Married Strangers (complete)

1. Someone to talk to

"Yes, all of that happened when I was 14. I was so proud, I don't even know why".

Xiao Zhan inserted a bill into the slot machine and pulled the lever. The display spined, giving out a loud sound accompanied by some lights and finally, came to a stop. As usual, all three displays were different. As he played, he listened to Wang Yibo speak, occasionally giving his own opinions.

"Of course Yibo, every 14-year-old would feel some sort of pride if the hottest girl in school walks up to them and asks them to be their boyfriend".

"I know, I know but for me, it was more than that. She is the only person I've ever been with. I've never asked anyone out. I gave her my youth and what do I get in return?", Yibo was obviously sad. Who wouldn't be if one's girlfriend of 9 years suddenly puts an end to their relationship.

"First love can be difficult to let go of. Especially one that went on for so long but you have to be strong. You have to let go. Do you intend to force her to continue being with you? She outgrew her feelings. You tried talking to her but she stood her ground. You've done your best Yibo. You have to accept it".

"I accepted it already", Yibo took over the slot machine from Xiao Zhan. Both men have been on that machine for hours and none had won anything but they didn't mind. Looked like they had a lot of money to spend. "I'm still a little bit unhappy though but it's all good. That's the reason I'm here, to have fun and to take my mind off things. Who knew I would run into someone, someone I can pour out my heart to and he would understand me without judging my stupid acts".

Xiao Zhan chuckled when Yibo mentioned stupid. Of course, he wanted to make fun of him but hitting a man when he was down had never been Xiao Zhan's style. Yibo knew his girlfriend was dating others in the 9 years they were together but he never confronted her because he felt he had no right, he was just her boyfriend. If he wanted to have a certain right over her, he had to marry her so he planned and made a proposal only to be left with a brutal rejection. He was indeed stupid but...that was a discussion for another day.

The way the two men interacted, one would be unable to tell that they met only a few hours ago. Xiao Zhan had walked into a casino in Vegas. Being in a foreign country, he caught sight of a compatriot. He suddenly no longer felt out of place. It seemed the young man was also happy to see someone from the same country as him so they hit it off immediately, chatting like old friends.

"I've often heard love is a scam. I didn't believe up until when I experienced it first-hand. I'm done with love". Yibo's attention was on the machine but from his side profile, Xiao Zhan could tell he was deeply hurt. He felt betrayed and the perfect illusion of love he had in his heart had been shattered.

"You shouldn't give up on love. Some people are lucky to get it right on the first try, others on the second while others have to try many times. Some people never find true love in their life time but if you give up so soon, life would be boring. You're just 23, take this as an experience. When you get better, you should give love another try".

These words seem to touch Yibo's heart. He nodded then turned to Zhan, "If that's the case, there's no need to keep throwing so much money away. Let's do something else, something that we can benefit from". He pointed towards a bar, indicating they should go for drinks.

"By the way, you haven't told me much about yourself. What are you doing in the states? Business? Pleasure?"

"Neither. I had an argument with my father so I came here to get away from him". Xiao Zhan took a sip from his drink. Seeing that Yibo was quiet, he knew he expected him to explain further. "Okay, so my father wants me to marry the daughter of his best friend, he was worried that I'm still single at 29. I told him I wasn't interested, how could I come out and tell him I'm gay? We got into a fight. Honestly, he is happy with anyone, he just wants me to settle down with a girl. Unfortunately, that's the one thing I cannot give him, a daughter in law. He is worried about continuing the family lineage, he doesn't want an adopted grandchild. He is an old-fashioned person".

"Hmm", Yibo nodded. "You're running away from the daughter of your father's best friend while the daughter of my father's best friend is running away from me. We're both living the life best suited for the other, think about it".

Zhan thought for a minute then burst out laughing. "You're right! Such is life. You spend your time running after something but someone has that thing right in their face and they're running from it".

"Listen to this Xiao Zhan, what if we get drunk and wake up tomorrow morning in each other's bodies, wouldn't that be perfect?" Yibo raised an eyebrow, waiting for Xiao Zhan to realize how smart his wishes were. After contemplating for a moment, Xiao Zhan finally replied.

"You watch too many K-dramas. You need to stop". Both men burst out laughing again.

"Zhan...thank you. I've not had such a good laugh in ages. I was starting to forget how it felt. Thank you".

"Ha, no need to thank me. You're the second person hearing about my sexuality without looking at me like some sort of walking disease. I feel much more relaxed talking to you". Both men clinked their glasses and took a gulp of their drinks at the same time.

"So...", Yibo spoke, "...what is it like...being gay?"

Xiao Zhan could tell he meant no disrespect. Yibo had been with one person for 9 years, he knew nothing else apart from that one person. He was just curious. As much as he wanted to answer, he sincerely didn't know what to say.

"I dunno...What is it like being straight?"

...........................

By the time they both left the casino, Zhan was unable to walk, he kept staggering and leaning on Yibo for support. Yibo was also drunk but his steps were more stable. He couldn't support his weight and Xiao Zhan weight so they both ended up on the floor. By the time they looked up, they found themselves in front of a chapel.

"My girlfriend left me, claiming she wasn't ready for marriage. How can they...", he pointed to a newly wedded couple. "...how can they be so happy, while I'm here...".

"Ha, Yibo, don't get carried away. It's an illusion. They're not really happy. Marriage...there is nothing special about it. If it will make you feel better, we can go in right now and watch people get married, then make fun of them". Both men engaged in their drunken conversation. An outsider would not make any sense of their words but they seemed to understand each other clearly.

Xiao Zhan's tummy seemed to bother him, he had a little too much to drink, he rushed off to a corner and Yibo heard a barfing sound. Yibo chuckled and muttered the words 'lucky guy', as for why, he had no idea.

Xiao Zhan returned and pulled Yibo towards the direction of the chapel. "Come, let's go check it out".

Once they stepped in, they heard a person welcome them then ask, "Are you both here to get married?"

"..."