L*ck Me If You Can

Chapter 206

"Hello, Mr. Niles."

As Koi struggled to catch his breath, the doorman greeted him with a smile. Seeing the face of the man he knew, Koi felt a sense of relief and answered in a broken voice.

"Hello, Ash... has... Miller... returned?"

Amid his rough breaths, Koi barely managed to ask, and the doorman nodded in response.

"Yes, he went upstairs three hours ago."

The doorman confirmed and led the way, pressing the elevator button.

Koi's heart started to race for a different reason as he hurried into the elevator. Soon, he would be able to see him. Very soon. Finally.

As the elevator doors opened, Koi shot out like a bullet. As he crossed the large living room and finally reached the kitchen, Koi gasped for air.

He was there. Leaning one hand on the counter and sipping whiskey, the tall man was staring out of the front window. Koi froze in place, covering his mouth with his hand.

Ash.

The voice that had grown quiet like the sound of a breath faded within Koi's palm.

Haah, haah.

Breaths kept escaping from his mouth, his shoulders heaving as he couldn’t speak anymore. When his vision blurred with an overwhelming sense of emotion, Ashley turned his head. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, Koi froze.

But the moment didn’t last long. A smile gradually spread across Ashley’s previously expressionless face as he spoke.

"Koi."

Ashley set down the whiskey glass and opened his arms wide. Koi immediately leaped into them.

"Ash..."

As he rushed to hug Ashley, the reality of the situation hit him. The thick body in his arms, the warmth, it was undeniably real.

It wasn’t a dream.

He had dreamed of Ashley many times. But whenever he tried to catch him, he slipped away, always growing more distant. This time was different. Koi fumbled to check Ashley's body.

It’s real. He’s really back.

"I missed you."

At Koi's words, Ashley also embraced him and whispered softly.

"I missed you too."

"Then why..."

A voice choked with tears came out, and Koi forced himself to take a deep breath, continuing.

"Why didn’t you contact me? Why... after returning, why... no, it’s okay. As long as you're back. This is enough."

He hurriedly erased the words filled with resentment and kept repeating that it was fine. Pressing his face close and feeling Ashley's body temperature, Koi heard the sound of Ashley’s heartbeat in his ear. So regular, so ordinary.

"Ash...?"

Koi's excited voice sank with unease. Hesitantly, he raised his head, and immediately, his eyes met Ashley’s purple irises. That was when he felt something was off. As the thought of Bernice’s words flashed in his mind, Ashley turned his head with a bright smile and kissed his cheek.

"How did you know I was back?"

Koi, half in disbelief, opened his mouth.

"Miss Bernice contacted me. She said you were discharged. As soon as I heard, I came running."

"...I see."

Ashley murmured, a slight pause between them. He still smiled and comforted Koi.

"You must have been really worried. I'm sorry. It’s fine now."

Koi leaned his head back against his chest and barely managed to confess.

"Miss Bernice said there was something wrong with your memory... is it... really okay? There’s nothing wrong?"

"It’s nothing."

This time, the response came without hesitation. Ashley added casually.

"Bernice exaggerated. Don’t worry about it."

"Are you sure there’s nothing wrong with your memory?"

When Koi asked once more to confirm, Ashley brushed it off lightly.

"It’s not serious. But Koi, you were at Elle’s house, right?"

Taken by surprise, Koi answered without thinking.

"Ah, yeah... something happened, so..."

"What happened?"

Ashley laughed and rubbed his nose against Koi’s. Laughing at the playful gesture, Koi smiled and hugged his neck.

The words from Ariel that had weighed so heavily on his heart flew out of his mind.

It doesn’t matter.

Koi whispered the words he had repeated countless times to himself and spoke.

"Elle said you didn’t love me."

Koi continued with a smile still on his face.

"You said you were trying to make me happy, but it was to make me unhappy. You said that to Elle."

Ashley stared at him silently. Koi’s fluttering heart began to settle. Though Ashley still smiled, his eyes were completely different. The purple eyes staring at him made unease start to grow in Koi’s heart.

"...Ash?"

He struggled to keep his smile as he spoke.

"It’s a lie, right? ...What Elle said, that was just a joke, right?"

