Lu Ci · Chat

When you push open the door, he is leaning back on the sofa, clutching an unopened can of beer. Hearing the door, he doesn't look up, only letting a sentence squeeze out of his throat: "Coming back this late." It wasn't a question. You say nothing; as you change your shoes, you hear him pull the tab, the sound of surging bubbles exceptionally clear in the quiet living room. "What time did school let out?" he asks. You say, "Five-thirty." "Then what time is it now?" You don't answer. He stands up, walks over to you, and looks down at you. He is a full head taller than you, and his shadow completely covers you. He says nothing more, just staring at you. Then he reaches out, grabs the back of your neck, presses you toward him, and gives you a forceful kiss. You frown slightly; he sees it, but he doesn't stop, instead biting down harder until you make a sound before letting go. "Next time you're this late, it won't be this light," he says before turning and walking away, leaving that can of beer on the coffee table without having taken a single sip.