Chapter 39: Want to kiss, so badly.

Chapter 39: Want to kiss, so badly.

Shen Yao's embrace was indeed warm. Both his hands wrapped around the foot, sealing any escaping warmth, reminiscent of a small heater, the heat was astonishing. His searing body temperature slowly warmed the sole of Ying Li’s foot through the fabric.

Ying Li felt dazed. Shen Yao's actions had been swift, and it took him a moment to fully comprehend what had just transpired.

With Shen Yao holding his foot and the sole pressed against Shen Yao’s chest, he could feel the strong and steady heartbeat, which seemed to quicken with every second.

Being so close, Shen Yao once again caught a whiff of Ying Li's scent—a blend of floral and sweet undertones. It was faint, requiring one to lean in closely to truly discern. Yet, this very fragrance had haunted his dreams for a long time.

Shen Yao, a bit absent-minded, asked Ying Li, "What perfume are you wearing?"

Ying Li replied, "I'm not wearing any perfume."

Shen Yao's nose twitched, concluding that it must be Ying Li's natural scent. But can one's natural scent be this aromatic everywhere?

In full view of the public, with his foot being held, Ying Li was mortified. He attempted to retract his foot, but Shen Yao's grip was unyielding; a tug proved futile.

It was this slight movement that left Shen Yao momentarily stunned. Underneath his jacket, he wore only a short-sleeved shirt. As Ying Li's toes curled, they grazed Shen Yao's chest, almost as if teasing him deliberately. Even though there was clothing in between, Shen Yao could distinctly feel the soft, silky touch.

Lifting his gaze to meet Ying Li's, under the dim light, a glimmer of moisture surfaced in Shen Yao's eyes, "If you move again, you might end up pushing me over..."

Yet, deep down, there was a masochistic wish that if Ying Li did push harder, the sensation would be overwhelmingly ecstatic.

Shen Yao was squatting, with a long flight of stone steps behind him. Falling would certainly result in bruises and injuries. Ying Li would never deliberately harm him, but Shen Yao's tone sounded almost plaintive, as if he had already been hurt.

"Mommy, what are they doing?" A child's voice suddenly pierced the air, pointing at them inquisitively, "Why is that man holding the other man's foot?"

The parent bent down to pick up the child, "Little one, why so many questions? Let's move along."

As people continued to walk up and down the steps, many threw curious glances their way. Ying Li whispered urgently, "Let go quickly. I'm not cold. Everyone's staring at us."

Shen Yao partly opened his jacket, continuing to massage Ying Li's foot. It was incredibly soft, akin to a tuft of cotton. On closer inspection, it did resemble cotton in its whiteness.

He pursed his lips, murmuring slowly, "Just a little longer..."

Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Ying Li turned his head away, attempting to avoid the onlookers' gaze.

"Feeling shy?" Shen Yao removed his own hat and placed it on Ying Li, whose smaller head was almost engulfed by the cap, half-hiding his eyes.

After another minute or so, Shen Yao finally released Ying Li's foot.

"Where's your sock?"

Ying Li hastily put on his sock and proceeded to wear his shoe. However, Shen Yao was faster, deftly guiding Ying Li's slender ankle into the shoe and even tying the laces into a bow.

Through the sock, Shen Yao gave a gentle squeeze to Ying Li's ankle bone, "Does it still hurt?"

"It's fine now," Ying Li stood and took a couple of steps to demonstrate.

Shen Yao looked up, his voice still raspy, "Shall we continue to set the river lanterns?"

"Go on, we've already bought it." Ying Li blinked and seeing Shen Yao still crouched, he inquired, "What's the matter?"

"…My leg's gone numb." Shen Yao's face flushed in embarrassment. As he stood up, he adjusted his clothing to discreetly cover the obvious bulge, avoiding further awkwardness.

The pair continued onward, following the paved path of the wetland park leading to the river's edge. In previous years, the riverbank would be crowded and chaotic with people setting river lanterns. This year, however, the government had designated a specific area for this.

The wind by the riverside grew stronger, laden with moisture. After standing for a while, their clothes became damp. Noting Ying Li's light attire, Shen Yao said, "Let's leave quickly once we've set the lanterns."

The river lanterns they purchased were shaped like lotus flowers. After lighting them up, they set them on the water, where they'd drift away on their own. Ying Li squatted down, nudging the water slightly to ensure the lanterns traveled further.

The night sky was sprinkled with stars, and the humid breeze carried a mixture of adults' and children's voices, muffled and blending together.

Watching the lanterns drift farther and farther away, a deep melancholy overtook Ying Li. Last Mid-Autumn Festival, his family had also released river lanterns. He wondered when the next opportunity would be.

Rising to his feet and staring out over the water, lost in thought, even with Shen Yao's generally thick-skinned nature, he could tell that something was amiss with Ying Li, "What are you thinking about?"

Ying Li was jolted back by Shen Yao's voice, "Hmm?"

"Wipe them," Shen Yao instructed, grabbing Ying Li's damp fingers and rubbing them on his own clothes.