Koi’s voice trembled faintly. He hoped desperately that Ashley would deny it. Even if it was a lie, he wanted Ashley to say that it wasn’t true.

Then I’d believe everything...

"And?"

Ashley asked. Instead of the answer Koi wanted, he asked another question.

"What else is there?"

Koi could no longer keep smiling. He felt his lips lose strength as he answered with difficulty.

"You... were engaged."

He spoke painfully, as if squeezing the words out from his throat.

"There was someone you were going to marry... rich, and very beautiful."

Ashley furrowed his brows at Koi's words. Hesitant, Koi confessed.

"I ran into her at the French restaurant. The person I went with knew her... "

Koi, barely managing to say this much, forced a smile, squeezing out whatever energy he had left.

"There must have been some reason for it, right? You’ve always liked me, right?"

As he asked repeatedly with a trembling voice, the arm around Koi's waist loosened. Koi saw Ashley release him and take out a cigarette and lighter from his pocket.

Ashley exhaled a long cloud of smoke. The white smoke that cut through the air quickly became hazy. He brought the cigarette back to his mouth and spoke.

"It’s true."

Koi stared at him in surprise with wide eyes. Ashley spoke in a completely emotionless, everyday tone.

"It’s true. Everything you said. All of it."

Koi’s mind went blank for a moment. Even if Ashley had hit him in the head, he wouldn’t have been this stunned. Koi, who felt completely numb, barely managed to open his mouth, but no words came out.

"Why?"

Koi’s words were taken over by Ashley's. The kind face that had been so affectionate was now gone, replaced by a cold, stern expression staring at Koi.

"I thought it would take longer. I figured Elle had already told you."

Ashley spoke as if amazed. At that moment, a thought crossed Koi’s mind, and he rushed to ask.

"Did you tell Elle that on purpose? Why?"

Did you think I wouldn’t back down, no matter what I heard?

When a chill crept into his heart, Ashley spoke.

"Knowing that won’t change anything."

He squinted his eyes and gave a faint smile. Koi felt like he was looking at a stranger. Is that really Ashley? Where did the person I loved go? Who is this?

"Didn’t you love me...?"

Koi finally managed to speak. He knew how pathetic that question was, but he couldn’t stop himself from asking. He desperately wished Ashley would say it was all a joke and look up at him. Ashley exhaled a sigh, then spoke.

"I told you, I love you."

Who could believe those words of love said in such a cold voice? Still, looking at Koi, frozen with a pale face, Ashley continued indifferently.

"Even now, I want you to be happy. Truly, with all my heart."

He placed the hand holding the cigarette on his left chest and smiled. Koi grew even more confused, unable to think straight.

"I’ve only ever loved you."

Koi fumbled as he spoke.

"I’ve regretted hurting you all along. That’s why I came here. I gathered every bit of money with all my strength just to meet you... "

I thought we truly understood each other.

"You never said you were going to marry someone else. ...I know it’s in the past. You didn’t know what I was thinking, so you could have liked someone else. But you told me you only wanted me. You said you only had me, and then... How am I supposed to believe it when you say you love me again...?"

Koi couldn't continue and closed his mouth. His vision was blurry, and his heart ached terribly. Seeing Koi's expression, Ashley frowned and laughed as if in disbelief.

"Koi, what were you expecting from me?"

His voice still mixed with laughter, and Koi could feel how ridiculous he must look to him. Ashley shook his head and sighed.

"You abandoned me."

Koi felt like he had been hit in the head again. Ashley, still grinning, continued.

"Did you think I’d forget that? Koi, you’re no longer an innocent age. By now, you should have realized I wouldn’t trust you."

Suddenly, the world around him faded to white before slowly coming back into focus. Koi, blinking rapidly to clear his vision, whispered.

"...So, you want to get revenge on me?"

All those words he’d °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° said to him, the sweet kisses, the loving confessions, and all those “I love you”s...

It was all just to hurt him...

Ashley’s cigarette burned red at the tip, and he deeply inhaled before exhaling with a sigh.

"Koi, what’s the point of doing something so petty? It’s just a waste of time."

"So what is all this then? Say it plainly!"

Unable to hold back any longer, Koi shouted. He couldn't bear it without shouting, but unlike Koi, who was bursting with emotion, Ashley remained calm.

