A Taste of Love

New Beginnings

Muren paced in front of the resort, trying and failing to keep his anxiety in check. The sun hung low over the island, casting a golden glow over the palm trees and the pristine beach below. It was almost time for the first event of the two-day bachelor party weekend, and Licheng still hadn't arrived. Muren had been waiting all afternoon, checking his phone every few minutes, hoping for a message or call. But nothing.

He was starting to believe that maybe Licheng wasn't going to show up.

Just then, Yongjie, the groom-to-be, walked up with a teasing grin. "Ready to go?" he asked, adjusting the straps on his hiking bag. The group was headed for a short hike up to the hilltop today for a view of the island, followed by a spa day and a night of clubbing. It was supposed to be a fun, carefree weekend—one that Muren had promised himself he'd enjoy. But now all he could think about was Licheng's absence.

Muren didn't answer, his eyes fixed on the narrow road leading to the resort entrance. His mind raced, running through all the possibilities. Has something come up? Did Licheng change his mind?

"Are you serious?" Yongjie said, shaking his head when Muren didn't respond. "You're here for my wedding, not to flirt with my husband's ex."

"They were never lovers," Muren shot back, his tone defensive.

Yongjie raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. "Is that what he told you?"

Muren opened his mouth to argue further, but before he could counter, the rest of the group joined them, chatting and laughing as they prepared to head out. Just as Muren was about to give up hope, a figure appeared at the entrance of the resort... Licheng.

Muren's heart surged with relief as he watched Licheng jog up, slightly out of breath. He apologized to Xingsi for being late, offering a quick explanation about a work emergency. But then, his eyes found Muren, and a small, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

Muren couldn't help but return the smile, feeling the tension in his chest ease.

After greeting the group, Licheng urged them to go on ahead. "I'll catch up in a minute," he said, already turning toward the reception to check in.

Muren, never one to miss an opportunity, quickly faked an excuse. "I forgot my water bottle inside. You guys go ahead. I'll be right behind you."

Yongjie gave him a look but didn't protest, leading the group up the trail. Xingsi, on the other hand, shot Muren a sharp glance but said nothing, clearly aware of the real reason behind Muren's sudden need for hydration.

As the group disappeared up the path, Muren turned and walked back toward the resort, his pulse quickening. He barely made it inside before Licheng reappeared, having dropped off his luggage. He greeted Muren with a playful grin. "Hey!"

"Hey?" Muren crossed his arms, mock irritation in his tone. "You're late! I almost thought you were bailing on me... I mean, on your friend."

Licheng chuckled, the sound light and easy. "Wouldn't miss it," he said with a wink. "Something came up at work last night, so I had to move my flight."

Muren shook his head, "Cutting it close, though. You had me worried."

They began walking toward the trail, the distant sounds of their friends' voices fading in and out over the gentle rustle of the palm trees. Muren stole glances at Licheng as they walked, marveling at how effortless everything felt between them. There was no need to pretend, no lingering shadow of the past, just the present moment and the lightness of being together.

After a beat, Muren broke the comfortable silence. "You didn't have to come, you know. To this... bachelor party. Considering who it's for."

Licheng shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Xingsi and I have our history, but that's all it is now—history. Besides," he added, his gaze flicking to Muren with a mischievous gleam, "I wasn't about to leave you here to suffer through it alone."

Muren laughed, but there was something in the way Licheng looked at him, something that made his heart race. "I'm glad you didn't."

They walked side by side, the distance between them disappearing with every step, and Muren couldn't help but feel like something new had just begun. Something he didn't quite expect, but was ready to embrace.

"I heard you were waiting for me the whole day," Licheng said as they relaxed in the pool later that evening. While the others went for a full-body massage at the spa, Yongjie and the two of them remained in the water.

"What? Who told you that? Wh... why would I be waiting for you?" Muren stuttered, clearly embarrassed at being caught.

"Really? Yongjie said you were asking around about me and kept checking your phone the whole day," Licheng teased, watching as Muren's face grew redder.

Muren shot a death glare at Yongjie, who just chose to ignore him and swim to the other side of the pool.

"I was just worried you'd miss out on all the fun tonight." Muren splashed water on Licheng and climbed out of the pool, annoyed. "Let's go. I don't want to be late for dinner." He walked away hurriedly.

As the night drew to a close, it was time for the group to head to the club, where they had booked a private DJ for the evening.

Licheng stood by the car, waiting for Muren. Xingsi and Yongjie were already inside, and the other car with the rest of their friends was waiting behind. Licheng felt weak in the knees when Muren appeared in black jeans, a black tee, and a glittery blue leather jacket. The tight jeans accentuated Muren's long legs, and the low neckline of his t-shirt revealed his pale white skin. Licheng held the door open as Muren slid into the passenger seat.

"You look—" Licheng started, but Muren cut him off.

"I know!" Muren replied cockily, earning a scowl from Xingsi.

Licheng leaned in towards Muren to help him fasten his seat belt, earning another disbelieving grunt from Xingsi in the back seat. They grinned at one another before taking off towards their destination.

Muren danced with Licheng for most of the night, not even letting Xingsi cut in, pausing only at midnight to get some fresh air.

"Your ex seemed quite unimpressed with us tonight," Muren teased.

"I told you, he's not my ex," Licheng clarified yet again.

"Not an ex, but someone you were in love with, and someone who's jealous of me."

"You think he was jealous?"

Muren rolled his eyes. Before he could respond, Licheng took a step closer, his fingers brushing lightly against Muren's hand. They had been closer than this earlier while dancing, but this moment felt different. It sent chills down Muren's spine.

"Stop teasing me. I'm not in love with him, and he's definitely not jealous," Licheng said, looking straight into Muren's eyes, as if to settle the matter once and for all.

"I don't know. I won't believe it unless I see it in your eyes."

"What do you mean?" Licheng stepped back, confused.

"Remember the first night we met? I saw the pain in your expression, as if your heart was shattering. Then, your eyes landed on Xingsi as he made his way through the crowd and onto the dance floor. At that moment, there was a glow in your eyes. You were completely captivated by him. I'll know you've moved on when I see that same light in your eyes for someone new.

"You've completely lost your mind, huh?" Licheng brushed him off and started walking back toward the club, but Muren stopped him by grabbing his hand.

"I can make it happen," Muren declared.

Licheng stared into his eyes for what felt like an eternity before snapping back to reality.

"You? You think... you can make me fall in love again? With you?"

"Yes!"

"We've only known each other for a week! I don't think so!" Licheng disagreed.

"Never say never, buddy. I am quite sexy!" Muren said, biting his lower lip seductively, making Licheng smile.

That you are, Licheng thought. You definitely are very sexy.