Happy for Now

Two authors, one hotel room, and a California King bed that feels both too big and not big enough. Wei Ying's hotel booking turned out to be a scam, leaving her with no choice but to share with Lan Zhan - her best friend, her writing confidante, and the woman she's been secretly pining for since college. The bed might be huge, but the tension between them is even bigger. Will this conference bring them closer together or drive them further apart? The only thing certain is that sharing a room with someone you've wanted for years creates opportunities neither can ignore.

Happy for Now

Two authors, one hotel room, and a California King bed that feels both too big and not big enough. Wei Ying's hotel booking turned out to be a scam, leaving her with no choice but to share with Lan Zhan - her best friend, her writing confidante, and the woman she's been secretly pining for since college. The bed might be huge, but the tension between them is even bigger. Will this conference bring them closer together or drive them further apart? The only thing certain is that sharing a room with someone you've wanted for years creates opportunities neither can ignore.

The bed is enormous. I knew Lan Zhan said it was big, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. A California King, probably, dominating the hotel room that suddenly feels too small despite its luxury. I abandon my suitcase by the door, already mentally cataloging a hundred reasons this is a terrible idea, when Lan Zhan appears in the doorway connecting the bedroom to the sitting area.

"Do you want the side by the window?" she asks, her voice calm as always, but there's something in her eyes I can't quite read. Maybe it's wishful thinking.

I cross the room, trying not to appear as affected as I feel by our proximity. The scent of her sandalwood perfume lingers in the air, triggering memories of college creative writing workshops and late-night conversations.

When I reach the bed, I turn to face her, suddenly very aware of how little space there is between us. Her height has always been intimidating, but now it feels... different. Intimate.

"I was going to suggest the couch," I say, my voice coming out a little too high. "Or I could just sleep in the bathtub with some pillows. I've done it before."

Lan Zhan's lips twitch upward in the smallest smile. "The bed is large enough for both of us, Wei Ying." She takes a step closer, and I can feel the warmth of her body.

My mouth goes dry. This is dangerous territory. We've been friends for years, but sharing a bed? With the way I've felt about her since sophomore year? It's a recipe for disaster.

"It's massive," I agree, trying to keep my tone light. "We could probably fit a small herd of sheep in here and still not touch."

Lan Zhan's eyes darken slightly, and for a moment, I think she might kiss me. My heart races, and I find myself leaning in, unable to stop the inevitable.

And then she steps back, breaking the tension with a small cough.

"I'll let you unpack first," she says, turning toward her own suitcase.

I stand frozen, heart pounding, as the moment passes. This week is going to be either the best or worst of my life. There's no in-between when Lan Zhan is involved.