Chapter 1: Introduction
Thu slipped through the narrow entrance, which smelled like oil paint and photography chemicals. She'd driven around for an hour, trying to convince herself this project was just work. But there he was, standing there with his back to her. Quân.
A decade after the scandalous affairs at university - they had been notorious - Thu couldn't help but feel this familiar thrill in her core. They had both come a long way since then, working their way up and establishing themselves in the advertising industry.
Thu's portfolio spoke for itself.
It was a testament to her creativity, her rebellious streak, and her unyielding determination. She'd built a reputation for pushing boundaries, for making people uncomfortable in the best possible way. Her designs were bold, provocative, and always, always memorable.
Quân hadn't changed much either. His photographs still captured raw emotion, stripping away pretenses and leaving only truth. He'd added a few awards to his shelf, a few more lines around his eyes, and a girlfriend who seemed to be perpetually by his side.
Thu had seen her picture on his Instagram. She was beautiful, in that polished, put-together way that Thu could never quite manage. Thu preferred her own brand of chaos, her hair always slightly disheveled, her clothes chosen for comfort rather than fashion.
As if sensing her presence, Quân turned around. His gaze met hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then he blinked, breaking the spell. "Thu," he acknowledged, his voice cool, almost detached.
"Long time no see."
She smirked, walking closer. "Quân, always the charmer." She extended her hand, and he took it reluctantly. His grip was firm, his palm warm. She felt a jolt at the contact, a spark she hadn't felt in years. "So, what's our brief again?" she asked, pulling her hand back and tucking it into her pocket.
He leaned against the table, crossing his arms. "Our client wants something... different. Something that'll make people look twice. They want us to collaborate, combine our styles."
Thu raised an eyebrow. "Different?
That's my specialty," Thu said, her lips curling into a playful smile. She walked over to the table, picking up a sketchbook and flipping through the pages. "I've been playing around with some ideas. What about we blend reality and fantasy? Make people question what's real and what's not?"
Quân watched her, his expression inscrutable. "You always did have a knack for blurring lines," he commented, his voice barely above a whisper.
Thu looked up from the sketchbook, meeting his gaze. There was a moment of silence, heavy with unsaid words and memories.
Thu broke it first, turning her attention back to the sketches. "Remember when we used to stay up all night, talking about changing the world with our art?" she asked, her voice softer now, nostalgic.
Quân's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on them. "How could I forget? You were always so passionate, so convinced that our work mattered."
"It does matter," Thu insisted, looking up at him. "Don't tell me you've changed your mind."
"No," he admitted, running a hand through his short hair. "But I've learned to be more... practical about it.
We can't change the world, Thu. But we can make a living off it."
Thu rolled her eyes, setting the sketchbook down. "Always the pragmatist, aren't you?"
Quân shrugged, pushing off from the table. "Someone has to keep you grounded."
She laughed, a sound that filled the studio and made Quân's heart skip a beat. "Grounded? Me? When have I ever been grounded?"
Their banter was easy, comfortable. It was like no time had passed at all. Thu picked up a camera, examining it with a critical eye.
"So, how's life treating you, Quân? Still taking pictures of sunsets and making women swoon?"
Quân chuckled, taking the camera from her and placing it back on its tripod. "Not quite. I've been doing more commercial work lately. Fashion, products, that sort of thing."
"Boring," Thu declared, wrinkling her nose. "But I suppose it pays the bills."
"Speaking of which," Quân said, leaning against the tripod, "how have you been? Last I heard, you were traveling the world, freelancing."
Thu grinned, her eyes lighting up.
"Oh, those were the days. Living out of a backpack, sleeping under the stars. I miss that freedom sometimes."
"But you're here now," Quân pointed out, his gaze steady on hers.
"Yes, I am," Thu replied, her voice dropping to a lower register. She stepped closer, close enough for him to catch her scent - a mix of citrus and something uniquely her. "And I must say, I'm glad to see you haven't lost your touch."
