Rue

by ofthewinds

Summary:

Amidst the friendship of Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo might have said something that made Xiao Zhan avoid him. Fortunately, Xiao Zhan's neighbor is to the rescue!

Notes:

This has been in my mind ever since I have listened to Heather of Conan Gray. So, we can say this fic is actually inspired by the song. Also, English is not my first language but I hope y'all enjoy this, yeah.

Chapter 1

Summary:

Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo thought it'd be great to visit Mr. and Mrs. Xiao, and so, they did.

"Gege!"

Xiao Zhan sat up straight, his breathing hitched and he felt his heart racing. He is also gripping on the fabric on his bed when he wakes up.. He was in the middle of a slumber when a loud voice entered his ears. The voice came from his room's open window, indicating that the person who just shouted is from the outside. It then hits him when the voice rang again inside his head, it's Wang Yibo who's bothering his beauty sleep.

He looked at the clock, hanging on the wall. It's 8:00 in the morning. He sighed and caressed his chest, how cruel of Wang Yibo to start his day shouting nonstop in front of Xiao Zhan's apartment.

He stood up to open his apartment's main door for Wang Yibo. "What do you want with me this early?" Xiao Zhan groaned as he scratched the back of his head.

"Did you forget? We're going to Aunt Xiao you say! Oh, I miss her homemade dishes. I haven't eaten anything either." Wang Yibo exclaimed, "I also called her earlier. She's already expecting us to be there around 10 later."

Xiao Zhan yawned before proceeding to ignore Wang Yibo's enthusiastic aura. He walked towards the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water before sitting on the sofa and closed his eyes, "You could've just called him or something. I almost had a heart attack earlier. I thought there was an emergency."

"This is an emergency. Don't you miss your own mother? She's been chatting with me these days, she keeps on telling me to take care of you. Of course, I said yes." Wang Yibo replied.

They have been friends for almost six years. They met during Xiao Zhan's third year and Wang Yibo as a freshman in high school when Xiao Zhan ran as Vice President of their school's Student Council while Wang Yibo ran as a representative. Although they were from different batches, it really never affected their friendship. In Wang Yibo's perspective, it actually benefited both of them. At least, Xiao Zhan can help Wang Yibo with academic related stuff while Wang Yibo can teach him the humor of young people like him which Xiao Zhan found ridiculous since they're only four years apart in age.

Although they have met late, Mrs. Xiao still knows about Wang Yibo and has met each other countless times. In Xiao Zhan's opinion, his mother seems to like Wang Yibo more than him. It's not that he's complaining, at least, his mother approves of their relationship. In his father's eyes though, he seems to not like Wang Yibo's bright image. He said he is 'too noisy' when talking to Xiao Zhan and also "clingy" but he never minded since Wang Yibo really is clingy and noisy.

"Seems you have already replaced my position as her child. Why don't you just go on your own and be the child she has been wanting." Xiao Zhan pouted and stomped his feet, before he could even let out a chuckle, a hand touched his and took the glass away from his grip.

"Of course not. I may be handsome but not as handsome as you. I may be smart but not as smart as you. I may be good at something but you're obviously better. That's why I keep lingering on your side. You can't get away from me you smartass." Wang Yibo replied and chugged the water on his hands in one go.

"Stop flattering me, Wang Yibo."

"I am and not at the same time. It's too obvious, you've been excelling not just academically but also socially and stuff. Aiyo, I'm so jealous. Why can't I be like Gege?!" Wang Yibo whined but smiled and winked after.

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say. I'll just go and prepare. Just wait for me."

"Mn. I will."

 

It took them an hour to arrive at their destination. Wang Yibo unmounted the car happily and started walking with his bag, forgetting instantly about Xiao Zhan. The place is not big but not small either. A small garden with colorful flowers owned by Mrs. Xiao welcomed Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo's eyes.

An air gracefully welcomed them, making their brownish hair sway alongside it, some strings of their hair slapping their faces.

Xiao Zhan inhaled, I'm home.

He looked at the younger who's jogging towards the entrance of their home with his calm eyes. He couldn't blame Wang Yibo for being obsessed with this place and also his mother's dishes, if he were to decide, he would also stay right here and never leave.

He didn't jog but he did widen his steps to catch up with Wang Yibo, "Slow down. You don't want to trip on Mama's plants, do you?"

He didn't receive a response. After successfully crossing the garden without any of them tripping, Wang Yibo happily hopped inside the balcony and knocked thrice, "Mama, we're here!"

Wang Yibo sways his body while waiting for an answer from the other side of the door and also for it to open while Xiao Zhan stays still.

Wang Yibo looked at the garden they just passed by and smiled, "Mama never changes, she still loves babying her plants. I'd start to assume those are actually her children, not you."

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes but looked at the garden as well. He is not good at naming flowers and plants but he does appreciate their vibrant colors. The pink and violet flowers and also green leaves are swaying together with the wind, as if they're waving at them, welcoming their arrival. He's busy staring at the flowers when he heard a familiar voice.

"What took you so long?" He looked back at the door and saw his father with his hands on the doorknob.

He looked at Wang Yibo who suddenly became silent, his head lowering, avoiding to meet Mr. Xiao's gaze.

Xiao Zhan bowed, "Ba."

"Come in. Your Mama is still cooking lunch. It's been a while since I've helped her. You can sit there and wait for us to finish."

Wang Yibo bowed, "Thank you, Sir."

Mr. Xiao exhaled, "What's with the formality? Come in, you two."

Mr. Xiao made a way for both of them to enter the door.

The newly arrived men took their shoes off and put them just beside the door and went in. Wang Yibo took his bag off of his shoulder and sat on the sofa in the living room.

Xiao Zhan lends his hands to Wang Yibo, "Give me your bag. I'll put it inside my room."

Wang Yibo didn't respond but did gave Xiao Zhan his bag.

"How long will you two stay here?"

"Two days, Uncle." Wang Yibo almost stammered.

"Mn." Xiao Zhan agreed, "College has been tough these days. Fortunately, they gave us a two day break."

"Okay. I'll inform your mother you're already here." Wang Yibo stayed silent as both him and Xiao Zhan followed Mr. Xiao with their eyes.

Only did Wang Yibo say something after they lose sight of Mr. Xiao, "My back hurts."

"Do you want me to massage you? I also have some pain patches in here. Wait." Xiao Zhan puts his bag off and starts rummaging its insides.

"No. No need, it'll go away anyway. No need for patches and massage. I can still deal with it. I just need some rest. After all, sitting for hours does have consequences." Wang Yibo replied.

Xiao Zhan paused, his hands still inside the bag, "Are you sure?"

Wang Yibo nodded and smiled, "Yeah, no need to worry."

Xiao Zhan nodded and zipped the bag back, "Okay then. I'll go now, just wait for me there.. or do you want to go with me and change?"

"I'm fine. I just need rest for the meantime."

"Okay." Xiao Zhan left.

Wang Yibo then had the time to examine the house. The inside hasn't changed. Xiao family pictures are either still hanging on the walls or on the table. There are also some fake plants displayed on every corner of the room. It's clean, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao never fails to get impressed. He can't even sweep properly. It's not surprising either, Xiao Zhan is good at everything, including cleaning his apartment. Wang Yibo smiled at the thought.

His eyes then caught something, a picture, in a frame, with a man and a woman in it. Isn't this Xiao Zhan and his ex? Why is it still displayed here? Was Aunt not aware? Impossible.

He's about to approach the frame when he hears a woman's voice, "You two are finally here. It's been a while."

Wang Yibo looked at the woman, smiled and stood up.

He bowed, "Ma! I've missed you so much! Gege is doing good with his school. Of course, me too. Ah, are you already done with cooking? If not, I think I can lend you a hand."

"No need. I've finished. Of course, with a little help from the husband." Mrs. Xiao chuckled, "Oh, why don't we go to the kitchen and have lunch? Where is A-Zhan?"

Wang Yibo was about to reply when they heard footsteps coming down from the stairs, "Here."

The two looked at where the voice came from. Mrs. Xiao smiled, "How's my child?"

"I thought he's your child?" Xiao Zhan pouted but flashed them a smile after, "I'm doing fine, a little bit stressed but still kicking."

Wang Yibo, "What do you expect, Mama? He's a smart one. I wouldn't be able to enter college if he didn't help me."

Mrs. Xiao slapped Wang Yibo's shoulder lightly, "Stop with that. You're smart as well, just a little lazy."

"Yeah, just remove the little part." Xiao Zhan laughed.

"Stop bullying Yibo, Zhan. Well, you're here now, might as well eat now, hm?"

Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan nodded.

The kitchen is small but cozy. You can clearly see how happy and calm the family who owns the kitchen is. There are also tons of small picture frames hanging on the walls showing how the family grew into the recent.

Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan sat beside each other while across them are Mrs. and Mr. Xiao.

"Ma, what did you cook for us?" Xiao Zhan asked while stirring himself on his seat, trying to find a comfortable spot.

"You can figure it out yourself." Mrs. Xiao smiled and opened the lid of the dishes one by one.

A hot but delicious steam met their nostrils. Wang Yibo inhaled and nodded, "Ma is so good at cooking. I want to live here. Gege, just go and buy a ticket for one tomorrow, I'll stay here."

"Shut. You still have tons of school stuff to comply with. Seungyoun told me." Xiao Zhan responded while getting his chopsticks ready.

"That idiot never shut his mouth." Wang Yibo pouted but shrugged it off and picked up his chopsticks as well.

 

Lunch passed by, the two visitors were full and thought a fine walk would be great. Now, they ended up out of the woods nearby, Xiao Zhan sitting on a low branch of tree while Wang Yibo simply under the tree, slumping his butt onto the ground with a cold water bottle he brought on his hands.

It's past one and the sun is thriving but due to countless trees, they have never felt any too much heat on their skins. The way they simply look at the swaying branches and leaves of the trees, and birds passing by chirping as if they're welcoming their arrival give them an easiness and assurance that this is indeed home.

Xiao Zhan rested his head and back on the trunk and looked down at where the younger is sipping on his water, "I'm feeling tired."

He saw Wang Yibo's head nod.

Then, he looked up at him and the two met each other's eyes, "Me too. Should we head back now?"

Xiao Zhan could see how tired Wang Yibo was, but he shook his head, "I want to stay for a while. You?"

Wang Yibo broke the stare and looked at the field just right in front of them where Xiao Zhan's house can be seen across it. Xiao Zhan heard Wang Yibo sigh and mutter, "I'll accompany you then."

Xiao Zhan, "You haven't changed your clothes."

Wang Yibo, "I'll take a shower later. It's not that hot. I didn't get sweaty during the ride. I'm fine."

"Okay." Xiao Zhan nodded.

Aside from the wind whistling and birds tweeting, there is nothing else that could be heard as of the moment.

Xiao Zhan continued to look at the young man just under the tree. He has mixed feelings for that man. He's annoyed, overwhelmed but also delighted; annoyed due to its stubborn behavior, overwhelmed due to its weird actions, delighted as he never had a confidant like him even before as a child. He may be years older than the man he's currently looking at but he is definitely assured that this man will never be tired of him. That's the connection he can feel with this person to the point he could only wish to meet a woman exactly like Wang Yibo or just hope to wake up and find out that Wang Yibo is a woman, that he's just living in a perfect and beautiful dream.

Around 15 minutes passed by, Wang Yibo jumped out from his sitting position, turned to Xiao Zhan and smiled, "I forgot, I still have some things to discuss with Aunt and Mr. Xiao."

"About what?"

Xiao Zhan was about to get down when Wang Yibo stopped him, "Nothing serious. Just stay there. This is a private matter. Just stay. I'll never forgive you if you don't!"

Xiao Zhan was confused. What kind of discussion are they going to talk about? Is Wang Yibo really going to ask my parents to be his parents as well?! What about Wang Yibo's parents?!

"I see you're overthinking again. I'm not going to murder you and your parents or hold you three hostages. I'm just really worried about this stuff and I think an advice or two from your parents could help?" Wang Yibo showed him a sincere smile, "I'll get back to you later here. I promise."

Before Xiao Zhan could even think of a response, Wang Yibo already turned his back away from him.

Chapter 2

Summary:

"I know but it's still a good sense of relief to release these thoughts to you and Uncle. I don't like bottling feelings up. It's alright if you do not support these feelings of mine but this conversation did sure help me."

Xiao Zhan thought, "Feelings?"

Notes:

I'm sorry for not being able to update for some quite time. Life has been shitty these days, midterm is approaching, I have a project to finish and upcoming entrance exam at the same freaking time. I'll try to be more active soon. Anyway, here's a short update for y'all!

Wang Yibo indeed went back to him after about an hour or two. It may be a long time but not for Xiao Zhan as he used those times to take a nap as he was also tired from the long ride earlier.

He was woken up by Wang Yibo who tried his best to tiptoe in order to poke Xiao Zhan's cheek. The young lad is smiling but Xiao Zhan is certain that the smile Wang Yibo is showing is not sincere, or maybe just not real. Him being awakened never made anything less confusing either.

"Shall we go back, ge? It's almost four in the afternoon." Wang Yibo asked.

Xiao Zhan inhaled and blinked for a while before nodding, "What took you so long?"

Wang Yibo only used his head to respond and shook it.

Xiao Zhan shrugged it off and jumped towards Wang Yibo. Gladly, he didn't trip.

Only did Xiao Zhan notice Wang Yibo had already changed his clothes and his hair to be quite wet, "Ah, you've showered already? What's Mama doing?"

Wang Yibo shrugged his shoulders off, his eyes continuing to stare at Xiao Zhan's soul, "I haven't seen her since I finished showering. Why don't we go back  so you could check on her yourself?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Wang Yibo's face and scrunched his face, "Are you okay? You seem... off."

Wang Yibo just looked at Xiao Zhan with an aloof expression, turned away and eventually started walking away.

"Ah! Wang Yibo!" Xiao Zhan shouted and jogged a little to follow the younger one as Wang Yibo hadn't walked much far from him, “What's wrong with you?”

Wang Yibo shakes his head and just continues to walk but this time is much faster.

"Did Ma or Ba scold you? Or did you forget something?" Xiao Zhan asked.

Wang Yibo shook his head but like before, he never answered verbally.

Only did Xiao Zhan stop asking nonsense to Wang Yibo once they reached home.

"Wang Yibo, what's your problem?" Xiao Zhan asked as he held Wang Yibo's wrist firmly using his right hand.

He heard Wang Yibo sigh loudly. Then, he saw the young lad turn towards him and looked at him with furrowed brows and aloof expression, "I'm tired. Can we just talk about this later or soon? Just not now."

Xiao Zhan felt an unfamiliar pain near his chest, he couldn't tell. He felt like he couldn't breathe after hearing the man's response but he did remove his grasp from the other's wrist. He wanted to stop Wang Yibo from leaving him outside but what can he use as an excuse? He's feeling hot? Feeling hurt? Confused?

His feet were glued on the ground, he couldn't make any step. He could only watch the younger walk away from him.

It is seven in the evening, Xiao Zhan is in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Xiao to prepare for dinner. It's supposed to be a good mini-reunion for him and his parents and also Wang Yibo but ever since he came back from the field, he could clearly see how the atmosphere dropped.

He takes some glances at his mother from time to time and he could see how different his mother's mood is now from earlier. Just what did Wang Yibo tell his parents?

Xiao Zhan was busy cutting the garlic for Liangfen when he thought of something out of nowhere. Did Wang Yibo enter a fraternity or was involved in illegal activities?!

"Why did you stop? Do it quicker. Oil is about to get hot." Mrs. Xiao suddenly said, which made Xiao Zhan leave his thoughts  for a while.

"Ah? Oh." Xiao Zhan placed the already cut garlic on to the plate and started cutting green onion but even during cutting the seasoning, his brain just couldn't process anything that was happening, not to mention he hadn't seen his father after he went back.

Just what  did happen? Did Wang Yibo mention anything about him? Something that could suddenly turn his mother to be like the same grumpy woman when she found out he pressed  the doorbells of their neighbors as a child?

He's happy he got skills in cooking and cutting ingredients. He knows if he doesn't have the skills, he will probably earn not just confusion but also a cut or two on his hands.

"I'll take care of the rest. You're making things even more difficult for me." Mrs. Xiao seems to have done enough of his son's absent-mindedness.

She carefully snatched the knife out of Xiao Zhan's hands and Xiao Zhan was more  than grateful. He knows how strict but also soft his mother is. She can threaten him with anything but she couldn't even accept the fact that he's leaving home for college. The duality of mothers.

Although Mrs. Xiao already told him she'll take care of the rest in the kitchen, Xiao Zhan didn't move. He just stares at his mother and sighed. Hesitating whether to ask her  about what happened or not, he ended up asking her anyway, "Ma, what happened?"

He saw how her mother's actions stopped which made him even more curious about what happened but all he received was, "I am in no position to talk about that matter. Just go and take a rest, don't bother me."

Knowing he could no longer do anything about it, he didn't bother to respond and just went to his and probably Wang Yibo's bedroom. Once he entered, he saw the latter lying on their shared bed, playing with his phone.

Wang Yibo seems to have noticed him which made him stop from playing and sit up, "Aunt said I can use the spare room for tonight."

Xiao Zhan looked at him with eyes full of confusion, "Wang Yibo. Just what is happening? Did you make Mama mad or something? I'm really getting mad over this shit! Is this some kind of prank?!"

Wang Yibo looked at him plainly, "Since when did I pull out unfunny pranks? You know I don't like seeing you getting stressed, right? This is definitely not a prank, Xiao Zhan."

"Then tell me what's happening!" Xiao Zhan groaned.

He licked his lips, trying to soothe himself and inhaled, "You know I can understand! If I can't then I'll try to. That's what are friends for, right?"

He saw how Wang Yibo's face twitched, "Whatever. I'll go now. I just waited to tell you anyway. My stuff is already in the other room. I don't want to bother you."

After he heard the door shut, his jaw went drop like a drop tower. What the fuck is happening in this household?

Usually, Xiao Zhan will likely follow Wang Yibo and demand an explanation over the confusing events but he's too drained to even ask for an answer. He let the man leave him alone inside the room where he grew up in.

It may have been a long time since he visited his parents but his room is always the same whenever he visits them. The only difference alongside his stuff being gathered inside his bag was also he wasn't there to live with them.

His breath hitched and lay down on the bed. He used the marshmallow-like sheets to engulf his body. What a good sensation amid the storm he is currently in. He let the warmth of the sheets hug him until he finally fell to a slumber.

He woke up as he felt thirsty during his sleep. He slowly stretched his limbs as he tried to remember what happened before he fell asleep. Only did he remember he wasn't supposed to sleep yet.

He looked at the clock, it was already five in the morning. His mother didn't even bother to wake him up to eat dinner. He slowly sat up and ran his fingers through his hair as he slowly tried to gather his consciousness that was scattered hours earlier.

He stood up, walked towards the door and opened it. Before he could take one more step to go to the kitchen, he heard a woman's voice, his mother's voice, saying something. He slowly took a step to bring himself even closer to hear much clearer Mrs. Xiao had been saying.

"Are you really sure about this? We know it is confusing. You've been with him for the past years, it's normal to be confused. I'm just worried it can affect the friendship of you two."

Xiao Zhan's brows furrowed, Is she talking to Wang Yibo?

"I'm sure I am not confused, Ma. I have been thinking about this for the past months. I'm certain. This is also the reason why I came here with Zhan-ge. I think the best first step to take is to tell you and Uncle."

"I see. I'm really sorry for acting that way yesterday. I was just surprised and also.. in disbelief but I know I couldn't blame you." Mrs. Xiao paused, "But we all know the only person who can answer these series of questions is..., right?"

Xiao Zhan is now even more confused. Is there something he doesn't know about his friend? What makes him feel the need to tell his parents' friend but not his friend first?!

"I know but it's still a good sense of relief to release these thoughts to you and Uncle. I don't like bottling feelings up. It's alright if you do not support these feelings of mine but this conversation will surely help me."

Feelings?

"I do support you. I know how good of a man you are. About your Uncle, I can still convince him. He knows you're a good man. I think.. he was just too surprised. Don't worry. I'll try talking to him."

"Mn. Thank you, Ma."

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but he walked downstairs and revealed himself to the two people talking to each other in the living room. The one of the two sprung from sitting while the other one remained calm.

"Too early to have a deep conversation. Just what happened yesterday?" Xiao Zhan asked straight, "Wang Yibo, what is this?"

"I... Ge? How long have you been-"

Wang Yibo's speech came to a halt when Mrs. Xiao over talked him, "Since when did I tell you that eavesdropping is alright, Xiao Zhan?"

"I know it's not alright but all of you give me a headache. Why  didn't you tell me first, Wang Yibo?"

He saw Wang Yibo's eyes widened, shoulder tighten, and jaw slightly dropped, "Ge?"

"I already asked what I wanted to ask. Why? Am I not a good friend? Am I not trustworthy?" Xiao Zhan asked calmly.

"Of course, you are." Wang Yibo immediately responded, "I'm just worried."

"About what?"

"Stop asking Yibo questions anymore. He hasn't taken enough rest. Just discuss this after you go back to college." Mrs. Xiao barged in.

"Fine. I demand an explanation, Wang Yibo." Xiao Zhan said firmly and turned around to march back into his room.

He knows he acted too much during the conversation but he's not mad. He's just hurt that he thinks Wang Yibo chose to talk matters to his parents rather than to him, his own friend. He felt betrayed even though he doesn't have to be. He felt like he had to improve more as a friend.

 

Time passed by, Xiao Zhan just got out of the shower, his hair wet but not dripping and started to pack his essential things back to his baggage when he heard a knock from his door. He didn't bother to reply as the door slowly opened after the knock. He looked at the person who entered and saw the young man turn his back at him to close the door.

He ignored the young man and continued to put his things inside his bag.

"Ge."

"..."

"I promise, I'll find the courage to tell you what I have discussed with Aunt and Uncle once we return. Don't ignore me." 

His eyes are not looking at Wang Yibo and his body is not completely facing towards Wang Yibo but he is certain that the man with him is currently pouting. Regardless, he ignored him.

"I'm sorry."

Xiao Zhan looked at Wang Yibo, "For what?"

"For hurting your feelings."

"My ego was shattered. You consider me as a friend but never bother to tell me things that bothers you. Why do you even have to tell Ma and Pa? Seungyoun is always with you but you never thought of telling him?"

"Seungyoun already knows about it." Wang Yibo rebutted.

"Ahh, so you're telling me I'm the only one who hasn't known about this mysterious thing-y you have?" Xiao Zhan laughed sarcastically, "I know I'm acting immature. Why? What was the reason? It seems like you haven't even thought of telling me this?!"

"Because it's too.." Wang Yibo suddenly paused, "I'm still trying to find enough strength to tell you. Just give me time. I promise I'll tell you when we get back."

Xiao Zhan suddenly felt like was stabbed with multiple needles on his chest when he stole a glance to the younger and saw how the other person was looking down with his brows almost connected from furrowing too much, "Fine. I will no longer force you. I'm sorry for acting impulsively."

He looked away when he saw Wang Yibo look at him. He could see from his peripheral view how Wang Yibo smiled and nodded at him, "Thank you."

"Mn."

Chapter 3

Summary:

Wang Yibo is acting suspicious and Xiao Zhan is losing patience.

While looking out the window, Xiao Zhan's eyes caught someone.

Notes:

A happy new year to y'all. Sorry for the late update. Something baddish came up so I had to pause updating. Anyway, here's a short update for y'all.

A bag is on the floor while the other is already on Wang Yibo's shoulder. The short stay in the Xiao family has ended faster than Wang Yibo would even think of. He doesn't know if the time was really just fast or he didn't get to enjoy most of it during the stay. Regardless, what could he do but pack his things and bid his farewell to the elderly.

He saw how Xiao Zhan smiled at Mrs. Xiao sweetly and hugged her. Then, he heard him mutter, "We have to go."

Mrs. Xiao hugged her son back even tighter while caressing the son's back, nurturing her last moments with her son for this month, "Come back soon."

While the mother and son are having their farewell, Wang Yibo couldn't help but steal a side glance to Mr. Xiao just beside Mrs. Xiao. He felt his heart about to jump out of his mouth when he saw Mr. Xiao already staring, no, glaring at him. He immediately lowered his head and just played with his fingers.

He is sure his heart did stop beating when he heard a low voice call him, "Yibo, can I have a second with you?"

Wang Yibo didn't look at Mr. Xiao's eyes but he did look up, "Yes."

Before he could follow the elder man, he heard Xiao Zhan ask his father, "What for?"

"Nothing." Mr. Xiao didn't turn around but did reply to the son, "Come, Yibo."

"S-Sure."

Xiao Zhan just followed the two men walking towards the outside where he couldn't see nor hear the two. He looked at his mother holding his hands, "Don't even bother asking me. I don't know either."

Xiao Zhan pouted and looked at the floor, "Because you love Yibo more than me that's why you're not telling me."

"Stupid. Of course not, I'm just respecting your friend's decisions. I don't want to ruin his plan."

"What plan?"

"I don't know. Just sit. Let's wait for them, mn?"

It only took Wang YIbo and Mr. Xiao five minutes to have a private conversation before they came back to Xiao Zhan's sight.

