When Love Lasts

Chapter 18. I Love You

Author's note : Hi... Hello... Yes, it's been a while...and nope...I'm not abandoning this story. I was just got stuck and occupied with so many things... you know..real life. 😊 anyway, let's continue with these two lovey-dovey boys...

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Chapter 18 : I Love You

"A-Shu, I love you."

Zi Shu looked up to Ke Xing, staring at him dumbfoundedly. At first, he thought he misheard it. He thought the wine had affected his consciousness and he might be hallucinated. He blinked slowly, titled his head a little with confused look on his face.

As minutes passed without none of them speak. Zi Shu could see Ke Xing's expression clearly. He was smiling with expectation reflected in his eyes. However, since Zi Shu didn't give any reaction, Ke Xing's smile slowly deflated. The eyes that previously held expectation turned into nervousness.

In Ke Xing's eyes, their relationship was getting better. They were getting closer to each other and depended on each other. He was confident that they have mutual feeling. However, looking at non-responsive Zi Shu, his confident fell into self-doubt.

He was suddenly reminded of Zi Shu's reason to accept their marriage arrangement. Zi Shu who indebted to Grandpa had promised to do anything to repay his kindness. And Grandpa had asked Zi Shu to marry Ke Xing. Suddenly, the possibility that Zi Shu never seen their closeness or the affection they've shared as a form of their love. That thought alone pierced into Ke Xing's heart as if a knife cutting through his heart. It was painful.

Ke Xing raised his hand to cupped Zi Shu's face, his thumb gently caressed the man in his arms. "Did I startle you? It must be the case. You can't even say anything." He chuckled lightly then smiled warmly to Zi Shu and continue, "But you don't have to worry, A-Shu. I know why you accept this arrangement. I will not force you to reciprocate my feeling. I just want you to know how I feel towards you."

Zi Shu titled his head and freed himself from the warm embrace. As he looked at Ke Xing, he unexpectedly realized something. The man with the ability to lead a huge company, who always looked strong and confident on the outside, apparently hiding a gnawing self-doubt in his heart. Zi Shu couldn't help but to sighed inwardly.

"Why do you sound so insecure, A-Xing? As if you wouldn't believe it if I say that we share the same feeling."

Ke Xing paused to caress the back of Zi Shu's head before replying, "Because I know why you accept this marriage."

"And do you really believe that I will never change my mind after we spent so much time together?"

Ke Xing looked into Zi Shu eyes, as if searching if Zi Shu was telling the truth.

Zi Shu reached out to Ke Xing hand, clasp it in his own. He had so many things going on his mind. Many things that he wanted to say. Other than delighted with the confession, he also wanted to comfort Ke Xing. But it seemed that no words could represent what he wanted to say. He didn't want Ke Xing to misunderstood because sometimes words could be misinterpreted or unbelievable enough to convinced someone.

As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words. People will be more believe in someone sincerity based on what they did. Slowly, Zi Shu leaned forward and gently, pressing his lips onto Ke Xing's. At first, he just wanted to give Ke Xing a soft peck on his lips and withdraw after that. What he didn't expect was as soon as their lips met, his world seemed to stop spinning.

As their lips pressed together, Zi Shu's body was frozen and didn't know what he should do next. Because these two adult men were totally inexperience in relationship, so, this naturally became their very first kiss. Before Zi Shu could retracted himself, Ke Xing had placed one hand on Zi Shu's waist while the other was on the back of his neck, holding Zi Shu completely in Ke Xing's embrace.