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„Only one person can compete against the God of Cookery on stage.“
Of course, Tian Ci totally forgot about that. They already changed the rules so much for the international cooking competition that he did not think about that. Competing together with Paul was a lot of fun. Already during the short training period they had together they worked in sync right from the beginning. As if they were cooking together for years already.
His heart sank a little and he nodded. Paul was a great chef and no matter how hard it was for him, he could grant him the win easily.
„You think about it. Let me help you.“
He said instead, looking away because he did not want to let Paul see the disappointment that had nothing to do with him but Tian Ci himself.
„You think about it.“
Tian Ci turned his head back to Paul confused.
„I quit,“ he said, smiling at Tian Ci and Tian Ci’s felt a comfortable warmth spreading through his body, starting in his chest but still could not quite believe his words.
„You should be the one to challenge the God of Cookery.“ Paul went on and Tian Ci blinked surprised. His heart stopping to beat for a moment, only to continue faster after.
„After I lost my sense of taste and I still could stand on stage for the competition, I felt like I already won.“
Paul looked away, probably remembering the betrayal of the woman he thought was his friend or maybe even more than that. Tian Ci had not dared to ask. Then his eyes flicked up to Tian Ci’s a short second and he nudged Tian Ci’s leg. Just a quick touch, the thick layer of his jeans in between but Tian Ci’s skin tingled as if Paul’s hand had touch it directly.
„You don’t have to make exceptions for me. I know defeating him is very important for you.“
Paul’s eyes met his again but Tian Ci looked away when the last memory of meeting his father flooded his head. His arrogant smile, his indifferent pose, as if he had not been away for years, leaving Tian Ci behind. As if he had not denied him being his son on national TV.
He pushed the tough away looking back at Paul and could not help to smile. Paul giving him this chance meant so much to him.
„Thank you.“
Tian Ci smiled at Paul and Paul only nodded and smile back.
„You don’t have to thank me it’s fine. Besides my chances are not really high without my sense of taste.“
„Even without it, you’re still an amazing chef.“
Paul blinked and looked down. Tian Ci slipped off the orange thing and stepped closer to Paul. He put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.
„Hey, I mean it. I learned so much from you.“
Their eyes met again and time seemed to slow down. Tian Ci had not have the chance to really look at Paul, while their duels he was too tense and eager to win and while cooking together he was concentrating on the food. Now, for the first time he noticed Paul’s features properly. They were less sharp than his own and had a softness to them.
Without realizing what he was doing Tian Ci reached for Paul’s cheeks. Paul sighed softly and leaned into his touch and Tian Ci’s heartbeat suddenly thudded loud in his chest. His thumb brushed along Paul’s cheekbone softly and he made a step forward. The atmosphere around them changed and Paul’s eyes fell on his lips before they met Tian Ci’s with a pleasing look. Paul opened his lips slightly. Tian Ci slowly leaned in, pulling Paul closer with his hand.
He pressed his lips softly against Paul’s, waiting for his reaction. Paul instantly leaned closer into him and placed his hands on Tian Ci’s hips. Tian Ci moved a little back only to tilt his head and kiss Paul deeper. Their lips moved against each other and Tian Ci wrapped his free arm around Paul’s waist bringing him even closer. Paul's full lips were as soft as they looked and Tian Ci nibbled on his lower lip, sucking it into his mouth, tasting some of the taste of the meal that they cooked and something that was only Paul. He wanted to taste more. Paul seemed to read his thoughts because he opened his mouth and Tian Ci felt his head spin when their kiss deepened and a feeling of arousal went through his body. He shuddered and broke their kiss.
His forehead was still touching and both took a minute to calm their rushing heartbeats.
„We should really move this to somewhere else.“
Tian Ci smiled and Paul nodded.
„Probably the right time to tell you that we have a shared room.“
Tian Ci raised his eyebrows at Paul.
„We have? Didn’t they book for all contestants?“
„Yes but because there was one team more and it was because of Stellar they asked if we want to share because all rooms were booked already due to the event.“
„And you told them it was fine.“
Paul bit his smiled sheepishly at him. „I did. You’re angry?“
Tian Ci started laughing and turned to walk away, but pulled Paul close with his arm still around his waist.
„No, I’m just wondering if you had something in mind when you agreed.“
The hidden accusation made Paul blush. And the worst part was, he really had hoped that their shared room might lead to them getting closer. His feelings toward Tian Ci had grown very quickly during their shared time together and he knew he was falling for him hard.
His silence was enough answer for Tian Ci and he only smiled broader.
„So, Paul. One or two beds?“