Chapter 172: Control Yourself Till We Get Home[June’s POV]
That was literally the most dramatic shopping trip of my life.
Like... who even runs into their ex-crush in the lingerie section, and then almost dies of embarrassment while holding pink lace? Me. Of course it’s me.
We finally walked out of the store, Ian holding all the shopping bags in one hand like it was nothing, like he wasn’t carrying half of Walmart in there.
Parking lot lights hit his face just right, making him look all model-y for no reason.
"Thanks, Ian," I smiled, soft but trying not to make it a thing.
He side-eyed me, smirk tugging at his lips. "Anything for my girl."
Excuse me?
My girl??
And there it was. That stupid line that somehow made my chest tighten and my stomach flip.
I get it now. I fully get it. Why girls are literally glued to him all the time. Why they’re orbiting him like he’s the sun.
Does he talk like this to them too? Or is this just for me? Ugh. Why am I even thinking about that?
He opened the passenger door for me, bowing dramatically like he was some kind of prince. I rolled my eyes, climbed in, and muttered, "You’re so extra."
He shut the door, and dropped the bags in the backseat, then
"Shit," he cursed, snapping his fingers. "Forgot something. Stay put, I’ll be right back."
He locked the car, and turned back.
And just like that, he was walking back toward the store, broad shoulders, easy swagger, that walk.
I caught myself smiling like an idiot at his back.
Like... DAMN. This man is hot. Hot and cute, which is a dangerous combo.
Like... why is his walk hot?
Then I caught my reflection in the side mirror.
"Wow," I whispered. My smile was stretched so wide. "Girl, you’re done for."
Am I actually developing feelings for Ian Han?
What if he’s just... playing with me?
What if I’m just another notch on his belt? Another story he laughs about with his boys later?
Because honestly, that’s terrifying.
This man is a certified flirt, has like a thousand body count, smokes like a chimney, womanizer deluxe. He’s basically a walking red flag that looks like a green light when he smiles.
And me?
A virgin who just had her first kiss not that long ago. With him. A girl who doesn’t even know what she’s doing half the time.
Do you see the mismatch??
What if I’m not ready for sex and he doesn’t care?
What if he forces me? What if I am ready someday but I’m terrible at it and he leaves?
What if he just wakes up one morning, yawns, and decides to go sleep with some random girl because well, that’s who Ian is?
Ugh. My chest hurt just thinking about it.
My phone buzzed.
I snatched it up, heartbeat stupidly hoping it was him even though he literally just walked away.
It was him.
Ian: Hope you’re good? Anything else you need last minute? I’ll get it for you.
A smile broke out across my face before I could stop it. Why is he like this?
I typed back fast: Yeah I’m okay, waiting for you tho. Don’t need anything else.
Send.
Immediately, another call came in...
Dad.
"Oh, shit," I muttered. I’d completely forgotten to call him since I left.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I swiped green and plastered on my best innocent voice.
"Hi, Dad!"
""June," his deep voice came through, calm but with that little edge of worry. "Where are you? It’s late."
My heart was pounding. Ian was still inside, thank god.
"I’m at... Ash’s place," I said, way too fast. My palms were so sweaty, even my phone almost dropped. "We...we’re working on a school project. It’s kind of a big one, so... I might stay over for the night, if that’s okay."
There. The lie. My first real, bold-faced lie. And it tasted so sour on my tongue I wanted to spit it out.
There was a pause on the line, long enough for me to chew on my nail until it almost snapped.
Then Dad sighed. "Alright. As long as you’re safe. I trust Ash. Just don’t stay up all night working. You’ve got school tomorrow."
Guilt stabbed me straight in the chest. I pictured his face, soft but tired, believing me without question.
"Yeah... I know." I said instantly, nodding even though he couldn’t see me. "Thanks, Dad. I’ll be safe. Promise."
"Okay. Goodnight, sweetheart. Call me if you need anything."
"Goodnight dad," I whispered.
The call ended.
I first sighed.
Then sat there, staring at my reflection in the dark window like it was judging me. My cheeks felt hot, my palm was still sweaty.
I’d lied. To my dad. For the first time ever. And for what? For Ian Han, and his perfect dumb jawline.
I sank back into the seat, pressing my phone against my chest, whispering to myself like some desperate pep talk:
"It’s fine. It’s just one night. One stupid night. Dad doesn’t have to know."
And then, like he was summoned by my guilt...I spotted Ian’s figure coming back through the glass doors, bags in hand, smirk already forming like he knew I’d been spiraling without him.
And all I could think was: How the hell did I just lie to my dad for you?
The car door clicked open and I jumped so hard I almost knocked my phone out of my hand.
"Whoa, chill, it’s just me," Ian said, sliding in with that smug grin.
"Dude, you scared me," I scoffed, clutching my chest.
"Scared you?" He leaned back, smirking. "What were you doing in here?"
"What did I saw u was doing?" I narrowed my eyes.
"I don’t know..." He leaned closer, lowering his voice.
My heart started sprinting. "Ian, what are you doing?" I stammered as his face got way too close. His breath was literally hot on my face.
Oh my god. Someone might literally see us through the windshield. "Control yourself till we get home," I blurted, scoffing and turning away.
Wait!
WAIT!
Did I just say till we get home???