Marigold — Chapter 43 - END

Z's POV(Untold)

"Are we going to the Simons?" I heard my twin asking. Elle was there, bouncing excitedly. I'm betting that she's excited to see Latch because they always play.

My mom leans forward and kissed Yon the cheeks. "Yes, baby. The whole family will be there. You guys can play all you want,"

"GUCCI, the car's ready," that's all Dad said and mom's attention was all on him. I shake my head a little, no longer surprised how fast Mom's attention can easily be diverted towards Dad. They're just that, so in love with each other. All of our aunts and uncles actually. Us, kids had grown accustomed to these affections they are so proud with.

Who would have thought that the two most powerful Kpop groups in the whole world would end up together?

They were legends, still are. Y and I are already thirteen but we can still feel their presence and immense social status. There's not a single soul that doesn't freak out when they see either mom or dad. People go even crazier when they are together, sometimes it amazes me.

In no time, we were all gathered in the Simons' house. Our parents were all in the kitchen, talking about something while we all gathered in the living room so we can watch movies.

"Zammy, do you want some pizza?" I heard Ash ask.

"I want some too!"

"Me too!"

"Okay, okay!" Ashton laughed in response. That's just how he is. He'd always ask Zammy first.

I watch as my twin sprawled on the floor. He was watching Louise and Irish while they play. Latch and Elle were in the bean bag, sleeping. They kept playing earlier and got so tired.

"Where is Atlantis?" Xander suddenly asked. I tilted my head and realized that she was not around.

"Maybe she's with Aunt Zanaya. You know Lan loves being with her Mom,"

Xander shrugged his shoulders and continued watching. To be honest, my attention wasn't really in the movie. I really just wanted to sleep.

"Where's Mari?" I heard Aunt Tokyo asked. She was walking around with a tray in her hands. My eyes locked with hers and I saw her smile. "Z, honey, can you be a dear and call Mari? She's probably in her room sleeping. That kid binge watch something last night,"

I nodded and stood up almost immediately. I'm bored anyway. If I don't get up on the couch, I'd probably end up sleeping too.

Marching my way into Mari's room, I knocked three times before opening the door. And there I saw her, sleeping peacefully on her bed. Her hair was disheveled, blanket all over the place. The television is actually still open.

I shake my head and laughed at her state.

As always, Mari is always a free soul.

I reached to the television and turned it off.

Should I wake her up?

Scratching the back of my head, I headed to the side of her bed and tried calling out her name.

"Mari..."

She didn't even budge. "Mari," I called her name out loud this time but still no response. So I reached for her shoulder and started shaking her gently.

If aunt Tokyo didn't ask me to wake her up, I'd probably just let her sleep.

That's when I heard her grunting, stretching her hands while she squirms on her bed. I tried to stop myself from laughing.

"Mari, your mom wants you to go down," I told her. Her eyes squinted and saw her looking at my direction. Her brows furrowed.

"Z..." she whispered, her voice still hoarse.

Soft chuckles escaped my lips. "You look like a mess," I teased. We are all close to each other. Technically, we all grew up together, and seeing each other looking like a mess is nothing new to us actually.

"Shut up, Z,"

Slowly, she tried sitting on her bed, eyes still closed.

"I like your shirt, by the way," she added and I looked at my shirt. It was a GUCCI print shirt my mom bought for us. My parents love the brand.

"You already took two of my shirts. Mom will kill you,"

I heard Mari snicker. "Aunt Max loves my mom. Besides, Mom doesn't buy me those shirts,"

I just shrugged my shoulder. Mari is hard-headed. She always does what she wants but I have nothing against her.

It is true that she loves taking my shirt. I don't really mind though. It's just a shirt. Mom buys a lot.

"Whatever," I whispered.

We spend most of our time in school, having our vacation together, or having family gatherings from each of our houses. And we simply just got used to it.

"Just when will they stop?" I heard Mari grunting as we watch out parents running around the backyard. This time, it's Lan's birthday and we were at aunt Zanaya's house.

"Not anytime soon, I guess," I whispered. We were all sitting watching our parents have fun. We had gotten used to it. And our parents, despite their age now, are very much healthy. They don't seem like they've aged at all.

"Why do we have to study at the same school by the way?" Mari grunted. I looked at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe because uncle Grey was afraid you'd get into a fight every week," I teased. Mari had always been the one to question our parents' decisions about us. And she does that because she just wants something to talk about.

