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Should I get the cinnamon roll or the double fudge brownie?
Xie Lian patiently stood in line at the bakery while the person in front of him ordered, still deciding on what he should get. While he usually got the double fudge brownie, perhaps it was a day to try new things. It looked like the cinnamon rolls were popular, as there was only one left in the case by the time it was his turn to order. Decision made, he walked up to the barista.
“Hi! Can I get the cinnamon roll to go please?”
He barely finished ordering before he heard a low sigh of disappointment behind him. While the barista grabbed his cinnamon roll, he slightly turned to see what was wrong when he caught sight of a tall man. He couldn’t exactly see his face, but his posture radiated disapproval in such a stark manner that it momentarily caught Xie Lian off guard.
Maybe he also wanted the cinnamon roll? Xie Lian was no stranger to disappointment, and he imagined what the poor man must be feeling if he came to grab a snack after work only to see it snatched away right before his eyes. Oh no.
“Excuse me?” He called the barista again. “Sorry, but can I also get the double fudge brownie?”
While he paid and grabbed both his treats, he realized the man had left his place in line and was already outside, walking away. Xie Lian jogged a bit to catch up with him and called out.
“Excuse me sir? Yes, you there! Wait a second!”
The man turned around, and Xie Lian’s breath caught in his throat. The man towered over him, and had raven black hair cascading down to his shoulders. His face was all sharp angles and precise features, and only served to make him look more like a sculpture. An eyepatch covered one eye while the other regarded Xie Lian with a calculated gaze for a moment before it widened slightly. The man gasped a little when he made eye contact with Xie Lian, possibly confused at the audacity his cinnamon roll thief had at chasing after him.
He thrust the bag with the cinnamon roll in front of the stranger, while the man only lifted an eyebrow in confusion.
“It looked like you wanted the cinnamon roll back there, so here you go.”
The man let out a sound somewhere between another gasp and a chuckle. “Oh? I didn’t know I was that obvious.”
“You sounded upset when I took the last one, and I really don’t want to be the reason your day is ruined.” He pushed the bag further out, urging the man to take it.
“I couldn’t possibly take it now. You’ve claimed it fair and square.”
“No please, I insist! I like the double fudge brownie more anyway, I just wanted to try something new. It’s really not a big deal.” The man still wasn’t taking the bag so Xie Lian pushed it into his hand himself and gave him a bright smile.
“There! Now we both have something.” The man continued to look at Xie Lian with a dazed expression on his face before wrapping his elegant fingers around the paper bag.
“In that case, thank you for saving my day gege.”
Xie Lian was immediately a bit flustered. He barely spoke three sentences to this man before he started calling him a nickname. But then again, Xie Lian had just bought a cinnamon roll for him without even seeing his face so the lines were probably blurred.
“It really is no big deal! I always get really upset when someone takes my favorite desserts before I can get to them so I really can’t imagine being the reason that happens to someone else.”
“Oh? Does this happen to you a lot?”
“I sometimes work odd hours so if I come in late, there’s no brownies left or only enough for the people in front of me.”
The man frowned.
“It’s okay though! It happens. Anyways, enjoy your roll!” With that, he waved and began his walk to his apartment. The man stayed rooted in his spot, alternating between looking at the cinnamon roll in his hands and Xie Lian. He continued to have a dazed smile on his face that had Xie Lian thinking, cute.
Xie Lian walked back home and entered the building with his brownie and was greeted by Yushi Huang, his favorite neighbor.
“Hi Yushi Huang! How was your day?”
“Hello Xie Lian. It was good, thank you. And you?”
They exchanged more pleasantries on the way to the elevator before hearing a loud voice.
“Hold the door please!” It was Pei Ming. This should be fun . Pei Ming ran inside the elevator and almost collided with Yushi Huang, who to her effort remained in place. Pei Ming’s eyes widened and his steps faltered as he almost toppled over, but he managed to catch himself just in time. He then stood facing forward as if nothing happened and nodded to the other two.
“Yushi Huang. Xie Lian.”
They both greeted Pei Ming and continued their conversation before Xie Lian got off on his floor. He waved to Yushi Huang and Pei Ming before continuing on to his own little apartment.
