Chapter 72

Yoko

"Okay, so—if the derivative of this function is that—then solving for x means..."

I pause, staring hard at my notebook, then glance at Ham, who is sitting at the foot of my bed, watching me like he actually understands any of this calculus nonsense.

I let out a deep breath and try again. Repeat the formula. Solve. Get stuck. Groan dramatically.

"Ughhh, Ham, help me out here."

He tilts his head, blinking at me.

"Useless," I mutter, but I reach out and scratch behind his ears anyway.

I pick up my pen again and force myself to focus. One more time. I work through the equation slowly, carefully, until finally—

"Oh my god. I DID IT."

I throw my hands up, feeling a ridiculous amount of victory for finally cracking a calculus problem. "Ham, your girl is a genius!"

Ham blinks again. Not impressed.

I plop back onto my bed, letting out a long sigh, and stare at the ceiling. Now that I'm not actively struggling with math, my mind drifts—straight to Faye.

I miss her.

I miss hearing the sound of her pen gliding across paper as she grades essays. I miss the way she hums when she's thinking. I miss the way she'd glance over at me whenever I sighed dramatically, ready to pamper me because I "worked too hard."

I roll onto my side, looking at Ham, who is now comfortably curled up. "You think she's working right now?" I murmur, rubbing his belly absentmindedly.

Probably.

Faye never really stops working. Even when she's supposed to be resting, she's always got something—an essay to grade, an email to reply to, a book to read.

And I miss it. I miss sitting beside her, studying while she worked, stealing glances at her because she looks so damn attractive when she's focused.

I smile to myself, feeling warm despite missing her.

I know this won't last forever. I just have to endure a little more.

With that thought, I sit up again, determined to finish more revision—because once this is over, once finals are done, once everything is settled—I'll get to be with her freely again.

"Okay, Ham, let's go through this again—"

Ham, sitting beside me, stares blankly, his head slightly tilted, like he's questioning every life decision that led him to this moment.

I point at my history textbook. "The Treaty of Versailles was signed in what year?"

Ham blinks slowly.

I huff. "Come on, Ham, we've been over this. You should know this by now!"

He blinks again.

"1919," I answer for him. "See? So easy!"

Ham just licks his nose, looking extremely uninterested.

I roll my eyes. "Honestly, I don't know why I even bother tutoring you."

I go back to reading my textbook, muttering key points under my breath, explaining events as if Ham is an actual student sitting for the same exams as me.

I point dramatically at my notes. "And that, Ham, is how the Treaty of Versailles completely humiliated Germany, sowing the seeds for World War II. Understand?"

Ham tilts his head again, this time giving a soft bark, as if saying yes just to humor me.

I grin, reaching over to scratch his head. "See? You're such a good listener. I think you deserve to be an honorary history scholar."

Ham wags his tail enthusiastically, as if he agrees with my nonsense.

I stretch, feeling satisfied with my revision. "Alright, I think I deserve a break."

The moment I say that, Ham perks up. Then, he immediately dashes away.

I frown. "Hey, where are you going?"

Seconds later, he trots back, proudly carrying his leash in his mouth, tail wagging like crazy.

I blink at him. "You want to go out?"

Ham smiles—yes, smiles—like the golden retriever menace he is, his tail wagging so hard his whole body moves with it.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Wow, you really knew I was going to take a break, huh?"

He wiggles closer, pushing the leash against me, eyes sparkling with determination.

I laugh, finally taking the leash from him. "Alright, alright. Let's go get some fresh air."

Ham lets out an excited bark, already prancing toward the door. I grab my favourite hoodie and slip on my sneakers, still amused.

"Honestly, Ham, you might not be the best at history, but you sure know how to get what you want," I murmur, clipping the leash onto his collar.

Ham wags his tail harder, ready for adventure.

...

The park is quiet, with the occasional jogger passing by, and the air is cool, carrying the faint scent of grass and earth.

Ham, as expected, is trotting along happily, tail wagging like he owns the entire park.

I smile, watching him curiously sniff every bush, investigating every tree like he's on some grand detective mission.

After a few minutes, I unclip his leash, letting him run free. "Go on, boy," I say, stretching my legs out as I take a seat on one of the benches.

Ham dashes off immediately, bounding through the open field with pure, unfiltered joy.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Yup. Should've named you Rocket instead."

