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Click. Click. Click.
The sound of the camera shutters reverberated in the indoor stadium along with the cheers from audience. The on-going event right now is 200 metres sprint (Men) but the real reason of the commotion is not solely because of the on-going race, instead it’s because of the two phenomenon athletes, Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao.
After Jin Guangyao finished the race in first place, Lan Xichen, his fellow teammate from 4x400 meters race shuffled towards him and tackled him down for a hug. It’s obviously the win for “XiYao” nations.
“XiYao” is a pairing name for Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao, the two famous track and field athletes. “Xi” and “Yao” came from the combination of Lan Xichen’s and Jin Guangyao’s name respectively. The duo are known with their chemistry on the field as well as their extremely closeness towards one another. It doesn’t contribute anything to cease the talks when both of them are a few athletes that served good looks to audience and that is one of the many reasons why their popularity is overwhelming.
Today is certainly a good day for a paparazzo like Wanyin because right now, the top “ship” in sports world, “XiYao” is sailing right in front of his salad. Jin Guangyao was resting his head on Lan Xichen’s lap, causing the fangirls squealing hysterically as if being possessed and Wanyin is extremely lucky since he sat at the right angle when it happened.
Wanyin or his real name Jiang Cheng was initially being forced to serve as a paparazzo by his older brother. For their final year project, they decided to gather hot pictures of the athletes and thanks to Jiang Cheng’s great skill in photography, both of them passed with flying colours. Jiang Cheng however didn’t expect he would earn a lot of money from it and for once, he should thank that idiotic brother of him. With a blink of eyes, it’s been a year he’s doing this and the name “Wanyin” is instantly famous among the paparazzi. Media even paid for the pictures he had taken but regardless, nobody knows the real identity of Wanyin and it stays that way.
“This will make a lot of money~” He hummed happily while snapping the photo of the duo non-stop.
Truth to his words, media and even public are queuing up for his photos, causing all XiYao pictures of him sold out.
That night, he went to reward himself at his favourite restaurant. He orders as much as he wants to celebrate this wonderful day. However, his train of thoughts were interrupted when he felt someone tapped his shoulder lightly. His gaze then landed on the two figures standing before him. One wears a white cap while the other one with black beanie and both of them wearing black facemask.
“Yes?” Jiang Cheng said in response.
“Um. We are sorry to disturb you but can we share the table? There’s no vacant table left and we really want to eat in this restaurant tonight so do you mind if we share?” The guy with white cap asked politely and only then Jiang Cheng realized the restaurant is full house. When Jiang Cheng walked into the restaurant previously, he chose the 4-people table because he wants to order a lot and he didn’t think the restaurant would be full house today, considering it is weekday. Feeling slightly guilty, he nodded his head.
“Sure. I don’t mind but I order a lot of food so I apologized in advance if it invades your space a bit.”
“Oh, it’s okay really! We don’t mind right, A-Yao?”
The beanie guy nodded his head.
“Okay then. Have a seat.” Jiang Cheng invites, gesturing at the vacant seats.
“Thank you.” The cap guy took a seat next to Jiang Cheng while the beanie guy sits across the cap guy. Shortly, the cap guy called for the waiter and they ordered their food.
At first, Jiang Cheng minds his own business but when the beanie guy across his seat took off his facemask, Jiang Cheng instantly choked on his food and almost loses his shit because apparently, the beanie guy is Jin Guangyao, one of the sources of his money!
“A-Are you okay, Mister?” The cap guy next to Jiang Cheng instinctively patted the former’s back while the beanie guy offered him a glass of water, which he gladly took it. After a while, he finally calmed down.
“I’m okay now. Thank you.”
The reality hits Jiang Cheng once again as he remembers the beanie guy’s identity. If this beanie guy is Jin Guangyao, then undoubtedly the person next to him is…
“Be careful when eating, Mister.”
Lan Xichen…!!
He didn’t know when Lan Xichen took off his facemask but what he knows, right now, Lan Xichen is smiling at him with that trademark smile of him. Before this, Jiang Cheng only viewed Lan Xichen’s face through his camera. Even though he has the opportunity to see them up close before, he never done it because what’s the need of doing so when his camera can make him rich? But right now, when he sees their face directly, he knows why people swooning over these two guys. Jin Guangyao is undoubtedly handsome but Lan Xichen is more than that. His level of handsomeness is double when seeing him up close and he has this charm that can intrigue people whenever and wherever they see him. Oh damn it! He is so stunning…!! Be strong, heart! Jiang Cheng screams internally.
