Dear Pen Pal

by Bigfoot_in_the_Air

Summary:

Wei Ying adores his pen pal. His new classmate, however? That’s another story.

Notes:

New story alert! These updates will be a little slower than Life is Awful, but I’ll try to update at least twice a week!
No betA

Chapter 1: Dear Pen Pal

Dear PenPal,

Hey! So this is weird. I don’t know what school you go to - AND I DONT WANNA KNOW! I think this is a fun little mystery! Also if we don’t know each other’s info, we can tell each other our deepest darkest secrets muahahaha! So with that in mind, I’m not gonna give you my name :) you can call me Suibian, cuz I couldn’t come up with anything else. I’m 14, and I have two awesome siblings! No pets, unfortunately. I would love to have a pet. That would be so cool! Do you have any pets? Or siblings? Are you good at school? I like to think I am, but I get in trouble a lot, so maybe I’m not! I like math, that’s my favorite class. Okay, I don’t know what else to write now, and my teacher is no help! I’ll just wait for you!

:) Suibian

————

Suibian,

Ridiculous. Our teachers know who our pen pals are, so if you tell me something I can just go tell my teacher. They will know who you are. But, as I am not interested in a new friend, I will follow your rules and not give my real name. You can call me Bichen. I have one sibling. I have a rabbit. I am good at school. I like all of my classes.
Bichen

Chapter 2

Notes:

Got this out much faster than I expected to! I’ve already written 10 chapters, so updates could be a little quicker if my inspiration stays! The chapters will swap back and forth from letters to Wei Ying’s POV

NO BETA, please forgive any mistakes or inaccuracies!

Wei Ying crumpled the letter up slightly in his hands. Of course, out of every student he could have been assigned for his penpal, he was given one that gave him nothing! “Bichen” seemed rude, and answered just the basic questions. He didn’t even ask anything in return!

Wei Ying grumbled to himself, letting his head plop onto his desk. This was a stupid assignment, he decided now. The high school decided it would be fun to pair up with other schools across the country and assign the students penpals. They didn’t tell the students who would be paired up with whom, but they apparently had a master list. When the students finished a letter, they would turn it in to their teacher who would ensure it got where it needed to go. There were no specific rules to it. They didn’t have to give the other student any information about themselves if they didn’t want to, but they did have to write. The teachers claimed it was a way to help them through high school, what they kept claiming would be the most “challenging years in their lives.” Wei Ying doubted that. He figured every part of life would claim that title, it was up to the person to decide what was actually challenging. And he was determined to find none of it challenging!

So far, high school wasn’t too challenging. Sure, they were only a month in and Wei Ying had been sent to the principal’s office three times, but he couldn’t help being bored! It wasn’t his fault that the school didn’t allow pets. If he had just known that rule, he wouldn’t have brought the frog he found outside in!

He shuddered, thinking of poor FrogMan. The teachers had tried to catch the frog, scaring the pee right out of the little guy! Wei Ying had managed to grab his small friend in the end, and released him back into the wild. Madam Yu would never let him have a pet, anyway, so FrogMan would be a free frog.

He did perk up thinking of pets. His penpal had offered up that he had a pet rabbit. That was cool! Wei Ying had always wanted a pet. Maybe not a pet rabbit, they were too yummy. He might be tempted to eat it! But maybe a horse or something. He was sure they didn’t taste good. Probably. Well, at least he had something to answer with!

He started scribbling, feeling more excited about the project again. He had been excited in the first place, when it was first announced. He loved talking to new people. He also thought it would be so fun to just have this anonymous person there listening to you. He was just momentarily discouraged by his penpal. But, following his plan to ensure no part of life was challenging, he would conquer this task! He would get this random kid to open up to him, they would be anonymous besties in no time!

—

“How’s your penpal?” Jiang Cheng asked at dinner that night. His adopted brother was a year younger than him, and wasn’t part of the assignment yet.

“He’s…” Wei Ying searched for the right word. “Cold. But I’ll warm him right up!”

“Gross.” Jiang Cheng wrinkled his nose, while Jiang Yanli giggled.

“I think it’s such a cool assignment!” She said. Their sister was the eldest of the three siblings, a senior in high school. “I wish they had this assignment when I started high school.”

“I hope they get rid of it when I start high school.” Jiang Cheng frowned into his soup bowl. He was a grumpy boy, and had a very set friend group that was used to his attitude.

“Aw, don’t be like that, didi!” Wei Ying exclaimed. “Maybe you’ll meet your soulmate!” He let out an obnoxious giggle.

“Who’s your didi!?” Jiang Cheng snapped back.

