THE PERFECT TWIN

Chapter 10: Is this what a real date feels like?

When he opened his eyes, he almost saw Yibo in front of him. By then, he was slightly dizzy from the alcohol earlier. The suggestive nature of Wangji's proposal did excite him a little. He wanted to obey those magnetic words that drew him in. His heart filled with palpable excitement and the opportunity to explore something new. With him, he felt safe and since Yibo and him were siblings, he should not worry about anything.

"Xiaozhan you're slightly red. Are you drunk?"

"No I'm not. This little alcohol won't make me drunk."

He lied. He did not want to seem like a wimp.

Wangji gave him water to drink just in case.

"Do you want to check out the night market Zhan?"

The dazzling resort by the sea at nighttime gave him an inexplicable sense of longing in his heart that was dying to be fulfilled. Romance hung tightly in the air and made him braver. He wanted to experience and have fun too. He had come for work yet there was nothing wrong with enjoying himself.

With that, he smiled and muttered sweetly.

"Sure. Lets go."

The night market was about ten minute walk from the resort. It was recommended by the receptionist as a popular must visit venue for vacationers. The golf caddy took them to the lobby where they were offered a ride to the market. Yet Wangji refused as he wanted to enjoy the stroll.

Outside the hotel, small shops lined the streets at night. The vendors spoke in unfamiliar local dialects thick with the vibes of being in a foreign place. A new place full of exciting possibilities. It was somewhat refreshing being in another city.

In the distance, they could see the brightly lit treshold that had the words N city night market in bright neon. The sign could be seen from miles away marking the iconic hotspot of the city.  It was constructed with colorful decorative lights shaped to form an archway that marked its entrance.
The archway stood flamboyantly against the backdrop of the bustling market bathed in its multicolored splendor.

Once inside, the first thing they noticed was the strong smell of charcoal and roasted seafood assailing their senses and whetting their appetite once more.

"Roasted seafood!! I'm getting hungry again!" Wangji exclaimed.

"Me too!"

The street vendors charcoal roasted the seafood on the spot. Colorful varieties of praws, squid, crabs on skewers were openly laid on the burning grill, glazed with beautiful brown sauce that the vendor skillfully applied. They were tossed and turned around the orange flames with their juice dripping attracting passerbys who did not mind standing in line with their mouthwatering gazes transfixed on the stove.

Xiaozhan's eyes lit up and a wash of excitement flashed by him- like a kid going into a candy store.

Noticing his excitement, Wangji gracefully said, "Zhanzhan, what do you want? I'll stand in line and you can go look around. I'll find you later."

He did not even notice the intimate way Wangji called his name. Only those really close to him called him by that name. His eyes were glued to the flames roaring in between the spaces of the grill slowly roasting the fleshy seafood im front of him.

"Mmm.. Okay. I want shrimp skewers and those crab claws!! Why not I get us drinks!"

"Okay"

He was somehow touched by the gesture. If he were to go with Yibo, he would be relaxing somewhere and Xiaozhan would be the one to stand in line buying all the food for the both of them.