"Is there more to explain? That’s it. While you were preparing to meet me over the last ten years, I was preparing in my own way."

"Preparing to make me unhappy?"

Ashley gave a small laugh at Koi’s question.

"Well, I guess it depends on your point of view."

He was playing with words. Koi felt like a small citizen fighting an unwinnable battle in court. Eventually, he gave up, slumping his shoulders.

"What do you want from me? You want me to disappear? You want me to go back to the West?"

Koi suddenly felt like crying and quickly suppressed his emotions. As the thought that he might never see Ashley again made his heart ache, Ashley sighed in disbelief.

"So? Are you going to abandon me again?"

At his taunting words, Koi shook his head quickly.

"This time, I’ll never leave you... as long as you don’t tell me to go."

"I don’t care."

Ashley said, casually severing any lingering attachment.

"Do whatever you want, stay here or go back to the West. Either way, you’ll never leave me again."

"What does that mean?"

Seeing Ashley raise the whiskey glass to his lips, Koi anxiously asked. But Ashley glanced at him and answered nonchalantly.

"You’ll find out soon enough."

A sense of foreboding filled Koi's chest again, but Ashley simply smiled and lifted his glass as if to make a toast. After draining the remaining whiskey, Ashley glanced at Koi before suddenly speaking.

"How are you feeling?"

"...I’m fine."

Though he was sometimes exhausted, Koi didn’t mention it. "Really?" Ashley said, stroking his chin and then shrugging a shoulder.

"Since you're done here, why not leave? Or do you still have something to say?"

Ashley checked his wristwatch on purpose, and Koi came to his senses. If he left now, he might never see Ashley again. He took a deep breath and steadied himself.

"I’m still here. I have something to say."

Ashley, as if to dare him, looked at him. His expression seemed indifferent, even bored, as Koi began to speak.

"Let’s get married, Ash."

The smile disappeared from Ashley’s face. Seeing his face turn rigid like a mask, Koi, gaining confidence, spoke again with strength.

"Marry me."

Ashley didn’t say a word. His eyes didn’t even blink as they stared at Koi. Standing tall, Koi waited for a response. After a short exhale, Ashley frowned and laughed without a hint of amusement.

"Why all of a sudden? Was I the one who lost my mind, or was it you?"

"I’m fine. Your ears aren’t broken either. I asked you to marry me. As much as you love me, I’m being sincere."

Koi spoke quickly and firmly. If he had a ring, it would be perfect, but there was nothing he could do. He continued.

"You said you believe I love you, right? You love me too. So isn’t that enough? We should get married, of course."

For the first time, Ashley fell silent. He hadn’t expected Koi to fight back like this, but Koi didn’t feel a sense of triumph. Ashley was probably trying to figure out what Koi’s intentions were, but Koi wasn’t hiding anything. He simply spoke his mind, just as Ashley had done.

Just then, the phone rang, and both their gazes turned toward it. It was Ashley’s phone, placed on the counter.

"I’ll leave now."

Koi spoke before Ashley could pick it up. Looking into Koi’s eyes, he continued clearly.

"I’ll buy the ring. I wanted to give you the chance to propose, but since you missed it, don’t blame me."

Having said what he needed to say, Koi turned and left. He heard Ashley call him from behind, but he didn’t stop.

As he rode the elevator down, Koi still couldn’t feel the reality of the situation. It wasn’t until he turned the corner outside the building that he exhaled a long, loud sigh.

"Hah."

He collapsed onto the floor. His head was spinning as he tried to catch his breath. He never knew he had such boldness in him.

How will Ash react?

The future was beyond his imagination. The only thing he was sure of was his own heart. Koi had no choice but to believe in himself and move forward.

After another trembling exhale, he took a deep breath. That’s when his phone vibrated. Startled, he checked the number and frowned in confusion. It was a number he didn’t recognize.

It could be spam.

He hesitated for a moment, but before he could decide, the phone rang again. Feeling like he had to answer, Koi carefully pressed the call button.

"Hello?"

He spoke cautiously, and immediately a cheerful voice came from the other end.

Koi, is this Koi? It’s Bill!

"Bill?"

Koi shouted in surprise without realizing it.

