Chapter Text
Prologue
When Xukun was 4, his family moved into a new home in Beijing. Truthfully, leaving his old playmates is painful for a kid, but Xukun is adventurous and optimistic. Instead of taking the situation negatively and whining like how kids his age usually are, he's elated to see a new environment and meet new possible friends.
While his parents are unloading their stuff and furniture, Xukun explored their new neighborhood. It is indeed, more peaceful than their old home. The houses are spacious and there are balconies on each of them. Xukun looked up and saw a little kid wearing pink Peppa Pig shirt on the balcony of their neighboring house. He was peeking down to see what was happening outside. From the look of his big doe eyes, he was genuinely curious. Upon noticing Xukun staring at him, he flinched and slowly cowered.
Xukun cheerfully shouted, "Hello! We willl be your new neighbors! Ca-can we be friends? "
The kid stared at him, aggressively nodded his head, then he went inside their house. Moments after, the boy hurriedly came outside, and clasped both his hands with Xukun's,
"Yes! My name's Zhengting, what's yours?"
"Xukun! "
"Okay Xukun! You're now my beestfriend!! " Zhengting chirpily said, showing his cute, toothy smile.
And from there, Xukun and Zhengting became inseparable.
According to Xukun, ever since they were young, Zhengting has always been weak. Everytime they go to the playground to join the other kids, Zhengting seemed to be reluctant in playing. Nevertheless, because of Xukun's effective coercion, Zhengting still plays with them, running back and forth with the others, hiding behind trees and tires, jumping up and down of the bars. They make random sand castles while dirtying themselves with sand and mud.
But after a short while, Zhengting seems to be most tired of them all. He's always easily caught out of breath even if he moves the least. He always needs to rest immediately. Zhengting always comes to the playground the latest but goes home the earliest, leaving his bestfriend Xukun alone with the others. For the kid, it becomes less fun if there's no Zhengting around with them.
So after many occurences of Zhengting going home the earliest, Xukun becomes genuinely confused and worried for his older friend's behavior. And as curious as a kid can be, he proceeded to ask his parents one day.
"Mom, why can't Zhengting-ge play with us much more? "
"Because Honey, Zhengting is a little weaker than you are. He can't run as much you can and he always need to rest okay? So Honey, take good care of your gege huh? "
Though Xukun can't understand much, he still nodded, "Yes mommy! I will take care of my gege! He's my bestfriend afterall! I will always protect him!"
He just assumed that Zhengting is weak in general. That he is just unathlethic compared to them. That's why when they grew up and started attending school, he always sees Zhengting sitting out during too strenuous PE classes. He paid no mind of it. Maybe, Zhengting's very unathletic to the point that he can't do much PE exercises.
But thirteen years after, he realized that oh boy he is so wrong.
"Hey Kun"
"Yes Zhengting-ge? "
"I'm dying, in maybe a year? "
"WHAT?! "
Notes:
So yes this is a Zhengkun fic that I made because I was procrastinating for my homework. We're supposed to make a short story about anything but voila! I instead created a Zhengkun fic!
/I know I'm not good in writing and this is my first written fic ever! Please don't be mean to me :))) /
/I am thirsty for Zhengkun and they need more fics together/
Chapter 2: Reveal
Summary:
Xukun finally found out about Zhengting's sickness.
Notes:
I, again, made this chapter because I was procrastinating! So I'm sorry if this chap doesn't meet your expectations...
But still... Hope you can enjoy this chap!
Don't forget to comment! It is much appreciated( I always feel good if someone comments, because it's my first time posting a story here and I'm not really confident with my writing skills so..)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Xukun and Zhengting, for as long as they can remember, made it a habit to hang out on each other's house every Friday night. They watch movies, play games, and eat snacks while telling stories about their school life (well, they're in different years so...). On some nights, they just quietly stay on each other's room, as the presence of one another is comforting enough to the both of them. Even if they have other friends in school, they never forget their Friday hangouts. It was their sacred tradition that no one can break.
So when Zhengting casually announced one Friday night, while they were playing Mario Kart, that he's dying, Oh Xukun was beyond shocked. He can't just easily believe it right?