“Food is here!” Lan Xichen’s cheery voice on the side snapped him from his train of thoughts and only then he noticed he was staring mindlessly at his own food.
“Hey Mister, you can share with us too if yours is not enough! We can’t eat that much or coach would really get mad at us if he found out.” Lan Xichen offered the food to share on which Jiang Cheng could only politely decline it, motioning at his own plate that already full.
“He won’t know we are here if you don’t tell him.” Jin Guangyao said matter-of-factly with a smile before begin gobbling up the food.
“I’m saying ‘IF’.” Lan Xichen pouted his mouth cutely before picked up his chopstick and begins to eat.
Fuck. If only I can use my camera right now, I would definitely capture this moment and I would be even richer. Jiang Cheng thought inwardly but he almost choked for the second time when he accidentally overheard the two best friends’ conversation.
“Who is this Wanyin actually because thanks to her, the world thought we are dating. A-Jue won’t feel amuse to see this kind of gossip lurking around.” Jin Guangyao shook his head when he checked his phone’s notification. Someone had tagged him in the photo that was taken by Wanyin this morning. “Look.” He shoved the phone to Lan Xichen’s face and Wanyin couldn’t help himself from peered at it secretly.
It was a photo he took when Jin Guangyao rested his head on Lan Xichen’s lap that Jiang Cheng claimed as his masterpiece because he earned a lot from that single picture alone. He was curious on how Lan Xichen will react to this because he thought he could witness the other male’s outburst for the first time but the thoughts crumbled down when Lan Xichen just whistled in awe.
“Wow. The picture she took is nice. She must be a professional photographer. I’ve always wanted to be a photographer but Da-Ge said I don’t have a talent for it… It would be good if this Wanyin teaches me how to take a picture properly.”
“Well, A-Jue is not wrong though. The last time you took a picture of us, it was all blurry and there’s one time, only half of A-Jue’s head was seen.”
Lan Xichen shot Jin Guangyao a disapproving stare before huffed angrily. “That’s because Da-Ge is too tall.”
“Are you implying I’m short?”
“I’m not.” Lan Xichen sighed. “You and Da-Ge are the same, always ganging up on me. Really a perfect match for each other.”
Jin Guangyao smirked in accomplishment. “Well, thank you.”
Jiang Cheng tried hard to suppress his laughter when he overheard their conversation. The so-called perfect Lan Xichen can’t take a good picture? That’s cute.
“But seriously, should we try to find out how this Wanyin girl looks like? I mean, I’m curious. If she’s able to capture our picture in this kind of close-up distance, I bet she’s not that far from us this morning, right?” Jin Guangyao fished out his phone and began typing something.
“What are you going to do?” Lan Xichen asked curiously but Jin Guangyao didn’t reply him, instead, he shoved his phone back to Lan Xichen’s face.
“I think I found where she was this morning.”
Jiang Cheng’s eyes almost popped out from the socket as he caught a glimpse of the photo Jin Guangyao showed to Lan Xichen. It was a photo of three people and one of them happened to be Jiang Cheng himself.
“But there are three people. Which one is she?”
“I think she’s the one with dark purple hoodie and black facemask, holding the camera.”
Jiang Cheng gulped inwardly. Fuck. That’s totally me…!
Lan Xichen zoomed in at the said person and squinted his eyes harder. Jiang Cheng’s heart almost jumped out from his chest when he realized he screwed up the great time. It’s true that they can’t really pinpoint it was him because he covered himself fully with hoodie and facemask but the fear still invades him. He tapped his foot nervously under the table and he swears his heart stopped beating for a second when Lan Xichen yelped unannounced.
“Ah!”
“Why? Do you remember her face?”
“No but look! Her hands are so nice.”
Jin Guangyao shot his best friend an unamused look before rolled his eyes.
“You and your hands kink.”
“Hey! It’s not a kink! For your information, I’m really attentive to people with pretty hands and if this person is really Wanyin, it made sense why she can take a good photo of us because she has nice hands.” Lan Xichen exclaimed determinedly.
“Lan Xichen, I love you but you are not making any sense now. I can feel my head is splitting into two after hearing your nonsense.” Jin Guangyao shook his head and decided to drop off the topic. He pocketed his phone and continued to eat afterwards. The two friends then chattered while eating but they never mentioned Wanyin’s name anymore and Jiang Cheng finally can let out his contented sigh.
