Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Rain poured heavily outside the window, while the bus was filled with lively chatter.

Despite having graduated not long ago, everyone remained on familiar terms and still had endless topics to discuss. However, many couldn't help but steal glances at the seat in the second-to-last row from the back.

Most people knew the person Pei Ran had brought along.

Yan Zhun had previously attended their alma mater, being a classmate of theirs. The guys knew him for his gaming prowess, while the girls were smitten by his good looks.

Halfway through the journey, as the bus navigated a bumpy mountain road, the friend seated beside Luo Qingshan finally whispered, "Did you... break up with Pei Ran?"

Chewing gum, Luo Qingshan's heart was unexpectedly pricked. He replied gloomily, "Mm."

"At first, when the class leader said Pei Ran was bringing family, I thought he meant a relative," his friend mentioned.

Upon hearing the word "family," Luo Qingshan's expression darkened even further. He turned expressionlessly to look out the window.

By the time they arrived at the hotel, the rain had just stopped. The air in the mountains was fresh and invigorating. Once they alighted, the class leader quickly coordinated with the hotel staff and distributed room keys to everyone.

It wasn't yet dinner time, but a group of people had already started discussing plans to go soak in the hot springs together.

Pei Ran originally intended to greet Teacher Yun, but the teacher had a bit of motion sickness and returned to his room as soon as they arrived.

When Pei Ran came back with the room key, Yan Zhun asked, "Are you going to join them for the hot springs?"

Pei Ran shook his head. "Back to the room."

The class monitor had booked standard rooms for everyone, but the hotel was large enough that the rooms were quite comfortable.

As soon as they entered the room, Yan Zhun had just put down his luggage when he heard a swish as Pei Ran drew the curtains closed.

"Let's take a nap," Pei Ran suggested.

Yan Zhun removed his baseball cap and hung it aside. "Sure, are you tired?"

"I meant you," Pei Ran clarified after a moment. "Didn't you only sleep at five this morning?"

There was an issue with the main strategist of Team TZG, so they couldn't continue competing and had to call in a substitute. To build up their rapport, Team TZG had been holding emergency training sessions recently, and Yan Zhun often accompanied them, staying until late into the night.

Falling asleep at five and waking up at noon to pack, followed by a bumpy two-hour car ride, anyone would be exhausted.

Yan Zhun asked, "Did I wake you up?"

"No, Lin Xuhuan told me."

Yan Zhun nodded, took out his phone from his pocket, and casually sent Lin Xuhuan an emoji of a throat-slashing gesture before silencing it and tossing it onto the table.

He shed his coat, leaving only a thin T-shirt on, and lay down on the bed. Hotel beds were usually too soft, which wasn't good for the lower back in the long run, but they could be quite comfortable for an occasional nap.

Closing his eyes, drowsiness flooded over him like a tide. After half a minute, he opened them again to see Pei Ran standing by the bedside looking at his phone.

Yan Zhun turned sideways and called out, "Teacher Pei."

Their class group chat was announcing the time for their evening gathering, which would take place in the hotel's underground restaurant that had been pre-booked. Pei Ran responded with "Noted" along with the others. "Hmm?"

Yan Zhun's voice was languid. "Come over and keep me company for a nap."

Pei Ran looked up in surprise. Yan Zhun was half-lidded, looking at him wearily.

For a moment, their identical jackets were piled together. As Pei Ran lay on the bed, Yan Zhun wrapped his arms around him from behind.

It wasn't quite accurate to say he was holding him; his arm simply rested on his waist, without applying any pressure.

Yan Zhun asked, "What time should we go eat?"

The evening gathering was not a family-friendly event. After all, they were all classmates, and the presence of strangers would inevitably make everyone feel uneasy.

"Six o'clock," Pei Ran replied. "I'll come back early and bring you something to eat. What do you want?"

"No need, I'll just call room service. Have fun."

"Okay."

After a few seconds: "…But don't stay out too late."

"Okay."

Yan Zhun's voice was soft, almost a whisper, yet sincere. "Remember, your boyfriend is still waiting for you."

"Alright," Pei Ran smiled silently. "I understand."

The person behind him remained silent.

Yan Zhun turned to the side and, with his lips just centimeters away from Pei Ran's nape, fell asleep.

-

When it was time for dinner, Pei Ran quietly got out of bed, careful not to disturb Yan Zhun. He switched on only the bathroom light and hastily got ready before leaving.

Arriving punctually, most of the students were already there. Pei Ran scanned the empty seats, contemplating where to sit when he saw Teacher Yun put down his cup and wave at him.