"Hey Kun"
Both eyes glued on the tv screen, his Yoshi avoiding the obstacles while picking up useful items for his character, Xukun nonchalantly replied,
"Yes Zhengting-ge? "
And Zhengting casually said,
"I'm dying, in maybe a year? "
Xukun's hands froze and he quickly turned his head towards the other, his character hitting a block. Zhengting made use of the opportunity and his Princess Peach successfully overtook Xukun's character. The game ends with Zhengting's character's victory.
"WHAT?! "
The game aside, did Xukun hear it right? Zhengting is going to die in a year? That is just so absurd. Maybe he did that to distract Xukun so he could win (Zhengting sucks in playing the game, he doesn't even know why the guy keeps trying)
"Are you joking with me so you could win, ge? That is absolutely not a good one though." Xukkun said, glaring at the brown-haired boy in front of him.
Zhengting lets out a sigh, "Kun, does it look like I'm the type to joke around with a thing like this? "
"Then what? It's true that you're really... "
"Unfortunately, yes. I really am going to leave you soon. "
"Bu-but why? Why are y-you dying? " Xukun can't seem to say his words properly now.
"Ever since I was young, I had a weak heart, Kun. Didn't you know? The doctor said that if I still can't get a heart donor, it would be the end of me. At most, I get to live for one year." Zhengting replied.
Oh, that's why. Suddenly, all the things Xukun can't understand when he was young, seemed to make sense to him. So that's the reason why Zhengting can't play with them more. That's why he always gets tired easily. That's the reason he doesn’t do strenuous activity. Why he sits out every hard PE tasks. Why he's so particular about the food he eats. And a lot more of Zhengting's quirks that Xukun brushed off as Zhengting being picky and weak.
It's because he's sick. Zhengting's heart is weak. He really is ill. And he's going to die in a year. For more than 10 years of the friendship they had, Xukun just found out about it now. Damn.
"Wh-why... Now? I didn't know a..about your si-sickness even before. Why Zhengting now?! "
Xukun stutterly asked Zhengting, his voice slightly raising. Because really, why now? After all the years that they've been together, since the day they met when he was 4 and the other is 5. It just didn't make sense to Xukun.
"Because I thought you already knew! Your parents had known of my sickness ever since we were kids. And isn't it obvious? I'm not as active as you are and I always need to properly choose my meals. Heck! There are times when I don't go to school because I need a check-up. That's very stupid of you, you know."
This time, it's Zhengting's turn to raise his voice.
"You could've just said it to me directly. We're bestfriends, gege! Isn't it easy to just tell it to me," Xukun whined.
The other then annoyingly shot back, "Well, you never bothered to ask me. Some bestfriend you are."
Xukun was offended by what Zhengting said. "Wow, some bestfriend I really am. Never bothered to ask when you never even tried telling it to me. Okay then"
With that, Xukun stood up and began gathering his things.
"Hey, Kunkun wait! Why are you--"
"This 'some bestfriend' of yours is now going to leave. I need some time alone. You don't seem to need him anyway" He angrily replied.
"Wait! Kun! Listen to m-" But it was too late. Xukun slammed the door shut and ran out of the house. He needed some time to think. There's too many information that he can't seem to digest. He's furious by what Zhengting said but beyond that, the feelings of hurt, pain, and sadness were overwhelming him.
On the other hand, now alone in the room, Zhengting sighs exasperatedly. This isn't what he wanted at all. He thought that his bestfriend would be able to accept his condition easily but he was wrong. He could see how his best friend tried so hard to understand, to digest all these. Maybe he should've really told Xukun earlier about his heart. Maybe with that, Xukun wouldn't be so hurt. He was tired because of all the events, his bestfriend, and his damn dysfunctional heart.
And for the nth time, he sighs.
Xukun slammed their door shut. He carelessly threw his shoes on the rack and went to their living room. He saw his parents watching a show on the tv and when the two noticed his presence, they were surprised.
"Oh, Kunkun why are you here? I thought you'll be sleeping over at the Zhu's? " his father asked.
"Why? "
"What are you saying? It's your tradition to hangout every Frida-" Xukun cut off his mom.
"Why didn't you tell me he's sick?! "
His parents looked at him apologetically. Oh, so he finally knows, they thought.
“Sweetie, we’re so sorry. We thought that it would be much better if Zhengting’s the one who tells you about it,” his mom hugged him. She knows that Xukun needs some comfort.