That was close… I should be careful next time. Jiang Cheng made a mental note.
After an hour of eating and chatting, the duo finished up their food and proceeds to pay. Jiang Cheng finished up his food too and as he was about to pay for his food, the owner said the cap guy already paid for him just now. Jiang Cheng doesn’t like to owe people especially strangers (though he knows Lan Xichen but still) so he ran after them. It’s just a minute after they left so he managed to catch up.
“Wait! You! The one wearing a white cap! Please stop!”
As if on cue, Lan Xichen turned around and only to see a guy from the restaurant standing in front of him, panting slightly.
“You called me?”
“Yeah. The owner said you paid for my food. I don’t want to owe you anything so how much is it?” Jiang Cheng fished out his wallet from the pocket to pay but Lan Xichen on the other hand just giggled after seeing Jiang Cheng’s action.
“It’s on me, Mister. You don’t owe me anything. Besides, we are the ones who owed you. You have to bear with our loud voice.”
“Well yeah, as he said.” Jin Guangyao nodded agreeing.
“So, you just assume it as compensation, okay?” There, the signature smile of Lan Xichen made its appearance once again as he patted Jiang Cheng’s shoulder and who is Jiang Cheng to refuse free food?
He hummed in response. “If you say so, then thank you. I will get going now.”
As he walked past them, Lan Xichen suddenly remembers something and called for him. “Mister, wait!”
Jiang Cheng halted from his tracks and turned around. “Yes?”
“What is your name?”
Jiang Cheng blinked his eyes in confusion at the question. Fuck. Did he discover my identity already? He tried not to panic and calmly diverted his gaze towards Jin Guangyao on the side who just shrugged his shoulders dismissively.
“Oh sorry, it’s rude of me for not introducing myself first. I’m Lan Xichen by the way.” He stuck his hand forward, signalling for a handshake as he introduced himself.
“I’m Jiang Cheng.” Jiang Cheng composed himself and acts natural as possible while shaking hands with Lan Xichen. It’s not harm to tell him his name because they won’t just figure out that he’s Wanyin with just his real name. Instead, it was weird of him if he refuses to tell them his name.
“I’m Jin Guangyao.” The other male did the same gesture while introducing himself.
“Right. You two are those infamous athletes.”
“Oh. You knew?”
Jiang Cheng snorted. “Who doesn’t? Your names are all over the internet and news. You guys are on par as our local celebrities to be honest.”
“Oh! Do you want to use this opportunity to take a photo with us?” Lan Xichen asked expectantly.
“No thanks. I’m not really a fan and I don’t want an unwanted attention.” Jiang Cheng replied blatantly.
“Okay, that’s offended.” Lan Xichen said defensively.
“Uh I mean… I don’t like to take a photo to be honest so I will pass. Let me just remember this meeting through my memories.”
Suddenly Lan Xichen laughed loudly and his voice is heavenly from Jiang Cheng’s point of view. Oh, he must be insane to have that kind of thoughts linger inside his mind right now.
“Haha! You are funny, Jiang Cheng! Okay, I won’t question it then.”
“Great. So, if there’s nothing else, I will get going now?”
“Yeah sure, take care on your way back.”
“You guys too. Fangirls and fanboys are everywhere nowadays. Be careful not to bump into weird ones.”
“We will~ Bye!”
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask for his number. Knowing you, a cute guy like him is really your type.” Jin Guangyao said knowingly with a teasing smile plastered his face.
Lan Xichen’s lips curved upwards. “You are calling him cute too.”
Jin Guangyao shrugged his shoulders. “Then?”
Lan Xichen just copied his gesture. “Maybe because I already have you, A-Yao.” He winked playfully which earn a snort from the other guy.
“I dare you to say that in front of A-Jue.”
“Haha! Da-Ge won’t get mad~ he knows how our relationship works.”
“Well, I can’t deny that.”
Both of them had known each other since forever so they often make a joke like this. However, from others’ point of view, they might think it was Lan Xichen’s way of flirting but it’s nothing serious. Their relationship is just platonic and they are better off as best friends. Besides, Jin Guangyao is dating their other friend, Nie Mingjue. So that’s that.
“Or maybe I’m sure I will meet him again, A-Yao.” Lan Xichen suddenly said.
Jin Guangyao whistled. “Talk about confidence.”
~
No thanks. I’m not really a fan.
Click. Click. Click.
