A beautiful morning is a serene and peaceful time of day, often characterized by soft, warm sunlight that gently creeps through the windows, casting a golden glow on everything it touches. The air is filled with the sweet songs of birds, their melodies intertwining in a joyful symphony that seems to match the rhythm of the heart. The gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass, invigorating the senses and filling the soul with hope. It’s a time for reflection, a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of the world, and to look forward to the possibilities that a new day brings.
Zhan lay there, his eyes stubbornly shut, as if trying to block out the world and its harsh realities. He wasn’t ready to face the day yet, or himself, for that matter. The memories of last night swirled in his mind like a whirlpool, pulling him under with their intensity. He recalled the realization that hit him like a ton of bricks – Yibo and Lusi were just friends. Not a couple, as he had foolishly assumed. The thought made his face burn with embarrassment, and he could feel the heat spreading down his neck and shoulders. He wanted to hide, to escape the shame and discomfort that threatened to overwhelm him.
He couldn't believe how blind he had been, how his own insecurities had led him astray. All this time, he had been torturing himself with unnecessary jealousy, and for what? He thought about all the moments he had wasted, the opportunities he had let slip away due to his own misconceptions. He remembered the nights he had spent lying awake, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios, and the days he had spent avoiding Yibo, afraid of what he might see. It was all so pointless now, and the realization filled him with regret.
A wave of shame washed over him, and he felt like hiding under a rock. He, the eldest, had been behaving like a naïve child, letting his emotions run wild without a rational thought. The thought made him cringe, and he buried his face in the pillow, as if trying to escape his own self-awareness. He felt like he had let himself and others down, and the weight of that responsibility was crushing him. He wanted to go back in time, to redo the moments he had messed up, but he knew that was impossible.
But then, like a gentle breeze on a summer day, memories of Yibo’s confession and the tender way he had carried him crept in. Zhan’s face grew hotter, and he burrowed deeper into the embrace of the other person, seeking refuge from his own thoughts. He remembered the way Yibo’s eyes had looked at him, full of kindness and understanding, and the way his voice had sounded, gentle and soothing. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, and his heart began to heal. He didn’t want to face the world, not yet. He just wanted to bask in the warmth of this newfound understanding, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to forgive himself.
Yibo’s sudden voice brought him out of his thoughts, “I know you’re awake.” The sound was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soft and soothing, yet it sent a shiver down Zhan’s spine. He wondered how long Yibo had been awake, watching him sleep, studying his every move. The thought made his heart race, and his mind filled with questions. Had Yibo seen him toss and turn, his eyes fluttering open in the middle of the night? Had he noticed the way Zhan’s face scrunched up in concentration, his brow furrowed in worry?
Zhan’s eyes remained shut, but his senses were on high alert. He heard Yibo chuckle, a low, husky sound that seemed to vibrate through his entire body. The laughter was like a warm hug, enveloping him in a sense of comfort and security. Then, he felt the gentle pressure of Yibo’s lips on his forehead, sending a wave of warmth through him. The touch was like a spark, igniting a fire that spread throughout his body, leaving a trail of tingles in its wake.
Zhan’s eyes fluttered open, staring deep into Yibo’s orbs, which sparkled with amusement. Yibo’s face was inches from his, his breath whispering against Zhan’s skin, sending shivers down his spine. Their noses almost touched, and Zhan could feel the warmth of Yibo’s breath on his lips. He was trapped in the depths of Yibo’s eyes.
