we meet again.

by jigglejun

Summary:

Hendery and Xiaojun; two best friends. Known each other since kindergarten and never been separated until senior year of high school. When Hendery's parents decided to leave Texas and head to NYC.

A day before Hendery leaves, something sparks between the two boys. That leaves Xiaojun in pieces for the whole summer. Because after that day, he never heard from Hendery again.

Fast forward twelve years later, Xiaojun is a thriving lawyer in New York City. And one day, fate intervenes and sends Xiaojun colliding with an old friend, Hendery. He is now a tattoo artist who owns a parlor in downtown Manhattan.

Chapter 1

Summer of 2009:

The summer sun streamed through the blinds, casting long shadows across the therapist's office as Xiaojun sank deeper into the plush, red velvet couch. He shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his therapist's gaze bearing down on him like a judgmental specter. "A story of 17 years of friendship, broken up by a single stupid mistake," he muttered bitterly, his words carrying the weight of years of pent-up frustration and longing.

The therapist, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, sat across from him, her pen poised over her notepad as she waited for Xiaojun to speak. "I want you to tell me exactly how you feel about it," she prompted gently, her voice a soothing counterpoint to the turmoil raging within Xiaojun's mind.

But for Xiaojun, articulating his feelings was like trying to grasp smoke—elusive and ephemeral, slipping through his fingers before he could fully grasp them. He scratched his head in frustration, the memories of that fateful summer looming large in his mind like a storm cloud on the horizon.

"I don't know what you want me to say," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and defiance. The therapist regarded him with a mixture of patience and concern, her gaze unwavering as she waited for him to continue.

"Xiaojun, you don't have to overthink it," she reassured him, her tone gentle but firm. "Just say the first thing that comes to mind."

But for Xiaojun, the concept of speaking without filter was a foreign one, a daunting prospect in a world where every word felt like a landmine waiting to explode. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat threatening to choke off his words as he struggled to find the courage to speak his truth.

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the soft scratching of the therapist's pen against paper. Xiaojun could feel her eyes boring into him, probing the depths of his soul in search of the answers he was too afraid to give.

"That was a foreign concept to Xiaojun when he thought about it, not overthinking every word he said." The thought flashed through his mind like lightning, illuminating the dark recesses of his subconscious with its stark clarity. It was true—he had spent so long hiding behind walls of his own making, afraid to let anyone see the real him lurking beneath the surface.

He sighed heavily, the weight of his therapist's expectations bearing down on him like a lead blanket. "I... I miss him," he confessed finally, the words tumbling out in a rush as he braced himself for her reaction.

The therapist nodded empathetically, her expression softening with understanding as she listened to Xiaojun's words. "He was my best friend. We grew up together," he continued, his voice tinged with nostalgia and sadness as he recounted the memories of their shared childhood.

As he spoke, Xiaojun found himself transported back in time, the sights and sounds of their carefree summers echoing through the recesses of his mind like distant whispers on the wind. But beneath the surface of their idyllic friendship lurked a secret—a truth Xiaojun had long kept hidden even from himself.

"I started liking him back when we were in 9th grade," he admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue as he laid bare the depths of his heartache. The therapist's reaction surprised him—instead of judgment or condemnation, she smiled knowingly, her eyes alight with understanding.

"Did you tell him?" she asked gently, her voice a lifeline in the sea of uncertainty that threatened to engulf Xiaojun's fragile resolve.

The question hung in the air between them, pregnant with unspoken implications. For Xiaojun, the thought of revealing his deepest desires to his best friend was a terrifying prospect, fraught with the potential for rejection and heartache.

"What? No! Are you crazy?" he exclaimed, the panic evident in his voice as he recoiled from the therapist's probing gaze. But even as he protested, a part of him longed for the catharsis of confession, the chance to lay bare his soul and be met with understanding instead of judgment.

"I... I just ignored it," he admitted finally, his voice barely a whisper as he grappled with the weight of his own words. The therapist listened in silence, her gaze unwavering as Xiaojun spilled his heartache like ink onto the pages of their shared history.

And as the weight of his confession lifted from his shoulders, he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, the promise of healing beckoning him forward into the unknown.

Present-day:

The neon lights of New York City cast an otherworldly glow over the bustling streets, transforming the familiar landscape into a kaleidoscope of color and motion. For Xiaojun, the city had always been a place of contradictions—a beacon of hope and opportunity, tempered by the harsh realities of urban life. But tonight, as he navigated the crowded sidewalks, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled like a lead weight in the pit of his stomach.