Having just touched the water, Ying Li's fingers were cold. Shen Yao warmed them with his own hand, which was broad and rough, contrasting sharply with Ying Li's delicate and fair skin. The disparity was evident, yet oddly fitting.

Only after ensuring Ying Li's hands were dry did Shen Yao release them.

Ying Li glanced down, "I had tissues..."

"It's all the same," Shen Yao chuckled, feeling a tad silly about his earlier gesture. To change the topic, he suggested, "Let's head back."

As they prepared to leave after releasing the lanterns, Ying Li's phone rang.

Shen Yao sneaked a glance but then feigned ignorance, "Who is it?"

Ying Li responded, "Song Ji Mo."

Pressing the answer button, the deep and gentle voice of Song Ji Mo echoed from the earpiece, "When will you be back?"

Looking carefully at the steps beneath his feet, Ying Li replied, "We're on our way."

It seemed Song Ji Mo could hear the noisy background on Ying Li's side, "It's quite loud over there. Where are you?"

Ying Li said, "Beneath the bridge across the river, at the wetland park, people were releasing river lanterns. So we stopped to watch."

"We?" Song Ji Mo's voice faltered, pausing for a moment before continuing, "With whom, Captain?"

Ying Li: "No, it was with Shen Yao."

Shen Yao's eyebrows were deeply furrowed. "You've been talking for so long. What have you been discussing, checking in on me?"

"Give me that." Shen Yao snatched the phone and spoke tersely to the person on the other end, "Why are you disturbing with a call in the middle of the night?"

Recognizing Shen Yao's voice, Song Ji Mo chuckled, "As bothersome as you? Did your stroll lead you to the hospital?"

Shen Yao responded with a smirk, "What's it to you? Wherever I go is my business. Do I need to report back to you?"

There was silence from the other end, only the faint sound of liquid pouring into a cup. Just as Shen Yao was about to hang up, he heard Song Ji Mo tease, "Shen Yao, don't tell me you've fallen for him?"

He liked Ying Li?

He liked a man?

Shen Yao felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Every muscle in his body tensed as he growled defensively, "Song Ji Mo!"

Startled by his sudden outburst, Ying Li trembled, "What's wrong?"

Shen Yao composed himself and said to Ying Li, "It's nothing. Go on ahead."

He took a few steps away to a quieter spot, licked his back molar, and spoke menacingly, "Song Ji Mo, not everyone is as twisted as you. Watch your words and don't spread baseless rumors, especially not in front of Ying Li."

The threat was clear in his voice, but Song Ji Mo only laughed, seemingly unshaken, and replied calmly, "What did I say? If you're innocent, you have nothing to fear. If you truly have no feelings for him, why are you so defensive?"

How could he have feelings for Ying Li?

He's always seen Ying Li as a close friend, the best kind of friend.

If there was any fondness, it was purely platonic.

Song Ji Mo was clearly being mistrustful and cynical.

Anger, irritation, and shock played out on his face. Shen Yao, gripping the phone, spat out each word through gritted teeth, "I would never harbor such sordid thoughts about Ying Li like you would. Mind your own business, you damned gay."

There seemed to be a brief pause on the other end. Shen Yao expected a retort from Song Ji Mo, but all he heard was a manic laughter from Song Ji Mo, distorted with intermittent crackling sounds. The unexpected chill that ran down Shen Yao's spine made him mutter, "Psychopath."

After hanging up, Shen Yao noticed Ying Li was still waiting for him in the same spot.

He walked over swiftly, his brows still furrowed with residual anger.

Seeing Shen Yao's sudden change in demeanor after the call, Ying Li asked, "What did Song Ji Mo say?"

Shen Yao handed the phone back and said in a deep voice, "It's nothing. Let's head back."

Ying Li nodded, "Alright then."

Throughout the way, Shen Yao was lost in thought, haunted by the eerie laugh Song Ji Mo let out before hanging up.

It was as if a triumphant general was mocking a defeated foe. Yet "mocking" might not fully capture it; there was also a hint of pity in it, as if he was looking down from above, seeing through everything.

Pitying him? What a joke.

Ying Li found Shen Yao's behavior peculiar. After the call, his facial expressions were erratic – frowning one moment and laughing the next. Unable to decipher his thoughts, Ying Li just focused on the path ahead.

Moonlight cast a pale glow, stretching their shadows long on the ground.

As they reached the parking spot, Shen Yao cursed, "Damn it, I shouldn't have parked here."

Ying Li asked, "What's wrong?"

Shen Yao leaned against the car and pointed to the rear left tire, "The tire's been slashed."

Leaning in, Ying Li noticed a small puncture on the tire, as if made by a nail or similar sharp object. It was already half deflated.

There weren't any security cameras installed in this area, so the culprit had likely long since fled.

Shen Yao, hands on his hips, wondered, "What do we do now? Can't drive back. Should we just stay overnight here?"

