A plant artist bottom x a biotechnology founder top, reunited after a breakup
Melbourne, in Australia's UTC+10 time zone, is 11 hours ahead of London during standard time and 10 hours ahead during daylight saving time. Even after they broke up, Cen Shen never went a single day without thinking of him.
In November, jacarandas on Melbourne's streets entered their full-bloom season. Their vivid beauty was almost enough to cover the whole city, yet somehow only made his heart ache.
He would never forget their first kiss beneath the jacaranda tree five years ago.
But there was no point thinking about it now. So much time had passed. He was the only one still trapped in those memories.
At the end of the month, when the jacarandas were blooming, the company decided to send him to London for an exchange program. He prayed silently that he wouldn't run into him.
But things never seem to go as you wish.
It was winter again. London grew dark early, and the weather was damp and rainy. The whole world was gray, and people on the streets hurried along wrapped in gray coats.
He never expected that the partner for his first project after returning to London would be him.
"When did you get back to London?"
"I don't see how that's any of your business."
Lin Huan tapped the client-signature line with his fingertip again and again, raising an eyebrow.
Cen Shen had no choice. He licked his dry lips without thinking. "Yesterday."
Noticing the gesture, Lin Huan handed him a bottle of water.
"Would you like me to open it for you?"
His memories began to rewind, and Cen Shen couldn't help thinking of five years ago, when he'd been pinned against the wall and kissed until he couldn't even open a bottle of water.
"Like before."
Note:
1. Each is the other's first love, and neither has been with anyone else.
2. One-on-one, happy ending.
3. N means present, P means past.
Blurb captured on 2025.11.20
#How's the weather in London? How are you?
Theme: I have always loved you.