"And control your anger, please. You're going to kill Latch at this rate,"

Mari rolled her eyes at what I said. Latch, being such a ladies man always ends up having a girl looking for him, and that puts Mari into lots of trouble. And that puts me in trouble too.

I can't even remember when that is but Mari had declared that I am her best friend. Again, who am I to protest? Mari would kill me.

And I don't really mind. I grew up with her. She can do whatever she wants as long as I cam study and sleep in peace.

Besides, I am comfortable being with her.

Even when got into the university, we still all hang out.

"Z!"

I turned around and saw Mari running. She was wearing a short dress that fits her body. I raised an eyebrow when I saw a guy following her movements.

I stared at the guy and he must have felt my gaze because his eyes turned into my direction, eyes widening when he saw my gaze.

People say I am intimidating. The fuck I even care. I don't like it when my friends are being ogled like that. I mean, the guy was staring at her ass, probably fantasizing her or something.

He was quick to turn around and my jaw clenched a little.

My hands automatically wrapped around her waist as I pull her closer. She was grinning from ear to ear, not even aware of what just happened.

"I didn't flunk my numbers," she exclaimed. I shake my head as I laugh at her reaction. Taking her books from her hand, we walked towards our usual spot where the others are probably waiting.

And there I saw my twin reading something beside Louise. I almost raised an eyebrow when I saw him occasionally staring at her face instead of focusing on what they were studying.

I didn't want to pry but I am not clueless about Y's feelings. But he's my twin and I can let him get away with anything.

"Oh, by the way, there was a new cafe just two blocks away from here. Can we go there later?" Mari turned her attention towards me so I ended up staring at her face.

My brows furrowed a little. Why are her cheeks a little red than usual? And her lips, was it naturally red like this?

She was saying something but my suddenly, I can't seem to take away my eyes from her face.

What is it? What has changed?

"Hey!" she was laughing when she suddenly pinches my cheeks. That took me off from my trance.

Holy fuck, what was that?

He smiled at me giddily. "You're out of focus Z. I know I'm beautiful,"

A grin almost flashed my face at what she said. She's overly confident but she's not wrong either.

"Your makeup is a mess," I told her before I started walking. I felt her poke my side and that made me laugh a little.

"Shut up. Guys fall all over for me,"

Well, that's actually true too.

Marigold had always been open and voices out her thoughts freely. We had gotten so comfortable with each other that I had gotten used to her jokes too.

"Baby, are you still sleeping?"

I heard my Mom's voice, the sound of something rustling filling my ears for a moment. I heard the knocking on my door and a groan escaped my lips as I try to remove the blanket covering my body.

But before I can even pull it down, I felt a hand tightening its wrap around my waist, a slow movement on my side shaking my entire system.

Shit. I totally forgot about waking Marigold last night so I can drive her home!

She was very adamant about drinking last night to calm her nerves. And since we can't go to a bar, we ended up drinking on my room's balcony.

My eyes widened as I saw my mom opened the door. She walked gracefully and her nose crunches as she saw the bottles of beer on the side.

"You drank too much baby," she mouthed but headed straight to check my cabinet, a habit she had ever since.

Her frustrations on buying clothes had become an obsession but Dad always says it's just an outlet Mom had for having to deal with all of us every day.

If I didn't know very well, it's just Mom's stress over Dad and Elle. That little girl is a pain in the ass too.

But my ass is about to get beaten if Mom sees a girl on my bed.

"Mom," I whispered, afraid whoever is under my blanket would move or create any noise.

Mom was busy checking the clothes that made sure everything on me was covered.

"Baby, I can't find one of the jumpers I bought you last week. Did you give it to Marigold again?" It was a question but I can sense that she's upset.

She always whines about us not loving the clothes she gives us but thanks God Y knows how to work his magic on Mom.

I remember the jumper she was talking about and if my memory does not betray me, it was the same jumper Mari took yesterday when she barged in my room.

I bit my lower lip at the memory of it. That brat was so pissed off because someone threw a glass of water on her because of Latch.

Her prodigal brother just broke another girl's heart and Marigold had to take the downfall of it

If I didn't arrive on time, Marigold had probably ripped all of the girl's hair. I can clearly remember what she did with that one girl who tried to slap my sister for being so close with Latch.

She went berserk and had a full catfight with her.

It took Ashton and Xander to stop her as Mari told me she'll kill me if I take another step to stop her. As much as I don't want people to get hurt, I also know how many times Mari will kill me if I don't listen to her.