Once he was home, Xie Lian changed into a comfortable pajama set and started on making dinner. He decided to make a simple pasta salad that wouldn’t be too bad on his taste buds. Contrary to popular belief, Xie Lian actually could cook well enough if the dish was simple. It was when he was cooking for other people, or when he tried to recreate his mother’s dishes that things actually went south. Xie Lian sighed as he thought of his mother. It had been years since her passing, but the grief never really went away. The grief of losing his family, friends, and his future never really went away in fact.
Shaking away the depressing thoughts, he finished making and eating dinner, and settled on the couch to watch a rom-com he had lined up. When he saw the male lead with his tall stature and easy smile, he was reminded of the man from the bakery. He really was handsome. Xie Lian wondered if he would ever see the man in the bakery again, but he had never seen him there before, so who was to say it would happen again.
Xie Lian forcefully pulled himself out of his thoughts and continued to watch the movie. Whatever happened today was simply a fluke. He would probably never see the handsome stranger again, so there was no need to dwell on such matters.
Xie Lian went back to his local bakery the next week and was just about to step into line when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
“Gege!”
Xie Lian whipped his head around and saw the handsome man from last week. He was surprised that a man with such an imposing presence still remembered him. Still mildly confused, he walked up to the man’s table, which was laden with a selection of pastries and desserts.
“Hello! I see you got your cinnamon roll this time.”
The man’s mouth tipped up in a single corner, and the sight made Xie Lian’s breath hitch a little (again).
“Not only did I get my cinnamon roll but I was also able to get you your brownie. Care to join me?”
“Oh! I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense. I insist.” The man actually got up and pulled a chair out for Xie Lian, gesturing with his head for him to take a seat. Xie Lian hurriedly sat in the chair and ducked his head down, willing for the rising flush in his cheeks to disappear. What a gentleman.
“Oh sorry, I never introduced myself. I’m Xie Lian.” Xie Lian held out his hand to shake which the other man took gently between his own.
“This one is called Hua Cheng, but you can call me San Lang.” It seemed Hua Cheng was just forward in nature.
“It’s lovely to meet you, San Lang.”
“Likewise. Now please, have some of these treats I bought. I made sure to get you the double fudge brownies, but I also included some other things in case you were feeling peckish.”
Xie Lian wasn’t sure what to do with the thoughtful gesture from Hua Cheng. Although-
“How did you know I would be here today?”
“Hm? Oh, I didn’t. I’ve been coming for the past few days to see if you would show up, and today was my lucky day.”
Xie Lian didn’t know what to say to that, so he picked up a strawberry danish and quickly bit into it, savoring the way the jelly filled his mouth. When he looked up at Hua Cheng, he saw another dazed expression on his face.
“San Lang? Sorry, did you want this one?”
Hua Cheng finally snapped out of whatever daze he was in and returned to his signature cocky expression. “Gege, you can’t keep giving things that you like away. What if someone takes advantage?”
“Ah? It’s never anything important.”
“If it makes you happy then it’s important.”
Xie Lian was a bit stunned and he could feel yet again another flush rising to his cheeks. There was just something about the way San Lang spoke and looked at him that made him feel like he was the only thing in the room. It made his head spin.
“So anyway, San Lang, do you work around here?”
“Yes I do. I work across the street at Paradise Manor as a financial consultant. What does gege do?”
“Nothing as prestigious as San Lang. I work nearby in an NGO as an advocacy officer.”
Though San Lang frowned a little at his words, his face quickly smoothed out and returned to an easy smile. “Gege, if anything you’re the one doing something more prestigious and noble. I just help some spoiled brats gamble away their money. You’re out in the world making an impact on it. It suits you.”
Xie Lian was at a loss for words. “A-ah? It’s really not that big of a deal,” he said while scratching the side of his temple. San Lang smiled another one of his honeyed smiles and easily rallied into conversation. They spent the next few hours talking about a variety of topics, ranging from more information about their jobs to their favorite movies to their plans for the next week. Xie Lian had never been so attuned to a conversation before. He felt like he clicked with San Lang in a way that had never happened before, and it made him happy that he could get along with such a lovely man. Soon, he realized that the sun was beginning to set and they’d been in the cafe for a few hours.
“San Lang, it looks like I should start heading home, it’s getting a bit late.” Even though it was Xie Lian who had suggested they end their day, it still mildly upset him. He was having so much fun.
San Lang casually glanced at his watch before returning his gaze to Xie Lian. “Sorry gege, I’ve kept you here.”
Xie Lian quickly shook his hands in front of him. “No no no San Lang! I had so much fun! I just don’t want to keep you from your dinner.”