The impending arrival of Christmas only served to exacerbate his sense of isolation, casting a shadow over the festive decorations that adorned every storefront and street corner. As he made his way through the throngs of holiday shoppers, Xiaojun couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness—a gnawing emptiness that seemed to grow with each passing moment.

His cellphone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting his train of thought with a jolt. Glancing at the screen, he recognized his boss's name with a sinking feeling in his chest. "Hey, what's up, Kun?" he answered, his voice tinged with resignation as he continued to navigate the crowded streets.

"What are you doing tonight?" Kun's voice crackled through the line, brimming with urgency. Xiaojun could already sense where this conversation was heading, his stomach twisting with apprehension.

"I just left the firm, but I have to apologize to Ten. Tell him I can't make it tonight," Xiaojun replied, his tone weary as he braced himself for the inevitable fallout.

"You can't make it? Do you know how important this is for Ten?" Kun's voice rose in frustration, the pressure mounting with each passing second. Xiaojun clenched his jaw, steeling himself for the inevitable confrontation.

"No, I understand how important this is for Ten. But, I just got off work, and I can't let Amy spend her night alone again," Xiaojun reasoned, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him like a leaden cloak.

"Shut your lying ass up and get here!" Kun's voice crackled through the line, a sharp rebuke that left no room for argument. "Amy is already here, and if you're not here, Ten will have me sleep on the couch tonight, which means you'll be on office duty for the whole week."

Xiaojun groaned inwardly, his resolve wavering in the face of Kun's relentless demands. "Fine, I'll be there," he muttered reluctantly, knowing that he had no choice but to comply.

With a heavy sigh, Xiaojun hung up the phone and continued on his way, his footsteps echoing through the deserted streets as he wrestled with conflicting emotions. New York City, with its glittering facade

 and bustling streets, had always been his refuge, a place where he could lose himself in the anonymity of the crowds. But tonight, as he navigated the labyrinthine maze of concrete and steel, he couldn't shake the sense of unease that clung to him like a shadow.

Arriving at the gallery, Xiaojun was greeted by the sight of Ten and Amy, their familiar faces offering a fleeting sense of comfort amidst the chaos of his thoughts. He plastered on a forced smile, the weight of the day's events threatening to crush him beneath its relentless onslaught.

"I thought you'd never show up," Amy remarked, her voice tinged with amusement as she surveyed Xiaojun's disheveled appearance. "You look terrible."

Xiaojun rolled his eyes, the corners of his lips twitching with wry amusement at Amy's blunt honesty. "Thanks, Ames, that's exactly what I needed to hear right now," he retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm as he accepted her kiss on the cheek.

But despite the playful banter, Xiaojun couldn't shake the sense of exhaustion that weighed heavily on his shoulders. The Reyes case had consumed his every waking moment, leaving him little time for rest or respite. And now, as he stood on the precipice of yet another social obligation, he couldn't help but long for the solace of his own company.

As Ten launched into a flurry of introductions, Xiaojun's mind drifted back to the events of the day, his thoughts consumed by the looming specter of the Reyes case. The prospect of another sleepless night spent poring over legal documents filled him with a sense of dread, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him like a leaden anchor.

But as the evening wore on, Xiaojun found himself drawn into the whirlwind of conversation and laughter, the warmth of his friends' company offering a temporary reprieve from the chaos of his own mind. And amidst the chatter and clinking glasses, he found himself drawn to a familiar face in the crowd—a face he hadn't seen in over a decade.

As Hendery approached, a rush of conflicting emotions flooded through Xiaojun, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to make sense of the moment. "I thought you moved back to Texas," he managed to stammer out, his voice barely above a whisper as he gazed into Hendery's familiar eyes.

Hendery's laughter echoed through the room, a sound that sent shivers down Xiaojun's spine as memories of their shared past flooded back with startling clarity. "So you've been keeping tabs on me; that's cute," Hendery teased, his smirk sending a ripple of warmth through Xiaojun's veins.