“Children,” The patriarch of the family had been sitting quietly at the table again, looking amused by their antics. Jiang Fengmian was as good an adopted dad as Wei Ying could have hoped for. He took Wei Ying in, after all. And after living on the streets after his parents’ deaths, Wei Ying was eternally grateful for this. “Your sister lovingly made this soup for dinner. Let’s enjoy it peacefully.”

Wei Ying stuck his tongue out at Jiang Cheng when Jiang Fengmian looked away, snickering at the rude finger Jiang Cheng sent back his way.

“So who is your penpal, Wei Ying?” This was why Wei Ying loved dinners like this. When the Jiang mother was working late, and they ate without her. These dinners were lively, entertaining! They could actually enjoy the food, instead of sitting so tensely their muscles ached after. Best of all, Wei Ying was actually spoken to, was asked about his day. For all of Jiang Fengmian’s great qualities, the man could not stand up to his wife. This left Wei Ying accepting his role as basically a little live-in servant for the woman.

“I don’t know!” Wei Ying wiggled his eyebrows. “We decided to keep it secret. Isn’t that so exciting?”

“So stupid,” Jiang Cheng said. “What if it’s someone you know?”

“Then it’s someone I know!” Wei Ying responded, flicking a crumb of bread at his brother. “Besides, everyone at school loves me! I bet they’d be thrilled to get to befriend me twice!”

“Yes, Xian-Xian is the best!” Jiang Yanli cooed. When he was originally picked up off the streets, the agency that took him in attempted to change his name. Wei Wuxian was what they wanted to call him. Wei Ying didn’t like it, he didn’t like the idea of losing the name his parents had given him. Now, Madam Yu was the only one who called him by Wei Wuxian, though Jiang Yanli created a cute nickname from it that stuck through childhood.

Wei Ying beamed at her. “Xian-Xian is only three!” He proclaimed.

Jiang Cheng gagged.

Notes:

Thanks for the support so far! I love it and I love comments!

Chapter 3

Notes:

Another letter!
No beta

Dear Bichen,

 

A bunny!! That’s soooo cool! I love bunnies! Well, I love eating them! Haha, but don’t worry. I wouldn’t eat your bunny ;) you can rest easy. 

 

So you’re like, a big nerd? If you’re good at all of your classes. There’s no way you don’t have a favorite class, though! Everyone has a favorite class. I know I said math, but if we count lunch, I would actually like to take that title. I love lunch. 

 

Bichennnnn my little baby brother bullied me so much last night! He doesn’t believe I’m popular, but I promise I am!! I told him I was gonna become your best friend, and he thinks it will never happen. I know it will though. We were fated to be besties, otherwise we wouldn’t have been assigned to each other as penpals!! 

 

I have to be honest with you! My teacher gave a secret away. I now know…. You’re in 9th grade. You thought you could get away with not telling me but you can’t! Hahaha! So are you 14 or 15? I have to know if you’re my didi or my gēge! Either way, trust me to take care of you! 

 

Sincerely, 

Suibian

 

—————

 

Suibian, 

 

You are insufferable. Who tells someone their pet would taste good? 

 

I have to side with your brother. I do not believe you to be popular. You seem annoying. In the spirit of honesty and… friendship. 

 

I am not really looking for a best friend. I am only doing this assignment because my brother is making me. He wants me to make friends. But I do not need nor want friends. So we can be penpals, that is all. 

 

I am 15, but I am not your didi and I am not your gēge. You may call me Bichen. 

 

• Bichen 

Notes:

Thanks for the support so far! I love getting comments it’s so fun!!

Chapter 4

Notes:

No beta! Sorry it is a shorter one, I should get another chapter up tomorrow! :))

“Bichen” was going to be harder to crack than Wei Ying had anticipated.

He thought his little joke about bunnies would just be a silly little throwaway, but no! It led to him being called “insufferable” and “obnoxious,” two things no one had ever called him before! Well. That might be a lie. He definitely has heard “obnoxious” being thrown his way in the past. Whatever, though! “Bichen” was just being mean for no reason.

Wei Ying wanted to write back a rude letter, maybe draw something inappropriate but he resisted. He was a mature 14 year old, he could not stoop to such levels. Besides, he had set the goal in his mind and he would achieve this goal! He was going to break “Bichen” down until his penpal admitted they were friends, then the next natural step was best friends.

Wei Ying opened his journal, adding his penpal’s most recent letter to the first. He had done his best to smooth out the first letter after crumpling it up in annoyance, and he thought he hadn’t done too bad a job. He wasn’t going to let this other student upset him again. The rest of the letters would stay in impeccable condition.

“Look at this!” Nie Huaisang waved a letter in his face. “My penpal is the best!”

Wei Ying shoved his friend’s hand away, but that didn’t deter the other boy.