Xiao Zhan looked up at Wang YIbo and stood up, "You good?"

Wang YIbo simply nodded. Then, he turned to Mr. Xiao, "We're leaving."

Mr. Xiao nodded to Wang Yibo before he looked at his son behind Wang Yibo, "Take care."

Xiao Zhan smiled and bowed, "Mn. Thank you."

Then, Xiao Zhan picked up his bag from the floor and looked at his mother, "We're going now."

Mrs. Xiao nodded and hugged her son for the last time, "Take care."

Xiao Zhan smiled and hugged Mrs. Xiao back using his left hand while his right hand was gripping on his bag's straps, "You too."

They broke the hug and Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo finally did their last bow before leaving.

 

It took them hours before finally reaching Xiao Zhan's apartment. Unlike the usual, Wang Yibo didn't go with Xiao Zhan back to his apartment and went straight back to his own shared apartment with Cho Seungyoun.

Xiao Zhan is supposed to feel joy as he could have more time to have a me-time but unlike him, he felt empty. The feelings he felt back from Chongqing came back to him and he felt suffocated.

He's lying on his bed with his clothes unchanged. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again and exhaled. Just what was the thing Wang Yibo has been keeping from him?

He took his phone out from his pocket and opened it. He swiped and tapped until he came into his senses. He has already typed a message to Wang Yibo and is only about to press the send button. He read the message, "Yibo, come over."

He cringed and deleted his message before browsing on his contact list before pressing on Li Qin's contact and dialing it.

Li Qin is a friend and a classmate of his at the same time. They have known each other for at least five years. Wang Yibo also knows Li Qin and has a good relationship with her as well. Xiao Zhan would admit, he admires and adores the woman. If only he's brave enough, he would actually court her and ask her out but how funny, he couldn't even give her a free snack.

Not a minute had passed when his call was answered.

"Li Qin here, what do you want?"

"Are you available?"

"For what? I'm still editing some files before submitting our project. Are you going to help me?"

"No, never mind."

"Boring. What do you want? Just tell me. I'll decide after."

"No. You can finish them."

"Whatever. Bye."

Xiao Zhan couldn't do anything but only look at the phone call being ended. He sighed and ran his hands through his hair and whined. He is exhausted but still not sleepy so what could he do? It's already eight in the evening but he fell asleep during the flight. He decided to open his room's window and look outside. There, he saw someone from a neighbor's yard.

He wasn't supposed to have another conversation with anyone but the person, a woman, looked up to him and using the light of the street lights and also the moon's, he saw the young woman smile at him. He could do nothing more but smile back.

"How are you?" The woman below asked as she pulled the gloves off of her hands, "I saw your apartment having no lights at all so I assumed you were perhaps on a vacation."

Xiao Zhan saw how the woman wiped something off of her forehead. He assumed it's sweat, "Xiao, it's almost eight in the evening, what are you still doing at this time?"

The young lady smiled brighter to Xiao Zhan. All Xiao Zhan could say is this young woman looks just the same age as Wang Yibo, is she? Xiao Zhan can't really remember, "Xiao-ge, I was away for the whole day due to some, you know, private concerns with my family so I wasn't able to cut these growing wild plants in my garden. It was scheduled to be trimmed today but I wasn't free so I decided to cut them off tonight. Don't worry, ge. I'm about to finish them anyway."

Xiao Zhan simply nodded his head and didn't respond.

The girl seemed to notice that Xiao Zhan didn't have any interest in answering so she decided to continue their conversation, "Looks like you didn't enjoy your short vacation. You should go and rest, Xiao-ge. I also left some newly harvested fruit on your footstep just this afternoon."

The girl seem to have tiptoed to look at Xiao Zhan's main door, "Looks like you didn't notice them. Anyway, I have to head out. Today was a tough day. Good night."

Xiao Zhan smiled and nodded, "Thank you. You too."

He looked at the image of Cheng Xiao stepping away from his sight to her home. That's when he remembered her words. How can a woman like her who is a student and a part-time worker could also take care of her plants and even have her own vegetable garden? Is it even possible to have a vegetable garden inside her lot?

That's when he decided to go down the stairs and look at the fruits the girl was talking about earlier. He opened the door and the girl was indeed right. A basket full of different kinds of fruits like grapes, apple, mango, and lemon. He also saw a card and read it.

"To my dearest neighbor and his boyfriend. I hope this will keep both of you healthy. Have a good day."

What boyfriend? Xiao Zhan was in shock, Was she pertaining to Wang Yibo? Do they really act like boyfriends?

He wanted to knock on her gate and explain to her how he and Wang Yibo are only friends but he realized that would make him defensive and the girl would think he's overreacting and not believe him at all. But not clarifying the matter would also make her believe that they are indeed dating.

But I'm not gay. So is Wang Yibo.

Chapter 4

Summary:

"Beautiful. As beautiful as sunshine. Worthy to be blind even just to take a glance of his face."

"Who?"

"You."

Notes:

Here's a second update for this month. I'm not sure when I'd be able to update again as finals is fast approaching and I hadn't study yet, yey! Hope you guys like this!

It was already seven in the morning when Xiao Zhan woke up from a slumber. He stretched his limbs and rolled off of his bed. He heard a silent buzz. He looked at his lamp table, picked up his phone and opened it. He saw Wang Yibo had messaged him just now and read it.

"Meet me at the usual place."

Xiao Zhan groaned and lay back down again. What is wrong with Wang Yibo? He hasn't brushed his teeth yet and that young lad already wants to meet him. Before he could cuss under his breath, he felt a tingly buzz from his phone.

He opened it again and saw Wang Yibo had messaged him another, "Wake up, oldie. I'm already here."

Xiao Zhan's forehead creases, What?

That's when he started scrolling and saw Wang Yibo had chatted with him thrice today. Two just now and one 30 minutes ago.  He has been awake since six in the morning?!

All he could do is sigh, facepalm himself and moan out of  annoyance. This boy does love draining him .

He stood up and lazily started preparing to meet Wang Yibo.

With a white shirt and shorts, hair still clearly wet and shuffled from a quick shower, and his phone, he headed out but just when he opened his door he met a girl with a yellow sundress on and a summer hat.

The fuck? Oh, the girl from next door.

"Oh, hi." The girl bowed.

That's when Xiao Zhan noticed the girl was holding another basket full of fruits.

He bowed, "Hi."

The girl looked at him and smiled. She pushed the basket with her one hand to Xiao Zhan's stomach, "The fruits were still too much. I just realized yesterday. I'd just give it to you. You can give this to your friends or anyone. Don't worry, I'm not an obsessed stalker. I just don't have anyone to give this to."

Xiao Zhan is indeed almost thinking this lady is obsessed with him but then it does make sense. They don't have any close neighbors, the closest one is about a mile away from them. He had no choice but to gladly receive them and smile at the girl in front of him, "Thank you. These are pretty ripe."

"Yeah. My parents own a vegetable garden. They really love gardening. Anyway, I have to go. I still have more things to do today. Have a good day." The woman bowed once again and slowly backed away and went off.

Xiao Zhan sighed and looked at the basket in his hands. The fruits in the basket from last night were too much for him. Having another one would simply make him fill up too much that his stomach could burst open or the fruits would simply rot in a corner of his kitchen.

I should give these to Yibo, he thought and went back inside as he thought holding a big basket is quite embarrassing. He went to the kitchen and put  every fruit from the basket into a paper bag then headed off.

Xiao Zhan entered the coffee shop and saw Wang Yibo drinking a cup of macchiato. He cleaned up his shirt and eventually, walked towards the where the young boy is currently sipping on the coffee while waiting for his arrival.

Xiao Zhan placed the bag of fruits on the table in front of Wang Yibo and sat across from the said man.

Wang Yibo flinched when he heard the bag meet the table. His back straightened when he saw it was actually Xiao Zhan who interrupted his morning coffee.

"Impressive. It's new to see you sipping a coffee. What made you change your mind about them?" Xiao Zhan asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Wang Yibo rolled his eyes and sighed, "You're late. I also haven't eaten."

Xiao Zhan just looked at Wang Yibo dead in the eyes with his arms crossed while resting on the table. He then rested his back on the chair and pointed at the paper bag by looking at it and raising both his eyebrows, "Yours."

Wang Yibo looked at the paper bag. Curiosity caught him which made him set the cup aside and hold the bag and peeked at what was inside, "You bought it?"

Xiao Zhan's eyes furrowed, "You think I'd buy those for you? Of course not. Anyway, a neighbor gave me two baskets of fruits and I thought I wouldn't be able to finish them before they start rotting so I just bought some for you."

Xiao Zhan picked up the half empty macchiato and took a sip before he placed it down and looked at Wang Yibo and there it goes, the obnoxiously beautiful smile of his friend.

Xiao Zhan grew up in an affectionate household but showing such this kind of gratitude over simple things undeniably gives him the ick. Before he could even shut Wang Yibo up, the younger one already looked at him with a smile, "Thank you, ge."

You know, Xiao Zhan could still accept a silly smile and a thank you from Wang Yibo but this smile Wang Yibo flashes right in front of his eyes simply makes him puke. What's with the serious, sincere smile?

"It's just a bag of fruit?! What's the big deal?"

Wang Yibo's smile faded but his mood didn't seem ruined. As Xiao Zhan could examine, the lad's eyes were sparkling more than usual. Maybe due to the shop's lighting and oh... it's also morning. Sun's up, yeah.

"Xiao Zhan gave me a bag of fruit which is unusual for him. It doesn't matter if it's not from his whole heart but knowing I was the first person he wanted to share these. I'm grateful for that." Wang Yibo smiled before pushing the bag away from them to see more of the person across from him.

Xiao Zhan is speechless, at least to say. Not only Wang Yibo thanked him, the lad also called him by his name.

Wang Yibo looked at the older man for a good minute before clearing his throat and shifted into a good position.

Xiao Zhan saw how Wang Yibo's expression turned serious which made him do the same, "So, what's up?"

He didn't receive a reply, rather Wang Yibo picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip.

Silence suddenly engulfed the atmosphere around them.

Wang Yibo finally inhaled and let out a loud sigh, "I have something to tell you. Please, don't be mad."

Xiao Zhan blinked and looked at Wang Yibo intensively, "What? Did you open my phone while I was asleep during the ride? You forgot to flush the toilet in my apartment months ago?"

Wang Yibo looked at him with what-the-fuck face, "Seriously?"

"Or when I saw you naked once while showering because you forgot to lock the door?"

Wang Yibo, "..."

Xiao Zhan smiled timidly, "Look, you got nothing to worry about. I have no photographic memory so you're safe."

He got no response from the younger one.

"Look, you seem nervous about whatever you want to say. Just calm down. It's not like you murdered somebody?"

"Of course not! I'm not a criminal!" Wang Yibo starts to fill in with fire, he's about to explode from Xiao Zhan blabbers. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed, "I'm serious. Give me some time and I'll tell you this detail by detail."

Xiao Zhan gulped, "Okay?"

Wang Yibo, "I... I've been liking this person for a while now."

"What?!"

Wang Yibo, "..."

"You like someone?! And you never told me?!" Xiao Zhan whispered but with full energy, "Did Seungyoun know about this?!"

Wang Yibo nodded.

"And you're just telling me about this now? What kind of friend of-- a while?! How long have you been hiding this from me? I thought we were friends!"

Wang Yibo stammered, "We are friends, that's why."

Xiao Zhan went closer to Wang Yibo and held both the young lad's shoulders, "Who is she? A mutual friend? A classmate? A professor?! Tell me, do I know her?"

Wang Yibo's eyes widened from the aggressive hold he had received from the man, he held the man's wrist and removed it from holding his shoulders. The older one seemed to be busy freaking out about what he just discovered. He didn't seem to notice a glint of fear in Wang Yibo's eyes.

Xiao Zhan, "Is she pretty? Hey, answer me. Who is it? I won't tell anyone, I promise."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Beautiful. As beautiful as sunshine. Worthy to be blind even just to take a glance of his face."

Xiao Zhan sat up properly again but his eyes didn't stop from glimmering like a child who saw an expensive toy in a mall, still with curiosity, he replied, "Who?"

"You."

"You?" Xiao Zhan asked as if he's waiting for a continuation.

Wang Yibo looked at the man across from him for a while and when he noticed the man wouldn't be able to get it for a while, he stood up with the paper bag on his right hand and was about to walk away when Xiao Zhan blocked his way to the exit, "You!"

Xiao Zhan, "You what?"

"Talk to yourself." Wang Yibo pointed at Xiao Zhan using his index finger and pushed him using it, enough force for Xiao Zhan to understand but not enough for the man to get hurt, "You!"

"Ah?"

"Dumb. I like you." Wang Yibo answered calmly, "Ever since we first met. Do I really have to say the whole "I like you" for you to understand? Were you that oblivious?"

Xiao Zhan just stood there, like a statue. Not even a muscle was visibly moving. What is this young man in front of him talking about?

"Ever since my eyes landed on you, I liked you. I just wasn't prepared to tell you. I don't want to surprise you either. I don't want to look like a stalker or an obsessed person. I just want to be with you to the point that it actually doesn't matter what I am to you. I could be a friend, a brother, a colleague, a schoolmate, just not a stranger. You don't have to give it back. I just can no longer prevent myself from hiding this."

Xiao Zhan could feel his heart pumping. He knows damn well he's about to burst from too much blood his heart is pumping through his body. He could feel his hands getting cold. Was it because of the coffee shop's blasting air conditioner or was it because he's nervous? Is he trembling? Yeah, he's definitely cold.

"I have to go."

Wang Yibo tried to catch Xiao Zhan's wrist and held him from leaving but like a rabbit Xiao Zhan is, he hopped out of the scene rapidly.

With that said, Wang Yibo was left alone.

Notes:

Poor Yibo, always being left alone. Anyway, I hope you liked this update. I'll try my best to update as often as possible. Cheers! <3

Chapter 5

Summary:

Xiao Zhan only has one thing to say to Cheng Xiao, "Fuck you."

Notes:

Okay, so due to some reasons, classes were moved so here I am posting another update.

Wang Yibo knows Xiao Zhan would react that way, that's the main reason why he's hesitant in confessing about his feelings for him, they are both men after all. But he didn't expect the other man to avoid him for a month and counting. He tried to come to Xiao Zhan's apartment and wait for hours by sitting in front of the door or playing on his phone, sleeping is one of the options as well, hoping for Xiao Zhan to open the door for him. He tries to call and text him every now and then especially when he knows Xiao Zhan is free. Hell, he even went to Xiao Zhan's classes whenever he could in hopes to even just have a short conversation with him. All in hopes that Xiao Zhan would change his mind.

All those efforts were in vain.

 

Xiao Zhan was sipping on his coffee in the kitchen while scrolling through his phone when he heard a knock. There he goes again. He didn't move at all and let the person on the other side of the door keep knocking. After all, he doesn't want to communicate with Wang Yibo anymore.

He just keep on sipping on his hot coffee, tasting the bittersweet liquid and feeling the liquid to come to his tongue down his throat. He almost vomit the coffee when he heard a voice from the outside, "Aren't  you Xiao-ge's boyfriend?"

That mother--

"Huh? Xiao-ge? Xiao Zhan?" He heard Wang Yibo ask Cheng Xiao.

Xiao Zhan finally knows the woman next door's name is. Of course, he knows. He is not a bad neighbor at all. He sometimes gives Cheng Xiao some food whenever he can't finish them. It's embarrassing to not share some to her after tons of fruits she had given him from the past.

Cheng Xiao hummed, "Mn. Isn't he your boyfriend or was I mistaken?"

Well, he's a good neighbor but he indeed forgot to mention that he and Wang Yibo were nothing but friends.

Wang Yibo, "No? What made you think of that?"

He could imagine Cheng Xiao blushing out of embarrassment. He would too if he accidentally assumed that a male neighbor is in a relationship with his male friend.

"Anyway, I noticed he's not opening the door for you so I kind of intervened now. Did you fight?" Cheng Xiao asked and after that, Xiao Zhan heard a knock. "Xiao-ge! Please, open up!"

Xiao Zhan flinched and felt his heart thumping loudly. He stood up and walked back and forth, not knowing what he would do. The loud knocking didn't help at all. Fuck this girl. Fuck you. Fuck!

"I got some pie for you anyway. It'll get cold if you keep on sleeping." Cheng Xiao keeps on knocking.

She's really getting me in trouble. What am I going to do?!

"It's no use." He heard Wang Yibo stop Cheng Xiao Zhan, "I'll go now."

The knocking stopped, causing Xiao Zhan to pause from panicking. He slowly walked towards the door and rested his ears to clearly hear the conversation of his former friend and neighbor.

Cheng Xiao, "I see. Xiao-ge is a good man and I didn't know what happened between you two. Maybe he's still asleep but I'm worried he's avoiding you and wants you nowhere near him? I'll... I'll just tell him you passed by. Maybe I could change his mind and talk to you. You don't seem to be a bad guy anyway."

Wang Yibo, "I... Okay."

Wang Yibo didn't leave that day. And that was not the only time he heard them talking while Wang Yibo was waiting for him to talk to him. It went on and on and on and on.

He heard how Wang Yibo enjoyed Cheng Xiao's company.

Cheng Xiao, "My parents are going to visit later. I also have mentioned you and Xiao-ge to them. You should go and eat with us while waiting for Xiao-ge."

Wang Yibo, "I'll stay here. He will come out any minute."

Cheng Xiao, "I see. Well, have you eaten? I'm going to cook something. I could lend you some while waiting for Xiao-ge."

Wang Yibo, "That would be unnecessary."

Cheng Xiao chuckled, "It's not. You're a friend to me after all."

Wang Yibo seemed to be having thoughts before answering, "Okay. Thank you."

Xiao Zhan sighed and went upstairs to take a nap. Napping knowing Wang Yibo is suffering and waiting for him to show up is difficult but he seemed to be used to this, not to mention he's been avoiding Wang Yibo for almost two months and Wang Yibo rarely takes a break in waiting for Xiao Zhan every weekend.

In the end, Xiao Zhan fell into a slumber.

 

He woke up to the voice of the female neighbor calling Wang Yibo, "Yibo, here. I hope you liked it. Anyway, Xiao-ge is going strong, eh? At this point, I'd just really think you two are in a gay relationship and you somehow cheated on him or did something extremely horrible which is the reason he no longer wants you near him."

Xiao Zhan, despite being upstairs, could hear the voices of the two as his windows were wide open. It's quite cold but gossiping is way better than staying warm. He could drink coffee for that.

Wang Yibo, "Good assumption but no. Your Xiao-ge is straight."

Cheng Xiao, "And you're not?"

Wang YIbo, "No. I don't think so."

Cheng Xiao hummed, "Was it the reason why he avoided you?"

Could be.

Cheng Xiao, "Is he some sort of homophobic?"

No!

Xiao Zhan mentally answered.

Wang Yibo, "Maybe? I don't know."

He didn't hear any response after that.

It took at least five minutes before he heard Wang Yibo speak, "Thank you for the food. I think I have to go."

Cheng Xiao, "You seem to leave earlier than usual? Something came up?"

Wang Yibo, "I don't feel quite well. I think I caught a cold."

Cheng Xiao, "Oh. Uh..."

Xiao Zhan didn't wait for Cheng Xiao to continue and went downstairs to hear more.

He sharpened his hearing yet all he heard was a simple farewell from Cheng Xiao and a footstep starting to fade. Once he couldn't hear the footstep anymore, he opened the door.

Fuck.

He realized he was mistaken when he saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face of a man, it's been a while since he met Wang Yibo's eyes, even just looking at his face. This made  him realize that the person who walked away wasn't Wang Yibo but Cheng Xiao.

"Xiao Zhan--"

Xiao Zhan quickly closed the door but something prevented him. He heard a hiss from the other man but he is more concerned at what is stopping the door from closing. He looked at where the issue was and saw Wang Yibo's fingers between the doorframe and the door itself.

Xiao Zhan could feel rage filling him up. He breathed in, opened the door and shouted at Wang Yibo, "What do you want?!"

Xiao Zhan could feel himself running out of breath due to the annoyance and rage he is feeling. He only calmed down when he saw how Wang Yibo caressed his knuckles.

Xiao Zhan lowered his voice and slowly reached for Wang Yibo's hand to look at it and the damage he had done to the young man, "I'm sorry. Did it hurt?"

Wang Yibo didn't stop looking at his face which made Xiao Zhan feel awkward, "Please, talk to me."

Xiao Zhan stood up straight and breathed in, "For what? Do you know how suffocated I am whenever I think of you liking me? It disgusts me. Is avoiding you not an enough answer? Do you want me to murder you just to tell you I don't want you around me anymore?"

Wang Yibo looked down to the ground, like a child being scolded by his parents for stealing a popsicle in the fridge. He felt helpless.

Xiao Zhan, "I no longer want to be involved with you. Did you not get it?"

Wang Yibo whispered, "I don't need your heart nor your sympathy. You can beat me up, spit on me however you like by being... different. I just want you to not avoid me like I have some unrecoverable disease, like you're disgusted whenever I'm around. I don't need a lover, I just need a friend. I'm not forcing you to like me back. there is no need to give those feelings back."

Xiao Zhan, "..."

Wang Yibo, "Give me time. I'll show you what I mean. I'm content with being with you as a friend. I just confessed because I can no longer hide those feelings."

Xiao Zhan, "What exactly do you want?"

Wang Yibo raised his head and looked Xiao Zhan straight in the eyes, "You."

Xiao Zhan, "Yibo..."

Wang Yibo, "Don't avoid me. You know we can still be friends."

Xiao Zhan seems to be choking, he can't breathe properly. Hearing Wang Yibo's words made him special, he was relieved but the other side of him seems to feel hurt. He doesn't like Wang Yibo but is he not worthy to pursue?

Wang Yibo, "Please, we can work things out."

Xiao Zhan examined Wang Yibo's expression. He may not admit it but he knows deep inside, he had missed this young boy in front of him.

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Okay."

Notes:

I know things were kind of rushed especially in this chapter but I still hope you like it. I'm still trying to improve my writing shits, I mean skills. Anyway, a kudos and comment would be much appreciated. Hope you enjoyed this update.

Chapter 6

Summary:

Wang Yibo found out Cheng Xiao also studies on the same university he and his Xiao Zhan studies.

Notes:

hey, y'all! how are you guys doing? finals just finished and i'm currently spending my time writing stuffs and reading danmei during this semestral break. i just came from the library doing school stuffs *ehem, research* and i'm exhausted. anyway, here's an update!! <3

A busy month passed by and Xiao Zhan saw himself in the university library, a pen in his hand while typing something on his laptop. He has been working on the pending and currently unfinished research he had with Li Qin. Across him is the woman who is also working on something related to their research on her laptop.

"I'm hungry." Xiao Zhan said, "I'd just go out and buy something. Do you want me to buy you something to eat as well?"

Li Qin looked up to him and nodded, "Sure. Your treat?"

Xiao Zhan nodded.

Li Qin showed her timid yet beautiful smile, "Okay then."

Xiao Zhan left his laptop and his other things with Li Qin inside the library. He went out and started walking to the canteen across the campus.

He was busy minding his business with furrowed brows when he came across Wang Yibo.

The younger man caught his eyes as well which made him smile. He approached the lad, "Hey."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Hey. Have you seen Seungyoun?"

Xiao Zhan shook his head, "No. Why?"

Wang Yibo, "He said the organization will be accepting new facilitators today. I'm just going to discuss things with him."

Xiao Zhan, "Oh.."

Wang Yibo tapped his shoulder and nodded, "Mn. I have to go now. Bye."

Xiao Zhan was quite stunned, this quick?

"Okay. Bye." Xiao Zhan smiled and turned around and looked at the boy walking away.

 

Wang Yibo gulped an amount of water while sitting beside Cho Seungyoun, "When will this end?"

Cho Seungyoun let out an "ah?" before running through the paper on the table, he looked at the girl currently performing in front of them and looked at the paper again, "There are total of 15 auditionees. We're currently on the thirteenth person."

Wang Yibo scratched his nape and nodded, "Mn."

They observed how the girl swayed her body, flowing with the rhythm of the melody Wang Yibo is not familiar with and rolled his eyes. He is tired, he can't deal with any of it. he shouldn't have roamed around the campus to find Cho Seungyoun. Bad bad decision.

 

"Number 15, Ms. Cheng Xiao?" Cho Seungyoun announced making Wang Yibo squinch his eyes, he seems to have heard that name before.

A familiar face had walked to the center of the room. The girl in front of him smiled and bowed.

"Can you tell us more about yourself?" Cho Seungyoun asked.

"Mn. Hello, I am Cheng Xiao. I do ballet but I can do choreography and Hip Hop as well. I'm open to criticisms and uh.. other genres as well."

Then, Wang Yibo remembered, she is his Xiao Zhan's neighbor. The girl who always accompanies him while waiting for the older man to open the door for him and sometimes cook food for him. Yeah, he is not good at memorizing names at all.

"Okay, you may now start." Cho Seungyoun smiled and leaned his back on the back of his chair, giving the dance floor entirely to the contestant in front of them.

A slow violin starts to play and so are Cheng Xiao's limbs.

Wang Yibo and Cho Seungyoun simply observed the woman giving her all to the dance floor.

