At first, Le An gulped down the water in his mouth. As the last drops trickled from his lips, Taras licked the remnants. Le An, in shock, swallowed the final mouthful and looked into Taras's eyes.
Would he pull away, or...
Their lips were almost touching; maybe several seconds passed like that. As Le An held himself still, trying not to move, he finally let out the breath he'd been holding through trembling lips.
Then, Taras's tongue pried open Le An's mouth, and with slow movements, they began to kiss. Le An, his heart thudding as if it might burst, wanted to hold onto Taras, but didn't know how. He couldn't muster the courage.
"Ha..." Taras furrowed his brows as he gently guided Le An's hand to rest on his shoulder, gentler than he'd ever held his wrist before. Treasure's clumsy lips, his timid transformation from the desperate expression earlier… every detail gnawed at Taras's nerves.