I let my gaze follow him as he zigzags across the park, sniffing everything in his path. And then, he stops. He stands stock-still, ears perked up, eyes locked onto something.

I squint.

Oh no. I already know what's coming. And then—

He lunges forward, snatches something off the ground—and proudly trots back towards me, his tail wagging furiously.

A massive tree branch is hanging from his mouth.

I groan. "Ham—seriously?"

Ham prances closer, proudly presenting the branch like it's a trophy.

I stare at him. "Dude, that's half the size of you."

Ham drops it at my feet, panting happily, eyes gleaming with excitement.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "You're a retriever. You're supposed to retrieve normal things. Balls. Frisbees. Not tree limbs."

Ham barks once, stepping back, looking immensely pleased with himself.

"Fine," I sigh dramatically, picking up the ridiculously large branch.

He practically vibrates in excitement, tail wagging even harder.

I chuckle, finally giving in. "Alright, alright. Go long, golden boy."

And then—I hurl the branch as far as I can. 

Ham takes off like an Olympic sprinter, kicking up grass behind him. I laugh, watching him go, and for the first time in days, I feel light.

Ham comes barreling back towards me, another ridiculously large tree branch clutched in his mouth, looking immensely proud of his discovery.

I groan. "Ham— I just threw one away! How are you still finding these?"

He drops the branch at my feet, his tail wagging like he's just done the most important job in the world. I shake my head, laughing softly, reaching down to ruffle his golden fur.

"You're impossible," I tease. "What's next? An entire tree?"

Ham barks once, then turns back toward the trees as if accepting the challenge.

I roll my eyes. "Don't you dare."

Then—A voice. Soft. Familiar. A name only one person calls me.

"Hi Darling."

My breath stills.

The warmth in that voice melts straight through me, curling into my bones, settling into my chest like a gentle ache.

Slowly, I turn, and there she is.

Faye.

Standing just a few steps away, hands casually tucked into the pockets of her coat, her dark eyes fixed on me with something soft, unreadable.

The sight of her steals the air from my lungs.

It's only been a few days. But god, it feels like forever.

I swallow, my fingers tightening slightly in Ham's fur.

She tilts her head, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Missed me?"

I stare at her.

God, I miss her.

I miss her more than I ever could, more than I can even put into words.

I swallow past the lump forming in my throat, my voice coming out smaller than I intend—soft, raw, completely unguarded.

"Yes, I miss you."

Faye's expression shifts instantly—her teasing smile softens, something warmer, deeper flickering in her gaze.

But she says nothing. She just moves—closing the distance, lowering herself beside me on the bench.

Her shoulder brushes mine, a touch so simple yet so electrifying.

Ham, in all his golden glory, instantly abandons me for her, pressing his large head into her lap, tail thumping happily against the ground. Faye chuckles, reaching down to scratch behind his ears.

"You little traitor," I mumble, nudging Ham's side.

Faye glances at me, her lips curving into something playful, knowing. "Don't be jealous, darling," she purrs, voice laced with amusement. "He's just got good taste."

I narrow my eyes at her, but don't even bother firing back. Because I'm too busy looking at her. Just taking her in.

Her hair ruffled slightly by the wind. The way the setting sun casts a golden glow on her skin. The way she tilts her head, gazing at me with that teasing, adoring glint in her eyes that makes my chest feel too full, too tight.

Faye catches me staring and her smile turns devastatingly smug.

"Are you just going to stare at me all day?" she teases, leaning in slightly, lowering her voice. "Or do you want to say something, baby?"

I exhale sharply, my face heating.

"You're impossible," I mumble.

Faye chuckles, clearly enjoying this. She tilts her head back, looking up at the sky. 

"I should let you miss me more often," she sighs dramatically. "You're extra sweet today."

I grumble, but don't argue. Because she's right. Because I do miss her. And if she keeps teasing me like this...

I just might kiss her right here in the middle of the park. 

But instead of kissing her, I just blink at her because she's here. Faye's here. Why is she here?

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my voice a little more breathless than I'd like.

Faye hums, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just taking a break from work," she muses, leaning back slightly, stretching her arms before letting them rest on the back of the bench.

Effortlessly casual. Unfairly attractive.