Quân raised an eyebrow. "My touch?"
Thu gestured to the studio, to the equipment, to him. "Your ability to make everything look...
effortless. Like you didn't even try."
Quân smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Maybe I didn't. Maybe it's just natural talent."
Thu scoffed, playfully pushing his shoulder. "Modest too, I see."
They shared a laugh, the tension between them dissipating, replaced by a comfortable familiarity. Thu wandered around the studio, picking up props, examining them before putting them back. Quân watched her, his gaze lingering on her lithe form, her long black hair cascading down her back.
She moved with a grace that was both natural and captivating, her fingers tracing the edges of a vintage camera with a reverence that made him ache.
"You know," Thu said, turning to face him, "we should probably test some of this equipment. Make sure everything's working properly."
Quân raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Is that what we're calling it now?"
Thu feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes at him. "What else would we call it?"
He pushed off from the tripod, stepping closer to her.
Their eyes locked, and the air between them seemed to crackle with electricity. Thu's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the desire reflected in his eyes, mirroring her own.
"We shouldn't," she whispered, even as her body betrayed her, leaning into him.
"Why not?" he countered, his voice low, husky. "No one's here. No one will know."
His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together. She could feel every hard line of him, every ridge and muscle.
Her breath caught in her throat as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear.
"This is not professional, Quân.
We're supposed to be working," Thu murmured, her voice barely audible, yet her body pressed firmly against his, betraying her words.
Quân chuckled softly, his breath hot on her neck. "Who said anything about being professional?"
Before she could respond, he spun her around, positioning her in front of a plain backdrop. He grabbed a camera, adjusting the settings with practiced ease. Thu stood there, her heart racing, her cheeks flushed.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice breathless.
Quân looked up from the camera, a wicked grin on his face. "Capturing the moment."
Without warning, the flash went off, illuminating the studio in a bright burst of light. Thu blinked, momentarily blinded. When her vision cleared, she saw Quân lowering the camera, his eyes locked onto hers.
"That was... unexpected," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Quân stepped closer, his voice low and sultry.
"Let's make these photos really count, hmm?" He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips grazing her cheek. "Something... provocative." "Provocative?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Quân nodded, his gaze intense. "Yes. Something that'll make people look twice, remember the feeling of seeing something truly... stirring." He paused, his thumb brushing against her lower lip. "Like you do to me."
Thu's lips parted, a soft gasp escaping her. She could feel the heat radiating from him, could see the desire burning in his eyes. She knew she should protest, should put an end to this before it went too far. But her body refused to listen, her limbs heavy and languid.
Quân took her silence as consent, his hands moving to the strap of her dress.
Thu hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. This was wrong, wasn't it? They were supposed to be working, not... not this. Yet, her body betrayed her, leaning into his touch, craving more. She bit her lip, her eyes fluttering closed as his fingers brushed against her skin. "Quân..." she whispered, a warning, a plea. He paused, his forehead resting against hers. "Tell me to stop, Thu," he murmured, his voice ragged. "Tell me this is a mistake." She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. She saw the struggle there, the same war waging within him. Her hands found his, holding them in place. "I... I can't," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
"I don't want you to stop."
With a groan, Quân closed the distance between them, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. Their lips moved together, hungry and desperate, as if trying to make up for all the years they'd spent apart. Thu's hands found their way to his hair, tangling in the short strands, anchoring him to her as their tongues danced and explored.
The studio filled with the sounds of their labored breathing and muffled moans, the world outside fading away as they lost themselves in each other. Thu's dress straps slid down her shoulders, revealing more of her smooth, tanned skin. Quân's hands roamed over her body, tracing the curves he remembered so well, as if committing them to memory once more.
Suddenly, Thu pulled back, her chest heaving. "Wait," she gasped, her eyes wild and dilated.
"Quân, wait." He took a deep breath, his hands stilling on her hips. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice hoarse with desire. "We... we can't do this here," she panted, looking around the studio as if just realizing where they were.