But beneath the playful banter, Xiaojun sensed a tension simmering just beneath the surface—a tension born of unresolved emotions and unspoken truths. And as he stood face to face with the boy he had once loved, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind those piercing eyes.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Notes:

Hello, I'm so glad this got the attention it did hope you all enjoy and buckle up for this journey because trust me, this will be a long one. The idea for this has been bugging me for a while, and I just finished planning it all from beginning to start last week, so I got started writing. So you know, updates will often be, if not every day. Please follow me on Twitter @jigglejun, so if you want to talk more about the story, we definitely can. And also, if it doesn't bother you, can you go on Wattpad and search for this fanfic under the username @maxscapable and give it a vote. It would help me out. Thank you, now I'm going to let you enjoy and please don't hesitate to leave thoughts, questions, and feedback in the comment section. Also, I'm thinking about making a Spotify playlist for this story; suggest some songs, please.

Hendery sprawled in his bed, the glow of his phone casting eerie shadows across the room. He found himself lost in a whirlwind of memories, each one tinged with a bittersweet longing that threatened to consume him. With trembling fingers, he scrolled through Xiaojun's Instagram account for what felt like the hundredth time, the ache in his heart growing with each passing moment.

"Why can't I just forget about him?" Hendery muttered to himself, frustration lacing his voice. He knew he should move on, let go of the past and embrace the future. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the memory of Xiaojun's laughter, the warmth of his smile, the way his eyes sparkled with mischief.

A soft knock on his bedroom door startled him from his reverie, and he glanced up to see his roommate, Yangyang, poking his head into the room. "Hey, what's up?" Yangyang asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Hendery sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to compose himself. "Just...thinking about stuff," he replied vaguely, not wanting to burden his friend with the weight of his emotions.

Yangyang raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by Hendery's response. "The walls are super thin, Guangheng. I can hear you groaning and rolling, and it's stressing me out because I know for a fact you're not having sex. So what is it?"

Hendery couldn't help but chuckle at Yangyang's bluntness, grateful for his friend's unwavering honesty. "I don't feel like talking about it, Yangyang," he admitted, knowing that he couldn't hide his feelings from his perceptive roommate for long.

But Yangyang was having none of it, his curiosity piqued by Hendery's cryptic behavior. "Wait, I'll be back," he announced before disappearing from the room in a flurry of movement.

Hendery sighed and leaned back against his pillows, his thoughts drifting back to Xiaojun once more. He couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter at the gallery had stirred something within him—a longing that he had spent years trying to ignore. But now that Xiaojun was back in his life, Hendery found himself unable to deny the depth of his feelings.

When Yangyang returned moments later, a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand, Hendery couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. "Happy hour already?" he quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Yangyang grinned, pouring two generous shots of whiskey as he settled onto the edge of Hendery's bed. "It's always happy hour somewhere," he replied with a shrug, handing a glass to Hendery before taking a sip from his own.

As they drank, Hendery felt the tension in his chest begin to ease, the comforting warmth of the whiskey chasing away the shadows of doubt and uncertainty. He knew he couldn't keep running from his feelings forever, but for now, he was content to lose himself in the familiar rhythm of conversation and companionship.

"So, spill," Yangyang said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "What's really going on?"

Hendery hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But as he looked into Yangyang's earnest gaze, he knew he couldn't keep his secrets bottled up any longer. "I met someone last night," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Someone from my past."

Yangyang's eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned in closer, eager to hear more. "Who is it? An ex?"

Hendery shook his head, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "No, not an ex. Someone...special," he replied, the memories of their time together flooding his mind once more.

As he recounted his encounter with Xiaojun at the gallery, Hendery felt a weight lift from his shoulders, the act of sharing his feelings with Yangyang a cathartic release. And as they talked long into the night, Hendery couldn't shake the feeling that fate was guiding him towards something greater—that perhaps, just perhaps, this chance meeting with Xiaojun was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Life was hectic, but Xiaojun loved it that way. He didn't get why Amy was so concerned; he just had a lot to do. With the sort of aspirations he had, he needed to work. He had a lot to prove to his dad, his boss, and most importantly, himself.

So when he was out with Kun, running some errands, he almost choked on his own breath when Kun asked him about Hendery. "What do you mean, have I called him or not?"

"Listen, it was Ten, not me. I couldn't care less about your miserable love life." Kun shoved the phone in Xiaojun's face, showing a text from Ten. Then, he smirked, almost holding back a smile. "It almost scares me sometimes how much you remind me of my younger self."

