Work Text:
"Breeze, I'm home!"
Shi Qingxuan called and looked around but there are no signs of their pet cat's presence in the apartment.
"Oh my, was he searching around for treats again?" Shi Qingxuan wondered as they removed their shoes. They threw their tote bag in the sofa as the paintbrushes and bright colored pencils rolls out of it. They didn’t bother picking their stuff back and just smiled while checking out their teal colored nails with crystals.
Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan painted each other’s nails today, and they absolutely love the results! Sadly, their bonding time finished early because Xie Lian has plans with his boyfriend Hua Cheng and they can’t leave Breeze alone starving because it's already near nighttime and they both need to eat dinner.
Oh, and talking about breeze.
Breeze is a gray Persian cat that they adopted after they moved out of their home to live on an apartment. Although they weren't that much of a cat person, they figured that it's better to have company than have none at all.
And because they weren't a cat person, it had been really difficult to train their pet.
Persian Cats are usually quiet and meek, but much to Shi Qingxuan's dismay, Breeze likes to wander around and explore. And this kind of ruins most of their newly bought furniture in the process.
For the past month, Shi Qingxuan had to buy ten different pair of home slippers because Breeze likes biting one and leaving one of the pair behind. Last week, their couch was full of claw marks. And just the other day, broken jars and vases greeted them welcome when they arrived home.
Their brother Shi Wudu already suggested that they should give Breeze away but of course they can't do that! Even if Breeze causes lots of headaches, they were still attached to the cat nonetheless.
Besides, Shi Wudu was planning to give Breeze to Pei Ming.
PEI MING.
Obviously it’s a hard pass for Shi Qingxuan. Pei Ming couldn’t even take care of his relationship status, what makes that man think he could take care of a cat.
“Ah, sweetie there you are!” Shi Qingxuan smiled when they found their beloved cat lounging around the balcony. “Come here, I’ll give you your dinner.”
Breeze only looked at them without moving an inch.
“Come on now. And no treats, you already ate a lot yesterday. The vet said too much treats is unhealthy.”
The cat looked away and ignored its owner, as if it understood what Shi Qingxuan said.
“Hey!” Shi Qingxuan’s smile turned into a frown “I still have to prepare MY own dinner. I may be on a diet but that doesn’t mean I get to be hungry. Come on now.” They took a step forward as their cat also stood up with its paws. Shi Qingxuan felt happy because they thought the cat finally learned atleast one trick and would voluntarily follow them back in the apartment.
Not until Breeze looked at Shi Qingxuan one more time.
And then jumped off of the balcony.
Shi Qingxuan only ever felt immense fear three times their entire life.
The first time is when they thought they were about to get kidnapped because some sketchy man kept following them after elementary school. Turns out they dropped their leaf keychain and the man just wanted to return it.
The second time is when they accidentally broke Shi Wudu’s favorite rare historical vase. As much as Shi Wudu loves and spoils his brother, he still has his limits, and Shi Qingxuan knows that. Their allowance was cut off for six months after that incident.
And the third time is today. When their pet cat just jumped off the balcony right in-front of their eyes.
They can’t move. Their eyes remained shut the moment Breeze jumped off. They didn’t hear a thud, was there supposed to be a thud? Cats always land on their feet don’t they? And they have nine lives right?
…Right?
“Meow.”
Shi Qingxuan’s train of thoughts were cut off. They immediately opened their eyes and frantically looked around. They finally released a huge sigh of relief when they saw Breeze at their neighbor’s balcony.
“BREEZE!” They reprimanded, almost crying. “You really, REALLY scared me!”
“Meow.”
“Get back here!” They whispered-shouted while walking closer to their neighbor’s balcony. “Jump back again! Come on now! Good boy!”
Breeze, once again, only stared at them.
“What the—.” Their eyes widened when Breeze started reaching out to the open window’s stool.
“Breeze, NO!” they tried to call their pet once again, but as usual, they got ignored. Breeze continued on stretching his tiny arms until he successfully entered the unit next door.
Shi Qingxuan almost screamed.
They peeked through the open window but there seemed to be no one home, since if the unit owner is, he would definitely notice the ruckus that’s going on.
Shi Qingxuan doesn’t know what to do. They had to get their pet cat before it destroys every single furniture the person next door owns.
If you’re wondering who’s the person who lives next door…Well… .
Eversince they moved in to the new city with their brother (and pet), one of Shi Qingxuan’s goal is to find a good friend they could rely on.
Shi Qingxuan made friends all right, and they’re lots! But they all live in a different and farther condominium so they can rarely have study and slumber parties!
