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"What do you mean there’s only one bed?"
"I’m sorry, sir." The receptionist nervously apologised, her painted brows twitching. She glanced between the two men in front of her, her lips forced into a smile with bared teeth, and she regretted that she hadn’t called in sick that morning. Like an amateur actress, she recited her line again. "There was an error with your booking."
"An error?"
What fucking bullshit!
Shen Yuan slammed a pale and slender palm on the reception desk, inviting the inquisitive stares of the few other guests passing by. The move had the ferocity of a tiny kitten batting a butterfly. He jabbed a finger—in what he thought was a threatening manner—into the chest of the person beside him and hissed at the receptionist, "How can there be an error when this guy here is the son of your boss ?"
Shen Yuan was seething. The kind of seething where his saliva spat out of his mouth. His attitude was in stark contrast to the man he jammed his finger into. The man was smirking beside him, joy framed beneath long, dark eyelashes. They stood next to one another, one extremely displeased, the other extremely pleased. Of course, the unhappy person was Shen Yuan, while the happy person was a certain Luo Binghe, Shen Yuan’s best friend and son of multimillionaire Tianlang Jun. And this receptionist, caught in the middle of the skirmish, happened to work for one of the luxury hotels owned by said multimillionaire father.
Which begged the question:
How the hell would the hotel screw up on the booking of their boss's kid!?
Ah, but actually, Shen Yuan already knew how it had happened. He didn’t even have to look at Luo Binghe’s cheshire cat grin to understand. The lack of input from Luo Binghe spoke volumes about the fact that he did not intend to get involved and was glad to sit back and watch Shen Yuan wriggle like a worm. In all fairness, Luo Binghe’s lack of input didn’t mean anything at all; even if this was a genuine error on the hotel's part, Luo Binghe wouldn’t disagree with the arrangements the hotel proposed—they were much to his liking. So, in conclusion, Shen Yuan was screwed either way. It’s just that he didn’t want to give in without a fight, so he adamantly tried to fight the ridiculous fire with his foaming mouth.
"Aren’t the double beds usually two single beds pushed together?" Shen Yuan asked and then reasoned, "Just pull them apart!" He glared at the tearfully meek receptionist, whose complexion was paling by the second. Shen Yuan was aware that his anger was misplaced, but pity for the poor, unfortunate girl roped into Luo Binghe’s conspiracies was the last thing on his mind. In his rage, his logic claimed that the receptionist should have quit her job rather than give in to corruption!
"I-I’m sorry…" The receptionist’s lip trembled, and she desperately looked at Luo Binghe for rescue; SOS was painted on her forehead. Really? What did she do to deserve this?! It’s not like she was getting a raise or any benefits for pissing off a client. If anything, her bonus was likely to be at risk if he decided to make a complaint!
"A-Yuan, the bed can’t be separated in this type of room." Luo Binghe finally interrupted with a soothing smile. Immune to the girl's distress, Luo Binghe’s eyes only contained Shen Yuan. He placed his hand on his friend's nape, rubbing it comfortingly with his thumb as he coaxed, "Don’t cause a scene; it can’t be helped."
It can’t be helped?
It can’t be helped?!
Oh, that really hit Shen Yuan on the wrong kind of nerves.
"So!" Shen Yuan gritted out between his teeth, a pink, angry hue tinting his cheeks, which Luo Binghe loved. "You’re telling me," Shen Yuan paused with every few spat out words. He had to take steady, calming breaths so he wouldn’t throttle someone. "This ridiculously expensive, one thousand room hotel." Shen Yuan’s sharp grimace was now aimed at the jovial Luo Binghe, giving the timid receptionist a break. "In off-peak season." Shen Yuan really couldn’t believe he was having to lay out how ludicrous this entire debacle was. "Has only one room available." Shen Yuan swallowed the acid accruing in his throat. "And it’s the presidential suite?"
There wasn’t even a hint of a pause before Luo Binghe responded.