Kun started walking back again, and Xiaojun stood there almost frozen in time. He really didn't give Hendery that much thought after he saw him at the gallery. Yes, it was very nostalgic, and he might've felt a little bit turned on by the beard, the tattoos, and the piercings. But that was about it; he wasn't going to indulge in his fantasies, no matter how much he wanted.

"Are you coming?" Kun yelled at him from across the street, and he hurriedly followed. He decided to brush the idea of Hendery off his mind, but of course, his boss wouldn't let him. So as soon as he got into the car, Kun spoke. "You're going to call him or what?"

"Why is everyone concerned about my love life except me? I'm doing pretty well for myself, thank you very much." Xiaojun huffed as he grabbed the papers lying on the car's dashboard and started examining them. "I think we need to look at the CCTV cameras across the street from Mrs. Nam-Il. She might not be telling us the truth."

"Ten is throwing a Thanksgiving dinner, and he is going to invite you and Hendery. Don't tell him I told you that, so I think you should give him a call before that." Kun said as he undid his jacket's button and leaned his head back. "Also, I already got Norah to do that. See? I hate this part where I have to do your job for you."

"I'm not calling him because I don't even have his number." Xiaojun shuffled through the papers again, trying to avoid the subject and hoping that was enough excuse to shut him up.

"Easily remedied," Kun said as he pulled out a business card. Xiaojun looked at him, confused. "Ten had me carry it around until you asked me for it. But obviously, the thought hasn't even crossed your mind."

"I am not going to call him." He shook his head. "Even if I wanted to, what would I even say? We...we have history; him and I. And I definitely don't need the drama right now." He explained as Kun looked at him confused.

"Yeah, you never told me about that." Kun sat up and turned to Xiaojun, eager to hear his answer. "How did you even know him?"

"He grew up next door." Xiaojun was uncomfortable; he never talked about his feelings, especially not with Kun. He wasn't going to start now. "We just drifted off. And you know me, I don't like people popping up from my past. They know too much."

"So you're just not going to do it?" Kun sighed, obviously frustrated; he wanted to look after his protege. It was true that their job was their everything. But when he thought about it, Ten saved his life. He was just living, but he made him happy and gave him joy. And that made all the difference. He wanted the same thing for Xiaojun, not only because he loved him and cared about him like his little brother. But because Xiaojun reminded him too much of himself, it wasn't necessarily a good thing.

"Can we just drop it, please? I really have so much on my plate already." He groaned as he closed the file he was looking at and turned to Kun. "If I say I will think about it, will you drop it?" And as Kun nodded excitedly, he rolled his eyes and took the business card from him. "Okay."

After a long day between courtrooms and running around New York City to meet with clients, Xiaojun finally collapsed on his couch. The apartment suddenly seemed hollow and depressing since Amy was out on a date. He sighed as he turned on the TV.

When he kept flicking between channels and nothing caught his interest, he decided to turn it off and maybe work on a couple of cases he brought home from the office. But when he pulled out his files, a business card fell to the floor. It took him a minute to pick it up, and then he started flipping it between his hands.

Suddenly, Kun's words from earlier were all he could hear in his head. He tried to shake it off as he threw the business card on the coffee table. But the image of Hendery popped into his mind, and he started feeling all hot and sweaty. He undid his tie as he tried to relax on the couch and maybe forget about it, but he couldn't.

To make matters worse, memories of his night with Hendery from 12 years ago decided to replay in his mind. Surprisingly, he didn't forget any part of that night. Not how he kissed Hendery first, not when Hendery pulled him back after he pulled away the first time, and not how awkward and bad they were since it was their first time.

Xiaojun bit his lower lip as he smiled at the memories. How he missed him. He leaned his head back again, and as he became harder, he could already feel the tightness in his jeans. He slid the tips of his fingers beneath his waistline with hesitation. He sucked in an uneasy breath through his nose while running his fingers through the coarse hair there. His fingers found their way to his zipper, which he carefully lowered. He took a deep breath and yanked his jeans down his thighs, pulling his boxers behind him. He grabbed his cock and coaxed it to the full mast with a few fast strokes.

He rubbed his thumb over the tip and smeared precum along his length. Behind his closed eyes, pictures of Hendery with his beard, tattoos, and piercings flashed. He inhaled deeply and tried to concentrate on the movement of his fingers up and down his cock. His grasp on his cock intensified. With his other hand, he kneaded his balls and pressed his thumb into the base of his length. He sighed and bent his head, his eyes closed. His thighs began to tremble as he continued to jerk himself. His abdominal muscles strained, and he felt a familiar warmth develop between his legs.

