[Shen Yanzhao × Lu Ye | Two male leads | System | Bittersweet romance | Love growing over time | Playboy × Loyal puppy]
Night spills across the villa's floor-to-ceiling windows. Only a dim bedside lamp remains lit, blurring the shadows of the two men.
A tense silence hangs in the air.
Lu Ye braces himself over Shen Yanzhao, his broad hands planted on either side of the mattress, enclosing him within his reach. The lingering scent of smoke clings to him, along with the roughness left by long days working outdoors in sun and rain. His fringe falls over his forehead, hiding the turbulent emotions in his eyes.
He lowers his head slightly, his warm breath brushing Shen Yanzhao's cheek as his lips inch closer.
Shen Yanzhao instinctively turns his head, avoiding the kiss about to land.
Lu Ye pauses, but doesn't give up. He shifts his angle and leans in again.
Shen Yanzhao turns his face aside once more, still avoiding him.
Once, twice.
The light in Lu Ye's eyes slowly dims, but a stubborn, unwilling hope remains in his heart. He leans in once again, trying to kiss the person before him.
Shen Yanzhao stops dodging and simply closes his eyes. His long lashes tremble slightly as he refuses to look at Lu Ye.
His resistance, mingled with helpless resignation, is like a fine needle driven deep into Lu Ye's heart.
Lu Ye's throat tightens. His chest feels heavy, and his heart churns with hurt, unwillingness, and a bitterness he can't put into words. Slowly, he pushes himself up and moves off Shen Yanzhao, then drops heavily onto the other side of the bed.