Cho Seungyoun, "She's good."

Wang Yibo, "I know her."

Cho Seungyoun shot a shocked stare at the man beside him, "Really? How good was she?"

Wang Yibo looked at the older man with dead eyes and shook his head, "No, not as a dancer. She's Zhan-ge's neighbor."

"Oh. You've talked to her before?"

Wang  Yibo is not into lying so he nodded, "She also sometimes cooks for me. You know, during those sleepless nights."

Cho Seungyoun furrowed his brow, "Does she have a crush on you?"

Wang Yibo avoided  Cho Seungyoun's face slowly leaning in and looked at him, disgusted, "No. She's just a good person. She also gives Zhan-ge some fruits and I don't know what else as well."

He knew Cho Seungyoun was about to say horrific stuff so he already put his palm on Cho Seungyoun's mouth to shut him up, "No, she doesn't like Xiao Zhan either. Now, shut the fuck up."

Cho Seungyoun, "Yo, calm down. Everybody knows Xiao Zhan is yours."

Wang Yibo looked at Cho Seungyoun with a glare and no longer responded verbally, his eyes went back to the younger woman dancing in front of them. Cheng Xiao seems to be a good dancer, better than most auditionees in her batch. He could also see himself collaborating with her and probably have a piece with her in the college's future events.

Wang Yibo whispered to the other guy beside him, "I like her."

 

Xiao Zhan yawned as he just looked at the woman in front of her busy typing on her laptop, "I'm tired. Can't I go now?"

Li Qin raised her eyebrows and huffed, "It's barely 3:30 in the afternoon, what are you talking about? The class will start at five. Don't trick me, Xiao Zhan."

Xiao Zhan, "I'm not. I need to see Yibo."

Li Qin, "You two have a date?"

Xiao Zhan, "No!"

Li Qin looked at him in disbelief, "Why are you shouting? Ugh, proper library etiquette, Xiao Zhan. Miss Qi will kick us out anytime. Why are you acting so weird?"

Xiao Zhan stretched his arms and sighed heavily, "Look, if sitting here all day is not enough to feel numbness on your lower body, it does for me. I have to go. Anyway, I have helped you with several parts, is it not enough? I also really have to pee."

Li Qin, "Fine--"

The woman was not even finished when Xiao Zhan left the place quickly. He immediately went to the bathroom and opened a cubicle and shut it close. He hurriedly opened his zippers and let out a sigh. He is not comfortable using those open urinals, peeing while seeing another man peeing is uncomfortable. He was busy calming himself down when he heard two familiar voices approaching the restroom.

A voice stated, "I didn't know you like her! No wonder you kept on mentioning her while she performed."

Another familiar voice answered, "I didn't mean the like one. I just like her to be a part to practice the freshmen. Plus, I still like... you know?"

"Didn't he reject you already?"

Oh, Xiao Zhan already figured those voices out. It's Wang Yibo and his friend, Cho Seungyoun.

"So, what? I'm not like you who finds others just to move on."

Cho Seungyoun, "Eh? Isn't she pretty cute? She also dances well. I think both of you would click. Anyway, why settle for a person who hurt you as if you weren't a friend?"

Xiao Zhan suddenly felt a pain in his heart.

Well, Cho Seungyoun is right. If he were Wang Yibo, he wouldn't continue to love him, someone who almost threw their friendship away over a simple confession.

He heard Wang Yibo sigh, "You do know I'm not that type of person. Xiao Zhan is important to me. I've known him for a long time. Unlike Cheng Xiao, I barely know anything about her aside from the fact that she dances and is Zhan-ge's neighbor. She may be pretty but that's not how it works."

Cho Seungyoun, "Whatever you say."

Xiao Zhan gulped. He heard a zipper being opened just on the other side of the cubicle he is in. He flinched when he heard Wang Yibo's voice closer to him than before.

"Anyway, I don't want anybody to be my rebound or something. I want to be fair. I'll court someone and like someone without having the problem of tons of 'what if's in my head. Oh, there are also much more important things to prioritize than love, you know? Mister Liu just announced earlier about the video portfolio we have to pass."

Cho Seungyoun, "Shit, did he? I'm not done with the essay on Miss Yu's subject."

Wang Yibo chuckled, "See?"

He heard a few thugs and scratches before hearing the footsteps of the other two leaving the scene. That's when he finally exhaled and cleaned himself.

He does know how immature he was when he avoided Wang Yibo but it is all because he does not know how to confront or talk to the younger man. He is not used to receiving confessions, especially to men, to Wang Yibo.

Wang Yibo is a great man, he knows that. But he only sees Wang Yibo as a brother, or does he really?

He left the restroom only to see Wang Yibo and his neighbor, Cheng Xiao, talking to each other with Cho Seungyoun beside Wang Yibo smiling cheekily while looking at the two.

Cheng Xiao, "I really didn't know we go to the same university. I thought you and Xiao Zhan-ge go to different universities. I sometimes see Xiao Zhan-ge on the ground floor but I never saw you."

Wang Yibo smiled, pretty but in an awkward way, "Well, surprise? Anyway, we have to go now. Just meet us tomorrow so we can start and end the program as quickly as possible."

Xiao Zhan saw Cheng Xiao nodded and the other two boys bowed to the lady. After that, he quietly walked away.

Now that he witnessed it himself, he does think Wang Yibo and Cheng Xiao do look good together.

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but smile bitterly at the thought.

Notes:

i don't know when i'd be able to update again but i promise i'm doing my best to upload, life has been fucking me up these days but you know, we gotta shake it off (by taylor swift). thank you for reading!!!

Chapter 7

Summary:

Just Xiao Zhan questioning himself, AGAIN.

It's seven in the evening when Xiao Zhan's class for the day has finally come to an end. He packed his things, put his bag on and was about to go out when Xuan Lu, a blockmate, called his name.

Xiao Zhan smiled at the woman and raised his brows, "Yeah?"

Xuan Lu jogged towards him, her bag swaying behind her, "Do you want to go eat dinner with me and Zhuocheng?"

Xiao Zhan inhaled and decided, eating with his friends wouldn't hurt. And so, he agreed.

Xuan Lu smiled timidly and nodded, "Zhuocheng's class will end shortly. Let's go."

He felt Xuan Lu's hand wrap around his wrists, he didn't complain anymore.

He had known Xuan Lu since his freshman year, and Wang Zhuocheng was introduced just in the beginning of his sophomore year. Wang Zhuocheng is in the same college level with Wang Yibo and is Xuan Lu's cousin and since Xuan Lu has been a friend of his, he had a quite good relationship with Wang Zhuocheng.

Xiao Zhan and Xuan Lu sat on the bench just right in front of Wang Zhuocheng's current room. Silence engulfed for a good minute until Xuan Lu started a conversation.

Xuan Lu, "How are you?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Xuan Lu and gave her a timid smile, "Fine."

Xuan Lu nodded, "Zhuocheng mentioned a friend confessed to you?"

Xiao Zhan bit the inside of his cheeks before answering, "Yeah."

Xuan Lu looked at him, giving him enough comfort, "I'm sorry, I wasn't supposed to know that. Zhuocheng heard from Seungyoun's friends."

Xiao Zhan forced a smile, "Seungyoun never shuts up."

Xuan Lu nodded, "I don't know him personally but I think so too."

The two stayed silent for a while, looking at other students on their bag, leaving the campus.

"You know, whatever you're feeling right now is valid. I was shocked when I heard about Yibo confessing to you. No, actually, I have been noticing him stealing meaningful glances at you whenever he could but silly me, shrugging it off. I never told you because I don't want to ruin your friendship." Xuan Lu explained and Xiao Zhan understands her.

If he were her, he wouldn't take an eye either. It is none of his business.

"I heard you avoided him?"

Xiao Zhan didn't respond and just lowered his head. Xuan Lu took it as a 'yes'.

"He's a serious one. He is serious with you and your... well, friendship." Xuan Lu smiled, "I can't imagine myself being friends with someone avoiding me for weeks. The commitment."

He heard Xuan Lu chuckle.

"I do adore him. You can rarely see a man being an actual man. He just wants you back, it doesn't matter to him whether you will give the feelings he has for you back or not."

Xiao Zhan didn't move but he does agree. He wouldn't be able to take it if he were the one who got rejected and was avoided by someone he had been liking for years.

"I do adore how you gave him a chance though." Xuan Lu added, "You're good. There's no need to feel guilty about it."

Xiao Zhan, "He never deserved to be thrown that way either. I still feel guilty about it."

Xuan Lu sighed and held Xiao Zhan's hands, "I'm sorry you felt that way.. I shouldn't have brought it up."

Xiao Zhan just nodded and Xuan Lu retreated her hand from Xiao Zhan. The two no longer spoke to each other and silently waited for the youngest to arrive.

Xiao Zhan raised his head and stole a glance of Xuan Lu, when he saw her only looking at Wang Zhuocheng's room, he immediately raised his head and looked at the group of students leaving the place.

While observing the people in front of them, he saw a familiar figure laughing. It was Wang Yibo. He is with his friends, Cho Seungyoun and Li Wenhan.

He wanted to call him but he didn't bother to, it would be awkward to just call someone hanging out with his other friends, right? Anyway, he is with Xuan Lu. He thinks it's enough.

He slightly flinched when Xuan Lu raised from her seat, he looked at her grabbing her bag.

Xuan Lu, "A-Cheng is here."

Xiao Zhan didn't hesitate and grabbed his bag as well. Just as he looked at where Xuan Lu was looking, he saw Wang Zhuocheng with a smile on his face walking towards them.

He nodded and smiled back at the younger. He was about to take a step forward when he heard a familiar voice call his name.

He looked back and saw Wang Yibo with his hands wrapped around Li Wenhan's shoulder, using his other hand, Wang Yibo waved at him.

Xiao Zhan felt his heartbeat raising, his stomach seemed to suddenly be in state of uncomfortable position, he simply nodded and smiled. He watched how Wang Yibo and his friends left and disappeared from the crowd.

Xiao Zhan sighed and looked back at Wang Zhuocheng, the younger one was now in front of them.

"Who was it?" Wang Zhuocheng asked and looked behind Xiao Zhan.

Before Xiao Zhan could open his mouth, Xuan Lu responded, "Yibo. Come, I'm hungry."

As they start walking, Wang Zhuocheng starts to bombard Xiao Zhan with questions, "Was it true? Wang Yibo confessed to you? I heard about it from his friends. I can't believe Wang Yibo is okay with them spreading the news! I didn't even know he was gay!"

Xiao Zhan smiled awkwardly, "Mn. It's true, he told me he liked me."

Wang Zhuocheng gasped, "So, he is gay!"

Xuan Lu, "He might be, might be not. We're not sure. He might be bisexual or pansexual or asexual or--"

Wang Zhuocheng, "You're straight, how come you know too much stuffs about the gays?"

Xuan Lu smiled sweetly, "Ally."

Xiao Zhan chuckled, "I think Yibo is bi."

He saw Xuan Lu look at him from his side, "Well, it doesn't matter. But... how about you, Zhan?"

Xiao Zhan almost tripped, fortunately, the two didn't notice his legs almost collapse from the unexpected question. His heart started to pump faster than usual, "Uh.."

It looks like Xuan Lu noticed his hesitation, she looked at him and smiled apologetically, "Anyway, where do you guys want to eat?"

Fortunately, Wang Zhuocheng no longer brought the unanswered question up and simply replied, "I'm full. A friend gave me two buns earlier."

Xuan Lu slapped his shoulders, "You should've told us earlier. We could've just left you here. My stomach has been growling since six."

Wang Zhuocheng, "It was mid lecture! How am I supposed to tell you! And how dare you leave me?! You're not my cousin! Who are you?!"

A cute bickering of the two started but Xiao Zhan stayed silent, Xuan Lu's question kept on repeating, what is he really?

 

Xiao Zhan yawned while finding his keys. He is tired and most likely to just slump his body onto his bed's mattress and fall asleep in just a second. He finally found the keys when he heard a familiar optimistic voice.

"Xiao Zhan-ge!"

He tried not to roll his eyes but he did. He then faced none other than his beloved neighbor, Cheng Xiao.

The girl seemed to just come home from school, wearing her uniform with her small cream-colored bag behind her back.

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Good evening."

Cheng Xiao bowed, "Good evening. I just found out Yibo also studies in the university we are both in. I met and talked to him earlier. I didn't even know he was quite famous. How obtuse I was."

Xiao Zhan chuckled awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"Anyway, I have to go now. Good night."

Xiao Zhan just nodded and turned back to opening his apartment's door.

Just as what he expected, he hastily laid down on his bed right after changing clothes.

Still, even after slumping his back on the bed, a question continued to linger in his mind until he fell asleep ever since Wang Yibo confessed.

Is he gay or just a man with guilt in his heart?

Chapter 8

Xiao Zhan is a light sleeper, with the first beat of his alarm, he immediately jumps out of bed and gasps for air. He groaned as a headache from a bolt of shock sunk into him. He hurriedly turned the alarm off and stretched his limbs.

It's eight in the morning.

With a mild headache, he stood up, set aside the curtains of his room's window and opened the windowsill. He saw Cheng Xiao jumping around with her ponytail swaying side-to-side and only wearing a pair of shorts and a way larger grey t-shirt, probably exercising. He will never understand early birds despite most of his friends being an early bird.

He realized he was spacing out when he saw a pair of eyes looking back at him. He flinched.

The owner of the said eyes smiled and greeted him, "Good morning, Xiao Zhan-ge."

Xiao Zhan blinked a few times as he felt his eyes slowly dropping off due to oversleeping, "Mn. Morning."

Cheng Xiao stopped jumping and smiled, "Do you have a class today?"

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Yeah, I got one this afternoon."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "I have one later at 5:30 in the afternoon."

Xiao Zhan, "Aren't you supposed to rest?"

Cheng Xiao shook her head, her wet bangs sticking on her forehead, "Have to stay fit and healthy."

Xiao Zhan, "Okay, that's good."

Cheng Xiao smiled.

Xiao Zhan, "I have to go now. Need to meet someone."

Cheng Xiao, "Mn? Is it Yibo?"

Why do you care?

Xiao Zhan, "No."

Cheng Xiao, "Mn, okay! Have fun."

Xiao Zhan smiled and turned around, he sighed, Definitely not.

 

With a white polo shirt and jeans, he got out of his apartment and drove off. Not really driving off, he got no money to buy even a bicycle, he doesn't even know how to ride one, he walked away with earphones on and in low volume.

He went to a nearby library and started his study session alone. He lied to Cheng Xiao. Yes, he is not meeting Wang Yibo but he is not meeting anyone either. An exam will be held on his one major subject later, he should probably have his own time to study for it. It would be hard if he did not pass.

He was in the middle of skimming on his notes and some books he had picked from the shelves when his phone vibrated. He didn't take away his hand from the pages but his eyes went to his phone. It is Wang Yibo.

He grabbed the phone and answered with an almost whisper voice, "Hello?"

"Where are you?"

Xiao Zhan frowned, "Studying. Why?"

"Where?"

Xiao Zhan frowned even more, "Why?"

"I'm at your front door."

Xiao Zhan felt his blood rushing to his head, "What the fuck are you doing there?"

"What else? Visiting you!"

Xiao Zhan inhaled then exhaled, "Do I look like a confined patient? Why the fuck are you visiting me?! It's literally nine in the morning! We just met yesterday."

Xiao Zhan admits, it is good to have a friend who does not live with his parents. He can call Wang Yibo and say he needs help and Wang Yibo will be knocking on his door within five minutes but this is clearly one of the cons. An unexpected guest every now and then.

Wang Yibo, "Look, I have something to show you. I need your help and suggestions."

Xiao Zhan, "About what?"

He heard Wang Yibo let out a chuckle.

He paused. Since when did Wang Yibo sound so... hot?

He came back to reality when he heard Wang Yibo answer, "Well, yesterday-- yesternight, we worked on the choreography for the piece Freshmen and Juniors will perform for the upcoming event."

Xiao Zhan nodded regardless of Wang Yibo not seeing him, "You didn't have to go to my apartment. You should've sent me. Just send me the video, I'll check it later."

Wang Yibo, "It's better to hear your suggestions personally, we could discuss them further."

Xiao Zhan, "Fine. Uh.. you can wait for me there. I'll be there at ten. The keys are just under the mat."

He heard Wang Yibo breathe and a little shuffling.

Xiao Zhan's breath hitched, he unconsciously stopped breathing.

Wang Yibo chuckled again , "I should've checked under the mat before."

Yeah, you should have.

He heard a click, he thought Wang Yibo had entered his apartment.

Xiao Zhan, "Okay, just wait for me there. I'll just finish this topic."

"Okay. I'll wait."

I know, Wang Yibo.

 

Xiao Zhan didn't even wait for the clock to turn its short arms to 10. He hurriedly went back to his apartment. He saw Wang Yibo playing on his phone while laying on the sofa in the living room.

"Did I make you wait for long?"

Wang Yibo hurriedly sat and smiled, "Yeah, but it's fine. It's not a bother."

Xiao Zhan nodded and sat down beside Wang Yibo, "I'm sorry. Where is it?"

He looked at Wang Yibo, scrolling through his phone. He really couldn't help but notice how the man beside him looks the same but also so different from before.

Wang Yibo, "There are a total of two choreographies - the one for the freshmen and juniors and our performance. Which one do you want to see first?"

Xiao Zhan, "I think we could start with the others? Yours will be fine. Both you and Seungyoun are great anyway.  You can pull it however you want."

Wang Yibo laughed, "You're right. Especially me, I'm a great dancer."

Xiao Zhan smiled, "You are."

Wang Yibo pressed the play and every now and then, Xiao Zhan would comment on choreography and some suggestions. Regardless of Wang Yibo knowing better at dancing and choreographing, he always runs to Xiao Zhan whenever he needs bold suggestions and comments. Wang Yibo thinks Xiao Zhan is a great commenter and Xiao Zhan appreciates how Wang Yibo trusts him fully.

The 15-minute video finally came to an end. Xiao Zhan nodded and pressed his lips into a thin smile, "You've done well."

Wang Yibo nodded, "I know."

Xiao Zhan, "Can I see what you're going to perform?"

Wang Yibo shakes his head, making Xiao Zhan frown.

Xiao Zhan, "Didn't you want me to watch it?"

Wang Yibo smiled, "I changed my mind. Thank you though."

Wang Yibo stands up and puts his phone in his pant's pocket.

Xiao Zhan stood up as well, "Are you leaving now?"

Wang Yibo smiled, "I'll just discuss some things with Cheng Xiao. I should've called her earlier. She was one of the dancers who helped me and Seungyoun to choreograph the piece. She just left earlier."

Xiao Zhan, "Didn't you leave earlier than us?"

Wang Yibo, "We just went out to buy some water and other snacks. We went back right after. Cheng Xiao left 30 minutes later. Me and Seungyoun left the campus around 11:30 yesterday."

Xiao Zhan, "That late?!"

Wang Yibo looked at him. Xiao Zhan avoided the gaze, "Mn."

Xiao Zhan, "Do you have a class today?"

Wang Yibo shook his head, "No."

Xiao Zhan, "You can stay here. Take a rest. Have you eaten already?"

Wang Yibo, "No."

Xiao Zhan looked at him, "Haven't I already told you to always eat?"

Wang Yibo shrugged, "I just ate earlier."

Xiao Zhan, "Didn't you say you haven't eaten yet?!"

Wang Yibo, "Uh... I ate before I slept. Around one in the morning."

Xiao Zhan sighed, "Come."

Wang Yibo, "I'll be glad to."

Xiao Zhan didn't give any attention to Wang Yibo's reply and simply went his way to the kitchen. He opens the freezer and starts to prepare a meal for his friend.

Wang Yibo, "What are you going to prepare? Can I help?"

Xiao Zhan turned around and saw Wang Yibo inches away from him. His breathing hitched.

Before Xiao Zhan could do something, Wang Yibo immediately stepped back with his hands up, "Sorry."

Xiao Zhan felt his cheeks feeling hot. He looked at Wang Yibo who was looking at the floor. He noticed the younger's ears turning pinkish, "It's fine. Just... sit there. It'll be quick."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Okay, ge."

Xiao Zhan turned back to the counter. He could feel his heartbeat starting to race again.

I really should go see a doctor.

Chapter 9

Summary:

Cheng Xiao told Xiao Zhan something that made him uncomfortable.

Or

Xiao Zhan unconsciously drinking vinegar.

Notes:

I am supposed to do research but since my mental health is my first priority during this week, I won't be making them. Here's another update today tho <3

Wang Yibo ate lunch at Xiao Zhan's before bidding his farewell to the older. Xiao Zhan waved his hands as he watched Wang Yibo walk towards Cheng Xiao's place. He seems to be selfish but seeing a friend walking away just to meet another friend gives him an uncomfortable feeling within his heart.

He closed the door after he heard Wang Yibo ring the doorbell of the other house.

He looked at the finished plate Wang Yibo left. The younger man insisted on washing the utensils but he disagreed and said he could take care of it. He wanted to make Wang Yibo wash all the used plates and utensils but didn't, it would be too obvious he just wanted the man to delay his temporary departure from him.

Xiao Zhan decided to just lay on his bed and scroll through his phone while waiting for the time to prepare for class to arrive.

 

Another session of ringing alarm was heard inside Xiao Zhan's room when four in the afternoon arrived. He groaned and turned off the alarm. He stood up and went to the shower immediately, annoyed.

He opened the shower and he felt his blood rush to his head when a sudden cold water came in contact with his skin. Why is life against him today?!

First, his study session was interrupted. Then, he got Cheng Xiao to divide Wang Yibo's time for him-- What?

Anyway, today is awful for him. He is hundred percent sure. He won't be surprised if he fails the exam he will be taking today.

He adjusted the cold water into warm and continued showering. It really didn't matter to him if he would feel sick because of his unhealthy habits. He didn't even want to survive.

He got out of the shower after a while and wore his neatly ironed uniform. He combed his hair, didn't even bother to dry them, and left the apartment.

He went to the bus stop, waiting for a bus to go to the campus when he saw a figure of a woman already waiting for a bus. He noticed the familiar uniform and figure, he realized it was Cheng Xiao.

Great!

He went to the bus stop and waved at Cheng Xiao.

Cheng Xiao noticed his hands which made her to look at him, who is still at least six feet away. The younger woman smiled and waved back, "Are you waiting for the bus as well?"

Xiao Zhan nodded. He jogged towards the woman, "Hey. You're early."

Cheng Xiao, "Well, there has been a saying 'It's better to be late than never' but I think it's best to be early than late."

Xiao Zhan chuckled, "You're right. Oh, where is Yibo?"

He noticed Cheng Xiao avoiding his eyes and smiling shyly, "Uh... he left right after discussing things with me."

Xiao Zhan felt bitter. Why is Cheng Xiao acting like some high school girl talking about her crush to her father?

Xiao Zhan nodded, "Okay."

The two stood silent before Cheng Xiao blurted something Xiao Zhan could barely understand.

Xiao Zhan, "What?"

Cheng Xiao, "..."

Xiao Zhan blinked. Maybe he was hallucinating or something and thought Cheng Xiao was talking. He looked away from Cheng Xiao and kept his eyes on the road, waiting for the bus when he heard Cheng Xiao again, this time, clearer.

Cheng Xiao, "Is Wang Yibo single?"

Xiao Zhan felt the world stop but his heart started to pound on his chest. If he was in those historical novels, he is certain he would be spitting blood out after hearing what the girl asked him.

Xiao Zhan blinked, he felt as though he was running out of air and Cheng Xiao is the one who consumed the oxygen in the place.

Xiao Zhan, "What?"

Cheng Xiao smiled apologetically, "Please, don't tell Yibo? I think he is a good man. I really enjoy his company and... I think I have a crush on him. I'm not really into confession or anything but I wanted to try. It won't hurt to try, right?"

Xiao Zhan almost shouted, What do you mean it won't hurt?! It would definitely hurt.. who?

Xiao Zhan was in deep thought when Cheng Xiao tapped his shoulders, "The bus is here."

Xiao Zhan looked at her and nodded. Still couldn't process whatever he had heard from the girl, he entered the bus and eventually forgot to even answer the woman.

He does hope that him not answering the woman would make him hesitate to not confess anything to Wang Yibo. It wouldn't hurt him but it would definitely make him... him what? He doesn't know the right term either.

The almost entire bus ride was silent but awkward.

He heard Cheng Xiao mutter though, "Do you think he would gladly accept me?"

Why is she acting like she is going to come out to Wang Yibo and tell him she is gay?

Cheng Xiao, 'I'm sorry, do I pressure you? I just have no one to tell. My friends are in the province and I barely make contact with my friends here in the city. You're the only mutual friend I have with Yibo. It would be uncomfortable to tell my friends about Yibo since they don't know him and... well, my parents are strict, they might tell my parents about this."

If I were your friends, I would definitely tell them whatever you're telling me right now.

Cheng Xiao, "I should ask Seungyoun for help."

Xiao Zhan mentally face-palmed, Asking for Cho Seungyoun's help is even worse!

Xiao Zhan whispered, "Wang Yibo is single."

He saw Cheng Xiao from his side and looked at him, "Really?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "I don't know if he..." still likes me though.

