Lollipop

Corey It all started with a lollipop. Not just any lollipop, but Chupa Chup. Chupa Chup. Why must it be a Chupa Chup? Why couldn't it be the old traditional lollipop? It could've inspired Corey a story. Something like, girl cried out of nowhere for some f*****g reason, boy appear like a ninja, give that giant traditional lollipop to girl, they become friends, develop feelings... All of those would eventually lead to a happy ending where both main characters get married and have 2 children. But no, it had to be a Chupa Chup. Not that Corey actually minded, to be honest. How did Corey end up with a Chupa Chup lollipop, you ask? It all began with a heartbreak. Basically, Corey got his heart broken by his crush, Anastasia because she developed feelings for another person and confessed her feelings to that person. Not just some random jock in the university he studied in, but his bisexual female best friend, Jermaine. Guess what, Jermaine had feelings for her too and they started dating. How did Corey found out, then? Both girls came out to him since he was their friend. What the actual f**k? After all those flitting glances Corey and Anastasia shared? Had he misunderstood her actions? He definitely had nothing against l***q+ people. Heck, he is a fanfiction writer that fixated on writing 'boyxboy' and 'girlxgirl' stories. But for that to happen to him? All he could say was... What the f**k? If his life were to turn into a story, the next logical step he would do was to grant them happiness, give them the support they need and walk away. That was what he did. Firstly, he walked away. Secondly, his footsteps became heavier and it turned into a sprint. Thirdly, he ran into an abandoned park, squatted behind a rubbish bin with his back facing the said bin. Someone once said to him, "Never show your tears in front of anyone." Now he was alone, he could do whatever he wanted. Shortly, tears watered his cheeks as they streamed down his face like rivulets. Damn, stop crying already! It's just a heartbreak, nothing serious! He chided himself. However, that did not really help. Of course, that was his first heartbreak. He didn't blame Jermaine for 'stealing his crush', but that hurt like a b***h. Despite his attempts to ignore the voice in his head that told him to cry out loud and give no f**k to the surrounding, somewhere inside him knew that he had to stop being a crybaby. But he couldn't. His sensitive self wouldn't allow him to. "f**k, so this is how heartache feels like?" he muttered as he faced upwards. Staring at the broad blue sky, the event replayed in his mind again. Them holding hands, them smiling gently at each other, them telling him the truth, and them looking worried after he excused himself. Now the collective 'them' was starting to irritate him. "Stop it, Corey. Stop being a f*****g p***y and just let it go. You can find yourself a better girl. A girl who loves you, a girl who you can commit to," he repeated that twice to himself and shut his eye for a second. Afterward, he titled his face down and gave himself a big, tight slap. Breath in, breath out. Just when he decided to stand up after the long squat, a masculine voice sang behind him. "Should I help slap you too?" Corey looked behind him and there stood an Asian boy who flashed him a smile. One prominent feature that stuck out to Corey was the latter's height--damn, even if Corey stood up now, he would still be shorter than him. The said boy was a good mix of handsome looks and heights. Black midnight eyes, slightly tanned skin, brownish hair and lastly... dimples. Corey always liked girls with dimples, but this was the first time he felt that dimples actually would look good on a guy's face, too. Never show your tears in front of anyone. The sentence reverberated in his mind again, and again. He tried to cover his face, but he stopped him by grabbing his wrist. "You don't have to hide, ya know? By the way, you have not replied to my question," the other male pouted and let go as he sat down on the ground facing him. Without knowing it, Corey changed his position and crossed his legs together. "I don't need your help to slap me, thank you very much," Corey's voice cracked as he replied. After all that crying earlier, he wasn't surprised that his voice changed. The unknown boy chuckled a little upon hearing the reply. "What a pity," he shrugged. He took out a piece of tissue and offered, "May I?" He didn't wait for Corey's answer though. He just started wiping away the tears and snot from Corey's face gently. Heat rushed through Corey's face as he tilted his face downwards. This is so embarrassing. "Don't move." Silence filled the atmosphere between both of them until the other male decided to throw the tissue paper into the bin that was now beside Corey. "I could ask you why you cried, but I don't think you would appreciate it. So, I'll just sit here and accompany you. At least you won't feel lonely. But, let's move to the bench, shall we?" he said as a genuine smile spread across his handsome features. Corey hesitated for a moment. Honestly, he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. However, for some reason, he did not detest his company. A faint smile tugged his lips. "Thanks." Then, both males sat down together on the bench. Despite the fact that the park was abandoned, chirping sounds could still be heard nearby. The leaves of the neighbouring trees rustled in the wind to create a melody of nature. That was one reason why Corey liked coming here. No one