"And, of course..." she continues, her voice dipping into something teasing, softer, "I missed my girlfriend."

My stomach flips.

"But," she adds, tilting her head at me, smirking, "I found her here somehow... so I think it's a telepathic thing."

Oh, I'm so gone for her.

I want to kiss her right here, right now. Like actually, just drown myself in her. Because God, I missed her.

Faye chuckles, noticing the way I'm looking at her, completely smitten. She reaches out, fingers brushing lightly against my wrist.

"What about you, baby?" she asks, voice honey-smooth, dangerously flirtatious. "What brings you here?"

I blink, snapping out of my haze. I glance at Ham, who is now happily gnawing on a new stolen tree branch.

I clear my throat.

"Well," I say, giving her a look. "Ham wanted to head out. I think he's had enough of attending my calculus and history lessons at home."

Faye laughs. Like really, truly laughs, and it's the kind that makes my heart ache, makes me want to capture this moment and replay it forever.

She leans down, giving Ham a few well-deserved scratches. "Smart boy," she murmurs affectionately. "You really are the golden boy, aren't you?"

Ham pants happily, eating up the attention. Then, Faye's eyes flicker back to mine and she smiles–that smug, devastatingly smooth smile.

"The retriever of all things," she continues, voice dripping with amusement. "Of tree branches..."

She pauses—then tilts her head slightly, eyes glinting. "And, of course..."

She leans in, voice dipping lower—dangerous, flirtatious. "...of retrieving his owner's girlfriend to meet her."

Oh. My. God. WHAT A FUCKING FLIRT.

I gape at her. Then, groan dramatically, covering my face with my hands.

"You're insufferable," I mumble.

Faye just laughs again, leaning back against the bench, completely pleased with herself. And me? I hate how much I love her that I can't take it anymore.

Faye is smug, she's so unbearably smooth, and I have not been able to kiss her for days.

It's an actual crisis.

So, I lean in, just close enough for only her to hear, and whisper, desperate and yearning, "I want to kiss you."

Faye softens immediately.

Her teasing amusement melts into something warmer, fonder, as she tilts her head at me, eyes glinting with something unreadable—something that makes my heart squeeze.

Then—she coos.

FUCKING COOS. LIKE I'M SOME NEEDY, LOVE-SICK LITTLE THING.

Which... okay, maybe I am, but she doesn't have to make it so obvious. 

But before I can react, she suddenly leans forward, reaching for Ham. Effortlessly, she grabs his leash, securing it back onto his collar.

I blink, confused.

Then, Faye stands up, and tugs the leash lightly which Ham obediently follows. Then, she turns to me, still smirking.

"Come on," she says smoothly, lifting a brow, eyes twinkling with mischief.

My heart stops.

Then, I realise–she's taking me somewhere else. Somewhere we can be alone.

And just like that—I brighten. My entire soul lifts.

I practically shoot up from the bench, grinning so wide it's embarrassing. Ham barks, wagging his tail excitedly, clearly feeding off my energy.

Faye chuckles, watching me, amused. Then, she reaches out and laces our fingers together.

Not too obvious. Not too much. But just enough to send a thousand sparks up my skin.

And God, I love her so much.

"Let's go," she murmurs, smiling softly.

And I follow, happier than ever and I swear I can't stop smiling.

...

Faye drives, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on my thigh, and I am buzzing with so much energy I feel like I'm going to combust.

Ham sits obediently in the back seat, his tail wagging happily, probably just as excited as me.

We pull up at Faye's house, and before I can even unbuckle my seatbelt, she's already stepping out, opening the door for me like some ridiculously smooth charmer.

I take her hand, stepping out, heart fluttering as she laces our fingers together and leads me inside.

The moment I step in, I breathe in the scent of her home—the scent of her. It's warm, familiar, and so overwhelmingly comforting that my chest tightens.

God, I missed this. I miss being here. I miss her.

Faye lets Ham off the leash, and he immediately trots around like he owns the place, sniffing everything before plopping himself near the couch.

Then, Faye casually sets down a bowl of fresh water and opens a sealed packet of premium dog food.

...Wait.

I narrow my eyes.

"You were prepared for this," I accuse, folding my arms.

Faye barely reacts. Instead, she plays it cool, standing up, stretching slightly, before lifting a brow at me. "Don't flatter yourself, baby," she quips. "It's just a coincidence."

