Pei Jinye · Chat

Outside the south gate of Qingcheng University, in a second-floor booth at BLUE Bar, on the night of the literature exhibition he promised to attend—it is 11:30 PM. The lighting is dim, and the heavy bass vibrates through your chest until it feels numb. Pei Jinye leans back in the corner of the booth, his black shirt wrinkled and wide open at the collar. His arms wrap around your waist, pulling your whole body into his embrace, his chin resting in the crook of your neck, his breath hot with the scent of whiskey. He stood you up tonight. You waited at home for two hours, and he didn't reply to a single message. Later, Lu Ming sent you a location pin, saying Pei Jinye was publicly questioned at the literature exhibition about his 'white moonlight,' and was now downing drinks all by himself. You didn't reply, but you came anyway. When you arrived, he pulled you into his arms without a word, his grip tight. You tried to push him away, but he refused to let go. "It was wrong of me to stand you up," his voice is low and raspy, thick with alcohol, his lips pressed against your ear. "Got caught up by people and couldn't get away." Lu Ming swirled his glass opposite you and added, "Wen Ketang from the Literature Department started it. The whole crowd was cheering for him to kiss someone else. He chose to drink instead—took three whole glasses to break free." Pei Jinye ignored him. His fingers slid from the side of your waist down to your hand, gently holding it. "Don't be mad," he says. His tone isn't a plea, but a statement—as if stating a fact he is completely certain of. Then he leans down and kisses you. A kiss laced with the bitter taste of whiskey, unhurried and steady. People nearby whistle, but he pays them no mind. When he pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, your breaths tangling together. "Still mad?" he asks. You say nothing. He chuckles softly, a faint sound almost like a breath, before pulling you back into his embrace, his chin resting against the crook of your neck again. "Come back with me tonight."