Chapter 102
It was Ash!
The first call since he left for the East Coast. A rush of joy and longing welled up in his chest. He hurried to press the button—but then the pile of condoms came back into view. Koi froze in place.
The ringtone kept blaring. Koi stared at the phone screen for a long while. This was the first time he hadn’t picked up right away after seeing Ashley’s name. It took him a moment—and a great deal of courage—to finally press the call button.
“Phew, phew...”
He took two deep breaths out loud before, with a trembling hand, he finally accepted the call just before it went to voicemail.
“H-Hello?”
— Koi?
Ashley’s voice came through immediately from the other side.
— Did something happen? Why’d you take so long to pick up?
Ashley’s tone was clearly filled with concern, and Koi felt a surge of guilt. He coughed hurriedly to clear his throat.
“I-I was just... working, so I didn’t notice.”
As soon as he heard Ashley’s voice, the icy grip in his chest melted completely. Replaced with a swelling warmth of affection, Koi cautiously continued.