Lost in Korea

Coffee Date

"Man, I gotta start wearing leather jackets more often." Smiled a bragging Jingyu, holding his boyfriend's hand as they walked into the shop.

"Shut up." WeiZhou teased, sitting down at a table for two with a gentle grin. "I just missed you, that's all."

Jingyu grinned winningly at him. "I missed you too."

They ordered coffee and pastries, Jingyu taking WeiZhou's hand and looking out at the sea. Then, he began to speak. "I've been thinking a lot lately."

"Is that why I smell something burning?" WeiZhou laughed at his own joke, then, quickly realizing it was serious, stopped laughing. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." He sighed, taking WeiZhou's hand in both of his and playing with his fingers. "Thinking about retiring from acting."

WeiZhou wanted to bolt up from his chair. "What?"

"Listen, Zhou. It used to be a little more fun for me when you were staying with me, but now... I have to drive a hell of a long time to see you and I don't feel like I'm making an impact anymore." He looked at Zhou. "Plus, I feel bad leaving my wife at home so frequently."

WeiZhou ignored the joke and focused on Jingyu's eyes. "You're serious?" The waiter brought their coffee's and Zhou thanked him. "I mean, I don't think you'd like it here very much. You'd miss acting."

Jingyu shook his head. "I'd miss you more. I mean, think about it. If we lived together every day in your house."

"Good morning, handsome." Smiled Jingyu, handing WeiZhou a cup of tea. WeiZhou sat up in bed, running a hand through his hair and accepting the tea. Jingyu kissed his forehead, making WeiZhou grumble.

"What time is it?" He rubbed his eyes, taking a sip and sighing, relaxed.

"It's almost noon." Jingyu bit his lip with a grin. "You must be getting old. I tired you out last night."

WeiZhou smiled, rolling his eyes. "Seems like you only get younger every time we have sex. I can't keep up."

Jingyu laughed loudly, sitting down and wrapping an arm around WeiZhou, then kissing his cheek with a vocal smack.

"Zhou?" WeiZhou flew back down to earth in an instant. "What do you think?"

WeiZhou sighed. "I would love to have you home all the time." Jingyu's face brightened up. "But, Jingyu. I choose this life for a reason. You can't choose it just to be with me. You won't be happy." He looked down.

Jingyu shook his head. "Zhou, I'm happy as long as I'm with you." He leaned forward, kissing WeiZhou and smoothing over his cheek. "I mean, I'm serious about you. Someday, we have to face the truth."

WeiZhou looked back up, taking both his hand away from Jingyu's to pick up the coffee mug. "What's the truth?"

Jingyu sighed. "Don't you see, WeiZhou? We're getting older. One day we'll have to decide if we want to spend the rest of our lives together, huh? Have kids, you know..."

WeiZhou almost spat out his drink. "Kids?!"

"Or cats, I guess." Jingyu bit back a laugh. "But seriously, Zhou. I.... I'm twenty-seven. My parents always ask when I'm bringing someone home."

WeiZhou took a deep breath. "Yu..."

"No, Zhou. I'm not arguing with you. I'm asking if you want me in your life." WeiZhou looked up, blinking his eyes.

"Yes, of course I want a future with you, Jingyu. I just don't want you to give up on your dreams just because you think I'm lonely."

Jingyu nodded. "I understand that. But... I'm tired of sleeping alone, I'm sick from missing you. You're all I've ever wanted and I don't want to live without you anymore." WeiZhou's lips turned up into a smile, and he looked down, blushing.

"Fine. Do what you want. But don't blame me if you aren't happy."

Jingyu took his hand, kissing the back of it and then smoothing his thumb over the veins. "Laogong, I'll be happy as long as you're alive and beside me."

•••

WeiZhou stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself with wrinkles between his eyebrows.

His eyes examined a face, plump lips, hooded eyes, and a small nose. Cheekbones that curved rightfully to host dimples, which only showed when he saw something he loved. Downwards was a neck riddled with bruises from earlier, a prominent Adam's apple, then collarbones that marked the top of his chest. His pecs were muscular still, nipples perking outwards. His abs were smaller. He no longer dieted to look skinny for the press or fit better in sponsorship clothing. He ate what he wanted, whatever treats and cake his eoma could shove down his throat before he left. He was getting fatter. Or maybe he was just getting older.

The door to the bathroom opened, revealing Jingyu, grey sweats on, but shirtless on top. His eyes brightened when he saw WeiZhou, moving closer to wrap his arms around a slim waist.

He rested his chin on WeiZhou's shoulder, kissing the spot under his earlobe. "Mmm. You've put on weight since last time I saw you."

WeiZhou smiled, putting his hand on top of Jingyu's. "You've lost some. You need to eat some more."

"I always eat well when I'm home." Jingyu mused, kissing his cheek.

Suddenly, WeiZhou felt a pain deep in his chest. Looking at Jingyu here, he could easily picture him thirty, forty years in the future. Greying hair accompanied by time worn skin, smile lines accentuating wise chocolate eyes.

WeiZhou raised his arm, patting Jingyu's cheek. He smiled when Jingyu nuzzled into his palm, sighing contentedly.

This was why WeiZhou had protected himself to such great lengths. The thoughts that he would spend his whole life with this man were constantly battled with thoughts like "he'll leave you one day" or "you'll never be good enough to keep him satisfied."

He could keep himself locked away in this spacious house in Mangsang until he died. That way no one would ever hurt him. That way, Jingyu would never run away.

But he couldn't. If Jingyu really wanted to be with him, WeiZhou would let him. He would surrender his heart. But, he knew that if Jingyu was to abuse his trust again, if he was ever to go behind Zhou's back and find another lover, well.... Jingyu would never see WeiZhou ever again.

No matter who's life was on the line.

A/N:

Hey guys. On Jan 2 I'm going to Mexico for a whole week! Which means I won't be publishing a chapter for a whole week 😢. I'll publish one before I leave after this, but I just wanted to let you all know!