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Shen could hear giggling coming from upstairs when he returned home from Mui's restaurant, holding closely the bag she had given him.
Mei should be done with school, so he assumed it was her and one of her friends, a girl with glasses that she protected from bullying during their time in primary education.
He walked up the steps, two at a time as he opened the bag the smell of xiao long buns filled the air. He smiled as his heart thumped a bit in his chest.
Mui always knew what he liked best.
It was then as he bit into one that he stood outside Mei's room eavesdropping on her conversation. He was sure it would be of no interest to him, but he liked to keep up with what his dear little sister was doing. She had become a bit secretive lately.
Though not like he had room to complain, considering Mui and him training her was a secret from Mei and especially Feng.
"Mei, what was it like?" A small shy voice spoke as he heard Mei giggle again before finally speaking.
"Well," she started with a self-important voice that Shen couldn't help but roll his eyes at as he took another bite, his foot moving to step away since he had grown bored in those seconds.
"It was like fireworks." She sighed, and he stopped in his tracks, his face flushing slightly as she giggled, "At least it's how the book described their first kiss." She sighed.
Her friend giggled again, "I can't wait to read it for myself."
"Oh, you'll love it! The lead-up to the kiss! The bursting of their love for everyone to see!"
It was then Shen had heard enough, regretting his decision to eavesdrop on Mei, but the word 'fireworks' flew through his mind along with Muis' face. Causing him to walk quickly to his room, his face burning.
And he wondered if it was true, would a kiss be like the fireworks he loved as a kid?
And why did he even care?
Or why did the thought of kissing Mui come to his mind?
And how it excited him.
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Shen blinked as he stared at Mui, who had spoken about something he did not hear. His mind raced, and his face flushed as his blue eyes looked down at her lips and then backed up at her eyes.
This was getting ridiculous.
"Master Shen." She spoke again, standing in front of him, only the bar counter between them as she cleaned some glasses. "Is something the matter?"
"You know what I said right, Mui?" He smiled at her dogging her question, "It's just Shen when we aren't training." He noticed her cheeks turning a bright red as she looked to the side.
"Of course Master Shen." She turned then so he couldn't see her expression. "I think I hear my brother, I'll be right back." She turned and smiled at him before walking from behind the counter and then up the stairs. The restaurant was small but cozy.
Shen sighed as he rubbed his eyes with his fingers before pinching the bridge of his nose. For some reason, his mind could not leave behind what he heard Mei and her little friend discussing.
It was strange, especially when he thought about what it would be like with Mui. He never once had any desire to kiss anyone before her, Shen realized.
Or anyone but her.
Mui was special.
Of course, Mei was special to him, and in a strange sense, so was Feng, his family.
But it was different with Mui. He taught her kung fu on a whim, but these lessons and sitting in her restaurant afterward enjoying each other's company.
Life felt worth living.
And he had to admit it scared as well as excited him. To be with her every day, to grow old and stronger together. The words are always on the tip of his tongue, waiting for any excuse to come out.
"Master Shen?" He jumped slightly to see Mui standing beside him, her head turned to the side and the long pieces of her hair that stuck out from her bun falling against her collarbone.
Without thinking, he leaned over, his fingers grabbing that hair as she gasped and pressed it against his lips.
Everything seemed to become still. The only sound he could hear was his heartbeat at that moment. Slowly, he let go, her hair falling between his fingers as he looked up at her.
Her face was bright red as she held her hands together against her chest. Their eyes were connected, and neither wanted to look away first.
"Shen...?" Her voice was low, a soft whisper breaking the tension that was mounting. Shen swallowed before standing up, knocking the stool over and causing Mui to step back as she stared up at him.
In a smooth motion, his hands cradled her face, his thumb rubbing against her cheek as she smiled at her before finally their lips met.
Her lips were soft against his and it only took a second for her to start kissing back, her arms wrapping around his neck, her thin but muscular body pressed up against his as well.
Shen's heart pounded. It was all he could hear as he felt her against him, their lips pressed together and the feel of her nails digging into the skin of his neck.
It was more than fireworks. A warmth traveled through his body, and every nerve ending was on alert. What could be said at this moment? Shen did not know but as he pressed her closer to him their mouths broke apart, sore, as their breaths mingled together he looked at her and smiled and her cheeks flushed a deeper red and Mui returned the smile.
Things had changed at that moment, exploding around them.
Like a firework.