Chapter 13 — Turns Out You Actually Like Me

As the distance between us narrowed, I could faintly detect the subtle scent of sulfur in the water, mingled with the clean, intoxicating fragrance that clung to his skin. He tilted his head, looking at me, and I watched as a few stray droplets of water trickled slowly down his throat. I swallowed hard, unable to stop myself.

Dao, his voice was a low, resonant hum.

Yes?

Come a little closer.

It was as if I had fallen under a spell, obediently sliding forward. Before I could even steady myself, his arm shot out to wrap firmly around my waist. With a gentle tug, he pulled me straight onto his lap. The water rippled around us, warm waves spreading outward and slapping softly against the stone rim of the basin. I pressed both hands against his shoulders to keep my balance, my face burning with a fiery crimson.

What do you think you are doing?

He leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear. There is something I want to do. And then, he kissed me. This kiss was deeper and far more lingering than the one before. One of his arms held my waist securely, while the other cupped the back of my head, his fingers tangling deep into my damp hair. The rising steam from the hot spring made my head spin, and the heat where our lips met was far more scorching than the water of the pool itself. Halfway through the kiss, I felt entirely out of breath, my whole body floating on a cloud of daze, and I hurriedly tried to push him away. He relented just a fraction, letting out a low, gravelly chuckle. Breathe. It was only then that I remembered the necessity of air, gasping in a deep breath, only to have it immediately sealed away by his lips once more. The bamboo shadows flickered, the moonlight shattered across the surface of the water, and between heaven and earth, there seemed to exist only this secluded hot spring and the entangled breath of our two bodies.

What the hell do you two think you are doing!

A thunderous roar shattered the tranquility from behind. I jumped out of my skin, sinking down into the water until it reached my chin, nearly choking on a mouthful. Cheng Chieh reacted with lightning speed, one arm keeping me steady while he raised his head to glare in the direction of the voice. My older brother was standing at the head of the winding stone path, his expression resembling that of a man struck by lightning. Nguyen Han stood quietly behind him, her arms crossed over her chest with an air of utter helplessness.

Ten minutes later, the four of us were seated on the tatami mats inside the resting room, separated only by a low wooden tea table, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. I sat huddled in the corner wrapped tightly in a thick bathrobe, while Cheng Chieh sat right beside me, looking remarkably at ease. My brother sat directly across from us, his arms crossed tightly, his gaze darting back and forth between me and Cheng Chieh like the barrel of a machine gun. Nguyen Han poured him a cup of hot tea. Calm down.

I am perfectly calm.

My brother picked up the teacup and took a large gulp, scalding his mouth so badly he bared his teeth in agony, though he dared only cast a weak, resentful glance at Nguyen Han before returning his fierce, piercing glare to Cheng Chieh and me. Cheng Chieh calmly recounted everything from beginning to end, leaving out no details. After listening in silence for a long while, my brother glared daggers at him.

So you just tricked my little sister right out from under my nose?

Cheng Chieh kept a completely straight face. I did not trick her.

Confess right now, exactly when did you start setting your sights on her?

Cheng Chieh paused in thought. Probably... when she was sixteen years old, the very first time she came over to your place for dinner. She was wearing a white dress, her hair tied in a ponytail, and the moment she walked through the door, she called out, 'Hello, Brother Cheng Chieh.' I froze in astonishment, having never asked him about it before. So he had actually fallen for me from such a ridiculously early age, heh heh. My brother looked equally petrified. Sixteen years old! You! Were you planning to commit a crime? Cheng Chieh replied smoothly, Which is precisely why I had to wait until she grew up before I dared to pursue her. My brother's jaw dropped, momentarily incapable of forming any coherent insults. Finally, he choked out a single phrase: You really are an absolute beast.

Well, you were the one who introduced this beast to her.

When on earth did I ever introduce you two?

Every single time you invited me over to play video games, didn't you 'conveniently' make me tutor your little sister with her schoolwork?

I asked you to tutor her in academics! Not tutor her in falling in love!

I couldn't help but chime in, Big brother, you were the one who told me what a great guy he was, and told me I should look after him more often anyway.