Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Regret.

This is the only word that crossed the thoughts as he watched, solemnly, the man he loves with another women. The way the women has her arms wrapped around his neck and she smiles with her face closer to the face of his chicken dick than he ever got. The way He Tian's own arms wrapped around her small waist and kept her pressed towards him like they were afraid to be seperated from one another.

Mo Guanshan. That is who watches the scene in front of him, a permenant frown etched on his face, but the frown grows deeper on his features as regret fills him. The regret of denying He Tian. The regret of being scared. The regret of not giving himself a chance to be selfish. He was pusillanimous, that was for sure.

"I thought He Tian liked you." Jian Yi speaks as he shoves a spoon full of rice into his big mouth, earning himself a hard nudge from Zhan Zheng Xi. Jian Yi looks at Zhan confused, "What?" he asks offended. Zhan shakes his head and gives him a look that tells him to shut up.

Guanshan doesn't respond to Jian Yi. He simply looks down at him food, glaring at the rice and kimchi as if they were the villains in his story line, and not himself.

"Whatever." Mo Guanshan says as he gets up to throw his lunch tray away and walks out of the cafeteria.

As he walks towards the outside of school to hang out at the abandoned back way, he couldn't help but feel a pit of guilt and sadness rise from his stomach to his throat as he keeps swallowing, he can feel the way his eyes threaten to burn but he blinks and shakes his head. he refuses to cry over someone who doesn't view him in a high regard anymore.

"Boss!"

Guanshan hears an excited voice behind him and feels a hand hit his shoulder to stop him from walking. He stops but doesn't turn around. Baldy makes his way in front of Guanshan smiling, "Hey Boss! I've been looing for you all day. I barely see you around." He says as he beams and chuckles. "You going to the back? Can I come?" He asks with hope in his eyes at Mo Guanshan saying 'yes'.

Guanshan simply nods and starts walking again.

"So, Boss, how's everything been? Oh! did you hear that He Tian finally settled on a chick. Finally us guys have chances with girls." Baldy talks randomly as he always does, switching from topic to topic, only stopping to give Mo a chance to hum or nod.

Baldy starts laughing suddenly and he looks at Mo as they keep walking, "I got kinda scared. I though he liked you, Boss."

Mo Guanshan stopped walking. "Leave me alone." He said quietly.

"Huh?" Baldy asks not hearing him.

"leave me alone." Mo commands harshly as he storms out the double doors leaving Baldy behind looking confused at his sudden outburst.

Guanshan settles himself on the grass, letting his knees hold his arms as he props them up, he lets his head fall down and he closes his eyes, letting out a deep sigh from the exhaustion of today.

Guanshan's mind goes back to the conversation he and He Tian had last night. The one that ruined both of them.
-
"I like you." He Tian suddenly said as he sits across from Mo Guanshan as they eat the beef stew Mo Guanshan made. Mo pretend he doesn't hear...or rather, he's afraid of what he heard. He ignores He Tian and keeps eating.

"I'm being serious, Guanshan." He Tian speaks again as he puts down his chopsticks and continues to stare at him.

Guanshan keeps looking down at his bowl, unmoving. He feels the way his heart beats hard against his chest, the way a chill runs through his entire body, the way he slowly feels joy but fear in the same round in his mind. He feels like the He Tian proposed to him. He felt like He Tian just said something that he knew was coming, but never wanted to acknowledge it.

"Okay." Guanshan simply says back as he continues to look at his bowl eyes wide open.

"Okay? That's it...?" He Tian's voice cracks as his nerves and fear of rejection gets to him.

"What more do you want?" Guanshan replies back, coldly. In his mind he wonders why he does, but in his heart he knows why he does. He's scared.

"Maybe a straight answer. Do you like me back?" He Tian ask straightforward, to straight forward for Mo Guanshan to be comfortable.

"....No." Guanshan replied quietly. He's never felt like he's told the biggest lie in his life. He feels like he just deceived his own self. He wants to take it back. He want's to take back the impetuous decision he's made...but its too late.

He Tian simply nods and picks his chopsticks up again and gets back to eating.
-
They haven't uttered a word to each other since then. No He Tian has a beauty on his arm, and Guanshan has a fervent feeling of regret around his.
.
.
.
"lets go to the café!" Jian Yi says excitedly as he practically bounces on Zhan's shoulder and looks up at He Tian. "No. I'm hungry. I want something salty." He Tian says as he backs a face of distaste towards Jian's decision of food choice. "I think we should let Jie pick! Jie don't you think we should eat at a café? Wouldn't you like something sweet?" Jian Yi turns towards the small black haired women who awkwardly smiles and puts her hands up. "Anything is fine." She says simply.

Jian Yi shakes his head disappointed. Then he brightens and immediately turns to Mo Guanshan.

"MO! what about you? You want something sweet or salty?" Mo shrugs and turns away to face the other way as he senses He Tian's eyes on him.

"No fun." Jian Yi pouts.

"Ramen it is." He Tian says cheekily and wraps his arm around Jie's waist and signals for them to all start walking.

Jian Yi and Zhan are talking up front, then Jie and He Tian are silently walking behind them, and Mo walks behind Jie and He Tian silently looking at his feet moving. He's deep in thought about the memory about how this all started, still feeling like its all his fault. If he wasn't so afraid of love or being loved...would he have said yes? He himself couldn't tell for sure.

A phone call brings him out of his thought as he stops walking, making everyone else stop and look at him. He sees it's his boss lady. He picks up.

"I need you to fill in a shift today." She says. "yes, ma'am, I'll be there soon." He agrees and hangs up.

"I need to go. Taking over a shift." Mo simply says as he slides his phone back in his pocket and goes to turn around. Then arms wrap around him.

"Bye, Mo~ see you later." A sultry voice says in his ear as he stands there shocked, but lets his arms wrap around the other man's body.

As they let go, they look at each other for a bit, before He Tian turns to go back to Jie, and Mo realizes, that was nothing special. He Tian was just being nice. He turns and gets to work to take over the shift.

Chapter Text

'I don't want to play among us.'
Mo Guanshan texts back to the groupchat titled 'One day'

'come on. It'll be fun!' Jian Yi texts back

Z: We can play something else. What do you have in mind?

M: Call of Duty?

H: I'm down.

J: No. He Tian always kills me.

H: Then try not to suck so much.

Z: Jian Yi, stop complaining. We always play Among us. Let Mo Guanshan choose something for once.

M: Yea, bitch. listen to Zhan.

J: Stop using dirty words, red head.

M: Fuck you.

H: Momo~ don't use naughty language in here.

M: okay..

Zhan: ...

Jian: ....

M: Fuck you, too, Chicken Dick He Tian.

With that final text they all start playing 'Call of Duty'.
-
"Revive me you son of a bitch!" Mo yells at Jian through his headphones.

"I'm trying!" Jian Yi replied panicked.

"Try harder." Mo says as he squeezes his phone tighter in his hands, practically going red from anger at the thought of dying.

"Jian, go with He Tian. I'll revieve Guanshan." Zhan instructs as he takes over Jian's position to revive Mo Guanshan. Jian's character runs, but as he does, he dies.

"I'm down. You have to get my dogtag!" Jian says as he panics again.

"Ill get it. Zhan, you and Mo get somehwere safe, i'll meet ya." He Tian says as he goes back to get his dog tag.

As Zhan and Mo's character run to get to safety dogs and grenades ambush them and their down.

"Tian! Don't come. Me and Zhan just got attacked, we're dead." Mo practcially yells into his phone speaker.

"copy." He Tian says as he runs back, but then he gets killed my a sniper.

'Defeated' shows on all their screens.

"fuck." Mo curses as he sees they lost the game. “That’s why I said we should play against each other! Fucking hell.” Mo argues angrily.

A chuckle is heard and GuanShan’s blood pressure rises from anger. “Who tha’ fuck just laughed?!” He yells. “Sorry little Mo~ I can just imagine how cute you look all pouty right now.” He Tian teases, a smirk being heard in his voice.

Mo GuanShan freezes. Did He Tian just say that..? Why would he? He has a girlfriend. Mo Guanshan isn’t sure if he should just act normal. They had that kind of relationship before any of this started…but ever since the confession…it’s different..right?

“I think you killed him, He Tian.” Zhan says in his same monotone voice.

“Mo Mo~” He Tian calls sultry..or it could be Mo imagining it to be as such. “What?” Mo answers back in a bored tone. “Oh~ he’s alive. No need to worry about big strong red head!” Jian Yi speaks up, a teasing tone in his voice. Mo Guanshan hung up the phone.

Z: You guys made him angry.

J: It was He Tian.

H: I’ll take the blame☺️

M: Fuck off and go to sleep.

J: Goodnight! See ya tomorrow😁

Z: Goodnight.

H: Goodnight, Little Mo~

M:🖕🏻

Guanshan plugged his phone on his charger and let out a big sigh as he laid down under the covers. He makes sure no cold air could come in.

He goes to sleep with a frown from all his confusing thoughts of the entire situation.
-
Jian Yi quickly makes a group chat with Zhan and He Tian.

J: What are you doing, He Tian?

Z: I’d have to agree with Jian Yi.

H: I’m just acting normal.

J: I understand you acted like that when you had a massive crush on him, but you have a girlfriend now!

Z: It is wrong, He Tian. This is a form of cheating.

H: I’m not cheating. I’m just simply talking to a friend.

J: Get over it He Tian. Mo Guanshan does not like you.

H: Get over it, Jian. Zhan Zheng Xi does not like you.

J: I am over it. You need to be more considerate. Dating an innocent girl then flirting with another person behind her back.

Z: Jian leave it alone. He Tian, figure yourself out. Let’s all get to sleep now.

J: Yea. Goodnight.

Jian Yi texts this making sure to look as aggressive and disappointed as possible. His heart aches slightly at the thought of his unrequited love, but it already happened. He’s just glad that Zhan was kind enough to not leave him.

Chapter Text

A phone call wakes Mo Guanshan up from his pleasant dreams of being a chef. He grumbles and looks at the caller ID ‘Idiot #1’ he sighs and answers it.

“You better be fucking dying.” He asserts with an angry grumble. “On the inside I am!” Jian Yi’s cheerful voice comes from the speaker, making Mo Guanshan frown and pull the phone from his ear.

“Did you ask him?” Another voice, Zhan’s most likely, speaks from the background.

“No, I have to build it up” Jian whispers back.

Mo Guanshan can feel the vain popping out of his neck. “What tha fuck do ya want?! I’m trying to sleep on my day off!” Mo Guanshan yells as his
Patient snaps.

“We should have a friends day at He Tian’s apartment!” Jian Yi states excitedly.

“No.” Mo replies simply and hangs up, he snuggles into his covers and starts falling back to sleep.

“Oh! Mo Guanshan’s classmates! What brings you here?”

Mo hears his mother say in a saccharine manner. Before the others can respond Mo quickly runs out of his room.

“Mom, don’t open the door on these people. They mean no good.” Mo says as he starts trying to shut the front door on Jian, Zhan, He Tian, and Jie.

Mo’s mom quickly swats his hand away to let go of the door. “Mo Guanshan who taught you to be rude to guest?” She reprimands him. He crosses his arms and looks at the floor with a frown, his ears going red.

“No one.” He grumbles as he glances to the side and sees the lot of his classmates trying their best to hide their laughs and smirks, but Jian Yi is a huge milker.

“I always wondered the same thing of this young man.”

Jian Yi loves so he’s behind Mo’s mom and pouting. “Using such naughty words all day, and acting so cold. I assure you, I never thought it to be you, auntie” Jian Yi ingratiates and it works because Mo’s mom crosses her arms and shakes her head in a disappointed manner.

“Mo Guanshan you be kind and use respectful vocabulary.” She demands.

Mo nods “I will mom, I’m sorry.” She seems to be content with that answer and stalks off back to her room.

As soon as she’s out of sight Guanshan makes a motion to lunge at Jian Yi. He Tian quickly catches him “nope. Get ready Mo~ we are having a. Friends day.” He Tian instructs as he continues to hold Mo Guanshan as he death glares Jian Yi who is hidden behind Zhan Zheng Xi.

After a moment Guanshan realizes he is only in his boxers. He looks sideways as sees the way Jie is turned around, and texting on her phone.

He sighs and pushes He Tian again away from him.

“Wait for me outside.” He announces as he scratches his hair and walks down his hallways back to his bedroom.

Jian Yi has to pinch He Tian so he gets out of his perverted train of thought as he watches Mo Guanshan walk away with only his boxers on, body on display.

He Tian clears his throat and looks away, he still feels empty since he confesses and realized his love was one sided.

“Let’s go wait for him.” He Tian says as he looks at the group, wraps his arm around Jie and they all walk outside Mo’s apartment to wait for him.

_

“Babe, you think I should get pink nail polish or a pastel green?” Jie ask’s He Tian as they all gather around the counter and Mo Guanshan cooks up sweet and sour pork with white rice.

Jian Yi chimes in, “definitely not green, makes your nails look dirty. Pink is the way to go, but ask for a light shade, if it’s too dark it makes you look attention seeking.”

Mo stops cooking and Zhan and He Tian stare at Jian Yi suprised. Jian looks at them all smiling and shrugs “my mom taught me some things.” They all shake their head and forget about it, Jian Yi being odd is definitely not something new.

“I guess pink.” He Tian replies as Jie still stares awaiting his answer

“Okay!” She replies and types away at her phone again.

“Mo mo~ what are you making today?” He Tian asks as he makes his way to stand behind Mo Guanshan.

Guanshan, being use to it, doesn’t think anything of his action.

He Tian places his head on Mo’s shoulder and holds his waist as he watches the way GuanShan’s hands moves like an expert in the kitchen.

“Sweet and sour chicken, and some white rice. I’m not sure if some steamed vegetables would be good to add” Mo replies as he keeps mixing.

“Why not? Vegetables are healthy for us growing boys” He Tian replies. Mo chuckles, “you better eat them then.” He Tian laughs softly “of course I will.”

They stay silent as Mo keeps finishing off the pork batter and cuts the vegetables.

“He Tian. I think you should go and pick out a movie for us to watch.” Jian’s voice comes suddenly ruining the peace of silence between Mo and He Tian.

He Tian takes his head and hands off of Mo Guanshan as he looks at the unamused look on Jian’s face.

He Tian, slightly annoyed, nods and heads to the TV, seeing Jie still on her phone.

Mo GuanShan’s body flushes as he thinks about how normal it all felt. The way He Tian resting his head on his shoulder, and held his waist softly felt like an innocent action they both take part in frequently.

It was not an understatement to say Mo Guanshan was flummoxed.

Chapter Text

“Yes! I wanna watch Transformers!” Jian Yi practically yells in Zhan’s ear as they all start getting settled on He Tian’s L shaped couch. he Tian is to the far left with Jie on his right, Jian is next to Jie, and Zhan is next to Jian, and lastly, Mo Guanshan is laying on the long part of the couch.

They all have their bowls and He Tian is scrolling through the various movies there is to watch on whatever platform he chose.

“Transformers isn’t bad” Mo says as he gets pillows and gathers them on his back so he’s sitting up.

“I already watched them.” He Tian says as he goes to pass the movie. “That doesn’t matter. We can re watch it!” Jian argues back.

“Jie, what movie would you like to watch?” Zhan asks Jie suddenly and her face goes red as she shakes her head nervously “oh, I don’t mind. Whichever one y’all would like to watch, I’m fine with.” She gives Zhan a big smile.

“You like the Barbie show?” Zhan asks. “Which one?” Jie replies, as she tilts her head to the right. “The one on Netflix. I think it’s ‘Barbie life in the dream house’ if I’m not wrong.” He explains. “I’ve never watched it” she shrugs.

“Put that on.” Zhan demands and sits back as all the boys are left shocked at his request. “It’s a very interesting show. I watch it with my little sister sometimes.” He explains and starts eating, and He Tian shrugs and goes to put it on.
-
Mo Guanshan is currently seething.

“How could you say that?! Ken is the only perfect match for Barbie! Ryan is just some kind of fuck boy!” Mo argues back at He Tian.

“Ken is too obsessed, it’s weird. Plus, they look like siblings!” He Tian argues back.

“I don’t know, I think Ken and Ryan should go out with each other.” Jian shrugs.

“Ken’s not gay.” He Tian says simply.

“When in the show did he act straight?! He is maybe the gayest character I’ve seen!”Jian now argues with He Tian.

“Guys. Can we please go back to watch the show? It’s getting good.” Zhan says annoyed by his friends constant chattering and pausing.

“No! Not until this chicken dick fuck wad admits that Ken and Barbie belong together!” Mo argues.

Jie raises her hand, and they all stop and stare at her. “I agree with Mo Guanshan. Ken and Barbie are like the known couple, Ryan tried to ruin the runway show. I don’t think Ryan is a good character” she explains as she smiles at Mo Guanshan.

“Fina-fucking-lly.” Mo huffs and sits back down facing the TV.

“Traitor.” He Tian says as Jie shrugs and grins at him.