"Yes." Luo Binghe simply shrugged his shoulders. An outsider would think this whole fiasco had nothing to do with him and that he was just trying to be the good cop to Shen Yuan’s bad cop. Perhaps he was a chancer, happy to accept the nonsensical, fantastic upgrade the hotel was offering. Those who knew Luo Binghe would understand that it was impossible for him to be surprised and delighted with the upgrade, considering his position. Even more impossible was his ability to play the good cop; he was more like the devil.
Getting nowhere with his unreasonable friend, Shen Yuan turned his green face towards the pasty receptionist. She startled under Shen Yuan’s combustible gaze, scared to drop a match in case she was burned alive. If she claimed she was sick now, no one would dare to disagree.
The receptionist once again glanced at Luo Binghe, the mastermind behind her sudden illness and desire to quit, and she nodded her head, stuttering in agreement, "Y-yes."
Shen Yuan closed his eyes. Picturing green, grassy meadows and frolicking white bunnies; he inhaled. While he counted to ten, his chest expanded until it burned, and then he let it out slowly, almost crumpling in on himself like a ball of paper.
He eyed the practically weeping receptionist and then turned his attention to Luo Binghe’s now expressionless face. A familiar throbbing made its presence known in Shen Yuan’s head, and he rubbed the bridge of his nose between his finger and thumb. A vicious, mocking snarl was established.
Why did he ever trust Luo Binghe?!
**
"A-Yuan, don’t be like this."
Luo Binghe pouted. He looked as though he was the one who had been wronged, his expression likened to that of a puppy sprayed with a water bottle for being disobedient. As this dog's master, Shen Yuan rightfully ignored the naughty pup.
He stormed ahead like a gale, leaving Luo Binghe to trail behind, struggling with their luggage that he refused to hand to anyone else. No one else was permitted to touch A-Yuan’s luggage but him! The scene was quite comical; Luo Binghe resembled a bellhop rather than a man who would one day inherit this needlessly elegant building.
Entering the presidential suite's exclusive elevator, Shen Yuan smashed the button to go up, quickly followed by the button to close the door. Outside, Luo Binghe had his hands full, rushing to keep up. A bitter emotion curdled in Shen Yuan’s stomach as he spied. Luo Binghe still looked absurdly handsome; his attractive index was foolishly high. Shen Yuan clicked his tongue when Luo Binghe slipped in before the doors could close.
"A-Yuan…"
"Shh!"
Shen Yuan hushed Luo Binghe, pinching the latter's pouting lips between his fingers to muffle his mumbles. No amount of pathetic excuses or apologies could brighten Shen Yuan’s mood. Squeezing his eyes shut, Shen Yuan focused on the sound of the elevator rising to calm his nerves. The quiet, mechanical ‘tszzzz’ as it quickly reached the skies buzzed in his ears and provided much more pleasing background noise than Luo Binghe’s self-pitying whimpers. Right now, Shen Yuan didn’t want to see Luo Binghe’s pleading, adorable, puppy-dog eyes, and he didn’t want to hear Luo Binghe’s whining, guilt-inducing pleas. He didn’t want to see. He didn’t want to hear. He’s not listening; lalalalala!
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened with a swoosh. Shen Yuan marched out, abandoning Luo Binghe to deal with their suitcases and bags.
The corridor was long, with fancy artwork decorating the light-coloured walls. A luxurious grey carpet compressed under his feet, mismatched with Shen Yuan’s dirty white trainers. Although the hallway seemed to have no end, the door to their room was only a few short steps from the elevator. Shen Yuan crossed the small distance and, using the modern, black key card with a gold edge, swiped his way into the most expensive suite in the hotel.
Of course, he let the door slam shut behind him, turning a blind eye and deaf ear to Luo Binghe’s grunts and the sound of the elevator doors trying and failing to close.
The room was actually pretty nice.
Okay, that was an understatement, but Shen Yuan was angry.
