Secrets and Shots: A Night to Remember

The adult movies I saved as bookmarks were discovered by my best friend's younger brother.

I was utterly embarrassed on the spot and went to a bar to drown my sorrows.

He came to look for me. I grabbed his collar and swayed as I was drunk. "I am a girl! I don't smoke or gamble. I just have a bit of a thing for... what's wrong with that..."

1

The living room was small and echoed with some unspeakable sounds.

I calmly closed the website and turned to the man beside me with a serious face. I said, "It's perfectly normal... Sir, we're all adults here. You understand, right?"

The man I called "sir" was, to be precise, a young man, dressed simply in a tank top and overalls. He looked every bit the part of a repairman.

His face was fair and youthful, almost excessively so.

After hearing my words, he pressed his lips together and hesitantly nodded. "I understand."

That was good.

I managed an awkward yet polite smile.

As long as I walked out of this door and left this incident behind, I would pretend that it never happened. "Thank you for understanding. I've already paid the repair fee through the platform. So if there's nothing else, you can leave." I was anxious and just wished he could leave as soon as possible.

But the young man in front of me frowned. He glanced at me pitifully. He seemed to want to say something but finally kept silent.

He was like a helpless puppy and looked utterly aggrieved.

I couldn't help but soften my voice as I asked, "Is there anything else?"

He hesitated for a moment and then said cautiously, "Well... I'm not really a mechanic."

His words were light, but they hit me like a thunderbolt.

My mind raced through all the dire consequences of letting an unknown guy into my room.

Appearances can be deceiving.

The cuter some guy looked, the more perverse he might be inside.

My voice trembled as I casually scooted back a bit.

I said, "You're not the repairman I called to fix my computer. Then who are you?"

2

Before the young man could respond, the doorbell rang.

I suddenly felt relaxed and rushed to open the door.

Outside stood the real repairman with a tool bag slung over his shoulder. His professional smile was as comforting as a father's. "Hello, I'm the technician here to fix your computer. The platform shows you've already prepaid for the service," the repairman said politely.

I nervously leaned closer to him and whispered in his ear, "Do you see that guy sitting on the couch? I don't know him. He pretended to be a repairman and snuck into my room with bad intent."

As I spoke, I pointed cautiously at the young man on the couch.

I hid behind the real repairman and felt like I'd found a protector.

The repairman was full of righteousness. He put his hands on his hips and scolded the young man. "Young man, what are you up to here? You look decent enough, but what are you planning in a young woman's home?"

After a few reprimands, the young man hung his head, rubbed his fingers, and was almost on the verge of tears.

Seeing his pitiful appearance, I began to wonder if I had misunderstood him.

Just as I tried to stop the repairman from continuing, the young man lifted his head and explained to me in a soft voice. "Emily, I'm Rita Hayes's brother, Cliff Hayes. My university hasn't started yet, and Rita asked me to stay with you for a few days... Maybe she forgot to tell you about it."

His clear eyes were brimming with tears.

I was stunned, and so was the repairman.

He turned back to me and asked tentatively, "Miss, what's going on here?"

Oh, Rita didn't forget. But I did.

As my memory returned, I looked at the repairman with embarrassment, then at Cliff.

I didn't know what to say at that moment.

Maybe it would be better if I just disappeared.

3

I mistook my best friend's brother for a repairman. And he even discovered the adult movie on my computer. In the end, I even accused him of being a pervert. I was so embarrassed.

After the storm, the outcome was

that I politely saw off the repairman.

Then I apologized to Cliff awkwardly. "I'm really sorry. Rita did mention you were coming today. But I was too busy to remember it. I misunderstood you just now and hope you don't take it to heart."

He smiled understandingly and looked innocent. "It's okay."

Impressed by his understanding, I patted his shoulder reassuringly.

Then I settled him in the guest room with his luggage and even brought him some fruit as a gesture of goodwill.

Back in my room, I received a message from my best friend, Rita. "My brother said he had gone to your place. He said you're really nice and even gave him some fruit."

After I read the message, I felt guiltier.

I remembered how Cliff had looked at me with that puppy-like expression when he said it was okay. I replied to the message. "Cliff is quite sweet."

Rita said, "I told him to be nice to you as he has to repay your kindness. Feel free to ask him for help. It's okay. You can take him as your brother."

Lying on my side in bed, I replied with a smile, "I'm not like you."

