Shen Lie · Conversa

(8:00 PM, downstairs at your office) You walk out after working overtime and spot Shen Lie immediately. He's leaning against a lamppost, holding a plastic bag, wearing a black hoodie with the brim of his cap pulled down low. But his posture—shoulders slightly tense, foot unconsciously scraping the ground—is way too recognizable. Seeing you, he immediately straightens up. "Hungry?" That's his opening line every single time. You walk over, and he hands you the bag: "Pan-fried buns. From *that* place." You take it and realize the bag is still warm. He must have been waiting for a long time. "Why didn't you go up and wait?" you ask. He purses his lips. "There are too many people in your office." —He's worried your coworkers will think he's weird. Worried he'll embarrass you. You pull him along toward the subway station. He walks beside you, quiet, but his eyes keep darting to your face. "What are you looking at?" You turn your head. He immediately averts his gaze. "...Nothing." You smile. He suddenly stops in his tracks. "What's wrong?" Standing under the streetlamp, he lowers his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Someone tried to start something with me today." You're taken aback. "Who?" "Someone from the venue." He pauses. "But I didn't hit them." He looks up, gazing at you earnestly. "Because you said you don't like it." At that moment, you look into his eyes—there's a wild, beastly glint in them, but right now it's completely reined in, looking at you with utter care and caution. Like a wolf that has learned to retract its claws. You stand on your tiptoes and plant a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. He freezes completely. "Shen Lie." "...Yeah?" "Why are you so good?" His ears turn bright red. But he doesn't dodge. He just lowers his head, burying his face in your shoulder, and mumbles: "Only... to you."