As he moved his thumb over his slit, sliding more moisture over his head, the sensation grew more assertive. As he felt the ecstasy growing, he pushed his hips and drove his cock deeper into his hand. Just as he felt warm cum flow over his palm and stomach, he immediately ripped up his t-shirt. He leaned against the wall and inhaled deeply. Sweat was beading down his hairline, and he could feel it. He sat and looked at the mess he made and murmured, "Fuck!"

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Notes:

I have a lot of stuff to explain but I won't. So enjoy. X

Xiaojun tossed and turned in his warm bed, the faint glow of the city outside casting shifting shadows across his room. Despite his exhaustion, sleep eluded him, his mind a swirling vortex of thoughts and emotions. He was a light sleeper by nature, but lately, it felt like he couldn't catch a break, his thoughts racing a mile a minute.

With a frustrated sigh, he finally pushed himself upright, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he reached over to silence his blaring alarm. The shrill sound echoed in the quiet room, a harsh reminder of the day ahead. He knew he needed to get up, to face the world outside his window, but the prospect felt daunting, suffocating even.

Dragging himself out of bed, Xiaojun shuffled towards the bathroom, the cool tiles beneath his feet a welcome relief from the stifling heat of his room. He splashed water on his face, trying to shake off the lingering tendrils of sleep that clung to him like cobwebs. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to shake the heavy weight of fatigue that hung over him like a dark cloud.

As he made his way into the kitchen, the smell of coffee wafted through the air, drawing him towards the source like a moth to a flame. Amy was already up, bustling around the kitchen with a sense of purpose that Xiaojun couldn't help but envy. She seemed unfazed by the early hour, her energy a stark contrast to his own sluggish movements.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting ready?" he asked, leaning against the doorway with a yawn, his eyes still heavy with sleep.

Amy glanced up from her task, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I took the day off, baby," she replied, her voice laced with amusement as she handed him a steaming cup of coffee. "But you, on the other hand, look like you could use a few more hours of shut-eye."

Xiaojun accepted the coffee with a grateful nod, taking a sip before setting it down on the counter with a tired sigh. "I wish," he muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair. "But I've got a big meeting today, and I need to be on my A-game."

He had been struggling to sleep for the past few nights, his mind consumed by thoughts of Hendery and the tangled web of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn't shake the memories of their time together, the lingering scent of their shared past haunting him like a ghost.

But even as he tried to push the thoughts aside, they continued to gnaw at him, a relentless tide that threatened to sweep him away. He knew he needed to focus, to put his best foot forward and tackle the challenges of the day head-on. But with each passing moment, the weight of his indecision grew heavier, threatening to crush him beneath its weight.

As he sipped his coffee in silence, Amy's concerned gaze bore into him, her unspoken questions hanging heavy in the air between them. She had always been able to see right through him, to peel back the layers of his carefully constructed facade and expose the raw vulnerability beneath. And try as he might to deflect her probing gaze, he knew that he couldn't hide from her forever.

"Listen, I didn't want to ask because I thought you were going to tell me sooner or later," she said, her voice gentle but insistent. "But this has been going on for a couple of days now; come on, what's wrong?"

Xiaojun hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. He had always been guarded when it came to his emotions, preferring to keep his thoughts and feelings locked away behind a carefully constructed wall. But with Amy, it was different. She was more than just a friend; she was his confidante, his sounding board, his rock in times of need.

"It's nothing, really," he replied, forcing a smile that felt brittle and fragile on his lips. "Just pre-meeting jitters, that's all."

But even as he spoke the words, he knew that they rang hollow, a feeble attempt to deflect her concern. The truth was, he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty, his heart torn between the past and the present, between what could have been and what might still be.

Amy regarded him with a knowing look, her eyes soft with understanding. She didn't press him further, sensing that he wasn't ready to open up just yet. Instead, she offered him a supportive nod, her silent encouragement a comforting presence in the storm of his thoughts.

With a heavy heart, Xiaojun finished his coffee and set the cup down on the counter, steeling himself for the day ahead. He knew that he couldn't hide from his feelings forever, that eventually, he would need to confront the ghosts of his past and lay them to rest once and for all.

