Chapter 25 – “Just Like Before

The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains, bathing the room in soft gold. The sheets were tangled, warm from shared sleep. Lu Sheng stirred first, shifting slightly, his hand brushing against bare skin.

He opened his eyes slowly.

Chen was already awake—lying on his side, propped up on one elbow, watching him silently.

Their eyes met.

For a long moment, neither said a word.

Lu Sheng sat up, pulling the sheet with him to cover his chest. His hair was messy, his voice groggy when he finally spoke.

> "What time is it?"

Chen checked his phone.

> "Just past eight."

Lu nodded, then looked away. The silence between them wasn't awkward—it was careful. Like neither wanted to touch the truth sitting right there between the sheets.

After a moment, Lu Sheng sighed and said softly,

> "Let's pretend it didn't happen."

Chen blinked. "What?"

Lu turned to him, eyes unreadable.

> "Last night. Everything. Let's not talk about it. Let's just…"

He forced a small smile.

"Be like we used to be."

Chen sat up, brows furrowed. "You mean—friends?"

Lu nodded slowly.

> "Best friends. That's what we've always been, right?"

Chen stared at him, a dozen things running through his mind.

The way Lu had kissed him back. The way they had clung to each other like they were afraid to let go.

But still—

He forced a smile too.

> "Yeah… best friends. Like before."

They both nodded.

But the weight of that promise felt heavier than it should've.

---

Chen got up first, tugging on his hoodie, ruffling his hair.

> "I'll make breakfast. You still like black coffee?"

Lu gave him a sleepy smile.

> "As long as you don't burn the toast again."

Chen chuckled. "No promises."

He headed to the kitchen, and soon the smell of eggs and over-toasted bread filled the air. Lu leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him with that same quiet amusement he always had.

For a second, it did feel like before.

The jokes. The routine. The quiet little domestic life they used to have.

But neither of them could forget that now…

they had seen each other naked.

Touched each other like lovers.

Heard each other gasp and whisper in the dark.

And no promise—not even this one—could erase that.

---

They sat on the couch with their plates. The TV played softly in the background, but neither was really watching.

Chen glanced at Lu Sheng.

> "So... what's the plan for today?"

Lu sipped his coffee.

> "Whatever best friends do, I guess."

Chen smiled, but something in his chest twisted.

Because this promise to go back?

Felt a lot like lying forward.