Fuck.
Jiang Cheng was having an internal turmoil when he reviewed tons of photos of Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao (especially Lan Xichen). Today too he went photo hunting at the stadium with other paparazzi or fansites that they call it. For some reasons, Lan Xichen was smiling a lot today but he looks like he’s been searching for someone.
Is it my imagination?
Jiang Cheng continues to snap their pictures but suddenly Lan Xichen landed his sight at his direction. The said guy stay rooted for a minute before whispered something to Jin Guangyao next to him. Jiang Cheng didn’t bother about it and assumed it as their friendly gesture so he continues taking their photos instead. But the next second, Lan Xichen was seen leaving the stadium alone and surprisingly nobody was aware about this including his fansites.
Hmm. That’s weird.
But Jiang Cheng is one curious man. Hence, he used this opportunity to sneak out from the crowds to chase after Lan Xichen. The athlete was heading straight to the infirmary and the former was trailing behind the said guy silently like some sort of ninja.
Could it be he’s sick? Jiang Cheng shook his head at the thought. So what if he is sick, why would he care? But what if he faints and nobody knows about it? Oh, why would you care, dude?? He’s not your boyfriend for fuck sake!
Only then Jiang Cheng realized he made a mistake. Because his mind is occupied, he just let his feet guide him until he didn’t realize that he’s already crossing the boundary. This place is strictly prohibited for them other than the athletes and staffs and here he is, stepping onto the landmine. What he’s doing right now is the same as invading someone else’s privacy. In other words, he will be considered as stalking Lan Xichen and if he was caught red-handed, it’s over for him.
Oh fuck. I have to get out of here faster!
He turned on his heel but misery really loves him when halfway through, he saw Jin Guangyao walked in. As if on reflex, he swiftly enters the nearby washroom to hide. A moment later, Jin Guangyao walked past the washroom and into the infirmary where Lan Xichen is.
That was close… Jiang Cheng heaved a long sigh but before he could turn the knob to exit, the door was forced shut once again by someone behind Jiang Cheng.
“I didn’t expect you are a stalker, Wanyin.”
Jiang Cheng’s breath hitched upon hearing the heavenly voice. As much as he is delighted to hear the heavenly voice once again, but in this kind of situation, he rather turns deaf than hearing it. This time he knows he is screwed for real. Lan Xichen had caught him red-handed!
“You do know I can take legal action against you for invading my privacy and enter the wrong washroom on purpose, right?”
Jiang Cheng gulped in fear. Sweat trickled down his forehead. He could literally feel Lan Xichen’s breath against his ear despite the thick hoodie he’s wearing.
“At first I admire your photography skills and want to get to know you but I don’t fancy people who like to invade other’s privacy.”
Jiang Cheng remained silent and trembled slightly as his brain tried to think 1000 possible ways to escape. He can’t handle this nerve-wrecking situation anymore— not when Lan Xichen is standing so close to him! Before his brain short-circuits, he needs to think of a way to escape! Brain, quick!!
“But you are quite tall for a girl or even to guy themselves… Even A-Yao is way shorter than you… Could it be you are…”
Jiang Cheng used this opportunity to shove Lan Xichen backwards but as he was about to turn the knob, Lan Xichen caught his other hand, jerking him backwards again, slightly away from the door.
“I won’t let you go until you reveal yourself, Wanyin.” Lan Xichen’s grip tightened around his wrist and Jiang Cheng was sure it will leave mark soon. A few moment of struggling, Lan Xichen suddenly stilled and loosened the grip. Even though confused, Jiang Cheng used this opportunity to escape. Turning the doorknob, he hastily dashed out.
Surprisingly, Lan Xichen didn’t run after him. Instead, he stays rooted there, watching the retreating figure’s back with indescribable expression.
“Xichen, are you alright? I thought you said you want to go grab painkiller but why you look so puzzled standing there? Did you see a ghost or something?” Jin Guangyao examined his friend from head to toe before his eyes caught the thing dangling in his friend’s hand. “What is that?”
Lan Xichen lifted the purple tassel with jade on his hand that he accidentally yanked during the scuffle and examined it. An initial ‘JC’ that was carved on the jade was enough to make his lips curved upwards gleefully. “A-Yao, I think I’m craving for that food that we ate last week.”
Jin Guangyao shot him a doubtful stare. “Whose tassel is that?”
