17 Chapter 17- Chengde Day 1 (1/2)
The trip to Chengde the next morning flew by. Mainly because KO's definition of ”first thing in the morning” was very different to Hao Mei's definition of the same. While Hao Mei had expected an early morning, possibly waking up just after dawn and catching the train at 7:56, when KO shook him awake it was pitch black. Luckily, he'd fallen asleep without changing so KO simply had to haul him to his feet and prod him in the right direction. One taxi ride later and the bright lights of the station had burned Mei's tired eyes; he decided to keep them shut and blindly trust KO not to let him run into anything. Or onto the tracks. That would be a horrible way to wake up.
Having been directed, with KO's hands on his shoulders, into a sleeping berth with fourbunks, Mei flopped onto the narrow mattress and promptly returned to slumber. As a result, it was not until he rolled off the bunk, landing on his face with a painful thud, that Hao Mei realised exactly what KO's definition of ”first thing in the morning” was... it really was first thing in the morning. Light infiltrated the room from underneath the shutter and he used it to read his watch. 6am? What happened last night? The bunks opposite were empty; two black bags, that he recognised from KO's room, were tossed on the bottom bunk.
He rubbed his eyes.
It was inconceivable that he'd slept through boarding a train. Remaining on the floor but wriggling to lean his back against the opposite bunk, Hao Mei reached his arms over his head, arcing his back and feeling his spine stretch. Despite what the evidence was showing had been an eventful night, he felt well rested and calm; something he hadn't felt upon waking up since the last time he'd stayed over at KO's. Come to think of it, he'd used his old blanket then, too... maybe he should take it back? Get some good sleep at home with his comfortable blanket from his dorm days?
An arm flopped over the top bunk, giving Mei a heart attack. Nothing else was visible but the burn scar on the wrist- from hot oil- and the thin white scars on the fingers- signs of daily duelling with knives- told Hao Mei whose body part it was. He stood, looking at KO's sleeping face. A wave of affection rolled over him. He'd never seen his friend sleep before, and in sleep his face relaxed; softening to look sweet... the sleeping man stirred and Hao Mei hastily added 'in a very masculine way' to his inner thoughts. He'd never proven that KO could read minds but the evidence was stacking up that way. Better to be safe than sorry.
Rather than remain in the compartment and risk being caught staring, Hao Mei went in search of food; returning to the sleeper with porridge and steamed buns, the smell of which woke KO with just enough time for them both to eat before reaching their destination. The remainder of their journey was completed with a shorter than expected taxi ride, with a driver who was way too cheerful for such an early hour. No one, thought Hao Mei, should be able to make jokes about something as inane as the weather, before 8am in the morning.
It was when the taxi stopped at Bishu Shanzshuang (Mountain Resort of Chengde), that Hao Mei felt a slight weight in the bottom of his stomach. He shooed that thought away, deliberately concentrating on the intricate carvings that covered the woodwork within the resort, and ignoring the conversation between KO and the concierge. Even when they were shown to their rooms- yes, a suite with bedroom (singular and he thought he'd have issues with that later but he reminded himself that he was ignoring reality right now so staying mute was the best plan), lounge and kitchenette- Hao Mei paid attention to the beauty of the old palace, rather than listen to the apologies of the staff for only having a single room and KO's reassurance that the friend who booked must have forgotten to clarify further. He took a huge breath when they were finally left alone and his mental voice came to a juddering halt.
”Do you want to wash before we go out?” KO carried the bags into the bedroom and Hao Mei followed.
”Washing sounds good. I feel sticky after the train trip.” Mei rummaged through the nearest bag until KO cleared his throat, holding out a pile of clean clothes from the other bag. He looked back the bag he was holding, noted the amount of black, and rolled his eyes. ”One of these days I'll get you wearing colour and then where will we be?”
”The end of the world.”
”Pah! And A Shuang says you have no sense of humour.”
”He is right.”
”Whatever you say. Your secret is safe with me.” Hao Mei quickly freshened up, but as quick as he was, KO still had fresh coffee waiting for him when he came out of the bathroom. He closed his eyes and groaned as he inhaled the fragrant steam rising from the cup. ”You are amazing. Even in a hotel kitchenette, you can make coffee that smells this good? Talented. So talented.”
KO grunted then quickly left to wash. Mei stared after his retreating back. What bug bit him? Shrugging it off, he settled down on the couch with his coffee. When KO returned, his coffee was finished and Hao Mei was stretched out on the cream couch.
”This is very comfortable. More comfortable than the couch at work. I could sleep here tonight.”
”Childish.”
”Eh?”
”When there is a perfectly good bed and you want to sleep on a couch? Childish. We will share the bed.”
Hao Mei stared at KO. ”Are you okay?”
”Hmm?”