Suddenly, a new message popped up at the top of the screen. I clicked it open.

Someone without a note sent me several video links.

The accompanying message was very considerate. "I noticed you like plot-driven adult films. I've done some research and found some quality resources for you. Hope you enjoy them."

So it must be... Cliff. I didn't have to guess.

I could even imagine his innocent and earnest expression as he helped me look for resources.

My toes curled in mortification.

Was Cliff doing it on purpose?

4

It was past midnight. Usually, I went to sleep soundly at that time.

But I couldn't sleep. I couldn't control my mind to think about the details of what had happened that evening.

Something was normal, and adults could understand.

I had lost face completely in front of my best friend's brother. I was embarrassed to the point of my toes cringing.

Before I kicked a hole in the blanket, I changed out of my pajamas and went out.

I stood on the bustling street with my eyes closed in the wind.

Life felt meaningless right now.

I suddenly wished a car would come and end my life at that moment.

But the autumn wind was chilling, and I quickly sobered up.

Yet, I didn't want to go home.

So I turned to a bar by the roadside and sought solace in alcohol.

After three drinks, my phone buzzed with a voice message.

I picked it up and saw it was from Cliff.

My toes started to tingle with mortification.

I hung up.

He called me again.

I hung up again.

He called once more.

I was annoyed and finally answered it.

"Emily, where are you?" I heard from the receiver the sound of the wind and Cliff's overwhelming voice, full of grievance.

I immediately imagined that Cliff was biting his lip and was unsure of what to do.

"I'm drinking," I replied and was annoyed for no reason.

"Can I go and meet you?" He sniffled and said. "I went out and locked myself out... I don't have the key to get back in."

I raised my voice, "Don't you find a place out of the wind to wait? What if you catch a cold?"

How could he be so silly...

He said, "I'm scared. Couldn't I go and find you, Emily?"

Cliff was only 18 years old. How could he get into a bar? Plus, I didn't want to see him.

I was about to refuse him.

But I heard the wind through the receiver and realized that it was strong.

My heart softened. "I'm at the small bar on the street outside the apartment. You'll see it when you go out."

5

Cliff walked towards me from the neon lights. His white attire was so clean that it was blinding.

I was raising my glass to clink with a man who had come over to accost me.

Just as the glass touched my lips, Cliff's hand pressed it down.

The man found it uninteresting, chuckled, and walked away.

I looked up and glared at Cliff. "What are you doing?"

He lowered his eyes to meet mine. The dazzling lights of the bar reflected in his eyes. His voice was soft and tender. "That didn't seem like a good guy."

Cliff took the glass away as well.

When I get drunk, I become particularly melodramatic.

So after hearing his words, I turned my face away, pouted, and muttered under my breath, "So? Only you're the good guy. You are just a boy. Don't meddle in my business."

Cliff chuckled lowly. I turned back angrily, snatched the glass from his hand, and drank it in one go. Cliff said, "Emily, I can drink too."

I said, "If you're a good guy, then stay away from me."

He held my wrist and eagerly explained, saying, "That's not what I meant."

"If that's not what you meant, then what did you mean?" I tugged at his collar, swayed, and mumbled incoherently. Actually, I was drunk. "I am a good girl! I don't smoke or gamble." My tone gradually weakened. I just have a bit of a thing for... what's wrong with that..."

My vision started to blur.

6

The next day, I woke up with a terrible headache.

Hmm... my waist felt sore too.

I trembled as I lifted the blanket. My pajamas were perfectly in place.

I was relieved.

But how did I change into pajamas yesterday?

I couldn't remember anything.

My heart raced again and seemed to be stuck in my throat.

Cliff called out from the living room, and I was startled. "Emily, come out for breakfast."

I walked out of the room to see a simple breakfast on the table.

He was wearing my apron and adjusting the tableware. When he heard me, he looked up and smiled, revealing charming dimples.

The scene was reminiscent of a morning after a couple had done something intimate.

Then I remembered my sore waist.

So I became suspicious.

"Cliff, I... didn't do anything out of line last night, did I?" I sat down and pretended to ask casually. "If I did anything offensive, I hope you'll tell me directly, and I'll apologize to you."

He was busy serving me soy milk. Upon hearing my words, he lowered his head like a loyal puppy. "Emily, did you forget everything? You got drunk yesterday, and I carried you back. You threw up on your clothes, so I had to change you into pajamas." After taking a breath, he continued with a flushed face, "After changing, you wouldn't let me leave. You held onto my hand..."

