Past Only Hurts When You Let it

Yunlan slowly continues kissing the sleeping Shen Wei, unable to pull away.

"Hmm... why can't I stop kissing your sweet lips? You still taste heavenly, Wei... hmmm," he whispers between soft kisses.

Shen Wei stirs, his eyelids fluttering open. Still hazy from the alcohol, he blinks up at Yunlan and smiles as he realizes who's kissing him. A soft murmur escapes his lips.

"Ah Lan... hmm..." he sighs into the kiss, causing Yunlan to freeze.

"What did you just call me?" Yunlan asks, startled. His eyes widen. "That's the second time you've called me that."

"Ah Lan...? I don't know," Shen Wei mumbles. "But I keep hearing a voice in my head... calling out—Ah Lan, Yunlan—since the day we met. Remember? When I fainted the first time we saw each other? I felt this unbearable pain in my chest. And while I was unconscious, I kept hearing someone crying, calling for Yunlan... Ah Lan..."

He lets out a drunken chuckle.

"The voice even sounded like mine. But when I called back, no one answered... weird, right? And the weirdest part of all? I think that 'Ah Lan' person is you! Hahaha..."

Yunlan stares, stunned by the confession. He can't decide if he should take the drunken words seriously.

"Yunlannn~ why did you stop kissing me..." Shen Wei whines, disappointed by the pause. "Do you hate me...? Yeah, right... I forgot... you have lovers—famous, beautiful people... who am I compared to them..."

The memory of those public kisses floods back, and Shen Wei starts to cry softly, sniffling into the pillow.

Yunlan can't help but smile, even through the ache in his chest. Shen Wei is jealous—just like he was jealous over Sang. But hearing his wife cry... that hurts in a way nothing else can.

"Shhh... I'm sorry for hurting you, Weiwei. I won't do it again," Yunlan murmurs as he gathers Shen Wei in his arms. "They're nothing compared to you, my love. I haven't loved anyone but you... not for the last 10,000 years."

"Huhh? 10,000 years? What are you talking about, Yunlan?" Shen Wei asks, still half-asleep and slurring. "You don't have to make up stories just to stop me from crying. Even if it kills me to see you with others, I won't get in your way... because you're not mine..."

And just like that, he drifts back to sleep in Yunlan's arms.

Yunlan holds him close, voice low and frustrated.

"Why are you saying that, my Wei? I've always been yours. From the very beginning, my heart has belonged only to you."

Carefully, Yunlan lays Shen Wei down again. He removes his tie and tuxedo jacket, unbuttons the top of his shirt to help him sleep more comfortably, then heads to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, he puts on the hotel-provided nightgown and slides into bed beside Shen Wei. The moment Yunlan settles in, Shen Wei instinctively shifts closer, wrapping his arms around Yunlan in his sleep.

Yunlan smiles to himself. Just like old times. He drapes an arm around Shen Wei and soon falls asleep too, holding him close.

Next Morning

"Ouch... why does my head hurt so much? Didi, what happened to me...?" Shen Wei groans, holding his pounding head as he stirs awake.

"You're not at home, and your didi isn't here."

The voice comes from beside the bed. Shen Wei blinks and turns toward it, still groggy. Yunlan is already up, showered, and dressed in his suit.

"Here. Drink this—it'll help with your hangover. Go wash up before joining me for breakfast. I left clean clothes for you in the bathroom," Yunlan says calmly, setting the glass on the bedside table.

Shen Wei's eyes widen as he fully processes who's speaking. He's smiling at me? No, no... I must still be drunk.

"Get going. We don't have much time—we need to be at the office soon," Yunlan says, snapping Shen Wei out of his daze before leaving the room to give him privacy.

About thirty minutes later, Shen Wei joins Yunlan for breakfast.

"Ah... CEO Zhao, thank you for the clothes. Please let me know the cost. I'll repay you—for these and the tuxedo from yesterday," he says, taking a seat at the table.

Yunlan sets down his newspaper and meets Shen Wei's eyes.

"Forget the clothes. I don't need your money. I have something more important to discuss with you."

Shen Wei flinches at Yunlan's serious tone and simply nods, eating in silence, eyes lowered. Yunlan eats quietly as well, watching him closely.

After they finish breakfast, Yunlan finally speaks.

"So... how much do you remember from last night?"

"...I'm not sure if what I remember is everything," Shen Wei admits honestly.

"Fair," Yunlan says with a shrug. "Then let me ask you a few questions. Just tell me if you remember or not."

Shen Wei nods slightly.

"Do you remember telling me about a voice in your head... calling out 'Ah Lan'?"

Shen Wei nods again, silently.

"Do you remember me saying anything about 10,000 years ago?"

Shen Wei finally looks up and replies softly, "...yes. You said that you've only ever loved me... since 10,000 years ago." His tone is uncertain, almost questioning.

Yunlan sighs, hearing the doubt in Shen Wei's voice.

"Argh... seems like we still need more time to clear this all up. And honestly, I'm tired of fighting with my heart," Yunlan mutters aloud.

Shen Wei blinks at him in confusion, having no idea what any of this really means.

"Okay, Shen Wei. Let's leave this conversation for another time. We're out of time now—it's already 8:30 a.m., and it'll take us at least thirty minutes to get to the office. Be ready to leave in a few minutes."

As Shen Wei stands to go retrieve his things, Yunlan stops him and leans in, pressing a kiss to his lips.

"That's your morning kiss," he says with a smirk.

Shen Wei stands frozen for a moment, unsure how to react. Flashes of the previous night come back to him—confessions, kisses, warmth—and yet everything feels more confusing than before.

Without saying a word, he gathers his belongings and leaves the hotel with Yunlan, his mind spinning with unanswered questions.

*

A/S: Hi!!!!! I hope you guys like this chapter too. Yunlan finally decided to give in to his heart😤😘😘🥰. Also, I'm only uploading one chapter today since I have school work to finish up first😭😭😭. If I have extra time, I might upload second chapter but its all depends on how much I get my school work done...