“They’re just so sweet!” Nie Huaisang continued. “They said they’re gonna gift me something!”

Wei Ying scowled at him. “That’s great.” He said sarcastically.

“Did your penpal loosen up any?” Nie Huaisang settled into the empty seat beside Wei Ying. Class hadn’t started just yet, so the students were mingling.

“No, but he will. Everyone loves me!” Wei Ying bragged. His friend laughed, hurrying to his own seat as the teacher entered the room.

Wei Ying sat quietly - for once - through most of the class. He was considering exactly how he could get through to his penpal. Maybe he should also send a gift? But he didn’t know much about the other student yet, so what would he send? He couldn't very well send a whole bunny, he was almost positive the teachers wouldn’t allow that. His penpal claimed to enjoy school, so Wei Ying could send him his own homework and let him do it for Wei Ying.

He laughed to himself quietly. No, this student seemed very strict, he probably wouldn’t appreciate it if Wei Ying did that. He would call it cheating. Probably.

Wei Ying’s eyes lit up. He had an idea.

Notes:

Any kudos and comments are greatly appreciated :) I promise Lan Zhan will eventually enter as an in person character LOL not too much longer

Chapter 5

Notes:

I am not an artist haha none of my artist friends had free time to help me! (But I have learned I’m kind of obsessed with drawing bunnies…) so just imagine the drawing is like 200x better, thanks :)

No beta!

Bichen,

 

I’m really sorry I suggested eating your bunny. I promise to never eat another bunny ever! Okay, well. I can’t actually promise that. They’re good! But I won’t eat your bunny! :) or any bunny you don’t want me to eat. I wanted to apologize, so I attached a gift to this letter, I hope you like it! 

 

I’m thinking about picking up an instrument, what do you think? My school band has some openings and I’m bored anyway! But maybe not, my house might not want the extra noise haha! They say I’m noisy enough! 

 

Okay, well here is my gift to you! I’m sorry about the bunny stuff haha!

 

-Suibian

 

————

 

Suibian,

 

I think I believe your family when they say you are noisy enough. But, instruments are vital to mental health. I believe you should pick up an instrument. It is good for you. I play in my school band, and it is a great peace to me. 

 

Thank you for the gift. My rabbit’s name is A-Wangji.

 

-Bichen

Notes:

Thanks to everyone for the support! I’m glad yall are enjoying the story :))

Love kudos and comments

Chapter 6

“It worked.” Wei Ying whispered to himself, grinning stupidly at the letter. His penpal had offered information on his own! And had encouraged Wei Ying! He must have loved the drawing Wei Ying sent him, that was the only explanation. He grinned, slipping the letter with the others. He packed his folder away, swinging his backpack onto his back and following the hoard of students leaving the school. 

 

When he got outside, he looked around but didn’t see his family’s car anywhere. He pulled out his phone to check for messages. It was an old flip phone Jiang Yanli had given him. Madam Yu stated she wouldn’t waste money on him like that, but his sweet sister knew he needed some way to contact them. She had apologized when she gave it to him, stating the money her part time job gave her wasn’t much so she couldn’t afford a better phone. He had been touched enough by her even giving him one, he didn’t care what kind it was. His trusty flip phone had come in handy on numerous occasions already, typically on days like this. When it appeared he would have to walk home.

 

Sure enough, there was a message from Jiang Cheng. 

 

im sorry, i tried getting her to come pick u up. 

 

Wei Ying sighed to himself, quickly typing up an “np!!” It really wasn’t a problem. He has walked home many times! The school was only a ten minute drive from their house, but a much longer walk. Wei Ying blamed it on the twisting neighborhood they lived in. Walking home could take up to an hour, if you followed the rules and didn’t cut through yards. With Wei Ying cutting through yards, that time was halved. And he only occasionally got caught doing it!

 

Today must have been his lucky day, for it was one of those occasions. He had started for home, humming to himself as he crossed through several yards. He wasn’t paying much attention, and was startled to hear a voice yelling at him from one of the houses. 

 

There was a tall man standing oddly proper in his garden, surrounded by small, uniform flowers. His posture was immaculate, with a groomed goatee complimenting his long chin. 

 

“Young man,” the man scowled at Wei Ying. Wei Ying froze, and the man stomped over to him. “What do you think you are doing?” 

 

“Um, I’m sorry sir,” Wei Ying quickly gave a respectful bow. “I’m just trying to get home! This is just faster than going all the way around.”

 

“This is private property.” The man stated. 

 

“Well…” Wei Ying didn’t know what to say. 

 

“Trespassing is breaking the rules. You shall be properly punished for this. I believe it would be-“ 

 

Wei Ying cut him off. “Huh? You can’t punish me, I don’t even know you!” 