would be around, except for little brats. Corey peeked at the newcomer, who was busying writing on something that he could not see from his angle. He wanted to know what the dude wrote on, but it seemed that he was deliberately hiding it away from him. When he was done, he glanced at him, and gave him a small wave. Moments later, a conversation sparked between the both of them. "Let's get to know each other, shall we? I am Jun and I'm from Japan." "I am Corey," Corey paused. "a local." "Nice to meet you, Corey. I'll start by telling you that I'm a Virgo, my birthday is on 10 September, and I'm 19 because I'm weird like that." Suddenly, his newfound friend let out a small chuckle. "Actually, I just like horoscope and astrology a lot. Does that tell you something about me now? Or do I have to add on that I love cats?" "I'm..." That's an outburst of information, Corey blinked for a second. "I don't know my horoscope, but my birthday is on 28 June, and I'm..." Damn, I'm older than him and he's taller than me. What kind of logic is this? Also, who the hell introduces themselves by telling the other party their star sign and birthday? This dude is weird as heck. "20." "Wow, you're older! Can't tell though. Well, you're a Cancer. We'll get along, Virgo and Cancer are compatible together," the Japanese winked. Yeah, I can't tell that you're younger either, Corey retorted at the back of his mind. "So tell me more about yourself." "I'm... a fanfiction writer who writes weird shit." Wow, way to go Corey. Yeah, tell a random stranger that you write fanfiction, you genius, Corey scolded himself at the back of his mind. "Really? Who do you ship? Anime characters, Youtubers, book characters or K-pop?" Why am I talking to someone whom I have never met before? "Anything... As long as they look good and interact well with one another, they're a couple to me. Basically anime characters, like Victuuri... maybe gay pairings." Great, more reasons for me to slap myself harder for looking stupid in front of him. "s**t, I found my soulmate!" Jun's grin sparkled as he moved closer to Corey. "I'm a trash for Victuuri too. Totally agree with you about that, though lesbian couples are more of my thing. We'll really get along well." Time seemed to fly like a rocket when you're enjoying yourself. It was as if Corey's troubles were nonexistent when he was conversing with Jun. Corey was fascinated with the other male's bubbly and outgoing personality, and his smile. Or maybe stunned that Jun was so extroverted as compared to him. When Corey checked his watch, it was already 8.00 pm. He stood up and looked at him. What should I say? Strangely, I don't feel like going home. "Is it time for you to go home?" Jun asked with a cute smile. Are all dudes this good-looking or is it just him? "Yes. Thank you, you know, for..." wiping my face with such gentleness "staying with me even if we're like total strangers..." Corey's voice trailed away as he fought the blush that was threatening to creep into his face. Why is my face turning hot? Am I sick? "Nah, I enjoy talking to you. Ya know, I believe in destiny, so I know that we will meet again." A Cheshire cat's grin appeared on Jun's appearance and deepened his dimples. Damn, those dimples... Why the f**k am I noticing his dimples like a creep? "It's also time for me to go back to my hotel, so bye!" "Probably. Bye," Corey waved at the other male and walked off. However, before he could even go far, a voice called out to him. "Wait!" Corey turned behind and saw Jun chasing after him. After which, Jun handed him a lollipop. "For you. Think of me when you eat it. Haha, just joking. Bye!" And he skipped off to a different direction. Back to reality, Corey was still standing there, dumbfounded. Then, he fought back a smile as he unwrapped the lollipop. Strawberry and Cream. Just then, he noticed a small writing on the wrapper of the lollipop. His eyes creased in amusement as his lips stretched into a small grin. Here's a lollipop to cheer you up! There was a mobile phone number scribbled underneath the message. Beside the phone number was a small note, msg me soon. No wonder it had to be a Chupa Chup lollipop. - Jun The first person Jun gave a lollipop to was a chubby introverted girl named Aimi. Not a Chupa Chup lollipop, but a Great Monster Lollipop. To cut the long story short, Jun decided to give his Great Monster Lollipop to Aimi as a White Day gift because it seemed that no boys gave anything to her. Other girls received many gifts and were flaunting to their friends. Aimi was the only without anything, thus she was looked down on by her closest friends. What a bunch of bitches, Jun thought at that time. Then, he walked over to the chubby girl and handed her a Great Monster Lollipop with a small ribbon tied. From that day on, both Aimi and Jun became good friends. If that story were to turn into a fiction, Jun and Aimi would then fall in love with each other. Throw in the antagonist, misunderstandings, quarrels and parents' objection. In the end, they would end up getting married with 2 little children. Isn't that wonderful? No. Firstly, Aimi was a self-proclaimed aromantic and an asexual. Secondly, both of them felt no romantic attraction for each other. Thirdly, Jun would never get together with anyone who disliked cats. Aimi hated cats. Well, that's their ending. "Don't go! It's a mighty long fall. When you thought love was the top..." The song screamed in his ear as he scrolled through his phone. Every 5 minutes he would sip his