West Seoul University Series

by Leigh Ban

  We went over to the sleek long beach chairs. Although most of the seats were empty, we shared a chair. I sat on Taehyun’s lap with my arms around his neck.

  “I can hear your heartbeat,” Taehyun said, resting his head against my chest. The warmth of his breath tickled me.

  “Oh yeah? Can you tell it to calm down?”

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Maybe.” I paused, then added, “I think I might be a little nervous, but in a good way. I really want you.”

  “Me too. Stella, I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

  I smoothed his hair and whispered, “I love you.”

  The corners of his mouth instantly curved up. Although he’d uttered those words before, when we were waiting for my friends at Bubble Bomb, I didn’t get the chance to say it back to him. I was relieved to share those three words with him at last.

  “Do you really?”

  I nodded, blushing.

  “I love you more,” he said, giving me a peck on the cheek. “Look, Stella, the sun’s beginning to go down.”

  Taehyun was right. The day was coming to an end with a breathtaking gradation of powder blue and peach and gold. While the waves grew stronger, the darkening ocean reflected the light coming from the sun. I looked at the vast sky, thought of all the other people who would be watching the sunset tonight, and realized I was filled with joy. As Taehyun’s soft hair brushed against my arm, I thought of how blessed I was to love and be loved by him. Then I watched him stare at the distant horizon. A minute later, he turned toward me with glistening eyes and kissed me full on the mouth.

  After we dropped by our room to leave our beach bag and got changed for dinner, we went to a seafood restaurant on one of the upper floors of the hotel. Taehyun suggested on pairing a bottle of Chardonnay with our tuna tataki and lobster with caviar. While we spent the entire meal discussing our plans to go café-hopping around Gangneung the following day, he gazed at me seductively, hinting at what was to come. To get rid of the butterflies in my stomach, I practically guzzled each glass. Since he assumed I was fond of the wine, he ordered a second bottle alongside our dessert.

  “This is delicious,” I said as I put a spoonful of lemon-vanilla pudding in my mouth.

  “You’re delicious,” Taehyun replied in a low, sensual voice.

  I lightly slapped his wrist. “Hey, we’re still at dinner.”

  “I’ve been well-behaved all day. I think I deserve a special treat, something they don’t serve here.”

  As I poured myself the last glass of Chardonnay, I felt my face heat up. While taking a sip, I ran my finger along one of the veins on his forearm and was reminded of the racy thoughts I’d been having about him.

  “And what would your special treat be?” I purred.

  “Stella, you know exactly what I’m craving.”

  “Do I?” I giggled as I felt his hand on my knee underneath the table.

  “Better than anyone else,” he said, his fingers traveling up my thigh.

  By the time we came out of the restaurant, I was more than eager to take the next step with Taehyun. I grabbed his hand and almost ran to the elevator. Though I would’ve started making out with him on the elevator, we were accompanied by two elderly women discussing the weather. Just before we got off, he beamed at me with gleaming eyes, making my knees weak.

  As soon as we entered our suite, Taehyun kissed me intensely, hungry for love, for me. We couldn’t keep our bodies still; we began by wrapping arms around each other. Then we were feverishly undressing as we made our way to the bedroom. While his hands expertly unzipped my little black dress and unhooked my bra, I unbuttoned his shirt, trying to keep up with him. Once I was down to my thong, he unbuckled his belt and took off his pants to let me feel the bulge showing through his boxer briefs.

  Moments later, I was lying in the middle of the bed while Taehyun bit the hem of my lace thong and proceeded to take it off me. As I completely exposed myself with my legs spread out, he eyed me eagerly.

  Despite being tipsy, I was self-conscious about revealing my body. I protested, “You’re making me embarrassed.”

  Taehyun silenced me with a kiss and slowly reached down to stroke me. After teasing and touching me with his fingers, he began to pleasure me with his mouth. I was soaking wet as he explored my body to discover my most sensitive spots. Then he steadily flicked his tongue and I writhed wildly while running my nails down his muscular back. An incredible wave of sensations took over me and I shuddered.

  “That was amazing.” I cupped his face, panting. “Now, I want to make you feel good.”

  After the satisfying release he’d introduced me to, I was no longer bashful. I looked into his eyes as I pulled off his boxer briefs and curled my fingers around his thick shaft.

  He muttered under his breath, “Keep going.”

  I planted light kisses all over his body, from his neck, where the enticing scent of his aftershave lingered, down his chiseled chest, and to his flat, sculpted abs. When I finally took him into my mouth, he groaned. As I moved my head up and down, he grew even harder.

  Taehyun grunted. “I can’t wait. I have to take you.”

  Once he went over to the nightstand and rolled on a condom, he climbed on top of me. Then he showed me love with his body, slowly filling me up with his arms wrapped around me. When I winced as he stretched me out, he nuzzled my neck and tenderly gazed into my eyes.

  “Stella, I love you.”

  While his voice was gentle, he didn’t hold back once he started thrusting into me. At first, I was overwhelmed by how big he was. My heart was racing with a mix of fear and arousal.

