Withdrawal Symptoms

The advertising wall outside had changed its picture again. Zhao Siheng had been replaced by another Zhao Siheng. Jian Chuan stared blankly at the giant poster outside. They had been apart for seven years, four months, and three days.

Three years ago, Jian Chuan had almost forgotten Zhao Siheng. But Zhao had shot to fame so suddenly, appearing everywhere on every street. Jian Chuan couldn't help watching video after video about him.

Calling what they had a romance was too much, but calling them friends felt too distant. The only way to sum it up was a performance that became real, and Jian Chuan had been unable to escape his role for years.

At eighteen, Jian Chuan was chosen to star alongside Zhao Siheng in a gay film. When filming ended, they went their separate ways. Zhao Siheng became a hugely popular superstar, while Jian Chuan used his pay to finish school and leave his hometown.

In a 120-minute film, his heart raced for 100 of them. The feeling only grew more intense over the years. More than once, he had stared at the number in his phone and wanted to call. This time, though, the phone rang first.

I'm terrible at blurbs. Saving this here.

Theme: When you love someone, go for it.