“Well, if that’s your only problem then would you want to join me for dinner. There’s a lovely restaurant I visit sometimes that you might like too. Only if you’re free of course.”
“Oh! Are you sure? I really don’t want to impose.”
“Gege, you could never impose; especially if I invited you. Please, I once again insist.”
“Well, if you’re sure.”
Xie Lian ended up loving the restaurant. When he told Hua Cheng as much, he was treated to another smooth smile. They continued their conversation from the cafe as if they'd never stopped, and Xie Lian was so distracted he didn’t notice as Hua Cheng quietly paid for both of them. When Xie Lian tried to complain, Hua Cheng pouted at him and said it was nothing. When they finished their dinner and stepped out, Xie Lian once again didn’t want the night to end. Just as he was about to say something, Hua Cheng beat him to it.
“Gege, I feel like I’ve eaten too much. Would you like to take a walk with me?”
“I would love to.”
As they walked through the small park Hua Cheng took them to, Xie Lian felt his mind quieting down. He could see the stars twinkling in the night sky and reflecting in the small pond in the middle of the park, and for some reason it was making him emotional. Everything just felt so good.
“Gege, is everything alright?”
Xie Lian turned to see a concerned expression on Hua Cheng’s face. It further softened Xie Lian’s inner feelings. “I’m fine San Lang. I just don’t remember the last time I felt this peaceful. You brought us to a great place, thank you.”
This time, it was Hua Cheng who flushed. It made him look softer somehow, more boyish.
As the night ended up coming to a close, Hua Cheng walked Xie Lian back to his apartment, despite Xie Lian telling him it was okay. Before he went back up, Xie Lian turned to look at San Lang.
“San Lang, I had a great time today.”
Hua Cheng’s eyes looked like they reflected the moonlight, and it hit straight into Xie Lian’s heart.
“Me too gege. We should do this again sometime.”
“Would you want to?”
“Of course gege. Here, give me your phone.”
Xie Lian handed his phone over to Hua Cheng and watched as he texted himself from Xie Lian’s phone. Looking satisfied, he handed the phone back to Xie Lian. They stood chest to chest, close enough that Xie Lian had to crane his neck to fully see Hua Cheng. He didn’t want to leave, he realized. He wanted to stay here with San Lang.
“San Lang -” “Gege-”
They chuckled at each other.
“You first gege.”
“Ah, it’s nothing. I just wanted to say good night.”
“Good night gege, sleep well.”
“Mm, you too.”
With a small wave, Xie Lian turned around and went inside his building, still feeling San Lang’s burning gaze on his back.
For the next few weeks, Xie Lian kept to texting Hua Cheng regularly. It started out with small, inane conversations at the end of their respective days. Slowly, it progressed to texting each other updates throughout the day. Somehow, Xie Lian started looking forward to his days in a way that wasn’t possible for him before. They’d even met up a few more times since their first hangout, sometimes at the bakery and sometimes at other locations around the city. Once, they had even run into Hua Cheng's coworkers, and it was truly an enlightening experience to see that Hua Cheng treated him much better than anyone else in his life. It made Xie Lian feel important. The days where they met up to hang out were usually Xie Lian's favorites, but he still enjoyed the days when he got updates on Hua Cheng's day.
It was when he was smiling down at his phone while riding up the elevator to his apartment - unaware of the world around him as he looked at a selfie of Hua Cheng at work - that someone finally called him out on it.
“He’s cute. Is he your boyfriend?”
Xie Lian startled as he looked up to see Pei Ming.
“Hello Pei Ming. It’s nice to see you too.”
"Screw that, is this your boyfriend? I always thought you needed one of those. Help take that melancholy look out of your eyes.”
Xie Lian waited for the mortification to set in, but surprisingly, it didn’t. In fact, he felt strangely smug inside, as if someone thinking San Lang was his boyfriend was great news. Huh.
“No, this is my friend.”
“That smile says otherwise.”
“I beg to differ.”
“Okay if he’s not your boyfriend then do you want him to be?”
“That depends Pei Ming. Do you want Yushi Huang to be your girlfriend?”
His words had their desired effect. Pei Ming froze up and looked away, as if he was guilty of something. Xie Lian left him there to process his words while he went inside his home.
