Chapter 43

In April, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo were in full bloom. Every day, when Xu Heng went out for class, he walked under the cherry trees lining the sidewalks. When he looked up, a sea of pink clouds stretched before him. There was no strong fragrance, and the color wasn’t too dazzling, but it always drew people to stop and admire.

It seemed that spring had brought a liveliness to Xu Heng that wasn’t there when he first arrived in Japan. He felt great, eating well and gaining a little weight. Zou He, however, always sighed and looked down. When Xu Heng asked him what was wrong, his delicate features scrunched together as he gazed at the perfectly blooming cherry blossoms outside and said, “Spring…”

“What about spring?”

Zou He had just permed and dyed his hair a light chestnut color. He blinked and replied, “Spring… the mating season…”

Xu Heng almost choked on his own saliva. He didn’t know what exactly he was thinking, but his cheeks turned red. Zou He, still sulking, continued to lament. He had delicate features but no aggressiveness. His round eyes, straight nose, and softly rounded tip made him look comfortable rather than sharp. He moved with calmness, looking like a pampered young master, living a carefree life. Many men and women flirted with him, but he ignored all of them.

A classmate in the front row turned back with a slightly displeased look. Xu Heng quickly kicked Zou He’s chair under the table and hurriedly focused on taking notes.

Chen Ang had been very busy lately. Although he made sure to call Xu Heng every day, Xu Heng could still tell that he was occupied. They had recently started reminiscing about their long-distance “platonic” relationship. Saying it was a relationship was a bit of a stretch, but the daily small greetings and simple conversations still filled Xu Heng’s heart with happiness.

He knew that Chen Ang had been running around for the gallery’s upcoming event. Chen Ang had even opened a video call to show him the gallery setup.

“It won’t start for a while. Once it gets busy, I won’t have time, so I’ll show you now.”

As the host, Chen Ang wore a formal yet relaxed suit, a grayish shirt with a loose tie that wasn’t even tied properly, hanging loosely around his neck. The top button of his shirt was also undone. Before Xu Heng could take a proper look, the camera moved away, and Chen Ang walked while introducing the setup.

“These paintings are all new. The artists we can sign right now are mostly unknown, but the prices are affordable. This one is by He An. The painting’s okay, but I’m not sure what he learned in France…”

Xu Heng couldn’t hear a single positive comment about He An from Chen Ang, but he wasn’t bothered. He listened carefully, observing everything. He noticed that the entire gallery was decorated in a light and comfortable style, with hydrangeas used as accents, placed in transparent vases.

Xu Heng lay on the bed, holding his phone and said, “It looks great.”

Chen Ang cautiously moved the camera away and said, “Great? I think it doesn’t look good.”

Xu Heng rested his chin on his hand and purposely replied, “It looks great.”

Chen Ang turned the camera to his face, looking serious as he said, “I think I look better.”

Xu Heng had to argue, “I think I look better.”

Unexpectedly, Chen Ang immediately agreed, “I agree.”

Xu Heng scratched his chin, trying to hold back a laugh, pulling the corners of his mouth down while his eyes narrowed slightly.

Chen Ang: “Do you want to come see the gallery…?”

This was the first time since reconnecting that he brought up the topic. There was a mix of eager anticipation and nervousness in his tone, as he still didn’t know how long Xu Heng planned to stay in Japan.

“Yes, I want to see it,” Xu Heng replied.

Just as Chen Ang was about to respond, someone called for him from behind. He hurriedly said, “I have to go now, I’ll contact you later.”

“Okay,” Xu Heng said.

After ending the video call, Xu Heng stayed in the same position, lying on his bed facing his phone. Once the screen went black, his face was clearly visible, unable to hide his smile. Zou He, who had been sitting quietly on the sofa near the window, playing a game, couldn’t hold back anymore and loudly said, “I think I’m better looking.”

Xu Heng, as if soothing a child, replied, “You’re the best looking. Are you hungry? Let’s go get some late-night snacks.”

Zou He stretched his legs and dragged his voice, saying, “I’m full. Dog food tastes great. Woof woof woof.”