"Anyone could walk in."
“Too late, Thu, you shouldn’t let me kiss you u if you’re worried about that,” Quân teased, his voice laced with amusement. He leaned in, his lips brushing against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. “Besides, everyone’s on break. We’ve got at least an hour.”
Thu bit her lip, considering his words. She knew he was right; they’d planned the breaks together, knowing they’d need time to set up and discuss their shots. But still, the risk thrilled her, adding an edge to her arousal.
“Fine,” she conceded, her voice barely above a whisper.
“But we need to be quick and quiet.”
Quân chuckled, a low, seductive sound that sent warmth pooling between her legs. “When have I ever been loud, Thu?”
She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “You know what I mean.”
Thu playfully swatted his arm, her cheeks flushing pink. “We can’t afford to get caught.”
Quân caught her wrist, his thumb brushing against her pulse point. “Then we’ll be extra careful,” he promised, his voice low and serious.
Thu’s breath hitched as she looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. She nodded, her resolve crumbling. “Okay,” she whispered.
Quân smiled, a slow, predatory grin that sent a shiver down her spine. He leaned in, capturing her mouth in another searing kiss. This time, there was no hesitation, no doubt.
Thu melted into him, her body molding against his as if they were made to fit together. Quân's hands roamed her body, relearning the curves and planes he'd once known so intimately. He traced the swell of her breasts, the dip of her waist, the flare of her hips, as if he were sculpting her from clay.
Thu gasped into his mouth as his fingers found the hem of her dress, lifting it slowly, inch by inch, until it bunched around her waist. His hands skimmed the bare skin of her thighs, making her shiver with anticipation.
Thu's fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, eager to feel the solid muscles beneath. She pushed the fabric aside, her palms flattening against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
Quân's lips left hers, trailing kisses along her jawline, her neck, her collarbone. He nudged the straps of her dress further down, exposing more of her skin to his hungry mouth. Thu arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips as his tongue flicked against her nipple.
"Shh," he reminded her, his voice a low rumble against her skin.
"We don't want anyone hearing us."
Thu bit her lip, stifling another moan as Quân's hands hooked under her thighs, lifting her effortlessly onto the nearby table. Papers scattered, but neither of them cared. The studio was their playground now, and they were the only players.
Quân stepped between her legs, his hands gripping her hips as he pulled her flush against him. Thu could feel the evidence of his desire pressing against her, and it sent a surge of power coursing through her veins. She wrapped her legs around him, drawing him closer, daring him to give in to the hunger they both felt.
His hands tightened on her hips, his thumbs tracing circles on her skin, driving her crazy with anticipation. She wanted him, needed him, more than she'd ever needed anything.
"Quân," she whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with urgency. "Please."
He looked at her, his eyes dark with desire, and she saw the moment he gave in. His hands moved to the button of his jeans, popping it open with ease. Thu's breath hitched as she watched him push the denim down, revealing the hard length of him straining against his boxers.
She licked her lips, her eyes never leaving his as he stepped out of his pants, kicking them aside. He was a sight to behold, all lean muscle and tanned skin, and she couldn't help but reach out, her fingers tracing the ridges of his abdomen.
Quân sucked in a breath at her touch, his muscles contracting under her fingertips. He covered her hand with his, guiding it lower, until she cupped him through the thin cotton of his underwear. He was hot and hard, pulsing with need, and Thu felt a surge of satisfaction knowing she had this effect on him.
She rubbed her thumb over the head of his cock, feeling the dampness there, and he groaned, his forehead dropping to rest against hers.
"Thu," he warned, his voice ragged. "If you keep doing that, I won't last."
She smirked, loving the power she held over him. "Maybe I don't want you to last," she whispered, her breath hot on his lips.
He growled, a low, primal sound that sent a thrill down her spine. In one swift motion, he pushed her dress down, baring her completely to him.
