Chapter 124：Scandal-Worthy

"So you were 'only' kissing on cheeks," Takeshi types, trying to give a calm vibe when he is actually quite furious. And obviously he failed. "Yes, only a friendly kiss on the cheek," Xiao Ping confirms. "Forgive me. It was all my fault. I was the one who started it. I congratulated him a happy new year then just gave him a quick kiss on cheek. Then when we watched sunrise he replied me the same kiss," Xiao Ping explains what truly happened, but it seems to upset her boyfriend more. "I need to go off," that's what Takeshi types before his icon goes grey.

Xiao Ping sighs. She never thought a simple friendly gesture can heat up to be quite a problem. She admitted that she was carried away by new year's euphoria when she kissed Yu Jin. And once Yu Jin kissed her, he immediately said sorry, blaming on the romantic atmosphere of sunrise and some beer he had drunk. Xiao Ping went easy about it. She was thinking that kiss on the cheek is a normal thing given to a best friend. Nevertheless, she was going to tell Takeshi about those kisses still. She always determines not to hide a thing from him.

But to her surprised, at 2nd January when she just online and checking her email, there were some photos of herself and Yu Jin, two of them were definitely the kissing scenes. She was so shock to realize that she has been followed by paparazzi all this time. Before she can totally calm down, Takeshi went online and asked her about the kissing scene. He was obviously had found out the pictures. So she told him the truth. and he is upset now.

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Yes, Takeshi is definitely upset now. It is not only because of Xiao Ping was being reckless, making stupid scandal-worthy scene in public, but she also defended him, Yu Jin. What the F..?!?! Takeshi might not be this upset if it was only Xiao Ping who kissed Yu Jin. He is more upset to find out that Yu Jin also kissed her girlfriend, and she was fine by that.. even defended him! Telling him that it was all her fault ?!?! Doesn't she realize that Yu Jin only pretend to be her best friend while he is alluring her to be in his arm ? Or she did actually knew about it and gratefully accept it ?

Maybe because the help of the cold wind breeze, finally Takeshi can cool down his anger. The boiling water is heard. He closes the window that he was standing in front of before, then walks to the kitchen, turning of his water boiler. He pours the boiling water to a teapot. The water steam warms his almost freezing face.

After finishing a cup of green tea, Takeshi feels better. He finally decides to go online on the messenger. There are a few messages from Xiao Ping.

"I'm sorry.."

"Are you jealous at Yu Jin ? Please don't be. He is my big brother."

Takeshi sighs, then types a reply, "I'm not jealous." He lies. He knows he lies. But he doesn't want to admit that he is jealous. "But please consider your interaction with your male friends, especially him, in the future," he diplomatically says.

"I'm sorry I put a consideration to your feeling behind. I should be more thoughtful," Xiao Ping replies.

"I was not talking about my feeling. The paparazzis are everywhere. I'm afraid they still think our relationship is quite interesting. Look, I don't want to limit your interaction with your friends, it's just.."

"I understand," Xiao Ping replies then put a smile emoji. "Can you forgive me ?" she asks. Takeshi gives a kiss emoji. "What does it mean ?" she asks again. As she can't see Takeshi's expression, she needs to make sure that Takeshi really forgives her. Takeshi pulls a corner of his lip up to think of an idea of teasing her. "I will forgive you when you also kiss me," he says.

"Whaaat ?! But I don't even know when will we meet again. You are not thinking to keep being upset until we meet, are you ?"

"Maybe.." Xiao Ping responds his answer with a cry emoji. Takeshi chuckles. "Please forgive me now. Next time we meet I will give you a kiss you won't forget," Xiao Ping pleads. "Only a kiss ?" Takeshi asks. "Two kisses.. three.. four.. as many as you want," Xiao Ping answers. Takeshi can't help to keep a laughter. "It's a promise then.."

"So, can you forgive me now ?" she asks to confirm. "Of course, Babe," Takeshi answers. Xiao Ping is so relief that she barely able to muffle a scream. "Thank you, Love," she replies gratefully. "What should I do about those pictures ?" She then asks, remembering the remaining problem. Xiao Ping waits patiently of Takeshi's answer.

"There are two options. One, you deny it is you in the picture. I will announce on my website that we were chatting all night long at that time. The other option is just telling them the truth. I will announce that you and Yu Jin are best friends, and I know him well, and the kisses were just friendly gestures between you two. But, I can't guarantee it will solve everything."

Xiao Ping is in dilemma. The first option is the easiest way. Not only it will clear the rumor, but also her name. But.. "I don't want to lie. It was my mistake. I should be responsible to it. I prefer the second option," she finally decides.

As much as Takeshi hates doing the second option, he does it anyway. He announces that Xiao Ping and Yu Jin are best friends and their 'date' that night was at his acknowledge and permission. He writes that the kisses are not big deal as they are just friendly kisses on cheeks, so his friends should not exaggerate about it. He also adds compliment about Yu Jin for being the one who supports their relationship from the beginning, and especially during their rough times. He hopes the announcement clarifies all the rumors. Hopefully.