My breath hitches when I felt her pull me tighter, her warm breath hitting my skin sending shivers all over me. I felt the movement of her other hand and my eyes widened when I felt it go lower, I had to move a little and grab her hand of my own.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I looked at Mom's direction and took a deep breath when I was sure she wasn't looking.

I pulled the blanket even more, but enough to ensure there was air coming in for her.I intertwined my hand over hers and I felt her stopped moving.

Holy shit. How did we end up on one bed anyway?

Marigold, she was like fire, a breath of fresh yet wild air.

Even though we were sons and daughters of the most famous K-pop superstars ever known, we were not exempted from the bullying and everything a teenager experiences. As much as possible, our parents wanted us to experience a normal life.

Now yesterday, I had to bribe Marigold for another of my toy car collection so she won't snap.

And of course, she had to barge inside my room and take another one of my clothes. It's not new to me anyway. She's been doing it half our lives and had forced herself as my best friend.

I gave up telling her otherwise. Amongst us second generation as what Dimitri calls our group, Marigold and Latch may be the most carefree. I'm not sure if it's because they are the sons of the known most powerful maknae couple, as what our parent's fans call them, but those siblings can do whatever they want and Aunt Tokyo will be out there cheering.

My father isn't even an exception. I can clearly imagine him cheering with Uncle Grey too.

"Baby, if this keeps up, I swear I'm going to have to ask her mother to pay me. That little bitch always gets my things too. Thank God I love Mari more than her mom that's why I'm letting her," she chuckled before closing my cabinet. A smile emerged on my lips.

Mom would always call aunt Tokyo names but she's the first to go crazy like a mad dog whenever there is an article about Aunt Tokyo.

"You always call her names when she's like your baby," I teased my mother and she just rolled her eyes.

My mother, despite her age, is still as glamorous and beautiful the world remembers. Actually, all of them including our uncles.

It's like they don't age at all.

Apart from uncle Storms, all of my uncles can still do chicken fights in the backyard. One time, my father, uncle Grey, and uncle Seth almost ruined aunt Zanaya's garden after they run wild and played some games.

To be honest, they all act more like a child than any of us.

"Stop teasing me and take a bath. You reek of alcohol," she pouted before she gracefully headed straight to my door.

And just when she's about to pull the door close, she peeked on me again and smiled cheekily her gummy smile showing.

I gulped. Sometimes, I find Mom's gummy smile creepy. She always gave me that look whenever she wants me to admit something.

It's like an invisible yet moving force.

"By the way, your uncle Grey met with your father today. You're a dead kid my baby. Tell Mari to call her Dad the moment she woke up," she stated and my jaw dropped on the floor.

"Stop keeping your girlfriend under your covers. Get up and go outside," she muttered before pulling the door close, the sound of her laughter echoing through the hallway.

It was then that her words slowly sank in.

"She isn't my girlfriend!" I tried reasoning as if my mother can still hear me.

Girlfriend, what is she even saying?

I have never seen Marigold as someone except as my best friend.

I felt Mari moved below me and I groaned when she started kicking the covers until her face was available for me to see.

And the moment I did, my mouth went agape when I saw how surreal she looked. She turned a little and my eyes caught sight of her ethereal face, a few strands of her hair scattered beautifully.

Suddenly, she started moving and even scratched her neck, my jumper sliding a little so I can see a clear view of her collar bone.

I gulped, my eyes avoided her, and I moved slightly away from her. But before I can even move a bit further, I felt her hand stopping me once again, this time, she even swang her feet over mine.

"Oh God," I groaned and I felt her make a sound.

"Z..."

Fuck.

It was just my name but why does it suddenly sound different? Her voice sounding hoarse not even helping.

And I felt it, something in me awakening.

Fuck Z, what the hell is happening?

That's Gold, Mari. Sweet, fiery Marigold, your best friend. Right?

"Mom, we were just sleeping," I tried explaining my mom who had been laughing the entire time while we were in the kitchen. Mari had gone home. Dad drove him home mainly because he and uncle Simons will go somewhere.

"That's what you said," she smiled cheekily and I just knew I can't win with her.

Fuck.

Mari, my girlfriend? No way.

I just disregarded that thought and let it be. Mom will not let it go so I just went back to my room.

I need to take a bath. I reek alcohol. Mari drank too much too.

I was already in the shower when thoughts of Mari kept clouding my thoughts...her smile, the sound of her laughter, even those moments when she pouts because she's annoyed with her brother...