“Shut it.” Zhan states and starts the show back up.
-
They all leave Guanshan to clean up as they finish up their chatter before they all have to head home.

“I have to go!” Jie says and gets up. He Tian walks her out the door, then returns quickly.

“Me and Zhan have to start heading out too. His mom just called.” Jian explains as he and Zhan start getting ready to leave.

“Okay, I’ll see you when I do.” He Tian replies and sits back down on the couch.

Jian and Zhan say their goodbyes to Mo who just glares at them and flicks them off, before they leave the apartment.

He Tian sits there as he pretend to look at his phone, but he watches Mo Guanshan through the black TV screen.

He doesn’t understand. Did he maybe get the wrong signals this whole time? It seemed like Mo was also into him.

“Come help me.” Mo speaks suddenly.

“With what?” He Tian asks as he gets up off the couch with a stretch.

“Dishes, dumbass. I’m not doing eveything.” Mo instructs as he mops the floor.

He Tian chuckles and walks over to the dishes. He turns on the water to the perfect temperature and starts washing.

As He Tian zones out, Guanshan sneaks up behind him and puts his hands on his hips. He can’t believe what he’s seeing. He Tian is leaving food stains on the dishes and he’s placing them on the drying rack.

Mo slaps his shoulder.
He Tian jumps, dropping a plate in the sink.

“What?!” He practically shouts as he try’s to calm his heart rate.

“Look.” Mo grits. He points at the dishes. He Tian follows his finger. “Again, what?” He asks as he doesn’t see a single thing wrong.

“You are fucking leaving food on the plates.” Mo Guanshan states as he picks up a plate and point at the food stain.

“Move. For gods fucking sake, move!” Mo snatches the plate from his hand and starts aggressive dumping all the plates back in the sink.

He Tian stands there for a second in shock, then he puts up his charm.

“I’m sorry, Mo Mo~” He Tian tries to act cutely as he wraps his arms around Mo’s waist.

Mo shrugs him off, still mad. “I ask you to do one fucking thing.” He grumbles as he keeps attacking the dirty dishes. He Tian squeezes Mo’s midsection. “I’m sorry” He Tian says again as he buries his face in Guanshan’s neck.

“Get off. Do that with your girlfriend.” As Mo finishes the sentence silence wraps them up. It feels like a suffocating awkwardness.

“Just go sit down.” Mo practically begs and He Tian follows his instructions and sits down on the couch.

Mo finishes, he only says a quiet bye and leaves, not waiting for He Tian to say it back.

The walk home was stressful. He feels stressed about the situation. He doesn’t know what he wants, and this whole awkward tension between them is pissing him off. He just wants to go back to normal.

Chapter Text

He Tian twirls a photo of him and Mo Guanshan between his thumb, index, and middle finger as he lay on his bed. He looks at the way Mo is leaned up against him as his eyes are closed, and the way he just lays still as He Tian snaps the picture.

He Tian smiles softly as he remembers the way Mo Guanshan’s eyelashes fluttered and the way his red hair shined is such a heavenly way as the sun hit him. The way the shadows of clouds passing over him made him still look beautiful.

He places the picture down on the bed and pics up another one.

This time Guanshan is cooking and his face looks so calm as he has a bit of flour and unknown sauce on his face, but he seems unfazed.

He Tian chuckles as he think of how mad Guanshan was when He Tian had showed him the picture. He had to pay Mo Guanshan a great deal of money to allow him to keep the photo.

He places the photo down on his chest and puts his arms by his side lazily. His heart hurts, it’s a pain that hurts far worse than his trauma scars that he still gets flash backs of at times. It hurts worse than when he found out about his mothers passing. This pain is indescribable.

He misses being able to hold Mo Guanshan. He misses being able to tease him. He misses being able to have peace with him.

Does he regret telling Mo of his feelings? Never. He would never regret telling Mo Guanshan he liked him, never regret showing the person he cared the most for how important he was to himself. He would, however, regret not saying ‘love’ instead of ‘like’.

He Tian gets a ping from his phone and lifts it up to check it out. It’s Snapchat, it’s asking him if he remembers a photo he took, he opens the app to see.

It’s not a picture, but a video. It’s a video of Guanshan laughing as Jian Yi busts his ass trying to attempt a skateboard trick He Tian had done.

He Tian feels his lip quiver and feels a silent tear slip from his face. He hopes this pain ends soon.

‘Let’s go on a date this Friday!’ He Tian reads as a text from Jie pops up.

He looks as the text with dull eyes.

‘Sure.’ He Tian texts and throws his phone on the floor, ignoring the text that came after his. He flips on his stomach and buries his face in his pillows and blankets.

What a way to spend a Sunday.

Chapter Text

Jian laughs as he tackles Zhan Zheng Xi down on his bed.

“Surrender!” Jian yells as he pins his arms above his head. “I didn’t do anything!” Zhan argues back as he tries to get out from under him.

“Yes you did. You didn’t let me, your best friend, win the video game.” Jian argues back as he sits back on Zhan’s stomach, letting his arms go, as he folds his arms and pouts.

“I told you, I’m not doing that anymore. You need to practice to get better.” Zhan says as he places his hands on Jian’s thighs. “I don’t have enough time.” Jian lies. Zhan give him a look of confusion, “you have nothing BUT time.” He replies to Jian’s lie.

Zhan shoves Jian Yi off of him and sits up as Jian scrambles to sit up too. “I’m not playing with you anymore if you continue to be a sore loser” Zhan threatens as he goes back to sit on his desk chair.

Jian huffs.

“I want ramen.” Jian states as he changes the topic, his natural skill.

Zhan rolls his eyes and spins so he’s facing his laptop. “You’re always hungry.” He points out and begins clicking in the keys as he starts a solo match of their game.

“Am not!” Jian argues back and gets up to wrap his arms around Zhan’s shoulders.

“I’m not cooking.” Zhan says immediately, already knowing what Jian’s actions are leading to.

Jian pouts again with a groan and goes to jump on Zhan’s bed.

“Sit. Don’t jump.” Zhan says quickly before Jian can.

Jian whines but sits down softly. “I’m going to call my new best friend, Mo, and I bet he’ll cook any meal I want!” Jian childishly argues.

Zhan smirks, though Jian Yi can’t see it, “go for it. Put him on speaker, I wanna hear if your declaration is truth.”

Jian takes out his phone, finds Mo Guanshan’s contact and presses the call button. After a few rings he answers.

“Tha fuck do you want now?” Mo’s raspy voice is heard through the speaker of the phone, and Zhan turns around as he waits for the conversation to be had.

“My intelligent, handsome, kind hear-“

“No.” Mo replies, and hangs up.

Jian Yi’s eyes practically come out of his skull as he sees the contact list show up again, signaling that Mo Guanshan had indeed hung up on him.

Zhan chuckles softly with a smirk as he turn around on his chair. “Seems like you ‘best friend’ isn’t the saint you talked him up to be” he says cheekily.

“No one loves me” Jian says as he lays down on Zhan’s bed and covers himself with the blanket, going under them.

Zhan shakes his head.

“You better be ready when I get out of the restroom” Zhan says as he exits the room to use the restroom real quick. Jian practically jumps out the bed and slide his shoes on.

When Zhan sees Jian waiting patiently in his room, he signals for him to follow as they go and grab some ramen, per Jian’s request.

Chapter Text

J: How was the date?

H: Good.

J: Wow, what an amazing answer. I can feel the romance seeping through you.

Z: I must agree, you have the most boring answer ever.

M: Do ya mind? I’m trying to take a nap.

J: More like Jack off.

H: Need help?

M: DISGUSTING PERVERTS!🖕🏻

Z: I am not involved.

M: I didn’t mean you. I meant Jack and Jill over here.

J: I’m definitely Jack.🤭

H: You wish. You give massive Jill vibes.

M: Jian your Jill, He Tian is Jack.

J: Why?!

Z: You have the same personality as Jill, it’s a bit uncanny if I say so myself.

J: So rude! I think you and Mo have some type of secret pact where ya bully me😞

H: I doubt it, your not that special.

M: ^

J: 😞 I’m going to cry.

Z: Jian, man up.

J: That’s pretty sexist, Zhan. I never thought you were this type of person😨

H: Zhan has a naughty side after all😈

M: I knew you three all shared a brain cell.

Z: I did not mean that is a sexist way, I apologize.

H: no fun.

J:^

Z: we must respect women.

M: Man or women, fuck em’ all. People suck.

H: Mo~ Honey, you’re letting your hate for the world show…

J:🤣🤣

M:🖕🏻🖕🏻 for both of ya.

H: I’ll give that finger something to do~

J: 😭 He Tian, no.

Z: That was graphic, and I just read the text.

M: that’s it, I’m muting the chat. Bye.

H: Bye, Mo Mo~😘

J: Bye! My mom bought take out!

Z: Bye, my sister wants to play video games.

H: Bye 👋🏻

Chapter Text

He Tian’s phone ran as he placed it down, about to take a shower after the text session he had.

He looked at the caller ID

‘He Cheng’

He sigh, and clicked answer, putting him on speaker as he walked to his wardrobe.

“Yes?” He Tian asked, not caring to sound nice. “You doing well in school?” He Cheng asks. He Tian rolls his eyes, “I didn’t think you’d care.” He Tian replied.

“I’m filling out the papers for your transfer.” He change says as He Tian head scribbling in the background.

He Tian stood up straight now. “You said I can stay as long as I act well. You promised.” He Tian replied angrily.

“He Tian, you’ll thank me one day for this. This way you can have a way better future. You can take over the company and be ready.” He Cheng explained, but He Tian only glared at the phone in his hand.

“I will not leave. You promised me. I can still learn as much that is needed by staying here.” He Tian barks back.

“He Tian, listen well, this is your last year, you will be transferred when you get to high school.” He Cheng explains in a condescending tone.

“What about Jian Yi? Didn’t Mr.Jian say he liked that I can keep an eye on his grandson?” He Tian asked frantically, looking for any excuse he could grasp.

“He’s agreed with me. Jian will be transferred after this year. Jian will not need you anymore, you will have no reason to stay there.” He change explained.

“What good will I do in America?! I don’t understand why I have to go to a whole other country to study!” He Tian yelled, his eyes burning with tears of anger.

“The decision is final.”

With that, He Cheng hung up.

He Tian fell to his knees as he cradled his phone in his hand. He felt his chest tightening up, and began to practice the breathing method he taught himself.

He closed his eyes and thought of the only other thing that can calm him down, Mo Guanshan.

He Tian went on his phone, found Guanshan’s contact, and called him.

“Hello?” Guanshan’s voice came, sounding as if he had just woken up.

“Please…just talk. Just say anything..” He Tian says back desperately.

“He Tian? What’s wrong?” Mo asks sounding very worried.

“I just need something. Please, just speaking about something random. Please…” He Tian was now laying on the floor, focusing to calm his breathing.

“I cooked with my mom today. She spilled a bowl of flour on my shirt.” Mo says in a soft tone. He Tian smiles as he laughs softly.

“I had to clean it all up. It’s hard getting flour out of the crevices of fake wood floor panels.” Mo explains, sounds awkward at having to be the one to talk.

“Is it?” He Tian sighs softly as he asks the question.

“Yea. I had to scrub for a good thirty minutes. My mom offered to help, but I didn’t want her to tire herself out.” Mo says.

“Such a kind son.” He Tian smiles as he compliments Mo for his integrity.

“I took a nap today. I didn’t dream about anything.” Mo explains, and He Tian hears shuffling as Mo Guanshan gets comfortable on his bed.

“That’s good.” He Tian says as he closes his eyes.

After a bit of silence Mo speaks again.

“You gonna tell me what tha hell that was?”

He Tian sighs, “nothing. My brother just pissed me off.”

Mo hums.

After that, He Tian falls asleep on the floor as he listens to Mo Guanshan’s breathing. Mo falls asleep as he hears He Tian let out a soft sigh before his breathing evens out.

Call Time- 5 hours 13 minutes 32 seconds

Chapter Text

Monday came like any other. All four boys got up and started their ways towards school, meeting each other at an intersection. This time though, a girl under He Tian’s arm.

“I wish I could skip school, but my mom said if she gets one more call she’ll hang me up by my underwear” Jian Yi pouts and clings on to Zhan.

“I want to gather an opinion.” Jie speaks sounding a bit agitated. “Are you really gonna do this?” He Tian sighs out as he rolls his eyes.

This gathers everyone’s attention.

“Ask away!” Jian Yi practically shouts at the excitement at the slight drama of a Monday morning.

“Let’s say you are dating someone. If they don’t answer your text quick, always seems to not enjoy when your together, and REFUSES to kiss you, how would you take that?” She asks, making sure to put emphasis on the kissing part.

Jian, Zhan, and Mo all look at each other. They are all in slight shock at the weight of such a question and indirect information on the couple’s relationship.

Mo Guanshan can’t help but flip his eyes to He Tian’s face. His jaw clenched as his eyebrows lower and his eyes darken, he’s angry.

He Tian seems to feel Mo Guanshan’s gaze and meets his brown eyes with his own black.

Mo Guanshan flushes. He Tian is letting him know something…but he can’t tell what it is, but he does know it’s something in an intimate sense.

“I’m saving myself.” He Tian speaks as he turns his eyes away from Mo and looks at Jie.

“For who?” Jie asks, sort of accusing.

“Someone.” He Tian replies, emotion slightly void. This makes Mo’s heart beat. The ‘someone’ in question is him.

“Someone as in you already have someone in mind, or someone as in your waiting for the perfect moment?” Jie furrows her eyebrows, her tone being aggressive.

“As in I already have someone in mind.” He Tian answers honestly, and that has Jian and Zhan’s eyes going wide. Mo couldn’t help but drop his eyes to the floor, guilt coming back up.

“You are a bastard. We’re done.” Jie says this and storms off.

“Wow.” Jian Yi voices his surprised. “That was like a live Romance movie.” He says bluntly as Zhan nudges him hard.

“I guess I’m single again.” He Tian smiles, he felt like he has finally dropped such heavy baggage. He flicks his eyes to Mo Guanshan as he says this, but is met with the view of Mo’s head turned down.

“Umm…Jian I think our class is starting soon, we should go.” Zhan announces “what? No it-“ Zhan covers Jian’s mouth and forces him to start walking into the school building with him.

As Jian and Zhan leave He Tian speaks, “We should head in too.” He waits for Mo Guanshan to lift his head up.

When Mo lifts his head up, He Tian practically gasps. Mo’s eyes are filled with so much sadness, and it makes him physically ache all over at the though of Mo being in any emotional pain.

“Yea. Let’s go.” Mo says as he continues to walk, being followed by He Tian close by.

He Tian would ask Mo Guanshan why he’s upset, be he has a huge feeling the feeling is mutual. They are both feeling waves of negative emotions that they must over come with time.

He Tian catches up and wraps his arm around Mo’s shoulder. It feels like a gesture of comfort, not just for Guanshan, but for himself as well, and it’s clear Mo feels it as he leans into his touch.

Chapter Text

The news of He Tian liking someone moved around quickly. Many girls now trying harder to see if it was them that he had his eyes set on.

“He Tian~ I need help. Please~”

Yet another girl walked up to He Tian’s desk making sure to press her arms tight together to show her chest off. He Tian had absolutely no reaction to it.

The sad fact of the matter was the He Tian was gay. He didn’t have interest in women, never had. While he does love Mo Guanshan, he liked other men before he found him. So, it was a bit sad to see the attempt of women when it was one hundred percent not a possibility for him.

He Tian gives a smile to the women and nods, offering his help. Many women seem to be analyzing to see if she was the one of the rumor. With quick assessment, her being the rumor was debunked.

He Tian many times stayed up on days watching porn videos, he would focus on the women, but would end up looking at the man. He then resorted to porn magazines, but looking at the women in seductive poses and outfits holding a basketball and pressing it to their large breasts did nothing for him.

He Tian was no doubt a full blown homosexual with no heterosexual tendencies.
…
Jian Yi watched as the women crowded around each other talking of the rumor of He Tian’s unknown maiden.

His eyes flip to Zhan who was taking a nap, the way his brown eyelashes brushed his cheek, his brown hair falls on his face, and the way his lips part slightly, their plush and pink look quite alluring.

He turned to look at a girl who had similar features. His heart didn’t jump or anything, not the way it did with Zhan.

Jian Yi doesn’t know what he is, but he is sure of one thing, he is in love with Zhan Zheng Xi.
…
Mo Guanshan was definitely going through folders of thoughts in his head. He knew he wasn’t gay, but he doesn’t believe he’s straight either. He doesn’t care much for people in general, it’s a surprise he is even able to get friends.

He looks around at the people in his classroom, girls gathered together talking, some playing video games with one another. The boys doing the same thing. He didn’t understand the concept of crushes. He’s never had one.

He’s never thought hard on his sexuality. Right now was a time of contemplation.

He’s heard of the word ‘Bisexual’ that’s where people like both man and women, is that perphaps what he is?

He groans and drops his head on the desk. He’s too tired to be thinking of all this right now.
…
Zhan watches as Jian Yi is being manhandled by the boys of the basketball team. Jian Yi has always made friends easily, it surprises him that Jian was bullied and outcasted as a child.