Lan Xichen smiles and pocketed the tassel. “I don’t know. Somebody dropped it in the washroom but since it’s beautiful, I’m going to keep it until the owner comes to retrieve it by themselves from me.”
Jin Guangyao hummed meaningfully. “That is so not you but I won’t prod more. Since you are craving for that food, let’s go to that restaurant tonight. I will invite A-Jue along.” He side-eyes his friend and smirks, “Or maybe you can invite your crush along, we won’t object.”
Lan Xichen’s lips curved upwards. “That’s why I love you and Da-Ge, A-Yao.”
~
Jiang Cheng was lying on his bed, reviewing the photo he took from before. He stopped at Lan Xichen’s photo and focused on the guy’s face. He stared at it for a while before let out a long sigh.
“Man, I can’t continue this job anymore. I almost get caught for real! Ergh! If he was not distracted at that moment, I don’t think I can escape from his tight grip… Fuck! He’s not an athlete for nothing…” He pouts and continues staring at the picture once again.
“At first I admire your photography skills and want to get to know you but I don’t fancy people who like to invade other’s privacy.”
He gasped as Lan Xichen’s words from before suddenly lingers inside his mind. Recalling how heavenly he sounded made Jiang Cheng’s cheek flared. “Damn it! Why do I keep recalling that?! Go away!”
As he was brawling against himself, his phone suddenly lit up, indicating a new notification.
New Message from Unknown Number!
Curious, Jiang Cheng decided to read it.
From: Unknown Number
Text: Hey Jiang Cheng, it’s me Lan Xichen. Are you free right now? :))
Jiang Cheng blinked his eyes in disbelief. Is he hallucinating now after he can’t get rid of the memories from before?? As he’s suffering from the great turmoil inwardly, another new message was sent from the same unknown number.
From: Unknown Number
Text: I’ve got your number through my friends if you wonder. Since I know you won’t reply me, I will just call you then :))
As if on cue, the phone rings and “Unknown Number” caller ID flashed on the screen. Jiang Cheng was hesitated to answer it at first but he doesn’t want to make it obvious that he wants to avoid the older so he decided to pick it up in the end.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Jiang Cheng. I’m so happy you pick up my call. Do you receive my messages?”
“Uh, yeah. I just read it when you call me.” Jiang Cheng could hear Lan Xichen hummed in response on the other line.
“So, are you free tonight? If you are free, care to join me for dinner? A-Yao wants to bring his boyfriend along so I don’t want to be the third wheeler. That’s why I invite you along.”
“But why me…? We literally just met once?” Twice to be honest but you don’t need to know that. Jiang Cheng’s brain whispered.
“Hmm… Why do you think?”
Jiang Cheng remained silent. This is weird. Something smells fishy. Don’t be reeled in by the schemer, Jiang Cheng! His brain reminded him.
“You don’t want to join me…? Hmm… I thought I can treat you once again before I leave the country tomorrow but I guess you are not interested. Okay then, I’m sorry for interrupting you.”
“Wait. You are leaving the country tomorrow?” WHY I NEVER HEARD ABOUT THIS?? Jiang Cheng’s brain burst out inwardly.
“You didn’t know? I thought you said my name is all over the news and internet.”
“I probably missed up the news.” YEAH, JIANG CHENG. ACT COOL LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO. He could feel his brain patted his shoulder.
“I’m leaving the country tomorrow for international competition. I understand if you don’t want to meet. After all, we are not that familiar with each other…”
“You must have a solid reason on why you invite me, right? What is it?” UH NO…NO. DON’T TAKE THE BAIT, JIANG CHENG. HE’S TRYING TO DECEIVE YOU! His brain screams at him.
There was a pause before Xichen broke into a giggle. “Well, actually I just want to return your thing that I accidentally took. If you don’t want it, I don’t mind keeping it because it will at least remind me of you.”
“Thing? I don’t remember something is missing?” HE’S OBVIOUSLY LYING! DON’T BELIEVE HIM, YOU IDIOT! HE JUST WANT TO LURE YOU! His brain once again screams at him.
“If you want to know, come to the same restaurant tonight.”
After contemplating for a while, Jiang Cheng finally let out a sigh. “Fine. I’m coming.” NO!! JACKASS!!! TAKE BACK YOUR WORDS—
“Really? Okay, see you tonight then. Bye, Wanyin.”
Jiang Cheng almost dropped his phone upon hearing that.
“Oh fuck… I’m doomed.” I TOLD YOU! –The brain
~
“Are you sure he will come?” Jin Guangyao asked judgingly at his best friend.
