To touch

A dark hospital room. Lanterns are shining outside the window, rare lights of high-rise buildings and shopping malls are visible. On the bedside table, for some reason, there is a red net with tangerines that came from nowhere. Lu Guang woke up at one o’clock in the morning. The white-haired man sat down and looked around. It seemed to him that something was wrong. Soon he heard footsteps. The door opened, and the top of my best friend’s head appeared behind it. He didn’t seem to notice that Guan was awake. He quietly entered the room and walked over to the bed, sinking down next to it and resting his head on his hands. He stared out the window for a while, but soon closed his eyes. Lu Guang exhaled softly. — Cheng Xiaoshi… don’t scare me like that anymore… — Guang? I thought you were asleep.… I’m sorry I woke you up. — Nothing. I wasn’t sleeping, — Lu shifted his gaze to the window. — Why did you come so late? Something happened? — N-no… I just came like that… Xiaoshi lowered his head a little guiltily. — I see. How is Qiao Ling? — She’s fine, it seems… Probably already at home. — Good. Well, how are you?.. — Yes, it’s fine too. What’s wrong with me being okay? — the guy tried to joke. — Psychological trauma. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything.… — It’s not your fault. I suggested it myself, remember? That means I get it. - Okay, let’s not talk about it, — the white-haired man snorted. — Whatever you say… Xiaoshi looked out the window at the night city again, trying to look calm and not give away that he was still nervous. — Give me the mandarin, I’m hungry, — Guan said again. — Oh, yes. Now. Can you? I just thought about it just now. What if you can’t… The dark-haired man took one mandarin out of the net and began to peel it. Or rather, to try. — You’re good for nothing. Give it to me, — Lu Guang exhaled irritably and took the mandarin from him. Then he began to clean it carefully. After a while, the white-haired man handed him half of it. — Come on, eat. Xiaoshi carefully took his share. — Maybe you won’t pay attention to me and just sleep? And then you’re so mean, and you’re sharing a mandarin, — the brunette smiled. — I’m probably tired. And I’m just in the way. — Who are you calling mean? — I’m sorry, I’m sorry, — Xiaoshi laughed. — But think about the business proposal. — I don’t want to sleep, — Lu Guang was offended. — Then what do you want? — I won’t tell you, — the white man turned away. — Why? — I won’t tell you… — And you haven’t changed… That’s good. Lu Guang looked away in embarrassment. — What are you doing? — Xiaoshi was surprised. — What? What are you talking about? — He blushed. I can see that. — It’s not true, — the other was even more confused. — Come on. Are you sure you’re okay? Should I call a nurse? — You don’t need to. It’s okay, — Lu Guang’s skin tone returned to its usual shade. — What do you think… Can we catch him? — I think so. — I hope he won’t have time to do anything by this time.… — We can handle it, but we need some leads. — If I had them… Lu Guang sighed softly. — I don’t know… are you sure there are no photos? The other shook his head. — I would remember if there were. — I see. Let’s hope we find them. But for that, I need to get out of the hospital. It will be more effective this way. — Yeah. By the way, I still haven’t asked about your well-being. What do they say? — They say that the rupture of the intestine… I feel quite normal. — What kind of expressions, — Xiaoshi grimaced. — Just the name makes it feel bad. — I think it is quite a normal name for such a phenomenon… — Okay, let’s not. Maybe another mandarin? — The brunette smiled. — They’re a little sour. I don’t really like it. — Maybe I should run to the store? I’ll get you something. — I can’t have a lot of food that I would like. Therefore, it’s not worth it. Cheng sighed softly. It seemed to upset him a little. — I just want you to stay until I fall asleep, — the white-haired man said with such a serious face that Xiaoshi was surprised by his composure. — Good. Since you’re asking, how can I refuse? — He beamed again. Lu Guang was a little confused by this, but he continued to remain unperturbed. — Thank you.… Cheng put his head back in his hands, getting comfortable, and closed his eyes. The white-haired man looked at him, then smiled and also closed his eyes. After a couple of minutes, the brunette’s legs got a little tired, and he tried to sit back comfortably, without making a noise. — Lie down next to me if you want, — Lu Guang whispered in embarrassment. — Can I? — Not, — the white man said seriously and closed his eyes. The brunette looked away, pursing his lips. — You idiot, if I offered, then you can! — Guan was indignant. — I’m sorry, I don’t understand the hints, — the dark-haired man scratched his head, then looked at the hospital bed with an appraising glance. — Can we fit in here? Lu Guang sighed in exasperation. — Got it, got it. I’m lying down. The guy walked around the bed and lay down next to the white-haired man, trying not to cause inconvenience. Lu was a little nervous, although he didn’t know why. — Are you comfortable? — Yes, it’s fine. And you? — The white-haired man hesitated slightly. — Better than on the floor. Thanks… — You’re welcome… He closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep, but unfortunately, it did not work out, because someone was lying next to him, to whom he was not indifferent. Maybe it’s not love, but… then why is the heart beating like that? Why did you lose your breath? What’s wrong with him? Lu Guang thought about it for a long time, but did not find an answer. — Guan… Can I… — What? — Cheng’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. — Can I… touch you? Guan’s heart skipped a beat at this question. He didn’t know what to do. Refuse? He will be sorry to miss this chance. Agree? Lu was afraid that this way Xiaoshi would find out everything, guess about his feelings, but despite his thoughts… — Yes… The guy first gently touched his palm with his fingers, as if checking something. After making sure that nothing bad was happening, he lay down a little closer and, still being careful not to hurt the wound, hugged his friend, nuzzling his side. — You’re so warm.… I’m so glad you’re alive.… — Me too.… I mean, I mean, I’m glad you’re alive too… damn… The white-haired man pursed his lips in embarrassment. Why did he even say that? — And yet you’re nervous. Relax. Nothing should happen while I’m here. Or are you afraid that someone will think the wrong way? — Shut up, you fool… — Guan was more confused. — Understood. I’m silent. Xiaoshi lay back comfortably, pressing his cheek against him. When he entered the room, he looked depressed. But as soon as Lu Guang gave up his position a little, the dark-haired man seemed to become a little arrogant, becoming the former Cheng Xiaoshi. — Can I be more careful, please?… I think you’ve touched a wound. — I’m sorry. I won’t do it anymore. Honestly. Cheng looked so happy that the white-haired man couldn’t help but smile. He was glad for both situations: that he was being hugged by Cheng Xiaoshi himself, and that this Xiaoshi was happy. — Guan… — Huh? — Can we always be like this now?… — Go to sleep. Good night… — Yeah. Thank you for not sending me away from the very beginning… — You’re welcome. Apply, — Lu Guang chuckled. — I will, — Xiaoshi laughed. The white-haired man finally dared to hug him back. The dark-haired man pressed closer to him, not forgetting about the wound. — Guan… — Huh? — I love you.… Lu Guang was surprised, then smiled and replied. — And I love you…