Upon stepping into the suite, Shen Yuan entered a large lounge area. There were two soft, material sofas opposite each other, with a short, shining glass coffee table in between. Windows spanned the length of the room, from floor to ceiling, end-to-end, the brightly burning sun almost blinded Shen Yuan, and the sight of the beach, ocean, and palm trees was very calming for his soul. Shen Yuan removed his glasses to clean them on his t-shirt as the light highlighted the smudges on the lenses—it was a wonder he could see out of them at all.
There were multiple doors around the room, and Shen Yuan feigned ignorance to the bubble of excitement in his stomach. He couldn’t help it! Despite being the son of a decently wealthy family himself, he’d never stayed in a presidential suite before.
Kicking off his shoes and spoiled for choice, Shen Yuan skipped randomly to a door. With a simmering, suspenseful thrill, he pushed open the door, excited to find what decadence may lay inside.
It just so happened that the first room he stumbled into was a kitchen. He immediately skidded to a halt in the doorway, disinterested. The room may have been like a dream come true for an avid cook, but since Luo Binghe had criticised Shen Yuan’s homemade meal of instant noodles, Shen Yuan had sworn never to step foot into a kitchen again. Luo Binghe’s appalled expression when he tried to argue that the problem surely lay with the brand of instant noodles is something Shen Yuan will never forget.
Shen Yuan headed to the next door, opening cupboards along the way to find nothing of interest. He accidentally stumbled upon an office room and what seemed to be a meeting space. All boring places that would never see the light of day during his stay. He moved on to the fourth room, disappointed boredom had soured his mood.
When he opened the fourth door, Shen Yuan’s attitude improved. He was greeted with dark tiles and a magnificent toilet and shower. Yes. Magnificent. Shen Yuan couldn’t really explain, but even compared to the luxury he bathed in daily, this bathroom was beyond words. And this was the communal bathroom of the suite! There would be another en-suite attached to the bedroom.
Eyeing the final door attached to the lounge, Shen Yuan darted over to what he concluded must be the bedroom. Having viewed the extravagance of the rest of the suite, Shen Yuan’s body tingled with anticipation. If he were a cat, his whiskers would be twitching. Curiosity swelled, and Shen Yuan finally entered the room. Upon opening the door, one word popped into his mind: Magnificent… He knows he used that adjective already, but he really couldn’t think of another!
The room was only slightly smaller than the lounge. There were thick, heavy blackout curtains lining the full-length windows and a sweeping balcony view of the vast, blue ocean. The bed looked bigger than a queen size, and the silky, soft black sheets were romantically strewn with vibrant red rose petals. This move was clearly arranged by Luo Binghe in another effort to move his reluctant, indignant emotions. While Shen Yuan may have rolled his eyes at this cheesy, unwanted expression of affection, his easily swayed heart was actually flattered, fluttering and waning.
Quickly patching the cracks in his defences with cement, Shen Yuan scampered towards the door for the ensuite, hoping to recover from the arrow that Luo Binghe pierced through his heart. Along the way, Shen Yuan picked up a handful of petals, the velvety texture confirming they were real, and he had to use stronger adhesive. Stepping into the bathroom, Shen Yuan pushed aside the heavy thumping in his chest and thought, yep, you guessed it: Magnificent. This ensuite was nicer than the other bathroom. Mr and Mrs. sinks, a heated toilet with all the gadgets that came with it. A big, open shower. There was even a large, ornate roll-top bathtub standing as the centrepiece. It looked divine, and a bubble bath in rose petals would surely be relaxing.
How wonderful.
Content and fulfilled, Shen Yuan backed into the bedroom. This really was the epitome of opulence. He had to admit that Luo Binghe had a talent for making a person swoon. It was frustrating. And, on that note, turning around to face the bedroom doorway, Shen Yuan’s joy came crashing down.
"A-Yuan."