"Bill!"

They both embraced each other as soon as they saw each other, just like when they met in the hotel room. The warmth of their bodies and the firm grip on each other brought the strongest sense of reality.

"How long has it been? You’ve been doing okay? You look a bit thinner."

"I’m fine. But what’s going on with you? Were you training?"

As Koi tried to separate himself and ask, Bill gave a wry smile and raised one arm.

"I got injured. It’s not serious, but they said I should take two weeks off from training."

"What happened?"

"Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious."

When Koi noticed the bandage around Bill’s wrist, he was startled, but Bill just waved it off with a smile. After having some tea and dessert, they exchanged how things had been going before getting to the point.

"So, did you come here on vacation? All the way here?"

Koi asked, and Bill gave an ambiguous expression before answering.

"Well, that’s part of it, but there’s another reason."

"Huh? What’s that?"

Koi asked again, but Bill casually changed the subject.

"What about you? Have you seen Ash? That guy is apparently a famous lawyer around here."

Bill made a V shape with his index and middle fingers, emphasizing 'fame' with a flick of his fingers. Koi scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

"I don’t really know about that... but I did meet him."

Koi, who had always been supported by Elle and Bill, hesitated but eventually summarized everything that had happened so far. Bill, who had initially looked intrigued, grew more serious, and by the end, his jaw dropped in surprise.

"He proposed? Out of nowhere?"

"Yeah."

Koi felt embarrassed by Bill’s shocked expression and quickly looked away.

"How is he backing off now? I guess I have to push him."

"Well, that might be right."

Bill looked at Koi, who had always seemed timid and withdrawn. He was amazed that Koi had this side to him. Feeling strangely proud, Bill exaggeratedly patted Koi on the back.

"Hey, good job. You did great. That’s what a man should do. Ash, that guy isn’t even a man. You have to push him. What’s the point of being big if you’re just going to run away? If that’s the case, just cut him off. Is that even a man?"

Well, that’s a bit much...

Koi thought to himself. But, deep down, he still needed Ash. Cutting him off wasn’t an option.

Anyway, Koi quickly changed the subject and spoke up.

"Now, let’s see what Ash does next."

Bill nodded, agreeing.

"But seriously, what’s up with Ash? Does he really love you?"

"I think he’s sincere about it."

Koi spoke with conviction, but soon he slumped, feeling defeated.

"But I have no idea what he’s thinking. It doesn’t make any sense."

But he couldn’t back down. Koi had already given up on Ashley once. This time, he swore he wouldn’t. The only choice left for him was to move forward.

"Let’s see what Ash does. I’ll wait a week. If I don’t hear from him, I’ll go to his office or somewhere else. I’m going to buy a ring and propose properly."

Bill’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped.

"Wow, you really act fast. I mean, you’ve been working for ten years to get this far."

"Yeah, if Ash says he doesn’t love me anymore, I’ll have to accept it, but if he says he still loves me, there’s no reason to give up."

Seeing Koi speak with confidence, Bill nodded.

"That’s right. Anyway, Elle and I are always on your side."

"Thank you. You’ve really been a big help."

Koi replied with heartfelt gratitude. Without Elle and Bill, he wouldn’t have been able to gather the strength to keep going. Thanks to Bill showing up at just the right time, Koi could now steady his wavering heart.

This time, he wouldn’t make any mistakes.

After reminding himself, he changed the subject and asked.

"I’ve said all I need to. Now, tell me your side. Why did you come here? What’s the reason?"

He realized he had forgotten to ask about the traits earlier, but the moment had passed. He thought he should talk to Ashley about it first, so Koi waited for Bill’s answer. Bill scratched his short hair and hesitated before speaking.

"Hey, you... met with Elle, right? How’s she doing? Is she... seeing someone?"

"Huh?"

Seeing Bill’s cheeks turn slightly red, Koi suddenly had an epiphany, realizing everything.

"Wait, you?"

Shocked, Bill covered his face with both hands and bowed his head.

"Oh no, I really can’t live without Elle."

Koi stood there with his mouth open, staring blankly at him. They had thought it was all over when Elle moved to the East, but was it not?

Koi quickly gulped some water, took a deep breath, and spoke.

"Tell me everything."