But for now, he pushed aside his doubts and fears, plastering on a smile that felt more like a grimace as he prepared to face the challenges of the day head-on. With Amy by his side, he knew that he could weather any storm, no matter how fierce the winds may blow. And as he stepped out into the cool morning air, the promise of a new day stretching out before him, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope ignite within him. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was light at the end of the tunnel after all.

-

Hendery's tattoo parlor buzzed with the familiar sound of the needle as he worked on Yangyang's latest piece. His concentration was broken by the insistent ringing of his phone, its shrill tone cutting through the air like a knife. Glancing at the screen, he hesitated for a moment before answering the call from an unknown number.

"Hello?" he answered, his voice wary.

"Now, you answer!" The voice on the other end was unmistakable, and Hendery's heart sank at the sound of it. "Why have you been ignoring me?"

Hendery sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Ten-ge, I haven't, I swear," he protested weakly. "I-I've just been super busy."

But Ten was having none of it. "Bullshit! You have been ignoring my messages, and I want to know why," he persisted, his tone sharp with frustration. "Is this about that night at the gallery? I told you I didn't realize you and Xiaojun knew each other. How the fuck am I supposed to know that?"

Hendery winced at the mention of Xiaojun's name, the memories of their brief encounter swirling in his mind like a tempest. "I already told you, I was okay with that. In fact, I'm grateful if anything," he replied, his voice tinged with resignation. "But, I really don't want to see him again at your dinner, Ten. One time was enough."

Ten's response was swift and incredulous. "Can you at least tell me why? Did he do something bad to you?" he demanded, his concern evident in his voice. "I don't understand why you wouldn't want to hang out with Xiaojun; he's one of my favorite people."

Hendery hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "No, he didn't," he admitted reluctantly, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words. "He was my first love."

There was a beat of stunned silence on the other end of the line before Ten burst out laughing. "Shut the fuck up," he exclaimed, disbelief coloring his tone. "Oh, you're serious?"

Hendery felt a surge of emotion welling up inside him, his heart pounding in his chest as he spoke. "Why the fuck would I joke about something like this?" he retorted, his voice thick with emotion. "He was my first."

As the weight of his confession settled over them, Hendery felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. He was torn between the longing he felt for Xiaojun and the fear of what seeing him again might entail. But amidst the chaos of his thoughts, one thing was clear: he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to see Xiaojun again, to confront the ghosts of their past and lay them to rest once and for all.

"Can you just give it a chance for me?" Ten's voice broke through the turmoil in Hendery's mind, his words a lifeline in the storm. "What's the worst that's going to happen? You have dinner together with us in my house, and if it doesn't work out, you go on with your lives. You've spent twelve years apart; you can live another twelve without him."

Hendery felt a flicker of hope ignite within him at Ten's words, a glimmer of possibility amidst the uncertainty that surrounded him. "Lee would've wanted you to go for it," Ten added, his voice soft with understanding. "I'll be waiting for you tonight, but if you don't come, I'll totally understand."

With a heavy heart, Hendery hung up the phone, his mind reeling with the weight of Ten's words. He knew that he couldn't hide from his feelings forever, that eventually, he would need to confront the ghosts of his past and lay them to rest once and for all. And as he stepped out into the cool evening air, the promise of a new beginning stretched out before him like an open road, beckoning him forward into the unknown.

Xiaojun shared a Cuban Cigar with a client on the other side of town and talked about a business deal that seemed doomed to him. But, this particular client never listens to a word, either Xiaojun or Kun says. It's been like this for the past 10 years; why

Xiaojun sat across from his client, Johnny Suh, in a dimly lit lounge, the air thick with the scent of cigar smoke and whiskey. They were discussing a business deal that Xiaojun knew was doomed from the start, but Johnny was not one to heed advice, especially not from his lawyer.

"Listen, Johnny..." Xiaojun began, trying to maintain a calm facade despite the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Nick won't be around. You won't even get to see him. It's an honorary position."

But Johnny, with his husky voice and air of entitlement, brushed off Xiaojun's concerns with a careless sip of his drink. "I don't give a shit, Jun," he replied dismissively, his gaze fixed on Xiaojun with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Johnny was the epitome of old money, a man who had never known the meaning of hard work or humility.

Xiaojun bit back a retort, his frustration mounting with each passing second. Dealing with clients like Johnny was always a challenge, but after ten years of working together, Xiaojun had learned to navigate his temperamental nature with practiced ease.