... Alright. That was enough.

I stuffed a piece of toast into his mouth and said with a calm face, "I get it, and you don't have to say anything more."

Inside, I was not calm.

7

It was autumn, and I felt flushed and warm with embarrassment after breakfast.

Cliff stared at me having breakfast. He smiled in a silly way like a puppy.

Under the pressure of his gaze, I didn't dare lift my head.

I had slept with my best friend's younger brother. I didn't refuse to take responsibility for it.

But I need some time to prepare myself mentally first.

So I used work as an excuse to avoid him for three days.

I hadn't seen Cliff for days, and I was much relieved.

Indeed, sometimes avoiding things was the easiest way to cope, although it sounded shameful.

Around midnight, I sneaked back to my bedroom and locked the door as usual.

Just as I sat down to catch my breath, there was a knock on the door.

Cliff knocked lightly twice, and his voice was a bit hoarse. "Emily, are you back?"

I answered, "Do you need something? I'm very busy." I held my breath, looking towards the door.

"I can't hear out of one ear... He spoke with a hint of tears.

So his voice was hoarse because he had cried just now. I didn't know how long he had cried, as his clean voice had become like that.

Before my brain could react, I rushed to the door and opened it.

He looked down at me. His eyes were moist, and the corners were red.

I felt guilty for neglecting him while avoiding him. I felt sorry for him and asked, "Why can't you hear?"

Hearing my concern, he became emotional instantly. He sobbed bitterly. "I was just listening to music with headphones. But suddenly, my left ear couldn't hear anything. I don't know if the headphones are broken or if I can't hear. I'm so scared." He handed me the left earphone and continued, "Could you listen for me, please?"

I quickly took the earphones and listened carefully.

After carefully listening for a while, I confirmed there was no sound. I gently reassured him and said, "It's okay. The earphones cannot work. You don't need to be scared."

He wiped his tears with a fist like a kid. Then he smiled and cried. "That's great. Thank you, Emily."

After wiping away his tears, he looked at me with bright eyes. "But I have one more thing."

I sensed something was off.

But it was too late.

When he pushed me step by step towards the wall, I noticed he wasn't wearing anything on his upper part.

His two pink parts made me blush, and my gaze wandered helplessly.

The earphones suddenly started playing, making the atmosphere more intimate.

As the song reached its climax, Cliff braced one arm against the wall and caged me. He asked with a grievance, "Emily, why have you been avoiding me lately?"

I was trapped in his shadow and couldn't breathe.

"I've really been busy with work these past few days." With that, I glanced at him guiltily.

He had just showered. His hair fell over his forehead, and he stared at me intently after hearing my words. His soothing voice sent shivers down my spine as he said, "How can you do that to me and then run away? Am I your puppy?"

"I didn't do anything to you. I didn't." I hurriedly waved my hand but accidentally touched his abs. I quickly took my hand back.

I was doomed.

His gaze turned dangerous.

I swallowed, and my gaze drifted from his face, past his notable features, and settled on the marble floor not far away.

The atmosphere was thick and tense.

My heart was pounding like a drum, and suddenly something warm dripped onto my arm.

I thought he was crying again.

I looked up in a panic.

Something bright red trickled from his nose.

He got a nosebleed.

8

What was going on?

I quickly grabbed some tissues from the bedside table to wipe away his blood.

Cliff frowned slightly, and his warm lips brushed against my fingertips.

"Emily, I feel uncomfortable."

"Where does it hurt?" I asked worriedly.

"When you ignore me, it hurts here." He pointed to his heart and sounded aggrieved.

I was speechless.

"Now I am with you to see your face and hear your voice. But I feel uncomfortable." He held the hand I was using to wipe away his blood. His gaze started to blur. "Emily, can I kiss you?" As he spoke, he lowered his eyes and leaned down. But I quickly blocked his mouth.

"No!"

"Just let me kiss you once, and I won't feel bad anymore." He ignored my words and was about to hug me.

"No hugging! ... Why are you so hot?" I pushed him hard, but he wouldn't budge.

I realized that if he didn't listen to me, I couldn't stop him. "I ate something from the fridge. Then I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't stop thinking about you." He lowered his head into the crook of my neck, breathing softly. "I miss you so much. Emily, can you..."

I felt something against me.