phoenix's truth.
Kai
"But, I never took the name Phoenix."
Ming
(Eyes widening in alarm, his face flushing) I-I mean... (stammers, realizing his mistake)
Kai leans against the wall, his eyes never leaving Ming's face.
Kai
I'm listening. Explain to me .
Ming
(Anger flashing in his eyes)What exactly do you want, Kai?!
Kai
" I just want to know why you're hiding your true identity... Phoenix."
Ming's voice cracked as he spoke, a lone tear rolling down his cheek.
Ming
"Now that you've uncovered my secret, are you going to expose me to the world?"
Ming
"You're the reason I had to quit my job at the bar. And now, you're trying to humiliate me?"
Ming
"You've always had everything handed to you on a silver platter. You have no idea what it's like to struggle."
Ming
"Yes, I'm a dancer. I work at a bar to make ends meet, to pay off my father's debts. Are you satisfied now?"
Kai
(Taken aback by Ming's outburst, his expression softening_), I'm sorry. I didn't mean to......
Ming's tears streaming down his face, his voice shaking with emotion.
Kai
Honestly, Ming, I wasn't trying to mock you.
Kai
I was genuinely curious - why keep your dancing a secret? You're incredibly talented.
Ming
(Surprised, his expression softening), Really? You were not disgusted.
Kai shakes his head, a gentle smile on his face.
Kai
No, Ming. I'm not disgusted. I'm impressed. Your passion, your talent...it's beautiful to watch.
Kai
(Pauses, his eyes locking onto Ming's), Why would you think I'd be disgusted?
Ming's voice laced with vulnerability, his eyes drop, shame and fear etched on his face.
Ming
I work as a pole dancer at a gay bar. People often make assumptions about me...that I'm cheap, that I sleep with men for money.
Kai
That's not what I think, Ming. I think you're a talented dancer who happens to work at a gay bar.
Kai
Your profession doesn't define your worth as a person.
Kai
You deserve respect, Ming. Not judgment.
Ming's arms wrapped tightly around Kai, holding him close.
Ming
(He whispered), "Thank you," "Thank you for not judging me."
Kai's heart skipped a beat as he felt the warmth of Ming's body against his. He just froze at his place.
Ming's face flushed with embarrassment as he pulled back, his eyes avoiding Kai's.
Ming
" I...I'm sorry," he stuttered, taking a step back to create some distance. "I didn't mean to...overstep, i was just overwhelmed."
Kai still stood frozen, his heart racing from the sudden intimacy. He slowly blinked, trying to process what had just happened.
Kai
"It's...it's okay," he said finally, his voice low and rough.
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