Chapter 09.02

It was a huge venue—four identical bikini-clad dancers performed on small stages in each corner. Near the entrance, the DJ’s podium stood, where people could step up to request songs. Opposite the entrance, the bar wasn’t against the wall, allowing space for high-backed booths surrounding tables.

“Look,” Mayoko pointed. “The DJ from last summer.”

“Awesome, my girl’s number one fan,” I joked. Of course, he spotted us at the entrance and waved.

Paul went to get drinks with Daryl and Brian while the rest of us found a free table.

“Messyhair,” Jenny whispered in my ear after we sat down and started sipping our drinks. “Do me a favor—go congratulate them.”

“Of course, beautiful,” I smiled and headed to the podium once everyone was seated. Better me than her.

“Hey, man,” the DJ grinned. “Another bet?”

“Just a congratulations for my friend’s engagement,” I said simply. He handed me the mic and lowered the music.

“Hey, everyone,” I said, and the noise quieted. “Just taking a moment to congratulate Ashley and Daryl on their engagement on behalf of my friends and myself. Please join me in wishing them happiness with a round of applause. Thank you.”

The crowd clapped, I handed back the mic, and headed back to my seat.

“You’re a lucky guy,” the DJ called after me.

“Why’s that?” I asked, though I had a feeling I knew.

“Your girlfriend,” he grinned. “After countless requests, she finally accepted my dinner invitation last year. But I underestimated her—I thought she was like the others.”

“A lot of people make that mistake,” I shrugged.

“I see she’s back with you,” he nodded toward Jenny. “Tell her I’m sorry.”

“I am lucky,” I said, ignoring his comment, and walked back to my seat.

Jenny watched quietly as I sat beside her.

“You figured it out, didn’t you?” she asked, fidgeting slightly. The others were watching us.

“That he’s into you and would love to take you home?” I laughed, wrapping an arm around her. “Babe, almost everyone here would.”

“A-and you’re not mad?” she asked softly. I gave her a quick kiss to reassure her.

“Oh, right!” Paul suddenly laughed. “The DJ guy—the soup incident!” He quickly pieced the story together for the others.

“I didn’t eat the soup,” Jenny corrected. “I did go home afterward, but before that, it landed on his head.”

I burst out laughing, she smiled, and the others laughed too. Paul subtly flipped off the DJ.

I spent the whole night dancing with my girl, right in front of the DJ—just to make sure he knew what he’d missed out on.

“Messyhair,” she whispered during a slow song. “I’m sorry I went on dates.”

“If you’d gotten a boyfriend, I wouldn’t have had the right to be mad—I was the one who pushed you away,” I said, holding her tighter. “But I’m glad these lips are still mine.”

“They’ll stay yours now,” she whispered against my lips, then realized what she’d said and blushed. “I-I didn’t mean that as a hint,” she stammered, embarrassed.

“Hey, hey, relax,” I pressed a finger to her lips. “I love you, and I’d be honored if that’s how it turns out.”

I kissed her, and she returned it, relieved.

Slowly, the pre-exam rush began. I spent more and more time at Jenny’s place, just so we could see each other while studying. Whenever Paul wasn’t home, no matter the time of day, we ended up in Jenny’s bed. I had never met anyone like her—I loved her more each day.

I tried to do something sweet for her every week—even if it was just a bland breakfast—just to show her how much she meant to me. And she proved it to me every day with her actions.

Uncle Steve’s subject was my first exam, scheduled before the holidays.

“Messyhair,” Jenny said the night before, “Grandpa won’t be here tomorrow because Adam’s family is coming for the holidays.”

“So someone else is giving the test, huh?” I laughed as we ate in the kitchen.

“Yes, Karen will be there. I’ll just help her before I go take my own exam. She says she feels less nervous about the staring eyes when she’s not alone, but she can’t exactly ask a professor to sit with her.”

“But you’re not an apprentice.”

“No,” she smiled. “But I don’t teach—I just collect the tests. And after registration, I can assist her if the professor agrees.”

“Who happens to be your grandpa,” I smiled. She nodded.

“I’m guessing you want me to sleep at the dorm,” I read her thoughts. “So you can get a good night’s rest.” I smiled.

“You’re getting more thoughtful—thank you,” she laughed, surprised.

“The proposal will be the ultimate proof,” I teased before kissing her.

“But we’re going home together, right?” she asked hesitantly as she walked me out. “We’re good, right?”

“Babe,” I said, wrapping my arms around her, “you should start believing that there’s nothing you could do to change that. I love you.”

“I love you too, Messyhair,” she whispered and kissed me before closing the door.