The Unavoidable Deep End

The world outside was a stark contrast to the chaotic pulse of the bar—it was eerily quiet.

The taxi pulled up to the hotel entrance in what felt like the blink of an eye. The two of them stepped out and entered the lobby together, moving through the late-night stillness.

Inside the small, confined space of the elevator, Yu Qingkong could easily catch the floral scent radiating from Lin Wanzhao. It was a fragrance designed to intoxicate, to lead the mind toward forbidden thoughts.

Frowning, Yu Qingkong raised her hand and pressed it firmly against her forehead.

– What’s wrong?

Lin Wanzhao was also swaying slightly from the alcohol, her eyes fixed on Yu Qingkong with a wide, innocent intensity.

“Nothing.”

Yu Qingkong leaned back against the interior wall of the elevator and closed her eyes.

– Then… do you want me to help you solve it?

Lin Wanzhao stepped closer, her voice a soft inquiry.

They were so close now that Yu Qingkong felt completely besieged by the other woman’s presence.

“Solve it?”

Yu Qingkong opened her eyes.

– Yes. For example…

Lin Wanzhao leaned in toward the base of her ear.

– Do you need my kiss?

The fragrant breath fanned across her skin, a masterpiece of seduction. Yu Qingkong could only close her eyes again, turning her head away to endure—and suppress—the roar of longing rolling up from the depths of her soul.

The elevator doors chimed and slid open. Lin Wanzhao let out a shallow laugh, turned, and walked out. The sharp clack-clack of her heels echoed on the floor. Her back was straight, her curves striking; even from behind, she was the embodiment of allure.

Watching her walk ahead, Yu Qingkong felt like her brain no longer belonged to her. It felt like it was about to explode.

*************************************

Lin Wanzhao stopped at her door, swiped her card, and pushed it open. She leaned against the doorframe, looking back at Yu Qingkong with eyes that were soft as water.

– Coming in?

Yu Qingkong swallowed hard. She looked away, rubbing her temples, and took a step back. “It’s late. We should sleep.”

Lin Wanzhao’s gaze shifted from her to the doorknob.

– You’re sleepy?

“Hmm.”

Yu Qingkong’s breathing was still heavy, rhythmic, and labored.

– Alright then. If you’re tired, get some rest. Goodnight.

As Lin Wanzhao spoke, she placed her hand on the handle to pull the door shut.

But just as she moved to close it, Yu Qingkong’s hand shot out and gripped the frame.

– What is it?

Lin Wanzhao stopped, her head tilted slightly.

Yu Qingkong stepped inside, closed the door behind her, and stood directly in front of her.

Because they hadn’t put the card in the slot yet, the room was dark. Only a sliver of neon light from the city escaped through the white gauze curtains, keeping them from total pitch-blackness.

Without a word, Yu Qingkong reached out, grabbed Lin Wanzhao, and pulled her into a hard embrace.

Lin Wanzhao stumbled, her back hitting Yu Qingkong’s warm chest. She felt her entire body flush with heat, her heart rate accelerating instantly.

She turned her head slightly, looking up with a hint of mockery in her smile.

– So… you couldn’t hold back in the end?

Yu Qingkong’s throat bobbed. Her jaw was tight as she stared into those mesmerizing, enchanting eyes.

“Aren’t you straight? Aren’t you a woman of iron discipline?”

Lin Wanzhao stared at Yu Qingkong’s lips.

“Then what’s happening to you now?”

Yu Qingkong’s eyes darkened, turning somber and intense. Lin Wanzhao was like a demon to her; every movement, every glance, pulled at her sanity. It was like a poison, and she desperately needed the antidote—the salvation—that only Lin Wanzhao could provide. Sweat beaded at her hairline.

– What’s wrong…?

Lin Wanzhao laughed softly.

– Do you want me to stay away from you this time?

Yu Qingkong closed her eyes, her brow furrowed. She tilted her head back slightly, trying to regulate her breathing.

Lin Wanzhao’s hand moved to cover the hand Yu Qingkong had clamped around her waist.

– Or do you need me to help you solve—

Before she could finish the sentence, Yu Qingkong’s hand moved to her face, tilting it back. Her lips were instantly smothered, the remaining words forced back down her throat.

In the dimly lit room, Yu Qingkong’s kiss was dominant yet lingering. It swept over Lin Wanzhao like a tidal wave, binding her, leaving her unable to escape. She felt as though she were drowning, gasping for air that was filled only with the other woman.

A long time passed before Yu Qingkong pulled away. The calm in her eyes had been entirely replaced by raw desire. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

In the darkness, Lin Wanzhao felt her presence and whispered back, “Isn’t it what you wanted, too?”

In response, Yu Qingkong grabbed her arm, spun her around, and sat her down on a high stool at the small bar counter in the room. She leaned over her, hands braced on the counter, trapping her. “So what if it is?”

Lin Wanzhao looked at the face just inches from her own and smiled.

– Then… can you be a bit more thorough about it?

Yu Qingkong watched her for a beat longer before leaning down to capture her lips again. Alcohol and floral scents intertwined, fermenting into a reckless, intoxicating fragrance.

Their breathing grew ragged. It was as if a spark had been struck between them that was strong enough to set a forest ablaze—strong enough to burn through clothes, skin, and blood.

Eventually, Yu Qingkong let her go, simply holding her close as she rested her head on Lin Wanzhao’s shoulder.

– I like it…

Lin Wanzhao’s breathing was erratic.

– I like this…

“Is that so? How about this?”

Yu Qingkong opened her eyes, tilted her head, and grazed the bridge of her nose against the curve of Lin Wanzhao’s ear.

Lin Wanzhao felt her bones go soft. Yu Qingkong hadn’t even done anything yet, just a brush of skin.

– Love it…

“Really?”

Yu Qingkong lowered her gaze and pressed a kiss into her skin. It was shallow and light, carrying a hint of coolness and a surge of heat that invaded Lin Wanzhao’s mind.

– Yes.

Lin Wanzhao closed her eyes, her chest heaving.

Then, Yu Qingkong bit her shoulder lightly. Her voice was neither loud nor soft, just a steady hum. “I have to say, you’re really good at it…”

– Hmm?

Lin Wanzhao felt a tiny sting of pain and opened her misty eyes to look at her.

“Seducing people.”

Yu Qingkong’s voice was hoarse. She brushed the tip of her nose against Lin Wanzhao’s.

From the first moment they met, this woman had been releasing a scent like a lure, leading her step-by-step into a trap. No matter how hard she tried to claw her way out, it was all for nothing.

– Is that right…?

Lin Wanzhao’s mind was a fog; her breath was disordered.

– Then… do you like it?

Yu Qingkong pressed her lips into a thin line and didn’t answer. Instead, she suddenly pulled Lin Wanzhao up from the stool.

Lin Wanzhao stiffened, looking up at Yu Qingkong as she stared back down at her. Knowing what was coming next made her heart hammer against her ribs.

“First,” Yu Qingkong whispered into her ear, “take a shower.”