As he listened to Johnny drone on about his latest business venture, Xiaojun's thoughts drifted back to the first time they had met. He remembered the smoky haze of the bar, the clink of glasses and the thrill of the chase as he had pursued Johnny with a reckless abandon born of youth and desire.

Their relationship had been tumultuous, fueled by passion and ambition, but ultimately doomed by the weight of Johnny's family obligations. Xiaojun had tried to convince himself that he had moved on, that their brief fling had meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. But deep down, he knew that a part of him would always belong to Johnny.

As Johnny stood up, cutting their conversation short with a careless wave of his hand, Xiaojun felt a pang of regret wash over him. He knew that he would spend the rest of the evening cleaning up the mess Johnny had left in his wake, just as he always did. But despite it all, there was a part of him that still longed for the thrill of Johnny's company, for the taste of whiskey on his lips and the warmth of his touch.

"I have a better idea," Xiaojun said, his voice low and husky as he leaned in closer to Johnny, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he was playing with fire, that getting involved with Johnny again would only lead to heartache. But in that moment, as he looked into Johnny's dark eyes and felt the heat of his body, all rational thought flew out the window.

As he pulled Johnny closer, the promise of danger and desire hung heavy in the air, a potent cocktail that threatened to consume them both. And as their lips met in a passionate kiss, Xiaojun couldn't help but wonder if he was making a terrible mistake, or if he was finally giving in to the undeniable pull of fate.

Notes:

I know this might've been confusing, but I'm just getting started with the whole story and I'm almost done introducing everyone. So bare with me. And the next few chapter will definitely kick off the story to where it need to get. So, thank you for reading. Ilyyy.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

As the night descended upon Ten's elegant mansion, its opulent halls became adorned with an air of anticipation, each guest carrying their own silent burdens and hidden desires. Xiaojun, dressed in a tailored suit that hugged his frame with effortless sophistication, stepped through the grand entrance, his heart pounding in his chest like a frantic drumbeat.

The soft glow of candlelight danced across the walls, casting shadows that seemed to flicker and sway with the rhythm of his racing thoughts. He scanned the room, searching for familiar faces amidst the sea of strangers, his eyes finally coming to rest on Hendery's figure standing across the room.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Xiaojun felt a rush of emotions flood his senses, memories of their shared past swirling like a tempest within his mind. He could still feel the warmth of Hendery's touch, the echo of his laughter ringing in his ears like a haunting melody.

But amidst the chaos of his thoughts, Xiaojun found himself torn between the pull of his past and the uncertain promise of his future. He glanced down at the invitation clutched in his hand, the words inscribed upon its surface a silent reminder of the choice that lay before him.

As he made his way through the crowd, Xiaojun's steps felt heavy with the weight of his indecision. He approached Hendery cautiously, each movement deliberate and measured, until they stood face to face, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of longing and regret.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Hendery said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes bore into Xiaojun's, searching for answers to questions he couldn't bring himself to ask.

Xiaojun felt his resolve waver as he met Hendery's gaze, the intensity of their connection sparking like a live wire between them. "I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Johnny at Xiaojun's side, his presence casting a shadow over their reunion. Xiaojun felt a surge of guilt wash over him as he introduced Johnny to Hendery, the weight of his past bearing down on him like a leaden weight.

As the night wore on, Xiaojun found himself torn between the pull of his past with Johnny and the allure of a future with Hendery. Each moment spent in their company felt like a step towards an inevitable reckoning, a collision of emotions that threatened to consume them all.

And as the evening drew to a close, Xiaojun found himself standing at a crossroads, his heart torn between the familiar comfort of his past and the uncertain promise of his future. In the end, only time would tell which path he would choose, and whether his heart would lead him back to the one he had loved all those years ago.

As the evening progressed, Xiaojun found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, his mind consumed by thoughts of Hendery and Johnny, each vying for his attention with an intensity that left him feeling overwhelmed.

Throughout the dinner, Hendery's presence loomed like a shadow over Xiaojun, their interactions tinged with a palpable tension that crackled in the air between them. Despite his best efforts to maintain a facade of composure, Xiaojun couldn't shake the feeling of longing that stirred within him at the sight of Hendery's dark eyes and the memory of their shared past.

Meanwhile, Johnny's charm and charisma had captivated the other guests, his effortless charm drawing them into his orbit like moths to a flame. Xiaojun watched from a distance as Johnny worked the room with practiced ease, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths and unresolved feelings.