Ying Li turned to him, "We can just take a taxi back. We can leave the car here and get it repaired tomorrow, right?"

It finally clicked for Shen Yao. Calling a taxi or getting the car fixed were both just a call away. There was no need to spend the night outside.

He was sure this skewed judgment was influenced by that "gay" Song Ji Mo.

Shen Yao scratched his nose and said, "Just kidding. There's a spare tire in the back; we can just replace it."

He quickly and efficiently changed the tire, not requiring any help from Ying Li.

Ying Li stood by, holding Shen Yao's jacket for him.

Shen Yao was impressively built; his short-sleeved shirt was filled by his well-defined back muscles. As he turned the screws, the muscles in his arms bulged with exertion. With a broad back and a narrow waist, his physique radiated pure masculinity. Several passing women couldn't help but gaze at him.

Fifteen minutes later, the tire was replaced. Shen Yao's hands were grimy, and he raised an arm to wipe the sweat from his face, "Done. Let's go."

Ying Li offered him a wet wipe for his hands, commenting, "Impressive."

Shen Yao chuckled, "I used to work at an auto repair shop. I can repair and wash cars."

The English song was still playing in the background as the car sped up on the overpass. Overcome by sleepiness, Ying Li started to nod off.

Shen Yao, amused by Ying Li's drowsy nods, whispered, "Get some rest. We have over half an hour to go. I'll wake you up when we arrive."

Ying Li pursed his lips, "Alright then."

He leaned back in his seat, finding a comfortable position. Intending only to rest his eyes, he soon fell asleep deeply, not even waking when Shen Yao parked the car.

Ying Li's head tilted to the left, his eyes gently closed, his breathing even; he looked so peaceful.

The car's interior was illuminated only by a dim, warm orange light. Though it was faint, Shen Yao's excellent vision allowed him to see every detail on Ying Li's face.

Ying Li's eyelashes were so long, thick, and curly. Clearly defined, they shielded his eyes like delicate curtains. Whether open or closed, his eyes were mesmerizing, and Shen Yao found himself captivated.

His gaze drifted downwards. Had Ying Li applied lipstick? Why were his lips so red?

Tentatively, Shen Yao brushed them with his thumb. There was no trace of color.

Ying Li's lips moved slightly. Thinking he was about to wake, Shen Yao quickly straightened up. After waiting a moment and looking again, he realized Ying Li had merely licked his lips with no signs of waking.

The moistened lips appeared even more vivid and tantalizing, reminiscent of a camellia after a rain shower, dewdrops clinging to its vibrant petals, tempting one to pluck.

He wanted to kiss them.

He really wanted to kiss them.

Shen Yao had never kissed anyone before, but they say a kiss is soft and sweet.

But isn't wanting to kiss a man perverse?

Shen Yao forced himself to look away, but those full lips were seared into his mind, igniting an unnamed desire that left him parched, yearning to crush those lips to quench his thirst.

Maybe not a kiss on the lips, just a peck on the cheek. That wouldn't be perverse, would it?

As this thought raced through his mind, he found himself involuntarily leaning in.

Closer, just a little closer.

Just as Shen Yao's lips were about to touch Ying Li's cheek, a beam of light suddenly flashed from the entrance of the parking lot.

With nothing obstructing the clear windows, Shen Yao hurriedly sat back in his seat.

The rumbling engine echoed loudly, a black car drove past them, drifting into a parking space, leaving black tire marks on the ground, with a wisp of blue smoke trailing behind.

The blinding lights were piercing; Shen Yao couldn't make out the license plate. Who could be returning at this hour?

The screech of the brakes was jarring, causing Ying Li to frown in discomfort.

Shen Yao turned his head nonchalantly, asking, "Awake?"

Feeling groggy, Ying Li rubbed his temples and asked, "Are we here? How long did I sleep?"

Shen Yao replied with a smile, "We just got here, only a few minutes ago."

Ying Li, still dazed, nodded, stepping out of the car.

After closing the car door, Shen Yao glanced at the car that had just arrived, filled with puzzlement. Why is the captain returning only now?

Ying Li said, "Let me wash your pants for you later."

Shen Yao initially wanted to decline, but the thought of Ying Li doing it for him made his heart flutter. "Okay, I'll change and bring them down."

Crossing the living room, Ying Li returned to his room. As he pushed open the bedroom door and fumbled for the light switch, his wrist was suddenly gripped tightly, so much so that Ying Li felt as if it might be crushed.

A scream caught in his throat as his neck was also seized. Before he knew it, he was yanked to the side, his delicate shoulder blades pressed against the cold door, shivering involuntarily.

Fortunately, the hand around his neck didn't apply too much pressure, leaving Ying Li a gap to breathe.

He lifted his hazy eyes, feeling as if his blood was rushing backward.

A towering shadow loomed over him, a suppressed voice filled with near rage, hoarse to its limit, emerged.

"Did he use his tongue?"

Author's Note:

If I were a freak, I'd go for it, a French kiss that is (with a playful sound).