While he was making dinner, he let his mind drift back to what Pei Ming said. He really didn’t mind the assumption that San Lang was his boyfriend. San Lang was kind (to him), attentive (to him), and hilarious (definitely only to him, if his coworkers’ complaints were anything to go by). He was handsome in a way that would sway even the most hard hearted, and most importantly, he made Xie Lian happy. Years ago, Xie Lian was content with the fact that he would be alone for the rest of his life. He not only accepted it, but embraced it. Happiness maybe wasn't possible, but peace certainly was. Then came San Lang in all his glory to tilt that acceptance of loneliness on its axis and bring Xie Lian down with it.
Huh. It looked like his feelings really ran away from him if he was so attached to San Lang after a few weeks of texting. Well no bother, he wouldn’t let them affect his relationship with the man. He was the best friend Xie Lian ever had, and he didn’t know if he could lose him just because of some romantic feelings that San Lang was in no way inclined to reciprocate. But still, Xie Lian realized he missed the man. Hesitating only a bit, Xie Lian sent San Lang a message.
Xie Lian
6:30 pm
San Lang! Would you want to get something at the bakery with me? I haven’t gone in a while.
Hua Cheng
6:30 pm
I would love to gege. Tell me when you’re free.
Xie Lian
6:31 pm
Tomorrow at 6?
Hua Cheng
6:31 pm
I’ll see you then gege. I’ve missed your face.
Xie Lian felt his eyes widen. San Lang’s flirting really was smooth, how was Xie Lian not supposed to develop a crush on him?
Xie Lian
6:33 pm
I’ve missed you too. I’ll see you tomorrow!
Satisfied and excited for the next day, Xie Lian continued on with his routine. He was going to see San Lang tomorrow!
When he ended up at what he considered their bakery, Xie Lian could immediately spot Hua Cheng. He made a beeline for his table and sat down.
“San Lang!” Oops. He let a little too much of his enthusiasm slip out.
“Gege, it’s been far too long.”
“We’ve been texting everyday.”
“It’s not the same as seeing you face to face. I’ve missed you.”
There he was again with the endearing statements towards Xie Lian.
“Don’t tease San Lang.”
“I’m not teasing, I really have missed you. In fact, if you didn’t suggest it I was going to text you to schedule something soon.”
“Oh, why didn’t you?”
“I didn’t want to bother gege.”
This stumped Xie Lian. Hua Cheng didn’t seem like the type to be insecure about his presence. How could he be? But Xie Lian was all too aware of lurking feelings.
“Nonsense, you could never bother me San Lang. I always enjoy talking to you!”
“Really gege?”
“Of course! I didn’t know it was so easy to be happy until I met you.” Double oops. There he was again with the over-enthusiasm. He would really have to try harder if he didn’t -
“Me too gege.”
“Huh?”
“I- it’s the same for me. I didn’t know that I could actually enjoy the days so much until you started being a part of them.”
Xie Lian couldn’t do anything but stare at San Lang for a long while. Did he mean what he thought he meant?
“San Lang?”
San Lang slowly reached out and took both of Xie Lian’s hands into his.
“Gege, forgive me if I’m making you uncomfortable, but would you want to go on a date with me? Properly?”
Xie Lian froze up. What? San Lang wanted to go on a date with him? Why? Huh??? Perhaps he was silent for too long, as San Lang’s expression slowly began to shutter and he pulled his hands away.
“I understand if that is not something you wish, forgive me for my impudence, I’ll leave you alone now.”
That spurred Xie Lian into action. He quickly reached out and grabbed at San Lang’s retreating hands.
“I want to!” He spoke a little too loud, but his words stopped Hua Cheng and brought some color back into his face, and that was all that mattered.
“You- you do?”
“Yes! But, do you?”
“Of course I do gege! What a silly question.”
Xie Lian smiled and tried to duck his head, but Hua Cheng stopped him with a finger under his chin.
“Gege, let me do this again. Would you do this lowly one a great service by allowing him to take you on a date?”
“San Lang, I would be honored.”
They smiled at each other once more before continuing on with their meal at the bakery as if nothing changed. But this time, Xie Lian allowed himself to stare at San Lang, who for his own part stared at Xie Lian just as much, if not more. Hua Cheng once again walked Xie Lian back to his apartment with strict instructions to be ready at 7 pm on Saturday, but not letting a single hint of his plans for the day slip out. He wouldn’t budge no matter how much Xie Lian pouted, but his eyes did keep slipping down to his lips. When they finally arrived outside the building, Xie Lian felt a steady thrum of excitement building up inside him. He waved to San Lang and went inside.
