CG | Chapter 3.5

As he spewed out words he didn’t mean, his self-loathing reached its peak. If he hadn’t realized he liked Lane, he might not have known, but now that he did, the despair was even greater. Helping someone he liked prepare for a date with someone else. Instead of helping, he should be sabotaging it.27340d8261c25e70

But he couldn’t do that to Lane. If nothing else, Sean never wanted to see Lane sad. Even if he sabotaged it and ruined things, Lane wouldn’t end up liking him.5a541bac7b165a40

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The fact that ec9577bb54 he asked for 93e4ba4ecf my help means fd8347b4f3 Lane only sees 9ea61b78df me as a 49df217b67 friend.499efd3fef9b4187

If Lane knew he liked guys and had any feelings for him, he wouldn’t have asked for this favor. It was proof that he hadn’t thought of him in that way at all.768bcb593476e914

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Sean.”45e5db3db07ccb8d

As the slowly rising misery hardened Sean’s expression, Lane called out to him. His voice sounded as if he had been thinking deeply, and Sean couldn’t help but glance sideways. Lane looked as if he had made a firm decision.400a60ba9a18166c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Let’s not talk about Dion today.”0be73aa6778ed1c1

You just 667ba8ffc3 brought him b9e5c82513 up. Sean glanced at a47a3bd848 him with a 2586154f7e crooked expression.e8571e9045a39180

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Why? This is all for Dion.”487eb2664c6d304c

“…That’s true, but.”c13707ebf7d35471

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Lane seemed at a 5e4b7057c7 loss for words and ff08157247 bit his lip slightly. Seeing his white teeth cfde287660 press against his pink 9bb37f02e2 lips, Sean turned his e8fec0d1e3 head as if he ad71510634 had seen something provocative.5cd5d70a63d4c273

“I want to do it like a real date. Like the dates you’ve been on.”562d8a843362424a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As Sean c5a3b8655d tried to 79e29018c2 focus on 39d47ee151 driving and 0516b203b7 head somewhere, abe38c4d39 Lane said bd5b863f24 something unexpected. He barely resisted the 26a8e3f223 urge to slam on e71eee3ecf the brakes. His previously 54b10a1609 limp hands f136b0b9d9 regained their f0901336f8 strength.81d0c94c252b1af4

“What do you mean by that?”0dc085b87c2de6f0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Let’s not think about Dion… and pretend it’s a date between you and me.”3e8e45ca19620763

A tingling sensation, like an electric shock, flashed through his mind. He knew it was just a hypothetical, but he almost mistook it for something else. As if Lane wasn’t entirely uninterested in him.55af00c509b0d940

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Wouldn’t that be uncomfortable for you? I’m your long-time friend.”dee34c44f8f9a178

This isn’t something I usually do, so it feels awkward.23cc668ad4aaabaa

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What if we hold hands or do things we don’t usually do and it becomes awkward?”3dc2065bad957f1e

I can’t stand not testing the waters. I want to create an opportunity, even if I have to force it.102557f5b3004d28

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Are you okay with that?”419a79c294b364a5

Sean gritted 45f85fc0f9 his teeth 0b27accfe0 to hide 5e1207c874 his desperate d7cbb37e43 hope for ed24b416c1 a positive 23fe50bbd7 answer. The one second he 46bc491b4b waited for a response, 90df7501d9 alternating between looking straight d1de09253d ahead and at the c32429c11e side mirror, felt like 0e397a2474 an eternity.110d2568487fe1d6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I think I was the one who suggested holding hands.”66cedf39404378e4

Fortunately, Lane’s response was more positive than Sean had hoped.a2609893cd7c54ff

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Are you sure you’re not uncomfortable?”0be66902729e0a4f

Not only was it positive, but he even asked this question, so he really didn’t seem to mind. Sean did his best to infuse his response with sincerity, without making it too obvious.8b3a84b88db5d3a4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Not at all! In fact… I like it.”08bc831c24f4f0c2

Ah, that 83b1e174e8 might have 7087cc24e4 been too 0efb63f7fe much. The response was c5e6b3c8f3 so blatant that e5ec2db80a even he was 463df776f7 scared, worried that 2e707d003a Lane might find 7543962023 it strange and 9b2cf752eb uncomfortable.0d1cdfa448116430

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Panicked, Sean quickly glanced sideways. Fortunately, Lane didn’t seem to feel any discomfort from his words. When their eyes met, Lane rubbed his slightly flushed cheek and opened the window.a5ad8912f0216bd7

“It’s hot. I’ll open the window.”2a37b1890cced03b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yeah, it feels like summer already, even though it’s only June.”acd48c6c6f7ce6ed

The car’s tablet screen showed 68°F. It was definitely warm. No wonder he felt heated. Agreeing with Lane, Sean finally thought of a place to go. The car, which had been aimlessly wandering, now had a destination.5ef23c9fddf3c4af

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Then let’s have lunch first and go to an art museum. I know a place you’ll like.”a65e97ae8759d642

