Chapter 3.1 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 3.1
When a.s.sistant director Zhou finally called to tell Zhang Zhun that ”the contract was ready for signing”, Zhang Zhun found himself filled with unease rather than joy. Three days later, as he stepped into the foyer of the Ocean Star Hotel with his suitcase, his fear came true. Chen Hsin was already there, leaning casually against the receptionist counter in his hoodie, a large cap partially concealing his face. Zhang Zhun spotted him immediately in all his wild, untamed charm.
a.s.sistant director Zhou came up to him, keycards in hand. ”Zhang-laos.h.i.+, you'll be staying in room 3804.”
Zhang Zhun took a card. Before he could thank the a.s.sistant director, however, the other man cut in, ”The director wants both of you to work on getting comfortable with each other during this half-month stay.”
Zhang Zhun looked at him, perplexed. He added in embarra.s.sment, ”It's a single suite, but there will be two beds.”
Zhang Zhun turned his gaze on Chen Hsin, who was standing a little farther away with the other card in hand. His face was hidden in the shadow of his cap, making it impossible to read his expression with any certainty. a.s.sistant director Zhou continued to explain, ”The filming schedule was finalized the day before yesterday. We'll start with the intimate scenes, so you'll need to…” Zhang Zhun nodded in understanding. Saved from further embarra.s.sment, a.s.sistant director Zhou patted him on the shoulder and hurriedly excused himself before disappearing from sight.
”Do you snore?” Chen Hsin asked as he sauntered over with his luggage in tow.
”Do your feet stink?” Zhang Zhun retorted, still unable to look Chen Hsin in the eye.
Chen Hsin broke into a smile - another one of his lopsided grins - and slung an arm around Zhang Zhun's shoulders in friendly familiarity. Zhang Zhun said nothing; within the confinement of Chen Hsin's arm, under his touch, Zhang Zhun's flesh began to take on a warmth of its own. Together, they took the elevator to the thirty-eighth floor. The crowds that streamed in and out of the elevator on the lower floors slowly thinned out over time. By the time it went past the twenty-fifth floor, they were the only ones left in the elevator. All was quiet in the enclosed s.p.a.ce except for the sound of their breathing, one slower than the other.
”There were two more after you that day,” Chen Hsin spoke up suddenly in a careless tone, his eyes averted from Zhang Zhun.
”Oh.” Zhang Zhun understood what he meant, but was at a loss for a reply.
”My mouth was all numb by the end.”
Zhang Zhun could not help but laugh at the thought. Chen Hsin began to laugh too. Falling back against the elevator wall, he finally turned to face Zhang Zhun. ”I chose you.”
Zhang Zhun dropped his gaze as he replied, ”I suppose I owe you my thanks then.”
”How are you going to repay me?”
The ease with which Chen Hsin slipped into character disconcerted Zhang Zhun. It felt too soon, too fast. His pretty brow creased into a troubled frown as he suggested, ”You get first dibs on the beds.”
”How boring!” Chen Hsin replied dismissively, turning away in disappointment.
Simple and earnest by nature, Zhang Zhun was not one to take things lightly. ”What would you like then?” he asked now, in all seriousness.
Chen Hsin looked up at the ceiling of the elevator. Staring at their clear reflections in the smooth surface above, he declared, ”I want first dibs in bed.”
Zhang Zhun was stunned. But just as he was about to ask Chen Hsin to explain himself, the elevator came to an abrupt stop on their floor with a ding. Chen Hsin reached for the b.u.t.ton and held the door open for Zhang Zhun. The moment pa.s.sed. Distracted, Zhang Zhun stepped out of the elevator and started looking for their room as he wandered down the long corridor. When he found the room and swiped both of them in, however, his mind promptly went blank at the sight before him.