The summer night was warm, yet it did little to ease Zhong Li's nerves. He stood outside Ying Zheng's apartment, clutching the hem of his jacket so tightly his knuckles turned white. The motion-activated light above glowed softly, highlighting the nervous sweat on his palms. They had been close for ten years—through high school, college, and now as adults pursuing their careers. Tonight, he would finally confess the feelings he had hidden for five years.
Ying Zheng had just finished a long video call. He removed his headset, massaging his temples as he answered the door. A tired smile touched his lips when he saw Zhong Li. "Don't just stand there," he said, his voice rough from hours of speaking. "Come in. I made pu-erh tea—it's still warm."
Zhong Li followed him inside, his eyes drifting to the steaming cup on the table. Ying Zheng always remembered his sensitive stomach and made his tea mild. It was these small kindnesses that had drawn Zhong Li in deeper, even as he feared ruining what they had. But he couldn't stay silent any longer.
"Ying Zheng," he began, his voice unsteady. "There's something I need to tell you."
Noticing his seriousness, Ying Zheng straightened up. "What is it? Is everything alright?"
Zhong Li met his gaze—those same eyes that had been cold in a dark alley years ago, yet warm when he'd comforted him after a failure. Now, they made his throat tighten. "I'm in love with you," he forced out. "Not as a friend. I want a life with you. Even when we're old."
Silence filled the room, broken only by the ticking clock. Ying Zheng's tired expression shifted to surprise, then regret. "Zhong Li," he said softly. "I'm sorry. You're my best friend. That's all I can offer."
The words cut deep. Zhong Li fought back tears, offering a strained smile. "I understand. Forget I said anything."
He grabbed his jacket and hurried out, unable to look back. In the elevator, he leaned against the wall as tears fell. Outside, the city lights blurred into a dull haze. He walked without direction, replaying every moment he'd mistaken for affection. Lost in thought, he didn't see the red light or the truck speeding toward him. Headlights flashed—then everything went black.