Xiaojun is the main singer of the hit Chinese boyband group, Wayv. Despite the adoration of countless fans and the relentless demands of his career, he longs for something more authentic. His world changes when he meets Laluna, a vibrant and indepen...
Laluna stood near the bar, dressed in a red and white lifeguard costume that hugged her figure perfectly. Her eyes sparkled with the thrill of the night, as she slipped into conversation with the members of aespa.
The club had been transformed for Halloween, with cobwebs draped over chandeliers, jack-o'-lanterns glowing dimly in every nook, and fog creeping along the floor, creating a spooky, almost surreal environment. Giselle and Ningning, the birthday girls, were in high spirits, both wearing witch costumes that suited the theme and their personalities.
Xiaojun spotted Laluna across the room, her laugh catching his attention. He adjusted his pirate hat and headed over, the sound of his boots lost in the thumping music. As he approached the group, he put on his best pirate voice, "Ahoy there, ladies!"
Laluna turned and met his gaze, her lips curling into a playful smile. He was striking as a pirate, the eye patch adding an edge to his already sharp features.
Ningning grinned and got straight to the point. "Let's not beat around the bush. Do you have a present for us?"
Xiaojun chuckled, the sound low and warm. "It's with Hendery," he replied, pointing toward where Hendery was chatting with some other idols.
Giselle, ever the perceptive one, smirked. "Great, we'll give you two some privacy."
With that, the aespa members excused themselves, leaving Xiaojun to take Karina's spot next to Laluna. He let the silence linger for a moment before saying, "It's been a while."
Laluna tilted her head, pretending to scrutinize him. "I'm sorry, have we met before?"
Xiaojun's heart skipped a beat, unsure if she was serious or not. He gave her a hesitant smile. "Xiaojun. We met at Karina's party?"
Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she finally relented. "Ohhh, Xiaojun. I didn't recognize you with the eye patch."
He realized she'd been teasing him all along and let out a relieved laugh. "For a second, I thought you'd forgotten about that night."
Laluna stepped a little closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "And what if I had?"
Xiaojun's breath caught, the playful exchange suddenly charged with something more. "That would suck," he admitted softly, "cause not a day goes by without me wishing I could see those pretty eyes staring back at me again."
Laluna felt a warmth spread through her, but she wasn't about to let him see how much his words affected her. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and changed the subject with a smirk. "So, Mr. Pirate, you make anyone walk the plank recently?"
Xiaojun's smile widened. "No, but I'll walk it myself if you're the one to save me."
Laluna appreciated his quick wit, finding herself more drawn to him with each exchange. She took a step back, putting a few feet between them, and gestured with a flourish. "Proceed."
He played along, closing the gap slowly, each step deliberate as he pretended to be at the edge of an invisible ship. When he reached her, he staggered dramatically and said, "I wish there was a lifeguard around to save me."
Laluna's laughter was like music to his ears. He pretended to drown, clutching his chest and gasping, "I've swallowed too much water... need... air."
She shook her head, still laughing, and finally decided to end his pretend suffering. "Well, I guess it's time to put this life guard training to use." she teased.
She closed the distance between them in an instant, her hands gently cradling his face as she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was electric, a perfect blend of tenderness and desire. Xiaojun responded instantly, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as months of longing melted away in that moment.
The club, the music, the people—they all disappeared as they lost themselves in each other. Laluna felt the intensity of his emotions through the kiss, the way he held her like she was the most important person in the world. She let herself be swept away, savoring the warmth of his lips, the way their breaths mingled, and the thrill that shot through her as their connection reignited.
When they finally pulled back, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Xiaojun, still holding her close, looked into her eyes, searching for a sign of what she was thinking.
"Should we continue this time?" he asked, his voice rough with need.
Laluna's answer came almost immediately, her heart racing at the thought. But before he could say anything else, she added with a serious edge, "I won't sign anything."
Her words were a reminder—to herself, and to him—that she was still in control. She wanted this, wanted him, but she wasn't about to let herself be swept away without caution.
Xiaojun hesitated, caught between his heart and mind. The memory of the last time lingered, the uncertainty gnawing at him. But as he looked into her eyes, all he could think about was how much he wanted to be with her. After what felt like an eternity, he made his decision.
"I won't make you," he promised softly.
The tension melted away as they smiled at each other, their hands intertwining as they made a quick escape from the club, ready for whatever the night would bring.
***
To be continued...
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