Cheng Xiao, "He what?"

XIao Zhan, "If he likes someone."

Cheng Xiao smiled, "It doesn't matter. I just wanted to tell him what I've been feeling. I actually started to enjoy his company when the two of you were fighting and he usually stayed by your front door waiting for you."

The bus finally arrived at the campus and Xiao Zhan jumped out of his seat, he didn't bother to respond and walked faster than his usual pace, just wanting to escape from whatever Cheng Xiao was telling him.

He is uncomfortable. It is unbearable to hear Cheng Xiao tell him she likes Wang Yibo. It is painful for him, he could tear down his ears just to not hear Cheng Xiao talk about her feelings to Wang Yibo. He doesn't like Cheng Xiao but he doesn't want him to hate Cheng Xiao either. She may be annoying but that's just how her nature works.

Xiao Zhan thinks that whatever he is feeling is worse than a man getting jealous because his girl was being taken away from him. He hates it.

 

Xiao Zhan entered the room with a bitch face and didn't talk to anyone during a short lecture and the exam. He didn’t get to focus enough during the examination due to what Cheng Xiao told him. He shouldn’t have talked to her.

 

She’s a pain.

 

He won’t be surprised if he really got a bad score on the exam, he almost couldn’t care less anyway.

Chapter 10

Summary:

Xiao Zhan thinks he has a heart problem and thinks he should go see a doctor. He ended up consulting Xuan Lu for that.

Right after coming home from such an exhausting class session, Xiao Zhan immediately opened his laptop and searched for a cardiologist. He is certain he has some problem with his cardiovascular system.

He immediately saw a website of a nearby hospital and was about to book an appointment when his phone vibrated just right beside his laptop.

He opened the phone and saw it was Xuan Lu who texted.

In the notification bar, he read the message.

[Are you okay?]

Xiao Zhan was about to open his phone when it vibrated again. Xuan Lu texted him again.

[I noticed you barely talked to us earlier. Is there a problem?]

Xiao Zhan felt his heart palpitating once again. He didn't reply, instead he dialed Xuan Lu's number. Not long enough, Xuan Lu answered his call.

"Hello?"

Xiao Zhan breathed in trying to stabilize his breathing and calm his heart, "Hey."

"Are you okay? Is there a problem?"

Xiao Zhan smiled, "I... I'm not sure but I think I'm sick."

"What?! How so?!"

Xiao Zhan gulped, "My heart has been acting so weird. It's like I'm getting nervous from time to time. I think I have a heart problem?"

Xuan Lu, "Why? Is there any other symptoms? Does you head ache suddenly. You're running out of air or--"

Xiao Zhan, "My head ached earlier when I woke up. Then, whenever my heart races, I can't breathe. I feel like running out of breath."

Xuan Lu, "What do you think is the reason, Xiao Zhan? Have you been skipping meals or not exercising at all? Maybe it's in your genes."

Xiao Zhan immediately denied, "No. My mom and dad are fine. They also never mentioned any relatives who died due to a heart disease. I also regularly exercise if walking is considered an exercise. I also never skip meals since..."

Xuan Lu, "Since Wang Yibo will 'pester' you if you don't take care of yourself."

Xiao Zhan's heart pounded even faster, "I can't breathe."

He knows Xuan Lu is panicking mentally regardless her not doing something physically, "I'll call Wang Yibo."

Xiao Zhan, "How can you call him? You don't even talk to him."

Xuan Lu, "Right. But... since when did it start? At what time? Is there a certain time it occurs?"

Xiao Zhan tried to remember...

And remember...

And remember...

All he could think is it started maybe weeks ago? Whenever he is either with Wang Yibo or talking about Wang Yibo.

Xiao Zhan immediately ended the call. His breathing became harder to catch when he realized it.

There is no way he will say that to Xuan Lu!

Okay, he did tell Xuan Lu what he realized.

He is embarrassed to admit but he still did. He knows she's a good friend and adviser anyway. He just couldn't accept whatever Xuan Lu said.

"I think you like him, Xiao Zhan."

Xiao Zhan will never accept that fact. It's not even a fact, it is merely a friend's guess. Xuan Lu is trying to poison his brain, he will never let her do that!

"No! How? Liking someone was never like this for me before! I liked someone before but I never acted like this. It didn't ruin me physically. This is torture."

Xuan Lu giggled, "Childish crushes are different from love."

Xiao Zhan hissed, "You just said it's like. How did it turn to love?!"

Xuan Lu, "Has anybody confessed to you before?"

Xiao Zhan paused, "Not that I can remember anything, no."

Xuan Lu nodded, "What do you think you are?"

Xiao Zhan gulped, "What?"

Xuan Lu, "Sexuality, A-Zhan."

Xiao Zhan, "I don't know."

Xuan Lu hummed, "Figure that out then."

Xiao Zhan is confused and curious as well, "Is it hard to figure out?"

Xuan Lu, "It is hard if you won't accept it fully. I have met people online, some personally, who are not straight. They said it is harder to figure it out if you're in denial. I think you'll figure it out, just longer and harder than how other people experienced."

Xiao Zhan, "You sound like you're certain about my sexuality."

Xuan Lu chuckled, "Because you wouldn't be here talking to me about how questioning works if you are certain enough about your sexuality."

Xiao Zhan stayed silent.

Xuan Lu, "Is there anything else you would like to talk about?"

Xiao Zhan shook his head, how idiotic, "No."

Xuan Lu, "Okay, just tell me if you need help. I'll always be by your side."

Xiao Zhan nodded, "Mn. Thank you, Lu."

The call ended again, this time, mutually.

Hopeless, he closed his laptop, not even knowing where to start. He knows a simple website wouldn't be able to tell him his sexuality.

He started to ask himself questions.

Does he like girls? Yes?

Does he like boys? He doesn't know.

He stayed silent. The only man that made his heart pound is Wang Yibo.

Perhaps, he is only gay for Wang Yibo? Impossible.

A vibration from his phone halted him from thinking. Xuan Lu texted him.

[Are you even sure you like girls or you were just pushed by the older generation and peers to like them?]

Xiao Zhan sighed. He has a crush on Li Qin.

She is pretty and kind despite her sometimes being bossy.

Wang Yibo, on the other hand, is messy. He always annoys him that he sometimes wants to abandon him and leave him. He is so annoying that he wants to gatekeep him and protect him from any possible danger of the world. Wang Yibo made him feel like he is the most important person, that he is worth more than a house of gold. That man takes care of him as if Xiao Zhan is the younger one and not Wang Yibo. That young man taking care of Xiao Zhan instead of himself. wouldn't bother to eat for days but would scream and scold Xiao Zhan for skipping a meal.

Wang Yibo is the one who made him feel like he is worth taking care of.

Wang Yibo annoys him.

He hates how Wang Yibo waited for him during those days and he is afraid to face the younger. The comfort words Wang Yibo had told him despite him deserving those words more than Xiao Zhan. It annoys him how Wang Yibo is so selfish to everything but instantly forgot about his self-dignity whenever it is about Xiao Zhan.

It hates Xiao Zhan that he hurt Wang Yibo due to his ignorance.

Is he ignorant? If he were to even ask Wang Yibo, he knows Wang Yibo would say he is not even though he acted like a dumbass when all Wang Yibo did was to say he likes him.

He could hear Wang Yibo saying, "You have your own right to avoid me. It is my fault for acting carelessly and not second guessing things."

He hates how Wang Yibo tries his best for him to feel comfortable, too comfortable he doesn't even want Xiao Zhan to acknowledge how shitty he acted during those times all Wang Yibo needed was either a "I like you too" or "I'm sorry."

His feelings for Wang Yibo are still not clear to him but he knows one thing for sure.

He had been unfair to Wang Yibo for the past months.

 

Chapter 11

Summary:

Xiao Zhan decided to make things up for Wang Yibo but oh... how destiny play him and his unknown feelings.

It has been two days since Xiao Zhan realized how awful he was as a friend to Wang Yibo. Though, he is hesitant with his feelings, he still found himself waiting for Wang Yibo to finish his classes.

He simply sat with his bag lying on his lap, patiently waiting for the younger just like how the younger waited for him to open the door months ago. He also found out he barely fail the exam just yesterday, he doesn't care, he still passed it anyway.

He was busy scrolling through his phone when he felt a presence in front of him. He looked up and tensed up when saw a familiar but unfamiliar woman looking at him while smiling. He realized it was actually Cheng Xiao making him to put his guard down. She asked while putting her side hair behind her ears, "Hi. Are you waiting for Yibo too?"

Too?

He noticed how different Cheng Xiao looked from two days ago. He hasn't seen Cheng Xiao for the past few days due to different schedule. He couldn't tell what was new with Cheng Xiao though.

Xiao Zhan closed his phone and smiled, "Mn."

Cheng Xiao, "Can I sit beside you?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "How are you?"

Cheng Xiao let out a comfortable sigh after sitting, she answered, "Better than before."

Xiao Zhan nodded, "Seems like it. You're glowing."

Cheng Xiao smiled shyly, "You think so? I... Thank you."

Xiao Zhan, "Uh..."

Xiao Zhan paused and just looked at Cheng Xiao. He then noticed what the difference is. Cheng Xiao is wearing a red lipstick and thin eyeliner and some mascara. She also seem to have a haircut and new hairstyle which made her look younger and his features more seen, no wonder she looked almost unrecognizable today.  after he remembered the last time he had talked to Cheng Xiao. He forgot how the girl told him she likes Wang Yibo. Xiao Zhan started to feel suffocated once again.

Xiao Zhan, "About what happened before..."

Cheng Xiao looked at him, confused.

Xiao Zhan just looked at her, not having enough face to mention the past topic, waiting for her to remember and directly bring it up.

Cheng Xiao seem to have immediately get what Xiao Zhan is trying to say, "Oh... I did tell him on that exact day."

Xiao Zhan's grip on his phone tighten, his knuckles whitened.

Cheng Xiao continued, "He said he doesn't have any feelings for me."

His ears perked up. Yes--

But she continued once again, "But then just yesterday, he texted me and said he is willing to try things out."

Xiao Zhan froze. he could clearly hear his heart shatter into pieces. Did he really hear what Cheng Xiao said? Was his ears broken? he doesn't know but his heart does.

A lot of questions start to form inside his head. Didn't Wang Yibo like him? Was Wang Yibo serious about his confession to him? Was it just a prank? If whatever Wang Yibo told him was true, was he that easy to forget? Was he unworthy of being liked?

Cheng Xiao, "Today is our first date but not as a couple? I mean, he hasn't mention anything about relationships so..."

Xiao Zhan looked at Cheng Xiao and asked, "He agreed?"

Cheng Xiao looked at him, confused at Xiao Zhan's quite weird reaction, "That's what I said? I'm sorry, I may have blabbered too much."

If Cheng Xiao is confused, Xiao Zhan is more confused.

Perhaps, Wang Yibo was drunk when Cheng Xiao asked him out?

His inner thoughts came into halt when he heard the voice of the man he has been waiting for.

"Zhan-ge!"

He looked up and saw Wang Yibo jogging towards him, smiling. He immediately stood from his seat and waved. He did notice how Wang Yibo slowed down and his smiled faded when he saw Cheng Xiao with him.

"Cheng Xiao." He heard Wang Yibo say while walking.

Cheng Xiao smiled and hugged the younger man for a second, "Hey."

Wang Yibo didn't hug Cheng Xiao back but he did let her. His eyes on Xiao Zhan. He asked, his voice full of enthusiasm, "Zhan-ge, what are you doing here?"

Xiao Zhan answered Wang Yibo but not looking directly to Wang Yibo's eyes, "I was thinking of asking you out for dinner... since Lu is not free later."

Lie.

Xiao Zhan continued, "But Cheng Xiao told me both of you are going on a date."

Wang Yibo almost shout, "You can come with us!"

Xiao Zhan looked at him, Is he serious?

Xiao Zhan felt his blood starting to boil, "No. I'll just eat dinner alone. I can eat without anybody anyway. Have fun with you date though. I hope things work out for you too. Advance, congratulations."

Xiao Zhan couldn't help himself as tears start to form on his eyes. Before it starts to overflow, he immediately turned around and left the scene, leaving Wang Yibo and Cheng Xiao confused.

He is mad. Is that how low Wang Yibo thinks of him? Does he think he can't eat alone, without Wang Yibo?

WRONG! He can and will munch every single edible stuff in the world without Wang Yibo by his side. He is a grown independent man. He doesn't need anybody at all.

It does hurt though.

He couldn't remember the exact date but it was clearly not long when Wang Yibo told him he likes him. How did the man think Xiao Zhan will be fine if he accepted somebody else's feelings? Did he think Xiao Zhan wouldn't feel anything?

He left the campus with swollen eyes and runny nose, some students are looking at him but he doesn't care. The worst thing they could do is either laugh at him or tell Wang Yibo about it.

He went inside the bus that had just arrive and paid. He immediately sat at the back part of the bus and there, he cried silently.

He could feel his heart pounding but he knows his heart is shattering into pieces that would probably take him years to count. He blinked, trying to suppress his tears that continuously flowing. He wants to call his mom and tell her how confused and hurt he is feeling. He needs comfort and assurance. He just wanted to feel that somebody actually cares for him because after what happened earlier, he just felt lonely.

He finally decided to not attend classes tomorrow and the next day to visit his parents in Chongqing.

 

Chapter 12

Xiao Zhan spent the night in his apartment with a wet pillow to hug and when the clock strikes five in the morning, he gets up and starts to pack enough things for his unexpected trip to his parents' house.

It only took him several hours before he finally found himself in front of his parents' residence. He immediately steps forward to their front door. He knocked several times before he heard his father from inside shouted, "Wait."

The doorknob clicked and the door opened. He saw his father look at him and saw how his father's face turn into a great shock, "What are you doing here?"

He smiled weakly before he heard his mom shout from inside, "Who is it?"

Mrs. Xiao jogged right after and saw her son outside. She immediately ran towards Xiao Zhan, "Xiao Zhan?!"

Xiao Zhan smiled, he could feel his eyes starting to feel warm, a sign he is about to tear up. He immediately hugged the two elderly in front of him, "Ma, Pa. It's been a while."

He received a tap from his father and a comforting caress from his mother.

After an overwhelming mini-reunion, Mrs. Xiao suddenly broke the hug and slapped Xiao Zhan's shoulder, "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in class?!"

Xiao Zhan smiled, "I feel exhausted. I decided to stay here for two days. Don't worry, there is no need to worry. I have Xuan Lu covering me."

Mrs. Xiao looked at him, concerned, "What happened?"

Mr. Xiao quietly backed off, leaving the mother and son to talk.

Xiao Zhan looked at his father's figure disappearing to the kitchen, he started to talk, "I'm... I'm confused."

Mrs. Xiao leads him to sit down on the couch, without her removing her hands on Xiao Zhan's back, 'Why?"

Xiao Zhan, "It's... about Yibo?"

He noticed Mrs. Xiao backed away for a second, "Yibo? What happened to him? Did you two fight?"

Xiao Zhan shook his head, denying the question, "No. We... were fine until yesterday."

Mrs. Xiao furrowed her brows, "So, you two did fought."

Xiao Zhan, "It's not really a fight. I think I was too overwhelmed to even control myself."

Mrs. Xiao noticed her son's hands forming into fists. She immediately held his hands, "A-Zhan."

Xiao Zhan could feel his lips quiver and eyes starting to feel warm, he couldn't help but answer with an unstable voice, "I don't now, Ma."

Mrs. Xiao, "You don't have to know. There is no need to hurry. Take a rest and then we can talk about it later."

Xiao Zhan sniffled and nodded like a child to his mother, he is her son after all.

Letting her see his vulnerable side wouldn't hurt.

Mrs. Xiao, "Have you eaten already?"

Xiao Zhan smiled.

With a broken heart, turbulent mind yet full stomach, Xiao Zhan went inside his room. He laid down and closed his eyes. All he could think of is how Wang Yibo indirectly hurt him. He knows he has no right to be hurt about whatever Wang Yibo does with his life but he couldn't help but feel betrayed.

He could feel himself falling into unconsciousness with a heavy heart.

Wang Yibo went to Xiao Zhan's apartment but found no one responding back. He couldn't help but to feel worried, he couldn't see himself in the same position he was in months ago.

What wrong did he do this time?

His attention were drawn when a familiar voice from his back was heard, "Yibo?"

He looked at his back and saw Cheng Xiao with her hair braided and wearing a plain white shirt and shorts, "Hey. have you seen Xiao Zhan?"

Cheng Xiao shrugged her shoulders, "No. I think he's still sleeping? Why don't you come inside my place while waiting for Xiao Zhan?"

Wang Yibo shook his head, declining Cheng Xiao's offer, "I need to talk to him."

He opened his phone and tried to dial Xiao Zhan's number, in hopes to talk to the older man.

Cheng Xiao crossed her arms, "What's with the two of you? You always fight."

Wang Yibo didn't respond and only kept the phone near his ear, waiting for the other side to pick up.

Cheng Xiao, "Do you want to go out? I have nothing to do today."

Xiao Zhan woke up with 5 missed calls from Wang Yibo but he couldn't care less. He knows Wang Yibo is confused as to why he acted impulsively yesterday but he can't speak to him right now. he just wanted to clear his mind and forget about him for now.

He got up and saw Mrs. Xiao embroidering a piece of clothing on the couch. He approached her and sat beside her.

Mrs. Xiao looked up to him, "You're awake."

Xiao Zhan smiled, "I am."

Mrs. Xiao nodded, "Feeling better?"

Xiao Zhan, "I think so."

Mrs. Xiao nodded again and didn't respond.

Xiao Zhan, "About earlier..."

"Mn?"

I'm confused about what to feel about Wang Yibo dating a girl.

"How... do you know if you like someone?" Xiao Zhan finally asked, "Like... not just a simple infatuation. You know..."

Mrs. Xiao answered, her eyes on her embroidery, "Love, perhaps?"

Xiao Zhan stayed silent.

Mrs. Xiao, "I was confused too. I had several crushes during my childhood and puberty. I had a lot of suitors and adored that I was confused when I finally met your father. It was different from what I thought it was. I realized... it's not all about rainbows and butterflies and sweet candies but also sorrow and worries and confusion. Do you like someone, Xiao Zhan?"

Xiao Zhan didn't answer.

Mrs. Xiao, "Love is different to everyone. Some could say it is non-existent, some think it is everything, some think it is painful and not worth the risk. It is up to you if whatever you are feeling to someone is either platonic, romantic or just simple adoration."

Xiao Zhan opened his mouth, it took him several seconds before he had the urge to ask his mother, "Is it possible, as a man, to like... a man?"

His heart starts to pound when his mother's hands paused.

He closed his eyes firmly and his body tensing up, about to cry, he heard Mrs. Xiao, "Is he worth the risk?"

Xiao Zhan slowly opened his teary eyes and saw Mrs. Xiao already looking at him. She dropped her embroidery and touched Xiao Zhan's cheeks. Xiao Zhan, after several hours of keeping his tears from flowing, finally let them go.

Mrs. Xiao, "If he is worth the risk, try it. There is no need to feel worried. The worst thing he could say is 'no' but I doubt he will, hm?"

Xiao Zhan frowned, "You're not mad?"

Mrs. Xiao, "Is there anything to be mad about? This may be a new thing to me but I know you can't teach your heart who to love. It would only hurt you even more if I didn't accept you, right? After all, you're still the ZhanZhan whom I loved the most."

Xiao Zhan smiled and hugged his mother, he could feel his heart hurting. He couldn't tell what he's feeling. He is too overwhelmed to even understand a thing. At this moment, everything doesn't matter.

He is just a child who wanted a hug and assurance from his mother.

 

Chapter 13

Summary:

Life starts to be kind to Xiao Zhan or so... he thought.

Mrs. Xiao suddenly changed the topic back to Xiao Zhan's study, "How are you in the university? Have you gained new friends?"

Xiao Zhan chuckled and wiped his tears using the back of his palm. He nodded and hummed, "Xuan Lu has a cousin, I forgot to mention the last time I visited. His name is Zhuocheng. he is a freshman... or junior. I don't really remember."

Mrs. Xiao nodded, "That's good to hear, My A-Zhan get to meet new people. I should make some food tomorrow for you to bring to them the next time you meet, hm?"

Xiao Zhan sniffs, "I think that's a great idea. They will definitely love it."

Xiao Zhan is not sure if mentioning Cheng Xiao would be appropriate so he decided to not bring up another topic about meeting her. He got up, "I'll just drink some water. Do you want some?"

Mrs. Xiao shakes her head and politely declined Xiao Zhan's offer, "I'm good."

Xiao Zhan smiled and silently walked towards the kitchen. Xiao Zhan felt thirsty after a good amount of liquid went out of his eyes that he could feel his mouth drying. He picked up a cup and fetched enough water to fill it up. He gulped them all and let out an audible sigh. Hydrated, Xiao Zhan went outside. He saw Mr. Xiao sitting by the backyard on a big stone just on the corner. The older man looks like he just watered the plants in the backyard  and is taking a little break.

He approached his father, grass being stepped on could be heard. He didn't look at his father's eyes but he did try to catch his attention, "Can I talk to you?"

Mr. Xiao didn't answer Xiao Zhan but spoke, "I heard what you and your mother talked about."

Xiao Zhan lowered his head as he could feel his eyes starting to tear up the nth time today, "Baba..."

Mr. Xiao continued, "You can cry all you want. Regardless of whether I agree or not with you, I do agree with your mother. I had hopes for you even when you were just a child. I remember how I hoped you would find a woman who you will get married to and hopefully have a family with but who knows life wouldn't want me to see that. I am your father and you're my son. I may get mad at you but I will never hate you. You can marry anyone you like. You're a grown man. I just want you to do well in your studies and be successful in life."

Xiao Zhan gulped, not responding.

Mr. Xiao seemed to notice how Xiao Zhan would not respond at any moment, so he decided to stand up and held Xiao Zhan's shoulder. Xiao Zhan almost lose his balance at how hard and heavy his father's hands on his shoulder but it is not comparable on how his heart suddenly lighten after hearing his father's words, "Regardless of what you are and what you want to do, as long as nobody will get hurt, I trust your decisions. Do you hear me?"

Xiao Zhan knew he couldn't trust his voice, so all he could do was sniff and nod at his father.

Mr. Xiao, "I just want you safe and sound like how I protected you when you were a child."

Xiao Zhan nodded again.

Mr. Xiao removed his hands, his voice deepened, "Is it Yibo?"

Xiao Zhan suddenly felt nervous.

Mr. Xiao didn’t wait for Xiao Zhan to answer, he then continued, "I don't know if he had told you but the last time he went here, he asked for our permission if he could court you if ever you accepted his confession. I was mad, mad. I forbid him, I told him that I know him even just confessing his feelings to you would possibly wreck your friendship. In this situation, I think that lad still did it. It's not surprising, that young man is too confident and courageous."

Xiao Zhan gulped, "So, that's indeed what happened?"

Mr. Xiao, "Indeed. I know it would take you a long time to accept it. I see a glimpse of how your friendship evolved. I was happy to see you finally having a best friend and I didn't want to ruin that. I have noticed even before how clingy he becomes whenever he is with you, the way he looks at you, I thought it is just how he acts with his friends but I was wrong when he told me he likes you. Have I told you I was mad? Well, the truth is I was indeed mad but fear was the first thing I felt when he told me that. I know he is a good man and you are as well but as a father, I just couldn't help but worry."

Xiao Zhan, "I understand."

Mr. Xiao, "I know you do. But then, again, it is your life to make a decision."

Xiao Zhan understands.

 

Cheng Xiao and Wang Yibo are at the nearby restaurant just at least a mile away from Xiao Zhan's apartment. Cheng Xiao is busy munching on hotpot while Wang Yibo is busy looking at his phone, waiting for Xiao Zhan to call him back.

Cheng Xiao noticed Wang Yibo's turning on and off of his phone. She decided to ask him, "He's still not answering?"

Wang Yibo turned off the phone and looked at her. He sighed, leaned on the chair and shook his head, "No."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "I'll try reaching him out later then. Maybe he'll pick up."

Wang Yibo nodded and smiled, "Thanks."

Cheng Xiao smiled back, "No need."

Wang Yibo turned his attention to the food in front of him and then he just realized he hadn't eaten the whole day and could feel his stomach growling. He finally decided to join Cheng Xiao and ate.

In the middle of short chitchats of the two, a sudden rain had poured from the sky.

Cheng Xiao frowned, "We have no umbrella. How are we going to go back?!"

Wang Yibo shrugged, his mouth still full of food inside, he murmured, "Let's worry later. I'm still hungry."

Cheng Xiao looked at Wang Yibo plainly. They looked at each other for a minute while Wang Yibo continuously munched the food. Wang Yibo finally smiled after a whole day of frown not leaving his face. Cheng Xiao laughed loudly when some soup trailed down from Wang Yibo's mouth to his chin.

Cheng Xiao scolded him, "That's what happens when you don't eat on time. Eating so messy, you act like a child. I'll go get some tissues."

Wang Yibo wiped the soup on his chin with his hand and waited for Cheng Xiao to come back.

She came back to him and wiped Wang Yibo's hands and after that, she gave the rest to Wang Yibo for him to wipe off the rest of the soup on his chin.