  “You’re so tight.”

  When I heard his husky growl, I knew I wanted him to keep going. The weight of his body pressing down felt incredibly right; I needed us to be as close to each other as possible. Gradually, my hips arched with his movements and I moaned his name in pleasure.

  Then he turned me over, spanked me, and took me from behind. As he pounded against me, he squeezed my waist, then rubbed and tugged on my nipple. A primal, uninhibited side of me was switched on and I let out ragged whimpers that came from deep within me. His strong strokes made the large bed creak until we exploded into climax together.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After the incident with Hongsik, there were changes implemented at International House. A security guard would be stationed by the entrance at all hours of the day to watch over the students entering the building. The security guard would also ask for identification from the people who were coming in without a room card by following behind somebody else. Dana was skeptical about whether the process would be strictly enforced after the first couple of weeks, particularly since the security guard would most likely be nodding off late at night.

  “Besides, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Quite literally, in this case,” Dana said as we sat on the sofa in our suite.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, opening a pack of potato chips and laying it on the coffee table in front of us.

  “As in there’s a secret way to sneak people into the building without going through the entrance. You can ask me if you ever have a special guest.” Dana winked.

  I tittered. “You know, I feel like I have two older sisters: Dana, my dorm mom, and Dana, the naughty party girl.”

  “Anyway, what’s going on with Hongsik? When’s he getting what he deserves?”

  “Well, I’m still in the process of getting a restraining order, but he has been expelled. Honestly, Taehyun’s been so helpful.”

  Although I was initially dubious as to what I could do about the situation, Taehyun recommended a trusted lawyer for legal guidance and assured me Hongsik would be expelled from West Seoul University. The process was less complicated than I expected. I wasn’t naïve enough to think dealing with the aftermath of stalking and harassment was easy in South Korea. Taehyun deserved credit for helping me through the whole process.

  “Taehyun’s a keeper. I c
an’t believe he’s such a reliable and protective boyfriend, unlike basically all the other rich and hot guys.” Dana popped a chip into her mouth.

  “Hey, you’re Dana, not Yumi. Why are you being so cynical?”

  “Look, I don’t have any personal experience with rich guys, but I know enough about the hot ones to make these assumptions.”

  I smiled at Dana. “So what’s going on with you and…”

  “Joon? Or Kisoo? Kisoo’s just a friend. As for Joon, I’m not sure where to begin.”

  “Have you been messaging him? Dana, I thought you were leaving him in the past. We had a mini ritual, remember?”

  Dana let out an exasperated sigh. “I swear I tried my best. Obviously, I failed, because a few days ago, he messaged me to ask if we could meet privately. At first, I tried to act like I wasn’t interested. Then he called me. Stella, he never calls me.”

  “What did he say?” I asked.

  “He wants to meet up for coffee. Apparently, there’s something he would like to share in person. I’m seeing him on Friday.”

  “Did he sound drunk?”

  “A little.” Dana’s face fell. “I shouldn’t get my hopes up. Stella, I don’t know what it is about Joon. I can’t get over him. Why does he have to be exactly my type?”

  “A bad boy? Or more specifically, a tall wannabe rapper with a nose piercing?”

  “You’re not wrong, although there’s a bit more to it. Wish me luck for Friday?”

  I clutched Dana’s hand. “Of course.”

  Taehyun asked me to meet him at Tree. We would have one cocktail each, just one, before leaving. I knew exactly what we both wanted. Once I took a long shower to exfoliate and shave my entire body, I doused myself in lotion, knowing the vanilla coconut scent would drive him wild. My new slip dress was worn with several necklaces and no bra while my lace thong was in my purse. I put on a strappy pair of sandals, which showed off my freshly pedicured feet, and strutted toward the streets of Sinchon.

  “Stella, I just arrived at Tree. I’m going to sit in the middle of the bar,” Taehyun said over the phone.

  I replied, “You better make sure you’re not attracting attention. I know how seductive you look when you’re sitting with a glass of Old Fashioned.”

  “And you better make sure you get here soon. I’m dying to see you.”

  As I stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the light to change, my heart thumping in anticipation, a bus drove past and caught my eye. The bus was covered in an advertisement for a new television drama series called My Hot Boss. Next to the lead actress, a popular Hallyu star in her early thirties, was Phil, a rookie actor. I wondered if I was going to come across groups of girls watching My Hot Boss at the student lounge in International House. The possibility didn’t upset me. I realized I was no longer mad at Phil, not even for what happened when he came to my dorm after his mother’s funeral. He made mistakes during a difficult period and our relationship didn’t work out. I simply wished him well.

  My eyes were on Taehyun as soon as I walked into Tree. Even though he had his back turned to me, he didn’t need to tell me where he was seated; I was instantly drawn to his square shoulders clad in a white linen shirt. I sashayed over to him, feigning confidence, like I was a sultry double agent with a secret. As I opened my purse and slipped my thong into his side pocket, he turned to me with a mysterious twinkle in his dark eyes.

  I purred, “Hey there.”

  “Hang on, I can’t stay in character. You’re too beautiful.”

