“There’ll be someone more suitable for her. I don’t want to hold her back.”

Xu Xing looked at the message on the chat screen, feeling a bit complicated.

“Class Rep~”

Lu Che leaned on Xu Xing’s shoulder, exhaling lightly into his ear and saying, “It’s almost eleven. Should we head back soon?”

The warm breath, carrying a hint of alcohol, tickled Xu Xing’s ear and sent a shiver straight to his heart. Xu Xing put his phone away, covering his ear as he turned to look at Lu Che.

Under the warm, soft yellow light, Lu Che’s outline seemed delicately illuminated, as if a light veil surrounded him. The dim lighting in the dance floor cast shadows, but even in the dark, his deep eyes sparkled like scattered silver.

Xu Xing gave him a fleeting glance, then turned his head, nudging his own against Lu Che’s, like a reserved yet affectionate cat being unusually affectionate in its owner’s arms.

Lu Che was overjoyed by the touch, gently pulling Xu Xing closer. Before he could say any sweet words to set the mood, a neighboring guy’s loud voice interrupted them.

“Hey, I heard there’s a KISS TIME event at midnight!”

Single guys and girls roamed the bar, each seeking their own fun, and KISS TIME was simply an excuse for everyone to dim the lights and enjoy a spontaneous hug and kiss with someone they liked.

Right before the lights went out, you’d grab the person beside you and share a passionate kiss in the dark. The concept was simple, but ever since it launched, it’s been incredibly popular. After all, whether it’s for one night or a fleeting romance, experiencing that thrill is enough.

Lu Che’s eyes lit up. Just a second ago, he’d wanted to take Xu Xing home early, but now he was saying, “Why don’t we stay a little longer?”

This wasn’t Lu Che’s first time encountering this event, but his attitude was completely different now. Previously, he’d been on guard against being kissed, but now he wanted nothing more than to devour the person beside him.

Even in the dim light, Xu Xing could see Lu Che’s eager, excited expression.

Unable to handle the intense gaze, Xu Xing cleared his throat, turning his head slightly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the girl in a light-colored dress seated between Zhou Mang and Ke Di. Zhou Mang was sipping his drink, while Ke Di looked a bit awkward, scratching his nose.

Xu Xing gave Ke Di a brief glance before his view was blocked by a glass. Lu Che handed him his half-finished drink, smiling as he said, “Class Rep, half a glass is just right—no worries about getting too drunk~”

Xu Xing: “…”

Xu Xing knew Lu Che was teasing him about the time in City A when he got drunk after just half a glass.

Feeling conflicted, Xu Xing pushed away the glass, saying, “Not drunk or sober, it doesn’t matter. Let’s go home.”

Lu Che froze, surprised: “Huh?”

Not drunk or sober, it doesn’t matter?

While Lu Che was pondering the hidden meaning in Xu Xing’s words, Xu Xing had already stood up to say goodbye to Ke Di. Lu Che wanted to leave too, but his friends pulled him back, urging him to stay and drink more.

Xu Xing stood a short distance away, waiting for Lu Che, as two girls walked by. One of them pointed in Lu Che’s direction and said to her friend—

“Look over there at that guy~”

“Which one?”

“The most handsome one at that table!”

“Oh, wow~”

Xu Xing overheard one of the girls giggle and say, “Who is he? I’d love to meet him~”

Standing just two steps away, Xu Xing spoke up, “That’s my…”

One of the girls glanced at him.

Xu Xing finished softly, “Boyfriend.”

His voice was drowned out by the loud electronic music blasting through the venue.

Finally free from his friends, Lu Che bid farewell to Ke Di and walked over to Xu Xing.

“Let’s go~”

“Mm.”

They left the bar and walked home together.

The night breeze was a bit chilly, and Lu Che coughed once, then sheepishly slid his hand into Xu Xing’s coat pocket.

Xu Xing looked down at the heavy pocket and said, “You have your own pockets.”

Lu Che playfully replied, “Yours are warmer.”

Xu Xing shot him a look but didn’t pull his hand away.

With sparkling eyes, Lu Che asked, “Class Rep, when you said ‘not drunk or sober, it doesn’t matter,’ did you mean what I think you meant?”

Xu Xing didn’t answer.

The two walked side by side, their shadows stretching together under the streetlights.

Lu Che, unable to keep quiet, said, “We missed KISS TIME again. Such a shame!”

Hearing this, Xu Xing finally responded, “Again?”

Lu Che’s lips curled up in a smile. “Last time, I didn’t have someone to share it with. Now I have someone, but we still didn’t experience it together.”

Xu Xing raised an eyebrow and simply said, “Oh.”

Silence settled between them.

Just when Lu Che thought the conversation had ended, Xu Xing spoke, seemingly casually, “We can still do it at home.”

“…”

Lu Che froze, and his hand, still in Xu Xing’s pocket, gently tugged him to a stop.

Xu Xing turned back to look at him. “Not planning to go home?”

Lu Che’s heart swelled with happiness. “Let’s go home! Let’s take a cab!”