Wang Yibo looked at Cheng Xiao and smiled apologetically while Cheng Xiao just rolled her eyes playfully.

Wang Yibo has unconsciously forgotten about Xiao Zhan after months of thinking about him.

Chapter 14

Summary:

At this point, Xiao Zhan could start a resort with his tears as water.

The two finished eating but the rain hasn't stopped yet and all Wang Yibo could think of is either stay for the next hours or run under the rain. He is tired and just wants to lay in bed but he is worried about Cheng Xiao getting sick. With no other choice, he took off his sweater and gave it to Cheng Xiao.

The girl looked at him confused but she accepted, "What?"

Wang Yibo looked at her, "Wear it."

Cheng Xiao raised her brows, "You really think this would help me not get soak in rain?"

Wang Yibo argued, "Better than getting completely soaked."

Cheng Xiao, "Fine. Fine. Wait, I'll just wear it."

As Cheng Xiao was about to wear it, she could clearly smell the perfume and manly scent of the young man which made her blush. It was the first time she got to smell Wang Yibo up close and he didn't disappoint her. Fortunately, Wang Yibo wouldn't notice her pinkish face since it is clearly starting to get dark and it is raining hard.

She was done dressing up when Wang Yibo looked at her with a judging face.

"Dumb. Let the cloth cover your head." Wang Yibo scolded her and guided her to cover her head. Oh, how Cheng Xiao knows she look like a turtle at this point.

"Are you really sure this is a good idea?"

Wang Yibo hummed, "Of course, we're just going to find a cab on the highway."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "Okay."

Wang Yibo, "I'll count one to three, then we're going to run, okay?"

Cheng Xiao gulped, "Mn."

Wang Yibo, "One."

"Two."

"Three."

The two rushed off.

Once in the highway, they went in front of a convenience store to keep themselves from getting completely wet. There, they stayed for a while, them catching their breath.

"Fuck. My hair is wet." Wang Yibo complained.

Cheng Xiao, "Your fault."

Wang Yibo rolled his eyes, "I know."

It was not long when Wang Yibo saw a taxi approaching, he immediately waved his hands to catch its attention.

"There's a taxi." He informed Cheng Xiao.

The taxi stopped in front of them and the two jogged towards the mounted safely.

The two told the driver where to go and Wang Yibo paid right after. Wang Yibo is grossed out, he is completely wet and sticky, he couldn't help but frown and cuss under his breath. It took them almost half an hour before reaching the Cheng Xiao place.

Cheng Xiao immediately unlocked the door. She sighed, Finally, they're home.

She immediately grabbed a towel for both her and Wang Yibo, "Here."

Wang Yibo smiled and thanked her. Both dried themselves up. Just as they were drying themselves up, Cheng Xiao noticed how Wang Yibo's shirt stick on his abdomen, she couldn't help but look at the toned abs peeking through the man's thin white shirt.

Cheng Xiao was busy admiring the art in front of her when he heard Wang Yibo ask her, "Do you have extra shirts? I feel uncomfortable with wet clothes."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "I... I think so. I like wearing loose clothes, I think they will fit you. Wait for me here."

Wang Yibo nodded and smiled, "Thank you."

Cheng Xiao hurriedly went to her room and opened her wardrobe, she couldn't help but smile while picking a shirt and pajamas for Wang Yibo, she also picked a pair for her as well. It was the man's first time in her apartment and she is honored. She closed the wardrobe and hurriedly went back to the living room and gave the dry clothes to Wang Yibo, "Here."

Wang Yibo gladly accepted it, "Thanks. Uh.. may I know where the restroom is?"

Cheng Xiao raised her brows and nodded, "Uh, yeah. Just walk straight there and you will see a white door, that'd be the restroom."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Okay."

Cheng Xiao suddenly jogged towards Wang Yibo, "On second thought, I'll go with you. I also need to change, as you can see."

Wang Yibo, "Okay."

The two reached the restroom. Wang Yibo looked at Cheng Xiao and Cheng Xiao looked at Wang Yibo.

"You can go first." Cheng Xiao said.

"Are you sure?" Wang Yibo asked.

Cheng Xiao nodded, "You're way wetter than me. You'll get sick if I change first."

Wang Yibo nodded, "You're right."

Wang Yibo entered the restroom and closed the door.

Cheng Xiao could hear some shuffling inside the restroom when he heard Wang Yibo say something, "Can I borrow an umbrella later?"

Cheng Xiao looked at the closed door, "You're leaving?"

Wang Yibo, "Yeah. I think I'll spend the night in Xiao Zhan's apartment."

Cheng Xiao, "Oh... do you think he's home already?"

Wang Yibo, "I think so? If not, I can try some other ways."

Cheng Xiao frowned, "Huh? Don't tell me you're going to break in?"

She heard Wang Yibo chuckle, "I always do that ever since I knew Zhan-ge. But, I'll try to open the door in some ways that only I know how."

Dismayed of the thought of Wang Yibo not spending the night at hers, she still smiled, "Okay."

Right after Wang Yibo finished changing clothes, which surprisingly fit him, he immediately went off to Xiao Zhan's apartment, leaving Cheng Xiao alone at hers.

He immediately noticed how dark Xiao Zhan's apartment is and thought Xiao Zhan won't be coming home. He opened the flashlight of his phone and put the mat aside in hopes to see a key underneath it. Unfortunately, he didn't see anything. He tried to linger his sight around in hopes to see a key but for some reasons, he failed.

Leaving to go to his apartment would be a pain in the ass. The only thing he could think of is to go back to Cheng Xiao's place and spend the night there.

Annoyed, he walked back to her house.

 

Xiao Zhan decided to be productive tonight. He decided to only spend a night in Chongqing and go back to his apartment. Since he will be spending only one night at his parents' house, he decided to cook for dinner.

He decided to cook a noodle with fried rice. He knows it's just a simple dish but he thought, at least, he did something relevant today. After all, it was just a simple dinner with his family.

He closed the stove off as he finished. He then started to place the utensils along with the food on the table. As he finished and checked whether the utensils needed were complete, he called the two elders for dinner.

It only took them a while before he saw them approaching.

"Here, come eat."

Mrs. Xiao smiled and tapped his head softly, "What a good son I have. Thank you."

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Mn, stop joking around Mama. Just go eat."

Mrs. Xiao hummed, "I know, I know. Come sit, eat too."

Xiao Zhan scratched his nape and chuckled, "Well, I ate some while cooking. I'm full. I'll just eat later, I promise. You and Baba can start."

Mrs. Xiao, "are you sure you're full?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "I am. I will just talk to Xuan Lu about the class today. You don't have to wait for me."

Mrs. Xiao nodded, "Mn... okay."

Xiao Zhan took a glance at the two before leaving. He went inside his room and opened the phone he had turned into silent mode since noon. He felt his mouth drying when he saw 25 missed calls from Wang Yibo, the last one was made an hour ago. He still chose to not call him back and opened Xuan Lu's conversation instead.

Xuan Lu had sent him a message 30 minutes ago.

[Ms. Feng's lecture was moved. She said there has been an emergency. What luck you got, Xiao Zhan.]

Xiao Zhan smiled and chuckled airily at the woman's chat, he typed.

[Really? Ooh, seems like heaven chose to not hurt me this time.]

Right after sending it, Xuan Lu immediately saw his chat. Then, he saw Xuan Lu typing.

Suddenly, a blurry picture was sent to him from Xuan Lu. It is a man and a shorter woman entering a taxi.

Xiao Zhan sent, [What's that?]

A chat was sent again by Xuan Lu, [I was in the convenience store when I saw a man and a woman run towards the front of the store I was in for a shelter. I kind of noticed the man looks like Wang Yibo but I'm not sure since he didn't turn around.]

Xiao Zhan's mood immediately dropped. If Xuan Lu's guess is right, the only woman he could think of who will give company to Wang Yibo is his beloved neighbor.

He typed, [Okay.]

He closed the phone and dropped it beside him on the bed. He just lost his appetite.

Xiao Zhan woke up from a knock on his door. It took him a while to realize he was in his parents' house before standing up and opening the door. He saw Mrs. Xiao, "Ma."

Mrs. Xiao, "Aren't you supposed to leave? It's four in the morning. Go drink some milk and eat. you haven't eaten since last nigh-- Why are your eyes swollen?"

Xiao Zhan turned around and facepalmed, "I... I was watching a sad movie yesternight. I forgot to eat because of it. I'll go out later."

He knows Mrs. Xiao didn't buy it but she did hum, "Okay. Just go eat some breakfast. I have cooked some food for your friends. I'll get them prepared."

Xiao Zhan nodded and waited for Mrs. Xiao to leave before going out to eat some breakfast despite not having an appetite to even taste anything. After eating several spoons of rice and egg, he took a brief shower and starts to pack his things up. He also put the food his mom has prepared on his bag and with a farewell bid to his parents, he took off.

It took him three hours when he reached home, he noticed the mat on his front door was on the side instead of right in front of the door. His heart started to pace, someone went into his apartment? It couldn't be his landlord, he just paid the bill!

He cautiously unlocked the door and when he opened it, the house was completely the same as to when he left it. No broken windows or glasses, no disorganized furniture at all.

He went inside and dropped his back on the sofa and looked at his surroundings. He unconsciously looked outside and was taken aback, it was Wang Yibo leaving Cheng Xiao's place.

He was busy thinking of random questions of how and why Wang Yibo spent the night at his neighbor's place when he remembered what Xuan Lu told him. Perhaps, his friend was right?

He held the doorknob to close it but he didn't even shut the door when Wang Yibo saw him and started to run towards him.

"Xiao Zhan!"

Xiao Zhan's heart is pounding. Why is he calling him like that?

Wang Yibo suddenly came to a halt in front of Xiao Zhan's door, "Are you going to close it again?"

Xiao Zhan avoided the man's eyes and simply stated, "I'm tired, Wang Yibo."

Wang Yibo leaned on the doorframe and crossed his arms, his brows furrowed and his eyes full of worry, "What happened? Where have you been? I've been trying to reach out to you since yesterday."

Xiao Zhan, "None of your business."

Wang Yibo's worried face dropped but Xiao Zhan didn't see it. Wang Yibo licked his lower lip, stepped back from the door and nodded, "Right! Thanks for reminding me, I completely forgot about that."

Xiao Zhan looked at him. He wanted to take a step forward and hold Wang Yibo's wrist to prevent him from stepping back and ask Wang Yibo a lot of things but he chose to stay silent.

Wang Yibo stepped back twice, "Well, I think I have to go now. Bye."

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but to close the door, not because he doesn't want to see Wang Yibo but because he can't help himself but feel an amount of tears about to come out of his eyes. Wang Yibo thought otherwise.

Chapter 15

Wang Yibo couldn't help but feel enraged about Xiao Zhan. What did he do wrong for Xiao Zhan to start acting distant to him?

He is tired as well. His patience started to run out. He wanted to be mad at Xiao Zhan but he couldn't, he felt like it is his fault why Xiao Zhan is avoiding him. He went back to his apartment to change clothes and probably rest for his class later in the afternoon.

He didn't bother to find a key since he knows Cho Seungyoun is inside. He twisted the doorknob and saw Cho Seungyoun playing with his phone at full volume while lying down on the sofa.

Cho Seungyoun immediately sat when he glanced at Wang Yibo, "You're finally here! Did you really stay at Cheng Xiao's place?"

Wang Yibo breathed in and nodded. He took off the shirt Cheng Xiao made him borrow, went towards the laundry room and put it on the laundry basket. Wang Yibo, topless, sat beside Cho Seungyoun then laid down, his lower body on Cho Seungyoun's lap, he covered his eyes using his arm.

Cho Seungyoun, "Oh? You're that tired?"

Wang Yibo ignored Cho Seungyoun, not moving an inch.

Cho Seungyoun slapped Wang Yibo's thighs and pushed it down, "Move. I'll go get some clothes. You can't be sleeping like that!"

Wang Yibo stayed silent. He could hear Cho Seungyoun's footsteps fading and a door being opened.

He heard Cho Seungyoun's voice echoing, "What did you do  at her house? I thought you won't give her a chance? Ah, did the two of you drink? I don't think so, though.  You don't smell like alcohol."

A silence engulfed Wang Yibo's ears, only numerous noises from the outside were heard until he felt a cloth being thrown to his body.

Cho Seungyoun, "Change. Go inside and rest. You can't be tired for later, we have classes."

Wang Yibo removed his arms from covering his eyes and looked at the clothes covering his chest and Cho Seungyoun, he sat but didn't stand up at all, not even bothering to put some clothes on.

Cho Seungyoun noticed how Wang Yibo is spacing out, "What happened?"

Wang Yibo breathed in, he could feel his chest tighten up regardless of him not wearing anything at all, he answered, "I'm tired."

Cho Seungyoun seemed to notice how serious Wang Yibo was. He sat beside him and held Wang Yibo in the back, "Are you okay?"

Wang Yibo didn't answer the man's question, "I'm starting to reconsider my thoughts but Cheng Xiao is a good person. I don't want to use her as a rebound. Have I told you what happened earlier?"

Cho Seungyoun squinted his eyes, he scooted closer, "What happened?"

Wang Yibo, "I don't know if it's my fault but I think it is. I told you I'll go to Xiao Zhan's yesterday, right?"

Cho Seungyoun nodded, "What happened?"

Wang Yibo, "He wasn't there. I waited but he didn't come. Cheng Xiao saw me and asked me to go out first and eat while waiting for him. I thought, what could go wrong, right? It was just a simple dinner, I never really considered us going out on a date this time. But then the rain came, dumb me for not looking at the weather forecast. We went back to her house and tried to come to Xiao Zhan's place but he's nowhere to be found. The rain is pouring hard as fuck. I have no choice but to stay at Cheng Xiao's. I woke up, ate some breakfast since Cheng Xiao insisted, you know how I feel about free food, right? Anyway, I went outside and saw Xiao Zhan just coming home with bags in his hands. of course, my first instinct was... where did he go? I asked him but I think that triggered him and well... in conclusion, it didn't go as planned."

Cho Seungyoun, "..."

Wang Yibo looked at him and raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of worry, 'what do you think happened? I think I fucked something up."

Cho Seungyoun leaned backwards, "He's acting like a jealous woman seeing her boyfriend with another woman. He should go see a therapist, I could say he got some weird ass anger issues."

Wang Yibo looked at Cho Seungyoun and scoffed, "No, I don't think so. I might have said something wrong."

Cho Seungyoun, "I don't think so. You just asked, I don't see a reason why he would get upset over someone worrying for his whole existence. Shit, maybe he's homophobic?"

Wang Yibo rolled his eyes, "That's why I don't like talking about my problems with you. You never take anything seriously."

Choo Seungyoun's jaw dropped and immediately slapped Wang Yibo's back of the head, "When didn't I take you seriously? I'm just looking at the bigger picture. You gay shit."

It was then Wang Yibo’s turn to slap Cho Seungyoun at the back of the head, "You're the homophobic one, idiot!"

Cho Seungyoun groaned in pain and massaged his head, "That one hurts! Respect your older brother, Wang Yibo. Anyway, are you really sure you'll give Cheng Xiao a chance?"

Wang YIbo shook his head, "I'm confused. I still like Xiao Zhan but he's making me feel like he's choking me. I do love breath play but I didn't mean it like this."

Cho Seungyoun groaned, "AH! I don't want to hear your fantasies, Wang Yibo! Shut up!"

Wang Yibo laughed and slapped Cho Seungyoun's cheeks, "Dumbass!"

 

Xiao Zhan looked at himself in the mirror, he felt really ugly. How could Wang Yibo pick him, an old man, over a pretty young woman like Cheng Xiao, right?

He combed his hair and sprayed some amount of cologne on his wrist and neck before looking at his reflection one more time.

Regardless of how you try to look good, you will never be liked by Wang Yibo again. You have hurt him, pay for it. He likes someone else because you rejected him. Why would you make a fuss about something that it's you who personally created it?

Xiao Zhan stood up straight trying to shrug his inner thoughts and looked at his posture. You're just tall, that's it. Other than that, you're just an awful student craving for people's attention.

He walked out of his apartment and started to walk towards the bus stop. He sat on the bench while putting out his earphones while waiting for a bus to stop by.

He pulled out his phone from his pocket, plugged the earphone in and picked out a song to play. After picking, he looked at his surroundings and for the first time, he noticed how beautiful nature is.

Leaves on the trees silently swaying along the whistling wind, as if they are waving and greeting him, a graceful yellowish light from the sun piercing through the leaves' gaps and peeking through the ground with leaves being dragged by the wind. He sighed and closed his eyes trying to find peace within his soul and mind, listening to music, he smiled.

 

Xiao Zhan got off the bus and started to walk to his class when he saw Xuan Lu waving at him, her smile lighting up the whole place. How can this  woman his age have too much of an optimistic mood within her? He can barely survive his life.

Xiao Zhan smiled and waved back. He jogged towards her, "Where are the others?"

Xuan Lu shrugged, "I really don't know. I'm still waiting for the announcement. I think the class will be moved again. I really want to punch that professor's face if so."

Xiao Zhan, "She shouldn't have moved if she's not sure about her schedule. She's shitting our own schedules up."

Xuan Lu nodded, "I know, right? I'm starting to dislike her."

Xiao Zhan told Xuan Lu to sit while waiting for any announcement, they went to the nearest bench and sat while Xuan Lu looked at her phone, expecting any email from their professor.

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but remember the message he had received from the woman. He brought up, "About last evening. Are you sure it was Yibo?"

Xuan Lu looked up and furrowed her brows, "Huh?"

Xiao Zhan looked back at her with the same expression, "Yesternight."

Xuan Lu seemed to try to remember when she screamed, "Ah! Yeah yeah. What about it?"

Xiao Zhan looked her dead in the eye, "I asked if you're sure it's him."

Xuan Lu, "Why are you asking me? I already told you, I'm not sure about that. I just thought the man kinda looked like him. I didn't say it's actually him."

Xiao Zhan wanted to keep the conversation about Wang Yibo longer but before he could add another question, Xuan Lu suddenly shouted with a dismayed voice.

Xuan Lu, "Mother- this professor is really stressing me out I almost say a curse word! She moved the schedule, again!"

Xiao Zhan stood up and stretched his arms, "Well, time to go home!"

Xuan Lu stood up as well, "I don't want to go home yet! It's only three in the afternoon! Let's go out!"

Xiao Zhan, "Where to?"

Xuan Lu, "Just wherever our feet lead us. I just really don't want to  go home at this moment."

Xiao Zhan finally agreed, "Okay, let's go. I heard there's a newly opened mini-arcade in a mall nearby. We should check it out."

Xuan Lu hopped and held Xiao Zhan's arms, "Really? I'm excited. What games do they have?"

Xiao Zhan, "Just typical games. Like guns and basketballs. I don't really know since I haven't visited it yet."

Xiao Zhan and Xuan Lu simply chitchat about the arcade while walking when Xiao Zhan's vision caught something. It was Wang Yibo, Cho Seungyoun, and Cheng Xiao.

The three were smiling and talking to each other, Xiao Zhan saw Cheng Xiao lend Wang Yibo a familiar sweater which Wang Yibo gladly accepted. Xiao Zhan may have been thinking wrong, Is it his sweater he gave to Wang Yibo on his 18th birthday?

Xiao Zhan and Xuan Lu will have to pass by where the three are in able to leave the campus which means there's a big chance of Wang Yibo seeing him. It made his heart flutter thinking of Wang Yibo calling him and talking to him. He removed the thought in his mind and just continued to walk while still having a small talk with the woman beside him.

Before they passed by the three, he saw Cheng Xiao leaving Wang Yibo with the sweater. His breath hitched. Gladly, Xuan Lu's attention seems to focus more on the new arcade; he mentioned that she didn't notice Wang Yibo.

He was only 2 meters away from the young men and he could hear them talking.

Cho Seungyoun, "I didn't know Wang Yibo is starting to be a young gentleman! Oho, I should try that next time once I get a girlfriend."

Wang Yibo, "I was just worried she might get sick. After all, that's what my parents told me. You know, I can do it to you as well but I chose not to."

Cho Seungyoun, "Ouch, you no love Seungyounie anymore?"

He could from his peripheral vision how Cho Seungyoun jokingly tried to hug and kiss Wang Yibo and how Wang Yibo tries his best to dodge Cho Seungyoun's assault, "Fucker, shut it!"

They successfully passed where the two are joking around. He looked at Xuan Lu who he realized is no longer talking, the woman is looking at him.

She asked with a low and soft voice, "I noticed the girl giving Wang Yibo a sweater, the sweater was kind  of similar to what the woman last night was wearing, I'm not sure since the sweater from last night was wet. I can't really tell if it was the same sweater. Are you okay?"

Xiao Zhan felt his chest getting heavy once again but he nodded, "Mn."

Xuan Lu suddenly asked, "How was your stay with your parents by the way?"

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Great."

Xuan Lu nodded, "That's good. Hopefully, your conflict with him will soon end. It's hard to see you in this state, Xiao Zhan."

Xiao Zhan smiled weakly, "I hope so."

Chapter 16

The anticipated arcade bonding of the two took place but was interrupted when Xuan Lu noticed how lethargic Xiao Zhan. She decided to ask Xiao Zhan to eat which Xiao Zhan gladly complied. It only took them an hour and a half before they decided to separate.

They are outside the mall when it suddenly starts to rain. Fortunately, it was a light rain and Xuan Lu had an umbrella. She opened it and asked, "You have an umbrella?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "Mn."

Nope.

Xuan Lu nodded, "Okay. I'll go now. Bye."

Xiao Zhan nodded and waved, "Bye."

He waited for Xuan Lu to successfully find a cab before he started to run under the rain. He is happy when he is about to arrive at a shelter nearby when he almost slipped on a pile of stranded rain water when he was held by someone in his arms.

"Shit. Slow down! Are you okay?"

His heart quickened when he realized he was almost about to meet the water with his head. He was manhandled by the stranger to step into the shelter to prevent both of them from getting even more wet. He held the stranger's arms and bowed a few times, "Thank you!"

Xiao Zhan is catching his breath when he looks at the man who 'saved' him.

Oh, how the heavens love to play with him.

He immediately removed his hands on Wang Yibo's arms and stepped backwards, "Sorry."

Wang Yibo smiled, "It's fine."

Xiao Zhan's breath hitched. Stop smiling, idiot.

Wang Yibo lends his hands with an umbrella, "Take it. I think you need this more than I do."

Xiao Zhan looked at the black umbrella, "Are... Are you sure?"

Wang Yibo nodded, "Take it. Just give it to Cheng Xiao if you no longer need it. I'm not in a hurry anyway. I'm with Cho Seungyoun, we can share an umbrella. Don't worry."

Xiao Zhan looked at Wang Yibo and smiled, "Thanks."

 

Xiao Zhan took a shower after he arrived home. He is currently finding an article on his laptop to continue his journey of finding what he is when he comes across a website. He opened it and it was an, "Aromantic-Asexual Spectrum, huh?"

Since he has nothing to do and is only taking a rest, he started to read the article and while reading, Xiao Zhan was amazed. He didn't know there are tons of "spectrum" he was also amazed how some of them do describe him. He noticed how a lot of them described him which made him write down the unfamiliar terms and ask Xuan Lu about it.

He wrote them down one by one.

Graysexual, myrsexual, quoisexual. Even the ones he is unknown to him, he had written them down.

He chatted with Xuan Lu about what happened. Xuan Lu immediately responded.

[Really?]

[Mn. Is it possible to like the same sex without being gay?]

[Of course, dumb you. There are terms like bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, you know. You can be an asexual and feel attraction to the same or opposite sex. I have read before when I was in high school that there are five types of attraction, you know?]

[If you were to think of what I am on the spectrum, what do you think I am?]

Xuan Lu replied, [All of the things you have written. I just opened the site you sent me. You don't have to use all of them. You could just use the 'aceflux'. I'll tell you more about it-- eh? Wait, I have a question. Have you liked Wang Yibo before he told you he likes you?]

[No?]

Xuan Lu, [Okay.. you should read the recipro... reciprosexual? Anyway, Zhuocheng is calling me. Let's talk later. Bye!]

He scrolled down to see what Xuan Lu mentioned and read it. The article said it has the same term but for the aromantic spectrum. He's baffled. Is that what happened to him with Wang Yibo?

His heart is racing and thought, yes! That's what happened to him when the man confessed though it took him a while. He is in denial that he tried to think of his past memories. He did have some crushes before though it was really short-term.

Perhaps, Xuan Lu is right.

He was having an internal crisis when Xuan Lu chatted with him again.

[Zhan, there is no need to listen to me about your labels, the only person who can identify who you are is yourself. If you're happy and comfortable about the term, then, I'm happy for you. If not, it's fine. Don't push yourself too much.]

Xiao Zhan smiled, [I'll take note of that. Thank you.]

 

Cho Seungyoun groaned, his back lying on the floor, "My back hurts!"

Wang Yibo laughed, "Grandpa."

Cho Seungyoun screamed and threw a face towel to Wang Yibo, "Fucker! Get me some ice packs!"

Wang Yibo didn't move, "Just go stretch or something."

