Gu Yu was clearly stunned. No matter how dense he was, he understood the meaning behind this request. The girl’s eyes rippled like water, suddenly becoming so fragile and so lovable. She was no longer the fierce, almost overbearing He Yu she usually was.
The distance between them gradually narrowed. He felt a pair of warm hands cupping his face. The words of refusal had just reached his lips when she kissed him. Her movements were very light; Gu Yu could have pushed her away with just a little bit of force.
But it was a very sweet kiss, a sensation he had never experienced before. It was soft and delicate, like a bonfire burning in a world of ice and snow, or a warm cup of tea in the midst of bitter wind and cold rain.
A few seconds later, the girl pulled away from his lips. Her smile was like a blooming flower before she lay back down as if all her strength had left her.
“I’m going to sleep for a bit. Help me with the blanket… Thanks.”
It was unclear whether that thanks was for his indulgence regarding the kiss or for his temporary care. Stunned, Gu Yu grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to He Yu’s shoulders. She was already falling asleep on her side. The crimson flush on her face had yet to fade; she looked excessively beautiful.
A girl with whom you share a deep history kisses you while drunk and then falls asleep in your bed. This would probably stir the heart of any shy, ignorant adolescent boy… unless he already had someone he liked.
***
He Yu was much more sober when she woke up. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Gu Yu slumped by the side of the bed. He was sitting on the cold floor, yet he was sleeping soundly.
She hadn’t actually been that drunk, but the alcohol had indeed brought her great courage while lowering her inhibitions. Now, she was starting to regret it. For the first time, the fearless He Yu turned red from embarrassment.
She thought of one explanation after another in her head, but she couldn’t find a satisfying one. Gu Yu woke up a few minutes later and looked at her with a bit of a daze.
The atmosphere stagnated for a few seconds. He Yu gradually calmed down. She saw Gu Yu open his mouth as if to say something, but then he stopped. She took the initiative to speak. “Did I kiss you?”
“Yeah…” the boy responded blankly.
“Why do you think I did it?” He Yu tilted her head, wanting to hear Gu Yu’s interpretation.
“Maybe you were drunk and confused? Or…”
“Or maybe I like you?”
He Yu asked calmly. She was incredibly clear-headed now. This decision was the result of careful consideration. She dared to think it and dared to say it; she wouldn’t be like a certain blockhead.
Reality was not that dark fairy tale by Oscar Wilde. Luo Ming was not the girl who would reject him, and she, He Yu, was certainly not a Nightingale willing to sacrifice herself for others.
“Should I understand it that way?”
“Yes, yes, yes. I like you, Young Master Gu. That was my first kiss just now. Do you know how tiring it is to like a blockhead like you? I’ve had a crush on you from Senior One to Senior Three. My progress was stuck for two years, and then you go and fall for someone else. Isn’t that a bit too much?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for? Liking someone is your right. I was just upset and acting out.” He Yu paused, then suddenly pinched Gu Yu’s cheeks with both hands, saying indignantly, “To be honest, I’m really furious. Clearly, I was the one who became close to you first, yet you actually went and liked someone else. Is there something about me that didn’t satisfy you, Young Master Gu?”
Gu Yu was taken aback. He looked at the girl’s face. Her beautiful features were filled with indignation and dissatisfaction. She looked exasperated, but there was clearly no trace of real anger.
He had always considered He Yu a very good friend. Being with her was a pleasant experience, and he had a good impression of her, but the thought of “liking” her had never sprouted.
Moreover, they would eventually part ways. After the Gaokao, the music would end and the guests would disperse to the four corners of the earth.
“I… I’m not good enough.”
“Then you’re good enough for Luo Ming?”
“…Luo Ming is different…” Gu Yu fell silent for a long time before slowly speaking. “Actually, it doesn’t matter who I like. After graduation, we’ll most likely go to different schools.”
“That’s not a certainty. Besides, I don’t mind a long-distance relationship.”
“Do you really like me that much?”
“What else? I really was a fool, liking you for three years.”
He Yu let go of his face and bit her pale pink lip. Her eyelashes drooped slightly, casting a faint shadow. Her tone became much heavier, unlike her usual self.
She had never shown this fragile, pitiful side to anyone before, but she felt safe letting the boy see it.
“Alright, alright. I know you like Luo Ming. You don’t have to reject me personally. I’m just pretending to be strong, but I can still get hurt and feel like crying. If you had pushed me away when I kissed you, I might have burst into tears… Can I have a hug? I don’t want you to see me like this right now.”
Gu Yu knew the logic that if you didn’t like someone, you should reject them clearly to avoid giving them false hope. However, he simply couldn’t find it in his heart to be so cruel. For someone as lonely as him, every friend was precious, let alone this extremely beautiful girl.
“Okay.”
He Yu then lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Gu Yu’s neck and resting her chin on his shoulder. She held him very tightly. He could clearly feel the soft pressure of the girl’s chest against his own. This hug was warm and fragrant.
“I won’t give up. Not until you and Luo Ming are official… Since you said we’ll have to separate eventually anyway, at least let’s make the present more beautiful, okay? You are… the first boy I’ve ever liked.”
It was too similar to Gu Yu’s own thoughts. They were both trying to indulge in this dream-like beauty of the moment, wanting to enjoy the time spent with the one they loved, even if the pain of separation would be doubled because of it.
“Fine, fine. How could I possibly refuse you, Boss?”
“Blockhead,” He Yu laughed softly, her clear laughter sounding like summer wind chimes. “Was that your first kiss earlier?”
“I think so.”
“What do you mean ‘I think so’? You don’t even remember your own first kiss?”
“I had a neighborhood sister who looked after me when I was little. I don’t remember if I ever…”
“Fine, fine. How lucky for you, having a neighborhood sister. Whatever, childhood doesn’t count. Anyway, your first kiss belongs to me… You weren’t planning on waiting to kiss Luo Ming, were you?”
“Since I like her, of course I’d want to—”
“So, are you angry?” He Yu let go of him, slyly observing Gu Yu’s expression.
“No. I wouldn’t get upset with you over something like that.”
“It’s obviously because that kiss was fragrant and soft, and felt absolutely wonderful, right? Want to do it again?”
Gu Yu touched his lips and shook his head gently. “…That won’t be necessary.”
The refusal in his ear was faint but clear. He Yu’s teeth ground together, and she felt a sudden urge to bite Gu Yu hard. “Cover your ears.”
“Huh? Why?”
“I want to say something vulgar. Don’t listen; it’ll ruin my image.”
“Actually, you already said plenty at the restaurant. Besides, Boss He, you’ve never been a lady in my eyes.”
Then He Yu used both hands to tightly cover Gu Yu’s ears. He could still faintly hear her words. “You talk too much. You just don’t know how to say anything good about me.”
“Gu Yu, you f*cking idiot, why do you have to like Luo Ming so much? I’ve… had a crush on you for so long.”