His dad added, “I hope you don’t get mad at Zhengting. It’s hard for him, too. He was born like that and he’s just scared on how you’ll react. He doesn’t mean to hide it from you for so long.”
“He’s kept it from me for ages! Of course, I’ll get angry…” Xukun sighs. “But... maybe I overreacted…”
“Talk to him properly please. He needs you the most right now.”
“I’ll… I’ll try mom. But right now, I still can’t…”
“Kun…”
“I’ll go to my room now, I need more time to think. I’m just tired now”
Xukun walked upstairs and headed to his room. He only realized how drained he felt after finding out Zhengting’s sickness. He threw himself on his bed and reflected about what happened. Xukun buried his face on the pillows for comfort as he realized how immature he was earlier. He, indeed acted like an ass. What Zhengting needs right now is a best friend who will comfort and cheer him up but instead, what he got is an idiotic, selfish one who lashes out just because something important was kept from him for so long. Thinking about it, it was his fault for not asking, for not noticing. He didn’t think it was Zhengting’s intention to hide it from him. Zhengting doesn't like keeping secrets so he would surely tell Xukun if the latter just asked him. Damn, he overreacted and he knows that all this is his fault.
And for the nth time, he sighs.
Notes:
I'm proud that I finished writing this in less than 2 hours! And if there's grammar error, spelling error, it's because I didn't proofread it hahaha. I apologize for that.
I'll try updating as much as I can. I have classes soon so my updates might be irregular. Rest assured everytime I procrastinate, there's another chapter that I'll make (AND I loveeeee procrastinating so much!)
Chapter 3: Reconcile
Summary:
But luck seems to hate Xukun today,
Notes:
I was reaaal busy so I wasn't able to update but good thing we don't have classes today... so here's a new chap!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Xukun tossed and rolled on his bed, finding a comfortable position so that he can sleep, which, because of the events that happened earlier, he was having a hard time doing so. After hours of thinking, Xukun realizes more that his actions earlier were really, truly , absolutely idiotic, and selfish. He's been cursing at himself because really, how can he rage like that towards Zhengting, his best buddy?
Zhengting. Best Friend. Of more than 10 years. Is sick and dying. And has one year to live. Xukun was having a hard time accepting that his friend only has twelve months left on his life. It is so soon… Xukun thought. He hopes that Zhengting is only joking, that he’ll show up on his room with a big smile plastered on his face while saying “You got fooled, Kunkun!!” and Xukun would playfully tackle the older down and tickle him hard because how could Zhengting frighten him like that? What a wonderful twist that is, right?
But then reality is cruel, to Xukun at least. There’s no Zhengting appearing into his room. No taking backs of words. Such wishful thinking remains a fantasy.
He looked at his wall clock to check the time.
/4:25 am/
Great.
Few more hours and the sun will be up. He won't have time to rest much anymore. Though it's Saturday, a day where he can just waste by unproductively doing nothing, he knows that he would have to deal with Zhengting soon. Time is running and so is his bestfriend's life. He can't just brush his best friend off for so long (even if only hours have passed) and be the whiny, insecure guy he usually is who still needs great wooing from Zhengting. This time, it isn't one of heir normal arguments. This is serious.
Trying to block out all the things he was stressing on for the past moments, he finally fell into a deep slumber.
/ring/
Xukun woke up to the sound of his phone ringing, indicating that a message was received. He rubbed his eyes briskly, annoyed as his sleep was interrupted. He checked the time on his phone screen, /10:43 am/. Wow, I've been sleeping for that long and it's almost noon? The newly-awakened boy then proceeded to check his messages. Apparently, he received about 10 unread messages-- 1 from Zeren, 2 from Justin, and the rest are from Zhengting. Zhengting .
Xukun badly wants to read Zhengting’s mails first but Braveness seeped out of his body so instead, he opened the latest message which was from Zeren.
10:42 am
Yo Kun! I have this new dance routine that I recently finished. Can you like, take a video of me dancing it? There’s a part in the routine where the camera needs to do a full 360. Also, help me edit the video bec I want to upload it on YT and you know my editing sucks big time. Others are busy and you're the only other one I can ask for help!! Pleasee? Meet me at school dance practice room on 3 pm. I know you don't have plans today unless you're with Zheng-ge!!
