Days passed like falling dominoes, one after another, yet something inside Wang Yang only grew stronger with each one—his feelings for Li Ming.
Every glance, every smirk, every teasing word from Li Ming felt like a spark, lighting something deeper in Wang Yang's chest. He had never felt like this before, and no matter how hard he tried to brush it off, it stayed, constant and loud.
One afternoon, he couldn't take it anymore.
He grabbed a small gift box, stuffed his nerves down, and made his way to Li Ming's place. His heart thudded like a drum against his ribs as he rang the doorbell.
The door opened, and there was Li Ming—barefoot, in a loose tee and joggers, his hair slightly damp like he'd just showered. The sight hit Wang Yang harder than expected.
"You?" Li Ming blinked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Wang Yang forced a small smile. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, of course."
They sat in the living room. The soft hum of music played in the background, but neither of them paid attention. Wang Yang held the box in both hands, staring at it for a moment, then looking up.
"Li Ming," he began, voice quieter than usual. "I've been thinking about something for a while now. And… I can't keep it in anymore."
Li Ming's expression shifted—his usual teasing smile faded into something more serious. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, listening.
"I like you," Wang Yang said, finally. "More than a friend. More than just a one-time thing."
Li Ming was still. The silence between them was thick with tension.
Then, slowly, he smiled—shy, almost hesitant.
"I thought I was the only one," he murmured.
Wang Yang exhaled, relief flooding his chest. He reached out, gently brushing his thumb against Li Ming's hand. "You're not."
Their eyes met, something unspoken passing between them—and then Li Ming moved, crawling into Wang Yang's lap without a word, settling there like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Their lips met—soft at first, then deeper, more certain. Passion simmered between them, unspoken feelings pouring out in every kiss.
They forgot the world for a moment.
But the world didn't forget them.
A sharp gasp came from the hallway.
They froze.
Li Ming's mother stood there, wide-eyed, her face frozen in disbelief. Her gaze flicked from their tangled limbs to their joined lips—and then twisted in fury.
"What is this?" she snapped. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Li Ming scrambled off Wang Yang's lap, face pale, mouth slightly open in shock.
"Mom—"
Before he could explain, her hand shot out.
Slap.
The sound echoed in the room.
Li Ming's cheek stung, not just from the impact but from the shame, the heartbreak in her eyes.
"This is disgusting," she spat, voice trembling. "I didn't raise you to—"
"Enough." Wang Yang stood up, voice low and firm.
Li Ming's mother turned to him, but he didn't back down.
"Whatever you believe, hitting him won't change who he is. Or how I feel about him."
Li Ming's mother stared at him in stunned silence.
Tears welled up in Li Ming's eyes, but he blinked them away. He looked at Wang Yang, who gently reached out and took his hand.
They were scared.
But they weren't alone.