing my hips. "I'm in pain all over, doctor."
I struggled to contain my laughter as he pulled me on to his lap. Straddling him, I stroked the soft skin along his shoulders, arms, and chest.
"Such a vague response warrants a very thorough examination." I purred, our lips grazing as he held me against his pecks. "I'll need to do a full body examination. This could take a few hours and I should warn you, when I say full body, I mean exactly that. Not even a single centimeter will go unchecked. Is that okay with you, Mr. Ahn?"
"Of course." He smirked feeling me rock my hips against his. "I can already tell you're a very attentive and precise doctor. I'll put my health in your hands, tonight."
"Only tonight?" I teased.
"You should fix me quickly, so I can repay you generously with what I do."
"Which is?"
"I'm a pilot." He cleverly improvised. "I can fly you anywhere you want, but most importantly I can assure you a very exhilarating ride. How does that sound to you?"
"I think I like the sound of that, a lot." I giggled against his addicting smile.
"Yeah?" He beamed and through a fit of silly laughter, our lips connected while we fell back into the bed for the night.
It didn't take long for me to realize, the lighthearted relationship I was scared of losing with Ho-seok was actually blossoming.
With every joke and the ongoing exposure of our quirks, the atmosphere became even more carefree and fun.
With every sincere word spoken and intent gaze shared, a new level of trust was established.
And with each piece of clothing removed, every tender kiss and touch dispersed, and every diligent favor provided, our relationship was becoming deeper.
I had no idea what the future looked like for Ho-seok and I, but for now I was content with this new evolution of our friendship and the immense level of solace that came with it.
____
Author's Note: Hello! How did you enjoy the chapter?
I bet you're all surprised to see how quickly our stubborn female lead was able to make her mind when it came to Ho-seok! That in itself should say a lot!
The two close friends have kicked it up several notches these past two chapters, and they are quite the steamy pair! While there is plenty of fun that will come with their new relationship as Friends with Benefits, will it be able to evolve into something more with all the drama and secrets surrounding them?
I know this book started off slow, but the build up has led us to ALL of the exciting chapters to come! Get ready for the ride ahead! It's going to be an emotional rollercoaster to say the least!
Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support!
- Zelene
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