Ping didn't know how long they stayed like that.
Keng's forehead rested against his, their breaths uneven, the air between them still heavy from everything that hadn't been said for years. Ping's fingers were curled tightly into Keng's shirt, only now realizing he hadn't let go.
He loosened his grip slowly, as if afraid the moment would shatter.
"You…" Ping swallowed. "You can't do things like that."
Keng smiled faintly. "But you didn't stop me."
Ping looked away. His ears burned. "That doesn't mean anything."
Keng lifted a hand but stopped halfway, giving Ping time to pull back if he wanted to. Ping didn't.
"It means something to me," Keng said quietly.
Ping laughed bitterly. "You always say things like that."
"And you always pretend you don't believe me," Keng replied.
Silence settled again.
Ping finally stepped back, creating a small distance between them. His voice was steadier now, guarded. "If you're trying to play with my feelings, stop."
Keng's expression hardened—not angry, but serious. "I wouldn't."
"You already did once."
Keng inhaled slowly. "I know. And I hate myself for it."
Ping's chest tightened. He hated how easily Keng could still affect him. Hated that one kiss could undo all the walls he'd spent years building.
"I'm scared," Ping admitted, almost inaudibly. "If I fall again… I don't know if I can stand it."
Keng stepped closer, this time not touching him. "Then don't fall yet."
Ping looked up, surprised.
"Walk," Keng continued. "Stay angry. Push me away if you need to. I'll still be here."
Ping searched his face, looking for cracks, lies—anything.
"You're really annoying," Ping muttered.
Keng smiled. "I'll take that as progress."
Ping turned toward the door. "I'm going back."
Keng nodded. "I'll walk you."
"You don't have to."pimg said acting all serious.
"I know."keng said giving him a sweet smile.
They walked side by side in silence. Not too close. Not too far.
At Ping's door, he paused. "Keng."
"Yes?"
"…Don't ignore me like that again."
Keng's gaze softened. "I won't."
Ping nodded once, then went inside, closing the door gently.
On the other side, Keng stood there for a long moment, fingers brushing his lips.
During lunch,
Ping sat at his desk, staring at nothing in particular.
His fingers brushed over his lips—once, twice—absent-minded, like he didn't even realize he was doing it.
From behind him, Rain leaned over the back of his chair, eyes sharp.
"You keep touching your lips," Rain said, voice dripping with tease. "What have you done with them?"
Ping froze. "What are you talking about."
Rain grinned wider. "And don't think I didn't notice you leaving the room last night. Where did you go?"
Ping shot him a look. "Mind your business, Rain."
Rain chuckled. "As usual. But I can't help wondering what senior handsome has done to you."
"You—" Ping started, flustered—
Then he stopped.
Across the room, Keng stood with Tao, Bank, and Jinn. They were looking his way, talking quietly among themselves.
Ping couldn't hear them, but he could tell.
They were smiling.
Jinn tilted his head slightly. "Our friend must have done something mischievous."
Tao snorted. "Of course he has. Don't you see how happy he's been?"
Bank crossed his arms, amused. "Ping will definitely give in this time."
Keng didn't deny it.
He just kept his eyes on Ping.
Back at the desk, Rain followed Ping's gaze and laughed softly.
"…Yeah. You're not even trying to hide it."
Ping looked away, ears burning. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Keng walked over then, close enough that Ping felt him before he saw him.
"You're distracted," Keng said quietly.
"I'm not," Ping replied, too fast.
Keng leaned down slightly, voice low. "You are."
Rain raised both hands. "Okay, okay. I'll pretend I don't see anything."
Ping muttered, "…Annoying."
Keng smiled.
And this time, Ping didn't stop him.