They also tried to befriend their neighbors (most of them adores Qingxuan!) but they were either elders or people with their families living with them. And they were far from the ideal friend for Shi Qingxuan to bond with.
The only person who has the same age as Shi Qingxuan is the guy next door who lives alone—He Xuan.
Who, for some unknown reason, kind of avoids Shi Qingxuan at any given chance.
One time, Shi Qingxuan offered newly baked cookies to him, He Xuan just accepted it and said “Thanks.” before slamming his door shut. There was also a time when Qingxuan found out that they go to the same library so they tried bringing it up as a conversation starter, but He Xuan always ends the conversation before they could even open up a new topic!
Sometimes they would pass each other in the university, but He Xuan won’t even spare them a glance.
Shi Qingxuan doesn’t mind it so much, honestly. They just think that He Xuan is very shy.
And that he is very hot.
Yes.
Yep.
It is what you think it is.
Shi Qingxuan has a crush on the guy next door.
Come on— He Xuan may be a little cold, but he wasn’t mean at all. And even if he constantly avoids Shi Qingxuan, he never really showed that he was uncomfortable around them either. Shi Qingxuan tried calling him He-xiong to have a step closer to friendship, and guess what? He didn’t mind!
Plus, for the record, hot and quiet guys are definitely Shi Qingxuan’s type.
It’s just a waste that he probably doesn’t even remember Qingxuan’s name.
And that they’d lose their chance (not that they actually had one) once He Xuan finds out that their cat destroyed his home.
Luckily (or unluckily) Shi Qingxuan is a fast thinker.
Complicated things just need simple solutions after all.
You have a very important exam and you need to focus studying? Add a reminder.
You feel so bored and burnt out after exams? Throw a party.
You need to get your cat back before it ruins everything your crush next door owns? Well…then get your cat back.
It’s currently almost 7:30PM and no one seems to be reacting at the sudden entrance of his cat. So Shi Qingxuan thought that He Xuan might be spending his time in the university library where he usually studies at. The library closes at 9PM so hopefully, He xuan would study overtime.
Now, Shi Qingxuan is currently at He Xuan’s balcony after jumping and scratching their leg at the process. And yep, this is definitely not a crime and it's definitely not dangerous (they live at the 5th floor btw), they just want their cat back from an almost friend’s house so it won’t do any damage! Swear! (Please don’t do the following actions kids!)
They tried to open the balcony door slightly and for some reason, it wasn’t locked.
‘Why is He-xiong leaving his unit all open?’
Shi Qingxuan slowly peeked through the door, He Xuan’s apartment was simple and minimalist, so much unlike Qingxuan’s which is full of paintings in the walls (they started painting at it after watching tangled). There was a piano and a black sofa set, and just…piles of books…everywhere.
Until they saw Breeze trying to reach something. They narrowed their eyes to get a better view but it isn’t working so they have no choice but to open the door wider.
“Breeze, NO!”
Breeze was startled by Qingxuan’s voice so the cat immediately went down the cabinet it was stepping at and then hid.
Turns out, Breeze wanted to play with (or rather eat- but that’s a horrible thought so let’s just stay with play with) He Xuan’s pet Arowanas.
Two Arowana’s – silver and gold, just kept swimming. Unbothered by Breeze who was trying to reach them a while ago.
“Not having treats doesn’t mean you get to eat the neighbor’s fish you-“ Shi Qingxuan hurriedly walked to grab Breeze but their pet ran away again, stumbling to the pile of books at the side of the living room’s coffee table.
“Oh, come on!” They groaned and ran to chase their cat for the umpteenth time. And their cat avoided them again, crashing and tumbling the books along the way. Breeze even almost broke a vase! Good thing it fell on the carpet and it just rolled instead of breaking. Shi Qingxuan doesn’t want another vase issue again so they immediately carried it and brought it back.
Shi Qingxuan panted and sat on the floor to rest for a bit. Sure, they’re pretty athletic. But they just got home! And the happenings are too much to handle! They need a break.
Eventually, Breeze got tired too, and then walked towards Qingxuan to rest on their lap.
“If you just wanted to play we could’ve played in MY apartment you know.” Shi Qingxuan sighed and smiled as their pet snuggled to them closer. Unfortunately their smile didn’t last long, because books scattered everywhere is what they saw when they looked around.
“OH KAY Breeze come on rest time is over we gotta–“
Shi Qingxuan is a fast thinker, but they don’t think of the consequences enough.