Xu Heng couldn’t come up with a retort, so he picked up an empty water bottle and threw it at him. “If you’re not eating, then go home.”

Zou He got up and stretched. “I’m leaving now. Single dog, going back to an empty bed. So sad.”

Xu Heng looked at his book for a while, took a shower, and tidied up. After a short time, he checked his phone again. It was nearing midnight in Japan when Chen Ang finally finished his work. Xu Heng, already extremely tired, picked up the phone as he lay in bed, his voice muffled with sleep and a heavy nasal tone. Chen Ang, on the other hand, was full of energy, excited and eager.

“There were a lot of people, and we sold a third of the paintings. It’s off to a good start, and we’ve also talked about a few collaborations.”

Xu Heng turned over in his blanket, eyelids heavy, his words soft and sluggish, but unable to hide his happiness.

“That’s great, but don’t overwork yourself, get some rest soon…”

Chen Ang: “Are you going to sleep now?”

Xu Heng, though extremely tired, opened his eyes groggily and lied, “Not sleeping, not tired yet.”

Chen Ang: “Then let me see you.”

Xu Heng rubbed his eyes, set the phone on a stand by the pillow, and opened the video. Chen Ang had just returned from the gallery. He was still wearing his shirt, but his tie had been taken off, and his hair, styled with gel, was now loose. There was a pale mark on his forehead from the injury.

Chen Ang was unfastening the watch on his wrist, then paused, surprised. “You got a new tattoo?”

Xu Heng lay sideways, and from his angle, the loose collar of his pajamas exposed a bit of colorful pattern just below his collarbone, though it wasn’t clear. Xu Heng shook off his sleepiness, tugging at his pajamas, his gaze wandering. “Ah, yeah, just recently… um, got it done…”

Chen Ang lowered his voice. “Let me see.”

The last bit of sleepiness left Xu Heng. The blanket suddenly felt warmer, and his palms began to sweat. He pulled the collar of his pajamas down a little more. Tattoos really could be addictive, and with this new one, Xu Heng now had four tattoos. The small design under his collarbone, over his chest where his heart was, was a blue hydrangea. It wasn’t large, and he quickly pulled his pajamas back over it.

He knew the design would spread across his chest, as Chen Ang had likely guessed.

The gallery’s event, which had been hanging over his head for so long, had finally come to a successful conclusion. On this spring night, where even the air felt moist, Chen Ang’s heart was increasingly restless. He cleared his throat and said, “Let me see more.”

Xu Heng’s heart thumped loudly.

“There’s nothing worth looking at…”

Chen Ang sank lazily into the sofa, dragging his voice out like a spoiled brat, “It’s worth looking at.”

This was entirely out of control. Chen Ang’s mind vividly replayed the tattoo on Xu Heng’s back and thigh, inevitably drifting to his fair skin and the way he looked in bed. He tugged at his already loosened shirt collar, licking his dry lips. His voice became husky, his gaze focused intensely, his eyelids blinking noticeably slower.

Xu Heng felt seduced to the point his throat went dry, toes curling, his whole body heating up uncontrollably.

“Hiss…” Chen Ang suddenly sucked in a sharp breath.

Xu Heng asked, “What’s wrong?”

Chen Ang answered innocently, “I got hard.”

Xu Heng said, “…”

Chen Ang added, “Really, if you don’t believe me, I’ll show you.”

“I believe you, I believe you!” Xu Heng hurriedly replied.

Chen Ang couldn’t hold back his laughter, eyebrows arching upwards. The pale scar on his temple was especially obvious. Xu Heng instinctively reached out and tapped the screen, frowning. “It left a scar.”

Chen Ang touched the scar, casually replying, “It’s nothing.”

Xu Heng still looked worried. Seeing him like this, Chen Ang felt a bittersweet ache in his heart and quickly changed the subject, “I’m really hard.”

“Oh,” Xu Heng responded flatly, “Then I’ll hang up now. Take care of your personal issue.”

Chen Ang immediately said, “Wait, don’t hang up. Stay just like this.”

