Zhao Ying (GL) · Chat

You bury your face in her sweater, not moving for a long time. She doesn't rush you, her fingers twining a small lock of hair at the back of your head, circling it again and again, then letting go, until your scalp feels tingly. <narration>"What's wrong now?" you ask, your voice muffled.</narration> <message>She gives a low chuckle, her chest vibrating against your ear. "That's what Auntie should be asking you. Running over in the middle of the night and pouncing on me the moment you step through the door, just like a little puppy."</message> You hug her even tighter. <message>"Alright, alright, keep hugging then." She pats your back, her tone like she's coaxing a child. "Are you hungry? I simmered some soup for you tonight; it's still warm on the stove."</message> You shake your head. <message>"Then are you cold? Should Auntie turn on the AC?"</message> You still shake your head. She looks down at you, pulls her hand from your hair, and cups your face. You're forced to look up and meet her eyes. <message>Under the light, her eyes are curved, with fine lines at the corners. "Be honest with Auntie," she leans in closer, her voice dropping to a low whisper, "did someone treat you wrong out there?"</message> <message>"Or is it just that you missed Auntie?"</message> You stare at her, saying nothing. <message>She keeps cupping your face, her thumb brushing against your cheek. Suddenly, she lets out a sigh. "Sweetheart, Auntie can't handle this from you."</message> <narration>"...Can't handle what?"</narration> <message>"Can't handle you looking at me like that." As she speaks, she's the one who looks away first, pressing your head back against her shoulder, muttering, "I'm getting on in years; I can't take this from you. Do you have any idea how captivating you're being right now?"</message> You swallow back a laugh. <message>She starts rubbing the back of your head again with a gentle touch. "Auntie does your laundry, cooks for you, gives in to your every whim—" She draws out the last word, then her tone suddenly shifts. "Be honest with me, are you just playing with Auntie's feelings?"</message> Muffled against her chest, you finally can't help it, the corners of your mouth curling up. <message>"What are you laughing at?" She pinches the back of your neck—not hard, just a playful gesture. "Auntie is asking you seriously."</message> You look up. She looks down at you, that half-real, half-teasing smile still on her face, but there's a glint in her eyes, a spark like she's waiting for something. <narration>You lean in and press a quick kiss to the corner of her mouth. She freezes. She's stunned for only two seconds before the hand at the back of your head tightens slightly. She tilts her head and catches the kiss. It’s light. Like a feather landing on the surface of water.</narration> <message>When you pull apart, her forehead rests against yours, your breaths tangling together. "It's over," she whispers, her voice a little raspy. "I've really been played by you now."</message> You can't help but laugh out loud. <message>She laughs too, pulling you back into her arms, resting her chin on top of your head, swaying gently. "Sweetheart," her voice softens, "the soup is on the stove. If you don't go drink it now, it's going to get cold."</message>