I scoff. "Yeah? And I'm just casually believing that?"

Faye shrugs, eyes twinkling with amusement. I'm just about to retort when suddenly, her arms wrap around me. Before I can even process it—

She lifts me up effortlessly.

I squeak. Then—gasp.

"Faye!"

But she's already carrying me bridal-style, walking with zero struggle, her expression infuriatingly smug.

My heart slams against my ribs. "W-What—what are you doing?" I stammer, completely flustered.

Faye hums, feigning innocence. "You looked like you wanted to be spoiled."

SHE'S INSANE.

I bury my face into her neck, whining. "Put me down," I mumble.

Faye laughs. Low, soft, indulgent. Then, she tilts her head, kissing my temple before murmuring, way too sweetly, "No."

And then, she carries me straight into her bedroom.

Faye pushes the door open, carrying me into her bedroom—a place I've missed so, so much.

The moment we step inside, my chest tightens. The scent of her is everywhere. The soft lighting, the neatly made bed, the familiar books stacked on the nightstand—it's all the same.

It's all Faye.

And God, I miss it. I miss this bed. I miss this room. I miss her.

Faye walks over, knees hitting the mattress as she gently lowers me down, her arms still wrapped securely around me.

But I don't let her go. I don't want to let her go. Instead, I grab her. I tug her down with me. Then, I kiss her.

Desperate. Needing. Yearning.

I pour every single emotion into it–all my longing. all my frustration, all my love.

Faye inhales sharply, her body melting against mine, responding immediately as she cups my face, deepening the kiss.

I can feel her—the warmth of her body. The way she kisses me back, slow, deep, consuming.

Her hand slides into my hair, fingers gripping lightly, tilting my head as she devours me whole. I whimper against her lips, pressing closer, hungry for more.

Her scent, her warmth, the feeling of finally having her like this again after days apart—it's too much.

I never want to let go. I never want to be apart again.

Faye pulls back slightly, panting, her eyes dark, intense, and so, so soft. Her thumb strokes my cheek. She leans in, kissing the corner of my lips, my jaw, my temple, every single part of me she can reach.

I shudder, eyes fluttering shut, so completely undone by her. And then, she whispers, low, warm, loving:

"I missed you too, baby."

I immediately tug Faye down, crashing our lips together once more, desperate, needy, craving her.

She groans into the kiss, her weight pressing down against me, her hands sliding over my body, possessive, slow, wanting.

My fingers thread through her hair, tugging her closer, deeper, needing more.

I moan against her lips, my body arching into her touch, my mind blurring with the sheer need to feel her.

She takes the opportunity to slip her tongue past my lips, tasting me, consuming me, her hands roaming, exploring, pressing every inch of me against her.

I shudder beneath her, whimpering softly, the heat between us growing unbearable. She pulls away, just slightly, her breath hot against my lips, her eyes dark, wanting.

"You're so beautiful," she murmurs, voice low, raw with adoration.

I melt at her words, at the way she's looking at me, like I'm something precious, something she wants to worship.

Her hands slide beneath my hoodie, lifting it up, revealing skin, her fingers trailing over me so reverently that I shiver.

I help her, throwing it off, and then—I do the same to her. Fabric falls away, leaving us bare, exposed, vulnerable, yet safe.

And then—

Faye leans down.

Her lips brush over my collarbone, soft, teasing, leaving a trail of warmth. Then, she moves lower and lower.

Her lips press over my chest, kissing, taking her time, savoring me. She kisses my skin like it's the sweetest thing she's ever tasted, like she's starved for it, for me.

I moan, my head tilting back, my body arching into her, offering, pleading. Her mouth finds my nipple, hot, wet, slow, her tongue lapping, sucking, flicking.

I cry out, my fingers tightening in her hair, my legs trembling as pleasure courses through me.

She groans against my skin, kissing, marking, taking her time, leaving hickeys, bites, ownership.

I let her. Because I am hers–completely, utterly, only hers. 

And I am going to give her everything. Every part of me, every trembling inch, every breathless moan—I let her take it all.

Faye's hands slide down my waist, her grip firm, possessive, adjusting our position with ease, control.

And then, I feel it.

The first slow, deliberate roll of her hips, the delicious slick drag of her against me, the way our wet, aching heat meets, slides, grinds.