 

“Interrupting is breaking the rules,” the man continued, glowering at Wei Ying. “Come.” Before Wei Ying knew it, his phone had been snatched out of his hand. 

 

“Hey!” 

 

“You will get this back after your punishment.” The man informed him, walking to the small shed in the yard. “Your punishment will be to weed. My garden is in dire need of it, as well as my front walkway. When that is done to my satisfaction, you may have this back.” He wiggled the phone in the air before sliding it out of Wei Ying’s sight. Wei Ying was standing in shock. What the hell had just happened?

 

————

 

Wei Ying was still shocked as he found himself knee deep in the manure of this stranger’s garden. The man hadn’t told Wei Ying his name, nor bothered to ask for Wei Ying’s. Wei Ying figured he could just leave, but then he would lose his phone. He couldn’t lose his phone, not when Jiang Yanli had spent money and energy on getting it for him! He treasured everything his siblings gave him, and this clunky piece of technology was no different. 

 

The man was still standing outside, posture still oddly straight, watching Wei Ying with his hands behind his back. He hadn’t said much, other than to critique Wei Ying or correct him when he grabbed plants that ended up not being the weeds. When Wei Ying finished in the garden, he stood up and turned to the man. 

 

“Can I have my phone back now?” He asked, trying not to let frustration show in his tone. 

 

The man hummed a negative response. “Now, you must do the front walkway. Two infractions of the rules, two punishments.”

 

Wei Ying’s face fell, but the man didn’t care. Instead, he started walking around the house. Wei Ying dragged his feet as he followed the man, scowling at his straight back. 

 

The front walkway barely needed weeding, that was good at least. Unfortunately, the weeds were all in cracks between concrete, and the man hadn’t offered Wei Ying any tools or gloves. Wei Ying’s hands were already covered in dirt and small cuts from when the weeds cut him - something he didn’t even realize weeds could do. He plopped himself down at the first crack and began digging to pull out the weeds. As he expected, the rough concrete dug into his fingertips and before he knew it, the pads of his fingers were raw and red, a blister forming right on his thumb. 

 

“You’re home.” The man suddenly spoke, his tone definitely too friendly to be aimed at Wei Ying. Wei Ying glanced behind him, to where a boy about his age was approaching the house. The boy was very solemn looking, his posture also weirdly straight. Despite the blank look on his face, he was extremely handsome. His features were sharp, the baby fat doing nothing to hide that one day he would be absolutely breathtaking.  One of his hands was behind his back, as if he were hiding something back there, while the other gripped a couple books in front of him. The boy didn’t even spare Wei Ying a glance as he passed him on the walkway, his expression completely disinterested. He nodded to the man, however, before going inside the house. 

 

Wei Ying stared after him. While that boy might have been one of the most beautiful people he had ever seen, his aura was just chilly and a little scary. Wei Ying shuddered. He hoped he would never have any more run ins with this weird family. He would just stay away from this part of the neighborhood. 

Notes:

WOOHOO lan Zhan is here!!!

Thanks for all the support so far!! Love kudos and comments

Chapter 7

Notes:

Sorry for the little wait into a little chapter! I’m in a show rn and rehearsals have taken over my life LOL I’ll doo better

No beta!

Dear Bichen,

 

Happy 1 month penpal-versary! I can’t believe it’s already been a month :D remember when I joked about eating your bunny! And you hated me! Haha I’m glad we’ve moved past that. We’ve MATURED, Bichen! 

 

Last time I wrote you I was between the trombone and the cello, right? Well, now I’m thinking clarinet or flute. I tried out the cello and I felt so awkward! It’s just so big! I couldn’t move at all! But the clarinet and flute seem cool! I could move while playing, imagine if I’m like a dancing flute player. That would be so cool! 

 

Okay, speaking of instruments. My next guess for what you play!! I’m still sure you lied to me and you actually play violin, violin players seem so serious - just like you! Haha! But okay I’ll make a new guess. I think you play the oboe. That’s a weird one! You said it’s unusual! I feel like oboe is unusual.

 

Sorry to hear you have to change schools. But it could be fun! You can make new friends! I know you keep saying you don’t want friends but I’m sure you have more friends than just me! You seem so cool, I wish we knew each other in like… real life! Maybe when we graduate high school we should meet! That would be so cool! 

 

Your bestie,

Suibian 

 

———

 

Suibian,

 

There’s no such thing as a penpal-versary. That is ridiculous. I do remember you talking about eating A-Wangji, I do not enjoy the memory. Refrain from bringing it up again.

 

It has been a month and you have tried so many instruments. How have you not found what you want to play yet? 

