Chapter 50: A Kiss. None of them are like you.

Technically... this was their third kiss.

The first was a mere act of administering medicine, devoid of any romantic undertone.

The second time... He Guan was simply deceived by Lou Dongzang into receiving a kiss.

But this time was different.

When He Guan lowered his head, he did so a tad too quickly, accidentally bumping his own teeth.

He wanted to move back and rub his mouth, but a gentle touch at the back of his head kept him in place, forcing him to bow his head again.

This was the first time someone had so tenderly touched the nape of his neck; he offered no resistance, leaning in, dazedly, to meet another's slightly cool lips.

There was curiosity before their lips met, but after, He Guan instinctively pulled back.

The hand lingering on the back of his neck slid down to his shoulder blade.

The grip was light, easy to escape from.

They were so close that He Guan could barely hear the sound of the waves; all he could hear was the other's breathing.

With their faces so close, He Guan tried to speak and inadvertently brushed the other’s lips.

He Guan tensed up, clutching at the fabric on Lou Dongzang’s shoulder.

Actively kissing someone was beyond what He Guan felt he could handle at the moment.

He wasn’t sure if Lou Dongzang chuckled, but the puff of air brushed against his lips, making his face heat up.

"Take your time, He Guan."

"How... how do I take it slow? Isn’t it inevitable? You won’t let me go anyway."

No sooner had he spoken than Lou Dongzang playfully pinched his face.

He Guan felt a bit exasperated.

Even though Lou Dongzang said that, he didn’t let go, contradicting his own words of "taking it slow."

He tried to negotiate, "How about we go back? I'm getting a bit cold."

The person holding him didn’t let go but instead held him tighter, trying to warm him with his own body heat. "You're not dressed warmly enough."

Being held like this did provide some warmth. The night was cool, but Lou Dongzang’s body temperature was pleasantly neutral.

Following that line of thought, He Guan said, "And this angle, with me looking down, is uncomfortable..."

Lou Dongzang responded with a hint of playfulness, "You can sit. That way, I'll be the one looking up."

There was a clear determination in his voice, showing he was set on kissing him that night.

Relenting, He Guan pulled at his hand, ready to sit. "Alright, you have five minutes to coax me. If you fail, we're going home. This rock is hard."

Lou Dongzang responded, "Wait."

As He Guan crouched down, Lou Dongzang grasped his forearm, ensuring He Guan had stabilized. Once he was sure He Guan was only crouching and not sitting, he released him.

He Guan, perched on the rock, rested his chin on his folded arms and, with a languid air, closed his eyes, querying, "What now?"

He heard the rustle of fabric and felt a soft touch on his arm. Opening his eyes,

Lou Dongzang leaned in slightly, offering his coat, suggesting, "Use this as a cushion, or wear it."

It was as if He Guan had been struck by a sudden realization.

After a momentary pause, he took the jacket, folded it, placed it on the rock to sit, and noted, "Now I'm shorter than you."

Lou Dongzang responded simply with, "Mhm."

With that concise acknowledgment, he leaned closer, reaching out toward He Guan again.

He Guan's ear was the first to be tenderly caressed, as if gauging the distance.

Lou Dongzang whispered, "...Here we go."

He Guan's hand gripped the rock, applying an involuntary force.

This was a genuine, heartfelt kiss.

At first, He Guan felt tension. A gentle lick traced the seam of his lips. He thought it would end there, and as he contemplated how to relax, another lick followed.

It felt like tasting honey, each lap seemingly making it thinner, with no indication of stopping.

The intruder's lips were surprisingly soft and slightly damp, carrying a cool sensation.

A smile began to tug at He Guan's lips, providing an opening that was immediately taken advantage of.

The lingering kiss made He Guan feel a touch cold.

The ceaseless sea breeze from behind blended with a faint salty tang in the air. Yet, more predominant was the breath of the man before him.

Their intimacy was unparalleled: merged breaths and intertwined lips and tongues.

A slight graze along the side of the tongue evoked an instinctual, primal shiver.

Initially, He Guan wondered how he could be so effortlessly overtaken, being led along in a dance where he could only follow.

However, the tempo of the kiss gradually slowed, becoming tenderer. As the passion waned, He Guan began to discern a taste in the more measured rhythm.

Lou Dongzang wasn't as practiced as he appeared. Otherwise, the almost invasive exploration of He Guan's mouth wouldn't have been his doing.

It seemed... Lou Dongzang sought affirmation from this intimate act. His kisses were urgent and intense, which made He Guan feel...

...charmed by his endearing side.

The kiss merely slowed, yet never truly paused. A chuckle threatened to escape him even as he was still being kissed. His laughter made his chest tremble, causing the kiss to come to an abrupt halt.

Their noses touched, breathing steadied, and hands clasped together - one cool, the other warm.