"Pei Ran, come sit next to me."

Teacher Yun was in his fifties, with a few strands of white hair at his temples and a receding hairline. Nevertheless, he still appeared energetic.

There was an empty seat to his left, and Luo Qingshan sat on his right.

Upon noticing that Pei Ran didn't move, Teacher Yun prompted him again. After a moment of hesitation, Pei Ran finally walked over.

Teacher Yun sized him up. "Why is your shirt so loose?"

Pei Ran was taken aback and looked down to realize he was wearing Yan Zhun's coat. The lighting had been too dim when he left the house, so he hadn't noticed.

He said, "…I wore the wrong one."

With someone in between them, Luo Qingshan couldn't see Pei Ran at all. Upon hearing those words, he downed his glass of wine in one go.

Teacher Yun asked him to sit closer but didn't say anything particular; he just enquired about Pei Ran's life over the past two years and how university was going.

Pei Ran replied to each question and then asked, "Teacher, how is your health?"

"Nothing serious, just minor issues," Teacher Yun said nonchalantly. "Your master just worries too much and insists I resign for some rest. I'll let her have her way."

Someone nearby asked, "Then, Teacher, can you still drink? Won't your master scold you?"

"She's in the room, not here," Teacher Yun replied. "Just two glasses, and don't tell her about it, okay?"

Luo Qingshan interjected, "No way. You made me stand in the corner every day back in high school. Today, I'm getting my revenge."

Teacher Yun turned and playfully tapped his head. "Rascal!"

Amidst laughter, the atmosphere around the table instantly became lively.

As they were all adults, alcohol was a must at the dinner table. Pei Ran silently ate his food, seemingly detached from the merriment. Only when everyone raised their glasses would he join in with a clink.

By the end, most of the male classmates had flushed red from drinking and moved to the other side for a game of dice. Luo Qingshan was the loudest among them, shouting out the numbers. The table suddenly seemed emptier.

Putting down his chopsticks, Pei Ran lowered his head to check if he had received any new messages on his phone.

Teacher Yun had just finished chatting with another classmate. After the others moved away, she suddenly turned to ask, "Why isn't Yan Zhun here with you?"

"He's sleeping in the room," Pei Ran replied without thinking. "Do you know him?"

After asking this, Pei Ran realized it was unnecessary. Yan Zhun had also attended Full High in high school, so it wouldn't be strange for teachers to recognize him, especially since they occasionally took his classes or proctored his exams.

To his surprise, Teacher Yun nodded and said, "I know of him. I happened to see him when he came to your class to give you something."

Pei Ran was taken aback and instinctively repeated, "Give me something?"

Teacher Yun hummed in response. Noticing his confusion, she smiled at him and said, "Did you forget? It was those textbooks."

Pei Ran stood frozen, his posture unchanged, lost in thought for a long while.

Seeing his expression, Teacher Yun began to understand the situation. "What's going on?"

"Uh..." Pei Ran found his voice, his heart pounding rapidly. "Teacher, when... when did you see it?"

"I couldn't tell you," Teacher Yun brushed his fingertips along the rim of his cup. "Some day during lunch break."

The reason he remembered it was during lunch break was because he had also brought two new textbooks, planning to place them on Pei Ran's desk when the classroom was empty.

But a well-meaning classmate beat him to it, not only delivering the textbooks but also what seemed to be a packet of white-wrapped candies.

Luo Qingshan approached with his wine glass, interrupting their conversation.

"To you, Teacher Yun. You've put in so much effort for us in high school..."

Upon seeing Luo Qingshan, Teacher Yun turned and scoffed, lifting his cup. "Yes, you should salute me. Quite a few of these white hairs are thanks to you."

Luo Qingshan tugged at the corner of his mouth and glanced at Pei Ran. "Pei Ran, how about a toast together?"

Pei Ran raised his glass and mechanically clinked it with Teacher Yun's.

He didn't pay attention to who had arrived or who had proposed the toast. Amidst the lively chatter around him, he sat with his head down, piecing together scattered fragments in his mind.

More and more people came to offer their respects to Teacher Yun with a drink, and regardless of who did so, everyone at the table followed suit. Pei Ran drank several glasses in a row when a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.

"Don't drink anymore, Xiao Ran," Luo Qingshan said. "You'll feel terrible if you get drunk."

Pei Ran sidestepped away from his touch, about to speak when his phone beeped.

"Yan Zhun: You're awake."

Without any attempt to hide it, Pei Ran glanced at the message, allowing Luo Qingshan an unobstructed view of its content.