 

I do not play the oboe. Also, oboes are neither weird, nor unusual. Oboes are a very normal instrument for one to play. 

 

I do not need any new friends. Suibian is friend enough for me. Maybe too much friend for me. 

 

Don’t call me bestie,

Bichen

Notes:

Love kudos and comments!

Chapter 8

Notes:

No beta!

Wei Ying was proud of himself. It had been a month, and he could tell he was wearing Bichen down. His penpal wasn’t shutting down Wei Ying calling them friends, though he wasn’t ready to accept BEST friends just yet. But still! Friends in a month! Wei Ying had to pat himself in the back for that. 

 

He looked up as the teacher entered the room, calling for quiet. He slipped his most recent letter away, pulling out his notebook for class. He didn’t really use it for notes, of course. He couldn’t pay attention enough to take notes. But he used it to sketch out his drawings for Bichen, finding it was easier to get away with it in a notebook than it was a sketchbook. 

 

“We have a new student starting with us today,” the teacher announced, gesturing towards the door. Wei Ying turned curious eyes to the door along with the rest of his class, and was shocked to see the handsome, stony faced boy enter the room. The one who didn’t even care that Wei Ying was doing manual labor in his front yard! 

 

“You-“ Wei Ying exclaimed, not caring that he interrupted the introduction. 

 

“Wei Ying, sit down.” His teacher instructed without missing a beat. “Everyone, this is Lan Zhan. He is your new classmate. Please take care him, class.” 

 

The new student - Lan Zhan - bowed to the class. He still had that absolutely ridiculous straight posture, not one glimpse of emotion on that handsome, handsome face. 

 

“Lan Zhan, there is an empty seat next to Wei Ying.  Please, take that seat.” The teacher pointed. “Wei Ying, raise your hand.” 

 

Wei Ying frowned. He liked having that empty seat next to him. He could spread out all his stuff. For example, that seat was currently housing his snack stash, the red bag open in the chair. He couldn’t very well refuse, though. Technically, eating wasn’t allowed during class. Wei Ying was just sneaky and clever/ He grabbed the bag with one hand, raising the opposite hand as instructed. 

 

Lan Zhan looked at him, and if he recognized Wei Ying from that day in the yard, he didn’t react. Instead, he just walked over calmly, one hand behind his back, and peered at the seat. 

 

Wei Ying didn’t know why he wasn’t sitting down. He looked over in confusion before realizing he had left a book there. Thankfully, the book was closed. It was one of Nie Huaisang’s books - one of the forbidden books his friend collected. Nie Huaisang’s brother was a substitute teacher, and tended to search his little brother’s bag whenever he was called in to sub. Today just happened to be one of those days, and Wei Ying had offered to hold onto the book for his friend. 

 

“Oops,” Wei Ying giggled, grabbing the book. 

 

Lan Zhan made a disapproving noise, but didn’t say anything otherwise. He sat and immediately turned all his attention to the teacher, ignoring Wei Ying. Wei Ying stared at him. He was even more handsome up front. He had silky dark hair, much more styled than Wei Ying’s own. You could tell he didn’t just hop out of bed and leave, he actually took care of his hair. It was clearly long, as it was pulled into a tight bun on the top of his head. Wei Ying tugged at his own hair thoughtfully, which reached just below his shoulders. He had thrown it into a messy half updo when he woke up that morning. He hadn’t cared how it looked, ignoring all the bumps that formed. He still didn’t care, even in the presence of this beautiful boy beside him. How did his seatmate have time to do his hair in the morning? They had to be at school so early, he must be waking up before the sun was even close to rising! 

 

Wei Ying had never been an early riser. If he had it his way, school would be in the afternoon, and he could sleep in all morning. But, he didn’t have it his way, and he was cursed to awaken early to learn. He could skip, he supposed, but even if he wanted to risk Madam Yu’s absolute rage for that, he didn’t really want to skip. Contrary to what people believed about him, he enjoyed school. He liked learning. He just didn’t like sitting still for so long. Maybe if classes were like half an hour shorter it would be easier. 

 

He was knocked from his thoughts by Lan Zhan. It was the first time hearing the other boy speak, and he was shocked at how musical his voice was. It was settled. He was in love.

 

“What?” 

 

“What?” Wei Ying repeated his seatmate, who - he now realized - was glaring at him. “Huh?” 

 

“If you are not going to pay attention, at least leave the rest of us alone.” Lan Zhan snapped, and Wei Ying blinked as the other student faced forward again. 

 

Okay, so Wei Ying was in love with an absolutely gorgeous jerk. 

 

 

Notes:

So happy Lan Zhan is finally here yahoo! Just FYI there will be several time jumps throughout the story, I’ll be sure to put a note when we are skipping time!