Cho Seungyoun stands up and walks towards the cooler to get some ice, "Give me the towel!"

Wang Yibo scoffed but threw it back anyway, "Wow! After throwing it to me, you're going to ask for it? How clever."

"That's because you're annoying." Cho Seungyoun reasoned. "Is it okay?"

Wang Yibo nodded, "Better than before. We have to get ready with the clothes and themes for our performance."

Cho Seungyoun, "You're just going to hump the floor, what's the matter?"

Wang Yibo rolled his eyes, "It's not just humping?! It's just part of the choreography!"

Cho Seungyoun, "You just want to impress Cheng Xiao eh?"

Wang Yibo glared at him, "It's not her."

Cho Seungyoun, "Hey! You! I thought your relationship with Cheng Xiao is improving?"

Wang Yibo shrugged, "No. No. I've changed my mind. I'm not ready. I have a lot to unpack here. As a student and a member of your organization, I have to keep my focus here and nothing else."

Cho Seungyoun stretched his neck, "That's why you confessed to Xiao Zhan."

Wang Yibo, "It's because I was certain. It took me years, okay? You know that. Cheng Xiao is different. We just met her. I don't even know why she liked me in the first place. We barely talked after the incident."

Cho Seungyoun just nodded, "Whatever you say, patootie."

Wang Yibo, "Eh. I just thought... Is water splashing a good thing for our performance?"

Chapter 17

Notes:

I think this would be my last update for a while. Semester break is about to end and well... school means busy. I hate going to school :(

Cho Seungyoun thought Wang Yibo's idea is stupid but for some reason, he granted Wang Yibo's suggestion. He dropped his back on Wang Yibo's bed and watched the younger man changing his shirt.

"I think it's better if it just naturally rains eh?" Wang Yibo asked. "Free water."

Cho Seungyoun hissed, "Are you dumb? We're not even sure if it'd rain! We have to make sure about the "water splashing" thingy you want. You're that desperate to showcase your abs."

Wang Yibo snorted, "Of course! I took care of my body for years. It'd be a lost if I don't show it to people. I mean, who wouldn't feel proud about these."

Cho Seungyoun screamed when Wang Yibo caressed his abdomen sensually, "Ah! My eyes! I have been sinned!"

Wang Yibo threw him his dirty shirt, "You've seen this several times, Seungyoun, stop. You act like a teenage girl! It's disgusting."

Cho Seungyoun threw Wang Yibo's used shirt to the ground and laughed, "Such a meanie, Wang Yibo. I thought we're friends. Anyway, I have to go now. I still have other things to do. Bye, Bo-di."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Just close the door when you leave."

Cho Seungyoun, "I will because I'm a good friend!"

 

Xiao Zhan opened the fridge only to see his mother's food. He was devastated, he forgot to give it to Xuan Lu - no, he completely forgot about it. Curse words continuously coming out of his mouth. He took the food out of the fridge and open the plastic, he tried to smell it and sighed. Fortunately, the food was neatly preserved in the fridge. He takes a small plate and puts the food. He squeezed the plastic to pull out the food and extra essence, some sauce went to his fingers, he licked it off and threw the plastic away and washed his hands.

He looked for some rice in the pot but found nothing. He tried looking for the container he put his rice on only to see about a spoon of rice left inside. That's when he realized he hadn't been. He decided, why not ask Cheng Xiao for some, right?

Xiao Zhan put on a thin coat to prevent himself from getting wet by the rain that hasn't stopped since he doesn't know either.  He also remembers Wang Yibo's words which he complied. With an umbrella on his hand, he made his way towards his neighbor.

Xiao Zhan knocked for a few times, his vision unclear due to trillions of raindrops covering his view. Despite having a coat on top of his shirt, he could feel himself shivering due to the cold weather. He waited for a good minute before he heard the door open.

He smiled, "Hey. Can I--"

Cheng Xiao smiled, "Xiao Zhan-ge! Come in! Ah, today is so cold, isn't it? I'm sorry, it took me some time to open the door. I'm preparing for dinner."

Xiao Zhan let out an "ah". He entered Cheng Xiao's living room and smiled shyly, "Well, speaking of dinner. That's the reason why I'm here-"

"Ah? Sure, you can eat dinner here!" Cheng Xiao exclaimed and was about to go to what Xiao Zhan guessed is her kitchen but he stopped her.

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, "No. Uh... I mean, I kind of ran out of rice? I was think-"

"Sure! I'll go get some!" Cheng Xiao smiled and indeed went to the kitchen. Halfway through, Cheng Xiao told Xiao Zhan with a loud voice, "Do you want to go?"

Xiao Zhan smiled and shook his head, "No, I can wait here."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "You can sit while waiting!"

Xiao Zhan nodded and said his thanks under his breath. He let out a heavy sigh once his butt felt the soft couch. He waited for Cheng Xiao while unconsciously playing with Wang Yibo's umbrella with his fingers.

It only took Cheng Xiao a minute when she went back and gave a bowl of rice, "Here."

Xiao Zhan stood up before he accepted the rice. He bowed and smiled, "Thank you."

Cheng Xiao smiled back, "Anytime, Xiao Zhan-ge."

Xiao Zhan, "Well, I think I have to... Oh, yeah. Uh."

Xiao Zhan held the bowl in his right hand while he lent his left hand, holding the umbrella, to Cheng Xiao, "Yibo told me to give this to you. It's his. Can you give it to him once you see him?"

Cheng Xiao gladly accepted the umbrella and nodded, "Sure. I'll give it to him."

Xiao Zhan nodded and thanked the girl, "Well, I think I have to go now."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "Okay."

Xiao Zhan was about to reach out for the door when Cheng Xiao restrained Xiao Zhan from doing so.

"Let me do it for you."  Cheng Xiao insisted and twisted the doorknob and opened the door enough for Xiao Zhan to come out.

Xiao Zhan bowed, "Thank you."

Cheng Xiao, "No worries."

Xiao Zhan smiled and nodded, "Well, I have to go now."

"Okay."

Xiao Zhan went back to his apartment to start eating the dish his mother prepared for Xuan Lu and Wang Zhuocheng that he somehow forgot to give.

Chapter 18

Notes:

i don't know, i really don't know. i was outranked in the college test and i'm now overthinking about how things would work for me in the future, guess i'll die. anyway, here's an update, sorry for the messy update though!

Xiao Zhan is listening to his professor when he heard Xuan Lu murmur something, "Zhan, what are you going to wear on Sunday?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Xuan Lu and he focused his attention again to the professor talking in front and shrugged, "I haven't heard of any announcement about that. Maybe just a white shirt and some jeans?"

"Eh? So, you're going to attend?" Xuan Lu smiles.

Xiao Zhan nodded as he started to take some notes, "Mn. After all, The Beat only happens once every academic year, right? I can also celebrate and watch some concerts. I heard some famous bands would perform."

Xuan Lu nods.

Xiao Zhan, "I... I also think of talking to Wang Yibo about... my feelings."

Xuan Lu turned immediately, she asked with a soft voice but shock is clearly visible in her voice, "Are you... that sudden?!"

Xiao Zhan looked at her and rolled his eyes, "It's... I think so. No! It's been bothering me. I can't take it anymore."

Xuan Lu sighed, "Okay, if that's what you want. I'll always be here supporting your decisions. But... what are you going to do if he..."

While listening to Xuan Lu, his wandering eyes caught Li Qin looking at him with wide eyes and furrowed brows, not a shock but a threatening one. He didn't understand what she meant by that so he just nodded and went his attention back to Xuan Lu.

Xiao Zhan smiles, "I know there's really something going on between him and Cheng Xiao. If he rejects me, then I guess it's a tie? I have hurt him before, it's fine if he hurt me. I think I deserve that any--"

"Mr. Xiao, that's too much to take in but can you both please pay attention to me? You can talk about it later. If you can't keep your mouths shut, I may have to make you leave the room now."

Xiao Zhan then just realized that Li Qin is probably trying to warn him about the noise they've been making. He and Xuan Lu suddenly shut their mouths after hearing the lecture from their professor.

 

Xiao Zhan decided to stay in the campus for a while after the morning lecture. He made his way to the library to read some books and probably sleep for a little while since he is too lazy to go home.

He found a spot and decided to sit there and take a nap before heading home. He put on his earbuds, played a song and slumped his arms on the table and used it as a cushion. He stayed that way until he lost consciousness.

 

Wang Yibo and Cho Seuungyoun went inside the library to borrow some books for their minor subjects. Cho Seungyoun is on the library's counter to process the borrowing and books while Wang Yibo is browsing on random shelves, trying to look for books that would peak some interest in him when he sees something, someone .

He walked towards the man and smiled. He tried to shake the man but he heard some silent snoozes which confirmed to him that the man was indeed sleeping.

That's what you get when you tire yourself too much.

Wang Yibo picked something up from his pocket, a piece of card and put it under Xiao Zhan's arms. He slowly closes his distance from Xiao Zhan and admires the sleeping man. It's been a while since he had been with Xiao Zhan this close. He looked at Xiao Zhan's mole under his lips and then his eyes went into Xiao Zhan's moles on his ears and neck.

Wang Yibo smiled and smoothly caressed Xiao Zhan's smooth hair. He stepped back with his hands inside his pockets, he looked at Xiao Zhan one last time before he went to Cho Seungyoun.

Cho Seungyoun turned to Wang Yibo when he felt a hand on his shoulders, with a low voice, he asked, "Where have you been?"

Wang Yibo shrugged, "Just looking at the books."

Cho Seungyoun, "Since when did you have the interest to read books?"

Wang Yibo, "Hey, I do read books!"

Cho Seungyoun spat, "Bullshit. You only read when needed."

"Whatever."

Cho Seungyoun, "Wenhan-ge will be practicing with the students later, around three in the afternoon. We can have time to practice our piece."

Wang Yibo nodded, "Okay, cool. We can talk more about the theme after the practice and other things needed for the performance."

 

Xiao Zhan woke up from the numbness he was feeling on his back. He groaned as he felt the soreness of his back and lower body, he eventually stretched, Xiao Zhan stretched just a little so as not to disturb the other people inside the library. Speaking of people, he just noticed that the number of people in the room increased.

He was about to stand up to leave the place when he noticed a piece of pink card resting on his lap. He sighed heavily and stretched for the last time before he picked the card up to look and read it, if it had some words written in it.

The card was not folded, it is also in a small rectangular shape and smells familiarly good. Is this some sort of scented paper?

He looked on the other side, nothing.

He flipped the paper and something was written.

Meet me at midnight on Monday at the rooftop of Building 13. - Wang Yibo.

Xiao Zhan's heart then started to pound. Is there anything they have to talk about? Is he getting murdered?

Regardless of thoughts overflowing his brain, he felt his heart starting to rest into its normal speed. At least he will have the moment to tell Wang Yibo the truth about his feelings for him. He doesn't need to try and sneak onto Wang Yibo just for that.

Xiao Zhan opened his phone to go to his and Wang Yibo's conversation. He types something before he eventually texted him an okay .

Afraid to die from the nervousness and happiness, Xiao Zhan decided to  tell Xuan Lu about it.

[Wang Yibo gave me a card, he said he wants to meet me on Sunday]

Chapter 19

Summary:

Xiao Zhan met an old friend of Wang Yibo.

Notes:

life is boring today. i have to be productive so here's another one.

Saturday came and Xiao Zhan decided to shop for his necessities at home. At nine in the morning, he left his apartment with a crew neck sweat and jeans, and sneakers.

As he walked out of the apartment, he saw Cheng Xiao watering her front yard plants. The two exchange smiles and good mornings before Xiao Zhan continues walking away. He took a cab and dropped off when they reached the supermarket store part of the mall.

He entered the store, got shopping baskets and started looking around for necessities he might need and surely need. He had prepared some lists on a piece of paper, and from there, he started browsing for them.

He started off with snacks and ready-to-eat foods. Then, he went to the rice area and bought three packs of it. He also bought some foods and beverages that are not listed on the paper. After he finally finished the rounds of browsing the store, he finally started to line up to pay for the things he has on his cart.

The store starts to fill with people and the place is starting to get louder and louder. Since it is a norm for a supermarket to be this loud, Xiao Zhan never took an eye for it and simply took out his wallet. Fortunately, he still hasn't run out of money his parents have given him.

Despite his parents being fine with giving him allowance, the thought of freelancing has been in his mind since he turned freshman but unfortunately, he really didn't have the time to start. Regardless, he still gets to earn money whenever his colleagues when he was in his sophomore year would for help academically or non-academically related. It just happened that his block mates this academic year are cheap like him.

It was then his turn, the scanning of the barcodes making the whatever beep continuously enter his ears. Tons of beeping was heard before the cashier muttered the total of the amount he had to pay.

He peaked on his wallet and pulled out the money and gave it to the cashier. The cashier gave him the change and he gladly accepted it, saying "keep the change" was never his thing. He has to receive the penny even if it was only five cents.

The things he shopped were put in a box.

He cussed when he realized he still had things to buy in the department area of the mall. He was about to carry the box when he heard an unfamiliar voice from behind calling him.

"Xiao Zhan?"

He turned around and saw a handsome-looking man smiling at him. The man seems to be the same height as him and the same age. He found himself frowning as he couldn't tell who this man was and how he knew him.

Xiao Zhan, completely dumbfounded, found himself talking to the man, "How did you know my name?"

"You didn't remember me?" The man asked, chuckling.

He didn't answer and just looked at the man, his guards were up.

The man's shoulder went down and sighed, "Ah, you must not recognize me. Understandable, we barely interact with each other before. I'm Zhou Yixuan, Wang Yibo's friend. I was a year ahead of you. I'm glad to see you again. Is Yibo with you?"

Xiao Zhan tried to remember but his memories seem to have just disappeared, he shrugged it off and said an "ah" before he responded, "He's not with me. He's been busy for the event at our university tomorrow.  Uh... based on your question, you're not a student in the university?"

Zhou Yixuan smiled and shook his head, "No. I moved to Shanghai after graduating. I also started college there. I was just having a break now. I thought of visiting the others but I kind of have a struggle finding their location here. Did he move?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "If you're talking about moving from his old apartment. He did. He's now currently living with Seungyoun? I don't really remember. Uh.. I can give you his number if you want."

Zhou Yixuan nodded, "Sure. Thank you."

Xiao Zhan opened his phone and typed Wang Yibo's number on the older man's phone.

The man seemed to have noticed Xiao Zhan with a box full of newly bought things, he said, "Do you have a vehicle? I can give you a ride. I don't have anything to do here anyway. Just really going to visit old friends."

Xiao Zhan looked at him and immediately declined, "No. That would be horrible. It would take you a lot of time. I don't want to be a burden."

Zhou Yixuan, "Ah? I remember you crying over things when we were in High School, you were surprisingly drunk. Wang Yibo even had to carry you on his back to a cab just for you to get home. I remember I was the oldest so I had to go with the two of you just. I remember it was a Sports Fest. I really don't mind."

Xiao Zhan was shocked, he recalled it at some point, "You were the one they call Xuan-ge?"

Zhou Yixuan nodded, "Yeah? Anyway, let me hold it for you. Wang Yibo would get mad if I let you suffer with that big-ass box. He would be angry if I let your delicate and soft hands carry such. Don’t judge me, that’s how he used to describe your hands."

Xiao Zhan is confused but lets the man carry it for him. He was still hesitating whether to let the man drive him home or not, the man seems to have read his mind. He said, "Don't worry. I'm not a murderer or something. I just want to help."

Xiao Zhan, still incredulous, just nodded.

The two reached a white sedan. Zhou Yixuan put the box down and opened the trunk of the car with a key. He then put the box inside and loudly closed the trunk.

He also opened the door and let Xiao Zhan sit on the passenger seat. The man then immediately entered the car, opening the air conditioner and its engine.

The two went to Xiao Zhan's apartment with, of course, Xiao Zhan's help.

Not long enough, they reached Xiao Zhan's apartment.

Zhou Yixuan pulled out the box of Xiao Zhan's stuff while Xiao Zhan unlocked his front door. Zhou Yixuan then put it inside Xiao Zhan's apartment.

The stranger in front of Xiao Zhan suddenly spoke, "I wonder why Wang Yibo would choose to share an apartment with Seungyoun instead of you."

Xiao Zhan shyly smiled, "Best friends."

Zhou Yixuan, "Has he told you yet?"

Xiao Zhan looked at the man curiously, "Told me what?"

Zhou Yixuan laughed and waved his hand, "No. Don't mind me."

Xiao Zhan, confused, still smiled and chuckled with the man.

Zhou Yixuan looked at the watch on his wrist, he said in a manner, "I think I have to go. Have a good day, Xiao Zhan."

The man tapped Xiao Zhan's shoulder before walking his way to his car.

Xiao Zhan smiled at the man and waved, "Thank you."

He saw how the man mounted his car and waved at him from the inside. The car eventually turned around and slowly left Xiao Zhan's sight.

Just as Xiao Zhan was about to close the door, he heard a girl shouting. He looked at the girl, and it was Cheng Xiao running towards him. Alerted, Xiao Zhan asked immediately, "What happen--"

"Who was that?!" Cheng Xiao asked, her cold hands immediately holding Xiao Zhan's arms.

Xiao Zhan's eyes were wide. Hell, he is shocked and confused. He thought she had an emergency only to find out she saw Zhou Yixuan drop him off, "Huh?"

"The guy who was with you earlier. Is he your boyfriend?"

Xiao Zhan's face crumpled, "No!  Of course not. I'm not--"

He stopped.

Cheng Xiao removed her hands from gripping Xiao Zhan's arms, "Eh.. He looks expensive. Who is he?"

Xiao Zhan didn't bother lying, "Wang Yibo's friend from High School."

Cheng Xiao's mouth formed an 'o' shape, "Really? Wow, he got some big time friends."

Xiao Zhan shrugged and went back to his box. He opened them and started to put the items out of it.

Cheng Xiao's head tilted, "Cool. I should've come with you. I'm also starting to run out of supplies."

Xiao Zhan shrugged, "Well, you should try tomorrow."

Cheng Xiao shook her head despite Xiao Zhan not looking at her. She crossed her arms and leaned on the doorframe, "I can't miss The Beat."

Xiao Zhan looked at Cheng Xiao and exclaimed, "Oh shit. I completely forgot about that."

Cheng Xiao shrugged, "Are you going?"

Xiao Zhan nodded, "I have to. I need... I told a friend I'll go."

Cheng Xiao nodded, "Oh. Okay. I was thinking of going out tomorrow with a friend as well."

Xiao Zhan smiled, "Yeah? Good time to hang out with friends. No problem with projects at all."

Cheng Xiao giggled, "Yeah. I should go and just have fun. After all, it's not that we get to experience things like this always, right?"

Xiao Zhan smiled and agreed, "You're right."

The two eventually ended their conversation. After Xiao Zhan finally fixed the stuff he bought, he went back to the mall to buy some clothes he will wear for tomorrow's celebration. He can't look old and boring, especially when he and Wang Yibo have to meet.

Chapter 20

Notes:

Hi, everyone. I'm sorry it took me a month before updating. My laptop was broken and I had to get used to my phone for a while. I also have other personal things to do, I have a reporting tomorrow at school and I'm nervous as fuck. Anyways, here is a messy update.

The event will start at two in the afternoon so the students who want to participate would still have the time to prepare.

Xiao Zhan didn't bother to go to the campus in the morning and chose to get some rest for the big event. He also ironed the clothes he will wear for later and also prepared for the things he will probably have to bring for later.

He cooked some breakfast, ate, and took a half bath to freshen himself. He opened his room's window for fresh air to enter his isolated room. He looked around outside before he decided to clean his apartment while waiting for the time of his leave to arrive.

He stole a glance at Cheng Xiao's backyard but to his surprise, the woman seems to still have not left. Isn't she going to perform later?

He didn't think much of it and just continued his morning by cleaning.

As early as a bird, Wang Yibo and his club members are already practicing in the gymnasium for their performance later. All of them were dripping sweat and were catching their breaths when Cho Seungyoun entered the gymnasium running.

"Yibo, Xieli is already here. She said her team will start preparing the lights and audio." Cho Seungyoun shouts.

Wang Yibo immediately nodded and guided the freshmen and sophomores to leave the area. He decided to give the youngsters some break and also to give himself some time to rest and discussed things with Cho Seungyoun.

"How about the designs? The design of the venue was supposed to be done two days ago. Are they going to rush things again like last year?" Wang Yibo rolled his eyes as he gulped some water.

"That's what I'm saying. Feixin never listens. They always do things during the last minute. It's so annoying." Cho Seungyoun groaned.

"Mn." Wang Yibo was too tired to answer back. He stood up and tapped the older man on his shoulders, "I'll go now."

Cho Seungyoun scrunched his nose, "Where?"

"None of your business. You take care of those sophomores and freshmen. I'll just take some rest. I'll be back, don't worry."

"Ah? Wang Yibo!"

Wang Yibo climbed to the rooftops of Building C and there, he starts to reflect. He had been thinking of letting go of the idea of liking Xiao Zhan and try to see other people. Afterall, he and Xiao Zhan are nothing but friends who unironically turned into almost strangers after he confessed his feelings to the man.

He doesn't want to give mixed signals to the man and just be a friend to him but he couldn't stop himself from showing his affection towards the man. He tried to like other people, he tried to enjoy Cheng Xiao's company but to his surprise, he did enjoy her presence... just not the same as he enjoyed Xiao Zhan's presence.

For this day, he promised himself that if Xiao Zhan didn't show up, he would definitely stop his delusions and thoughts of them being together. Perhaps, try to see other people and forget his feelings for Xiao Zhan.

He looked down to see dozens of students practicing and busy for the upcoming event later. He sighed and just sat on an almost broken chair piled up in the rooftop's corner.

Oh, how he just hoped his life was simple.

1:30 in the afternoon when Xiao Zhan left his apartment and made his way to the university. He never encountered nor saw Cheng Xiao along the way which made him curious about what the woman was up to. Regardless, he just shrugged the thought of her and silently walked inside the campus.

He saw tons of different booths and Xuan Lu along the way and went to the gymnasium to watch the main event. Not to their surprise, countless people are already waiting inside the gymnasium, usually, the people on the bench are the junior and senior students and some professors to witness the event later. They sat on the middle part of the bench and waited patiently.

He was busy looking around when he heard Xuan Lu say something, "So, are you going to meet him later or not?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Xuan Lu and smiled, "Actually, yes. I think it is the right time to tell him about... you know."

Xuan Lu nodded, "Whatever suits you well. What time are you going to meet him again?"

Xiao Zhan, "Midnight."

"Good afternoon students of Yong-an University! I know a lot of people are waiting for these moments, especially the freshmen and sophomores. But for now, we will have to check attendance first, shall we? Where are the freshmen students?!"

A roar was then heard on the side of the gymnasium where the freshmen are.

"Wow, that's too energetic for the freshmen. I wonder where they get their energy. Oh how to be young again. Anyway, can I hear something from the sophomores?!"

Other screams were heard on the opposite side of the gymnasium.

"I think my eardrums are about to explode. Can I hear something from my fellow juniors?!"

Xuan Lu immediately screamed on top of her lungs alongside their batchmates which made Xiao Zhan to laugh and slapped Xuan Lu's shoulders.

"Ah, I see... My batchmates are not that old. How about our seniors?!"

Just like before, the gymnasium was then full of noise. After a good second, the gymnasium became silent, enough for the MC to continue her speech.

"Oh, I see Seniors are also full of energy, huh? Is that what makes you feel when you are about to graduate? I hope all of you are doing well. We also have tons of booths outside that you can visit later about the main event. To everyone who wasn't informed about the schedule of the event, there is a copy of the schedule just in the entrance and exit of the gymnasium. Moving on, may all of us please stand up and applaud for the freshmen and sophomores of Yong-an University!"

Xiao Zhan saw a wave of sophomores and freshmen fill up the gymnasium grounds, he couldn't help but be amazed by the fact that these students gave their best in practicing and memorizing steps just for the most famous tradition of the University.

He looked down and saw the leaders of the sophomore, one of them was the person he was about to see later. He couldn't help but smile. Having a school leader and president crush is not bad at all, at least he will be seeing the man easier whenever there is an event like this.

Aside from the music being played for the performance, cheers from seniors and juniors filled the room as well. Xiao Zhan couldn't help but feel goosebumps.

He saw how the students gave their whole heart to the performance and how the leaders take good care of the students to learn the dance. Actually, he was just looking at one person.

He cheered up and started swaying along the beat of the music with Xuan Lu. He couldn't help but feel grateful that he got to witness such a memorable moment.

Then, he remembered something. He tried to find a certain person but he couldn't. He looked at Xuan Lu but he remembered Xuan Lu was never close to Cheng Xiao. Isn't she part of the club?

Chapter 21

Notes:

I am back once again. The Weibo Night seemed emptier than the past years. No interactions from the two and Yibo left after receiving his awards but seeing them together in the same event makes my heart happy. Anyway, here is an update, everyone.

Roars and chants of the students filled the whole gymnasium that Xiao Zhan could feel his eardrums shaking. He covered his ears, his attention not leaving the absence of his neighbor. He didn't bother to do anything about it at all. What will he do? Stop the event and ask Wang Yibo why Cheng Xiao didn't come?