I bit my lower lip as I try to shake my thoughts away from my mind.

"Fucking hell..." I whispered. My mom was just messing up with me.

I wish it was actually the case.

But days go by and all I do is think about her. If she's already asleep, if she already ate...if she's having fun.

I won't admit but I found myself realizing how much I care for her. I mean, I do care for her even before but I care for her in a different context now. And it scares me.

Mari is a childhood friend. Our families are close. I don't want things to get really awkward between us.

"Z!" I groan internally when I felt someone jumping on my back, my hands automatically reaching for her legs to make sure she doesn't fall.

"Nice catch," she giggled. I released a long sigh. She doesn't even know how she's affecting me.

"Why were you outside?" I asked her as I open the gate. I was just about to go inside uncle Demo's home when Mari jumped behind me.

"I was waiting for you, silly..."

Damn.

I don't even know how I was able to do it but I kept my feelings checked. I don't want to confuse her.

"Stop," I told her. She was pinching my cheeks too much. We were outside and Y kept on pestering her. I'm not even sure why but Mari gets easily annoyed with my brother. But being close to her made me get used to her antics.

And Mari normally listens to what I say.

"Awww, Mari!" I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her away from me. This little girl just bites me in my chest and she was laughing like it wasn't a big deal.

Elle wanted to come here because of Latch. Y was about to drive her but I volunteered so mom and dad just teased me for it. Such supportive parents.

I asked her to put some decent clothes on because we're going to watch some movies. She's such a tease.

That day when I saw her reaction upon seeing Lennox, I can't help but be scared. I knew one day, Mari will find someone she likes.

I knew that but I never said I was prepared for it. I don't think I am ever prepared for it.

"Marigold," I almost lost it when I saw Lennox's hands wrapped around her waist.

Mari sent me a message to fetch her because she was out for a drink. I had long been used to tracking her phone so she doesn't really need to tell me where but I didn't know I'd see her in someone else's arms.

Without even thinking, I pulled her closer to me, my hand resting on her tummy.

She's too drunk.

A long sigh escaped my lips. I just took a bath when I saw her message.

I am not dense. I knew Lennox is attracted to Mari. Who wouldn't though?

So every day, I had to pay even more attention to her. She was never concerned about getting into any relationship but then I was fucking scared.

"Are you sure, Mr. Kim?"

I nodded in response. I asked my professors if I can take all of my exams now so I can follow Mari. She badly wanted to have that vacation and seeing how she was so upset, I wanted to be there for her. She wanted to go home but I knew she was looking forward to that trip.

"What?" I snicker when I saw Y shaking his head. He just heard that I already finished my exams. And I also asked for dad's permission to follow Mari.

"Nothing. Just go home in one piece, please," he added and I just messed up his hair.

I had to drive for so many hours and to be honest, I was having a bad headache because of the things I just did.

The sight I saw when I arrived didn't help either. I saw Lennox trying to help her with her drink which I should be thankful for but I don't like it. I don't like the fact that he was touching her. Before I can even stop myself, I already reached for Mari and pulled her closer with me.

And just seeing how happy she looked when she saw me makes me even happier.

God knows I really had to stop myself while we share one room. Especially when she was drunk like that. Sometimes, it hurts to see Mari thinking negatively.

All of us are very thankful to our parents but sometimes, the burden was just too much so I kind of understood why she gets affected sometimes.

"Dev..." she called for my name. I didn't bother answering. I was fuming. I was mad not of her but I was mad at myself.

I knew I love her. But knowing that she can easily say those words, learning the truth straight from her lips upsets me. But what right do I have to get mad?

I will never force Mari to like me.

But I still have the right to get hurt, isn't it?

To calm myself, I just went out and had a drink with her friends.

"Sorry, Z. I know you heard us but please know that I was simply teasing her," I smiled at what Shiela said. She was that girl who Mari wants to set me up with.

"It's fine,"

And it's really her fault.

"Dev..." Maybe because I missed her that much and I wanted to punch myself for leaving her in the room but I was hearing her voice. I turned my attention elsewhere and my heart almost dropped on the floor when I saw her standing from afar.

Fuck Z, you made her cry.

"Sorry, Z. I won't do it again,"

I was startled when I felt her wrapped her arms around me.

"I won't share you. You're mine," I didn't even get half of what she said because I was just too focus on what she said first.

I took her in the room and all the patience that I had in me snapped.

