Chapter 5 — Morning Tension

The sun filtered through the half-closed blinds of the hotel room, casting golden stripes across tangled sheets and bare skin.

Li Ming stirred first, his body sore in places he didn't expect. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Then he turned—and saw Wang Yang sprawled beside him, one muscular arm flung over the sheets, his expression far too peaceful for someone who had just shattered every line of their friendship the night before.

"Shit…" Li Ming muttered under his breath, slowly sitting up.

The events of the night came crashing down like a wave—hot breath, gripping hands, the way Wang Yang had taken control, lips that were never supposed to meet… but did.

He rubbed his face, trying to shake it off. It was just sex. Just one night. Nothing's changed.

But his heart was beating too fast for it to mean nothing.

Wang Yang stirred with a groan, his voice low and lazy. "You're up early. I expected you to be sore."

Li Ming shot him a glare. "Don't get cocky."

Wang Yang propped himself up on one elbow, eyes raking over Li Ming's bare back. "Bit late for that, don't you think?"

Li Ming grabbed his shirt and yanked it over his head, avoiding eye contact. "Forget it ever happened."

Wang Yang chuckled, sitting up fully, the blanket sliding down to reveal his toned chest. "I could try… but I don't forget good things."

Li Ming's jaw clenched. "It was a mistake."

"Was it?" Wang Yang's voice dropped. "Because you weren't exactly resisting last night."

Li Ming turned, his eyes sharp. "I was drunk."

"You were sober enough to moan my name."

That shut Li Ming up. His cheeks flamed with heat—whether from anger or embarrassment, he wasn't sure.

Wang Yang stood up, completely unbothered by his own nakedness, stretching like a satisfied predator. "Relax. I'm not asking for a candlelight dinner and matching rings."

"Good," Li Ming snapped, pulling on his pants. "Because I don't do feelings."

Wang Yang smirked, stepping close until they were almost chest to chest. "Neither do I."

For a moment, the tension was thick enough to cut. Their eyes locked—too intense, too aware—and then Li Ming scoffed and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

But what he didn't see… was the way Wang Yang's smirk faded the moment he was gone.