Loving the kudos and comments, thank you for all the support!

Chapter 9

Notes:

Sorry for the wait yall! I’ve been so busy!

No beta

Bichen!

 

You aren’t gonna believe this!! A new student started at school and he is SO MEAN! He was glaring at me so much and wouldn’t talk to me at all :( but that didn’t stop me! I will befriend him, I promise! Too bad I don’t know if he likes bunnies or not, I could just give him one of your drawings haha! Just kidding, those are yours and ONLY yours :)) 

 

I think I’m getting closer to picking an instrument! I definitely am liking woodwinds much more than the strings, but which woodwind to pick hmmmm

 

Okay new guess: you play… the piccolo! 

 

Aw, I’m honored to be your only friend! Keeps me from getting jealous haha! Speaking of jealous, maybe that’s why the new student hates me! Maybe it’s because I’m handsome AND nice and he is only handsome :D 

 

Your bff,

Suibian

 

———

 

Suibian,

 

Are you sure he is mean? Maybe you are just annoying him. There is a student at my new school who is very annoying, very loud and disruptive. He kept staring at me and got all flustered when he was called out on it. Very annoying. 

 

I like string instruments better, but good luck.

 

I do not play the piccolo. 

 

Yes, Suibian. I am sure that is why the new student is mean to you. It could not possibly be that you are simply obnoxious.

 

Bichen 

Notes:

Thank you so much for all the support so far! I’ll try to do better at answering comments!

Love kudos and comments!

Chapter 10

Notes:

My show is done woohoo!! I should get back to fairly quick updates hehe
There’s the first of a couple time jumps here, I made sure to note it! This is a little baby time jump. There will be more, I will make sure to be clear about them all

No beta

TIME JUMP: 6 MONTHS

 

___________

 

 

Wei Ying was practically shaking with excitement. It was the last day of school before spring break, and that little vacation couldn’t come soon enough. Lan Zhan had not warmed up to him at all, no matter what Wei Ying did. Fortunately, Bichen was there to listen - read - all of Wei Ying’s complaints about the new student. Bichen more often than not would just inform Wei Ying he might just be an annoying person, but Wei Ying took it in a loving way. 

 

He had taken a break from finding an instrument, deciding nothing he had tried was good enough. Bichen was exasperated by all the time Wei Ying had wasted trying different things, but was surely becoming used to Wei Ying’s ever changing whims. He also still hadn’t given away what instrument he played, much to Wei Ying’s frustration. 

 

His seatmate - the beautiful Lan Zhan - played an instrument. Wei Ying wasn’t really sure what the instrument was. He had only ever seen the case, a long, slightly tapered thing, but this gave nothing away. Of course he attempted to ask, but Lan Zhan completely ignored him. 

 

Lan Zhan was getting very good at ignoring Wei Ying. Wei Ying was finding that he would definitely need to up his game after the break in order to start receiving reactions from the other student again. He had attempted to give the student a drawing of himself, a nice profile portrait that Wei Ying had oh so thoughtfully added a cute little flower to. Lan Zhan took one look and - shockingly - didn't even say thank you. He just immediately turned back to the teacher. Wei Ying did him the favor of slipping it into his school book when Lan Zhan wasn’t looking. It was a gift, after all.  

 

“Any plans over break?” Wei Ying asked the student in question now, knowing he probably would receive only silence as an answer. 

 

“No.” Wei Ying’s eyes widened. That was an answer! 

 

“Me neither!” Wei Ying said cheerfully. “We should hang out!”

 

Lan Zhan stared at him, back to saying nothing. Wei Ying took that as an answer.

 

“Cool!” He exclaimed, snatching the other’s smartphone from where it laid on his desk. Lan Zhan made an aborted attempt to stop him, but Wei Ying refused to hand it back. He quickly flashed it towards Lan Zhan’s face, letting the Face ID unlock the device. Before Lan Zhan could grab it back, Wei Ying navigated to the messages and sent his own number a message, grinning as his flip phone let out a chime. He handed the phone back. 

 

“Ridiculous.” Lan Zhan scoffed. 

 

Wei Ying laughed. “You sound like a friend of mine!”

 

___________

 

Of course, the bad part about spring break was missing a letter. They sent their letters every other week, meaning they received one every other week. Wei Ying had already written up the next one to send to Bichen, but it wouldn’t get to go out until they went back to school, since only the teachers could send them. This led to much moping and pouting.

 

It especially didn’t help that the Jiangs had gone out of town. They went on a family vacation, something Madam Yu had never permitted Wei Ying to join. He was to stay home and do chores. He wasn’t allowed to have any guests over. There was a security camera placed at both the front door and the back door, and Wei Ying knew from experience Madam Yu watched them. He would never try to sneak someone over without permission again. 