“If he says he will come, I will just believe in him.” Lan Xichen said with a genuine smile.
The trio is currently waiting for Jiang Cheng in the restaurant before placing their order. Apparently, the restaurant was empty today because Lan Xichen had booking the entire place just for them. He doesn’t want those paparazzi to interrupt this wonderful moment of theirs.
The bell chimed in, indicating someone walked in. Since they already booked the entire place, the said person that walked in should be Jiang Cheng himself. He’s wearing a black hoodie pair up with jeans and a pair of khaki boots. He didn’t mean to dress up nicely but somehow, he ended up choosing his outfits for an hour before settled up with his current outfits. He needs to look presentable in front of Lan Xichen at least! As he spotted the trio, he strode towards their direction. He wants to question the absence of any other customers apart them but in the end he chose to keep it to himself.
“Jiang Cheng, hello! I’m glad you came!” Lan Xichen greeted with bright smile that outshine the Sun itself if Jiang Cheng had to admit.
Jiang Cheng nodded and greeted back awkwardly. “H-Hello.”
“You have met A-Yao before right and the guy across him is Nie Mingjue but I call him Da-Ge. You can call him Da-Ge too if you want. He is A-Yao’s boyfriend.” Lan Xichen gestured at the foreign figure among them.
“Yo.”
The intimidating stare he received from the older was enough to make him regret his choice for coming here but he greeted back politely nonetheless. “Nice to meet you, I’m Jiang Cheng.”
“What are you just standing there for? Sit. We won’t bite. We are not dogs for fuck sake.” Nie Mingjue scowled. Even though Jiang Cheng himself is a brash type like this but to encounter one with the same personality is definitely a whole different thing. Luckily, there’s Jin Guangyao to save the day.
“A-Jue, language.” He glared at the older before turned to face Jiang Cheng with a placid smile painted his face. “Have a sit, Jiang Cheng. Don’t be shy with us.”
Jiang Cheng nodded and took a seat across Lan Xichen, next to Nie Mingjue.
OH MY GOD, THIS IS AWKWARD… I SHOULDN’T COME IN THE FIRST PLACE! Jiang Cheng screams inwardly.
“What would you like to eat, Jiang Cheng?” Unaware of the internal turmoil the younger’s experiencing, Lan Xichen asked as he’s skimming through the menu.
“Anything is fine…”
“Then I will just order what you order the other day. We will share the food.”
“But it is spicy… you can’t eat spicy foods, are you?” As if on cue, three pair of eyes are on him. OH NO. DID I SLIP MY TONGUE?
“You knew my preference.” Lan Xichen said with slight smile tugging his face. Yes, it was a statement rather than a question.
“Uh…I…” Jiang Cheng began to fluster as he was just busted checking Lan Xichen’s interests, likes and dislikes in the internet.
“It’s okay. You don’t need to explain yourself. In fact, I should be flattered.” Lan Xichen winked at him mischievously before placing the order to the waiter.
Nie Mingjue who’s sitting next to Jiang Cheng almost choked on his saliva watching the drama unfold. He never watched Lan Xichen flirts before because as far as he remembers, the younger never woos people moreover dating. But witnessing this, he must admit the younger did a great job for his first time but Nie Mingjue prefers not to see it live.
“Oh, I think I will lose my shit if I keep watching this. Can we just go somewhere and leave these two lovebirds alone, YaoYao?”
“Sounds nice to me. Jiang Cheng looks like he’s suffering from constipation with our presence here.” Jin Guangyao suddenly stood from his seat, following Nie Mingjue. “Let’s go somewhere and do something fun together, A-Jue.”
Getting the signal, Nie Mingjue grinned. “Oh~ that’s why you are my YaoYao~ Xichen, Jiang Cheng, we will go ahead. It’s nice meeting you, Jiang Cheng. You are as cute as Xichen said but no offense, my younger brother is way cuter.” He ruffled the younger’s hair before turning his head back to his lover.
“How about me?” Jin Guangyao asked, puckering his bottom lip slightly that almost look like a pout.
“You are always the prettiest to me, YaoYao~” Nie Mingjue bopped his lover’s nose fondly. With the height difference of 21cm, they are undoubtedly an adorable couple but Lan Xichen beg to differ. Knowing them for long period of time was enough to have a different view.
