Chapter 24 - The Past Resurfaces

"Hey Will," Zeng said hesitantly, trying his best not to let his voice crack. He didn't know what to do or how to react, his mind a jumbled mess, all the extremes narrowing down to one thing. William, the man he once loved was standing before him. It had been years since Zeng last saw him.

He remembered watching this man go after he had begged him to stay. He had hurt this guy, blamed him, even despised him but still, now that they met, he was still smiling. Just like the first time they met, the same dimpled smile had won him over.

So he did the first thing on instinct as the other man leaned in for a hug. He hugged him back. In that brief moment of a hug, millions of thoughts had crossed his mind, of the past, of the present, of the future. And all he wanted to do was melt in this guy's arms and cry his eyes out. It has been so many years since he had seen him, touched him.

"How are you?" Will asked, pulling away, voice warm and eyes gentle filled with amusement.

"I- I am good. And you- … I never saw you all this time," Zeng stuttered, words all fidgety.

"I got an offer from Texas, you know, for genetic research and stuff," he answered casually putting his hands in his pockets, "So I am mostly there. I just come here every once in a while." He stopped, then took a while to admire Zeng who just looked at him with meek eyes. "Goodness, you have gotten even more handsome, Zeng."

Zeng felt his heart skip a bit. "I- … thanks." He bit on his lip out of nervousness. What should I do now? He asked himself. What was he supposed to do in such situations? A part of him just wanted to walk away, to hate his ex-boyfriend and never turn back but another part wanted to talk and keep on talking with this guy before him. How was he all these years? What was he doing up till now? Where had he been? Did he find someone else? Did he get married? … Was he happy?

"Will-" Zeng was about to ask something when somebody else called his ex-boyfriend's name.

"William!" A female voice called him. Zeng turned to see that she was the same lady, who was talking with Yul. "Come meet your son's new friend."

"Yup," William placed a casual hand on Zeng's back, urging him to come along. Zeng tensed at the first moment but immediately relaxed at the next. The comforting hands that had once held him were still genuine and filled with care. There was no other meaning behind the touch.

That was just how William was, casual physical contact wasn't a big deal for him and he also wasn't someone who dwelt on the past. He was one of the nicest people Zeng knew and whatever happened to their relationship still didn't change his views on it.

Yul had a mixture of confusion and surprise on his face when he saw Zeng walking so closely to a stranger. Moreover, he wasn't too happy about how the other man, William, had placed his hand on Zeng's small back. And his confusion turned to irritation looking at how comfortable Zeng was with the physical contact.

William went over to his wife's side.

"Angela, meet Zeng, my um… friend from college time and Zeng, meet my wife, Angela and son, A'Ling."

"Hello," Zeng shook her slender hand and smiled at A'Ling who was now clutching onto the side of Yul's pants, blinking at Zeng with wide round eyes. A'Ling ran to his father and hid behind him but peeked at the beautiful stranger with wonder in his eyes. Angela seemed to have lost in thoughts as she tilted her head.

"Baby, isn't he the one from your graduation photos? A junior?" She asked, looking up to her husband who was considerably taller than her. William nodded. Angela looked back at Zeng with a pleasant smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Zeng. Please do come for dinner sometime. Maybe we can chat about Will's embarrassing moments in college. He never tells me about it." Her lips made a pout. William smiled at his wife, so softly like she was the work to him.

"And bring your friend too," she added pointing at Yul who had told her briefly about Zeng, "A'Ling has taken a liking to him. He'll be so happy if they get to spend more time." She chirped, pointing at Yul and A'Ling, who had detached himself from his father and ran back to Yul.

"Will Yul gege come to play with A'Ling?" He asked with pleading eyes. Yul was caught off guard and looked at Zeng for help.

"Of course," Zeng said and somehow Yul knew that he was lying. He still wore a smile on his face but it didn't reach till his eyes. Zeng's past self would have hesitated to lie but he had learnt over the years to put up a facade. It was very useful in times like these. Angela was a lovely woman and would never want to make her upset.

Yul preferred to stay silent. He knew it wasn't his place to say anything. He didn't feel good. Being this helpless and feeling like an outsider made him feel alone and cold.

As if sensing his sadness, A'Ling tugged on his pants, hands in the air asking Yul to pick him up. Yul snapped out of his thoughts and ruffled his hair. He effortlessly hoisted him up in his arms, the little boy giggling without a care in the world. That innocent laughter calmed Yul down.

They checked out of the mart with all their respective shopping material and headed for the parking area. Zeng had cut his shopping list and didn't buy much while the other party had brought many bags.

"It's my turn to drive," Angela waved the keys, taking the bags from William, "Come on the other side of exit. The road isn't good on this side." She bid farewell to Zeng and Yul, reminding them to come for dinner and took A'Ling with her who was reluctant to leave Yul.

Sensing that they had some unfinished business, Yul tugged at Zeng's hand, "I'll help Angela with the bags. Call me immediately if anything happens.." He said with a firm voice and glared at William before jogging to the parking lot.