He sees the way Jian smiles and laughs as they grab him, whispering things in his ear, touching his hair, and just wrapping their arms around his body. Jian just smiles widely as he is surrounded by the numerous boys.

Jian Yi is a social butterfly, that’s definitely sure.

Zhan sighs. He’s thought hard about Jian and his confession. He told Zhan Zheng Xi he loved him, making it clear he meant more than friendship.

Zhan didn’t like men. Sure he could get flustered by Jian, but that goes for anyone, Jian comes on strong.

Zhan Zheng Xi was a straight man…and he knows that it’s hurting his best friend.

Chapter Text

Thursday afternoon-after school.

Jian Yi was currently bothering everyone.

J: Come on! Let’s play 20 questions! We need to get to know each other more.

Z: I already know too much about you, idiot.

H: I’m down.

M: this is stupid.

J: What if your favorite color?

Z: Red

M: Orange and Yellow

H: Black, but red is starting to look nice😉

J: How did you make that an innuendo?

H: it’s a talent.

Jian Yi rolls his eyes.

J: Zhan, your turn.

Z: Favorite hobby?

J: Eating!

H: Annoying little Mo~❤️

M: 🖕🏻.

M: Cooking.

H: I wanna ask next!

J: Go for it!

M: I swear, chicken dick, you better not say something perverse.

H:😈

H: Are ya gay?

J: Maybe.

Z: No.

M: that’s a stupid question. skip.

Z: You aren’t allowed to skip.

M: idk.

H: okay.

J: ya always make the text so awkward, I’m going to face time!

Jian Yi face times all of them.

Zhan pops up on his desk.

He Tian is laying in bed, a smirk on his face. That devil like bitch.

Mo Guanshan pops up last cuddled up in bed with a big blanket.

“Better! So now you two can’t make it weird with your tension.” Jian explains as he jokingly rolls his eyes.

“Fuck off. It’s him who makes it weird” Guanshan complains as he flicks is eyes to look at the square where He Tian lays still smirking at the camera.

A knock is suddenly heard from Mo Guanshan’s end of the phone call.

“Come in!” He answers.

“I’m off to work, can you lock the door? I left my key in my car.” Mo’s mom is head.

“Sure, ma.” Guanshan says as he props up his phone and gets out of the bed sheets, he’s only wearing his boxers. He leaves the room.

“He Tian if you look any harder, maybe you’ll get to see something else.” Jian laughs as he points out the way He Tian practically pants like a dog in heat at seeing Mo Guanshan’s body in stark display.

“Acting like you don’t do the same thing when I take off my shirt in front of you.” Zhan quickly combats and Jian is left speechless.

Mo Guanshan comes back into his room and jumps on his bed.

“You fresh over there, little Mo~?” He Tian asks teasingly.

Guanshan’s cheeks go red and he rolls his eyes. “Fuck off, dumbass. Stop being a creep.” To this comment He Tian shows his hands to act as if he’s innocent. “I’m just admiring the view you gave me” He Tian smirks, noting the was Mo gets redder.

“Zhan, why can’t you speak to me like that! I want to be a blushing harlet!” Jian proclaims as he does a fake cry. “Shut it, dumbass, or I’ll stop talking to you all together.” Zhan replies, but no one fails to see the way he averts his eyes and shifts the phone so you can’t see his face clearly.

“Jian, if you keep going, you’ll make Zhan Zheng Xi the blushing fool.” He Tian points out.

Jian practically beams. “You blushing Xi~” Jian teases, ignoring his own blush at saying the stupid nickname.

Zhan groans as shakes his head. “You’re embarrassing.”

Jian Yi laughs. “You love me for it!” He says as he smiles wide at the camera. “Debatable.”

At that He Tian starts laughing. “Who’s the flirty couple now.”

Zhan rolled his eyes at the accusation, “it’s not like that.” Jian laughs to mask the pain of rejection.

They all stare and notice that Mo Guanshan is sleeping.

“Is he really sleeping?” Zhan asks as he analyzes Mo Guanshan.

“MO GUANSHAN!” Jian Yi yells.

No movement or anything.

“I think little Mo is really sleeping.” He Tian says, endearment etched on his voice.

Then flashes of light starts going on Mo Guanshan’s face.

“Huh?- He Tian, you dirty dog.” Jian speaks up as he notices He Tian is taking FaceTime screenshots of Mo Guanshan.

He Tian chuckles. “It’s free enterprise.”

Zhan rolls his eyes. “Bye. I have to help my mom with dinner. Talk to you guys tomorrow.”

The rest say their fair wells and hang up the FaceTime call.

Call time- 30 minutes, 22 seconds

Chapter Text

Friday afternoon- after school

Mo Guanshan and He Tian are laying in silence on He Tian’s bed. Guanshan scrolling through Instagram, while He Tian scrolls through his photos.

“I’m hungry, little Mo~” He Tian whines as he puts down his phone and scoots the few inches between them so he can rest his head on Mo’s stomach.

Guanshan doesn’t do anything, he’s busy looking at some reels of people falling, he finds it entertaining.

“Mo Mo~” He Tian practically begs as he turns over, and now digs his chin into Mo’s stomach.

Mo Guanshan hisses in pain and shoved He Tian off of him. “Ow, dumbass. Your fucking chin is stabbed me.” Guanshan rubs at his wounded stomach and now turns so his back is facing He Tian.

He Tian gets up and tackles Mo so now He Tian straddles him and has Mo’s hands pinned to the bed.

“What tha hell?!” Mo screams angrily as he is disturbed and he hears his phone drop on the floor. “Your gonna pay for it if it breaks, chicken dick.” He grits out as he glares at He Tian.

He Tian smiles, he loves the reactions he gets out of Mo Guanshan. The glares, the curses, the blushes, he loves them all.

“I’ll buy you thousands if that’s what you ask.” He Tian says softly as he smiles down at Mo Guanshan. Mo can’t help but swallow, his throat getting dry from the nerves He Tian is always able to create in him.

Mo let’s his body go slack and glares up at He Tian, “what do you want?” He grumbles, making sure to sound annoyed.

“Food. I’m hungry” He Tian replies and brings his face closer to Mo Guanshan. “Feed me, Mo Mo~” He Tian teases, but he can’t lie, the proximity makes him feel things.

Mo Guanshan’s heart beats rapidly, his stomach starts feeling fuzzy, and he feels his body heat up as he looks at He Tian’s stupidly handsome face up close.

He Tian watches as a beautiful blush spreads on Mo’s face and ears, the way Mo Guanshan looks at him with a hint of yearning…does Mo Guanshan want him..?

He Tian’s mind and body are thinking different thoughts, and this is driving him wild.

He Tian quickly gets off of Mo Guanshan. “I need to use the restroom.” He Tian blurts out as he makes him way to the restroom quickly.

He sits on the toilet, his whole body feels fuzzy, he feels dizzy, his body feels hot, and sadly his lower region is having its own reaction too. He is going crazy.

Chapter Text

Mo Guanshan let’s put a deep breath. He feels like he need to cook off, his body feels funny, and weirdly, he doesn’t think it’s a bad thing.

He gets up, fixing his clothes as he head to the kitchen to start making a meal while He Tian is using the restroom.

He feel sort of fluffy, like he’s walking on a cloud. He doesn’t understand why he feels like this. Like he’s dizzy and his head is in a cardboard box. He closes his eyes and shakes his head. He feels giddy inside, and it’s starting to piss him off.

He opens the fridge and sees that eveything is the way it was the last time he was here. He searches and decided a simple fish with white rice, and kimchi would be fine. He gets out the fish he bought at the supermarket and got out the rice he has in a cabinet. He grabs the Kimchi container he stored in the fridge, he needs to make sure it’s good.

He places eveything on the counter and begins doing all his kitchen work, he doesn’t hear He Tian walk close to him, he feels arms wrap around his waist, “what are you cooking?” He Tian’s deep voice whispers in his ear.

Mo Guanshan rolls his eyes, “Steamed fish, white rice, and Kimchi.” He explained as he points at each item. “You don’t cook Kimchi.” He Tian says. “You fucking shit for brains, it’s a side.” Mo says angrily.

He Tian chuckles and nods, “my apology.” He rests his head on Mo’s shoulder as Mo starts opening the Kimchi container.

“Need to check if it’s good. I made it last time I came here.” Mo explains as he opens the container and grabs a pair of chopsticks to grab a piece. He bring the piece to He Tian’s mouth, and He Tian obliges as he opens his mouth and lets Mo Guanshan place the piece in his mouth.

He Tian practically moans as the taste fills his mouth. It tastes amazing. “So good.” He Tian says as he goes to grab a piece from the container with his fingers. Mo slaps his hand, “you imbecile, don’t just dig.” Mo scolds as He Tian rubs his hand.

He Tian now rolls his eyes and places his hand back on Mo Guanshan’s waist. “Fine.” He pouts.

Mo shakes his head and caps up the Kimchi container again and unwraps He Tian’s hands form his waist, “Go sit. I’m going to start cooking, don’t want you bothering me.” Mo explains.

He Tian nods as goes to sit down on the counter stool.
-
Mo is finishing up steaming the fish, already having the rice done. He can’t help it, he wants the answers to the question that has been spiraling in his head.

“Hey, chicken dick.” He calls as he makes it seem like he’s watch the steaming fish very closely

He Tian hums a response as if says ‘what?’

“Did you really not like Jie?” Mo asks slowly, like he isn’t sure why he’s asking….and it truth, he’s really not sure why he’s asking.

At the question, He Tian looks up and sees the Mo’s back is facing him.

He Tian has no reason to lie.

“No. I didn’t like her. I think you of all people know who I really like.” He Tian says simply, waiting to see Mo’s reaction.

Mo turns around and looks He Tian in the eyes. Mo is upset…

“Then why did you date her right after confessing?” He asked, he sounded mad.

“My brother, a business arrangement, and suspected homophobia.” He Tian says simply.

Mo Guanshan stands there waiting for him to elaborate, but He Tian never opens his mouth to do such.

“Okay, are you gonna explain that shit?” Mo asks, now getting impatient.

“Mo, my brother is planning to send me to America. I started dating Jie because it was a family deal. One of my brothers…clients…wanted me to marry her. It’s been a thing for like a month, I confessed to you when I did because I was reaching my deadline of having to date her. But since you said no, I agreed. As you know, I broke it off with her, and now know my brother never cared if I was dating her or not.” He Tian explains, keeping things vague.

“That still doesn’t explain why you broke up with her. If it was a family deal, why break it off? Wouldn’t staying with her help you stay here?” Mo asked, now a bit confused.

“That’s what I thought. My brother called and told me I’m still going to America, so I saw no point in staying with Jie. Do you understand? I thought she’d keep me here and change my brothers mind, since she is the daughter of an important client to him, but that was just wishful thinking.” He Tian explains sadly, he looks down at the counter.

Mo is so confused, he understands but doesn’t. What is the family business? Why was He Tian trying to use her as some excuse? Why was He Tian going to America?…

Mo’s eyes widened.

“Wait…you’re going to America?!”

Chapter Text

Saturday morning

Mo Guanshan stares at the ceiling in his room. His brain has still not recovered from everything he learned yesterday.

Apparently, He Tian had a consensual arranged relationship, which he thought would help him, but found out it didn’t so he ended it. His family has some unknown business that he won’t tell Mo about, and He Tian is going to America next year….

He Tian is going to be gone.

He Tian is going to leave to a whole other country.

He Tian is not going to be around him.

Mo’s eyes start filling with tears. He feels a squeeze in his chest. He feels like it’s getting hard to breath, like his throat his closing up. He sits up and burys his face in his hand, he doesn’t care anymore. He lets out a loud sob as he starts letting tears fall.

His mom walks in his room quickly.

“Guanshan…?” She asks softly as she sits in his bed. “Sweet heart, what’s wrong?” She asks as she places her hand on Mo’s red hair that matches her own.

Mo shakes his head as he continues to cry loud and his body shakes from finally understanding and feeling all the emotions. Letting them wash over his and infest his brain and heart.

Mo Guanshan’s mom understood. She understands that cry. She understands that cry like she did it just yesterday.

The cry of the person you love being taken from you, and not having a clue of what to do.

She wraps her arms softly around Mo and bring his close to her chest.

“It’s okay. It will all be okay. Your strong. It’ll be okay” she whispers as she rubs his back, tears slipping from her own eyes. “I know. I know it hurts.” She reassures.

“I don’t understand. I don’t- why? Why mom? Why does he have to go?!” He sobs out in frustration.

Weirdly, Mo’s mom knows who he’s talking about, she’s seen it. She’s seen how Mo Guanshan is around student He Tian. The way student He Tian treats her precious son. She can’t help but smile. She knows Mo Guanshan will be okay. He Tian would never leave Mo Guanshan permanently, he will definitely come back to him.

She squeezes him tight and kisses his head. “It’s okay. He will come back. I have a feeling that the two of you will make it over this.” She lifts his face so she can look into his red and swollen eyes “he loves you, Mo Guanshan. He would never leave you. You will make it together.” She smiles and strokes his tears away with her thumbs.

Mo Guanshan smiles softly and leans into her touch. “Like you and dad?” He asks softly.

She smiles.

“Just like me and your father.”

He engulfs her into a hug and falls asleep in her arms. His mom softly stokes his back, and supports all his weight as she smiles and thinks about how big her son has grown, and she’s so proud.

Chapter Text

Saturday night

Jian has his phone pressed to his ear with a huge smile on his face.

“Can I really come over?!” He asked excited for the invitation to Zhan Zheng Xi’s house.

“I never said you couldn’t. Don’t act like your not allowed here.” Zhan replies back as he looks down at his homework to complete answer.

“Send me the answers after your done!” Jian says
“No. Do your own work.” Zhan replies as he keeps scribbling down answers.

Jian pouts and whines at Zhan’s reluctance to be a kind best friend and share some answers with him. “Please!” Jian begs. “I can’t even see you but I know you look like you need your ass whooped, so stop.” Zhan says nonchalantly as if it were something normal to say.

Jian stops pouting and starts laughing “you know me so well, Zhan!” He admires as he softly smiles and closes his eyes.

“I’m straight.” Zhan suddenly says, which makes Jian open his eyes and and take the phone away from his ear and look at it. “Did you just say something?” He asks as he presses the phone back to his ear.

“I said that I’m straight. I told you that I didn’t know before…but I know. I know for sure that I like girls.” Zhan explains. Jian nods as he speaks. He can’t help but lay on his bed and close his eyes, his face contacts to one of pain.

Silence is now a sheet blanketing for them.

“Jian Yi…I’m sorry.” Zhan says, you can hear his voice crack at the other end of the call.

“You don’t need to be sorry. It’s who you are.” Jian says, his voice sounding light and happy, but at the other end of the phone tears are slipping down the side of his face, he has his hand clenching his heart.

“I don’t..I don’t want this to change us. I want to stay your best friend.” Zhan explains, Jian can tell he also has tears of his own sliding down his face, hears the way his vocal cords strain as emotion grips them.

“It won’t. I’m sorry, Zhan, for putting you in this position.” Jian Yi apologizes as he thinks back to the day he confessed to Zhan,

“Never. Don’t say that. Don’t be sorry for being who you are Jian.” Zhan says, sounding angry.

Jian Yi chuckles as this.

“Zhan…I’m gay. I don’t like women…I’ll never like women.” Jian says slowly…he feels his heart beat and the way his mind does all kinds of flips as he finally admits it…not only to his best friend…but to himself.

“I accept you.” Zhan says softly. “Jian, you will always be my best friend.” He assures Jian and that way his breaking point.

Jian closes his eyes and cries. He doesn’t care that Zhan Zheng Xi can hear the way he weeps and gasps for air as he sobs.

This cry didn’t hurt. Jian Yi didn’t feel helpless, for the first time, when he cried. He didn’t feel like he was crying because he felt lonely, judged, or disliked, he was crying because for the first time in his life he felt accepted. He felt free. He felt like he was finally able to be true to himself.

Zhan closed his eyes and places his head on his desk as he help the phone to his ear cradling it so close so he can hear eveything. He heard it. He heard the way Jian Yi finally felt life…the true meaning to it. Zhan smiled as he joined Jian silently in the crying frenzy.

After a while silence ensued. Laughter was the next thing that filled the line. Jian Yi laughing hysterically.

“Zhan..I feel happy.” He says as he laughs,

Zhan smiles tenderly. “That’s good Jian, I’m glad for you.”

After the laughter dies down both boys let silence wash over them. They let the silence bathe them both, until both boys lay on their beds allowing dreams to take them over.

Call time-6 hours, 12 minutes, 22 seconds

Chapter Text

Monday- school morning

“Why are you eyes swollen?” He Tian touches the bottom of Mo Guanshan’s eyes, rubbing at the swollen skin.

Mo swats his hand away. “None of you fucking business, that’s why.” He replies.

In full honestly, Guanshan is tired as hell. He has barely gotten any sleep as he still thinks of the whole situation.

He loves He Tian. He finally admitted it to himself, and now he feels like even a touch from the taller black haired male will send him fainting like a virgin being touched for the first time.

“Oh~ someone’s mad today.” He Tian teases as he wraps his arm around Mo Guanshan’s shoulder. Mo looks foward boredly, even though he can feel his ears burning at the tip.

“He Tian I have no idea how you always have so much energy every morning” Jian says as he is being dragged and help up by Zhan Zheng Xi, who is looking down at something on his phone.

“Drugs.” He Tian answers.

“I can see it.” Zhan then replies as he puts his phone away and shrugs Jian off of him. “Your going to make me fall, idiot. Walk right.” Jian pouts and let’s go of Zhan. “I’m going to look for a new best friend who will carry me to class” he says as he playfully glares at Zhan.

Zhan shrugs, “I’ll like to see how many contestants you manage to get.” He insults.

He Tian starts laughing.

“Fucking hell. Stop being so loud.” Mo grumbles as he tries to push He Tian off of him.

He Tian just hold his tighter.

“I’ll ignore what you said, Zhan. I know you don’t mean it!” Jian says as he grabs Zhan’s wrist and starts pulling him. “Let’s get to class!” Zhan follows as he rolls his eyes.

“You going to tell me now?” He Tian asks as he starts walking Mo Guanshan to class.

“Tell you what?” Mo asks with an attitude.

He Tian sighs and let’s go of Mo. He shakes his head and walks away from Mo Guanshan. Mo just stands there as he watches He Tian walk away. He can’t help but wonder if this is some metaphor for life.
-
All boys are now eating lunch. Jian annoying Zhan and laughing as Zhan gives him many fun reactions. Mo Guanshan and He Tian, however, are just eating their food quietly.

Mo can’t help but feel awkward and sort of…pissed off? He is use to He Tian messing with him in any way to get his attention. He hasn’t even given Mo something from his tray and claiming that it’ll “help him grow big and strong” with that stupid smirk he always wears. He Tian is just sitting there, eating and being disgustingly normal.

He Tian is tired of his own tenacity. He feels like he tries so hard for Mo Guanshan, but Mo always give him the cold shoulder. He feels like with Mo Guanshan it’s practically always a chess game, but before he can make a move he leaves, leaving He Tian to try and guess what he’ll do next. He Tian feels like he’s doing all the work, and that’s making him feel sort of used.

Jian side eyes the couple next the him. He gives Zhan a look that says ‘what happened with them?’ And Zhan shrugs. Jian then give him a look saying ‘do I ask?’ And Zhan shrugs as he takes a glance at them awkwardly. Jian then gives a look that says ‘who’s a fault?’ And once again Zhan shrugs.

They have a whole conversation with their eyes, and Mo and He Tian sit across from each other, finicky vibes surrounding them in all angles.
-
“I thought I was going to die because of the awkwardness!” Jian Yi sighs out relived to be back in class with Zhan. Zhan nods.

“I wonder what happened. They were perfectly fine this morning.” Jian Yi thinks out-loud. “Did He Tian say something that went too far again, maybe?” Zhan suggests. “No. Then Mo would be mad at him, but it seemed like Mo was sort of itching for He Tian to speak. He kept glancing at him looking like a lost puppy.” Jian Yi explains his observation.

Zhan nods.

“I guess we’ll have to wait.” Zhan says as he turns to the bored.

The teacher comes in and they put Mo and Tian behind their heads and focus on their school work.

Chapter Text

He Tian had a glare on his face. He looked very unhappy, and judging by the way people kept looking at him wearily and no girls have come up to his desk, he was giving it off.

He Tian just can’t understand Mo. He Tian tries his best to be caring and considerate, he tries to be nice, especially since his action in the past were the best towards Mo Guanshan. He Tian is trying.

His phone buzzed, and he saw the name he wasn’t sure he was too happy to see right now.

‘Little Mo~❤️’

He Tian opened the message.

M: What’s your deal?

He Tian huffed at the message and turned off his phone. Mo Guanshan needs a taste of his own medicine. He needs to see how it feels when he is ignored.
-
As all the boys came together at the end of the day, the vibe was very odd.

Jian Yi and Zhan Zheng Xi were acting like usual, Jian Yi doing his best to bother and tease while Zhan either tried not to react, or did so in a physical manner.

Mo Guanshan had his arms crossed, and had a bigger bitch face than usual. He Tian had his hands in his pocket and was walking next to Jian Yi, completely ignoring Mo who was walking behind the three boys.

Jian, noticing this, gave He Tian a side eye. “So, He Tian…how was your day?” He asked awkwardly.

He Tian gave him a smile and wrapped his arm around Jian’s shoulder, bringing him close. “Well. Since you asked. My day went brilliantly, no one bothered me, and I think I even saw a cute girl that caught my eye.”

He Tian knows what he’s doing is wrong, and in all seriousness, he doesn’t even know why he’s doing it.

“Aren’t you gay?” Zhan suddenly asked. This shocked He Tian, but he recovered before anyone can notice.

“Yes, so I think you all know now, that it wasn’t a girl who caught my eye, but a boy.” He Tian explained, he turned his head and saw that Mo had a vein practically popping out of his head.

Maybe he went too far. Might as well go further.

“He was nice. Cute. He smiled, it was beautiful. I might ask him out, I’ll have to see.” He Tian lied, he even looked up at the sky in a way of longing, like he was picturing this fictional male.

“Oh, that’s cool…” Jian Yi agreed in a reluctant tone. He has a feeling this isn’t a good situation he’s gotten involved in.

“What about you, Mo?” Jian Yi turned his head to look at Mo Guanshan, but he was met with the most intense angry glare of his life time.

Mo’s jaw was clenched, his eyes practically black, his neck veins and a forehead vein was popping out, and you can see the grip his right hand had on his left bicep as he still had his arms crossed.

Jian Yi turned away.

“Chicken Dick, we’re going to your apartment.”
Mo commanded and grabbed He Tian’s right arm, the one not around Jian, and started dragging He Tian. Jian and Zhan watched, a bit nervous but curious as the red headed male dragged the black haired male.
-
One step.

A door lock locking.

That was the last thing that was heard as Mo shoved He Tian up against the door of his apartment.

Mo didn’t say anything. He just pressed He Tian on the door with his hands to He Tian’s chest, and he looked into He Tian’s eyes.

Mo spent a while just searching them, and He Tian let him. He did not back down as Mo’s brown ones moved to search his grey ones.

Mo finally stopped and let out a sigh as he payed his head on He Tian’s chest, gripping He Tian’s shirt with his hands, that were still on his chest.

“I don’t understand you.” Mo said.

“That makes two of us.” He Tian replied boredly.

Mo Guanshan looked up. “What?” He asked, he was genuinely confused about He Tian’s reply.

“I try to be nice, but you always push me away. I am good to you Mo Guanshan. I try to be the best for you. Why do you always push me away? Why do you always get angry at me when I try to care for you?” He Tian spoke softiy, his voice cracking at his last question.

Mo’s eyebrows furrowed. He didn’t know what to think.

Has He Tian always felt this way…?

Chapter Text

“I don-Fuck! I don’t mean to..” Mo replied as he stared into He Tian’s eyes. He wanted He Tian to know he was serious. He didn’t mean to do it.

He Tian brought his hand up softly. He can see how stressed and confused Mo Guanshan has been these past few days, he doesn’t know if he should feel relived or distressed it’s because of him.

He Tian grabbed Mo’s cheek softly with his right hand. He rubbed his thumb under Mo Guanshan’s eyes, the bag still there.

“Guanshan, I just want you to be honest with me. Do you feel the same way for me as I do you?” He Tian asked softly. He wanted to know. He feels like this answer could make up more than his heart…he feels like it could make up his future.

“I- I don-He Tian…I-Can I explain how I feel?” Mo Guanshan had tears in his eyes. What suprised He Tian though, was that a smile made its way to Mo Guanshan’s face.

He Tian practically fainted seeing the smile. “I-yea. I’ll always a listen to you, little Mo.” He Tian replied.

“I’ve never liked anyone before. Fuck, not even when I was a kid. I never cared for people, and the thought of romance disgusted me, it still does. He Tian, with you, I don’t feel like that. Shit, your ugly ass face is always on my mind. You just being you….He Tian…I don’t know what love is”

Mo had a few tears running down his cheeks, but He Tian caught them. He now cupped Mo Guanshan’s face with both his hands. He Tian had tears of his own slipping down his face.

“Mo Guanshan…I love you..” He Tian couldn’t stop himself from saying it. The smile that Mo let break out across his face was the clarification that He Tian needed.

Mo Guanshan doesn’t know why, but hearing those words..that’s all he needed. Hearing the way He Tian said it, the way he looked at Mo Guanshan, the way he held him. Mo finally knows. He finally knows what he feels for the demon with a shit eating grin, for He Tian.

“He Tian…I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Tuesday afternoon- after school

He Tian and Mo Guanshan are currently lounging around, Mo had his head resting on He Tian’s shoulder as he flips across his Instagram feed. He Tian is watching a random movie.

In case you were wondering, No. they aren’t dating. They decided to not, especially since He Tian is leaving. They both don’t see the point, but they’ve promised themselves to each other.

“A simple promise ring isn’t that bad.” He Tian blurts out.

“No, He Tian.” Mo says simply as he keeps looking at his phone.

“Come on, Guanshan. It’s like a virgin promise!” He Tian says, the thought making him excited.

“Never say that shit again.” Mo replies as his face contorts into disgust.

“What about a necklace? Since you don’t wanna show off rings, a necklace isn’t an extravagant jewelry piece.” He Tian suggest.

Mo picked up his head off He Tian’s shoulder and faced him. “You aren’t backing down on this shit, are you?” Mo asked, as he gave He Tian a knowing look.

He Tian smirked and shook his head. Mo Guanshan sighed and opened his Safari.

“Then let’s start looking. Something simple.” He started typing in ‘matching necklaces’.

There Mo Guanshan and He Tian sat looking at diffent necklaces until a particular one caught their eye. A simple silver chained necklace. It was thin but it looked perfect.

“Look, this one. A..Cuban chain?” Mo pointed out and turned his head to looo at He Tian. He Tian smiled, “that one caught my eye as well. I love it.”

Mo couldn’t help but blush, but he just ignored it and clicked on the website to see the price.

“I like the funky Cuban chain.” Mo said, and He Tian hummed in agreement. Mo’s eyes almost fell out of his head. To get a good quality, it was around three hundred and sixty five yuan.

He Tian snached the phone from Mo, “nope. Stop looking, I have someone in mind to make it. I just need to talk to my brother.” He Tian explained.

Mo frowned, “I don’t understand why you have to be the one to pay for eveything. I’ll get some side jobs, I can buy them” Mo pouted as his frown deepened.

He Tian grabbed Mo’s face and brought his face close. He Tian bit Mo Guanshan’s cheek.

“I’ll let you in the future.” He Tian purred as he backed away, leaving Mo blushing.

“Whatever” Guanshan muttered as he got back to scrolling on Instagram.

He Tian smiled and wrapped his arm around Mo’s shoulder as he send his brother a text about the necklaces and a picture of how he wanted them to looked and his brother sent him a simple thumbs up, no question.

Chapter Text

Tuesday afternoon- after school

“Let’s make a cake!” Jian Yi shouted as he grabbed the cake ingredients and started putting them on the counter. “My mom just bought these ingredients!”

Zhan watched as Jian Yi took out a lot of ingredients from the cabinets of his kitchen. Zhan doesn’t come often, so sometimes it’s a little weird when he comes over to Jian’s house. Now that he thinks, he doesn’t know close to anything about Jian’s personal life.

“Jian, where does your mom work?” Zhan asked, a little awkward, but he tried his best to sound normal.

Jian was shocked that Zhan asked a personal question, “why?” Jian asked suspicious as he started searching for different measurements cups and spoons.

“Just asking.” Zhan replied.

“I don’t know. She never tells me. She just tells me she works with important people.” Jian said honestly. “She does say that I will find out when I get older. She always looks sad when she says that though.” Jian explained, he confusion evident in his voice.

“Does your mom talk about your father?” Zhan asked, knowing he was stepping into a much more personal bubble for Jian.

Jian nodded.

“She’s told me a few things. She said that he was handsome. Said that I got a few of his looks, but not much.” He says simply as he starts measuring the flour.

“Jian Yi, why don’t you tell me about your personal life?” Zhan asked.

Jian stopped and looked at Zhan, giving him a confused look.

“Not much to tell. Don’t act like I’m keeping secrets from you.” He geastured to his apartment, “this is my life, Zhan.” Jian said simply and he got back to work.

“Your mom, she doesn’t seem to be in a good business. You’ve been kidnapped before, and those scary men found and saved you. And the attemp kidnappings-“ “shut up.” Jian interrupts Zhan.

Jian throws the cup measurement in the sink. He faces Zhan, Jian’s face is twisted in one of pain.

“Just shut up. Stop looking into things. I have eyes, Zhan. I see, hell, I felt the danger. I don’t know why you have to bring the kidnappings back. Why Zhan? Just leave it alone. I don’t know anything, I’m oblivious. Leave it like that.” Jian Yi was frustrated.

“Jian, are you okay?”

Those words get Zhan to say, but hurt Jian to hear.

Jian wasn’t okay…he was traumatized.

Chapter Text

Wednesday morning- at school in classroom.

Zhan was sitting at his desk watching as Jian took a nap on his own desk behind him. He can’t help but just look at the way the sun hit Jian’s abnormal features. The way his eyelashes turned frosty white in the sun, matching his hair, and how light his eyebrows were to the point where it looked like he didn’t have any.

Jian Yi looked as if he were Albino, with all his very pale features, it was mesmerizing. His mom sharing the features made the pair get many eyes when they’re out together, which is rare.

Zhan is trying to understand Jian Yi, but in a weird way, Zhan feels as if he shouldn’t even try. Like he should just remain oblivious to his best friends life, but he is too stubborn to do so.

Zhan knows that all of this situation has to do something with Jian’s mom, that is certain. What he doesn’t understand is why Jian Yi is constantly getting kidnapped, and he has a feeling it’s not for a debt.

Jian Yi made the cake yesterday in silence. Today they are going over to his house to eat in together. They both felt awkward after Jian’s outburst, and though Jian apologized, Zhan felt horrible for making Jian feel as if it was his fault.

Zhan want to help his best friend. He wants to know eveything that troubles him, but Jian doesn’t make it easy, he hides all his emotions. If something is bothering him, he won’t tell you. Jian is an angel, and Zhan appreciates that, but that also means that Jian is in pain and he’s suffering inside.

Now that Zhan Zheng Xi thinks…Jian’s only ever been mad two times, and in those two times Jian stuffs those harsh feelings down, he doesn’t talk, he shows his emotions silently, but that’s okay, because Zhan has two eyes, and he’ll listen silently.

Chapter Text

Wednesday afternoon-after school

All four boys make their way inside Jian’s apartment as Jian practically jumps in excitement at his house being full of people. It’s a new feeling, and he is so enlivened to know what it feels like.

Mo and He Tian sit on the couch next to each other. Zhan follows Jian into the kitchen to retrieve the cake from the fridge.

Jian and Zhan slowly bring it out and place it on the coffee table. They sit down on the floor so they are facing Mo Guanshan and He Tian.

“Looks good!” He Tian exclaimed as he grabbed one of the four forks that Jian placed on the coffee table. “What flavor is it?” He then asked as he started digging in.

“Red velvet, chocolate, and strawberry mixed!” Jian explains excited as the other two boys grabbed their own untensils to start digging in as well.

When they all has a peice on their fork they looked around at each other, and with a nod, the places the cake into their mouth.

It’s was delectable! The way it was still moist and fluffy. The flavor’s combination was so interesting, and they combat each others flaws if they were the flavor alone.

“Fuck. It’s good.” Mo Guanshan approved as he went back in for another bite.

Jian Yi smiled as the rest agreed and kept eating. “Hell yea! I’m going to open up a bakery and be known as ‘Jian Yi, China’s best baker!’”

Everyone chuckled and kept eating.

“I see you two hashed it out.” Zhan, unexpectedly, was the first one to start talking, directing his statement at the two boys on the couch.

“Yea. Just some miscommunication. Me and little Mo Mo are ghost dating now.” He Tian explained, making everyone stop staring to look at him.

“Ghost dating?” Jian asked.

“We aren’t dating, but we promised each other that we’d date when I come back from America.” He Tian explained, as Mo was going bright red, embarrassed.

“America…? What do you mean..?” Jian furrowed his eyebrows and asked.

He Tian placed his fork down and sighed. He leaned back and rubbed his hands on his face, “fuck it. You’re going to find out anyways.” He say up again and looked at Jian and Zhan seriously. “I’m going to be transferring to a school in America next year.” He Tian explained, keeping details vague.

Jian Yi stood up. He looked slightly pissed off.

“When we’re you going to tell us?” Jian questioned He Tian.

“I wasn’t.” He Tian replied simply.

Jian gritted his teeth and looked at the black haired male through his hair which now curtains his face slightly.

“What..? So you were just going to get up and leave? That’s it? Do we not mean anything to you, He Tian?” Jian felt it again. He felt the feeling of being left behind. The way he felt when his mom left him at school when he was younger, the way he felt when he had that dream of a man leaving him and his mother…it aches.

He Tian stood up next at Jian Yi’s words. They agitated him.

“Don’t fucking accuse me of that. I wasn’t going to tell you guys because I didn’t think you would care. Don’t say I don’t care for you when I’ve done shit for all of you, and I don’t expect anything in return. This isn’t my choice.” He Tian argued back, raising his voice slightly.

“Don’t give me that! Don’t say you didn’t think I’d care! You know I’d care. You know I care for all of you guys. You know!” Jian replied back, yelling back at He Tian.

“I didn’t! I didn’t know!” He Tian yelled back.

“Well I do! I care about you like your a brother. Why? Why are you leaving?” Jian Yi lowers his voice as he looks down and asks.

“My brother is sending me there to study. I’m up next for the family business.” He Tian explained, watching the way Jian Yi looked so dejected. “I’ll come back though.” He reassured as he stepped around the coffee table.

“I don’t like it. I don’t understand why everyone leave me. Why does everyone leave me at some point…it always hurts, no matter how often it happens.” Jian rubbed his face as tears started flowing.

At that moment it hit all of them. Jian Yi was afraid of being abandoned.

“I’m not planning to leave, bastard.” Mo suddenly said as he awkwardly looked away. He wasn’t use to being sentimental. “You can, I don’t know, come over or something if you want.” He said trying to act all tough and like he didn’t care.

Jian Yi, He Tian, and Zhan then started laughing.

“You mean it redhead?” Jian asked with a smile on his face.

Mo blushed and shrugged. “I guess I can put up with your bullshit a while longer.”

“I’m not going anywhere either, Jian Yi. I’m always by your side.” Zhan added as he grabbed onto Jian’s hand softly.

Jian smiled as now tears of joy fell from his eyes. He wasn’t being abandoned, he’s relieved.

“You better call and text. Don’t be a stranger.” Jian said as he looked at He Tian. He Tian smiled and nodded.

“Of course. But all of that is for later, right now, let’s focus on being together.” He Tian announced as he sat back down next to Mo Guanshan.

“You are all some weird fuckers. Acting like ya in some rom com.” Mo Guanshan muttered.

They all laughed at that and went back to a happy chatter, even though in the back of their minds they all felt a feeling a fear for what the future brings.

Chapter Text

Thursday morning- at school

All four boys are sitting on the grass, they decided they wanted to eat outside so Mo Guanshan brought some food he prepared, reluctantly.

“We should do something this weekend!” Jian suggested as he stuffed another sausage in his mouth.

“Like what?” He Tian asked, looking at Jian, followed by the other two.

“Picnic?” Jian suggested again.

Mo Guanshan shook his head. “I ain’t attending another bat shit picnic with you guys.” Mo still has flashbacks of the one they tried having, and Qui having to help them. It was a hidden fear, but he also didn’t like fire after what happened with She Li.

“I agree with Mo Guanshan. We could go and play laser tag at that place in the mall.” Zhan shrugged as he looked at the others.

“Hell no! That’s Bastard is like a highly trained soldier. He’s going to win.” Jian Yi whined as he pointed at He Tian, who grinned trying to act innocent.

“What about a cabin weekend. My brother has a cabin, and we can spend the weekend there, we’ll leave Friday afternoon so we can have more time.” He Tian said, and the other boy’s eyes practically sparkled.

“Yeah! That sounds good!” Jian Yi shouted in excitement as Mo and Zhan nodded in agreement at Jian’s excitement.

He Tian nodded and took out his phone. He pressed on his brothers number. After a few rings a voice sounded, He Tian put the phone on speaker.

“Brother, I was wondering if me and my friends can use the cabin this weekend?”

“What’s the negotiation?” His brother replied back.

“I’ll have dinner with you next week.” He Tian replied as he rolled his eyes.

“Make it two dinners.”

“Fine.”

“Okay. I’ll pick you all up at six tomorrow.”

With that, the line went dead.

“You know, I think it’s sweet that your big brother always want to spend time with you, He Tian.” Jian announces.

“Yeah.” He Tian replied, he really didn’t care much, but he did love his brother. He was just petty with him for being adamant on sending him to America.

“Did you hear about the rumor spreading around school?” Jian Yi asked the lot of boys.

Mo shook his head, and He Tian nodded his.

“You shouldn’t be listening to other people’s buisness.” Zhan said as he gave Jian Yi a bored look.

“It’s not me! I just sit, and people talk.” Jian Yi rejected the allegations of him being nosy.

“Since you already brought it up, what is is?” Mo Guanshan interrupted the two arguing old married couple in front of him.

“Supposedly there is going to be a new student soon. People are saying he’s very handsome. Some are wondering if his looks with combat He Tian’s” Jian Yi shared the news.

Mo Guanshan took a glance at He Tian who seemed unphased by the news, “it’s ain’t hard to beat.” Mo Guanshan blurted out as he shrugged and went back to eating.

Jian Yi and Zhan’s eyes went wide in shock as He Tian gave Mo Guanshan an offended look.

“Little Mo, I can’t believe you just said that. I’m hurt.” He Tian pouted as he grabbed his chest and pretended to sob. “I thought I was the most handsome man in your life”

Mo gave He Tian a disgusted look. “Your a cocky bastard.”

At that He Tian, and Jian Yi started laughing.

He Tian shrugged, “hard not to be when I know just how handsome I am. Why do you think man and women fall to their knees for me?” He Tian teased with a smirk. “Oh! Can’t forget, you’ve fallen for me too, Mo Mo~”

At that Mo Guanshan gave He Tian an annoyed look, “I only fell for you off of pity.”

At those words He Tain started laughing and shook his head.

“To me, the most handsome is Zhan Xixi!” Jian Yi announced with a smile as Zhan practically choked at the rice he was eating.

“Shut up, Jian Yi.” Zhan said flustered.

“Wow, Zhan Xixi~ you aren’t going to tell me how beautiful I am? So rude.” Jian Yi pouted as he looked at Zhan’s face going red from embarrassment.

“You look…well.” Zhan replied, still trying to hide his face.

Then the bell rang so they quickly packed up all their stuff and ran inside the building laughing and chatting, while everyone ignored, use to the four boys antics.

Chapter Text

Friday afternoon- after school

All four boys wait for He Cheng’s arrival at the place he said he would show up.

“You sure he said to wait here?” Jian Yi asked for the 100th time.

“Yes. Jian, it’s 5:57, he isn’t even late.” He Tian sighed out.

Jian Yi sighed and placed his head on Zhan’s shoulder. “I’m tired of waiting.” He said and turned his face so now it was buried in Zhan’s neck.
-
Right on six, a white keep pulled up and parked. Suprisingly it wasn’t Qui, but He Cheng himself.

Jian Yi excitedly opened the door and got it, followed by Zhan, then Zhan closed the door. Mo and He Tian walked over to the other side and opened the door, Mo go in first, and before He Tian could go in, He Cheng spoke.

“He Tian, come sit up front.”

The three boys looked at He Tian as he sighed and closed the door, making his way inside the passenger seat.

He Cheng smiled softly and started driving towards the Cabin, which would be a good two hour drive.

“We should have put out bags in the trunk” Mo complained as He Tian handed him his own bag to put in the back seat.

“I can stop so you can do that.” He Cheng said as he started slowing down to a stop.

As he stopped He Tian jumped out the car to go to the back and open up the trunk, he knew the others would have no idea how to.

Zhan met him in the back holding Jian and his own bag, handing them to He Tian so he could place them inside.

Mo met He Tian and handed him both his own and He Tian’a bag and He Tian placed them in and closed the trunk.

Before Mo could leave, He Tian swept him up bridal style and laughed as he walked the few inches to place the blushing red head in his arms to sit down.

“Fucking bastard.” Mo muttered as he tried to act like normal, but everyone looking at him didn’t help.

He Tian, still smiling and chuckling to himself, got in the car after closing Mo’s door.

“You seem happier these days He Tian, why is that?” He Chang asked as he started driving again.

He Tian shrugged and countinued facing outside the car window.

“I want a verbal response.” He Cheng stated.

“I don’t know.” He Tian replied back, secretly looking at Mo Guanshan through the reflection of the window.

“Are you going to see father anytime soon?” He Cheng then asked. This out He Tian in a grim mood.

“Why are you being so talkative today?” He Tian asked coldly as he finally looked at his older brother, who only glances at him before putting his eyes to the road.

“You haven’t picked up my calls, and just when I thought you had decided to have a conversation with me, it was just to ask and use my Cabin.” He Cheng explained.

He Tian sighed.

“I’m happy because someone I love loves me back. No, I’m not planning to go see father. There, happy?” He Tian spoke, then leaned into the car seat and crosses his arms.

He Cheng was silent for a bit. He was a bit shocked from the first confession. His brother loves someone…that makes him…proud.

“If you love her, why did you not invite her here today?” He Cheng asked slowly, trying to not overstep, or he knows He Tian will have an unnecessary reaction.

“Did I say it was a girl?” He Tian asked rudely.

“No. My apologies.” He Cheng replied back. He was not homophobic. He felt sort of glad that He Tian had the courage and comfort to think him right minded to admit it was indeed not a girl in his heart.

“It’s a boy. I do not care if you accept me for likening men or not.” He Tian announced, and He Cheng realized He Tian just had courage, not trust in him.

“I assure you, He Tian, I do not care if it is men or women you fancy. I’ll love you regardless.” He Cheng replied.

He Tian couldn’t help but smile. His heart sort of throbbed in happiness and comfort…his brother accepted him.

“If I may, how is he?” He Cheng then asked, he wanted to know more about He Tian’s life, he raised and cared for his little brother, he isn’t going to stop now.

“He’s beautiful. He isn’t someone you see everyday. His personality, though it’s a bit vulgar, matches him in a way that I cannot explain.” He Tian explained, and for the first time…He Cheng saw a genuine smile cross the features of his little brother. That’s what He Cheng lived years to see…the smile he missed that use to cross He Tian’s face.

Mo Guanshan was practically having a heart attack in the back seat while Jian Yi snickered quietly. Mo Guanshan’s face was bright red and his frown was now one of shock.

“Are you going to allow me to meet him?” He Cheng asked softly and glanced at He Tian.

“You already have. He has bright red hair, whiskey brown eyes, and a frown that would have anyone else running the other way.” He Tian answered.

He Cheng can’t lie and say he was shocked..he wasn’t. He always did find his brothers fascination with Mo Guanshan, as he was named, a bit redundant.

“I see. Mo Guanshan?” He Cheng called out to Mo who was burning red from head to toe and was trying to shrink into the back seat further as to not be noticed.

“Y-yes sir?” Mo answered back.

“Thank you.”

That was the simple response that was given. Weirdly, that response helped Mo Guanshan calm down, made him feel..valuable in a way.

After that all boys and one man say in silence.

He Cheng driving listening to the now soft radio playing, He Tian was still watching Mo Guanshan through the reflection do the window as he looked out the window in awe of the scenery. Jian was asleep on Zhan Zheng Xi’s shoulder as he had called asleep with his arm around Jian Yi and his head on top of Jian’s own.

The ride was definitely a peaceful one.

Chapter Text

Finally!
They finally made it to the cabin. Everyone groaned as they got out, stretching their sore limbs.

“Fuck, finally.” Mo muttered as he grabbed his bag from the trunk where He Tian was standing holding on to his own bag, waiting for everyone to grab their bags.

“I feel as though I’ve become a carrot.” Jian said as he grabbed his own bag, and this earned a lot of weirded out stares from everyone.

“I just meant I feel like I’ve been picked and I’m seeing the world!” Jian Yi explains smiling and pointing out the beautiful cabin.

He Tian walked to his brother, who was still sitting inside the drives side of the car with the car still started.

“Thank you, brother, for allowing us to use your cabin.” He Tian says and makes his way to leave, but He Cheng begins to speak, “don’t make me regret it.” He says before zooming off.

He Tian smirks, they definitely will.
-
They walk inside and are met with a wooden wall living room, with a built in fireplace, a black L shaped sectional couch that is covered in a soft fabric. The couch adorned by grey and white throw pillows.

A black wooden coffee table sits in the middle and holds books and a remote, the coffee table looks like it opens based on the lock that is seen in the front, a nice whitish grey rug sits under the coffee table and extends to it goes slightly under the couch as well.

“No TV?” Jian Yi asks and he throws himself onto the couch, Zhan shaking his head at Jian Yi’s immature actions.

He Tian walks over to a wall with a outlet of many buttons that have labels.

He presses the ‘Television’ label and suddently a buzzing sound is heard from the roof as a TV is being slowly lowered to sit in front of the couch.

“He Cheng doesn’t like the look of the TV, says it ruins his design, but agreed to add a hidden one for me.” He Tian explained as he started towards the stairs at the right of the cabin that leads up to a second level of the cabin.

“Let’s go, we have to choose our rooms.”

They all hummed in agreement and followed He Tian.

“Momo~ we should stay together for safety~” He again teases as Mo Guanshan chooses his cabin. Mo give his a face of disgust and flicks him off, “only threat is your horny ass.”

He Tian acts upset as he hugs Mo Guanshan and pins him to the bed suddenly, “GET OFF, dumbass!” Mo fights He Tian.

“Momo~ do you not love me anymore?” He Tian pouts as he lets Mo go and turns around, pretending he’s actually hurt.

Mo rolls his eyes and wraps his arms around He Tian’s shoulder blades as he buries his face into He Tian’s shoulder blades.

“Shut up, chicken dick.”

He Tian smiles as he turns around and wraps his arms around Mo Guanshan, bringing his close.
•••
“We should go out swimming today!” Jian Yi says excited as he places his clothes inside the drawers him and Zhan split.

Jian Yi practically begged Zhan to share rooms with his, claimed he was afraid of being left alone, that’s why they are sharing.

“The clouds looked dark, maybe we should check the weather before deciding that.” Zhan replied as he started folding and placing his own inside the drawers he picked out.

The rooms all look the same, a simple full bed with black sheets, and a black big drawr in front of them, the drawers having silver knobs. Floating side tables were next to the bed, with a reading and normal lamp. It was like a nice hotel room.

“Zhan Xi, you remind me of a old man sometimes.” Jian Yi suddently says which earns him a slap in the back of the head.

“Shut up and keep getting your clothes done.” Zhan says annoyed by his best friends choices of comparison.

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way!” Jian ahi protests, but keeps doing his clothes.

After that silence follows, but not for long, never long when you have Jian Yi in your life.

“I’m hungry.” Jian Yi says and sits on the bed, done with his clothes.

“Yea, we should probably go get Mo Guanshan and He Tian, we can should head down and eat something.” Zhan replies as he looks at the time on his phone, 21:32pm (9:23pm), it’s late.

“We can make red head cook us something!” Jian Yi exclaimed and quickly exited the room to the one one door away from him.

He barged in, followed after Zhan who was about to scold him for being disrespectful and not knocking, but they both stared in shock at the scene.

Mo and He Tian cuddling and clearly asleep.

Zhan pulled Jian’s arm and exited, clearly awkward about seeing such an innocent and romantic moment between the two boys.

Zhan closed the door softly.

“That’s why you knock, idiot.” Zhan reprimanded and started walking towards the stairs, he was starving by this point.

Jian Yi can’t help but feel flustered and jealous, he wanted that..he wanted to do that with another boy, and in his head he knew what boy he wanted to do it with, but knew it wasn’t possible.

Jian Yi let the thoughts go as he followed behind Zhan, watching the back of his head and looking in longing as he followed his best friend down the stairs, it felt weirdly like repsrentation, but he didn’t understand of what.

Chapter Text

Jian Yi was currently sitting at the table looking like a hurt puppy because Zhan Zheng Xi just got him in trouble for burning an egg.

Jian Yi was trying to fry and egg, but siteas of frying, the pan went up in flames, he still doesn’t understand how.

“Do you want two eggs?” Zhan asked, still annoyed, but already getting over the incident. “Yeah, two is fine.” Jian Yi replied, the sadness evident in his voice.

Zhan nodded and finsihed up cooking after a while.

By the time he placed the plate in front of Jian Yi, they both forgot of the whole incident and began eating happily together, in Jian Yi, Zhan makes the best fried eggs, though he acts coy when Jian Yi says that.

“Zhan Xi, what are you plans for the future?” Jian asks, still eating.

Zhan shrugs, “get through college, get a job, get a house, possibly have a family.” Zhan answers.

“Why possibly?” Jian asks, as he see the hesitation in that response.

“Who’s to say when I get a wife she’d want children? Or, who’s to say I will get a wife?” Zhan replies simply.

“Do you want children?”

“Maybe two.” Zhan replies back.

“I want children!” Jian replies excited.

“I just don’t know how’d that work..” he says slowly, a look of confusion passing his face, as he starts think about how he’d have kids if he doesn’t like women.

“Jian Yi, the world is evolving. There are many more ways to have children then having intimate relations with a women.” Zhan assures.

“Zhan, do you think I’ll ever get married?” Jian Yi asked, honestly curious.

“Yes. I believe each of us will find our own partners one day. I think you’ll end up with someone fine, thought I feel bad for them because of your extravagant behavior.” Zhan jokes.

Jian Yi smiles, “I hope I end up with someone handsome!”

“I don’t have a particular interest. I just want to end up with a women who is very genuine.” Zhan says and smiles at the thought himself.

Jian smiles softly as he sees how that thought brings Zhan a feeling of comfort. It hurts because he knows he’ll never cause that expression to pass of Zhan Xi’s face, but he’s content enough to know it’ll pass by one day.

“Do you think the love birds will last?” Jian Yi asks.

“Doesn’t matter what ya think.” A deep raspy voice is heard coming down stairs as Mo Guanshan scratches his hair and yawns, He Tian following behind him, his hair slightly messed up.

“Very nosy, Jian Yi.” He Tian jokes as he walks up behind him and starts poking the back of his neck. Jian Yi slaps his hand away.

“It was just a question.” He says as he give He Tian an annoyed look, and He Tian smirks, making sure to poke harder.

“You have doubt about us?” Mo asked walking towards the fridge to see what there was in there.

“Not concerns, just questions.” Jian Yi states.

“We’ll keep them to yourself, no need to be nosy in business that doesn’t involve you.” He Tian replies as he walks towards Mo Guanshan to also see what there is to eat.

“Rude. Here I am being such a caring friend and this how you treat me.” Jian Yi pouts as he shoves the rest of his food in his mouth.

“Your right. I’ll give you a reward right now.” He Tian says slightly as he slowly makes his way towards Jian Yi.

Jian Yi stands up, “No. I don’t want your false reward.” Jian says back as he starts backing up, so the back of his knees is pressed up towards the couch cushions.

He Tian smirks as he sees Jian Yi is trapped and attacks his quickly, and they start their wrestling match with much limbs and vulgar language being spit.

Zhan gets up and picks up the plates to wash them. “They always find reasons to act this way.” He says and shakes his head at the wresting match still happening.

“Those dumbasses are stuck with their heads in their asses.” He shakes his head and looks disappointed as a pillow goes flying across the room.

“More like they have shit for brains.” Zhan says back as he to just watches them.

“You are a bastard with a shrimp dick!” Jian Yi yells as He Tian practically pins him to the couch.

“Shrimp dick or not, at least I have a boyfriend!” He Tian says as he smirks, now trying to grab Jian’s wrist to pin them to the couch.

“Ya aren’t even dating yet! It doesn’t count!” With those words Jian Yo somehow manages to knock He Tian over so now he rolls on the floor, and Jian Yi begins to attack now.

“This is such a turn off.” Mo Guanshan says as he looks at the sight of He Tian and Jian Yi, the sight starting to give him a headache.

“I’m still shocked you even think He Tian is attractive.” Zhan says as he starts washing the dishes.

“Hell no, that bastard is ugly as fuck.” Mo replies as he sits down on a stool that is next to the sink. “I fell for his sorry ass because of how he is. Though He Tian is a sly devil…he’s kind, he care and was there when no one else way.” Mo explains.

Zhan listens intently.

“Well, I wish you both luck in your relationship.” Zhan says and finishes up before walking towards the couch.

“Let’s watch a movie.” He simply says and that gets Jian Yi and He Tian to stop fighting and agree.

The four boys all fell asleep on the couch as they binged a few more episodes of the Barbie show on Netflix.

Chapter Text

Jian Yi was the first to awaken, he pushed himself on the couch soft and silently. He made his way to the sliding door that was located right next to the fireplace.

Jian Yi made sure none of them were woken by his noise of pushing the door open, and shutting it back closed.

Jian Yi found a table surrounded by four wooden chairs in a porch type area. The porch was high up, and took two flights before you hit the ground.

Jian Yi walked towards the porch railing and leaned. He had a dream.

‘Zhan was laying in his arms, he had blood running down his body, his clothes ripped, and as Jina tried to call out for him and feel his heart beat, nothing. Silence was met.’

The pain he feels because of that dream is the worst pain he has ever felt. He feels like his heart has been smashed like meat. He feels breathless and like he’s panicking silently.

Jian Yi can feel himself sweating. He can feel the way his hair sticks to him face and neck, and his clothes sticks to him like he’s been drenched in popsicle juice. He feels exhausted, and scared.

Jian Yi places his head in his hands and when he does he feels his face is wet. He brings his hands out and see the wet glicening of his tears on his palms and fingers.

The acknowledgment of it being real, he had just experienced what it would feel like for the person he loves to be taken from him..and it hurt. It hurt so much he could finally understand Romeo and Juliet in a personal way.

He places his head in his hands again and starts sobbing. He lets his emotions and fears go by the flow of his tears, let’s them out to pour and hit the wooden porch. His whole body shakes as silent sobs come out through his body.

Jian Yi has a feeling that it was his fault for Zhan Zheng Xi’s death…and that hurts him even more.
•••
Zhan wakes up and doesn’t feel his best friend next to him, but he feels the faint touch of something holding his ear. That pisses him off slightly.

Zhan gets up, looks at Mo and He Tian laying comfortably, before he sees that the sliding door is left very slightly opened. He walks over and through the window he sees his blonde friend.

Jian Yi is hunched over and it seems to Zhan as if he’s shaking…is Jian Yi sleep walking?

Zhan opens the door and at that Jian turns quickly, and Zhan is shocked by the face he’s met with.

Red eyes, a panicked expression, lips drown to a open mouthed frown, and tears dirtying a red blotchy face.

Zhan steps closer to Jian and just embraces him, and Jian allows Zhan to. He allows himself to be selfish and think of himself before anyone else, and what a good way to do that but in the arms of someone you love.

Zhan gives Jian and feels his eyes burn and prickle with a salty liquid as tears threaten to start coming down his own face. He didn’t like seeing Jian cry. He hated seeing his best friend in pain…maybe even worse than seeing his family in pain.

To Zhan, Jian is the most special thing. In Zhan’s visions, comparing Jian to a sun would be an insult to Jian, but a luxury to the sun. Nothing can compare to Jian, and even now, face all messy and hair plastered, Zhan still thought it to be as such.

After a while, Jian pulls always softly and looks at Zhan before smiling and laughing a little, now wiping his face with his arms.

“I had a bad dream.” Jian explains.

Zhan nods and watched Jian Yi worryingly, “what was it about?” Zhan asks, confused why a bad dream would have Jian in tears like this.

“You died.” Jian says this as his lips start to quiver and tears start to flow again and he tries to look away from Zhan.

Zhan reaches out his hands and pats Jian’s head. It was an awkward move on his part, but a move he knows would cheer up Jian Yi.

Jian Yi practically beamed as Zhan touched his hair.

Zhan was starting to get annoyed by the happy look on his face, like a puppy scratching his ass on a carpet.

“Come on, idiot. Let’s go more sleep, it’s like four in the morning.” Zhan says as he removes his hand and turns away, a slight flustered blush grazing his cheeks as he starts walking back inside.

“Okay!” Jian listens as he follows Zhan, happy to have gotten such physical attention from his cherished friend.

Before they get inside, Zhan turns, “I’ll never leave you. You are my best friend…I’ll follow you wherever you go.” Zhan quickly says before turning again and walking inside.

Jian Yi is left standing there, stunned by his words, then a huge blush makes its way to Jian’s face and neck. He walks inside shaking his head and smiling, Zhan Xi sure knows how to make his speechless.

Chapter Text

The afternoon came and all boys are getting ready to go out to the lake to take a swim. He Tian told them all that no dangerous animals should be there, so their going off his word.

“Are you sure? So no big angry alligator will come out and nibble my toes?” Jian Yi asked as they started walking down the porch steps. The pond was out a little ways from the backyard of the cabin.

He Tian chuckled, “Jian Yi, I doubt you smell good for an animal to deem you worthy as food.”

At that, Jian Yi hugged and grabbed Zhan’sleft arm to pull him faster.

“Come on, Jian Yi, don’t pout!” He Tian teased from behind, having him arm around Mo Guanshan’s shoulders.

“He Tian, I hope the new kids is truly hotter than you.” Jian Yi tries to insult, but it’s a very stupid insult that it made He Tian chuckle.

“I don’t mind if he is.” He Tian replied.

Mo Guanshan rolled his eyes, “don’t believe him. I have a text of him making sure that if someone hotter than him comes to school, that I’ll still fucking love him or some shit.” Mo scowls at the memeory.

Zhan snorted at that.

“Aww, is little He Tian feeling scared?” Jian teases as he looks back and sees a sassy expression on He Tian’s face, facing towards Mo Guanshan, but Mo was looking forward, not caring.

When they finally arrived at the clearing, they were in awe…well not He Tian, but the rest were.

“Wow! Zhan Xi! Let’s go! Let’s go jump off the cliff!” Jian Yi then started dragging Zhan with him as he struggled to place the bags on the ground away from any water.

Mo Guanshan started laying out his towel and started to sit down, but He Tian had other plans.

He Tian smirked and pretended like he was just placing his bag behind Mo Guanshan before snatching him up by his waist and started dragging him up where Jian and Zhan were getting ready to jump down.

“WHAT THA HELL?! HE TIAN! LET ME GO!” Mo started wiggling and slapping He Tian, but He Tian just laughed and kept his grip tight on him.

“IM GOING TO FUCKING MURDER YOU!” He yelled as He Tian finally managed to get them up top almost to the ledge of the small cliff.

“Ready. Hold your breath!” He Tian said as he smiled and carried Mo close to his body before jumping down with him, hearing a gasp from Mo before they finally plummeting down.

Underwater He Tian held Mo Guanshan close to him and tapped his eyes, and Mo opened them and saw the way He Tian’s hair flowed through the water and the way he still looked beautiful. Mo never thought he’d ever feel like kissing the chicken dick…but right now…he felt like he wanted to grab and slam his lips towards him.

No was a coward, so he swam up and gasped for air, hearing Jian Yi laughing.

“Red head you were so scared! Looked like a fish!” Jian Yi said, trying to imitate how Mo Guanshan looked.

Before Mo could lunge at that shit for brains, he felt arms wrap around his waist and a head place itself on his shoulder, and felt a naked chest press against his own naked back.

Mo Guanshan felt his whole body sort of tingle and felt a heat wave over him, which was odd since they were in nice cold water.

“He Tian, let’s race!” Jian Yi said as he pointed at the place he and He Tian would have to go touch to win. And just like that, He Tian was gone with Jian Yi, but the feeling in Mo’s body was still there.

Mo grumbled as he climbed out of the water and finally sat down on his towel and picked up his small book he brought with him to read. It was a book about astrology and mechanics of telescopes, it was interesting.

The sounds of laughing and shouting was soon surrounded in the trees, water, and ground. The three boys playing in the water and one laid and read, but would stop to shout at one of the others who’d bother him.

Finally as the sun started dimming they all decided that it was finally time to pack up and go back home.

They walked back to the cabin and chatted, already planning about what time they should leave tomorrow, which they were planning to leave around 4 in the afternoon so they could do one last thing before leaving.

The sighed as they made it back to air conditioning, He Tian setting the security alarm that he only had access to.

“I call dibs on the shower!” Jian Yi yelled as he ran to the shower that was out in the hall.

Zhan rolled his eyes and walked up stairs to get his his and Jian’s shared room.

“Let’s go. We have a shower in our room.” He Tian yawned as he slowly walked upstairs followed by Mo Guanshan.

As the red and black haired male made it in, they both started undressing at the same time, and made their way into the bathroom together.

“I want to soak.” Mo Guanshan said as he started the bathtub. He Tian nodded and turned on the shower so he could take a shower, he was definitely checking out Mo’s body, and he was t regretting it one bit.

As the water rose and got to a proper level, Mo slowly got in and played down. He sighed and heard He Tian get into the shower.

He really tired, like he desperately tried to not be a weirdo..but he was a curious teen. He glanced sideways to get a look at He Tian, and was practically speechless to what he saw.

He Tian was muscular, he had a feel scars of what looked like slashes on his back and sides. He Tian had broad shoulders, and small waist, he had long legs that were also muscular. He Tian looked like a monster compared to other teenage boys.

“I can feel you staring.” He Tian spoke suddenly, still facing away from Mo Guanshan.

“How are you so muscular?” Mo finally asked. This question was a question everyone seemed to have in the back of their minds when seeing He Tian.

“I’ll tell you one day.” He Tian replied as he turned off the water and faced Mo Guanshan, stepping out of the shower and getting the towels next to the sink, hung up. He wrapped one around his waist before slowly walking to Mo Guanshan.

He put out his hand and waited for Mo to grab on before helping him up, and wrapped the towel around Mo’s hips for him, being careful to watch if Mo got uncomfortable.

As they both were wrapped in towels they made it to the room and took out two White robes and put them on before disposing their towels on the ground.

They silently got into bed together and He Tian wrapped Mo Guanshan in his arms. They both sighed before closing their eyes and allowing the peaceful sounds of nature and the sounds of their breath and hearts coming together before letting sleep take them.
-
Jian Yi was waiting on the bed on his phone for Zhan to finish, and when he finally heard the door click open, he got off his phone and sat up with a smile.

“I thought a lobster ghost would come and eat me as dinner with how long I waited” Jian joked, making Zhan roll his eyes and lay on the bed with a grunt.

“My back hurts,” Zhan said as he started trying to get comfortable on the bed.

Jian Yi laid facing Zhan.

“You want me to do something?” Jian Yi asked, but Zhan shook his head and turned to his side so now he was facing Jian Yi.

“I’ll survive.” Zhan said as he smiled and Jian Yi.

Jian nodded.

“Can I ask you something?” Zhan suddenly asked and Jian Yi nodded for him to continue.

“Why do you always smile? How can you after the things that have happened to you?” Zhan asked, making sure to be mindful of his words.

Jian Yi sighed and turned so now his body faced the ceiling.

“I don’t see why I should be so negative. My mom always told me that as long as I stay positive…that positive things will come my way. She said she manifests so much good for us, and she’s glad much good has come for us. To answer your question…I guess it’s because I want to believe my attitude reflects my life.” Jian Yi answered.

Zhan felt something…he felt something weird happen to him. He felt like his heart thumped weirdly. He felt like his body was being pulled..like it was being shocked in a weirdly pleasant way.

He looked at Jian Yi, and he looked at his profile, the way his nose was beautifully shaped, the way his lips were parted showing a bit of his teeth as he smiled softly, obviously deep in his own thoughts.

Zhan felt mesmerizing…he felt like he just opened something in himself that he couldn’t close down easily…only because he realized just how genuine and beautiful his best friend’s mind worked.

Chapter Text

As Jian Yi falls asleep, Zhan lays in bed staring at the ceiling. He feels scared. He doesn’t know why he’s starting to feel this way..he doesn’t understand why his best friend is making him feel so scared…and so warm.

Zhan gets up and exits the room to walks down stairs. He doesn’t expect to, but he sees Mo Guanshan sitting at the dining table drinking a cup up tea, he assumes.

“Hey.” Zhan says as he goes to the fridge to get a water bottle.

“Hey.” Mo says back and looks at Zhan, playing his phone down. “Why are you awake?”

Zhan shrugs, “I could ask you the same question.”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Mo answers without having the question asked.

Zhan sits in front of Mo Guanshan. “Can I ask you something?” He asks, and Mo nods. “How did you know you loved- liked He Tian?”

Mo’s cheeks got slightly red at the question. “I don’t know. That chicken dick just started to make me feel like warm and shit. I sort of just knew. Why? Do you like someone?” Mo asked as he sipped his tea.

Zhan sighed and brought his hands to his face, rubbing his face as he sighed deeply. “I don’t know. It’s just- I just feel weird towards Jian Yi. I’ve never liked him like THAT before…but today…when he was talking my heart did this thing, and for some reason I just fucking saw him with like a light behind him. He looked like an angel.” Zhan sighed out.

Mo nodded. “When you think of Jian Yi, how would you describe him?”

“An angel. He looks and acts like one. He’s beautiful inside and outside. Jian Yi is strong. He acts like an idiot, but he is far from one.” Zhan explained.

“Honestly, the best I could say it to let eveything play out. You don’t wanna be a dumbass and play with his emotions and not like him but confess. That’ll be a shit show to see, and for you to fix.” Mo gave his honest opinion on the matter.

Zhan nodded and drank some of his water. He got up and gave a nod to Mo before heading back upstairs.

He opened the door and saw Jian Yi still sleeping. He got in bed next to him and closed his eyes, he focused on Jian’s calm breath and fell asleep mimicking it.

Chapter Text

All boys woke up at three in the afternoon, and started groggily packing. They had three hours to pack. Only reason they woke up was because He Cheng had called and told He Tian to make sure they all get ready.

The four of them now sitting on the couch as their bags surrounded them. Jian Yi leaned his head on Zhan’s shoulder his eyes closed.

“So much for using this day to the fullest.” Jian Yi grumbled.

He Tian yawned, “we can come back another day.”

They all hummed in agreement.

“We still have two hours to spare.” Zhan pointed out.

“Ain’t much to do with two hours.” Mo replied as he tried pushing He Tian’s prying hands off the back of his neck. His neck is sensitive.

“Oh! We should be able to see the new student tomorrow.” Jian Yi said as he sat up straight. “I wonder how he’s gonna be.”

Mo Guanshan shrugged, “as long as he doesn’t cause no trouble, I don’t care.” The rest of the boys hummed in agreement.

“A girl I know texted that he’s her cousin, but refused to give a picture to the group chat.” He Tian added, finally leaving Mo Guanshan alone and leaning back against the couch.

“Your still in that group chat?!” Jian Yi said, shocked.

He Tian chuckled, and put his hands up in surrender, “it’s not for anything weird. I actually find some of them tolerable, and they give me all the intel around the school.”

Mo and Zhan shook their head and rolled their eyes.

They all finally sighed and just let silent beckon them as they all started scrolling through their phones, waiting for the dreading time to pass.
—
He Tian’s phone rang, all boys turned their phones off and listened.

“Brother?” He Tian asked as he put the phone on speaker.

“I’m outside, hurry up.”

With those words He Cheng hung up and all boys picked themselves up and their respective luggage’s.

They walked outside and once again packed them into the trunk and got into the car in the same spots they had arrived here.

Seeing as all boys were packed in, He Cheng began driving.

“How was the stay?” He asked.

All boys nodded, and hummed in approval. They still felt exhausted like they hadn’t managed to get enough sleep.

“You four seem lively” He Cheng replied sarcastically.

No one answered back, and He Chang glanced and saw all four boys fast asleep and softly breathing. He smiled softly to himself as he played a soft song and placed his jacket on He Tian who was sleeping in the passenger seat.

“Sleep well.”

Chapter Text

Jian yi walked out his apartment to see zhan Waiting. He smiled and waved as he Practically ran towards the brown haired male.

Good Morning, Zhan Xi xi! " Jian yi exclaimed as I hugged Zhan, pressing his Cheek up against Zhan’s cheek

Zhan let it slide for a few secands then pushed him off. Jian yi playfully pouted then went right back to blabbing about something he saw or something along those lines, zhan was distrated by his own thoughts.

He’s tryng to figure out his feelings... he doesn't understand them too much. He feels almost
Crazy with the way he wants to hold him. He wants to see Jian yi smile wider... but only for him.
His cheek still tingles, the parts where Jian yi touches seems to almost burn is a pleasuring way.

"Hey!"

Jian yi stopped talking and turned his head to where mo and He Tian stood. He Tian casually held his arm around Mo’s waist, as Mo crossed his arms and wore his usual expression.

Jian yi beamed again, and grabbed Zhan’s wrist to drag him to walk faster.

All boys stood infront of the school gate as they all did their usual greetings and Chatting, after a few they Finally made their way in together.

As all boys laughed a random boy with brown wavy hair that was cut into a wolf Cuf hairstyle and bold featurs stood infront Of them, his height almost matching He Tians.

"Hi. My cousin told me I am having class with Someon named Jian yi. The boy explined, his Chinese broken and Obviously not fluent.

Slan yi smild and stepped foward, he put out his hand. "That's me! You need help getting to that class?"

the boy nodded, and shook Jian's hand
"Follow me then." Jian yi said as he Grabbed Zhan’s wrist to drag him and said his goodbyes to Mo and He Tian.

Chapter Text

Jian Yi lead the new boy to the designated classroom, He sat down behind Zhan as usual and watched as the new student sat down next to him where no one sat. Many people got annoyed by his antics.

“I’m Jiahao.” The boy, Jiahao, says as he faces Jain Yi and looks between him and Zhan Zheng Xi, making sure to let them know he’s speaking to the pair.

Jian Yi was suprised. That was a name with such strong meaning.

“Are you from somewhere else?” Jian Yi asked. He had a feeling he was, judging by how Jiahao cautiously spoke, almost insecure.

Jiahao nervously scratched the back of his hair and averted his eyes. “It’s that obvious..?” He asked, almost whispered.

Jian Yi laughed and nodded.

“I’m from America. My mom taught me Chinese, since she is fluent, but I still struggle slightly.” Jiahao explained.

Jian Yi’s eyes widened: “You speak English?”

Jiahao nodded, “fluently” he said simply with a smile.

This has Jin Yi very intrigued, but before he could start harassing him with questions the teacher walked in. Jian Yi pouted as he quietly slumped down on his desk. Jian Yi felt a small nudge on his right foot and turned towards Jiahao, the culprit.

“I’ll let you pick my brain later.” He smiled and assured, Jian Yi nodded and he grinned from ear to ear.

Zhan watched. He felt annoyed by the presence of this new kid. He doesn’t understand what’s so astonishing about him coming from America, it’s just another country.

Zhan was relieved when he saw the teacher come in and take charge of the class, but almost glared at Jiahao when he had cheekily, almost mockingly (in Zhan’s eyes), told Jian Yi he had permission to ask his questions.

Cocky bastard thinks he’s so interesting, made Zhan roll his eyes.

One thing is for sure, Zhan Zheng Xi does not like Jiahao.

Chapter Text

“Shut up.” Mo grits as he glared at He Tian.

He Tian laughed as he leaned forward slightly holding his stomach. “I was just kidding! I swear Mo Mo!” He Tian tried hugging Mo Guanshan, but he pushed him away and flicked him off.

“Fuck off Chicken shit. I don’t want to be touched by you right now. You inconsiderate bastard.” Mo angrily said and walked out of the gym, slamming the door behind him.

He Tian stood there and sighed, realizing he just screwed up. He scratched his hair and groaned. He shouldn’t have joked like that…

He Tian got on his phone and texted Jian Yi, he needed advice.

H: I screwed up.

J:??!

H: I said something I shouldn’t have. Mo’s mad at me.

J: What did you say?!

H: that his red hair makes him look like a leprechaun.

J: You’re lucky he didn’t beat your ass.

H: I was just joking!

J: Obviously he didn’t like your joke.

H: I know…

J: I wish you luck, soldier.

H: He stormed off…

J: He was that mad?!

H: yea…

J: Give him money.

H: He’s going to really beat my ass if I do that.

J: Buy him something.

H: Like what?

J: the Knives he’s been wanting.

H: you know what they’re called?

J: No…

H: Great.

J: Apologize sincerely.

H: This Zhan?

J: yes.

H: Okay, I’ll use your idea.

J:👍🏻

J: Good luck!

H: thanks.

With that, He tian made his way to find his red chili pepper.
—
He Tian found him sitting in the grass under a tree. He slowly made his way over, and slowly sat down, treating the red haired male like an animal that can snap at any moment.

They sat in silence until He Tian spoke.

“I’m sorry for calling you a leprechaun.” He Tian apologized as he started picking the grass.

Mo Guanshan stayed silent before sighing. “You’re a dumbass.”

Mo lied his head in He Tian’s shoulder and closed his eyes. He Tian smiled as he laid his own head on top of Mo’s, feeling the way his beautiful short hair ticked his neck softly. He could smell his scent; a pine, but slightly cinnamon spice smell he absolutely loved. Mo claims he doesn’t use any cinnamon scents, but He Tian knows it’s from the candles his mother uses. Mo Guanshan doesn’t believe a candles smell can stay on you.

They sit there as they use up their free time for basking in each others presence.

15 minutes of couples time before the bell rings signaling their departure from each other.

Chapter Text

Zhan was currently sitting behind Jian Yi, his face cold with a hidden scowl. His eyes flickered between the black haired man and his blonde haired best friend. The way the man seems to make Jian laughed, he would have thought he was some kind of comedian; he wasn’t.

His jokes were mediocre at best, and most of them had some stupid meaning to them that would need to be explained…well…explained or him at least.

The boy made a joke about a turnip?! A turnip! It was the worst joke Zhan had ever heard, and yet Jian seemed to really enjoy it. He laughed and even snorted.

“Jiahao, you should be a comedian! Oh! We can do that, Zhan Xi Xi! Before we play a song, Jiahao can say a few jokes to get the crowd started. That would be such a great idea! Two acts in one!” Jian Yi grabbed onto Zhan’s arm as he excitedly explained his plan.

Jiahao’s eyes widened, “you are in a band?” He asked as he looked between Zhan and Jian.

Jian shook his head. “Not right now, but we’ve already made plans to be. Zhan Xi Xi will be out drummer, me and Mo will me guitar, and He Tian will most likely be lead singer.”

Jiahao nodded, understand.

“I know how to play drums, if you’d ever like to get together and play together.” Jiahao offered as he looked at Zhan with a small smile.

Zhan shook his head, “I’m good.” He says simply to cut any conversation from starting.

His actions got himself a look from Jian Yi. A look of disapproval that sent his stomach dropping slightly.

Jiahao nodded as he smiled and looked back towards Jian Yi.

“Who is Mo and He Tian?” He asked genuinely curious of the ghost members of the future band.

“Oh! You need to meet them! They are our friend. Don’t harbor any ill will towards red head, he’s mean to everyone.” Jian Yi warned him.

Jiahao chuckled, making Zhan roll his eyes, as he thought of the “mean” member of the group.

“I’ll keep that in mind. I actually believe I’ve heard of He Tian. I think my cousin said he was the popular one around here.” Jiahao said as he got on his phone and started scrolling through the text between he and his cousin to show them.

When he found the text he showed them the proof.

“He’s not all that. He’s a demon in disguise! I swear to you, that boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and it was adorned by thorn of satan himself.” Jian Yi said as he disapproved the positive things said about He Tian.

Jiahao started laughing at that, he threw his head back.

Jiahao finally calmed down and wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Well, I still can’t wait to meet them both.” Jiahao reassured and smiled at Zhan and Jian Yi with his straight white teeth on display.

Chapter Text

Is he hotter than me?” He Tian asked Mo Guanshan for the hundredth time as they stood by the school gate waiting for Zhan, Jian, and Jiahao.

“Stop being so fucking insecure.” Mo grumbled as he got back to trying to beat his current highschool on piano tiles.

“Mo Mo, come on, answer me. Are you going to break up with me because he’s hotter?” He Tian pouted as he slung his arm heavily on Mo’s shoulder, making him lose again.

Mo quickly slapped his arm off as he groaned. “First, we aren’t even dating, second, I don’t care about fucking looks. The only reason your sorry ass won me over was because you actually showed you weren’t the fucking grinch and shit.” Mo Guanshan explained as he watched the ad that was playing on his phone now.

“Mo Mo!” He Tian indulged him into a tight hug, making Mo drop his phone and start to struggle to be let go.

“Really guys. Scaring poor Jiahao already.

” Jian’s voice came from behind Mo and in front of He Tian. Mo took this distraction as an opportunity to actually shove He Tian all the way, away from himself. He scowled.

A shadow then appeared very close to him and he looked up to see Jiahao a bit to close for comfort, but he has his hand out stretched, he was handing Mo his phone.

“I believe you dropped this.” The boy smiled at him, but before Mo could grab it, He Tian quickly grabbed him by the waist and made their bodies flush together, Mo’s back to He Tian’s chest, as he grabbed the phone from Jiahao’s hand.

“Thanks. We appreciate it.” He Tian thanked him, his fake smile showing and a cold temperament showing.

Jiahao seemed to get the vibe and nodded promptly and back off, no questions asked. He Tian watched him a while longer before Jian Yi cleared his throat gaining everyone attention.

“Let’s go to the cafe!” Jian Yi grabbed Zhan’s and started dragging his, Zhan following without hesitation. He Tian started leading himself and Mo to follow close behind, and before Jiahao could put himself next to Mo, He Tian switched so he could walk next to him.

It was a silent walk in the beginning before Jiahao started speaking.

(Bold=English)

“I heard you’re good at English.”

He Tian nodded. “yea. I am going to high school over there, was forced to learn it.”

“I’m from America, so it’s nice to know someone around here speaks my language” Jiahao chuckled to try and ease the atmosphere.

He Tian shrugged. “I guess.”

Mo then pinched He Tuan’s abdomen. “Stop begging fucking rude.”

He Tian rolled his eyes, and then looked at Jiahao.

“I guess if you ever get tired of speaking chinese, come around. We can chat for a bit.”

smiled and nodded, “I’d appreciate that. Just so you know, I really do not like him. He’s all yours. I didn’t mean to cross a line.”

He Tian was surprised. He didn’t expect Jiahao to be so straight forward about things.

He Tian glanced down at the boy he has his arm wrapped around. Saw how focused he was at his game again, then looked back at Jiahao.

“He’s my love. He’s my everything. When it comes to him, I guess I can be a bit rude and possessive.” He Tian explained.

Jiahao nodded, “I completely understand. No hard feelings, I assure you.”

With that, both boys smiled and nodded at each other. An understanding they both shared with one another.

Chapter Text

All five boys are currently sitting at a round table and Jian Yi is blabbering about things that all of them have no clue about, except for Jiahao. Weirdly enough, those boys are very similar in many aspects, and Jian’s outgoing attitude seems to match Jiahao’s calm one is a way that is…uncanny.

Mo Guanshan was still trying to beat the level on his game while Zhan sneakily watched next to him. He Tian was trying to focus on the conversation but his mind was thinking about many other things.

Since he had told Jiahao about him going to the Americas to continue his education, he can’t help but feel that black feeling in the back of his head. A feeling that everything is going to be over very soon.

“Oh! You have to taste red heads cooking! He makes the best food that always has me practically melting on the chopsticks. He makes beef stew a lot because He Tian likes it, but he can make many other traditional dishes.” Jian Yi was explaining to Jiahao because Jiahao had mentioned wanting to learn how to make traditional foods for his mother.

Jiahao looked at Mo Guanshan as he was still focused on his game, “could you maybe teach me one day?” He asked.

Mo put down the phone and looked at him, his usual frown on his face deepening.

“You good with your hands? Ain’t clumsy?”

Jiahao looked up in thought, “I don’t believe so. I know how to cook Mexican dishes and American dishes. I have cooking experience. My dad is Hispanic and my mother is Chinese, weirdly she never made a single dish growing up, but my dad would make many.” He explained

The all listened intently until empty cup slurping sounds were heard and everyone looked over at Jian Yi as he started slurping down the last little bit of the drink, but it wasn’t exactly all wanting to go up the straw. He took off the lid and started licking the inside of the cup for the whip crème and got the last few drops of the coffee.

He realized everyone was watching him so he sheepishly smiled and slowly placed the empty cup down. “Sorry..”

Zhan snorted softly as he shook his head and grabbed a napkin in front of him, he started wiping his face off of the white sticky, sugary substance.

Mo cleared his throat to get the attention back of Jiahao.

“Look, I can try to help you out a bit, but as soon as you prove yourself useless I’m not helping your sorry ass anymore.”

He Tian couldn’t help but smile and look at Mo squeezing him closer by his arm wrapped around Mo’s shoulders. He’ll never tire of hearing the was his red headed lover speaks. The curses and the way he acts as if he doesn’t want to do things…it’s his charm.

Jiahao was a bit taken a back by the way he was spoken to and couldn’t help but freeze and awkwardly chuckle as he tapped his left hand on the table. “Wow..I’ve heard of the way you speak…wouldn’t think I’d get to experience it first hand so suddenly.”

He Tian chuckled and shook his head, “that’s only a slight taste of his potty mouth, wait till he’s cursing at you wow calling you some impressive names.”

He Tian poked Mo Guanshan’s cheek as Mo started getting red.

“I don’t do that to just anyone, dipshit! You’re always fucking harassing me and shit you monkey penis fucker!”

Mo slapped He Tian’s hand away and shoved him.

Jian Yi clapped his hands suddently and everyone faced him.

“We should have a movie night this weekend! We should watch ‘Train to busan’ I heard my classmates talking about it. It’s a Korean film about a zombie apocalypse. I wanna see it!” Jian Yi explained as he excitedly hoped around in his chair.

“I’m down.” Jiahao smiled and nodded.

“My place?” He Tian asked.

“Of course! Where else would we see it!” Jian Yi replied.

Zhan and Mo already knew they’d get dragged along either way, so they nodded.

Jian Yi practically jumped off his chair at the weekend plan.

“Be honest, which one of you think you’d survive in a zombie apocalypse?” Jian Yi asked curiously as he stole some of Zhan’s bread.

“I would. I can’t possible let this beauty turn into something so hideous.” He Tian cockily said as he winked and pouted a bit to act cute.

Mo Guanshan slapped his hand on He Tian’s face to make him stop. “Too bad it already looking like dog shit. I would survive. I know how to live without luxury.” Mo crossed his arms and sat up straighter.

“I’ll be the rational one here then. I doubt anyone but He Tian has a chance of survival. Mo you don’t have as much strength and you anger to easly which can cause my mental problems, Jian Yi you’d probably confused a zombie for a human.” Zhan explained his answer and Jian Yi pouted as slumped down in his seat.

“I think I would survive. After all Zhan XiXi..I’ll have you to protect me~”
Jian Yi smiled widely as Zhan grunted and shook his head, a blush rising on his face as he frowned.

“Take care of yourself, dumbass.” Zhan replied as he brushed bread crumbs off of Jian Yi’s shirt.

Jiahao smiled softly as he looked at the friend group. He liked it so far. He felt a bit out of place, but he knows he’d get use to it.

Chapter Text

Saturday night All the boys gathered around He Tian's living room. They were all on their phones, occupying themselves. He Tian had his head on Mo Guanshan's shoulder as his body slumped down, and Mo was sitting up. Jian Yi was lying on the ground with his legs on the couch as Zhan Zheng Xi sat next to him with his back on the front of the couch. Periodically, a laugh or snort would sound from Jian Yi and He Tian as they shared each other reels on Instagram.

"I'm bored!" Jian Yi moaned as he let his phone fall next to him. He sat up. Everyone glanced at him before they just shrugged and looked away. "Come on! Let's do something interesting." Jian Yi poked at Zhan's thigh. He swatted him away. Jian Yi got on his knees and pouted as he saw his couch potatoes of friends.

"Maybe Jiahao is free! we can do something all together!" Jian Yi exclaimed as he grabbed his phone, but before he could text, Zhan snatched his phone from him. It was unexpected, and judging from the look on Zhan's face, he didn't expect it either. "Oh~ Does our little Zhan not like the presence of someone?" He Tian teased as he nudged Zhan with his foot. He was swatted away and given a stern look. "It's not like that," Zhan replied bluntly before tossing Jian Yi his phone back, but it fell a few inches away from him. Jian Yi furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head as he looked at Zhan. "Why? What's wrong with him?" He asked, genuinely curious as to why his best friend shunned Jiahao.

"You don't want him hanging out with us anymore?" Jian then followed up before Zhan could even answer the first question. Zhan sighed and rubbed his head as he shook his head. "I never said that," he grumbled. Jian Yi looked at his phone pointedly. "The snatching of my phone was a bit odd." He joked to try and lighten the mood a bit. He never liked when things became tense. Zhan just glared at him an dpointed to his dropped phone. "It was a mistake." He huffed and stood up to walk to the kitchen. All three boys left sitting on the couch all looked at each other in awkward silence. Zhan has always been calm, never had a single outburst...that the other two have seen.

Jian Yi furrowed his eyebrows as he saw Zhan Xi rifling through the fridge contents. Mo Guanshan shrugged and shoved He Tian's head off, not caring of the wince that He Tian let out. "Invite him. I told him I'd teach him to cook. That dumbass better be useful." Guanshan deadpanned and walked over to the fridge next to Zhan, follwoing his actions. Jian Yi hesitated, but seeing as Zhan hadn't protested back, he shot the text to Jiahao. Jiahao replied instantly with a smile and thumbs up, and Jian Yi couldn't help but smile down at it. Jiahao was so vibrant, it actually made Jian Yi excited. He hadn't met someone like him, always surrounded by moddy teenagers, quiet hot guys (Zhan Xi), or devils (He Tian).

He texted Jiahao a bit more till he felt He Tian throw a pillow at him an dwhen he looked up, He Tian help a teasing smirk at him. Jian Yi furrowed his eyebrows then raised one in question. "Seems like someone has a small crush~" He Tian acused with a whisper and point of his finger.

Jian Yi scoffed and waved him off. "I do not. I am simply enjoying his positive and NORMAL attitude. I know you wouldn't know about that, demon." Jian Yi threw back as he put a fake pout on his lips. He Tian laughed and laid down on the couch and faced the ceiling. "It's okay, Jian Yi." He Tian turned his head and gave Jian Yi a warm smile, and that left Jian Yi so confused. "Okay? What is?" he asked as he went bcak on his phone to reply. "You'll know~" He tian insisted.

Jian Yi finally had enough of He Tian's mind games and stood up. "Red head! He Tian has a fever or something. Talking as if he's on his death bed." Jian Yi bleated as he gave He Tian's forhead a flick, but before He Tian could catch him, he slapped his cheek quickly and ran. All Jian Yi heard behind him was a quiet curse and the spring sof the couch graoning, and he started running.

Jian Yi ran behind Zhan as he was next to Mo talking about a meal, having veggies and rice in their hands. "ZHAN XI!" Jian Yi panicked as he gabbed his shoulders and put him between He Tian's garbbing hands. "Fuck no! Both of you dicks get out of the kitchen. I don't need shit breaking in here." Mo Guanshan argued as he shoved He Tian back and out the kitchen. "He slapped me!" He Tian accused as he pointed at Jian Yi. "I don't give a fuck." Guanshan argued back until He Tian was finally out.

Zhan turned and gave Jian Yi an unimpressed look. Jian Yi beamed and ruffled Zhan Xi's hair the way he knew annoyed him. "You going to tell me why you really don't like Jiahao?" At those words Zhan Xi tensed but just shook his head and huffed, turning away to walk out the kitchen, Jian Yi hot on his heels. "I don't. I can't dislike him when I don't know him well." Zhan concluded. Jian Yi knew it. He knows Zhan is lying. Zhan always does when he avoids eye contact, why can't he just be honest? Did Jiahao say anything disrespectful to him? He can't annoy him, Jiahao acts almost strikingly similar to Jian Yi. With a roll of his eyes and a small huff, Jian Yi drops the topic.

After and hour, a knock was finally heard and all the boys did rock paper scissors. Jian Yi lost, but he wasn't mad about it. He opeend the door and smiled, and Jiahao mimicked him. Both boys gave ech other a hug then Jian yi invited him in. Jianhao's eyes fell out as he entered and saw the massive size of the apartment. "Wow! This place is huge!" JIahao exclaimed. He started to look around from the doorway, and Jian Yi came behind him and clapped his shoulders. "You get use to it. He Tian is the rich boy. Personally, I try to milk him for what he's worth." Jian Yi joked, and Jiahao laughed.

Jiahao finally faced his attention to the rest of the boys lounging around the couch. "Hi!" he chirped, and his hands were fidgeting. He was nervous, and He Tian tried to stiffle a luagh, which lead to him being elbowed by Mo Guanshan. Jiahao awkawardly looked away and scratched the back of his neck. He wasn't the best at social gatherings. Jian Yi lighteend the mood immediatly. He grabbed Jiahao and started leading him to the kitchen.

"Red head said today you'll help him cook." As if on cue, Mo Guanshan walked in and started getting prepared. "Don't be clumsy. I don't want to see a finger laying on my cutting board." Mo sighed. He Tian came behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist with a smile. Zhan was leaning his elbows on the counter and his face looked passive, made Jiahao slightly nervous, but didn't let it show. Dinner was ready very quikly, despite Jiahao's inexperience.

Mo Guanshan has to admit, he is very impressed. The kid can cut, knows sanitary prcautions, and he listened intently. Mo Guanshan is getting a bit excited at the thought of not always having to slave himself away in the kitchen and that job leaning on someone else sometimes.

The look on He Tian's face was one of suprise as he put the first spoonful into his mouth. "Came out good." He Tian spoke quikcly before shoving more in, and that made Mo Guanshan graon in disgust. Jiahao laughed an dthanked him quickly before digging in. Jian Yi was the next to speak. "Jiahao. Are you ever going back to America?" Jian Yi asked as he gathered some rice on his chopsticks. Jiahao hummed in appreciation for the question and cleared his throat. "I woud love to go back. I miss being able to not rack my brain for words." He laughed. "It is less peacful there. I do have to say, eveyone here seem very friendly and interactive. In America people were...incivil" Jiahao cringed at himself since he did not know how to say that word in chinese.

"You could just have said 'rude'" He Tian replies in english. This leaves the otheres look at each other in confusion. "I can't. It wouldn't have been the right words to describe them." Jianhao replies honestly. "Could you maybe repeat the word in chinese?" Jiahao asks. He Tian nods and repeats the word Jiahao said, and the other finally all nod in understanding.

"I've heard many things about the Americas. I want to go see New York one day! Zhan Xi and me will go one day! Righ Zhan Xi?" Jian Yi asked Zhan as he turned his head to look at him with expectation. Zhan shrugged. "If you learn to take care of your spendings." Zhan replied and Jian Yi scoffed and shook his head. "We'll take He Tian with us. He would have been there, and he has the money." Jian Yi replied shamelessly. He Tian shook his head. "I'm not going to New York. Guanshan would be a whining mess if we just step foot there. He would maybe even get into a few fights from provokation." He Tian teased as he nudged Mo Guanshan, and got a slap on his shoulder back.

"You plan on going to America?" Jiahao asked as he faced He Tian. he Tian nodded before continuing. "Highschool. My brother is sending me to California to study buisness. I am the next to inhearit our family buisness so he finds in reasonable." He Tian explained. Jiahao looked between him and Mo Guanshan, "and him?" He quiered. "What about him?" He Tian asked as he glanced at Mo then back at Jiahao, putting his chopsticks down. "Is he okay with all of that?" At that question He Tian laughed. "We don't have a say in it. We will be official when I return." He Tian finsihed and grabbed his chopstciks again. Jiahao understood that He Tian was done talking about it and dropped the questioning.

Jiahao seemed to have found himself in a very inresting group of friends.

Chapter Text

"STOP SHUTTING ME OUT!" Jian Yi shouted at Zhan Zheng Xi. Zhan clenched his jaw and satred back at him. His own face controrted in pure rage. Jian Yi didn't know anything. He didn't know anything...and that was the problem.

Zhan and Jian were currently in a heated argument after Jian Yi decided to pester Zhan of his dislike towards the newest member that is hanging around the group now and days. Zhan tried to make him let it go, but seeing as how adimant Jian Yi was, he kept pressing and pressing till Zhan finally cracked and tried to leave Jian Yi's apartment.

"Zhan Xi, tell me. Why is it that you seem to dispise him? I can tell. I'm your best friend, we've been with one another since we were children. I know you. You treat him as though he bothers you. Why? What is the problem?" Jian Yi begged stepping closer, his eyebrows lowered in confusion and pain. Zhan Xi didn't like that look on him. He never liked seeing Jian Yi hurt, it hurt him too. What hurt worse was seeing Jian Yi get swept away by some guy who has come out of what seems like thin air. Seeing the way Jian Yi smiled with him...the way he does with Zhan Zheng Xi.

Zhan let out a frustrated sigh and scrubbed his face, "I don't know, okay? I don't understand it myself. He-I-Everything is just weird. He came around and you act as though your the happiest you have ever been. Sure, you smile and laugh with me, but not the way you do with him. You seem like a whole other person around him. Do you know how that feels? I feel...-" Zhan cut himself off not knowing how to explain it anymore. He feels like he's said too much and not enough. Jiahao has created such a turmoil in his head in the month he's been around them.

What Zhan Zheng Xi didn't expect was or Jian Yi to scrub his face and start laughing. The next action casuing him to stare at his best friend with awe as Jian Yi grabbed the sides of his head and smile at him. He smile at him with his eyes closed and strands of his hair falling around his face. "Zheng Xi is jealous~" Jian Yi teased as he ruffled his hair.

Zhan pushed him away and turned around. "I am not." He muttered angrily, but this action seemed to have Jian YI even more convinced. He wrapped his arms around Zhan's shoulders and pressed against his back. "I'd never forget about you, Zhan Xi. You are, and will always be my best friend. You and I will be with one another even in our nursing homes. I'll still bother you in our elderly years to the point where you'll try to wheel yourself away, but I'll lock your wheelchair. No one can ever replace you."

Zhan paused and listened to the way Jian Yi spoke softly against his ear. Jian Yi leaned his chin on Zhan's shoulder, and Zhan felt some weird warm feeling spread across his shoulder and ear. He felt a small trail of goosebumps trail down his arm. He must really enjoy that idea of always shaving Jian Yi by his side...because there is no way he could feel anything more towards his best friend...right? The cabin situation was admiration, that is what Zhan has chopped it down to be. He can't seriously have other kinds of feeling towards Jian Yi...

Jian Yi stepped away and stood in front of him with his fist up. "Best friends for life?" He asked with a smile so wide, Zhan smile slightly. Bringing his own fist up, Zhan Zheng Xi pounded it on Jian's waiting one.

"Best friends for life."

Chapter Text

Dear readers,
Sadly, I have decided to move on and let go of this entire fic. Can't lie, I had zero plan when I started writing it. I was a senior in high school just looking for something fun to do. I am now about to be a sophomore in college and do not see myself writing another chapter of it. It really isn't that good, in my opinion, and I feel like my lack of plot really showed.

I guess I will share some of my final thoughts on how it was suppose to like end. I started creating the plot more when the fic began to get traction.

Mo/Tian story line:

-Mo and He Tian weren't going to get together until like 12 years after. During which some stuff goes down of jealously. Mo seeing He tian post pic with friends and blocking he Tian on a jealous rampage while they are in college. I was also going to make it that a guy that works with Mo hits on him. Mo starts to work as an assistant chef for this restaurant. After college, 4 years, He Tian comes back and sees this and he gets heated. Anyways, since a lot of back and forth happens they don't get with one another right after college.

- Next, He Tian having to get tangled in the family business because his brother falls sick. Mo finds out and gets angry because he doesn't like the position He Tian is in. He can see He Tian is stressed and he knows how dangerous the entire life is. He refuses to have to visit someone behind a glass window again...so He Tian ghosts him and leaves him.

-They do not meet back up until 5 years later. Mo is a chef of a fancy restaurant, and He Tian walks in with his fancy suit and it surrounded by business men. One of them complain about the food, which makes Mo Guanshan come out from the kitchen and that is how they meet once again. He Tian has a scar from the middle of his nose to his right jaw, and it runs even further to his throat. That turns into a hurt/comfort/make up trope.

-They don't actually get together until He Tian leaves the business because he finally can. Jian Yi takes over. During those last three years Mo and He Tian do stay in touch though! Just over text and calls because Mo says he doesn't want to look at He Tian while he is being a gangster. He Tian understand...but secretly watches Mo.

*The explanation as to why Mo refused is because he is tired of that bad being in his life. His father, himself at a point, his best friend (baldy), and he doesn't want to see the man he loves like that.

Jian/Zhan story line:

-Yes, Jiahao and Jian Yi were going to date. I'm sorry, but Zhan was pissing me off with the push and pull. He needs to get his head out and see! So they do end up dating when they get into high school. Zhan is absolutely livid and becomes closed off from Jian Yi. He doesn't understand his own feelings. Mo helps him get to the point of understanding.

- They did end up breaking it off after Jiahao realizes that he doesn't like men. Jian Yi gets hurt because he hadn't realized he was just a test trial for the other guy. Zhan ends up in a fist fight with him to honor Jian but also from pent of rage of this random guy taking his best friend's feelings for granted.

-In their third year of high school, the other things happen in their first year, Zhan finally starts to completely understand himself. While he got some help from Mo, he was just a bit confused of the idea. But after Jian Yi goes missing, his feelings hit him in full swing.

-4 years pass by and Zhan is already working in some big company, Jian Yi shows up in his doorstep (Following the plot of the original story here). Zhan is pissed and actually let's Jian Yi have a piece of his mind. He demands an explanation, and Jian Yi gladly gives it up.

-1 year later, Zhan finally confesses first while Jian Yi is slowly changing after the information of his entire family line. He has become more serious and has been showing up late to their shared home. What worries him even more is when he starts bringing home more and more money. Jian Yi refuses his confession and Zhan is left confused and hurt. Jian Yi...just feels like he would ruin Zhan too if he let him get too near.

- 4 years later, Zhan is shocked when he sees Jian shirtless by accident and is met with a large back tattoo. In that he realizes what the family business of his entails and what he is getting mixed in. Instead of running, Zhan confronts him. Jian allows the confrontation. from there they go on to talk about Jian Yi's family past and how he is the heir and how He Tian's family is attached to the entire thing. Zhan says he won't run. Jian Yi still denies his feelings. Zhan pushes harder and says he isn't scared. Jian still says no. Zhan gives him an ultimatum (be with me or no one else. Ever). Jian kisses him and tells him he wasn't planning to ever be with anyone else but him...Zhan gets his hopes up...but Jian says "But not now."

- 3 years later, Jian Yi takes over the business and tells He Tian to go with his heart. To let himself immerse in love. Especially because he can see how broken and longing those two are.

-2 years later, Not taking it anymore, Zhan tells Jian how he feels again. Jian refuses but says he loves him more than anything. They make love. Zhan asks the next morning if that means he finally accepts him as a partner. Jian kisses him and says "I never refused you because i didn't want you as it. I refused you because I was afraid in between getting up in the chair someone would use you against me. I know now...you are far tougher than you look."

*I liked Jian and Zhan to stay in almost a stagnant water kind of relationship. Sometimes a small wave would come, but they are in a course of slow burn.

Anyways! Yeah. So those were my last final ideas for this writing and how it was going to turn out. Thank you for reading. I love the support this community has given me. Thank you all kindly, again.