Thu gasped, her nipples hardening in the cool air of the studio. Quân's eyes darkened as he took her in, his gaze like a physical caress, igniting sparks wherever it touched.
"God, Thu," he breathed, his voice thick with desire. "You're even more beautiful than I remembered."
She blushed at his words, her heart swelling with a warmth that had nothing to do with the heat building between her legs. She reached for him, her fingers hooking into the waistband of his boxers, pulling him closer.
"Less talking, more action," she teased, her voice laced with a playful challenge.
Quân chuckled, a low, seductive sound that sent shivers down her spine. "As you wish," he murmured, his hands finding her thighs, pushing them apart gently.
Thu gasped as he settled between her legs, his breath hot on her most intimate place. She could feel the heat radiating from him, could see the desire burning in his eyes as he looked up at her. She bit her lip, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for his touch.
He didn't disappoint.
His tongue found her center, flicking against her clit with expert precision. Thu's back arched, a soft cry escaping her lips as pleasure coursed through her. She gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white as she fought to stay silent.
Quân's hands gripped her thighs, holding her in place as he devoured her. His tongue explored every inch of her, teasing and tasting, driving her closer and closer to the edge. Thu's breath came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving as she struggled to maintain control.
Quân's tongue was relentless, his rhythm steady and sure, pushing her higher and higher with each stroke. She could feel the pressure building inside her, coiling tight like a spring ready to snap.
"Quân," she whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. I can't..."
He looked up at her, his eyes dark and intense. "You can," he murmured, his voice vibrating against her sensitive flesh. "Let go, Thu. I've got you."
Those words, spoken with such conviction, were her undoing.
Thu's body tensed, her fingers digging into the table as the wave of pleasure crashed over her. She bit her lip hard, stifling a scream as her orgasm tore through her, leaving her trembling and boneless in its wake.
Quân didn't give her a chance to recover. Before the last tremors had faded, he was standing, his boxers discarded, his cock hard and ready. He stepped between her legs, his hands gripping her hips as he positioned himself at her entrance.
"Look at me, Thu," he commanded, his voice low and rough.
She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze, and what she saw there stole her breath away. There was desire, yes, but also something deeper, something that made her heart ache. She reached up, cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his lips. "Quân," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Are you sure about this?"
He covered her hand with his, pressing a kiss to her palm. "More sure than I've ever been about anything," he replied, his voice steady and sure. And then, with one slow, deliberate thrust, he entered her.
Thu gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as she adjusted to his size. He was big, bigger than she remembered, and she could feel every inch of him as he filled her completely.
Quân groaned, his forehead resting against hers as he began to move. His strokes were slow and steady at first, allowing her to match his rhythm, their bodies moving in perfect sync. Thu wrapped her legs around him, drawing him deeper, wanting to feel all of him.
Their eyes remained locked, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the dance of their bodies.
Thu's fingers traced the lines of Quân's muscles, feeling them tense and release with each thrust. He was a study in contrasts - hard and soft, rough and smooth, all at once. She marveled at the way he moved, the way he controlled his body, his strength tempered by a gentleness that belied his rugged exterior.
Quân, meanwhile, was drowning in Thu. Her scent, her taste, her touch - it was all overwhelmingly familiar and yet entirely new. She was like a drug, one he'd gone too long without, and now he was greedy for his fix.
He increased his pace, his hips snapping forward as he drove into her again and again. Thu matched him thrust for thrust, her body arching into his, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Quân," she panted, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. "Harder."
He obliged, his grip tightening on her hips as he slammed into her, each stroke punctuated by the wet sound of their bodies coming together. The table creaked beneath them, threatening to give way under the force of their lovemaking.
Thu's fingers dug into Quân's back, her nails scoring his skin as she clung to him, her body tensing with each powerful thrust. She could feel the pressure building inside her again, the coil of pleasure tightening with each stroke.