With their appetites sated and bellies full, some were already discussing plans to return to their rooms. Luo Qingshan pursed his lips and then suddenly suggested, "This hotel has a karaoke room. Why don't we book one and continue the fun?"

His suggestion was immediately echoed by others.

Pei Ran stood up and put on his coat. "Teacher Yun, I won't be joining you. Have a good time."

"I won't join your young folks' activities." Teacher Yun looked up at him. "Shall we head back together?"

Pei Ran nodded in agreement. Adjusting his sleeves due to the oversized coat, his cheeks were slightly flushed from the alcohol, yet his eyes remained clear.

Luo Qingshan offered, "You've both had quite a bit to drink. Let me send you home."

"No need," Teacher Yun declined before Pei Ran could respond. "I'm not drunk. Go enjoy yourself."

Pei Ran and Teacher Yun left the private room together, descending in silence within the elevator.

As they approached their floor, Teacher Yun suddenly spoke, "Actually, among all the students, I was most worried about you."

Startled, Pei Ran turned to look at him.

Teacher Yun still gazed ahead as the elevator doors opened. He brushed his hair gently and said softly, "Now I can retire with peace of mind."

Pei Ran suddenly recalled his high school days when Teacher Yun had looked ahead, patted his shoulder, and informed him that disciplinary action had been taken. From then on, those people wouldn't dare to bother him anymore. Teacher Yun had encouraged him to focus on his studies without distraction.

With simplicity, there were no scoldings or criticisms, nor attempts to correct him. His unconventional sexual orientation seemed like an insignificant matter in the eyes of his teacher.

It wasn't until Teacher Yun exited the elevator that Pei Ran found his voice, but in the end, he said nothing. Instead, he silently bowed deeply to the man's retreating figure.

-

As Pei Ran swiped his card to open the door, the bathroom door was also pulled open at the same time.

Steam rushed out eagerly, and Yan Zhun appeared with his upper body bare, wearing only loose black pants that clung to his legs, his hair damp from the shower.

Their doors were close, so they nearly bumped into each other head-on.

Water still dripped from Yan Zhun's collarbone, and his body carried the scent of hotel soap, an unfamiliar yet pleasant fragrance.

Upon seeing him, Yan Zhun raised an eyebrow. Before Pei Ran could react, Yan Zhun leaned in first.

Pei Ran remained rooted to the spot, his lips parting involuntarily.

The anticipated kiss didn't come; instead, Yan Zhun lowered his gaze and sniffed him. "Drank alcohol?"

"…" Pei Ran pressed his lips together quietly. "Just a little."

"Not just a little, I can smell it." Yan Zhun straightened up. "Your clothes…"

"I wore the wrong one," Pei Ran said. "The lights were too dim when I left, so I'll take it off right away."

Yan Zhun had just woken up from a good nap and was in a great mood. He reached out to stop Pei Ran from undressing. "No rush, keep it on for a bit longer. I like seeing you in my clothes."

Pei Ran only took off the coat when he went to shower.

Yan Zhun lay in bed on a call, speaking with his coach. Gazing at the coat hanging on the back of the chair, he responded casually to the person on the phone.

After they finished discussing business, the coach asked, "Why's there always water running? Are you at a hot spring?"

Yan Zhun replied, "Pei Ran is taking a shower."

"..."

The coach hastily hung up, saying, "I won't disturb you two then."

Yan Zhun didn't bother explaining. He tossed his phone aside, dug out his iPad from his bag, sat at the head of the bed, and opened his bookmarks, selecting a freestyle match to watch.

By the second match, Pei Ran emerged from the bathroom. He stuffed his clean clothes into his luggage and laid down beside Yan Zhun.

Perhaps due to a mistake in the room allocation, they were given a room with a double bed, but neither of them thought to request a change.

Yan Zhun was usually focused while watching competitions, but this time, he found himself unusually impatient. He kept dragging the progress bar, finally unable to resist turning his head to meet Pei Ran's gaze.

Pei Ran had just washed his hair and blow-dried it in the bathroom, leaving it soft and slightly disheveled. Since climbing into bed, he had been gazing up at Yan Zhun.

Yan Zhun found it a little amusing. "What are you looking at?"

Pei Ran seemed lost in thought for a moment before responding, "You."

Noticing something off about him, Yan Zhun lowered the volume on his tablet. "What's wrong?"

Pei Ran pressed his lips together, then released them. After a few moments, he asked, "Why didn't you come to know me in high school?"

