AB Chapter 21: I'm Cracking Up
“Does... kissing help someone calm down?”
“Yes.”
Michel stared speechlessly at the man leaning in—his face flushed red, throat bobbing slightly, and carrying that unmistakable implication all men understood—and yet still managing to confidently make such a claim.
If you're going to convince me, can you at least change your expression to something more serious?
Michel's mouth twitched.
“Mister, I swear. What you just said is the most ridiculous joke I've ever heard in my life!”
“Then clearly, you haven’t heard enough jokes. I’ll tell you more tonight.”
Simon didn’t let go of Michel. He stared intently at the black-haired young man.
“Whatever you want, I can give it to you. We’re partners, my dear Mi... My request isn’t excessive. I’ve always respected your boundaries when we’re together, haven’t I?”
The fire in Michel’s heart was quelled by Simon’s husky voice.
He couldn’t help but recall their time together—those days so bright and joyful. The big bumblebee always caused silly little mishaps, his clumsy, confused expressions making Michel laugh uncontrollably.
Michel had always been the one taking. Simon had indeed never asked for anything.
“Michel… It’s just a kiss. It won’t be some weird beginning, I promise, alright?”
Simon lowered his eyes.
“Of course, if you don’t recognize our relationship, if it causes you distress, I’ll give it up.”
He sat back down, keeping his word by dropping the topic.
He picked up his knife and fork, slowly slicing the lamb chop, separating the meat from the bone, then placing it neatly. He switched Michel’s untouched plate with his own cut one.
“Let’s eat, baby,” Simon said.
Michel didn’t move.
His gaze skimmed past the food and fell into the magnificent starry-night blue outside.
“Okay.”
Simon froze just before putting food in his mouth. His amber eyes widened, and he quickly turned to look at the pale young man opposite him.
“Somewhere else… Not here.”
Michel said softly.
His black, soft hair partially veiled his brows and eyes. The neon lights of the city outside seemed to reflect on his body. His lips were dry and tightly pressed, the collarbone barely hidden under his yellow hoodie, the slender nape, the flushed earlobes… and a trembling voice full of shame.
Simon put down his food. A sudden blaze surged from his heart through his skin, making him thirsty, unable to look away. His gaze involuntarily caressed every inch of that pale curve.
Waves crashed in his mind, turning to molten lava, bubbling with all sorts of heated thoughts.
As he kept watching, the bumblebee’s own neck turned red.
“…Anywhere is fine. My friend Ace on planet Pepejia is helping me build a hive. It’s almost done—we can go there. If you don’t like that, we can go back to the apartment! Or… a hotel?”
“…”
A hotel?
Michel thought, We’re not just two bros desperately trying to check into a hotel and do something intense, especially with their pairing—it would totally invite speculation and attention.
Besides, if it ever came to that—cough—he’d make sure to find a hotel near a hospital. Just in case emergency care was needed.
He glanced at their size difference and drifted off into that wild thought.
Just then, Simon suddenly said, “Thank you, baby.”
Michel: “Hm?”
Simon: “Thank you for agreeing to kiss me.”
Michel: “…”
“Why are you thanking me for something like that…”
Suddenly embarrassed, Michel tugged at his bangs and mumbled, nervously rubbing his fingers through his hair. He looked out at the view through the window, his face burning, refusing to meet the man’s gaze.
“And it’s not out of gratitude or anything—I can tell the difference. I just… really do like you.”
“…”
Like… equals liking!
The bumblebee’s arms trembled. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Michel continued stammering shyly:
“I told Benny before that I wanted to wait—wait until I’ve fully adapted to being a plant-type species, until I’ve reshaped my self-perception and values, before… uh, before dealing with things between us.”
“…”
“You’re a great partner, Simon. Honestly, I don’t know if it’s just your nature or if I just got swept up and developed these feelings. I’m not sure.
But thinking carefully… liking is just liking. It’s just a kiss, and I’m an adult—it’s not illegal. I’m not some girl who just got a boyfriend, and I don’t have parents to scold me...
If it’s someone I like, and they’re okay with it… then I’m naturally fine with it too. No reason to refuse. Cough! That’s all.”
He finally managed to settle his racing heart after saying that. But he didn’t hear any response from the man.
Was what I said unclear?
Why isn’t he saying anything?
Did he not get it?
Michel quickly peeked at Simon—who was staring straight at him—and ‘whoosh!’ turned his head back, now blushing from his hairline down.
The black-haired youth awkwardly made a fist and coughed into it.
“Don’t look at me… Do you understand what I said?”
“Baby…” Simon murmured his flower’s name, his eyes unable to tear away. “I understand. I understand completely!”
The bumblebee’s voice shot up, eyebrows dancing with joy and excitement.
“First, you like me too. Second, we can try dating. You don’t mind me pursuing you, getting close to you, right? Baby?”
“Mm.”
After nodding, Michel couldn’t help tugging at his hair again.
Feeling like he wasn’t being very reserved. But then again, he was male—wasn’t he supposed to be the one taking initiative? Not like a lady… why be so reserved?
It would just come off as pretentious and annoying.
“Michel!”
The bumblebee suddenly shouted his flower’s name.
“Ah?” Michel jumped, noticing people nearby looking over.
Just as he was about to tell Simon to quiet down, the bumblebee suddenly stood up, tall and broad, casting a shadow over him.
Michel, confused, looked up to see Simon extending his left hand. Thinking Simon wanted him to place his hand there, he reached out—and then—!
Simon rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, made a “biu~” sound with his mouth, and, smiling like a fool, shouted:
“Baby! Love you—heart~!”
Michel: “…”
Michel: “Pffft—cough cough cough!”
Even the farthest diners turned to look, both surprised and amused.
Under the spotlight of everyone’s attention, Michel buried his face in his hands, wishing he could disappear. He felt like he was going to explode!
Oh my god.
Are you some kind of love confession maniac?!
A muscle-bound man doing finger hearts—aren’t you ashamed?!
And—damn it! Where the heck did you even learn that move?!
Little flower Michel was about to pass out.
But the bumblebee wasn’t done. He raised his right hand too. His antennae swayed like TV signals in a storm, both hands rubbing love hearts in unison, unleashing double the magical love attack.
A deep, manly bellow echoed out:
“Baby——!
I love you——youyouyouyou!”
—The echo rang across the open space, long and resounding.
Michel: “…”
Michel: “…”
Don’t ask why there are no lines anymore.
The answer is: he died.
Died of embarrassment.
[Author's Note – Extra Skit]
Little Flower: I feel like I just saw the devil making finger hearts at me.
Mr. Bumblebee: …
Little Flower: I’m cracking up!
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