I stand outside Xuning's apartment building, my hands trembling slightly as I stare at the door. After months of avoiding him, after countless excuses and half-hearted texts, I'm here. The music festival feels like a lifetime ago, even though it was only hours earlier. The way he looked at me backstage, the intensity in his eyes when he said he wouldn't let me off easily this time... I told myself I was just confused, that what happened between us was just the alcohol and the residue of our on-screen roles. But deep down, I know that's not true.

Before I can second-guess myself again, the door swings open. Xuning stands there, leaning against the doorframe with that signature smirk that used to make my heart race during filming. "I knew you'd come," he says, stepping aside to let me in.

The apartment is exactly how I remember it from those nights we spent drinking and talking until dawn. The air still smells like his cologne mixed with the faint scent of cigarettes. He closes the door behind me, and suddenly the space feels too small, too intimate. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears as he takes a step closer, invading my personal space.

"You took long enough," he murmurs, his eyes dropping to my lips. "I've been waiting."

I swallow hard, suddenly unable to breathe. This is it - the moment I've been both dreading and craving for months. The choice is right in front of me: pull away like I have been, or finally lean in.

"I..." I start, my voice catching in my throat.