Yan Zhun was caught off guard by the question, his lips involuntarily tightening.

Pei Ran continued, "I always thought those textbooks and school uniforms were from other classmates."

Yan Zhun paused, his eyes subtly shifting.

Why didn't he say it? Because he wasn't entirely sure back then.

He was uncertain if his gift-giving stemmed from an excess of useless sympathy or some other emotion. He lacked experience and didn't know how to recognize the signs of liking someone.

"But I'm very happy," Pei Ran said softly.

Yan Zhun asked, "What?"

Pei Ran averted his gaze, then looked back with a bashful yet open expression. "I'm... very happy knowing that it was you who sent those things."

The iPad was completely turned off and pushed to the edge of the bed, almost falling onto the carpet.

Yan Zhun pressed Pei Ran down onto the bed, straddling his hips with his legs on either side. He held Pei Ran's face in his hands and lowered his head to kiss him deeply.

Their lips were nibbled repeatedly, tongues entwining, accompanied by intermittent, subtle, and suggestive sounds.

Pei Ran always thought he would perform better in their next kiss, but he never did. He still found himself gasping for air, his breathing ragged, although this time Yan Zhun didn't release him.

As his clothes were lifted up, Pei Ran felt a burning sensation all over his body, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Yan Zhun finally ended the kiss, leaving Pei Ran gasping for breath. Before he could regain his composure, Yan Zhun asked, "Are you ticklish?"

Pei Ran, with half-lidded eyes, didn't understand the reason behind the question. "Just a little."

Before he could finish his sentence, Yan Zhun suddenly lifted his chin and kissed his Adam's apple.

Pei Ran's body stiffened, sending shivers throughout him like an electric shock.

During this period, Pei Ran would stay at the TZG base every Saturday, and they often kissed. However, they had never ventured beyond that.

Yan Zhun had always been restrained, as the experience of taking cold showers was far from pleasant.

But now, with just a small slip, he found himself unable to hold back any longer.

The sound of the doorbell ringing slightly pulled Yan Zhun back to his senses.

He straightened his back, stealing a glance at Pei Ran's appearance, causing his throat to involuntarily tighten.

Pei Ran's shirt had been pushed up to his neck, revealing a few pink marks on his fair skin – remnants from their recent encounter. The loose waistband of his pants had slipped down, exposing the edge of his white underwear.

His lips were kissed to a rosy hue, his cheeks flushed with color, and his lowered eyes shimmered with moisture.

The doorbell rang again several times.

Yan Zhun took a deep breath and croaked, "I'll get the door."

As he rose from his seat, Pei Ran suddenly hooked his leg around Yan Zhun's.

Before Pei Ran could even utter a word, Yan Zhun turned back and pressed him down again. He lifted Pei Ran's hair with one hand and kissed his chin. "Do you know what it means to hook your leg around your boyfriend?"

Pei Ran's heart pounded wildly as he nodded slowly. "Yes."

The person outside, not receiving any response, resorted to knocking on the door forcefully—

"Pei Ran! Are you in there?"

It was Luo Qingshan's voice.

Pei Ran froze for a moment. Instinctively, he tried to lift his head, but Yan Zhun held his neck, pulling him back into another kiss.

The knocking persisted.

"I'm Luo Qingshan."

"I need to talk to you—"

"Pei Ran??"

...

After an unknown duration, the sounds from outside finally ceased.

On the room's carpet, a pile of the young man's clothing lay haphazardly.

Pei Ran sat with his legs bent at the head of the bed, holding Yan Zhun's wrist as he gazed down, the flush on his face reaching his ears. "That's enough, that's good... Yan Zhun."

As Yan Zhun kissed him, he reached for something on the table.

He handed Pei Ran a square package, his voice low and husky. "Teacher Pei, help me put it on."

Pei Ran's cheeks flushed even more. He lowered his head, his hands trembling slightly as he struggled to tear open the package. After finally managing it, he had difficulty putting it on.

"I'm sorry," Pei Ran's voice softened. "I've never... I'll do it right away."

Yan Zhun paused and held his hand. "Never worn one before? Then how did you...?"

"No experience," Pei Ran replied.

Yan Zhun: "..."

Pei Ran explained, "I have a bit of a cleanliness issue."

Yan Zhun swallowed several times, then asked bluntly in a low voice, "I can, but not him?"

"..." Pei Ran remained silent. After a moment, he looked up and said, "...It's on now."

Yan Zhun silently bent down to kiss his knee, closing his eyes briefly as his breathing became completely disordered.

...