Just as he was about to step inside the elevator, he turned around to see San Lang still outside the doors of the building, sending a gaze full of affection in Xie Lian’s direction.
Xie Lian couldn’t help himself.
Before he could convince himself to think more, he ran outside and threw himself at Hua Cheng, wrapping the taller man in his arms. Hua Cheng froze for a few moments before he seemed to reboot, and wrapped his own arms around Xie Lian, tucking him further into his chest. Xie Lian felt so warm and safe in San Lang’s arms, he really didn’t want to leave. He contented himself by burrowing deeper into Hua Cheng’s chest. Hua Cheng only held him tighter, with one arm around his waist and another holding Xie Lian’s head.
“Gege.” San Lang’s voice sounded rough and breathy. It brought Xie Lian back to the current moment.
“This is to tide you over till our date.” Xie Lian said shyly. He couldn’t bring himself to look Hua Cheng in his eyes, but Hua Cheng simply wouldn’t let that stand. He placed his hands on Xie Lian’s cheeks and tilted his face up, until they were looking at each other.
“Gege, you’re going to be the death of me.”
Xie Lian smacked him very gently on his chest and extricated himself from San Lang’s hold. Looking up at him, with his sugar sweet smile directed only at Xie Lian, he really couldn’t help himself once again. He grabbed at Hua Cheng’s shirt and pulled him down while simultaneously getting up on his tiptoes to place a chaste kiss on San Lang’s cheek.
When he released him, Hua Cheng looked at him as if somebody took a hammer and smacked him right to his head.
“Good night San Lang.” With that, Xie Lian finally went back inside while Hua Cheng stayed rooted in his spot, reverently touching the spot he was kissed with his hand.
At exactly 6:55 on Saturday, Xie Lian stood outside his apartment building wearing his best cashmere sweater and his tight, dark wash jeans. He tied his hair up in a way that framed his face and gave him a more soft look. Hua Cheng had said the date wouldn’t require any particular dress code besides something comfortable, but Xie Lian still wanted to look good for his date. He wanted to look desirable.
Pei Ming walked by with his usual entourage of friends, probably to go to a party and stopped to whistle appreciatively at Xie Lian.
“Where are you heading out all dolled up like that?”
“I’m going on a date.”
“Ho ho, is it with that hottie you have on your phone?”
“Yes, it is.”
Pei Ming was about to make another comment when a sleek red sports car pulled up by the sidewalk. The windows rolled down to reveal San Lang. He smiled softly at Xie Lian before realizing there was someone else next to him. He gave Pei Ming a deliberate once over and then turned his head as if Pei Ming wasn’t even there, and called out to Xie Lian.
“Gege, come in. Wouldn’t want to be late for our date.”
“Coming!”
“Oh you certainly will be tonight. Hehe.” With that, Pei Ming walked onwards while Xie Lian walked up to Hua Cheng’s car. Hua Cheng stepped out to greet him, and Xie Lian was once again blown away by the perilous beauty that was his San Lang. He was wearing a tight black turtleneck with a red leather jacket on top. He was wearing silver necklaces that fell artfully over his chest, and his hair was let down but had a single small braid running down the side. San Lang usually looked handsome, but today he was downright sinful. Xie Lian couldn’t help but stare.
Hua Cheng took his hand and gently guided him to the side of the car, where he opened the passenger door and let Xie Lian inside. He then went around and got in on the drivers side, and finally took off.
“You look beautiful today gege, it looks like I’ll have to fight any pesky flies off of my cinnamon roll.”
Xie Lian laughed softly. “Don’t worry San Lang, you won’t have to fight anyone. You look very handsome today as well.”
“I wanted to look good for gege.”
“I wanted to look good for San Lang too.” Xie Lian said shyly. He heard San Lang take in a quick breath and mumble something, and he allowed himself a small smile.
On the drive over, they talked about their usual topics, but this time there was an undercurrent of something there. It was making Xie Lian giddy.
They finally arrived at a small lake with a dock. Hua Cheng, ever the gentleman, came over to open the door and let Xie Lian out. He then gave him a secretive smile, and held his hand to guide him over to the dock, where there was a small boat with a canopy over it already prepared. Xie Lian stepped onto the boat and waited for Hua Cheng to settle in. Once he did, Hua Cheng untied the anchor and they set off.
