He kisses him back, something desperate in the way he holds onto Huaisang, his fingers gripping the other teenager's robes as he tries to steady his breathing after the kiss.

Tries to act normal.

And fails miserably. "...A-jie might. I mean, if we can get word to her before they have a chance to contact Die, or A-niang." Please not his mother. She's the one he's most afraid of finding out. He already knows he's a disappointment to his father.