Xukun rolled his eyes at his friend's mail. Can't he just ask other people there to take a video of himself alone? For sure, there are some who are in other practice rooms! But then, Zeren is not good with strangers and he doesn’t want to bother people he’s not close with. Xukun is actually willing to help his friend if not for him having plans already (which is of course, to talk and reconcile with Zhengting). So he replied with an apology and maybe next time he would come to help the dancer out.
He next opened Justin's,
8:49 am
Kun-ge!! Movies @ 10 am? I'm w/ Cheng2x!!!
9:01 am
Nvm. Zheng-ge's coming w/ us. He said ur still sleeping lol. What r u even doing late last night lolol.
Xukun's eyes grow bigger after reading Justin's texts. Zhengting will be accompanying them to the cinema. His Zhengting? He still needed to apologize and talk to his best friend. Those evil kids can't just take his gege away from him! But wait--Zhengting said that Xukun's still sleeping? How did he know though?
Quickly, the boy opened Zhengting's texts, reading through them one by one.
6:30 am
Hey Kunkun, can we talk?
6:45 am
Please don't ignore me :(( I just want to clear things up Kun :((
6:56 am
I'M REALLY SORRY KUNKUN, I DON'T INTEND TO HIDE ANYTHING. IF YOU'RE ANGRY YOU CAN JUST PUNCH ME, I CAN ENDURE AT LEAST 10 OF IT ANYWAY.
7:03 am
that's it! I'll be going to your house now!
7:24 am
Oh, so your mom said you're still asleep. She offered to wake you up for me but I refused, I'll just wait for you to wake up here at your house :)).
8:15 am
Wake up Kun, Your mother just let me in in your room. You're sleeping so peacefully, I can't bring myself to bother you. I'll just stare at you while waiting for you :00 HAHHAHAHA (wtf am i doing, this is so creepy but im your bestfriend so what im doing is valid (are we still, ryt? :(( )
8:56
Justin and Chengcheng called and forced me into coming with them to watch a movie :((. They said you didn't reply so Im the substitute :00. If I didn't come, they'll... Nothing nvm. Pls pls once u wake up, call me or smth. Let's talk :((
If Xukun felt some drowsiness earlier, it all suddenly disappeared after reading his best friend's text messages. So Zhengting went here, in his room , and waited for him to wake up but was dragged away by those two kids. Dang itttt. He missed his chance with his bestfriend because he was enjoying his sleep too much. Xukun hastily fixed himself. He changed to a new set of clothes. Xukun decided to follow them to the cinemas.
He quickly went down and made his way to the dining area to get something to eat before he leaves. There he saw his parents discussing about adult stuff he wasn't interested in.
"Mom, you should've woken me up when Zheng-ge's here! Ugh, now I missed my chance to apologize" he whined.
His mother shot back, "Well, I'm sorry, but if you weren't too shocked and overreacting yesterday, this won't happen. And one more, our Jungjung doesn't want to wake you up because you're enjoying your sleep a little too much! "
Xukun rolled his eyes, "ugh, what a lucky Xukun!"
He grabbed a piece of bread and drank a glass of water and milk ("a glass of water after waking up is good to the skin and milk makes your bones strong kids!" he can remember Zhengting telling him that. ). Xukun went out to slip on his shoes and as he was leaving, he shouted, "Mom! Dad! I'm gonna go to the cinema! Bye bye! "
His parents looked puzzled, "I thought he wants to talk to Zhengting? Why will he watch a movie then?" asked his dad.
His mother shrugged, "Who knows."
The cinemas were 30 minutes away from Xukun's house, and the ride (he's using public transportation) literally feels like an hour for him because of the heavy traffic. "It's a freaking Saturday! Of course it would get this heavy!" So while in the bus, he tried contacting Zhengting, but unfortunately, his phone can't be reached. He remembered that Zhengting has this habit of putting his phone on airplane mode when he's watching movies to avoid "unnecessary disruptions" so it's no wonder why Xukun can't reach him.
"Why bother telling me to call him when he won't answer anyway? " Xukun annoyingly muttered.
He then tried calling Justin, hoping that the younger didn't put his on airplane mode (Zhengting can be this influencial or forceful, rather, to their younger friends). After two rings, Justin finally answered.
"Hey Kun-ge? What do you need?"