 

Nor would he invite someone over with permission. If he was somehow given permission to have a friend over, he knew it wouldn’t stop Madam Yu from scolding him, and that would just be embarrassing! He was scolded in front of his friends enough at school - mainly by teachers, sometimes by Lan Zhan - he couldn’t handle being scolded in front of them at home! 

 

He checked his phone again, despite the fact it hadn’t made a noise. No new message from Lan Zhan. Wei Ying had been sure to text him, once a day since spring break began. He should have guessed the other just would refuse to answer. Just like in person. However, just like in person, Wei Ying could not be swayed. 

 

lan zhaaaaaaaaaaan im bored!

 

That was the last message on his phone. Without a fancy little smartphone, Wei Ying didn’t even have a way to see if the message had been read! He was forced to suffer. 

 

dont miss me 2 much when i die of boredom

 

He sent, then tossed his phone onto his bed from where he lay sprawled out on his bedroom floor. A ding had him jerking to attention, practically flying to his bed. There was a notification of a message on the tiny screen of his phone. He flipped it open and felt a trill of triumph at the return message from Lan Zhan. 

 

I won’t.

Notes:

Love kudos and comments!

Chapter 11

Notes:

No beta!

Bichen!

 

I missed you, did you miss me? Haha we were separated for a week but it felt like a lifetime! I missed you so much I’m even gonna ignore that you called me obnoxious in your last letter to me ;) I drew you a new picture during break! 

 

It’s A-Wangji waiting for you to feed him! Haha! I wanna meet your rabbit one day I bet he’s the cutest! 

Bichen, I don’t think I’ll ever guess what you play… can’t you just tell me?

 

I think my new classmate is warming up to me! He texted me over break! I was soooo bored! I wish we could text! Maybe after high school :) what did you do for break? I didn’t do anything haha I just kind of sat around.

 

Missed u!

Suibian 

 

__________

 

Suibian,

 

I did not miss you. I appreciate the drawing. A-Wangji is indeed very cute. I do not think I want you to meet him, I still worry about your appetite. 

 

I will not just tell you, you were the one who said you could guess. You must stick to your word and guess.

 

I did not do much. Practiced my instrument, meditated, and went to some extra tutoring. I can not believe you did nothing, you seem the type to always be busy. 

 

Good luck preparing for exams

Bichen

 

Notes:

Thank you for all the support so far!

Chapter 12

Notes:

No beta! I don’t own this universe

Wei Ying looked at his seat mate with a mischievous smile. They had just been assigned as study partners, and been given several assignments to complete together before exams. Lan Zhan’s face hadn’t changed at the news, so Wei Ying had decided the other boy was just as thrilled as he himself was.

“We got this in the bag!” He declared loudly as he followed Lan Zhan to the library later that day. “The school’s smartest student, and the school’s favorite student!”

“Ridiculous.” Lan Zhan scoffed.

Wei Ying skipped forward to walk ahead of Lan Zhan, then turned around so he was always backwards. “Am I wrong?” He asked, his smile growing larger when Lan Zhan remained silent. “Of course I’m not!” He laughed loudly, giving an impromptu spin performance for Lan Zhan, before facing forward again.

“Libraries are quiet.” Lan Zhan informed him.

Wei Ying glanced back, raising an eyebrow. “You doubt me!” It wasn’t a question, and Lan Zhan’s responding huff wasn’t an answer.

They had reached the library by now, and Wei Ying pulled the door open, giving an exaggerated bow for Lan Zhan to go first. Lan Zhan scowled at him, but led the way into the library, immediately heading for the study room he had booked for them earlier.

Wei Ying threw himself into one of the chairs in the room as Lan Zhan slid the glass door shut, settling in across from Wei Ying. He didn’t say anything, choosing instead to quietly pull his books from his bag. Wei Ying clicked his tongue, watching the other boy.

“So what’s the plan?” He finally asked.

Lan Zhan looked up at him. “Study.” There was no expression on his face.

“Study!?” Wei Ying repeated in a whiny voice. “That’s so boring!”

Lan Zhan considered him for a few moments, then selected a book and slid it over. It was the textbook assigned for extra credit, which Lan Zhan had - calmly - jumped at. It was a textbook of philosophy, according to the cover. According to Wei Ying, it was a book of rules.

“Copy pages 1-100.” Lan Zhan ordered. Wei Ying gaped.

“No!”

Lan Zhan looked up at him again. “I will do the same.”

“I’m not doing that!” Wei Ying stated.

So how did he find himself on his third round copying the 100 pages?