“A-Jue…”
“Guys, door is that way. Do you want me to usher you guys out?” Before they can proceed with something inappropriate, Lan Xichen immediately retorted.
“Haha! Someone is bitter because he doesn’t get the luxury to do so~ let’s go, YaoYao.”
After the couple disappeared from their sight, Lan Xichen returned to his seat and apologized to Jiang Cheng. “Now you know why I don’t what to be the third wheeler, right?”
Jiang Cheng snorted. “Yeah. Totally understand it.”
There was a long pause in between before Lan Xichen decided to speak once again.
“I’m really glad you came, Jiang Cheng.” Their eyes met for a brief moment. Lan Xichen had his genuine smile plastered on his face and Jiang Cheng quickly looked away with bright red face. If a smile can kill, Jiang Cheng would be dead now.
“…how…?” The younger muttered shortly after.
“Hm?”
“How did you know it was me…?”
“Ah. Let’s eat first and save the talk for later, okay?”
“Fine…”
~
Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng walk side by side on the surprisingly discreet street, shoulders brushing against each other but neither of them cares about it. As the former spotted an empty bench at the garden, he tugged Jiang Cheng to sit with him there. The younger complied and they sit next to each other, admiring the night view accompanied by the bright moon up in the dark sky.
They sit there in comfortable silence for a while until Jiang Cheng broke it. “So……how…?”
Lan Xichen smiles before fished out the tassel from his pocket. “This tassel is yours, right? The initial ‘JC’ carved on the jade stands for Jiang Cheng, no?” The purple tassel is dangling against his finger as he held it in front of Jiang Cheng.
Upon seeing the familiar object, the younger gasped in surprised. The tassel was a gift from his older sister to both him and his older brother. She even got one for her to match with them. It is a handmade tassel and more importantly, it serves as their sibling’s unity! Yet, he carelessly dropped the important thing. Luckily it was Xichen who found it. Oh no. How can he face his sister now??
“Where did you find…?”
“I accidentally yanked it when you struggling to escape from me this morning, Jiang Cheng.” Here comes an honest reply from Lan Xichen. A smile never leaves his beautiful face.
“But how did you know it belongs to me…? That initial alone is not enough to prove it was mine…”
“Well, if you want an answer to your question, you should answer mine first.” Lan Xichen then tilted his head slightly to get a better view of Jiang Cheng’s face. “Why are you in the restricted area this morning? You do know only athletes and staffs can access it, right?”
Jiang Cheng was taken aback slightly but who is he to lie? He was already caught red-handed by Lan Xichen himself this morning. Hence, he heaved a long sigh and spilled everything. “I didn’t mean it, okay? My mind was occupied. When I saw you suddenly left, I thought you are sick or something… since nobody is following you, I was worried…… I-I know it sounds stupid but I—”
“You are worried about me…?”
Jiang Cheng groaned in frustration, his face was already flushing brightly and he didn’t think he can hold this feeling anymore. So he made up his mind. Here goes nothing! His greyish eyes then meet a pair of honey eyes. Oh dear, did he ever mentioned Lan Xichen is beautiful, like his beauty is ethereal? Because damn… Lan Xichen is another league of beauty! His long eyelashes fluttering magnificently, his eyes twinkling like a star, his red lips are glowing— I wonder how it tastes against mine—
“Jiang Cheng?”
Jiang Cheng’s breath hitched because for some reason, Lan Xichen’s face was closer to him. That sole reason was enough to encourage him to attempt the impossible! So here he goes. Breath in some oxygen or even courage into his lung, he finally musters his courage to confess.
“Yes! I’m worried about you! I don’t want anything bad happen to you! After I met you for the first time at the restaurant, I fall for you, Lan Xichen! You are far more beautiful in real life and you are kind and gentle too… As much as I’m trying to deny my feelings but it keeps getting stronger day by day and before I knew it, I’m fallen deeper… I… I like you, Lan Xichen…” He trailed off and hung his head low after the bold confessions he spurted out. He could feel his brain gives himself a pat for the confidence.
Lan Xichen then reached for his hand that was rested against his lap. Surprised, Jiang Cheng lifted his head to meet the honey eyes once again. Smile never faded from his face. In fact, his smile looks the brightest that he ever witnessed.
“Don’t worry, Wanyin. The feeling is mutual. I like you too, Jiang Cheng. When the first time we met, I know I already fall for you. You are so generous to share the table with us even though we are strangers. You are not an opportunist too and more importantly, you are very brave to confess your love to me first.”
Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened. He’s utterly shocked because who won’t? Your own crush said he likes you back, what do you expect to react, duh?? His mouth was left agape with no words coming out from them and Lan Xichen took the cue to continue.
“To answer your question from before… I will just say nobody has nice hands like you. The reason I loosened the grip because the realization hit me up. The hand that I shook that night and the hand I gripped this morning contained the same euphoria. In other words, I know the hands can’t be anyone’s instead of Jiang Cheng’s hands. Thanks to the tassel, my suspicion was cleared so I know it was you.”
“Y-You recognized me just by my hands…?”
Lan Xichen nodded sheepishly. “Well, I have a thing for pretty hands… and your hands are the prettiest hands I’ve ever seen.”
Jiang Cheng turned red like a tomato and hastily looked away but he didn’t retract his hand to say the least.
“Didn’t know you are such a flirt…”
“Only for you.” Lan Xichen winked before intertwining their fingers together. Jiang Cheng flushed even more if that even possible. His family motto “to attempt the impossible” sure has something to do with it. He hung his head low and gave it a slight squeeze much to Lan Xichen’s amusement. The older can’t help but to smile fondly at the small gesture of him.
“You are so cute, Wanyin. I’m so lucky to have met you in this life.”
“S-S-Shut up, you sap!” The response given only made Lan Xichen giggled in amusement more.
“Ah! T-That is Lan Xichen, right!?”
“Oh my gosh!”
“Take photo, quick!!”
“Who’s the guy next to him??”
“Why they are holding hands??”
“Where’s Jin Guangyao??”
Jiang Cheng wants to swat the older’s hand away in reflex upon seeing a group of fangirls surge forward with their cameras but Lan Xichen tightened the grip instead. The surprised doesn’t stop there because the next second, Lan Xichen already was on his knees with Jiang Cheng’s hand closer to his lips.
“Y-Y-You! W-W-What are you doing!? G-Get up! People are staring!”
Ignoring the younger’s opposition, Lan Xichen continues. “In this beautiful day, with my fans and the lovely moon as witnesses, would you be my husband, Jiang Cheng?”
“Oh my God! He’s proposing!!”
“Who is that lucky guy??”
“This is a big scoop!”
“We need to know his name!!”
“H-H-Husband???” Jiang Cheng’s heart almost stopped beating upon hearing that. THAT ESCALATES QUICKLY!?
“You don’t want…?” Lan Xichen made a kicked puppy face and Jiang Cheng could feel his dog tamer side is activated.
“N-No…! It’s not like that! A-Aren’t you going too fast?? We just met yet you already propose to me?? A-Are you sure??”
“Hmm… I don’t care because we will eventually get married to one another. I will make sure of that. But if it too soon for you, what are you suggesting?”
Jiang Cheng was taken aback at the aforementioned marriage. He never dated anyone in his life and out of sudden, Lan Xichen straightway asked for marriage? Isn’t he’s skipping a level here??
“Uh… W-Wh-Why don’t we date first…? Uh, I mean, i-if you want… We can date first before marry… I-It’s not like I’m forcing you… but if you want to, I won’t mind marry you—”
Lan Xichen silenced him with a kiss on the lips.
Error 404. Jiang Cheng is malfunction now. Before he could grasp what’s happening, Lan Xichen already pulled away, staring at him fondly. “You should have said it sooner, A-Cheng.”
A-Cheng. Fuck.
“But you are leaving tomorrow…”
“I lied. If not, you won’t come tonight.”
Jiang Cheng’s lips curved upwards before he leaned in to kiss the older once again, this time properly. “Silly.” He said while hovering his lips on top of Lan Xichen’s. The older then pulled him for another kiss.
They swear they can hear the endless camera shutters but none of that matters right now because being kissed by the person you are in love with is the only thing that they need to savour right now. Other thing can wait.
“I love you, Jiang Cheng.”
“I love you too, Lan Xichen.”
Click. Click. Click.
~
EXTRAAAAA
BIG SCOOP! The infamous athletes Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao currently dating their respective partner! They didn’t date each other as people presumed but Lan Xichen is dating one of his fans instead while Jin Guangyao is dating his best friend. The two couples are spotting double date at the amusement park happily! Subscribe for more updates!
“Hmm~ interesting~ Lan Zhan, wanna crash their date?”
“Mn.”
“That didi of mine, how could he’s having fun alone and leave his brother behind, right?”
“Mn.”