The reminder they once did for the exams just got flooded by party invites, and in the end, they ended up partying instead of studying for the night.
When they threw a party after exams, they kind of invited so much people that their house was overcrowded with drunken people the day after. Shi Wudu wasn’t pleased with the welcoming committee when he got home from a business meeting.
And now, the black mahogany door of He Xuan’s unit opened swiftly. Revealing He Xuan who is wearing black pajamas with fish patterns while holding a plastic bag full of chips and soda.
Turns out He Xuan didn’t study late in the library. He just went to the apartment lobby to buy snacks.
And Shi Qingxuan is doomed.
“I…” Shi Qingxuan trailed off, barely saying another word.
“I swear I’m not a burglar.”
“I swear I’m not a burglar.”
He Xuan wants to be swallowed up by the ground.
Like, immediately.
How did everything end up like this? He Xuan just wanted to get snacks while studying because he got hungry.
Now he’s currently standing at the front door, eyes wide, living room messed up, books scattered, and Shi Qingxuan smiling ankwardly with their gray and fat cat hiding on their arms.
“…So I thought, Oh no! I can’t let Breeze ruin He-xiong’s furniture! And guess what, he actually wants to eat your pet fish but of course I stopped Breeze immediately. But uhm..we kind of knocked down your books? Sorry He-xiong. You can bring me to the police, I’ll just bring a lawyer. But you wouldn’t…right? I mean, you do know who I am right? Not that it’s a threat or anything I just really want to make my side clear HAHAHAHAHHASORRYI’MREALLYSORRYHE-XIONGSORRYSORRY.”
He Xuan barely even registered Shi Qingxuan’s words because all that matters is Shi Qingxuan is at his unit with their cat looking beautiful (as they’ve always been).
While He Xuan is standing infront of them in his pajamas.
With fucking fish patterns.
Fish patterned pajamas.
Nemo pajamas
Normally, He Xuan wouldn’t be so shocked and he would’ve acted quickly when he realizes that someone just broke into his house.
But not when that someone is Shi Qingxuan.
What is wrong with Shi Qingxuan? You might ask.
Well…
“So…Shi Qingxuan, huh?” It was a pleasant day for He Xuan- he’s sitting at a campus bench and is reading as usual, not until Hua fucking Cheng interrupts his studying while mentioning…a name that shouldn’t be mentioned. Because his heart just goes crazy everytime he hears it.
“Shut the fuck up.” He Xuan responded while not looking up from where he is reading. “And die.”
Hua Cheng scoffed but then lets out a laugh afterwards. If there is one person who could break He Xuan’s thread of patience in a second, it would definitely be Hua Cheng. As much as He Xuan wants to avoid the stupid pain in the ass good for nothing loser, he was greatly indebted to him.
“Sure call me names in your head, whatever.” Hua Cheng shrugged “At least I’m not the one suffering from unrequited love.”
He Xuan’s eyes stopped from reading but still remained on the book. Was he that obvious? It’s not like he looks at Shi Qingxuan like how Hua Cheng stare like an annoying lovesick puppy everytime Xie Lian passes by.
He suddenly wants to slam the book he’s reading to Hua Cheng’s face.
“Just tell me what you want to say and jump off a cliff.”
“Disgusting. I’m not here for you.” Hua Cheng scoffed and He Xuan immediately knew what’s going on.
“Gege!”
Of fucking course.
Hua Cheng instantly walked away and opened his arms wide to greet and receive the hug from his beloved boyfriend Xie Lian. They’re a pretty famous couple in the university. It’s probably because Xie Lian is already famous to begin with.
He Xuan sighed, finally relieved that Hua Cheng’s presence is gone.
Or so he thought.
“A-Lian!” The voice is so familiar that He Xuan immediately looked up from where he’s reading.
Shi Qingxuan arrived at the scene, greeting Xie Lian with their signature smile. Their brown hair was flowing freely as they jogged their way towards the couple.
“Hello to you too, Hua Cheng! Anyways. A-lian, Here’s the CD you lent me last week. The movie was soooo amazing! I’m so lucky that you have this because it just got sold out of the malls and it wasn’t on Netflix but it was on illegal sites but Gege told me not to open those sites because of the IP address thing but I really wanted to watch it so thank you! What a pity I didn’t get to watch it with you.”
Shi Qingxuan just kept spouting words and honestly, He Xuan can’t even understand what they just said.
“Welcome.” Xie Lian smiled out of politeness and accepted the CD from Qingxuan’s hand. “Also you’ve got a little…”
Shi Qingxuan’s face has smudges of light pink and blue paint.