Xu Heng’s face was burning hot. He turned aside and buried his face into the pillow. Even his exposed ears turned red, and the back of his neck hidden beneath his messy hair flushed crimson. Chen Ang had initially just been slightly turned on, but seeing Xu Heng’s posture that seemed to say “Do whatever you want,” his lower body surged fiercely, growing painfully hard beneath his suit pants.

Xu Heng buried his face completely, unable to see anything, but he didn’t block his ears. He heard everything clearly. The faint rustling sound of Chen Ang undoing his pants, followed by his increasingly urgent breathing. Each heavy breath seemed to blow heatedly against Xu Heng’s ear, making him itch uncontrollably.

Taking advantage of the blanket’s cover, Xu Heng quietly slipped a hand into his pants, stroking himself with quick, rhythmic strokes. From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Chen Ang on the screen. Despite the cold weather, sweat was forming on Chen Ang’s neck. From this angle, he couldn’t see below Chen Ang’s waist, only the rapid movements of his hand and the tightly flexed muscles of his forearm.

Xu Heng arched his back, stifling a muffled moan as he came, his hand slick with cum.

Chen Ang originally planned to hold out longer, but hearing Xu Heng’s nasal sound, he couldn’t control himself anymore. He came messily into his own hand. Chen Ang teasingly opened his trousers wider and showed Xu Heng what he had done, his face full of smug satisfaction.

“Look.”

Look your head.

Xu Heng freed his clean hand and abruptly ended the video call.

Chen Ang was in an exceptionally good mood, humming happily as he zipped up his pants and washed his hands. Not long afterward, Xu Heng surprisingly sent a WeChat message, a picture of pink cherry blossoms, accompanied by the text: “Now is when the cherry blossoms are most beautiful in Tokyo…”

Chen Ang paused briefly, then replied, “Let’s go see the cherry blossoms together.”

—

Xu Heng’s class was only about a ten-minute drive from Kasai Rinkai Park. Whenever there was a longer break between lessons, he and Zou He would often head over for a walk. The park was spacious and usually uncrowded. On sunny days, they’d sit at the viewing platform, snacking and gazing through the large glass windows. From there, they could see the soft pink cherry blossom path, a Ferris wheel silently turning round after round, and beyond that, the calm, shimmering sea.

It was already mid-April. Although the cherry blossoms still clung densely to their branches, each gust of wind sent petals fluttering gently down.

Chen Ang had said he’d come, but hadn’t specified exactly when. Strangely enough, Xu Heng didn’t feel impatient at all.

That day, he and Zou He sat back-to-back on the viewing platform, leaning against the glass, each eating a rice ball and scrolling on their phones. It was nearing dusk. Xu Heng nibbled absentmindedly while exchanging casual messages with Chen Ang.

Zou He rested his chin in boredom, staring outside. Suddenly, he jolted, pressing his face to the glass and staring fixedly.

Xu Heng jumped, startled. “What’s wrong?”

Zou He stood up abruptly, his expression oddly stiff. He hurriedly said, “Saw a friend, gotta go.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he hurried off without another word. Xu Heng watched him go, puzzled, and tried to follow Zou He’s gaze but saw nothing unusual, only families beginning to head home as the sky darkened. After searching around unsuccessfully, Xu Heng sighed and turned away.

His phone suddenly rang. It was Chen Ang.

Xu Heng stood against the cool glass as he answered. Chen Ang sounded as if he’d been rushing from far away, his breathing uneven. Xu Heng’s heart began beating faster, matching the rhythm of Chen Ang’s breaths.

Chen Ang spoke, “The cherry blossoms… They’re really beautiful.”

Xu Heng replied blankly, “Mm.”

Chen Ang laughed softly. “Look outside.”

Xu Heng pressed his palm against the cold glass. Everything outside was bathed in the golden glow of sunset, even the delicate pink blossoms rimmed with gold. People strolled leisurely along the path beneath the trees, chatting and laughing. Among them stood a motionless figure, his shadow elongated by the setting sun.

Chen Ang waved at him, his voice warm through the phone, “It’s been a while.”

