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[After last night] - [bruno mars]

The marks lingered, visible even after several days. Sora hadn't expected them to last this long—the love bites he left were an enduring reminder of that intimate moment. Each time she faced the mirror, the red marks served as a vivid recollection, replaying every single moment etched into her memory.

The love marks had begun to fade, but Sora wasn't taking any chances. She diligently covered them with concealer and occasionally opted for a neckerchief to keep them hidden. This time, as they started to fade, she chose a stylish neckerchief scarf to complete her look.

Once she was ready, she grabbed her purse and stepped outside. The sun shone brightly, prompting her to wear a pair of sunglasses. Engrossed in her appearance, she nearly missed the figure standing there—a familiar someone leaning on the hood of his car, glancing up from his phone as she approached.

"I was just about to call you," Jay said, lowering his hand holding the phone as he pushed himself up and straightened. "Wanna grab some coffee?"

"I was just about to," she replied, glancing behind him to spot his vehicle.

"Let's go," he said, nodding toward his car. She sighed almost inaudibly, heading to the passenger side as he got inside.

He started the ignition and maneuvered his car, choosing a coffee shop farther from the clinic to avoid potential encounters with reporters.

As the car parked outside the coffee shop, Jay took off his seatbelt. She adjusted her neckerchief, and Jay noticed she was actually wearing it.

"Why'd you wear that?" he asked, and though his question sounded innocent, she sensed he knew exactly why she was wearing it.

"If you're going to leave love bites, leave them somewhere that can't be seen."

"Like where?" he inquired, leaning closer, and as she looked to the side, she realized he had moved in. "Tell me, Sora, so next time I know where exactly to leave those marks on you."

Silence lingered for a few moments as she locked eyes with Jay, lost in the captivating depth of his gaze. Without a warning, Jay lifted his hand, smoothly sliding the neckerchief down her neck.

"What—" she began, but her words were stifled when she saw Jay holding the neckerchief. He leaned in close to her neck, catching a whiff of her perfume that invaded his senses.

"So intoxicating," he murmured. "Where should I leave it next time, Sora?"

"If you don't cease this bravado, there won't be a next time," Sora retorted, attempting to ignore the heat rising to her face as she felt the warmth of his breath near her neck. "And give me back my scarf."

Jay leaned back, and she reached for the neckerchief herself, yet he playfully lifted his hand before casually lowering it and tucking the scarf behind him, reminiscent of a mischievous child. Amusement danced in his eyes, leaving Sora unimpressed. She shot him a deadpan expression before letting her hair down, concealing her neck.

"Let's just grab some coffee and get this over with," she said, opening the car door and stepping outside.

Jay sat there, eyeing the neckerchief before glancing ahead to see Sora waiting for him outside.

"She's annoyed so easily, is it that time of the month?... I hope not; I still want to have sex with her," Jay mused, tying the neckerchief around his wrist. He stepped outside, and she turned around, walking a few steps ahead until he caught up when they entered the café.

Sora opted for iced coffee to cool her head, paired with a slice of strawberry cake to take the edge off her annoyance. As she and Jay settled at the table, she could feel his gaze lingering.

Maintaining a straight face was proving challenging. Jay sensed her irritation, audibly sighed, and removed the neckerchief.

"Sora—"

"What?" she responded sharply, not in the mood for a conversation. Her frown softened, however, when Jay leaned forward, tucking her hair behind her shoulders before skillfully retying the neckerchief around her neck.

"There, it looks good on you," he commented, leaning back. "Though those love bites look even better. They're the most beautiful things I've seen you wearing."

She didn't dignify that with a response, choosing to ignore the comment. Her fingers grazed the neckerchief briefly before she shifted her focus away, taking a sip of the iced coffee. The sweetness was just right, and it brought a touch of familiarity to the moment.

A comfortable silence settled between them, the ambient sounds of the café fading into the background. It wasn't an uncomfortable or awkward silence, and Sora found a certain peace in it—until a familiar voice reached her ears.

"Sora? Jay?"

Looking to the side, she noticed a familiar figure from the past – Jay's colleague, Felix.

"Felix?" Jay responded. Sora observed Felix's initial surprise upon seeing them, but it quickly transformed into a smile.

"It's good to see you both here," Felix remarked, glancing between Sora and Jay. "And you two seem to be... closer than I thought."

"Yeah, we're close," Jay deadpanned, his half-lidded eyes fixed on Felix. "Closer than you would have imagined."

Felix shifted his gaze from Jay to Sora, puzzled by Jay's remark. "Sora, what does he mean?"

"Nothing," Sora replied, taking a nonchalant bite of her cake. "And Felix, I remember that I told you I don't want to find you in sight ever again."

"Ah, yes, sorry, I forgot. It's pure coincidence," he muttered, briefly looking down. Sora could sense Jay's irritation, whether it was due to her casual conversation with Felix or something else, she wasn't certain.

Only after that eventful coffee, while Jay drove the car, did he voice out his irritation.

"What the hell was that about?" he asked, eyes fixed on the road.

"About what?"

"You and Felix, talking like you two have known each other for years."

"We have known each other for years," she said, looking at Jay. "We used to date back in college."

Jay remained silent for a few seconds, focusing on driving. Sora enjoyed the moment of silence for a while, until he spoke again.

"You let him drop formalities while you've been grumbling about not dropping formalities with me."

Sora suddenly stopped, realizing why he's annoyed. He's like a kid, she thought. Looking back at him, she couldn't help but notice his resemblance to a child throwing a tantrum, and she found herself chuckling.

Jay was surprised when he heard Sora laughing, briefly tearing his eyes from the road to confirm that she was genuinely amused.

"Are you jealous, Mr. Park?" she teased.

"Shut the hell up," he muttered, and she chuckled more. The car came to a stop, and as her laughter subsided, she noticed they were outside her place.

As she began to express her intention to leave, Jay intervened by holding the back of her head, capturing her lips in a sudden and passionate kiss. It started gentle, but swiftly escalated to a more intense exchange.

"You better stop if you don't want to see yourself on the news," she warned between kisses.

"I don't care about those damn paparazzi; you're worth it," he replied. Her heart raced, recalling Felix's reluctance to be seen with her in public due to career concerns.

His hand moved toward her neck, loosening the neckerchief until it fell. As he leaned back, his lips traced her neck, and she couldn't help but react.

"So what if," he muttered, leaning back and looking at her. "I'm jealous, got a problem with that?"

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this book is nearing its end....