Xie Lian couldn’t help but marvel at San Lang’s ethereal beauty once more. He looked so elegant in the moonlight. Based on the look on San Lang’s face, it looked like he felt the same way about Xie Lian.
“Gege, you look like a celestial water nymph waiting to whisk me away.”
Xie Lian flushed lightly. “San Lang, if anyone looks celestial here, it’s you.” That caused Hua Cheng to turn away quickly before looking back at Xie Lian.
“Gege, you really will be the death of me.”
They talked more while San Lang rowed them to the middle of the lake, and then finally, he stopped to check his watch.
“What is it San Lang?”
“It’s almost time.”
“Time for what?”
Xie Lian barely finished his question before he saw a tiny light flickering in the water. And then one more. And a few more after that. Xie Lian looked at them closely before he realized that no, the lights weren’t coming from the water. They were coming from above it.
He slowly looked up, and promptly lost every thought in his head.
Above the boat, hundreds of lanterns were floating into the sky. They were gracefully dancing into the clouds, entwining with each other before fully disappearing from view. An entire section of the sky was filled with just the light of the lanterns, and they seemed to make everything around them glow. It was beautiful. It was perfect.
Xie Lian looked back down at his San Lang, who was glowing with both light from the lanterns, as well as from his own happiness. From the side of the boat, he pulled out a single lantern, and pushed it towards Xie Lian. Xie Lian could feel tears filling up in his eyes, but nonetheless took the lantern from him. Together, they lit it up and released it into the night sky, to join the countless other lanterns floating away into the heavens.
“San Lang?”
“Hmm gege?”
“Did you do this?”
“Of course.”
“How?”
“There isn’t anything in the world that’s too hard to do for you. Especially something you’ve wanted for so long.”
Suddenly, a memory floated up into Xie Lian, like wisps of smoke. He remembered going to the lantern festival with his parents when he was a child. He remembered releasing his own lantern with his family and friends. He remembered the beauty of the night, just like this one. He told San Lang about it once in passing, and San Lang remembered. He remembered and made Xie Lian’s wish come through.
Xie Lian was suddenly overcome with affection for this man. He once again threw himself at San Lang, who caught him easily as they collapsed into a pile on the sole of the boat, which jostled from the force of the hug. Xie Lian began peppering small butterfly kisses on Hua Cheng’s face in the middle of saying a thousand thank yous. Hua Cheng tilted his face to give Xie Lian better access, and had the face of a cat who was stuck in a room full of cream.
Xie Lian paused in his torrent of kisses and gazed lovingly at San Lang. He brought his face down gently, and this time, placed a gentle kiss on San Lang’s lips. San Lang gasped, which caused Xie Lian to lift his face up a bit.
“San Lang, sorry is this o-mmph!”
Hua Cheng dove up just as quickly and captured Xie Lian’s lips in a much harsher kiss than the one from mere moments ago. He deepened the kiss and licked at the seam of Xie Lian’s lips, as if he was asking permission. Xie Lian granted it by opening his mouth, and suddenly the kiss turned more filthy. Hua Cheng pulled Xie Lian closer to himself and flipped them both over, until it was San Lang looming over him from above.
Xie Lian felt undone by just this kiss. He was gasping for breath, and his clothes and hair were all more disheveled. Still, Hua Cheng looked at him as if he hung the moon and stars in the sky.
“San Lang~”
“Gege. Gege, you're so beautiful. You’re so perfect.”
“San Lang, you’re embarrassing me.” Xie Lian could hear the whine in his voice. He didn’t know what was happening to him, so he opted to cover his face with his hands. Hua Cheng gently pulled them away, and placed a small kiss on Xie Lian’s nose.
“I would never.”
Hua Cheng kissed him hungrily again. They might’ve kissed for hours and Xie Lian would not know. All he knew was the taste of Hua Cheng’s mouth, and the feeling of Hua Cheng’s arms around his waist. He felt like he was intoxicated with how good he felt.
After quite a bit of time had passed, they eased up and snuggled against one another. Xie Lian had his head placed right against Hua Cheng’s heartbeat, and the sound soothed him like nothing else. Hua Cheng held him tightly, and occasionally placed a kiss on the crown of his head. Xie Lian let himself be lulled by the peaceful atmosphere, and looked towards the lanterns that were still straggling in the sky.
Xie Lian’s head was empty, but his heart was completely full.