Seeing Lu Che’s eagerness, Xu Xing felt a surge of warmth. He turned his face away, hiding his smile. He wasn’t afraid of Lu Che’s enthusiasm—he was just a bit worried that he’d keep giving in, step by step.

Lu Che flagged down a taxi. On the ride back, he gazed at Xu Xing’s profile, illuminated by the fleeting lights outside.

Xu Xing rested his chin on his hand, looking out the window. The scene was just like it had been one month ago.

Back then, Lu Che would look at Xu Xing’s lips with some thoughts in mind but mostly hesitation. But today, as he stared at Xu Xing’s lips, he no longer suppressed his desire. He wanted to kiss him, to bite his lips, to hold him—not the playful, friendly kind of embrace, but one in which they both fully surrendered.

Suddenly, Xu Xing turned, and their gazes met.

In Lu Che’s bright eyes was an undisguised desire, and Xu Xing, unfazed, turned his head back, absent-mindedly pinching his own lips.

---

When Xu Xing and Lu Che returned home, it was only 11:30—still early.

As expected, Xu Xing’s father was in the living room, waiting for them. Seeing them come back, he told them to rest soon, locked up, turned off the lights, and went to bed.

Xu Xing and Lu Che went to the bathroom together to brush their teeth. Five rinsing cups sat on the counter, with one cup specifically for Lu Che, which Xu Xing’s mom had bought for him.

Xu Xing glanced at Lu Che’s reflection in the mirror, and Lu Che winked at him. Xu Xing had the feeling that Lu Che was brushing his teeth with extra enthusiasm tonight.

“…”

Xu Xing had planned to spit out his toothpaste but ended up brushing a bit longer just to keep up.

After turning off the bathroom light, they went to the bedroom. As soon as they turned on the light, Lu Che’s eyes lit up—originally, each of them had their own thin blanket, but since it was getting colder, Xu Xing’’s mom had replaced them with a single warm duvet.

Xu Xing felt awkward but kept his composure. Locking the door and turning on the small night lamp, he saw Lu Che sitting obediently on the bed, hands neatly on his lap.

Xu Xing: “…”

He stood there, hesitating, but ultimately pressed his lips together and walked over.

Lu Che’s eager gaze followed Xu Xing as he walked to the other side of the bed, kicked off his indoor slippers, and sat down, facing Lu Che.

Lu Che blinked at him, but Xu Xing stared without blinking.

The strange silence didn’t last long before Xu Xing broke it. “Are you planning to just stare at me till morning?”

Lu Che’s eyes sparkled as he leaned forward, his hands previously on his lap now placed on either side of Xu Xing.

Xu Xing didn’t back down, and Lu Che’s handsome face was right in front of him, only a hand’s length away. Despite swallowing nervously, Lu Che asked with feigned courtesy, “May I kiss you?”

His voice was deep and gentle, deliberately soft.

Xu Xing, tired of words, looked directly at Lu Che’s lips, leaned in, and softly bit his lower lip.

They were so close their breaths intertwined, sharing a warm intimacy.

Xu Xing answered with a kiss, and Lu Che, heat rising in his chest, responded with a tender, passionate kiss.

Only a soft, warm nightlight illuminated the room, and in the quiet, only the sounds of heavy breaths and soft kisses filled the air.

Lu Che followed his instincts, letting the kiss trail from Xu Xing’s lips to his ear, and just when he thought Xu Xing might pull away, he felt Xu Xing’s light bite on his neck.

It was gentle, not painful, but enticing.

Xu Xing’s lips were close to his ear, his breath heavy and voice husky, “Just kissing…”

Though it was meant as a limit, the words melted Lu Che’s heart and left him feeling blissful.

Lu Che had never intended to push things too far with Xu Xing. Getting to kiss him with the light on was already a dream come true. Lu Che had always been prepared for a long journey with Xu Xing; from the days when Xu Xing would only allow kisses in the dark while pretending to be asleep to now, when he openly reciprocated Lu Che’s kisses—this was a huge milestone.

Satisfied, Lu Che held Xu Xing close, gently stroking his back, overjoyed to the point of swaying back and forth with him in his arms.

Xu Xing: “…”

---

After a prolonged embrace and affectionate kisses, Xu Xing reluctantly went to the hallway bathroom, leaving the en-suite for Lu Che.

As two energetic young men, they each took care of themselves, and by the time they were both lying down in bed, it was nearly one o’clock.

Sharing one blanket for the first time since they confessed to each other, Lu Che couldn’t be happier.

In the dark, Lu Che slowly made his way over to Xu Xing under the blanket, cautiously wrapping an arm around him. After a few seconds, seeing that Xu Xing didn’t object, he went a step further and draped one of his long legs over Xu Xing’s calf.

Xu Xing grumbled in annoyance, “That’s enough.”

Lu Che quickly retracted his leg, placating him, “Class Rep, once it’s colder, I’ll warm up the bed for you~”

Xu Xing, eyes closed, let out a small hum in agreement.

---

Author’s Note: Occasionally, the first line of the synopsis will include a preview or disclaimer~