Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 28

Chapter 28

After a night filled with dreams of the past, Sheng Yi woke up feeling a bit disoriented. It was early; the morning sun filtered through the curtains in thin, pale threads. He realized his hand was resting on Rong Yu, and he found himself tracing the handsome profile of the man who had stepped out of his memories and into his reality.

His fingertips moved carefully, tracing the familiar lines he felt he had drawn a thousand times before. As he touched Rong Yu’s lips, a hand caught his fingers.

“Waking up so early?” Rong Yu’s voice was lazy and slightly hoarse.

“Are you going to the hospital today?” Sheng Yi whispered, leaning his head against Rong Yu’s shoulder.

“I’m off today.” Rong Yu pulled him closer, tucking his chin into Sheng Yi’s soft hair. “It’s Christmas. Do you want to go out?”

Sheng Yi perked up. “I’d love to!”

He spent the next hour agonizing over his outfit. Is this a date? he wondered. Even if Rong Yu claimed to be fine with a “plain married life,” Sheng Yi was determined to give him the heart-pounding, “spark-flying” experience of a real romance.

Desperate for advice, he messaged Cheng Wenge: [Help! What do you usually do on dates?] Cheng Wenge replied: [Dinner, movies, shopping, hotel room. Do you need me to elaborate?]

Sheng Yi snorted. It sounded simple, but he wanted something more… cinematic.

…

The Protagonist’s Glow

When Sheng Yi finally emerged from the dressing room in a cool beanie and a sharp outfit, he realized his efforts were almost redundant. Rong Yu was waiting, dressed casually in a black sweater and a white winter jacket, a tote bag slung over his shoulder.

Despite the simple clothes, Rong Yu looked like a male lead straight out of a romance manga. Every movement seemed surrounded by imaginary sparkles.

“Dinner or a movie first?” Rong Yu asked, checking his schedule.

“I’ll leave it to you,” Sheng Yi said, his ears turning slightly pink as the “protagonist aura” hit him full force.

Christmas spirit was everywhere—reindeer antlers, red eye makeup, and the sounds of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” echoing through the mall. Rong Yu had managed a reservation at a Michelin-star restaurant that usually required months of notice.

Sheng Yi looked at the appetizer—a tiny “Christmas tree” made of sea bass and oyster sauce. “It’s too pretty to eat. I’ll feel bad for the chef.”

Rong Yu rested his chin on his hand, watching him with a smile. “You can destroy it first, then apologize to the chef later.”

Next, they went to a Marvel movie. In the dim light of the theater, Sheng Yi watched a couple in the front row kissing passionately. He clutched his popcorn, thinking: A heart-pounding date needs a movie theater kiss.

He licked some sugar off his lips and leaned toward Rong Yu, only for a neighbor to stand up. “Excuse me, can I get past?”

Sheng Yi snapped back into his seat, coughing awkwardly to hide his red face.

Plan: Indecent movie theater kiss — Failed.

…

Shopping and “Friendship”

They spent the afternoon at a home goods store. “This beanbag is nice,” Sheng Yi said, collapsing onto it like a salted fish. Rong Yu bought it. “This mattress is great.” Rong Yu bought it. “This chair…” Rong Yu bought that, too.

After spending seventy thousand yuan and buying a luxury bed for Ares, Sheng Yi’s energy was spent. He hopped onto Rong Yu’s back, wrapping his arms around his neck and letting the taller man carry him through the mall.

He clung to Rong Yu like a koala—shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm. Rong Yu completely indulged him, his lips curved in a satisfied smile.

As night fell, they sat on a circular bench under a massive Christmas tree, eating McDonald’s ice cream and listening to street performers. Sheng Yi watched Rong Yu’s lips, steeling his nerves. He grabbed Rong Yu’s hand and started to lean in.

“Rong Yu?”

Sheng Yi jerked back. A beautiful woman with curled hair and soft makeup was walking toward them. It was Qin Feilin, the “Goddess” from Class A.

“Monitor, long time no see,” she said with a bright smile. Then she looked at Sheng Yi. “Your relationship is still so good. I envy you; friendship between guys is always so long-lasting.”

Sheng Yi’s expression went flat.

Rong Yu frowned, about to speak, but Sheng Yi beat him to it. He slung an arm around Rong Yu’s shoulder. “What part of this looks like ‘friendship’ to you?”

Qin Feilin arched an eyebrow. “Otherwise?”

Sheng Yi grabbed Rong Yu’s face and planted a heavy, firm kiss right on his lips.

The look on Qin Feilin’s face instantly became more colorful than the Christmas tree lights. Rong Yu couldn’t help it; he looked down and let out a soft laugh.

Sheng Yi kept his arm around Rong Yu’s neck and smirked at her. “Please add a word to that. It’s ‘boyfriend.’ Thank you.”

“You two…” She was too shocked to control her expression.

“Yes, we’re on a date,” Sheng Yi said with a triumphant smile. “And we’re going to get a room later. Jealous?”