He slightly choked as a hand touched his jaw, followed by a reassuring pat on the back. Slowly, he regained his breath.

Moments later, he was still laughing uncontrollably.

Lou Dong sat up halfway, wiping away a trace of saliva from He Guan's mouth corner, asking with a hint of exasperation, "What's so funny that has you laughing like this?"

He Guan, still chuckling, replied, "I thought of you..."

There was just something unexpectedly cute about the moment.

He Guan never realized he had such a low threshold for humor. Seeing Lou Dong's helpless expression made him laugh even harder.

It wasn't until a mischievous hand began to wander from his waist that He Guan stopped it, admonishing, "It's cold. Stop. If we stay here, you'll soon be as cold as the sea. Shouldn't you be colder than me? Why don't you say anything?"

Obediently, Lou Dong withdrew his hand, "I'm not really that cold."

He then sat up straighter, seemingly reminiscing about the recent kiss, quickly asking, "How was it?"

Confused, He Guan inquired, "Hmm? What do you mean?"

Lou Dong pressed the back of his hand against He Guan's chilly face, teased by the sea breeze, "I meant the kiss. I want to know your thoughts. Should there be a next time?"

However, there was a playful tone in his voice, merely teasing He Guan.

Teasing the somewhat reserved He Guan in matters like this.

Yet both knew... He Guan's reactions had said it all.

Without warning, He Guan tilted his head and bit the back of Lou Dong's hand.

Moments later, he released, stating, "Suddenly, I feel like biting you gives you too much credit..."

The man withdrew his hand, seemingly licking where He Guan had bitten, murmured, "You can bite harder, such marks will fade quickly—"

He was interrupted by He Guan placing a hand over his mouth.

Lou Dong chuckled, gently kissed the palm of his hand, and fell silent.

It was only when He Guan stood up that he realized...

While immersed in the kiss, he'd sat on a rock with his feet dipped in the water. Only now, standing up, did he understand...

So engrossed in the kiss, he hadn't noticed when his flip-flops were carried away by the sea.

He Guan exclaimed, "The sea took my shoes! It's not like I deliberately threw them away..."

No wonder there were stalls selling beach shoes on their way here. Many beachgoers must lose their shoes.

Lou Dong leaned down, touching only the chilly feet of He Guan, which were washed by the sea.

Startled by the touch, He Guan reflexively withdrew his foot, saying, "Your sudden touch made me feel like there's something in the water... it's quite eerie..."

The unexpected physical contact was still unfamiliar, yet he was mentally prepared and receptive to the kiss.

Their exploration for the day could come to an end now.

Lou Dong turned around, suggesting, "Come up. It's too cold. Let's head back. I'll carry you."

He Guan stood up from the rock, hesitating before agreeing, "I'm not exactly lightweight."

Lou Dong remained with his back facing him, motionless.

The novelty He Guan felt today far exceeded his past experiences.

So, this is what it feels like to be cherished?

Simple gestures were enough to draw a smile on his face involuntarily.

And because this person couldn't see it, it felt even more...

Genuine.

After pondering for a moment, He Guan leaned over, tightly embracing Lou Dong's shoulders.

It was the first genuine hug initiated by He Guan.

Only upon holding him did he realize that Lou Dong wasn't skinny; he had a well-built frame, broad-shouldered and slim-waisted. It was a bit challenging for He Guan to hold him tightly.

So he adjusted himself to get a firmer grip, resting his face near Lou Dong's ear.

Assured of his grip, He Guan chuckled, "I feel like a fish that isn't accustomed to its fins..."

Being so close, his breath brushed against Lou Dong's ear, warm and comforting.

Lou Dong initially tensed but relaxed shortly after, gripping He Guan's legs, "Wrap your legs around me, or you might fall."

Reflexively, He Guan wrapped his arms around Lou Dong's neck, "It's hard not to suspect you're doing this on purpose."

The wind carried Lou Dong's voice, tinged with a carefree tone. After ensuring He Guan was securely held, he began walking towards the beach, "Did I perhaps throw away your flip-flops?"

He Guan laughed, drawing out his words, "I wouldn't rule it out..."

Lou Dong teased, "Lies will make your nose grow longer."

He Guan playfully responded, "Then I'll just walk into a shark's belly while watching them from the shore, never to emerge, solving the problem once and for all."

Lou Dong retorted, "That's not acceptable; I wouldn't be able to see you again."

He Guan exclaimed, "Wow, why do you have to be concerned about even this? Are there no boundaries left? Even if you can't see me, there'll be others with you."

He was speaking whimsically, yet words spoken in jest were taken to heart by the listener.

As they approached the beach, where fewer visitors roamed, He Guan heard Lou Dong's voice amidst the sea breeze.

"But they aren't you."