Shen Yuan scowled at Luo Binghe’s sad and moping figure. The other looked like he would blow away if Shen Yuan so much as sneezed. Both suitcases had been dragged into the bedroom, causing Shen Yuan to frown, a mixture of disgruntled and nervous. Thinking of the effort Luo Binghe had put into this trip, his endeavour to please and impress Shen Yuan… Shen Yuan felt his conviction slacken, but then he thought of Luo Binghe’s habit of taking liberties, and his strength was renewed. There was no way they were going to share a bed! Absolutely! No! Way!
"I’ll sleep on the bed, and you will sleep on the couch." Shen Yuan decided, lightly kicking Luo Binghe’s suitcase. Separate locations in the hotel would be preferable, but Luo Binghe had already ensured that wouldn’t happen. Staying in separate rooms in the suite was the next best thing. A solution had been concluded; however, after a moment's thought, Shen Yuan realised his current proposal probably wasn’t a good idea either. No doubt, Luo Binghe would most likely wait until he fell asleep and then sneak under the covers to cuddle. In the morning, Shen Yuan would wake up in strong arms, his nose nestled against a bare and firm chest, his head dizzy with the scent of Luo Binghe’s natural musk… Shen Yuan may or may not know this result from experience; whether or not he enjoyed the experience, that information is confidential. "I’ve changed my mind. You can have the bed, and I’ll sleep on the couch."
The sofa looked pretty comfortable, and it’s not like Shen Yuan had never couch-surfed before. The hotel reception should be able to arrange for an extra blanket, and Shen Yuan didn’t mind sleeping in a confined space for a few nights. Anything to get away from Luo Binghe’s advances that would risk the stable friendship between them. Content with this idea, Shen Yuan thought he had reached a suitable conclusion, but an ominous premonition lurked in the bushes of his mind. A few furtive glances were thrown in Luo Binghe’s direction until Shen Yuan built up the courage to ask, "You… you won’t come and sneak onto the sofa with me, will you?"
Luo Binghe raised his eyebrows. There was a smile playing on his lips, and his expression was as if to ask, "What do you think?"
Fuck, Shen Yuan wrinkled his nose; he’ll need to think of another way!
The bathtub looked pretty comfortable…
"I don’t mind sleeping in the bathtub with A-Yuan either."
Reading Shen Yuan’s mind—or rather, the eyes that had drifted towards the en-suite—Luo Binghe scuppered Shen Yuan’s latest plan, and Shen Yuan pouted like a sulking child.
There really was nothing else for it.
Back to the drawing board, I guess.
**
In the end, Shen Yuan didn’t solve his problem before another arose: his stomach growled like an old, rickety car engine.
It was just after midday, and the pair hadn’t eaten since Luo Binghe picked Shen Yuan up and stuffed him with his homemade breakfast. Ever since Luo Binghe had decided to personally feed Shen Yuan, the latter had slipped into a routine, and his stomach now protested the interruption.
Sigh.
Rubbing his loudly complaining stomach, Shen Yuan made an unwise decision.
The sleeping arrangements can be a problem for tonight's Shen Yuan.
**
"Tonight’s" Shen Yuan cursed "this afternoon’s" Shen Yuan for leaving him in a field of mines.
One wrong step, and Shen Yuan knew he would trigger a life-changing explosion.
Shen Yuan stood next to the left side of the bed, and Luo Binghe stood next to the right.
Staring at the side he wanted to claim, Shen Yuan pushed his glasses up his nose, a complicated emotion housed in his eyes. Meanwhile, Luo Binghe stared at Shen Yuan with determination, tenderness, and another kind of heat in his gaze.
Shen Yuan fiddled with the hem of the long, baggy white t-shirt—featuring the image of a busty anime girl—that barely grazed the bottom of his boxers. Oh, how he wallowed in the fact that he hadn’t packed proper pyjamas. What a stupid mistake! He could try to argue that it wasn’t his fault because the room had been changed, but even according to their original plans, Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe would have been sleeping in the same room, only on different beds. Thinking about it now, even the original plan was preposterously idiotic, with warning bells blaring at full volume.
