Strolling through the festive city with the girls was super fun and relaxing. They kept dragging me this way and that—to check out some cute shop or snap a photo with holiday decorations like paper dragons, lanterns, and other pretty stuff.
After that, we headed to the arena, since it was the biggest cleared square in the city, and that's where we planned to launch our lanterns. Right now, there was a dragon dance performance. Several men held the dragon figure on wooden poles and danced, swaying the body smoothly. A bit away from one dragon, others danced too, so everyone got a great view.
Overall, it was a festival honoring China's strongest totem—the Azure Dragon—and I find it ironic that everyone still remembers and celebrates the holiday, but they've mostly forgotten their protector, with rare exceptions.
But that's human nature. We remember fun, happy holidays much longer because they bring joy, while depending on a monster—even a friendly one—doesn't sit well with most people.
It's the same with all totems: nobody likes them and wants them dead—until they're needed. The Hangzhou serpent incident is a perfect example. Even though it saved the city, in just two generations, the same city's residents will be yelling to kill that dangerous beast. That's the fate of short-lived races: forgetting what's important.
After the show, we girls and I stayed at the arena and bought sky lanterns to write our wishes on. TuTu and Jiao Jiao hid theirs from me, saying they were secret, but they tried to sneak a peek at mine, and I didn't stop them.
"'Live to 30?' Seriously? You could wish for something bigger! Like our eternal love!"
TuTu puffed her cheeks after reading my wish.
And she has no idea how much harder that simple wish will be to fulfill than she thinks. Not wanting to scare her, I just smiled sincerely and ruffled her hair, making her huff and turn away. Jiao Jiao's smile faded a bit though—she must've realized it wasn't such a simple wish. Smart girls can be tricky sometimes.
We lit the fuel and released the lanterns into the sky, watching them go. I silently added my own wish: may the new year be no tougher than the last. I don't ask for easy days—with my goals, that's unrealistic.
Once the lanterns were far enough that we couldn't pick ours out among the thousands, it was time to head back to the inn.
I was still walking arm-in-arm with both girls, and when we finally reached Jiao Jiao's room, it was time to say goodbye... or not.
"Wanna come in?"
she offered with a smile.
"Of course he does, and I'm coming too."
Winking at her friend, TuTu opened the door and pulled me inside.
As soon as the door shut, my girlfriend turned to me:
"I promised you a New Year's surprise, and you're getting it... right now!"
With that, she started slowly undressing, staring right into my eyes. Jiao Jiao followed, her hand trembling a little as she untied her sash. I watched them, heart pounding faster. Their eyes showed determination mixed with nervousness.
"Today we're taking your virginity, and you're taking ours. This seals the creation of our family, and this time you can't dodge me—I've brought backup."
Smirking, TuTu and Jiao Jiao approached me, and I felt my last doubts fade.
Eh, time to admit it: before, I was just running from responsibility in this new life. My girl even had to bring a friend for backup just to have a shot. From today, I'll take responsibility for both of them, come what may! One thing I'm sure of: no one harms them without going through my corpse. And I'll defend my life even at the cost of the rest of humanity. But hopefully it won't come to that.
Looking into TuTu's eyes, I grinned mischievously and strode toward them confidently. Whatever happens, I'm done being scared.
"Girls, you shouldn't have done this—now I'm never letting you go."
I hugged them, drawing surprised squeaks.
Seeing my girl about to speak, I shut her up with a kiss. After a few seconds, I broke it and turned to the blushing Jiao Jiao.
I didn't ask if she was sure. She'd taken such a big step, ignoring her clan's elders' opinions and without their prior approval for dating me, so all I could do was show her she hadn't made a mistake.
My lips met hers in a passionate kiss. She was stunned at first but soon relaxed and kissed back. Meanwhile, I gently stroked their collarbones, sliding lower and lower.
The dim room light, faint holiday music from the street, their soft body scents... what could set a better mood?
The girls wrapped their arms around me, and we moved to the bed without breaking the embrace or kisses. The lights went out, leaving us alone with the darkness and whispers.