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the washroom now, just finished doing my business”
“You don’t need to tell me that, you dumbass. I mean, what are you guys watching? I'll go there. "
"Wow ge, my heart is wounded with your insult. We’re watching Monster Hunt! Why are you going? You jealous that we get to hang out with Zheng-ge? "
He can feel Justin chuckling and smirking on the phone.
"Uhm no. Nothing. Whatever. I'll be there soon, I'll call again so check your phone kiddo"
"Okay! Hurry up though! The movie’s on the middle part already! "
The call ended and Xukun couldn't wait to go there.
But luck seems to hate Xukun today. Two tires of the bus he's riding on got flat, and he waited for 20 minutes until they were replaced. There was also an accident nearby, making the heavy traffic double, to the point wherein the vehicles advance slowly like turtles. Fuck . At this point, Xukun is already fuming. He already missed the movie and he doesn't know where Zhengting and the others are. None of them are answering his calls as of now and goodness gracious! Xukun just wants to strangle the passenger beside him (said person was adding to his stress because he was sleeping while draping himself on Xukun's torso, mouth widely open with saliva threatening to fall on Xukun's shoulder).
The movie ending was very emotional, with Tianyin and Xiaolan leaving Huba behind for the latter to live together with Tianyin's fellow villager friends. The cries of Huba was emanating through the last scenes as he was trying to join his parents, but Tianyin forcefully pushed Huba away, to the extent of him claiming that he doesn't want the kid monster.
Zhengting's eyes are filled with tears as he watched those scenes of Monster Hunt. His tears continued streaming down his face as he internalized all the events that happened. He felt heartbroken as he empathize with the feelings the characters had. The separation between the parents and Huba--somehow, he can relate. Because a year from now, he will bid farewell to the world and leave behind his parents, friends, and to Xukun, his bestfriend. He doesn't want the people he'll leave behind to feel broken like Huba. He just want to spend the rest of his life with his loved ones, but before that, Zhengting needs to have a serious talk with Xukun. Xukun is shocked and angry yesterday. I really need to apologize to him later. When I get back, I’ll head straight to his house and--
His thoughts and cries were interrupted by Chengcheng, whose eyes are red from crying too. The latter exasperatedly sighs to cover his sniffles, "Seriously, Zheng-ge, stop crying anymore! Look! The movie just ended and we're the only ones here"
"Bu-buut, Hu-baa and his pa-parents... Separated awuuu" Zhengting whimpers as his sobs could now be heard throughout the cinema room.
Justin interrupted the two, "Okay, let's now leave. Zhengting-ge, you really are an emotional baby, here." He offered Zhengting some tissues which were gratefully accepted by the latter, thanking Justin in the process.
"And you Cheng, you also cried, right? " Tissues were offered too, and Chengcheng accepted them, muttering a small thank you and a protest that he didn't really cry because of the movie, that there was just something that got in his eyes that's why he started tearing up. Justin just rolled his eyes at Chengcheng's blatant lie. He is starting to regret bringing the two to watch the movie. I’m the youngest why am I taking care of these two big babies? Justin proceeded to usher both of his friends outside the cinema.
Once outside, the three of then decided to eat at a nearby cafe. They sat on the table outside since there are no available seats inside. Chengcheng lined in for them, as he was the second-in-age and middle child out of them, and apparently, "the eldest is the boss while the youngest is always spoiled. The middle child got no perks at all" said Justin, the proclaimed youngest.
“Oh, gege, I forgot to tell you that Kun-ge called me when we were watching. He said that he’ll come to watch, too but I didn’t see him. Too bad he missed the movie.” Justin told Zhengting once Chengcheng left to order for them. “Also, he said I should check my phone bec. He might call, but it run out of power…” the younger continued, showing his now dead phone to Zhengting.
“What?!” Shock came over Zhengting’s face upon hearing what Justin said. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“But you’re too busy crying your eyes out!” Justin retorted. “I don’t have the heart to interrupt you earlier.”
Zhengting huffed frustratingly. I missed my chance. Again! The man stomped his foot on the ground and hit his fist on the table continuously to release his annoyance. Ugh.
“What’s the matter, ge? Why are both of you so stressed? You can just, you know, meet him on your house?” the younger curiously asked. He doesn’t know how to react with a frustrated Zhengting. He had no idea what made the older act like that.