Putting Shen Yuan’s idiocy aside, right now the alarm bells were jingling as Luo Binghe gawped at his exposed legs, and Shen Yuan didn’t know how he felt.
That was a lie.
Actually, Shen Yuan did know how he felt. It was the same way he felt about potentially sharing a bed with Luo Binghe. Excited and… aroused.
You see, this is the problem.
A long time ago, Shen Yuan could happily go about his day, blissfully ignorant. Their friendship was dear to Shen Yuan’s heart and completely innocent in his own mind. Sure, Luo Binghe might have been clingy, touching him in unusual places, coaxing him with sweet words, and kissing his cheeks and hands—isn’t that what good bro’s do? Shen Yuan could shrug it off, feigning obliviousness. Undeniably, this could not last forever, especially with Luo Binghe’s personality. But Shen Yuan was happy with their platonic relationship. For all that, since Luo Binghe’s possessive, jealous pot had boiled over, the lid falling to the floor and smashing with no hope of repair, Luo Binghe confessed his romantic and, well, sordid intentions towards Shen Yuan, and Shen Yuan could no longer ignore Luo Binghe’s feelings and, quite frankly, was forced to face his own sexuality as well.
However!
Despite all of this, Shen Yuan wouldn’t go down without a fight!
They were best friends, and Shen Yuan didn’t want to lose that, so he closed his eyes to everything around him, hoping they could continue as they were. He wanted to remain friends and closed his eyes to all of the scary business that involved feelings. He convinced himself that it could work. Yes, Luo Binghe may have wanted to kiss him, and maybe he wanted to kiss Luo Binghe back, but that could be tomorrow Shen Yuan’s problem! What a great solution for today’s Shen Yuan! But then tomorrow's Shen Yuan also had the same idea and decided that it could be tomorrow's Shen Yuan’s problem, and then tomorrow's Shen Yuan decided it would be tomorrow’s Shen Yuan’s problem. And so it persisted. This continued for so long that almost a year had passed since Luo Binghe’s first brazen confession.
Luo Binghe had been patient with Shen Yuan. Honestly, for someone viewed as the incarnation of the devil, Luo Binghe had the patience of a saint when it came to Shen Yuan. Perhaps it would be better to call him Lucifer. Anyway, Luo Binghe was notably tolerant with Shen Yuan, giving him time, albeit taking small concessions where he could, of course. He would hold Shen Yuan’s hand; he would hug Shen Yuan’s body to his chest; he would even test the limits and press fluttering, barely there kisses to Shen Yuan’s face, neck, and hands—something that he had achieved so easily when Shen Yuan considered him just a friend, but now that Shen Yuan considered him a love interest, things had become infinitely harder. Although Shen Yuan expressed his unwillingness to accept these small gestures, the man’s flustered stutters and brightly burning cheeks told Luo Binghe that maybe there was hope. The resistance wasn’t as strong as someone who genuinely felt disgusted by a person’s touch and looked more like a drowning man clinging to his last breath.
There was something there; Luo Binghe convinced himself—and rightly so—but Shen Yuan just needed time.
Time is something Luo Binghe was prepared to give, but after years of pining, followed by a year of holding back, it wasn’t that Luo Binghe’s patience was wearing thin, but that his desire to embrace the one he loves was devouring everything else. Luo Binghe’s commitment was awe-inspiring. The fact that Shen Yuan’s constant rejections didn’t grate away his love was truly impressive. More impressive was Luo Binghe’s devotion, which tripled every day, and his ability to refrain from crossing any major lines—although it was this very impressive conviction that was beginning to dwindle.
This showed in his latest move. A romantic getaway at an expensive resort in a luxury penthouse suite.
Luo Binghe was really bringing out the big guns with this one.
Over the months, Luo Binghe slowly eroded Shen Yuan’s reluctance until it turned into hesitation. He grew even more convinced that Shen Yuan returned his feelings. Now Luo Binghe was ready to destroy the last vestiges of Shen Yuan’s denial, so he well and truly backed Shen Yuan into a corner.