Quân's breath was hot on her neck, his teeth sinking into her shoulder as he fought to maintain control. His movements became erratic, his rhythm faltering as he neared his own release. Thu could feel the change in him, the way his body tensed, the way his grip on her hips tightened.
"Thu," he groaned, his voice ragged.
"I can't... I'm going to..."
She silenced him with a kiss, her tongue sweeping into his mouth, claiming him. Her hands moved to his ass, urging him on, encouraging him to let go. She wanted to feel him lose control, wanted to watch him shatter.
Quân's fingers dug into her hips, his body tensing as he drove into her one last time. He threw his head back, a guttural groan tearing from his throat as he came, his cock pulsing inside her.
Thu's own orgasm followed, crashing over her like a tidal wave, stealing her breath and leaving her boneless in its wake. They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies pressed together, their breaths ragged and uneven, as they rode out the aftershocks of their release.
Quân was the first to move, his forehead resting against hers as he looked into her eyes. "That was... intense," he murmured, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Thu laughed softly, her fingers tracing patterns on his back. "Intense is one word for it," she agreed, her voice still breathless.
"We should probably clean up before someone comes back."
Quân nodded, reluctantly pulling away from her. He helped her off the table, steadying her as her legs threatened to give way. They quickly gathered their scattered clothes, dressing in silence, their earlier camaraderie replaced by a sudden awkwardness.
Thu avoiding his gaze. "It was a mistake, Quân. It won't happen again." Thu's voice was firm, her eyes fixed on the floor as she straightened her dress. Quân watched her, a mix of confusion and hurt flashing across his face.
"A mistake, huh?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, pushing it back from his forehead. "Is that what we're calling it?"
Thu finally looked at him, her expression guarded. "What else would you call it, Quân? We haven't seen each other in years, and suddenly we're... we're doing this." She gestured vaguely between them, her cheeks flushing pink.
"This isn't us, Quân. We're different people now."
Quân crossed his arms, his expression inscrutable. "Different, maybe. But you can't deny the connection we still have. That wasn't just... lust, Thu. Not for me, at least."
Thu sighed, rubbing her temples. "I know. I felt it too. But that doesn't change anything. You have a girlfriend, Quân. And I... I have my life, my career. I can't just throw that away for a fling."
Quân's jaw tightened, a muscle twitching in his cheek.
"And what if I told you I wanted more than a fling? What if I said I wanted to explore this... whatever this is, between us?"
Thu's eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "Quân, you can't just... you have a girlfriend. You can't just decide to throw that away because of one moment of weakness."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair again. "You're right. I can't. But I can't ignore this either, Thu. I haven't stopped thinking about you since we started working together. Seeing you again, being near you...
it's brought back memories, feelings I thought I'd buried long ago. I can't just pretend it didn't happen, Thu. Not when it feels like this." He gestured between them, his eyes searching hers.
But before any of them can say something, the door click open. It’s Trang, Quân’s girlfriend.
“Hi bae
,” she says, her voice sweet and cheerful, completely oblivious to the tension in the room. “I’m back early. Thought we could grab lunch together.”Her eyes flick between Thu and Quân,doesn’t noticing their disheveled appearances.
Thu quickly looks away, busying herself with gathering her things, while Quân stands frozen, his expression unreadable.
“Oh, hey Trang,” he finally manages, his voice casual despite the tension in the room. “We were just... discussing some ideas for the shoot.”
Trang smiles, walking further into the studio. “That’s great! I hope you guys are making some amazing stuff.” She turns to Thu, her smile warm and genuine. “How’s it been working with Quân, Thu?”
Thu forces a smile, her cheeks still flushed. “It’s been good.
Challenging, but good,” Thu replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. She avoided looking at Quân, focusing instead on packing her camera equipment into her bag. “We make a good team, I think.”
Trang nodded, her eyes scanning the studio. “That’s great to hear. I know Quân can be a bit... intense sometimes, but he means well.”