Xu Heng rushed outside eagerly, only to find his path blocked by a group of high schoolers taking group photos, capturing the last rays of sunlight. Unable to push through the crowd, Xu Heng stood anxiously about ten meters away from Chen Ang. A gentle breeze lifted the hem of Chen Ang’s coat and scattered flower petals like rain. The wind passed over Xu Heng too, brushing softly through his hair.

The teenagers cheerfully posed and shouted, “Hai, cheese!”

Click. A perfect moment captured.

After what felt like an eternity, Xu Heng impatiently squeezed through the crowd as soon as they dispersed. People parted, regrouped, and parted again. Chen Ang was still standing right there, waiting. Xu Heng ran straight towards him, abruptly stopping just short. Chen Ang reached out, pulling him tightly into his embrace.

They held each other close. Xu Heng drew in a deep breath, pressing his face firmly into Chen Ang’s chest, words failing him entirely.

By the time they finally separated, the sun had fully set, darkness surrounding them as dim yellow streetlights flickered on.

Chen Ang lowered his head, softly kissed the tip of Xu Heng’s ear, and whispered, “My flight was delayed, or else I would’ve been here sooner. When I landed and saw your message saying you were here, I was worried you’d leave before I arrived.”

Xu Heng wrapped his arms tightly around Chen Ang’s waist, sniffed softly, and murmured, “You’re not late.”

Though it had only been a few months apart, it felt as though they had countless things to say. Yet, when the words reached their lips, they swallowed them back down. Under the gentle cover of night, they held hands openly, strolling leisurely down the cherry blossom path until they turned a corner. The winding shoreline and the vast, endless expanse of Tokyo Bay stretched silently ahead of them.

Seabirds flapped their wings, soaring through the darkness. The two of them stopped and stood quietly, watching.

Xu Heng suddenly suggested, “Let’s ride the Ferris wheel.”

After crossing a grassy area, they reached the giant Ferris wheel, already glowing with neon lights. Chen Ang didn’t know any Japanese, so he’d been getting by with translation apps and gestures. Xu Heng went to buy the tickets, and soon the two of them climbed into the cabin. It rose slowly into the night, the scenery and people on the ground growing smaller bit by bit.

Inside the Ferris wheel cabin, it was quiet. They sat apart, one on each side. Chen Ang couldn’t take his eyes off Xu Heng, as if he’d never tire of looking at him. Suddenly, he broke the silence, softly saying, “I’m sorry, I…”

Sorry I arrived late.
Sorry I made you sad before.
Sorry…

Chen Ang had thousands of apologies he wanted to express, but Xu Heng didn’t allow him to continue. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, pressing his lips softly against Chen Ang’s, tracing the shape of his mouth. His eyes fluttered shut, eyelashes trembling gently.

“I love you,” Xu Heng whispered.

Chen Ang’s eyes widened as he stared at Xu Heng’s face. As the Ferris wheel slowly ascended to its highest point, he gently cupped Xu Heng’s cheek, tilted his head slightly, and deepened their kiss.

All the hesitation, anxiety, struggle, and helplessness they’d ever felt vanished instantly in the warmth of that single word. Love.

Later that night, Xu Heng guided Chen Ang along the familiar path he took home each day, pointing out the corner convenience store selling delicious puddings, and the stray kitten he’d fed on eight of every ten days he passed. When they finally stood at the front door, he felt a faint nervousness, as if afraid the time they’d spent apart might have changed something between them.

But Chen Ang showed no hesitation. As soon as he stepped inside, changing into slippers, he remarked lightly, “The bed doesn’t seem big enough.”

Xu Heng immediately tossed away all traces of anxiety.

Chen Ang hung his coat on the rack, then bent down and lifted Xu Heng into his arms. Xu Heng let out a surprised yelp and quickly covered his mouth, wrapping himself around Chen Ang tightly as they tumbled onto the bed together. Xu Heng’s sweatshirt slid upward, revealing the fresh tattoo inked across his chest. Chen Ang leaned down, softly pressing his lips against it, feeling Xu Heng’s heartbeat beneath his mouth.

Xu Heng trembled all over, as if Chen Ang had kissed directly onto his heart.