Figuratively speaking, he had aimed a cannonball at Shen Yuan’s ship. It’s just a shame that Shen Yuan was still terrified of sinking.
Shen Yuan was the first to break their stalemate at the bedside. Luo Binghe’s greedy gaze gobbled him up, and Shen Yuan couldn’t help but feel like a hog roast on a silver platter. He scarpered under the covers, eager to hide away his shameful state and, if we’re speaking truthfully, any reaction his body may have had in response to Luo Binghe’s heated stare.
Luo Binghe quickly joined him under the covers. The lights snapped off, and they were plunged into darkness.
"B-binghe," Shen Yuan stammered in time with his chaotic heartbeat. This was the first time they had shared a bed since the confession, and anxiety scraped at Shen Yuan’s core. He gulped, nervous trepidation lending a quiver to his voice. "Y-you must stay on your side of the b-bed, okay?"
Luo Binghe neither agreed nor refused this request. This fed Shen Yuan a big spoonful of suspense and, something he wanted to ignore, hope. Only silence remained, a deafening sound for Shen Yuan.
It really was stifling.
Even with the moon shining through the expansive windows. The two men lay next to each other with only a foot of distance between them, which felt more like a yard. Shen Yuan hadn’t noticed how close he had accidentally, perhaps intuitively, crawled to Luo Binghe’s side in the excessively large bed. Not even the ticking of a clock could be heard; the only sounds that remained were their steady, slow breaths and quiet, yet noticeable swallowing.
Shen Yuan’s eyes were wide open, staring at the plain and boring ceiling. Minutes were as long as years, and, after what seemed like an ice age, Shen Yuan thought Luo Binghe must have fallen asleep by now. He contemplated the idea of sneaking a peek at Luo Binghe’s sleeping face. He was positive it would be as handsome as always, and this way he could indulgently admire without repercussions. The itch to act was hard to refrain from acting upon, but just as he thought to satisfy his hankering, he heard a shuffle next to him.
Perhaps Luo Binghe had experienced the same struggles and assumed that Shen Yuan must be asleep by now, because it was truly heartbreaking when he whispered in the dark night.
"A-Yuan, how much longer do I have to wait?"
The repairs on Shen Yuan’s glass heart failed. Turbid emotions swept up a storm inside his chest, fracturing the fragile outer layer. It was always like this. It was always like this.
Luo Binghe rolled over and tugged the unsuspecting Shen Yuan into his arms, so his crotch nestled against Shen Yuan’s rear. His nose buried into the tuft of hair at Shen Yuan’s nape, and he gently nuzzled, expressing everything he couldn’t put into words but finding it impossible. His lips tickled Shen Yuan’s skin, raising the hair on Shen Yuan’s arms and kindling a long-ignored fire in Shen Yuan’s belly.
"A-Yuan. It hurts." Luo Binghe murmured. His voice held so much emotion that it was difficult to pinpoint exactly what it contained. All that was evident was Luo Binghe’s grief and despair. "It hurts, A-Yuan. It hurts how much I like you when I don’t know if you like me back."
The distress these sentences caused was almost enough to KO Shen Yuan, and he was left wordless. What could he say? Luo Binghe was hitting him directly where it stung the most, and Shen Yuan could only struggle in the fight.
"Binghe, that’s unfair…" Shen Yuan wanted to argue and complain. It really was unfair. As much as Shen Yuan liked to play the ignorant fool, he was well aware that Luo Binghe had picked up on his true feelings. Calling him out like this was just sending Shen Yuan on a ride down guilt-trip lane. If only he could cry and throw a tantrum, but Shen Yuan also knew that the one being genuinely unfair was himself.
Luo Binghe wrapped his arms around Shen Yuan and held him firmly. He rubbed his face against Shen Yuan’s neck. There were no cutting or coaxing words spared for Shen Yuan, and he didn’t make any further movements, only snuggling Shen Yuan against his chest, his body heat warming Shen Yuan’s back.