“We got into a fight, and I really need to talk to him. I was waiting for Kun to wake up before I was dragged by you kids here,” Zhengting replied.
Justin looked down guiltily, “I’m sorry Zheng-ge, I didn’t know and I just forced you here.”
“It’s okay, it doesn’t matter anymore Justin,” Zhengting mustered up a smile, just to comfort the younger. He doesn’t really blame him, and felt bad that Justin felt guilty for it. After that, he diverted his attention on his phone. Hurriedly, he turned off the airplane mode and notifications came quickly, showing some missed calls coming from Xukun.
He stood up and excused himself from the younger. Zhengting headed to the entrance place of the cinemas. He tried dialing Xukun, while frantically looking at every people passing by. He might be here, it’s not too long since we left. He might still be here.
Then, he heard a very familiar sound nearby.
“My baby girl, You already know
If you call me baby, I will come so fast
If you need me baby, I will be your side”
Zhengting can recognize that song anywhere, even if it’s played miles away, he would know what it is and who the owner of the phone that plays it. He especially knows someone who, instead of answering the call, was jamming to his own ringtone. Zhengting turned around to look for the source of the sound.
Ah. There he is.
“Cai Xukun !“
Xukun finally reached the cinemas, but unfortunately, he was welcomed with few people leaving. Meaning, the movies played have ended so there’s a huge probability that his bestfruend left the place with the younger kids. He ruffled his hair in frustration. Dammit ! Why can’t I just meet Zheng-ge ?!
Still, even if the chances are slim, he was hoping that Zhengting and the others are still inside the cinemas. So he stayed outside and waited, scanning each persons' face, wishing that Zhengting’s face would appear to one of them.
He waited for another few more minutes, but still, no Zhengting spotted. Xukun sighs. Maybe I should go home and wait for him at his house…
So the boy decided to go home. He took one last look from the crowd before turning his back to start walking away. And just when he was about to leave, his phone rang loudly and played I Wanna Get Love, his favorite song which was produced by his no. 1 pick in Idol Producer. He was a big fan of the show, mainly watching because Zhang Yixing is the producer representative of the show, but then he began to love each and every trainees there is. Especially the one with the english name, August.
He was busy marvelling the song so he didn’t even answer the call, instead he let the music emanate the place (forget that he’s in public, he just wants to enjoy the song). But his mini fanboying session by someone calling out his name.
“Cai Xukun ! “
The voice seems familiar, it sounds so Zhengting-like ! He turned to see Zhengting holding his phone, wide-eyed while looking at him. Finally. Finally.
“ Zhu Zhengting !” he shouted back, approaching the said boy in the process.
“Uhm… “
All the confidence Xukun had a while ago slowly left his body. Now that Zhengting is standing in front of him, the things he’ve been wanting to tell get stuck on his throat.
“Uhmm… Uh.. Zheng-ge… uhm”
Xukun sighs, gathering up the last amount of courage he has. Here comes nothing Kun ,
“Ge, I’m really sorry. Sorry that I was so insensitive. I didn’t even listen to you, and just overreacted. I just stormed out yesterday, and ignored your side. That was very immature of me. I was really shocked when you said that you’re… that you only have one year left to you. I didn’t know of it until now, and that’s saying something because we’ve known each other for year. It feels like I’m not paying enough attention to you. You’re my bestfriend since we were young, the best buddies, my partner-in-crime. We’ve been together for years, and just the thought of you… just the thought of you leaving this world, leaving me, hurts me so much. I kept on wishing that all of this is just a--”
Xukun stops for a moment, catching up on his breath before continuing,
“joke. That you'll say that you’re just bluffing but I know you’re not because you’re not the type to joke around these things. And I’m just fooling myself to make my feelings feel better. But really, this is so heartbreaking gege… “
There are tears welling up on Xukun’s eyes but he fought back the tears threatening to fall, he won’t cry. Not in a public place . Now, it’s Zhengting's turn to talk.
“I’m sorry too Kunkun. It was my fault. I didn’t tell you about my sickness after all these years. I just assumed you would notice, and I maybe waited for you to personally ask me. The truth is, I’m scared. I’m beyond terrified. What if you distance yourself after finding out that I’m sick? That’s what I thought before. You’re my first ever best friend and I don’t want to lose you. Never.”