Notes:

Thanks for all the support so far!! I appreciate every single one of you so much

Chapter 13

Notes:

Ah I’m so sorry for the wait! My final semester started and I’ve already lost all drive to do anything LOL but it’s okay just a few months and I’m DONE with school!!

Here’s a short one! I’ll try to have another up by Monday :)

No beta

Bichen!

 

My seat mate is AWFUL! I can’t even begin to describe the horrors of what he put me through. My poor heart! Your poor Suibian suffered so much this week, you must defend my honor next time! How are things with your new classmate? Is he still just awful? Haha

 

I’m soooo excited for this school year to be over. We’re gonna be one step closer to graduation, right!? Have you started thinking about college? What if we go to the same college, that would be so fun! We could be roomies! I bet you’re way cooler than my seatmate. 

 

Don’t think I’ve given up on guessing your instrument! You’re gonna slip up one of these days and I’m gonna catch it! Soon I will know all!! 

 

Your best friend forever and ever

Suibian

 

___________

 

 

Suibian,

 

I am sorry to hear you suffered so. I am sure your seatmate had good reason for it, though. Perhaps you were being annoying? 

 

I am starting to enjoy the presence of my classmate, if I am being honest. He is obnoxious, still, but he has a good heart, and is kind. He still reminds me a lot of you. 

 

I would not dare think you would give up. Suibian does not give up on anything. 

 

Bichen 

Chapter 14

Notes:

No biggie but my cat just turned 1 and I only cried a little

Another shorter chapter. No beta!

Before Wei Ying knew it, exams had passed and the school year was ending. He found himself a little sad, shocking himself into realizing he might actually miss his unshakable seat mate! Life was more fun harassing someone who could not be harassed. 

 

“We should hang out over the summer, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying chirped as the two left the school building for the last time as 9th graders. “I’m gonna be soooo bored!”

 

“I will not be bored,” Lan Zhan informed him. “However,” the other boy hesitated, and Wei Ying perked up. This was very unlike Lan Zhan, to hesitate. “If Wei Ying wishes, I would not mind visiting Wei Ying.” The words were rushed, but not so rushed Wei Ying didn’t understand them.

 

Wei Ying gaped at Lan Zhan. “Huh!? Really?” 

 

“Mm.” 

 

Grinning, Wei Ying threw an arm around Lan Zhan. “I knew you would love me one day!” 

 

Lan Zhan made an odd noise, shoving Wei Ying’s arm away. “Ridiculous!” He spat, the complete opposite of the kind boy that had just reached out a hand of friendship to Wei Ying. Wei Ying didn’t even care. Not only had Lan Zhan suggested being open to hanging out, Wei Ying could see the tips of his ears were pink. Lan Zhan was showing emotions! 

 

Wei Ying cackled, not letting Lan Zhan deter him now. “Well, I do wish!” He informed his friend(?) “And since I wish, that means you must!” 

 

_____

 

Of course, hanging out with Lan Zhan was easier said than done. Madam Yu really didn’t want to allow Wei Ying to have any friends over, even though his siblings could. 

 

“It isn’t fair!” Wei Ying whined one night as he sprawled across his brother’s floor. “I wanna see Lan Zhan!” 

 

Jiang Cheng looked at him, thoroughly unimpressed. “I thought you hated the guy?” 

 

“Huh? No, I could never hate Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying argued. “He’s just a little… cold.” 

 

“Wasn’t your penpal also ‘cold’?” 

 

Wei Ying beamed proudly at his little brother. “Aw, my sweet didi! So smart! Bichen was cold, and now we are best friends! So the same thing must be happening now!” 

 

“I’m not your didi,” Jiang Cheng snapped. “I don’t think your penpal is your best friend. He probably only puts up with you because he has to, aren’t you gonna be like graded or something at your graduation?”

 

“We are not being graded on penpal-ism, that would be ridiculous!” Wei Ying informed him. “But we do get a prize if we keep up with it every week! And I want that prize. Bichen does too!” 

 

“Yeah, so he probably does it for the prize.” Jiang Cheng said, shrugging. “He’ll drop you once you graduate. He’s probably thrilled to not have to talk to you over the summer.”

 

Wei Ying stuck his lips out. That couldn’t be true! Bichen was his friend! Bichen hadn’t even told Wei Ying to stop calling them best friends in so long. But there was a little shred of doubt. 

 

They wouldn’t be sending letters over the summer, not even the students who were taking summer courses. In his last correspondence with Bichen, Wei Ying had expressed how much he would miss the letters, and Bichen hadn’t even acknowledged that! It was probably just Bichen being Bichen, but it still somehow managed to hurt. Just a little.

Notes:

THANK U FOR ALL THE SUPPORT it makes me wanna push through this semester just to keep writing woohoo!