Everything Luo Binghe could say would be useless at this point. Shen Yuan was already a man on the edge of the cliff. Now he had to make the choice of whether or not he should jump.
Luo Binghe actually created a haven for Shen Yuan to make that decision.
This embrace felt so comfortable for Shen Yuan. Like returning to a heated home with a crackling fire and drinking hot cocoa after trekking through snow. A place of cosiness, warmth, and safety . An asylum where Shen Yuan would always feel loved, always feel warm, and always feel protected. Wouldn’t it be nice to return to this every day? A pair of always-open arms? A toasty and snug embrace? A welcoming smile that would never let him feel alone?
Isn’t this what people desire? What some people crave their entire lives? Isn’t it human nature to covet the love of another?
Isn’t this what Shen Yuan wanted?
That’s right.
Shen Yuan wanted this.
This specifically.
With Luo Binghe.
And Shen Yuan could have this.
Really, what was stopping him? His sense of shame? What was there to be embarrassed about? Why should Shen Yuan feel ashamed for loving a person who devoted himself to him so wholeheartedly? Why should Shen Yuan refuse the adoration and sincerity of a person he also holds affection for? Just because of what is between their legs?
Without a doubt, it was a laughable reason.
However, as much as Shen Yuan realised and understood this, he had already learned that the road to acceptance was rough and rocky, even for himself. His attachment and fondness for Luo Binghe had been there from the beginning; Shen Yuan was just too scared to admit it. For him, it was like looking at a tall, imposing wall. If he accepted Luo Binghe, he would need to climb to the other side, but he couldn’t see what was over there. The flowers bloomed beautifully where he was; what if they were withered and dead on the other side? Would he be able to climb back over?
Truthfully, their gender was just a convenient excuse to hide his fear of the unknown.
But enough was enough.
"Binghe, I…" Shen Yuan gathered the covers in his sweaty palms. His balled fists trembled, and he chewed nervously on his lower lip. If he said this now, then everything would change. There would be no more friendship; he couldn’t pretend that they were only close buddies; he would have to face Binghe and the world. His fingertips clung to the ledge of the wall; only one strong pull and he would be able to climb over. It was terrifying. Really terrifying. Then Shen Yuan saw Luo Binghe standing atop that wall. He reached down with a strong, reliable hand… he wouldn’t be alone. He could hold Luo Binghe’s hand while discovering new pastures…
Shen Yuan’s chest hurt. It ached. It pounded. His heart felt like the snare drum in a marching band. The thrumming reached his ears, the sound deafening even his own voice.
He rolled over in Luo Binghe’s arms, his front pressed against Luo Binghe’s chest, and their faces—their lips—were just a mere few inches apart.
Shen Yuan almost heard the sound of his own heart popping like a burst balloon, and he obscured his face against Luo Binghe’s chest. His jitters spread from his fingertips to his toes, but he had to continue what he started. He had to. He had to. He must hold his head high, not hide it in the sand. Even still, Shen Yuan couldn’t bring himself to look Luo Binghe in the eye, continuing to press his face against Luo Binghe’s bosom.
"Binghe, I…" He repeated, close to a whimpering stutter. Muffled and strangled, Shen Yuan forged forward. His determination was firm, although fragile. He built up to this moment, and he wanted, no, he needed to answer Luo Binghe’s call. Not only to hush Luo Binghe’s anxieties but also his own. He took another long, deep breath.
"Binghe, I’m sorry I made you wait so long."
The pause after that sentence felt like a death sentence for Shen Yuan.
Although he knew he would only receive a positive response, he still felt restless and uneasy.
The arm around Shen Yuan’s middle tightened. Incredibly rigid and tense. Shen Yuan felt Luo Binghe’s breath falter, and then the rise and fall of the latter’s chest stopped completely. Just as Shen Yuan’s unease magnified to the size of the moon, he felt the world around him spin.