Caffè Mocha and return back to his phone. Sitting alone in his seat in the Starbucks, he could hear some girls gossiping with their friends about how hot he was. When Jun caught them red-handed, he would wave at them and smile. Bored. I'm freaking bored. I have finished exploring where I wanted to go and now I'm left with just a goddamn Starbucks. Jun had one more week left before he returned back to Japan. Jun had it all planned out: He would return to Japan and kiss his parents and friends good-bye and leave for Britain and there his university life would officially start. I wonder if Corey realized that I wrote my mobile phone number on the lollipop wrapping, Jun pondered as he stared absently at his phone. He remained like that for a few minutes until his phone suddenly vibrated. He shook his head and scrolled up to see the notification. It was an unknown number that messaged him. Unknown: Hey, this is Jun, right? This is Corey, the person you've met in the park two days ago. Corey... He finally messaged me! Jun rejoiced in the back of his mind. Swiftly, his thumb flew over the keyboard as if he was playing a fast song on the piano. Jun: Yap! You finally messaged me! I was worried if you did not see the writings on the lollipop I gave you ε-('・｀)' Corey: I was thinking if I should actually, but I decided to do so. Corey: I'm bored. Jun: Same here, wanna join me? I'm at a Starbucks outlet near a big ass shopping mall. I almost got lost trying to get to Starbucks T-T Corey: I know where that is, it's near where I live. I'll join you then. - Approximately half an hour later, Corey appeared in front of Jun with a coy but charming smile. Jun took his Fjallraven Kanken backpack away from the seat in front of him and invited Corey to sit down. His eyes glanced up and down and a small grin danced on his lips. Corey looked much neater, as compared to how he looked when they had first met. Jun knew that it was common for Americans to have green eyes, but damn, the latter's eyes were beautiful shades of green that spoke gentleness and softness. The Cancer's brunet neat hair was swept to the right side and he had a sharp nose. It was easy to tell that Corey was well-built, despite his slender figure. "Order something?" "Sure, I'll buy something." - When Corey came back to their seat with a Java Chip Frappucino, Jun had already taken out his earpiece from his ears. Both of them remained in silence until Jun decided to break the ice. "What music do you listen to?" "Any. I like Japanese Rock though." "Really? Me too! Which band? I love One Ok Rock!" Jun exclaimed as he widened his eyes in joy. "Finally someone who understands my taste! One Ok Rock is hella good!" Corey gushed. "That's why I said Cancer and Virgo would get along well. What course do you take? I'm a music student. I major in Piano before transferring to Composing and Conducting." "I'm a Mechanical Engineering student." "That's cool, I can never do engineering, or anything that has to do with Physics in general," Jun shivered. “You said you write fanfiction. Do you post them on Archive Of Our Own or Fanfiction.com? Or do you post them on w*****d?" "Mostly Archive Of Our Own. I want to clarify that although I do ship and write about gay pairings, I ain't gay. I'm just a simple fudanshi doing his job, that's all." "Fudanshi--boys who like gay romance. Yap, I know them. It's not weird though, I have plenty of those friends back in Japan. Some of them are gay," Jun smirked. "I'm straight, just saying. I just enjoy writing gay fanfictions. Nothing more and nothing less!" Corey said with conviction. "Look at you, trying to emphasize your point to me with such fervour," Jun teased, tilting his head. "So, Corey. Are you comfortable in sharing with me why you cried two days ago?" Jun asked as his finished his last drop of Mocha. An awkward silence followed after Jun popped the question. From Jun's perspective, Corey was fidgeting with his fingers as he bit his lips nervously. He bit his lips when he is nervous, Jun noticed. Maybe I shouldn't have asked, he looks so uncomfortable that it hurts to see him like this. However, he was proven wrong when Corey broke the silence with an 'okay'. With that, Corey told him everything; how he had a crush on this 'Anastasia' girl for 3 years, how both of them came out to him during lunch break, how he got his heart broken. "Though I guess I'm over it already..." Corey claimed. He is lying, Jun detected as he listened to him. He is lying that he is over it. But damn, that downcast eyes with those long lashes. He is a pretty boy. Jun stood up, went over to Corey, and pulled Corey into his embrace. Jun could feel his heart palpitating wildly. I hope he doesn't notice it. For a moment, Corey's ears were reddened madly. How adorable, Jun smiled to himself. "You deserve better, my friend," Jun whispered in the other male's ear gently. A second later, a slender pair of arms wrapped around Jun's body and they stayed like that for a few minutes before pulling away from each other. This time, it was Jun who checked his watch first. Time to go. If I don't go right now I would be late for the video call later. "I gotta go. See ya soon, friend. Don't be scared to message me, I'll be online to wait for you," winked Jun as he carried his bag. Then, he took out a Chupa Chup lollipop and gave it to Corey. "A lollipop again?" Corey asked incredulously. "Remember to think about me when you eat it, haha. Bye!" This time, Jun had drawn a heart shape using a marker on the wrapping.