Thu glanced at Quân, catching the slight frown on his face at Trang’s words. She quickly looked away, her stomach churning with guilt.
“We should wrap up here and grab that lunch,” Quân said, his voice brusque.
He turned to Thu, his expression guarded. “We can pick this up later, yeah?”
Thu nodded, grateful for the reprieve. “Yeah, sure. Let’s meet tomorrow morning?” she suggested, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
Quân nodded, his eyes flicking to Trang briefly before settling back on Thu. “Sounds good. See you then.”
With that, he turned and walked out of the studio, leaving Thu alone with Trang. The younger woman watched him go, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“He’s been a bit distracted lately,” she mused, turning back to Thu.
“I guess that’s what happens when you’re working with an old flame, huh?” Trang’s tone was light, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.
Thu froze, her bag halfway to her shoulder. “Excuse me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Trang waved a dismissive hand, her smile never wavering. “Oh, come on, Thu. I’m not blind. I can see the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him.” She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“But I must warn you, Thu, I trust Quân implicitly. If he tells me there's nothing going on, I believe him. So, unless you're planning on breaking his heart or mine, I suggest you keep your distance."
Thu's eyes widened, taken aback by Trang's directness. She swallowed hard, her mind racing. I have no intention of doing either of those things," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with guilt and embarrassment. "Quân and I are just... old friends. Working together.
Nothing more." Thu's voice was firm, her eyes steady as she met Trang's gaze. The younger woman studied her for a moment, her expression inscrutable, before nodding.
"Alright then," Trang said, her smile returning. "I'm glad we understand each other." She turned and walked towards the door, pausing to glance back at Thu. "Come on, let's go grab that lunch. My treat."
Thu hesitated for a moment before following Trang out of the studio, her mind still racing.
She couldn't shake off the conversation they'd just had, or the weight of the secret she now carried. As they walked side by side towards the elevator, Thu stole a glance at Trang, trying to gauge her mood. The younger woman seemed perfectly at ease, her steps light and her smile genuine. It was almost as if their earlier exchange had never happened.
"You know, I've always admired your work, Thu," Trang said as they waited for the elevator doors to open. "Quân talks about it all the time.
How talented you are, how innovative your designs are." Trang's voice was warm, her praise genuine, and Thu felt a pang of guilt at the lie she was living.
"Thank you, Trang," Thu replied, her voice soft. "That means a lot."
As the elevator doors slid open, they found An inside.
“Hey, i’m looking for you. I’m the new intern here” An said extending his hand toward Thu
.
“Nice to meet you, An. I’m Thu, the graphic designer” she replied shaking his hand.
“So, you’re the one working with Quân on the new project?”
“Yes, that’s correct” Thu answered, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
“Well, I hope you guys are getting along well” An said, his smile friendly.
“We are” Thu replied, her eyes briefly meeting Quân’s before looking away. I’ve heard a lot about you, Thu Quân speaks very highly of your work."
Thu raised an eyebrow, surprised. "He does?"
An nodded, leaning against the wall of the elevator. "Oh yeah. He's always going on about how talented you are, how you think outside the box. It's kind of annoying, actually." He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Thu smiled, a genuine one this time. "Well, tell him to stop bragging about me, will you?"
An laughed. "Sure thing. But seriously, it's nice to finally meet you. Hope we can work together sometime."
The elevator doors dinged open, and they stepped out into the bustling lobby. Thu glanced at her watch, realizing she was already late for her next appointment. "I wish I could chat more, but I've got to run," she said, turning to Trang and An. "It was nice seeing you both."
Trang smiled warmly. "Take care, Thu. Looking forward to seeing more of your work."
An gave her a thumbs-up. "Catch you later, Thu!"
As Thu hurried out of the building, she couldn't shake off the encounter with Trang.
The younger woman's words echoed in her mind, a stark reminder of the delicate situation she found herself in. She knew she had to talk to Quân tomorow, to clear the air between them before things spiraled out of control.