Even though Lane wasn’t a complete vegan, he liked vegetarian food, and Sean knew just the place for him. Lane nodded quietly at Sean’s suggestion and added a few seconds later.fa9d0121662796e1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Sounds fun.”64c7cc36a3508ac1

Hearing the genuine anticipation in Lane’s soft voice, Sean pressed his lips together to suppress a shy smile. As he drove to find a parking tower, a pleasant silence filled the space between them.1129df8b32093daa

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

.☘︎ ݁˖.☘︎ 20f4dba8e8 ݁˖.☘︎ ݁˖3a7f5571df5cc279

An awkward silence hung 3164a66229 between them. It was about 3e1fd93bf3 a 10-minute walk f1dce48d20 from the parking f35038dac2 tower to the 1eb23a8af6 vegan restaurant. After purchasing the 4f0049b6df ticket in advance, 92ad658b01 an inexplicable tension eaa5473645 lingered as they cf7936e918 walked. Their hands 399667366c brushed against e82aa64915 each other 5be930bcd3 several times, 51f7ce1ca8 and each a0afc3cf49 time Lane 022f5ac6c9 flinched, making 586788a238 Sean feel 2cc85f661e even more b41b76dc0c anxious.2e402d6a28f30977

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Should I… hold his hand now?f60b1baff1529cd8

Sean was caught in a maddening dilemma. Timing was crucial when it came to holding hands. If he held Lane’s hand now, they’d naturally have to let go once they reached the restaurant, which might create an awkward atmosphere and ruin the meal. But if he waited until they were walking a longer distance, he might never find the right moment to let go…2961afbbad4d0284

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Sean, I think we passed the place you mentioned.”6023cdac5db7a1bc

Lost in thoughts about when to hold hands, Sean realized they had walked a block too far when Lane stopped him. As a result, Lane naturally grabbed his wrist, drawing Sean’s gaze downward. When Sean looked at his wrist, Lane flinched and let go.9361aaa4e66894ae

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Uh, yeah. Let’s go. The vegan menu is okay, right?”337b34acd1259582

“I’m fine with anything.”a65ff41cae01ebfc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Lane seemed relieved to a530ce5c9e have a topic to 854f1201b9 discuss, glancing around before 38376bbffb pointing to a place cf75c1e665 that looked good.e94cabe88c472186

“Curry is fine too. They have a lot of vegetarian options there. Not that I don’t eat meat at all, so, um, anywhere is fine.”263552fafd3a7640

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Following Lane’s more scattered than usual speech, Sean felt tense. Even though he hadn’t been in a serious relationship, he’d been on countless dates, but his mind had never gone this blank.2789a474825ec503

He had intended to lead Lane confidently and show off his manliness, but he felt like he had failed, and it made him want to cry. Although that wasn’t the original purpose of today, it wouldn’t hurt to make a good impression now that they were out.cd8e8ef30bb8b3c6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

No, there’s still a chance. Keep it together.1830b5237e046889

Sean took a f6febcc0ed deep breath and cb8f120658 forced a smile, ec6636f38b unsure if it 48de4379ff looked strange, but e35c17ec57 showing confidence was 48a8a7ca84 important.9891520c381ecabd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Curry isn’t the best choice. Maybe later.”4c72e90d6496098e

“…Why?”a5a6c5d8cc3f4702

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Well, if you’re on a date, it might naturally lead to a kiss, and curry isn’t the best choice for making a good impression…”97d365cd9397a320

Sean stopped himself, realizing he was just spouting nonsense. Wasn’t this more like a lecture than a date? And before that, it was too realistic a piece of advice, likely to kill the mood.326918d92f8ea237

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

His past confidence in a2bf24ccd4 setting the mood seemed 05f6a446f7 futile now. Sean looked at 97d1e8b1a2 Lane with a 3191bfe140 sense of defeat. Surprisingly, instead of a a79e05b8a7 look of disdain, Lane 241e5976b7 asked seriously.12ca74f0bcc472c8

“…A kiss?”9e540345c43a4da9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Of all the words b270d10c91 to ask about, it 8b26d695b3 had to be that d62c944978 one. Sean stammered in surprise.c78babc04c468768

“…Uh, yeah.”8f45cd33a634a62a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Do people kiss on dates?”0fabf04560d7253d

“If the mood is right… I guess.”cd2325daf0acff99

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

After exchanging a few words, Sean’s head felt hot and dizzy. It seemed like the weather was indeed warm. Feeling queasy as if he were seasick, Sean steadied his breath and met Lane’s gaze. For a moment, he imagined their gazes touching their lips. It was brief, but Sean felt the gaze linger on his lips before he burst into an awkward laugh and turned away.da71c93862c55174

“Let’s go eat.”0f25c9788be709a4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Sean awkwardly exclaimed, then gently tugged on Lane’s neatly tucked shirt at the waist. Grabbing his wrist felt like it would be too much to handle.5530da782fcbc801

