Shen Yangge buried his forehead in the crook of Chu Xuanzhen's neck. His hot tears dripped onto Chu Xuanzhen's skin, sending a rush of heat through his entire body.
The window was half closed, letting in wisps of cool breeze scented faintly with flowers in the night. But most of the fragrance came from the seemingly aggrieved man in his arms.
Chu Xuanzhen's throat bobbed. He lifted a hand to hold Shen Yangge's chin, gently supporting his face, then curled the index finger of his other hand to wipe away those warm tears.
Their foreheads rested together, skin touching skin. Chu Xuanzhen's voice was hoarse. "...I came too late."
All five of his fingertips trembled slightly, as though he did not quite know what to do. His usually expressionless face actually held a trace of panic. Though it was difficult to make out, Shen Yangge still froze for several seconds.
He reached up to cover the hand holding his chin and interlaced their fingers. Closing his eyes, he felt the warmth of the palm before him. In a daze, he recalled their first meeting.
Perhaps from the very first moment he saw Chu Xuanzhen, he had been destined to fall for him. It was like watching himself walk into a cage with his eyes wide open.
Their black hair intertwined in the water, lending an intimacy to the scene that could neither be severed nor untangled.
Shen Yangge tilted his head up and gazed deep into Chu Xuanzhen's eyes with all his stubbornness and sincerity. Then he tipped his head slightly and pressed his lips to his.
He kissed Chu Xuanzhen's thin lips tenderly.
Shen Yangge woke to birdsong and the chirping of cicadas, his disheveled hair spilling over the bedding and soft pillow.
He sat up with an