"A-Yuan, do you mean it? Do you really mean it?" Luo Binghe asked without pause, rolling Shen Yuan onto his back and towering over him. His dark, inky eyes brewed a vortex, sucking in sparkling galaxies and reflecting a rainbow of lights. Without waiting for an answer, he crashed his lips against Shen Yuan’s.
The kiss was like an avalanche in a hot summer. Terrifying, overwhelming, and dangerous; but it melted so easily until Shen Yuan was nothing but a puddle of water.
"B-Binghe!" He somehow gasped between the alternating tongue probing his mouth and the teeth nipping his lower lip. Itchy, impatient hands had tickled down Shen Yuan’s sides, slipping under his shirt to titillate the sensitive skin of his waist. Luo Binghe’s passion was quite literally breathtaking, as Shen Yuan struggled to gasp for air between kisses. He grasped Luo Binghe’s top, wrinkling the material, and he tried to push Luo Binghe away, the tender atmosphere ebbing.
"Stop!"
You damn dog!
Of course, this bit was silent. But with the way Luo Binghe gnawed at Shen Yuan, the latter genuinely doubted Luo Binghe’s species.
"A-Yuan, A-Yuan, A-Yuan…"
Luo Binghe had stopped attacking Shen Yuan’s lips as requested; instead, he changed his target. He dotted kisses all over Shen Yuan’s face until every inch of skin was covered in slobber.
"Binghe! Stop! You-"
Shen Yuan tried to fight it. Luo Binghe’s affection was more devastating than he had prepared for, yet there was a full, happy satisfaction that excited him despite it all. Luo Binghe’s eagerness overwhelmed everything, and he ignored Shen Yuan’s pleas this time, gradually moving down. He pecked Shen Yuan’s neck, creating flowers of adoration on his skin. His hands fondled Shen Yuan’s hips, circling the slender curves and increasing the temperature of the room twofold.
The next thing Shen Yuan knew, his underwear was being unskillfully removed, and his face exploded into a raw chilli pepper. He gasped and panted.
"Binghe! You stop, right now!" Shen Yuan demanded, frantic and frenzied. He reached a hand to Luo Binghe’s head that climbed lower still, and he threaded his fingers through the curly strands on the crown of Luo Binghe’s head, preparing to yank him away if he was disobedient.
"But A-Yuan," Luo Binghe teased, looking up at Shen Yuan through his dark and thick lashes. He very much looked like a dog with a bone. His eyes were bright, his skin had a healthy glow, and his lips were red and shining from their exchange. "Your little brother also wants my kisses."
The combination of Luo Binghe’s words and appearance was villainous.
Shen Yuan’s head imploded. The attractive and debauched image imprinted itself into his mind, and, for a brief moment, he was left speechless.
Hadn’t they only just confirmed their feelings less than ten minutes ago?! Weren’t they moving too quickly?! Sure, Luo Binghe had been crushing on him for years, and Shen Yuan’s feelings had been stewing knowingly for at least twelve months. And sure, they were both adults, and it was extremely hot, and Shen Yuan might be extremely turned on… but seriously?! Right now ?!
Well, what else was the larger-than-queen-sized bed in a presidential suite after they confirmed their feelings for?
While Shen Yuan’s thoughts spun like teacups, Luo Binghe used this opportunity to continue where he left off, dedicating himself to Shen Yuan’s happiness. He dragged a sharp gasp from Shen Yuan’s lips as he approached that area, and Shen Yuan pulled on Luo Binghe’s hair. Shen Yuan hissed, "Don’t you fucking dare… hnngh~ "
It was counterintuitive in a way. Luo Binghe unleashed a surprising sound in response to the tug, and Shen Yuan was quickly subdued. Okay, he will wave his white flag for this battle, but Shen Yuan was prepared for the war that would begin once his shots were fired. Determined not to lose the war, Shen Yuan swore: Tonight, his chrysanthemum must be protected with his life.