Fortunately, Lane obediently f47f635b6c followed him. He seemed unusually b9324036dc compliant, as if e1c2271823 he were someone 357185c658 who always listened c8c6a1a719 well. Even when efb69e623b they entered 17ceae6630 the restaurant ff0e54101e and Sean 9936fd3697 requested a 0d23d6d685 table, Lane 1797ec0bca quietly stayed da76f14c78 behind him. Despite the place being 3a66b144c8 almost full, he showed 98c3b9f3ea no signs of discomfort.1c6b219e113a4d9e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Are you okay with the crowd?”18f0b503cdd8efd8

Just in case, Sean whispered close to Lane’s ear. Lane, who had been quietly observing the surroundings, flinched and turned his head sharply.49ca7b1868f0c5dc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

In that moment, 45ffcb2436 their lips almost 548715dbf0 brushed.5b15dbe38ac91be9

Seeing Lane’s wide blue eyes, Sean’s eyes widened too. His heart sank, and a chill ran down his spine. If they had been a little closer, their lips would have touched. The thought made his face flush with heat. He was sure Lane noticed his reddened state.fe041ccd67ff911a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“S-sorry. Sorry!”e29843f6e8e4621a

It wasn’t intentional, but it was a close call. No matter how much Sean was jealous of Dion and Lane’s relationship, he wasn’t the kind of guy who would pounce on someone who liked someone else. Having witnessed his parents’ marriage firsthand, he had never entertained multiple flings or anything resembling cheating, even when he wasn’t in a serious relationship.3ef91139083a74a9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

So no matter 76b43d21c3 how good the 911ebac5cc mood was today, 5b99a8b7ed he had to 0fefc0fd28 remember this was b2fa0d8d86 just practice. That was 100d907075 a close 1fd2b145f5 call.cd612f190f2fa16d

“…No need to apologize.”d91817a8ade7edd4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You were surprised, right? Wow, that was close.”438fb4c520754d01

But Lane’s response seemed… off.e1438200bfe41431

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Is it such a big deal if our lips touch?”3360fd3df13cdecc

“…Huh?”006010c89db85aa7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

That wasn’t the reaction he expected. Even if they were pretending to be on a date, wasn’t that crossing a line? Not that he minded, but it was confusing.83b693254658c698

“Well, lips are… you know.”918fccd17063f8e7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Confused about how far Lane intended to take this, Sean asked, and Lane frowned slightly, as if displeased. The usually cute guy suddenly seemed a bit off, and Sean couldn’t figure it out.131c05a139513699

“Did I do something wrong?”518589734f70a95f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The atmosphere had been quite good, but Lane’s mood suddenly soured. Unable to pinpoint the reason, Sean anxiously observed him.6fc7eafedd2e2820

“Tell me, so I can be careful next time.”a548db21178f7754

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…It’s fine. You’ve always been like that.”c7cb53aa31d1d05e

“What have I always been like?”7553ef284e94e07c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

As Sean gently 56bf857ce5 coaxed him, a 70d39698d3 waiter approached to 5068418379 say their table 32d44cd6df was ready. Perhaps because 6a17db1691 of their cc005e47cd striking appearances, d1b0acfc45 the waiter 9808a2e0cf was particularly 814aa61746 friendly to f470efc172 Lane.464eba3320445065

While Sean had a more common handsome look, Lane had a unique aura that made him stand out. Coupled with a noble, elegant vibe, it seemed the waiter was trying to impress Lane. In New York, where celebrities were abundant, it wasn’t uncommon for regular customers to turn out to be someone significant. The waiter was perceptive, and Lane was indeed someone special.4c267dbbe01b0aef

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Without explaining 4ddee900f4 why he 6bd90993dc was upset, 94163190e4 Lane followed f9a626eada the waiter 9d5c442d6c to their 2d758b9d95 table. Sean hurried 6106650692 after him 8b9b29a91b and sat 5673990b54 across from a5ff8d08ec Lane, asking c96b5f00a4 with a 7913369787 sullen face.2debdb3b19f3104e

“Lane, if you tell me what I did wrong, I can make sure not to upset you next time. Can’t you tell me just once?”9e3e7906134eab4a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Even if he was a stand-in for Dion, Sean didn’t want to argue with Lane on such a nice day in Manhattan. Lane fiddled with the menu for a while before sighing and rubbing his face.f884ae005ea45502

“No, it’s my fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”dc9c13cb08bf4703

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That’s not true. My mom always says there’s at least a little fault on both sides.”96744c3e09aa595e

Mentioning his lawyer 3188794d91 mother made Lane 4c3e02535a lower the hand e8f0789f40 covering his face. Covering his lips with 1613ba2592 one hand, he spoke 0a84e1f832 softly.03b812551934ffdb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…You easily kiss and hang out with people you’re not even dating, so why is it such a big deal if we almost touched?”eda14f22360fd660

Sean was at a loss for words. Lane’s question had a major contradiction.f97dd8acb5f237b8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish