Chapter Text
Although it features public figures and may draw inspiration from real-life events, the characters are fictionalized versions and do not represent their real personalities, relationships, or private lives.
ZI YU 🐟
This is one of the most important days of my life, and I’m about to be late.
When I finally reach my destination, still breathless, I stop for a second to straighten my hat and try to catch my breath. I’m fairly certain I left a lung somewhere along the corridor.
I put on a polite smile, then gather my courage and step into the room.
Too many eyes.
Too many people.
But that’s fine. It’s my job.
«I’m not late, am I?»
«You’re right on time. Relax. Come in.»
I move awkwardly at first, until my shoulders straighten on their own.
What am I even afraid of?
I greet everyone politely and make my way to the only empty chair. When my eyes finally decide to be brave enough to lift, they meet the dark, night-black ones of the person sitting beside me.
I blink, studying him.
He’s tall. Really tall.
Around six foot three, maybe. He must be the one cast as Chi Cheng—my… boyfriend?
He’s beautiful. So beautiful it’s almost hard to look at him. Now I understand what people online mean when they talk about an “insane face card.” Living proof is standing right next to me at this exact moment.
«Everyone, this is Zi Yu: our Wu Suowei.»
I sit down, returning the greetings with another practiced smile.
«The one on your right is Tian Xuning.»
«I’m guessing Chi Cheng, right?» I ask, turning directly to him and offering my hand.
He takes it without hesitation.
His grip is firm. Warm.
«You guessed right.»
He looks straight into my eyes, and – absurdly – I immediately look away, focusing instead on the woman who keeps talking, just to break eye contact I can’t seem to handle.
Who the hell is this guy?
Since when did a stranger – and a man, at that – make it this hard for me to hold his gaze?