He just smiled thinly, his smile not reaching his eyes, and enjoyed the happiness his schoolmates are releasing at the moment.

Just almost an hour after when the whole dance was finished. He sat down as the people around him starts to calm down, some are even gasping for air after the screams they have let out.

Xuan Lu, who is standing beside him, turned to look at him and then sat beside him. She asked, "Are you okay?"

Xiao Zhan's brows raised and smiled, "No, I'm fine. I'm just tired. They did a good job, eh?"

Xuan Lu smiled and nodded, "As usual. This is such a nostalgic moment. Imagine, how our seniors must have felt when we performed the same dance. This must've been what they felt."

Xiao Zhan just flashed a smile and didn't reply. He was too tired and uncomfortable to do so. He just looked at the backs of the students in front of him and didn't say nothing. It is only when the gymnasium was empty. Xiao Zhan decided to stay, even Xuan Lu left him to congratulate her younger brother. He's is not mad, he was actually thankful for it.

He looked around to see tons of grabage scattered inside the gymnasium. He looked at his watch and saw it is already seven in the evening. The students must have been outside, on the grounds, having fun with concerts and... shit?

How can he forget about Wang Yibo's performance?

He immediately stood up and ran towards the open field that he almost tripped. Not minding the shortage of his breathing, he reached the open field not long after. Music were blasting, lights are dancing along the students who are enjoying the night. Xiao Zhan could never.

He looked at the stage and saw a band performing. They're done performing?

"Ah! Xiao Zhan!" He looked at the woman who called her.

Xuan Lu came to him and held his arms, "You're here! I thought you already left! Zhuocheng is buying some corndog. Wait, I'll tell him to buy one more."

Xiao Zhan held Xuan Lu's arms when the woman tried to leave, he made her turn back to him and asked, "Did Wang Yibo already perform?"

Xuan Lu looked at him, her smile starts to fade. She blinked for a while before she nodded, "Yeah. They just finished performing earlier before that band. I told you, you should've come with us."

Xiao Zhan snorted, "No need. I'm also a little tired. Can I crash to your house tonight?"

Xuan Lu's house is only block away from the university that sometimes, Xiao Zhan would rather sleep at Xuan Lu's than his apartment. Of course, a good friend she is, she nodded.

"You hungry? I can make you something to eat." Xuan Lu offered and guide Xiao Zhan to sit on the couch, "Are you okay? You look pale."

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, "I'm totally fine, Lu. Just a little tired."

Xuan Lu, "You can sleep in the guest room. I'll just inform mother and father you came and the guest room is occupied. Sleeping on the couch will just make your situation even worse."

Xiao Zhan nodded, "Thank you."

Xiao Zhan made his way to the guest room and lied down the bed. He sniffed, he thinks he is about to get sick. He looked around but his mind never processed whatever he is seeing. His mind was completely about Wang Yibo. Should he go and talk to him? Is he mature enough to tell Wang Yibo his feelings? Is he even worth it?

He looked at the ceiling, his vision starts to blur. Then, he passed out.

Wang Yibo was done with everything he has to do for the day. He decided to go to the rooftop even though it was only ten in the evening. He left Cho Seungyoun with their other friends playing and gambling in their apartment.

He sits down on the broken chair and looked down, just like what he did the last time he went there. He sighed and cleared his throat. He is exhausted, if he were to choose he would rather stay in their apartment and sleep than to wait but why would he choose to sleep over Xiao Zhan?

He opened his phone to see any notifications, not that he wants to see whether Xiao Zhan messaged him, not at all. He closed his phone after checking all his social media accounts before he decided to play a music and close his phone.

The last time Wang Yibo checked, the time is already 11:58 in the evening. He looked at the rusty door on the rooftop to see if it has been moved during the rime he took a nap. Nothing.

His heart starts to raise, the same time the clock is ticking towards midnight. He is shuffling his feet, his body can not calm down in any way. He tried to stay still but he just couldn't he is nervous.

He opened his phone once again to see if any messages came while he was asleep. To his surprise, a text from Cheng Xiao and Cho Seungyoun popped up.

He opened Cheng Xiao's first and read it.

[Hey. Sorry, I didn't get to join you. A friend had an emergency and called me. I am already in the campus, where are you?]

Wang Yibo starts to type.

"Hey. It's fine. I hope your friend is fine. I am at the rooftop of Building C. Just waiting for someone. Do you have something to ask me? You can just call me."

After hitting the send button, he opened his conversation with Cho Seungyoun.

[Bo, what time are you going home ?]

He answered Cho Seungyoun then hid his phone back.

He just looked at the dark sky and silently admired it despite the hard time looking at it properly due to the city's lights. He waited for Xiao Zhan to come but even after minutes passed by, no one came, not even the man's silhouette was seen.

He was about to stand up when the rooftop's door opened. He looked at it, hoping for Xiao Zhan but instead, it was a person with long hair and short checkered skirts.

"Cheng Xiao."

Cheng Xiao smiled, she closed the door and slowly walked towards Wang Yibo. She picked up another rusty chair and set it in front of Wang Yibo, then she sat.

"What are you doing here?"

Wang Yibo looked at the girl and sighed, "Nothing. Just waiting..."

Waiting for someone.

Cheng Xiao nodded. She sighed and just looked at the man in front of her. She held Wang Yibo's arms and caressed it. Her eyes looked apologetic, "I really apologize about earlier. It was an emergency. My friend was rushed to the hospital... turns out she passed out while in class. I turned out to be one of the list in her emergencies."

Wang Yibo looked at Cheng Xiao, "It's fine. The event went well anyway. It's just a bad thing you weren't here to celebrate with us. How's your friend though?"

Cheng Xiao, "She's fine. It also turned out she is... doing self-harm as well. A relative just went earlier so I still got the chance to go here even at this point. I tried finding Seungyoun but I couldn't find him so I tried looking for you."

Wang Yibo just nodded and didn't reply.

The two just looked at each other before Wang Yibo held the hands on his arms and removed it slowly. Trying to not look rude, he changed the topic immediately, "What time is it?"

Cheng Xiao looked at her watch and even squinted her eyes to see the time properly, "12:51. Why?"

Wang Yibo shakes his head.

"Do you plan on leaving?" Cheng Xiao asked.

Wang Yibo looked at Cheng Xiao and didnxt respond at all.

Cheng Xiao chuckled, "Sorry."

Wang Yibo snorted and smiled, "Why are you saying sorry?"

"I ask too many questions. Moreover, I ask too personal questions. I sound like a robot sometimes. I am too nosy."

Wang Yibo, "I don't think so. Maybe, before but I think that's just your nature. You're fine."

Cheng Xiao giggled and just nodded. The two stayed for a while, looking at each other before Cheng Xiao suddenly ask, "Do we really have no chance?"

Wang Yibo's heart dropped.

"I... I really think you're great. I know you already let me down but I really like you. Can we... like... try? Even just once?"

Wang Yibo gulped. Even though she couldn't see, she knows Wang Yibo is hesitant.

She asked once again, this time, she held Wang Yibo's hands and held it, "I know... I sound desperate but... please?"

Wang Yibo looked at the woman's face. She is pretty, beautiful even. She is also smart, kind, and talented. They share the same interests and likes the same things.

Cheng Xiao moved forward and starts to lean in to Wang Yibo. Her face slowly meeting his, soon, the distance was too close that the both of them could feel each other's breaths and the heat of their body.

Although, Wang Yibo didn't lean, he didn't move away either which Cheng Xiao is grateful for. Slowly, Cheng Xiao's pair of lips met Wang Yibo's.

Wang Yibo's heartbeat quickened when he felt her unfamiliar lips in his. It feels like cheating somehow but then, he remembered about what he told to himself. And so, he slowly kissed her back.

Chapter 22

Xiao Zhan didn't saw himself sleep longer than intended. He gradually jumped out of the bed and immediately looked at the time on his phone, it is already 12:45.

He had been late from his meet up with Wang Yibo. He rushed towards the door and slowly knocked on Xuan Lu's room.

The door opened and he saw Xuan Lu with her sleepy eyes and rumbles hair, "Oh, yeah?"

Xiao Zhan smiled and apologized, "I'm sorry. I have to go now. Thank you, bye."

Xuan Lu just nodded and scratched her head, her eyes drooping but somehow still get to answer her friend, "Okay. Just go close the door. I'll just lock it later."

Xiao Zhan didn't waste anytime after Xuan Lu answered and immediately rushed out of the house and starts running towards the campus.

After almost what he felt like running for hours, he reached the campus. He immediately messaged Wang Yibo to figure out which building they must meet but all he got was nothing in return.

He starts to look for possible buildings when he realized the usual place they used to hang out as freshmen and sophomore is the Building C. He immediately rushed towards the building and went up the stairs.

Once he reached the last step of the stairs, he stopped. He could feel his heart beating but he knows it is not just from running all over here from his friend's house but also because of nervous. Will Wang Yibo get mad at him for making him wait for almost an hour?

He slowly opened the door, trying his best to not make a sound and when he did opened the door enough to peek in. His whole system dropped. He felt himself feel cold and went numb all of a sudden.

He saw the man he had plans on meeting with kissing a girl at the exact time they were supposed to be talking. It is not just because he was late, right?

Did Wang Yibo forgot about his plans with him?

Did Wang Yibo forget about him?

Did Wang Yibo intentionally do this?

Did Wang Yibo tell him to meet him in purpose? To hurt him? To show him how undeserving he is to be with him?

He wants to run, he badly wanted to but all he could do was to stare at them kissing while teardrops slowly forming and sliding down his cheeks.

He couldn't help himself but gasp for air. He covered his mouth with his hands tightly while tears continuously running. His heart was too hurt that he couldn't even comprehend what he was feeling at this moment.

He saw how the two pulled away slowly and how Cheng Xiao held the man he had been loving for a while now.

"I don't..." Cheng Xiao whispered while hugging Wang Yibo.

Wang Yibo hesitantly but still decided to hug the girl back and caress her back, "Hey..."

Cheng Xiao felt like crying out of happiness, her heart was jumping around that she could see herself jumping with it, "I... I like you, Wang Yibo. I really do."

Xiao Zhan waited for Wang Yibo's reply but he didn't hear anything.

"I'll make this worth it for you. I promise."

Wang Yibo looked at the woman and just hummed, "Okay."

Xiao Zhan couldn't breathe. How can he breathe if all his body could do was to cry and sniff and feel emotional. He immediately went downstairs and left the campus. He went to the bus stop and sat on the bench. He knows no bus will be coming at this hour but who knows? He stayed there as he felt his whole body aching, most of all, his heart.

He doesn't want to be near to anyone at this point. He just wants to be alone and reflect. What had he done to deserve all this?

He picked up his phone from his pocket and unlocked it. He looked at the time, it is past one in the morning. He looked around and all he could see other than the lights from the streetlights was nothing but pitch black.

He wanted to call his mother. He knows he is pathetic to only think of his parents whenever he either feel confused or hurt but a child is still a child. He decided to not contact her as he knows his mother is still asleep and doesn't want to bother her.

He decided to just sleep on the bus stop.

Wang Yibo felt confused but much more calm than ever. It felt like a burden suddenly left his shoulders, making him to move freely without any doubt and hesitance. It is past three when he went back to his apartment after he parted ways with what he usually label someone he is talking to as a love interest.

He opened the apartment and nothing actually welcomed him but a dim light coming from the open door of the kitchen.

He directly went to his room and there, he lied down the bed and looked at the ceiling, his mind is completely full of thoughts.

Most are about him and Cheng Xiao. Some are about Xiao Zhan.

Now, thinking of Xiao Zhan made Wang Yibo felt like he is cheating on Cheng Xiao. He inhaled before he let out a long sigh. He closed his eyes and let his mind went to unconsciousness.

"He did what?!"

 

Xiao Zhan hicks, "I don't know either. It really hurts, Xuan Lu. I thought everything about us will be better but it turned out the opposite way."

 

"I... How can he do that? Are you telling me he completely forgot about you and his feelings for you?!"

 

Xiao Zhan, "I can't tell. Maybe? Who knows? I just know things are never going well for me."

 

"What's your plan?"

 

"Probably, forget about him."

 

Xiao Zhan decided to tell Xuan Lu about everything. Not to his surprise, Xuan Lu was shocked about what he told her. Xiao Zhan felt like shit. It felt like Wang Yibo just played him some sort of game, coming and going away. His feelings and decision changing over a period of time that Xiao Zhan could feel himself like throwing up as if Wang Yibo just throws him around.

 

Xiao Zhan is tired but he couldn't stop himself from loving the man he once turned away from.

 

 

Chapter 23

"Thank you."

Xiao Zhan bowed at the audience in front of him before he went back to his seat. It was their defense for their research, a requirement his batch must attain in order to graduate.

He just looked at the professor explaining his topic further when Xuan Lu nudged him on the side. He looked at her and leaned in, "Why?"

Xuan Lu, "Nice." She smiled and made a "like" sign at him before focusing her attention back to the lecture.

Xiao Zhan smiled back and copied Xuan Lu as well.

It has been almost a year since the incident happened. Xiao Zhan is already a senior while Wang Yibo is in his junior year. They actually never had any closure about their feelings for each other. Xiao Zhan's feelings for Wang Yibo never left while Wang Yibo's feels like it just flew away.

They still talk and laugh, do things like usual even though Xiao Zhan knows something Wang Yibo will probably never find out. To Xiao Zhan's surprise, Wang Yibo and Cheng Xiao actually turned out to be a good couple especially when Wang Yibo finally reciprocated Cheng Xiao's feelings. It is not that Xiao Zhan hoped he waas in his neighbor's place, not at all.

His phone vibrated making him to pull it out of his pockets. Wang Yibo sent him a message.

[Where are you?]

Xiao Zhan looked at the professor before he typed, "Class, why?"

He didn't put it back to his pockets as he knows Wang Yibo will respond.

A buzz came in, [When are you going out? I'll wait for you.]

To Xiao Zhan's surprise, Wang Yibo actually became comfortable around him again after the relationship of him and Cheng Xiao started. It feels like his confidence of pulling him away from Xuan Lu came back which made Xiao Zhan felt even more guilty about the rejection he gave to Wang Yibo before.

"Four. You can leave."

[We'll wait for you.]

But Xiao Zhan also feels like a third-wheel whenever that happened.

There will be times that he didn't know the couple would go on a date and Wang Yibo just pulled him towards an ice cream shop only to see Cheng Xiao eating her strawberry ice cream.

He typed, "No need. I still have some works to do after class. We can just hang out once I'm free from this bullshits."

He turned his phone to silent mode after sending the message and just put his attention to the professor.

In less than two months, Xiao Zhan will finally graduate and leave this college world. He is excited but also nervous and afraid about how his life would turn out as a young adult.

He had never expected any of this things around him to happen. Wang Yibo having a girlfriend and Xuan Lu about to get married to someone Xiao Zhan didn't even heard of. He actually felt betrayed when he found out about it.

 

"You're what?!"

Xuan Lu pouts and stuffed a spoon of rice onto Xiao Zhan's mouth before she replied, "You're overreacting. It's not that I'm leaving China, you know?"

Xiao Zhan immediately chewed the rice and immediately gulped them. He claimed, "You're literally getting married! Xuan Lu, how can I stay still?! I didn't even know you were seeing someone!"

Xuan Lu sighed and looked at the food in front of her and stirred it slowly, "Ma and Ba set me up on a blind date when you were broken with you know who... of course, I don't want to invalidate your feelings."

Xiao Zhan was even horrified, "You knowz you can tell me after that? It's not like I was messed up during those times! Zhuocheng didn't even bother to tell me! Am I that irrelevant?!"

Xuan Lu, "Of course not. I just want to keep our relationship lowkey. Be thankful I invited you to the wedding. My parents wanted the wedding to be just about the famoly but I still made them agree about you joining. Come on, don't be silly. I just hid it for a year!"

Xiao Zhan just rolled his eyes, "Just make sure that man is not going to be a dick to you."

Xuan Lu laughed, "Of course, I'll be the one ripping that manhood of his if he ever hurt me."

Xiao Zhan, "Good."

 

He also found out about Wang Yibo's friend, Cho Seungyoun, having a boyfriend which was a big surprise for Xiao Zhan. He perceived the man as straight as a ruler, turns out that man was a cylinder.

Xiao Zhan is happy abouy the people he knew having the time of their life but he couldn't help but feel left out. Juniors like Wang Yibo having lovers but himself doesn't even see someone?

"Everyone, there will be a photoshoot for the upcoming graduation. It will be held tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning in Reading Hub." The professor suddenly informed the students making the whole class to either squeal in excitement or stayed neutral.

Xiao Zhan looked at the time and shrugged, it is not like he is shocked about the photoshoot, it is obviously predictable especially they are about to graduate.

He felt a pinch on his arms making him to automatically get closer to Xuan Lu. She said, "You already have quotes for tomorrow?"

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, his brows furrowing, "No. I'll just search later on the internet. It's not that it has to be unique or something."

Xuan Lu, "You're right."

Xiao Zhan thought, he is neither a handsome student nor a popular one so what's the bother of thinking of quotations for the yearbook. Just put his face and done, simple as that.

But that thought of Xiao Zhan immediately went into the abyss. That same day, Xiao Zhan was sitting in front of his desk. Thinking of a quotation that will express his opinion and thought about a particular topic.

He looked at the piece of paper that he knows anytime will get crumpled by him due to his ignorance of thinking of a simple yet powerful message for the year book.

Then, something suddenly came to his mind.

"If crying is an art, my room would be full of canvas due to school works."

Chapter 24

Summary:

How long can Xiao Zhan bear the struggle of being single and seeing the person he likes dating someone else?

Xiao Zhan laughed at the thought and decided that will be on the yearbook a hundred percent.

He immediately pulled his phone out and typed the quote he had originally made on the notes to not forgot about it. 

He turned his phone off before he decided that was all for tonight and took a rest for tomorrow's pictorial.

 

 

Xuan Lu was the first to arrive between her and Xiao Zhan to the pictorial, she had her lashes and make up on to look presentable for the pictorial. She also wore some jewelry to stand out even more, afterall, this will be the last graduation pictorial she will ever experience in her life.

She was busy looking at the mirror she was holding while fixing her curly hair when she heard something that caught her attention.

"Excuse me? Lu-jie?"

She immediately looked up and saw Wang Yibo. She smiled thinly, not showing her sweet smile as she was still bitter about the fact of the gentleman in front of her just hurt her best friend, "Mn?"

"Where is Zhan-ge?"

Xuan Lu's eyes squinted, Why is he asking for A-Zhan's whereabouts?

He continued, "I was trying to call him but he hasn't answered any of them."

Xuan Lu crossed her arms and bit the inside of her cheeks, she replied, "Maybe he is still asleep or preparing for the pictorial. He will be here any minute anyway. You can just wait here."

Wang Yibo lets out an "ah" and shakes his head, "I can't. A-Xiao is waiting for me. I'll just get by later. Thank you though."

Xuan Lu almost rolled her eyes but she managed to keep her expression still, she smiled at the man and nodded, just looking at him while walking away.

How can this man live after hurting Xiao Zhan?

But then, she remembered Xiao Zhan never clarified his feelings for the younger man. Oh, just how cruel destiny is especially when neither of any parties did anything after the conflict.

Not long enough, she had already saw Xiao Zhan jogging towards the reading hub. There are already a lot of students at this point and Xuan Lu is stressed out about her make up. After all, summer already arrived and there is a big possibility of the heat of the summer would ruin her make up.

She just waited for Xiao Zhan to come and when he did. She immediately told him about Wang Yibo searching for him.

"He did? What did he say?"

Xuan Lu shrugged, "Never mentioned anything. He was just asking where you are. That's what you get for not managing your time. Be thankful other colleges were the first ones to be taken of. Just what would I do if we were the first ones."

"Sorry. The bus came later than usual." Xiao Zhan pouts and held Xuan Lu's arms like a toddler.

Xuan Lu rolled her eyes and shrugged Xiao Zhan off, "Cling onto me later. I have to look good. It's pissing me off. They should've announced it earlier. I shouldn't have been woke up at five in the morning to make a good full face make up."

Xiao Zhan sighed, "You're right. Let's go to the library. At least the library is air-conditioned, no need to worry about your make up being smudged."

Xuan Lu agreed, "Good, good. I'll just tell Li Qin we're leaving."

Xiao Zhan nodded and just waits for Xuan Lu.

 

 

Cho Seungyoun was busy answering his school works when he heard the glassed door of the library opened. He looked up and saw Xiao Zhan and his friend enter the property.

He leaned back and crossed his arms. He nudged Wang Yibo who was busy reading Cheng Xiao's notes and pointed at the newly arrived people, "Your babe."

Wang Yibo furrowed his brows but looked up anyway. He was about to stand up when the woman beside her looked up to him.

"Where are you going?" Cheng Xiao asked.

He looked at Cheng Xiao and smiled before he held Cheng Xiao's hands and shakes his head, "Nothing. Seungyoun is just bothering me."

Cheng Xiao, unimpressed, looked around and saw her good neighbor with a woman. She tilted her head before she looked back at her boyfriend, "I really find that girl so pretty. What's her name?"

Wang Yibo looked at the woman who is now sitting on a chair with Xiao Zhan, talking silently, "Xuan Lu. She's a friend of Zhan-ge. She is also a classmate of his so it's not a surprising thing to always see them together."

Cheng Xiao turned to Xiao Zhan and kept her eyes on the two people having conversation. She asked, "Are they together?"

Wang Yibo shakes his head even though Cheng Xiao couldn't see him, "No. Xiao Zhan actually mentioned me Xuan Lu-jie is about to get married after their graduation. I don't know who the guy is."

Cho Seungyoun suddenly abrupted in, "She is? Ah, it is not a wonder. She looks majestic. I wonder why Xiao Zhan is still not taken though. He's not that bad."

Wang Yibo glared at Cho Seungyoun and spat out, his voice still lowered, "What do you mean by 'not that bad'? Zhan-ge is clearly not bad at all, he is perfect."

Cheng Xiao turned to Wang Yibo and giggled, "He is. Maybe he is seeing someone and he just wants to keep it private or he likes someone but that someone doesn't know it yet or he is just really not interested in relationships at this point. You know, some people prioritize their career at this age."

Wang Yibo shrugged, "You're right."

Suddenly, Cho Seungyoun leaned in to Wang Yibo and whispered, "Xiao Zhan even rejected the Wang Yibo. Of course, he is not interested."

Wang Yibo just rested his head on Cheng Xiao's shoulder and closed his eyes, showing his middle finger to Cho Seungyoun while keeping ut hidden to Cheng Xiao.

"All right. Seungyoun, are you teasing Yibo again? Come on, just read this and we're done." Cheng Xiao stated, shaking her shoulders to get Wang Yibo off of her.

Without their knowledge, Xiao Zhan was looking at them. Xuan Lu seemed to have noticed the sudden change of Xiao Zhan's aura and looked as well before she looked back and Xiao Zhan was already looking at the table in front of them.

She looked at the table as well before she looked back at Xiao Zhan, "Is there something I can't see that you could? I don't see anything special on this wooden table. You know you could just tell me how jealous you feel. We can shift places if you want to."

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, "No. I was just not really that used to seeing Wang Yibo getting touchy with Cheng Xiao. Usually, they just bicker and stuff, not... that."

"Right. So, you're uncomfortable." Xuan Lu nodded but leaned in, "But that is because you're wuth them. Of course, they will spare you enough peace. They are together, Xiao Zhan. It's not surprising if they do something like that... even more."

Thinking of Xuan Lu's point, she is right. He looked at the trio not far from them, Wang Yibo is no longer leaning on Cheng Xiao but looking at some notes while Cheng Xiao was saying something to him.

If only he came just in time that night and had enough courage to say his feelings for Wang Yibo, life wouldn't be this miserable.

Chapter 25

Twelve noon, Xuan Lu received a message from Li Qin that it was their turn to take pictures. She immediately informed Xiao Zhan and went off to the reading hub.

The three people were no longer in the library the time they left. To Xiao Zhan's disappointment, Wang Yibo never went to him to tell him whatever he was supposed to say during the morning. Xiao Zhan might forever not know about it.

They immediately saw their blockmates falling in line outside the reading hub making Xuan Lu to grunt.

"It's hot as fudge! Do we really have to fall in line under direct sunlight?!" She claimed while fanning herself using her hands.

Xiao Zhan immediately pulled out an umbrella from his bag and opened it, "Here."

Xuan Lu smiled sweetly at Xiao Zhan before she held the umbrella. She turned again before she flashed Xiao Zhan another sweet smile which Xiao Zhan always sees whenever Xuan Lu asks for something.

Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes and chuckled, "What is it this time?"

Xuan Lu hugged Xiao Zhan's arms, "Do you have your hand fan with you? Let me borrow it!"

Xiao Zhan moaned and whined, "You're annoying. Let go, I'll go get it."

Xuan Lu squealed and hopped around, "Thank you, my friend!"

Xiao Zhan cringed, "Stop jumping around, you'll get sweaty. We don't want your makeup get ruined, do we?"

Xuan Lu immediately stopped but still squealed and tailed Xiao Zhan around while sometimes pinching the taller man and showering him with compliments until he pulled out the hand fan out of his bag which was immediately pulled by Xuan Lu out of his hand.