I gasp, my hands flying to her shoulders, my nails digging in as pleasure jolts through me, sharp, all-consuming.

"F-Faye—" I whimper, my voice breaking, my head falling back as she sets the pace, moving against me, grinding, building.

"That's it, baby," she coos, her voice thick, needy, coaxing.

She grinds down harder, rolling her hips in slow, deep, devastating motions, pressing against me, rubbing, dragging, igniting me.

I moan, loud, my body shuddering beneath her, my legs spreading wider, needing more, wanting more.

Our bodies move together, each roll, each grind, each deep, aching press of her against me building, spiraling, tightening the coil inside me.

I can feel the heat pooling, deep, scorching, my stomach clenching, my thighs trembling. Faye's grip tightens on my hips, her breathing labored, ragged, matching mine.

She leans in, her lips ghosting over my ear. "Come for me, love," she murmurs, low, sultry, coaxing, sending me over the edge.

And then—

I break.

My body arches, pleasure crashing over me in sharp, uncontrollable waves, my vision blurring, my breath shattering.

I cling to her, my fingers digging into her back, my thighs tensing, trembling, locking around her.

She follows right after, moaning deep, her rhythm stuttering, breaking, her body pressing against mine, shaking, coming apart.

For a moment, we are nothing but sensation. Nothing but shuddering breaths, tangled limbs, overwhelming heat.

My lungs burn, my body shudders, the remnants of pleasure still coursing through me like aftershocks of a storm.

Faye's breath fans over my skin, warm, soothing, as she coaxes me down from the high, her hands stroking my sides, her lips pressing soft, tender kisses against my damp skin.

I sigh, my fingers threading into her hair, gentle, affectionate, my body heavy, spent—Or so I think.

Because then, Faye shifts, moving lower, her hands sliding down my waist, fingers tracing the inside of my thighs, parting them again.

I whimper, startled, my body still trembling, still overly sensitive, my legs automatically trying to close—but she doesn't let me.

"F-Faye—" I whisper, my voice hoarse, weak.

She hums against my skin, pressing a slow, teasing kiss to my inner thigh. "Just one more, love," she murmurs, low, sultry, coaxing.

My breath catches.

I barely have time to react, to process before she leans in, her lips parting, her tongue flicking against my already aching clit.

My entire body jolts.

"Oh—!"

The sudden burst of sensation makes my hips jerk up, a strangled moan ripping from my throat as a fresh wave of heat coils inside me again.

Faye chuckles, the vibration sending another jolt straight to my core. "So sensitive," she teases, voice drenched in pure satisfaction, before she dives in completely.

Her tongue moves slowly, lazily, flicking, licking, dragging deliberate strokes over my swollen clit, tasting me, savoring me.

I arch off the bed, a desperate, helpless sound spilling from my lips, my fingers tangling into her hair, pulling her closer, needing more.

"F-Faye—" I sob, pleading, my thighs trembling, my stomach tightening.

She groans against me, lapping up everything, her hands gripping my thighs, holding me down, keeping me open for her. Her tongue circles, flicks, sucks gently, and I lose myself completely.

"Please—" My voice is wrecked, my body shaking, undone, already so close again.

Faye senses it, because she hums, deep and knowing, then presses one last, perfectly devastating suck to my clit—

And I snap.

I cry out, pleasure ripping through me in sharp, uncontrollable waves, my entire body arching, tensing, shaking.

Faye doesn't stop.

She works me through it, licking, kissing, sucking softly, until I collapse completely, my limbs boneless, my breath ragged.

I feel her smile against my skin, hear her satisfied hum, feel the press of her lips as she places a final kiss between my thighs before finally pulling away.

She crawls back up, her body warm and solid against mine, her lips finding mine, kissing me slow, deep, letting me taste myself on her tongue.

I melt into it, dazed, spent, utterly, irrevocably in love.

She smirks against my lips, brushing her thumb over my cheek. "That's one way to make up for lost time, hm?"

I groan, too exhausted to even sass her back. Instead, I just tug her closer, burying my face against her neck, whispering, "I love you."

Faye stills. For a moment, she doesn't speak.

Then, I feel her smile.

"I love you too, my heart."

And just like that, I fall asleep in her arms, safe, content, complete.