As the night wore on, Xiaojun found himself drawn into a conversation with Ten, the host of the dinner party, who had taken notice of the tension between him and Hendery. Ten's probing questions forced Xiaojun to confront the feelings he had been trying so desperately to bury, his heart laid bare beneath the weight of Ten's unwavering gaze.

"You still care about him, don't you?" Ten asked softly, his voice tinged with empathy as he regarded Xiaojun with a knowing expression.

Xiaojun hesitated, his mind racing as he struggled to find the words to convey the depth of his emotions. "I don't know," he admitted finally, the admission hanging heavy in the air between them.

Ten placed a comforting hand on Xiaojun's shoulder, his touch a silent reassurance of their friendship. "Sometimes, the heart knows what it wants long before the mind is willing to admit it," he said gently. "Perhaps it's time to listen to what your heart is trying to tell you."

With Ten's words echoing in his mind, Xiaojun found himself drawn back to Hendery's side, the pull of their connection too strong to resist. In the dimly lit corner of the room, they stood face to face once more, their eyes locking in a silent exchange that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"I never stopped thinking about you," Hendery confessed, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Xiaojun's face.

A surge of emotion welled up inside Xiaojun, threatening to spill over as he gazed into Hendery's eyes, seeing the reflection of his own longing mirrored back at him. In that moment, all the walls he had built around his heart came crashing down, leaving him vulnerable and exposed in the presence of the one person who had always held the power to break him.

Without a word, Xiaojun closed the distance between them, his lips meeting Hendery's in a tender kiss that spoke of forgiveness and redemption. In that fleeting moment of connection, all the doubts and fears that had plagued him melted away, leaving only the undeniable truth of their love shining bright like a beacon in the darkness.

As they pulled away, their breath mingling in the space between them, Xiaojun felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he had finally found his way back to the one who had always held his heart. And as they stood together in the quiet embrace of the night, Xiaojun knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together, bound by a love that was as timeless and enduring as the stars themselves.

As the night continued to unfold, Xiaojun and Hendery found themselves engrossed in conversation, their words flowing effortlessly as they rediscovered the connection that had drawn them together all those years ago. With each passing moment, the barriers that had once stood between them crumbled away, leaving behind a sense of intimacy and understanding that felt both familiar and new.

As they talked, Xiaojun couldn't help but marvel at the changes he saw in Hendery, the subtle shifts in his demeanor and outlook that spoke of growth and maturity. Gone was the uncertainty and confusion of their youth, replaced instead by a quiet confidence and self-assurance that drew Xiaojun in like a moth to a flame.

Meanwhile, Hendery found himself captivated by Xiaojun's presence, the familiar contours of his face a balm to his weary soul. In Xiaojun's eyes, he saw echoes of their shared past, moments of joy and sorrow that had shaped them into the people they had become. And in that shared gaze, he found a sense of belonging that he had thought lost forever.

As the evening drew to a close, Xiaojun felt a sense of reluctance wash over him, the prospect of saying goodbye to Hendery once more filling him with a bittersweet ache. But before he could dwell on the thought for too long, a voice broke through the haze of his thoughts, pulling him back to the present moment.

"Xiaojun, are you ready to go?" Johnny's voice cut through the din of the room, his expression a mask of polite indifference as he glanced between Xiaojun and Hendery.

Xiaojun hesitated, torn between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. But as he looked into Johnny's eyes, he saw the echoes of his own uncertainty reflected back at him, a silent plea for understanding that tugged at his heartstrings.

With a heavy sigh, Xiaojun nodded, his decision made in an instant. "Yes, let's go," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he turned to face Johnny.

As they made their way towards the door, Xiaojun stole one last glance over his shoulder, his gaze lingering on Hendery's figure silhouetted against the soft glow of the room. In that fleeting moment, he felt a pang of regret wash over him, the knowledge of what could have been weighing heavily on his heart.

But as he stepped out into the cool night air, Xiaojun felt a sense of peace settle over him, the weight of his decision lifting like a burden from his shoulders. In Johnny's presence, he found a sense of stability and security that he had longed for, a promise of a future filled with possibility and hope.

And as they disappeared into the night, Xiaojun allowed himself to let go of the past, knowing that whatever lay ahead, he would face it with courage and determination, guided by the love that had always been his guiding light.