Chapter 8 – Lingering Flames

The lecture dragged on, but Wang Yang barely heard a word. His fingers tapped restlessly against his notebook. From the corner of his eye, he kept watching Li Ming. The way his friend laughed so easily with that girl—flirting like always, acting like nothing had happened between them—was getting under his skin.

Was it really just a one-night thing to him?

The bell finally rang, releasing them from the classroom. Students spilled into the hallway. Li Ming was immediately surrounded by two girls, both clinging to his arms, giggling at something he said.

Wang Yang didn't wait. He turned and walked out, heading toward the empty corridor by the library.

He needed air.

He lit a cigarette, leaning against the wall, exhaling smoke as his mind spun. But before he could lose himself completely, he heard footsteps.

Li Ming appeared.

"I knew I'd find you sulking somewhere," he said, hands shoved in his pockets. His eyes scanned Wang Yang's face. "What's going on with you, really?"

Wang Yang took another drag before replying, "You tell me."

Li Ming raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're acting like it never happened," Wang Yang said, his tone low. "That night."

Li Ming blinked, the smirk fading. "You said it was a one-time thing."

"Did I?" Wang Yang stepped closer, his eyes dark. "Or did you just assume that?"

Li Ming held his ground but the cocky grin didn't return. "You're the one who said you were straight. That it was just for the night."

Wang Yang reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Li Ming's forehead, his fingers lingering just a second too long. "Yeah. But you didn't say no, did you?"

Li Ming's breath caught.

Neither of them moved for a moment. The tension thickened, sizzling in the space between them. Li Ming looked away first.

"I'm going to class," he muttered, brushing past Wang Yang.

But Wang Yang caught his wrist, stopping him.

"I keep thinking about it," he admitted, voice rough. "About you."

Li Ming didn't turn back. "Don't."

And then he pulled away, leaving Wang Yang alone in the hallway, smoke curling around his thoughts.