  “Is that so? What’s your name?” I giggled and sat on the barstool.

  He cleared his throat. “I’m Taehyun Seo.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Stella Hart.” I called out to the bartender, “I’d like to order a Long Island Iced Tea, please.”

  When I turned toward him, he kissed me right there in the bar. I still couldn’t get used to the delectable sensation of his lips pressed against mine. My body almost melted as the heat of his tongue entered my mouth. I savored the taste of whiskey and citrus lingering on his breath, knowing we had another spectacular night ahead of us.

  Epilogue

  My love for Taehyun grew stronger with each passing day. We shared many happy memories, but I also got to know how he dealt with frustration and sorrow. Through these experiences, I learned to confront our issues and communicate in a more assertive way. Every disagreement we had or challenge we faced together ultimately convinced me to believe he was exactly the type of man Grandma told me I needed. Taehyun was reliable and fully committed to our relationship, providing me with both emotional and practical support throughout the process of getting a restraining order against Hongsik.

  A couple of months into our relationship, Taehyun and I went to see his older sister. Though he didn’t pressure me to come, I knew I wanted to meet her and provide him with moral support. Although she continued to suffer from global aphasia and struggled to communicate, she seemed to cherish his company. The visit was a meaningful step in our relationship. During our drive back to Seoul, I saw him vulnerable and remorseful. He cried in front of me for the first time.

  When my parents visited Seoul in summer, I took the opportunity to introduce them and my grandparents to Taehyun. Before meeting him, Grandma figured out his family background and told Mom, who immediately questioned whether my relationship with an heir to a billion-dollar empire would work out. After I contemplated whether to cancel the dinner reservation I made, Taehyun’s genuine excitement about meeting my family convinced me to introduce him to them. I didn’t regret my decision; he won them over with his charming demeanor. Taehyun discussed his favorite American authors with Dad and gained Grandma’s approval with his impeccable manners.

  While I arrived in Seoul knowing I would be returning to Dounesville, Illinois, at the end of the year, at the beginning of my relationship with Taehyun, I was so engrossed in the moment I didn’t worry about what would happen after my exchange program. However, we gradually started having discussions about the future of our relationship. He informed me of his plans to study a Master of Arts in comparative literature in America. Fortunately for us, his first-choice program was at Dounesville University. Although he wouldn’t start his graduate program until the following year, we prepared for him to return to Illinois with me after the fall semester, which would be his final semester of college. Where would we be living in ten years? I had no clue. I just knew we would stay together no matter what. I trusted him.

  Thank you so much for reading! If you’re ready to take things up a notch, make sure to check out my naughtier pen name, Nara Noelle. The It Girl Wears an XL is currently on sale for 99c! It features a sassy, curvy heroine and a tortured bad boy hero with a soft side just for her.

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  Boy Band Boyfriend

  My class partner is a boy band star. And he’s in love with me.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Spring

  I slip on the slinkiest satin dress and buckle the highest platform heels. I wear a basketball jersey with a hoodie that a boy took off for me and left behind. My face is covered in five pounds of makeup. My face is left bare and dewy. No matter how I start out, at the end of the night, there are specks of glitter scattered across my cheekbones, and my clothes are stretched out at the hips with the lingering smell of smoke and cologne.

  Once upon a time, I was decidedly not an extrovert. Even though I wasn’t outright bullied, I was constantly tense with paranoia. I didn’t want anyone to keep their eyes on me for longer than a brief second because I feared becoming the target of
a joke. When I crept into bed and closed my eyes, I imagined how I’d look without braces and unruly curls. Then, after spending my high school years in Texas, during which I grew into my looks and found the best products for my hair, I returned to Seoul with a newfound sense of confidence.

  Although I was invited to exclusive parties and lusted over by strangers, I’d never had a serious relationship. During the first two years of college, I simply reveled in the attention. I’d meet someone, go on a couple of dates, and then we’d either become friends or never meet again. Then I met Joon. With blue-black hair and a nose piercing, he looked as if he’d just stepped out of a music video. During winter break, we were both mentors for middle school students in a campus community service program. Most of the kids we were grouped together with were considered problem children. While the other mentors and I struggled to handle their behavior on the first day, Joon didn’t have the same problem. They immediately sought his approval; he was a celebrity to them. Frankly, I knew that if Joon and I had met as pubescent teenagers, I would’ve been just as obsessed with him.

  Joon. Oh, Joon. He became my weakness. I didn’t know where our relationship was headed. I wasn’t even sure whether to call it a relationship. When we went out with our friends, he linked his fingers with mine under the table and put his arm around me to help me down the stairs, as if we were already lovers and he was just waiting for the right moment to ask me to be his girlfriend. Yet he never once invited me out on a date. At one point, I mustered up the courage to ask him to have lunch with me, but he managed to dodge the question. He proceeded to arrange what I thought was an unofficial double date for us at a lounge club, only to insist we were strictly friends to everyone we met. After I tried to stop responding to his messages, he called me out of the blue to say he needed to meet up with me privately.