Cute.
“Ah, it wasn’t removed?!” Shi Qingxuan worriedly raised their hands but avoided touching their face. “Gotta go now A-lian, Hua Cheng, bye!”
He Xuan’s eyes absentmindedly followed Shi Qingxuan, and when the running figure was gone, his eyes darted to Hua Cheng who’s smirking at him triumphantly.
OKAY. OKAY.
FINE.
He Xuan MAY have a crush on Shi Qingxuan, but that’s just it!
It’s not his fault that Shi Qingxuan is just so beautiful! And stunning! And magnificent! And just, so perfect! It’s not his fault that Shi Qingxuan’s baked cookies tasted so good, or that his heart skips a beat everytime Shi Qingxuan initiates a conversation with him. It’s not his fault that he stutters so much whenever they’re around so he just ends up being silent around them., and that their voice is so beautiful when they sing at their balcony and He Xuan can’t just help but…listen.
“…He-xiong?”
Shi Qingxuan’s voice snapped He Xuan’s flashbacks out.
Right.
Forget the flashbacks, they’re currently at He Xuan’s unit in the present.
He Xuan’s eyes darted to Shi Qingxuan, then to their cat, then to his fish, then to the living room that ended up as a mess, then to Shi Qingxuan again.
“Ah right, I shouldn’t call you He-xiong so suddenly um…” Shi Qingxuan ankwardly stood up “I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m-“
“I know you.” He Xuan suddenly spoke. “Shi Qingxuan.”
“Oh.” Shi Qingxuan blinked. Once. Twice.
“HAHAHAHA I just thought you forgot, you know. Because we don’t really converse that much do we? We should change that you know, bond over sometime or…something.”
He Xuan tighted his grip on his plastic paper pag. With snacks.
“Your leg…” He Xuan trailed off “Does it hurt?”
Shi Qingxuan didn’t immediately caught up with what he said and slowly looked at their leg. Turns out they got wounded when they jumped from one balcony to another.
“Ah, no, don’t mind me He-xiong. I just really want to apologize for all the ruckus” Shi Qingxuan sighed. “Sorry, really. I’m ready to pay for any damaged furniture.”
“Let’s get your wound treated.” He Xuan ignored Shi Qingxuan’s words, closed the door and then walked past them.
“It’s okay!” Shi Qingxuan tried to decline again, but He Xuan gave them a knowing look and they know that the man’s decision was final.
“Sit.” He Xuan gestured at the sofa, and Shi Qingxuan immediately obliged.
He Xuan took the first aid kit and started tending Shi Qingxuan’s wounds. It’s a good thing that he’s so focused because Shi Qingxuan is blushing so hard right now.
It got quiet for a while before Shi Qingxuan spoke again.
“I’m really sorry, He-xiong. Breeze may have a poker face but he’s definitely sorry too. How can I make it up to you?”
He Xuan stopped himself from smiling. It’s no big deal, really. He knows Shi Qingxuan (even though he usually just watches them from afar) and he knows that they won’t just break unto anyone’s house without a reason.
“Then…” He Xuan spoke up. “Just help me pile the books you scattered.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t arrange my book in any order, I just want them piled.” He Xuan shrugged, that was actually a lie- He xuan arranges his books in publication date order but he just wanted Shi Qingxuan to not feel tired or bad anymore. They're still wearing the university uniform so they probably just got back home.
“Yes! Of course!” Shi Qingxuan immediately stood up and starting piling the books. He Xuan helped them too, of course. Silence lingered but both of them were too embarrassed to even start a conversation. When they finished piling, it was Shi Qingxuan voice that broke the silence.
“I think I’ll go now. I'm really sorry again, He-xiong! Knock on my unit anytime if you need help, I will definitely repay you.” Shi Qingxuan said and then stood up to take their cat. “And thank you for treating my wounds.”
"You just wanted to get your cat back, no harm done. It's a relief you didn't get hurt badly."
He Xuan stood up too and led them to the front door. He opened it for them but Shi Qingxuan is still not stepping out.
“Uhm do you want to check my hands…? Pockets? Just to give you a peace of mind! I really didn’t do anything bad like stealing.” Shi Qingxuan chuckled and rubbed their nape.
“No need.” He Xuan assured them.
“Okay.” Shi Qingxuan nodded and smiled, He Xuan thought he saw an angel. "If you say so."
They walked out to get back to their own unit and He Xuan slowly closed the front door, not minding that Shi Qingxuan actually stole something from him without them even knowing.
His heart.