Chapter 9: Kiss

In the dim corner of the lounge, Wen Shuyan sat in the farthest booth, tapping his fingertips on the rim of the glass, tracing circles along its smooth curve.

After completing a full circle, the tightly closed door of the lounge was pushed open, and the bartender set down the cleaned glasses, whispering a soft “welcome” to the newcomer.

Wen Shuyan turned his head slightly as a hand rested on his shoulder, carrying the familiar scent of the dry night breeze.

Shang Zhu sat down beside him, and his hand, resting on Wen Shuyan’s shoulder, naturally slid down, intertwining their fingers, their fingertips affectionately caressing the back of each other’s hands.

Leaning towards him, Wen Shuyan asked, “How come you’re here?”

“On business, just passing by,” Shang Zhu replied in a flat tone, his emotions undetectable, his eyes gleaming in the dimly lit lounge as he looked at Wen Shuyan.

“What a coincidence,” Wen Shuyan raised his glass and gently swirled it. “Care for a drink?”

Droplets rolled down the rim of the glass, refracting colorful spots of light, and the ice cubes floated in the amber liquid, making crisp clinking sounds as they touched the glass.

Shang Zhu took over the half-filled glass of whiskey, pressed against the moist rim, took a sip, and tasted the aroma of honey and peat in the whiskey.

Wen Shuyan didn’t order another drink. The two of them leaned against each other in the corner, conversing over a glass of whiskey.

Shang Zhu didn’t often drink, and before finishing half a glass, he felt a slight intoxication, gently rubbing against Wen Shuyan’s shoulder.

He missed Wen Shuyan too much, enduring a day of torment on the plane and wishing he could rush to Wen Shuyan’s side the moment he landed in the United States.

But duty called, and Shang Zhu had to suppress his longing, forcing himself to attend the banquet. Unable to resist, he called Wen Shuyan again after less than an hour.

Wen Shuyan caressed the back of Shang Zhu’s neck, giving him a comforting touch. Suddenly, Shang Zhu straightened up, one hand supporting himself on the back of Wen Shuyan’s chair, trapping him in his embrace.

“Wife,” Shang Zhu stared at Wen Shuyan, his eyes burning with desire.

The unique scent of peat whiskey wafted to his nostrils, and the burning desire collided with his eyes. Wen Shuyan raised his hand to brush aside the stray hair on Shang Zhu’s forehead and tucked it behind his ear.

Leaning in, Shang Zhu bit Wen Shuyan’s lips, “I came over suddenly, did I disturb you?”

“How could you?” Wen Shuyan smiled softly, hooking his lips. “I haven’t had enough time to miss you.”

In the dim light, the water seemed to shimmer as Shang Zhu embraced Wen Shuyan’s waist, lowering his head to kiss him.

Wen Shuyan’s room was just upstairs from the lounge, and it only took a few minutes by elevator.

The elevator door closed gently in the deserted corridor, the heavy door of the room slammed shut, and the ambiguous sounds echoed in the enclosed space.

Shang Zhu lifted Wen Shuyan onto the sink, grasping the back of his neck as they kissed, their tongues entwined, the gurgling sound swallowed into their throats.

After a kiss, Shang Zhu’s strength waned, and he gently pecked at Wen Shuyan’s slightly swollen lips.

Kissing him repeatedly, Shang Zhu wiped away the traces of water from Wen Shuyan’s lips, panting as he spoke, “Wife, I miss you so much.”

“You’re being spoiled again,” Wen Shuyan left a wet kiss mark on Shang Zhu’s face, pinching his earlobe and rubbing it. “I miss you too.”

Shang Zhu grabbed the wandering hand, kissing the palm and between the fingers, then lowered his head to explore the neglected areas.

Leaning against the mirror of the sink, Wen Shuyan closed his eyes and savored Shang Zhu’s touch.

Warm breath brushed against his cheek, landed on his neck, and finally rested on his chest.

Shang Zhu lay on Wen Shuyan’s chest, unbuttoning his shirt one by one, kissing the pale skin, and licking the forbidden fruit nestled in the creamy cake.

The bathroom light was glaring, and the glass mirror behind them reflected the entangled figures of the two. Wen Shuyan’s trembling hands grabbed Shang Zhu’s back, sobbing with pleasure.

Just before taking it further, he stopped in time.

“I’ll take a shower first,” Wen Shuyan kissed Shang Zhu’s eyes. “Do you want to join me?”

Shang Zhu caressed Wen Shuyan’s back, leaned against his chest, and kissed his chin. “Mmh.”