Hua (Hua Cheng x Xie Lian Love Story)

𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼

"My beloved was very shy. Didn't like taking pictures."

Back then there were no photography devices we could use. Had there been one, Dianxia would have definitely been shy. I still remember the day he found his idols sculpted by me; he was so adorably red. That indeed was an amazing night too.

"Hua?"

Shaking me from stupor I smiled, "My partner was a shy person."

"So... You never took in any girlfriends after um...?"

Wait! He thought I liked women?

"You assumed that I liked opposite gender even after you were bold enough to flirt with me?"

"You are a mystery to me Hua. I kept wondering at one point that you turned me down because you had a girlfriend. Then you spoke about your partner and..." He trailed off.

Making my way towards Dianxia, I carefully placed my hand on his waist and turned him to face me. Peering into his pale eyes I confessed, "I am married or rather was married. I don't care about tenses. For me, my beloved is still next to me. I married the most beautiful man to have ever lived. For me, he's the reason I still exist."

"Do you-"

"Yes. I still love him."

He shivered and closed his eyes. His pain seared my heart and thus unable to stop, I cupped his neck and kissed his forehead gently. His gasp was loud and audible. Fluttering open his heavy gaze met mine as I caressed his cheek with my thumb and asked softly, "Can you find it in your heart to accept someone who already is in love with another?"

Banding his arms around my waist, Dianxia placed his head on my chest and I hoped he didn't pick up on the fact that there is no beating heart there. Tightening his hold he whispered, "Hua, the moment I saw you; I wanted you. There is this undeniable feeling within me which says that you're mine, but I understand where you're coming from. Your heart loves another soul."

No Dianxia. It loves you.

"How about we start as friends? Get to know eachother. You share your heart and I'll share mine. Tell me stories of your beloved and make me fall in love with you. Right now I simply want to know who is Hua? Rest we can figure as time goes by."

I am already in love with you Dianxia. There never has been nor will be anyone else. Their scent is similar. Kissing the top of his head I was losing my semblance in front of him.

I hope you can one day understand why I didn't fall into your arms the day we met. I just wish to protect you Dianxia, but if I can just have these few moments with you, then your slave will forever be in your debt.

"Hua?"

"Let's be friends, but then if you ever find someone worthy of your heart, promise you would tell me."

I could feel him stiffen his shoulders. Slowly he gave me a nod and I sighed inwardly. It will be difficult for me to see him with another, but if that saves him from immense pain, then it shall be worth it.

"Alright. It's time for you to sleep. You're still not well. Come."

Tucking him in I was about to leave when he caught hold of my wrist and pouted, "Won't Hua kiss me?"

"Whaaa...t?"

Damn! Why did I stammer?

"Kiss me on my forehead!" Squinting his eyes Dianxia questioned, "Where did you think? Didn't we agree to be friend's first?" He gave me an innocent smile and I knew there was nothing innocent about it.