Zhengting looked like he was about to cry, too. His eyes became glossy. He gulped before continuing,
“And then when the doctor told us, that I have a year left in my life if there’s still no donor, I was mortified. One year, twelve months. It is so short when you think about it. So I stopped being the coward that I always was and finally told you that I’m sick. And shit happens and now we’re here, in a public place, apologizing to each other and looking like idiots.”
Xukun laughed at the last statement of Zhengting. Said guy still managed to make him feel better, as always. He rubbed his eyes furiously, and managed to make a small smile.
“...So are we okay now, gege ? I’m really sorry. So sorry, please let’s make up”
“Of course we’re okay. We’ll always be okay kun” Zhengting made a big smile.
“I’m sorry again Zheng-ge…”
“Oh shush, enough with the sorrys, I’m getting sick of it. Come here closer you kid? “
Zhengting then pulled Xukun into a tight hug. The latter wrapped his arms tightly around the older, as if he doesn’t want to let the other go. Not now, at least.
“You know, it’s just a day but I missed you ? “
“Me too, Kun”
They continued to stay like that for a few more minutes, letting them feel each other's presence. But then they broke up the hug when they noticed how lots of strangers are giving them strange looks. Because really ? Imagine two teenage boys hugging each other in front of the cinemas ?
Xukun looked down, feeling embarrassed by the public display of attention with his best friend. After the redness on his ears slowly disappeared, he looked towards Zhengting.
“So… “ Xukun started.
Zhengting waited for him to continue, curious on what he’s about to say.
“What will happen now ? What will you do now ? The twelve months… “
“Oh ! My parents told me that I should at least enjoy my life. You know how there’s lots of restrictions on me right ? They’re kind of lifted now that’s why I made my bucket list ! “ Zhengting excitedly said, as if what they’re discussing about is as simple as a field trip plan.
“Can you… can you show it to me ? I want to at least help you fulfill the list” Xukun said.
“It’s in my room ! Quick, let’s go home, I’ll show it to you ! It’s not yet done so you need to help me complete it ! Besides, our traditional Friday hangout was *ehem ehem* interrupted so we should do it tonight ! “ Zhengting then grabbed Xukun's arms and eagerly dragged him towards the waiting shed. They sat down as they wait for the bus.
Xukun cleared up his throat. He seemed to be forgetting something but he really can’t remember it, “Uhm… Zheng-ge ? Aren't we forgetting something ? “
“What are you talking about, there’s nothing that we forgot. Look, the bus is here, let’s get home immediately! You would be so surprised by the things that I’ve thought of! “
So Xukun, still bothered by what they seem to forget, pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and rode the bus with his gege. I’ll just think about it later .
The whole bus ride was filled with Zhengting’s loud laughter as Xukun tried to guess what the older wrote on his bucket list. He silently wishes for this moment, where Zhengting and Xukun are happy and laughing, to last.
“What took you so long, Fan Cheng Cheng? “
“Wow Huang Minghao Justin. Fyi, the line was realllyy reallyyy long!”
Chengcheng noticed that Justin was alone in their table. He looked around to see if Zhengting’s there but to no avail, the presence of the older is nowhere to be found.
“Where’s Zheng-ge? “
“He left me here while you’re buying. Tsk, what a gege”
Notes:
This is so uglyyy tho why did I even write this? I crammed this and all again so this might not reach to your expectations buttttt hope you guys enjoyed!
geek_yaoi1004 on Chapter 1 Fri 30 Mar 2018 06:15AM UTC
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Account Deleted on Chapter 1 Fri 30 Mar 2018 08:50AM UTC
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HaeLy+ELF (Guest) on Chapter 1 Fri 30 Mar 2018 04:07PM UTC
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Sway10 on Chapter 1 Sat 21 Apr 2018 12:57PM UTC
Last Edited Sat 21 Apr 2018 12:58PM UTC
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Account Deleted on Chapter 2 Sun 01 Apr 2018 06:20AM UTC
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waferchoco on Chapter 2 Sat 21 Apr 2018 06:12PM UTC
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Sway10 on Chapter 2 Sun 06 May 2018 05:46PM UTC
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Sway10 on Chapter 3 Sun 06 May 2018 06:21PM UTC
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katkkatkat on Chapter 3 Sun 11 Aug 2019 10:07PM UTC
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