"Thank you!" Xuan Lu said before she turned back to the line and immediately started fanning herself.

He just zipped his bag and he was pulled by someone. He was dragged for at least ten feet away from Xuan Lu when the person finally stopped pulling him.

He looked and saw it was Wang Yibo. He unconsciously looked behind him, searching for Cheng Xiao but the woman was nowhere to be found.

Wang Yibo might have noticed him looking behind, which made him say, "Cheng Xiao has class. Have Xuan Lu told you about it earlier?"

Xiao Zhan blinked before he nodded, "What's the matter?"

Wang Yibo inhaled, "Are you free?"

Xiao Zhan smiled at him sarcastically, "I'm literally going to attend a pictorial and you're asking me if I am free or not? Of course not!"

Wang Yibo shakes his head before he annoyingly holds Xiao Zhan's arms.

"Where are you going to take me, Wang Yibo?" Xiao Zhan grunted but not budging and took Wang Yibo's grip off of his arms, "Wang Yibo, what are you doing?"

Wang Yibo finally loosened his grip when they were no longer under the sun, his grip still on Xiao Zhan, "Can I stay in your apartment later?"

Xiao Zhan's breath hitched, "Why? You missed me?"

Wang Yibo chuckled and slapped Xiao Zhan's arms playfully, "Aside from that."

Xiao Zhan just smiled at the thought, did he missed him?

Wang Yibo, "Cheng Xiao's parents will visit. She thought meeting them later would be a great idea."

Xiao Zhan's smile faded. Wang Yibo was too busy to explain that he didn't even notice about Xiao Zhan's change of mood.

He continued, "You know, I never met her parents. I'm excited, of course, but a little nervous. This felt a little too familiar."

Xiao Zhan felt his heart shattering from Wang Yibo's words. So, they are indeed serious about their relationship, huh?

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but ask with a joking voice, "I didn't know you were that serious with Cheng Xiao. Are you sure you're Wang Yibo?"

Wang Yibo's face turned serious but also confused, "I never changed, Zhan-ge. I have been like this even when I liked you. I think it is the situation's difference that you think I changed. To be fair, I think you were the one who quite changed. You're a little too distant ever since... I..."

Xiao Zhan gulped, "About that..."

Wang Yibo suddenly tapped Xiao Zhan's shoulder and smiled, "Anyway, let's forget about it. I have to go now, Seungyoun is waiting for me. See you later."

Xiao Zhan wanted to speak up but then what's the point of telling him he likes him if he is already with Cheng Xiao, right?

He quietly looked at the man leaving him under the tree before he decided to walk back to the reading hub.

"Where have you been?" Xuan Lu asked him, "You just disappeared. The next time I know, you were walking back here. I saw Wang Yibo walk out from the same place you went. What dod you do?"

Xiao Zhan sighed. He wanted to tell Xuan Lu everything he felt but that would be too cringey so he just told her what she had to know.

"Wang Yibo asked me if it would be fine for him to stay for a night. Cheng Xiao's parents will come later. He is going to meet her parents."

Xuan Lu's face turned worried, "They are serious about their ongoing relationship, huh. What's your plan?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Xuan Lu in horror. He snorted and rolled his eyes, "You really think I'm going to stop them? I am not going to do anything of course. It is their life anyway."

Xuan Lu, "You know the next step after meeting the parents is marriage. You're okay with that?"

Xiao Zhan looked at Xuan Lu seriously, "Let's just hope her parents wouldn't like Wang Yibo. There is no way I am going to make a scene and ruin someone's relationship just to be happy. After all, what is the point of having Wang Yibo if... he no longer likes me, right?"

Xuan Lu looked at Xiao Zhan for a while with worry and dismay but just nodded and no longer responded.

For Xiao Zhan, it is better to die single, with no one beside him as his other half, than to steal someone's man. Moreover, his neighbor whom he has no idea about her personal life. Just what if she is a daughter of some sort of rich businessman or is in a rich family that could hire someone to assassinate and silence him anytime he laid his hands on Wang Yibo.

If Wang Yibo wanted him, he would break up with Cheng Xiao himself and pursue him. It just happens that it is a no.

Chapter 26: 26

Notes:

Sorry, everyone for the very late (2 years) update. I was very busy and found new hobbies during those times and entered college last year. I got pregnant, had a miscarriage and not long after my OB told me I can no longer bear another little being due to complications. Oh, and grandma passed away this year so I was really occupied. Again, this chapter is pretty rushed and messy since I kind of forgot the storyline I had with this fic but I hope y'all would still enjoy this. Cheers <3

"Do you want to eat something?" Xiao Zhan asked Wang Yibo right after opening the door, "I can make you some beverage or any food. What do you want?"

Wang Yibo shakes his head before he slumped his body on the couch, "I'm good. I'll be eating at Xiaoxiao's anyway."

Xiao Zhan nods, Right.

"Well, okay... if... if you need anything, just knock on my room. I'll just change my clothes." Xiao Zhan said before he left the living room to change.

Xiao Zhan was happy to see Wang Yibo visit but should he really be happy where in he was only there to stay while waiting for the right time to go to Cheng Xiao's?

He felt betrayed even though Wang Yibo probably didn't mean to hurt him. After all, he was the one who rejected him and he never got to say anything about his feelings for the other. He wanted to cry but chose not to. How can he cry when it was his fault to be hurt like that. But all he could think is does he deserves this kind of pain?

He eventually passed out after thinking about that he didn't even notice when someone knocked on his apartment's door.

The door opened and Cheng Xiao revealed herself. She smiled at the man who opened the door and kissed his cheeks.

"Hey. Ma and Ba will be here in a minute. You could've just go straight my apartment. You really love bothering Zhan-ge, huh?" Cheng Xiao chuckled.

Wang Yibo, "He insisted for me to stay here for a while while waiting for your parents. I think it is also better, I wouldn't have to bother you."

Cheng Xiao squinted and rolled her eyes, "Who said you're bothering me? You are one of my priorities, of course, you will never be a bother. After all, I was the one who initiated for you to meet my parents."

Wang Yibo just smiled, "Okay."

Cheng Xiao, "Well, I have to head back now. I still have to prepare the table for our dinner later. Tell Xiao Zhan my gratitude for letting you stay for a while."

Wang Yibo nodded and shot a smile, "Will do."

 

After a light nap, Xiao Zhan woke up with sweat on his forehead. He sat down and wiped his forehead with his palm and sighed. Since when did the apartment got this hot?

He stood up to grab a glass of water when he saw Wang Yibo sitting by the dining table. He forgot Wang Yibo is with him.

Wang Yibo's face was unpaintable. He seems to not have noticed Xiao Zhan, he was out of his mind that Xiao Zhan does not know if Wang Yibo is still with him.

Xiao Zhan did not bother to throw a conversation with the younger and went straight ahead to the refrigerator to grab some water. He was about to gulp when he heard Wang Yibo mutter something inaudible.

With the glass still in touch with his lips, he turned around to look at Wang Yibo. He waited.

Wang Yibo looked at him with seriousness yet worry in his eyes, he asked, "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

Xiao Zhan almost loosen his grasp from the glass. Thankfully, he was able to maintain his composure, "What?"

Wang Yibo continued whatever he is doing, staring at Xiao Zhan's soul.

Xiao Zhan sighed and put the glass down, completely facing Wang Yibo, "What are you doing, Yibo?"

Wang Yibo, "I don't know. I am just... I am clueless, Xiao Zhan."

Xiao Zhan slowly walked towards Wang Yibo and sat across the younger, "Clueless about what?"

Wang Yibo, "All of this especially you."

Xiao Zhan was taken aback, "What do you mean by me?"

Wang Yibo looked at the older in disbelief. He felt like the older is completely another person, "This! You're ignoring me. No longer cares for me. You're avoiding me and all. I thought we're already through from this? I thought we're okay?"

Xiao Zhan couldn't help but to be confused. Why did the conversation turned to him?

Wang Yibo, "I felt like we're strangers once again. You know I don't like that but it felt like we're no longer on the same page. Just because Cheng Xiao came into my life does not mean you're no longer important to me. You know how much you mean to me. You know how much I love you, right?!"

Xiao Zhan's blood starts to rise to his head, "What's with the switch Wang Yibo? We were okay just earlier."

Wang Yibo shook his head and in frustration rose his voice, "Ever since you did not meet me at the rooftop, nothing has been the same, Xiao Zhan. I waited for you!"

After hearing what Wang Yibo had stated, Xiao Zhan couldn't handle the heat anymore. He couldn't help but to stand up and shout at the younger, "I went! I went, okay?!"

Wang Yibo froze.

Xiao Zhan, "I went that midnight. I was there! I was late but I was there, Wang Yibo."

Wang Yibo stayed in his seat, looking at the very frustrated man in front of him. He stayed silent, listening to Xiao Zhan. He is not saying anything, just letting silence to engulf the whole kitchen area and giving Xiao Zhan the floor to speak his mind.

Xiao Zhan, "I went yet I was late. Cheng Xiao was there with you. She was with you and the moment I saw you... you were..."

Wang Yibo looked at the taller with his shocked eyes. There is no way he...

Xiao Zhan, "I saw you kissing her and I did not want to ruin your new happiness even if it takes my own."

Wang Yibo just looked at Xiao Zhan, "..."

Xiao Zhan chuckled yet pain can still be clearly heard in his voice, "Cheng Xiao beat me. She was right, being late is better than never but being early is being than being late. Everything went downhill after I saw you kissing her, Yibo."

"..."

"Wang Yibo, it was supposed to be me."

"What?"

"It was supposed to be us..."

 

Chapter 27: 27

Wang Yibo was confused, irritated, desperate, and all negative feelings he could feel. The moment those words came out of Xiao Zhan's mouth, he sprint his way out of the house. Not even caring if he left his phone charging by the sofa of Xiao Zhan's living room.

He does not know who should be mad about, what caused his frustrations, whose fault all of the things happening.

But he is Wang Yibo. He is just Wang Yibo who always get the job wrong, makes situation worse.

Everything is his fault.

He did not bother to show up at Cheng Xiao's doorstep. He went straight ahead to his shared dorm. He packed his things without informing his busy roommate who's out the dorm doing whatever he please. He did not bother telling Cheng Xiao his decision. He left without bidding good bye to anyone in the city. He was gone like a balloon lost grasp on, unreachable.

 

It's six in the evening, Xiao Zhan smiled at the customer as he thanked her. He really did not expect his business to be successful knowing coffee shops are way overrated as a business to run in this economy.

He looked at his phone while no customer is looking and saw a photo message from his very friend, Xuan Lu. It was a photo of Xuan Lu carrying her 1-year-old daughter, Meimei, who is smiling widely while holding a piece of lollipop.

Xiao Zhan smiled and typed in, "Don't make her eat too much sweets. She might get used to it and be the sweetest person in the world."

He tapped the send button and quickly saw Xuan Lu typing. Not long after, she responded, "I already am, Godfather,"

Xiao Zhan chuckled and put his phone down and looked around the shop.

It's been five years since Wang Yibo erased himself from everyone's lives. In those five years, a long of things happened. Xuan Lu got married right after their graduation, Li Qin migrated with her husband not long ago, Wang Zhuocheng went abroad months after graduation to pursue his singing career, Choi Seungyoun had no connection with him right after Wang Yibo left but he heard the man became a part of a national dance troop and part-time dance teacher, Cheng Xiao stayed as his neighbor until the year after Wang Yibo left and eventually transferred to another university across the country.

Xiao Zhan graduated and planned the business he is already running. Well, while still trying to remember Wang Yibo's voice and laugh he is starting to forget.

Wang Yibo is full of secrets. He was gone in minutes.

Xiao Zhan looked at Liu Huan, his employee, and tapped his shoulders, "Take care of my baby."

Liu Huan smiled and nodded, "Sure, Sir. Your baby shop is safe with me."

Xiao Zhan nodded and walked to his office, removed his apron and walked towards the door of the shop. He went inside his car and rode back to the house he had been living for years, now his own property. He did not bother to move as he grew love towards the establishment. He decided to buy it after saving enough money.

He parked his car and went inside his house and opened the lights. He removed his clothes to take a shower when he heard his phone ring.

He looked at the phone and saw it was Xuan Lu calling. Confused as the lady never called him right after graduation due to "family matters", he answered quickly, "Wh--"

"I saw him!"

Xiao Zhan, confused, furrowed his brows, "Saw who? Your husband cheating? I told y---"

"No, moron! Your Yibo..."

Xuan Lu kept on muttering something but despite the clarity of her voice, Xiao Zhan's mind turned blurry, his ears stopped receiving any sounds than his beating heart. Wang Yibo... a name he forgot calling.

"Yibo?"

Xuan Lu replied, squealing, "He's here. I saw him. By the park, alone it seems. You should come here. I bet he hasn't seen me. Come!"

Xiao Zhan is hesitant. What will he do? What will he say? He's naked with only towel covering his intimate areas. How can he go there in time?

Xiao Zhan, still confused yet alarmed, quickly changed his clothes, not bothering to take a quick shower or half bath. He wore his simple white polo shirt, grey pants, and black shoes. He looked at himself in the mirror, Should I wear some make up? It's been years since we saw each other, I might have earned new wrinkles.

He shrugged the thought and just combed his hair neatly and rushed to the park.

He was feeling reckless he can't believe he reached the park unharmed. He quickly parked his car and called Xuan Lu to ask her whereabouts while sprinting towards  somewhere he was unsure of. It was until he bumped onto someone's shoulder making his phone to drop by the fountain.

His eyes widen, his body froze. What the hell did just happen?

He immediately went near the fountain, put his hands into it and starts to search for his phone. He can't believe the curse the winds have given him, the darkness neither helped. He was busy and helplessly looking for the phone when  someone from behind spoke, "I'm sorry, I did not mean for that to happen."

Xiao Zhan smiled bitterly, still trying to reach for the phone, "It's... fine. It was my fault, I wasn't really paying any... attention."

He was thankful his ego and patience did not betray him, he was surprised he did not curse the man. He felt the water slowly freezing his hand and he knows the phone is no longer working but really could not care less. He needs his phone.

He was about to give up due to the deepness of the fountain when the guy from behind talked again.

"Xiao Zhan?"

Xiao Zhan halts, how did the person know his name?

He stopped wiggling his hands by the water and slowly turned around, not removing his arms from the fountain. By his back, he saw a face unbelievably familiar, just older from what he remembered.

The man was tall and slender, fair skin and has smooth hair. His skin glows in inspite the dimness of that side of the park. He was wearing rolled up white sleeves, black slacks, and black shiny shoes while carrying a toddler, around three years of age.

Still in the awkward position he was in, Xiao Zhan stammered, "Wang Yibo?"

 

Chapter 28: 28

Xiao Zhan felt like he chugged more than 5 bottles of gin, he felt lightheaded by the scenery in front of him.

Wang Yibo, who suddenly disappeared on a random night of his life, is in front of him looking completely matured than the last time he saw him, holding a child which Xiao Zhan assumes is his. He did not expect the day this will happen to be like this.

"You..."

Wang Yibo smiled and softly said, "I think you should get your phone, Zhan-ge."

Zhan-ge... It's been a while since I heard that from you.

"Hi." is all Xiao Zhan could say as he stares at the person in front of him.

Wang Yibo might have noticed the shock in Xiao Zhan's face, he suggested, "It's been years since we last saw each other. Wanna catch up?"

 

Xiao Zhan found himself sitting across Wang Yibo in his own coffee shop. He is looking down, afraid to find Wang Yibo's eyes staring at him. He was busy fidgeting on his fingers that he startled when Wang Yibo startedthe conversation.

"How are you, Zhan-ge?"

Xiao Zhan raised his sight and met Wang Yibo's, he immediately break the eye contact, "I'm good. Well... I... I'm running this business... Mama and Baba are still healthy and fully supports me with my dreams and..."

Xiao Zhan paused, what else is good?

Wang Yibo leaned back, looking at Xiao Zhan while the toddler he was carrying earlier, fidgets beside him. He is waiting for Xiao Zhan's answer. Finally giving up from waiting, he mutters. "You're still making me wait after all the years of not seeing each other. You never changed, Zhan-ge."

Xiao Zhan became irritated, "What do you mean? I also waited for you during the years you left us. I was waiting for you to come back, I even kept your phone just in case but you never came for it, not even your friends."

Wang Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan and took a sip of his iced latter, "I'm sorry. I left you with no explanation at all. It was just... I felt like whatever happened between me, Cheng Xiao, and even you were all... rushed. I was helpless. I did not know what to do."

Xiao Zhan finally had the guts to look at the younger man across him, "So you decided to leave us? Cheng Xiao looked for you."

Wang Yibo smiled, "I told her the next day I'm breaking up with her. I explained to her everything. And... my parents..."

Xiao Zhan squinted his eyes, "What about them?"

Wang Yibo coughs, "They... set me up for an arranged marriage."

Xiao Zhan looked down again to his fingers. He could feel his finger started to wound due to his pinching, "Marriage?"

Wang Yibo nodded, "They called me the night before I left. They told me I should head back home to meet the girl. I was hesitant but I realized if I stay here, I won't be myself either. I was almost willing to stay until I remembered, it won't be worth it if I stay because and with you. When you said those things, I realized how much I messed things up. How I ruined our friendship and our almost relationship. I told myself I'd rather marry someone afar from you than to see you everyday and feel the regret in my heart and my soul. Also, during the time I was away, I went to another state university to continue my studies and met new friends there. However, it really did not erase the feelings I had and still have for you. For now, I am focusing on Lou."

Xiao Zhan looked at Wang Yibo then the child beside him, "The child, Luo, then, he's..."

Wang Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan then to the toddler beside him. He smiled and nodded, "He is my son."

Xiao Zhan felt a sharp pain in his heart. Five years is not long but enough to tear his heart into pieces. He never stopped finding and yearning for the warmth only Wang Yibo can provide but seeing the tiny human beside his love, he almost lose all his energy.

Out of all he could imagine what happened to the younger , he never really thought of Wang Yibo creating his own family. He never

Xiao Zhan stutters, "W-Where's the... your wife?"

Wang Yibo looked at Xiao Zhan with confusion at first. Then, he chuckled, "Ah, Wife? You mean the girl I was supposed to marry?"

Supposed?

"We did not  get married. We had a date or two but she declined because she's pregnant with somebody else's baby. This kid right here..."

Wang Yibo held the child's hair and softly caressed it, "I adopted him a year ago."

Xiao Zhan was dumbfounded, "...Oh."

Wang Yibo smiled and looked at the older then laughed, "Wait... you thought I was married?"

Xiao Zhan blushed and spat, "Well, of course? You said you were practically in an arranged marriage and you are with a toddler. Who wouldn't assume?!"

Wang Yibo couldn't help but throw his head back laughing like a little kid hearing a funny joke, "Zhan-ge, I could never!"

Xiao Zhan shouts, "Well, you almost did with Cheng Xiao!"

Wang Yibo, "Did what?"

Xiao Zhan, "Have a family!"

Wang Yibo, "What? I did not even meet her parents."

Xiao Zhan, "Almost meet the parents and what's next? Marriage and family! Oh, come on."

Wang Yibo, "Well, if I almost did with Cheng Xiao, I would with you."

Xiao Zhan. "..."

Wang Yibo laughed frantically.

Xiao Zhan, "You're annoying."

Wang Yibo became serious, "Hey."

Xiao Zhan, "Mn?"

Wang Yibo, "Ma-- Mrs. and Mr. Xiao... did they..."

Xiao Zhan, "They did ask about you the next time I went to visit them. I just told them you were busy. However, you know they aren't that clueless about you. They know you. After months of lying, I told them you left the university and chose not to bid them farewell. They were saddened but they accepted it eventually. I decided not to tell them the truth as I think it would be better for you and also them."

Wang Yibo nodded and smiled thinly, "Thank you. Tell them how sorry I was for not contacting them. It was immature of me. Not long after, I realized how childish it was to leave you and the life I've built here but I also know the moment I left, the life I have here is already gone. I did not bother to come back until now."

Xiao Zhan, "I wanted to look for you if I were to be honest but for some reasons, I did not. I was afraid you'd just push me away if I found you... push me away the way I did before to you."

Wang Yibo chuckled and looked at Xiao Zhan who's still looking at his fingers under the table, "I can not do that so thank you for not looking for me. I may have regrets leaving but I did not regret what happened to me after. I graduated, focused on my work, and have this adorable child with me. I can not ask for more except one thing."

Xiao Zhan, "That is?"

Wang Yibo, "You."

 

Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan decided to visit Chongqing after years of not doing so together with Lou. When they arrived, the same scenery welcomed them except for the flowers that are about to wither due to the autumn season. Wang Yibo smiled as he inhaled, it's been a while since he came here.

Xiao Zhan looked at the younger while holding Lou on his arms, "Shall we?"

Wang Yibo nodded and started walking towards the door alongside Xiao Zhan.

It was Wang Yibo who knocked and heard a woman's voice from the inside to wait for them. The door immediately opened and saw Mrs. Xiao who had a shocked face when she saw who's waiting from the other side of the door.

She looked at Xiao Zhan, then Wang Yibo, then the child and back to Xiao Zhan, "Wha--"

Wang Yibo bowed and greet Mrs. Xiao, "Hello, Mrs. Xiao. It's been a while."

Mrs. Xiao immediately pulled Wang Yibo to a tight embrace, "Oh, Yibo! I thought I'll never see you again! It really has been a while since I last saw you!"

She broke the embrace and held both Wang Yibo's shoulders and looked at him with shock, "You've grown! You look better than the last time you visited. Oh, you child. I missed you!"

Wang Yibo smiled and replied, "I definitely missed you too."

 She gave Wang Yibo a light squeeze on his shoulders then her attention went to Xiao Zhan and the child in his arms, "Who... Who is this child?"

Xiao Zhan smiled and looked at Wang Yibo.

Mrs. Xiao looked at Wang Yibo with widened eyes, "You... You have a child?! This is your child?!"

Wang Yibo massaged his nape and looked at Mrs. Xiao with a sly smile, "Yeah?"

Mrs. Xiao, "Where's the wife?!"

Wang Yibo shrugged his shoulders and laughed.

Xiao Zhan, "I am the wife. Now, let's get inside, we're tired from the trip. Pretty sure Lou would want to rest now."

Mrs. Xiao was speechless, "You... what?!"

Xiao Zhan laughed and went inside with Lou while Wang Yibo stayed with Mrs. Xiao by the doorstep.

Wang Yibo, "Don't mind Zhan-ge, Mrs. Xiao. He's just joking. And... yes, Lou is my child, my adoptive child you must say."

Mrs. Xiao sighed out of relief, "Well... that made sense. I thought that son of mine kept a secret from me and his father for years! It was you all along! How come you never visit us? You just went back to your town with no word! If only you knew how devastated I was when Xiao Zhan said he lost contact with you. Let's go inside, I will make you both some tea."

Mrs. Xiao went to the kitchen while Wang Yibo went straight to Xiao Zhan's room. The house never lost its warmth, it's still the same from what he remembered. He put all the bags on the side of the bed as he watch Xiao Zhan changing Lou's clothes.

Wang Yibo smiled as he remembered what Xiao Zhan stated earlier, "Hey, wife!"

Xiao Zhan looked at Wang Yibo and rolled his eyes, "Stop me with the teasing, Wang Yibo. It's not funny."

Wang Yibo, "Well, I am not teasing you. You are my wife just like you've said earlier."

Xiao Zhan, "Whatever."

Xiao Zhan focused his attention to Lou, "You want to sleep, my dear? I'll prepare some food for you later, is that good?"

Lou just looked at Xiao Zhan and nodded. The child somehow shares the same trait as Wang Yibo, he was able to embrace the sudden change of atmosphere and place that surrounds him. He slowly walked towards the bed and attempts to get in but due to his size, he was unable to.

Xiao Zhan smiled at the child and carried him to bed. He gently surround the child with newly change pillows and gave him a gentle touch on his head, "Baba Bo will look after you, right Yibo?"

Wang Yibo who is busy changing his clothes nodded, "I will. I know Baba Zhan is tired so I'll take in charge for tonight."

Xiao Zhan laughed, "Baba Zhan?"

Wang Yibo looked at the older and asked in a serious manner, "We're about to go that way anyway, why not call you that?"

Xiao Zhan was baffled. The younger seem to have enough of the waiting and is now acting rapidly.

 

Xiao Zhan was right all along, the younger did not waste any more time. The younger, once again, had a private talk with Mr. and Mrs. Xiao that exact night. Mr. Xiao was dumbfounded when he saw the child. Wang Yibo. this time though, did not ask the Xiao parents if he could court Xiao Zhan rather asked the parents for Xiao Zhan's hand.

With no further ado, unlike before, the parents were hesitant but eventually gave him the permission. Xiao Zhan thought Wang Yibo was baby trapping him as a joke but he knows he wanted it as well.

After years of pain, yearning, and hopeless night the both of them endured, they finally found their home. It took them a year before they finally have their simple yet elegant wed with their family and close friends as witnesses of their love.

Xiao Zhan never imagined this day would come but he was not complaining. At last, the man he was waiting for years is in front of him, smiling and promising him the vows of love he has for him.