I kissed her. And she fucking kissed back.

So when she outed us to our parents, I wasn't sure if I should be glad that they found out, or confused because Mari seemed to not understand what's happening.

Mom and Dad were very supportive that it embarrasses me too.

But my sweet firey Gold, she's just too innocent. I can still remember her reaction when I told her I'd court her.

"Hyung," I lifted my gaze when I heard Y's voice. I raised an eyebrow at him before drifting my gaze back to what I was reading.

"I said I'm fine Heron. Stop coming here," I told him. I heard him sigh and I just shrugged my shoulders. Y rarely calls me hyung. And he does that only to those occasions when he feels like, I was not in the mood to joke around.

Seeing Mari holding hands with Lennox just hit me in the face. Mari never lies to me. But she did because of him. That means he's that important. She wouldn't do that if he isn't.

To be honest, I wanted to talk to her about it but then I don't want to pressure her. If she wants him, I'd be willing to let her go. Her happiness always comes first.

So I promised to give her space though, to be honest, I am freaking out internally. I didn't know loving someone is this painful.

But when I heard that she cried and she wasn't feeling well, I wasn't able to stop myself.

I knew I had to see her. So finding out that she missed me made me feel so happy.

Fuck Lennox. I can't let my baby go.

Eventually, we got together. Though we had to overcome a lot of difficulties, I was fine with it as long as I have her.

"Just because you're my exercise buddy doesn't mean you've gained my full trust, Devon. I will hit your father if you make my little girl cry,"

I smiled at what uncle Grey said.

I will never hurt Mari.

"This is such a great opportunity, Mr. Kim. With all of your credentials, we decided to give you the slot. Your grades are more than qualified to be accepted, to be honest,"

I wasn't really sure how to react to what the professor told me. He was smiling but I can't even do the same.

He gave me the folder with all the requirements needed for the transfer and I was just too out of focus.

Six months?

That long?

I gulped. The first thing that came across my mind was my relationship with Mari. There's no way I can last six months away from her.

"Baby, are you okay?" I heard her ask one time while I was with her in their living room. She looked so worried, I can't help but cup her cheeks and kiss her forehead.

"Of course baby...I love you..." I whispered. I saw her smile and that was more than enough.

I was just too out of focus and somehow, I feel so bad for worrying her.

The student exchange program, it was a chance in a lifetime for a student like me. Being given a chance to study in an almost exclusive or invitation-only school is something. It's either your grades are more than qualified or you just got the best luck out there

My eyes landed on the envelope resting on the top of my table.

I haven't really told my parents about it too, or Mari.

A long sigh escaped my lips. Getting my things, I headed back to school for my last class. As I hop out of my car, my brows furrowed when I received a message from Lennox.

"Same spot. Mari, crying,"

Four words.

That was just four fucking words and I made a dash towards our usual spot.

Why is she crying?

I didn't care if I had to run. I was panting but that doesn't stop me from hugging her.

My heart clenched at the sight of her. My heart almost dropped on the floor.

She knew.

"It's nothing, really," I whispered.

I wanted to hug her, make her feel that everything will be alright.

I want her to know that it's okay. That it didn't matter. I know she will be sad if I'm gone.

"Can I decide for you?" she asked and that's when I knew. That's when I realized that both of us had eventually grown.

Gone was the selfish Mari...that girl who would only think of herself... That girl who would choose what's easier than what will make her happy...

She's just my Mari...

"I know you want it, Z. I know you're considering it. Will you listen to me and think about what you want? That's the decision I want to make for you. I want you to think about yourself this time. Choose what will make you happy. But before you make your decision, do know that if you choose to take it, we will be so proud of you. And I will make sure to wait for you so you don't have to be afraid,"

She cupped my cheeks and before I knew it, silent tears were already flowing down my cheeks.

"What the hell is happening?"

"These two are making a scene,"

"That's it, I'm calling Dad!"

"Is she fucking pregnant?"

I don't even care if the others are panicking as long as Mari and I understand each other.

"If you go, I promise to wait for you. We can video call, or see each other whenever we are free. I have tons of unused gifts with Dad. I guess this is my chance to use them,"

I pulled her closer and hugged her even tighter.

This is why I love her.

"Your happiness is important too, Z. And whatever your decision is, I will be happy. We will be happy, okay? I love you..."

A small smile automatically emerged on my lips. "I love you a thousand times more, Marigold Royal," I whispered.

- the end