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“I can’t believe the wedding is in a week!” Wei Ying said, finally starting to pack his bags even though they were due to leave their university in a few short hours. Jiang Cheng sat on the bed opposite him, his bags already packed and ready to go.“I can, the planning is a pain in the ass.” Jiang Cheng says, flicking through his phone and remembering all of the times that his parents or his jiejie asked for his opinion on something.
As if my opinion matters,
he thought
I’m not the one getting married.“I still haven’t gotten a date,” Wei Ying complained, forcing his voice to go on borderline hysterical so Jiang Cheng paid him some proper attention, which he still didn’t.“That’s because you keep fucking about,” Jiang Cheng answered simply. He then put his phone down and looked at the sorry state that he called his brother. “Besides it’s not like you
need
one.”Wei Ying shook his head as he rolled up another one of his jumpers and dumped it into his suitcase. Jiang Cheng felt sorry for that jumper. “Jiejie is going to be so disappointed if I turn up single.”“Jiejie just wants you to attend. She’ll be too busy thinking of Jin Zixuan to care if you have a date or not.”Wei Ying threw a dirty look in Jiang Cheng’s direction, even though what he was saying was the utter truth. “Can’t you at least pretend to help me?”“I have. It’s not my fault no one likes you.” Wei Ying rolled his eyes. He had already thanked Jiang Cheng for his help, especially when it came to the dozens of blind dates that he had been on in the last few months. He had confidence that he charmed a lot of the guys and girls he dated but none of them charmed him. They were nice and he did get into some really interesting conversations, but none of them sparked something in him that made him think for even the slightest second, he was in a romcom.Jiang Cheng told him to forget the idea of true love and romance –
it’s something that can’t be forced idiot
were his exact words- but it was Jiejie’s wedding and he wanted to take somebody special. Someone he was proud to show Jiejie. At this rate, it didn’t look like this person existed.~Taking the train to Lanling was easy enough, Wei Ying managed to talk Jin Zixuan into booking them first class tickets, so they didn’t have to sit with the common folk. It wasn’t as exciting as he thought it would be though - you just had more leg room and could walk around a bit.For most of the journey, Wei Ying found it hard to focus on his phone – he had already watched what he could on Netflix. So, he resorted to looking out of the window, admiring the fields they went past and pointing out all the animals to Jiang Cheng who was too busy texting his own boyfriend. But it didn’t matter because the train ride was quick and in less than two hours, they found themselves at Lanling station.They grabbed their bags once the train had stopped and exited the platform, surprised to find their jiejie and future brother-in-law waiting for them at the entrance. Once Jiang Yanli caught sight of them, she let go of Jin Zixuan’s hand and ran towards them. Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng followed her lead and they collided in the middle and wrapped each other in an awkward hug.“A-Cheng, A-Ying! It’s so good to see you,” she greeted. Her face was hidden between them, but her smile was clearly heard. She squeezed them tightly and then pulled back and showed that smile.“Jiejie, it’s good to see you,” Wei Ying told her, laughter erupted from his lips at the burst of joy that filled his body.
“Jiejie, you didn’t have to pick us up from the train station we’re not little kids anymore,” Jiang Cheng said, grinning too.“Don’t be silly, I missed you two!” Jiang Yanli gushed, she had a hand each on their arms and her vision was getting glassy – she had really missed her two brothers. “I’m glad you two came early. Most of the preparations are done, so you two don’t have to worry about those. Come on let’s go. The house isn’t far from here and I made some soup just before we came to get you. Let’s go before it gets cold.”Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying perked up at the sound of that. Their jiejie had cooked them all sorts when they were growing up – she was a terrific cook, but nothing rivalled their childhood favourite lotus root and pork rib soup.They walked back to Jin Zixuan who was patiently waiting and exchanged greetings, making sure not to say anything to upset Jiang Yanli. But to be fair, the animosity between them had lessened once Jin ZIxuan acted more mature and took responsibly for their jiejie.He made their jiejie happy so could they really complain?They walked to the car park, Jin Zixuan walked ahead beside Jiang Yanli, their fingers having interlaced without them even realising. He looked at her as if she was the centre of his universe and she was. It was a miracle that she had said yes to him before she finished her course in midwifery – she had started studying late so Jin Zixuan thought he’d have to wait a few more years before she was ready to marry him.Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and wanted to barf at the sight, but Wei Ying nudged him and reminded him that he gave Lan Xichen that exact same look. Jiang Cheng swore at him and looked the other way, his face red.They still couldn’t believe that she was going to marry that arrogant peacock, they both remembered the day they had beaten him up for calling her plain and boring.“Oh A-Cheng, how’s Lan Xichen?” Jiang Yanli asked as they got into Jin Zixuan’s sleek, ostentatious jaguar.“He’s fine,” Jiang Cheng answered curtly as he got in the back and clipped on his seat belt.Jiang Yanli turned back and furrowed her eyebrows at him. “Just fine? He is coming to the wedding, right? Or did you two get into a fight?”They had been trying a long-distance relationship and with Lan Xichen’s patience and Jiang Cheng’s assertiveness, they were doing fine. More than fine actually. Jiang Cheng just had a hard time talking about him because the intensity of his feelings often made him want to spontaneously combust.“Yeah, he’s coming and no, we’re not fighting. We’re fine jiejie, you don’t have to ask every time you talk to me. Besides, didn’t you say you message him sometimes as well? Why don’t you ask him?”“I’m just making sure. He’s so lovely, it will be nice to meet him again,” she assured and smiled again.As expected, she then turned to Wei Ying. “How about you A-Ying, do you have someone?”She looked at him with excitement in her eyes. If Jiang Cheng could get himself a boyfriend, then it should be easy for Wei Ying to find someone with that flirtatious personality of his. He had been with a few people in the past, but he had shown no one to his jiejie and she was dying to meet someone who held his heart.Wei Ying couldn’t say no to those hopeful eyes.“Yes, of – of course!” He vowed, the pitch of his voice rising.“Oh, you do? Why didn’t you tell me? Who is it?” She asked curiously and her eyes widened. She had waited for this moment. She always knew that he’d find someone good for him.“Yes, Wei Ying please enlighten us,” Jiang Cheng chipped in, the interest in his voice cutting into Wei Ying.He was fucked.“It’s – it’s a surprise! You’ll be meeting him soon, he’s coming to the wedding,” he lied smoothly and then looked out of the window, knowing that if he met his jiejie’s eyes she’d look right through him.~Wei Ying wasn’t the only one with a surprise because as soon as they got to the Jin residence, they found that Jiang Yanli had already invited visitors.The Lan brothers had made their way from Gusu and had already spent a few hours at the family residence. Well, it wasn’t fair to call it a residence, paradise was a better word for it. Everything was white and gold from the stairs to the statues, made from impeccable marble and gold and anything from the outside world pale in comparison. They had the finest furniture in every room with the most exquisite carvings or embroidery and huge vases of white peonies that were never out of season for the Jin family.“What are you doing here?” was the first thing Jiang Cheng said, at the sight of his beloved.“Jiejie invited me,” Lan Xichen answered simply and smiled. Jiang Cheng clenched and unclenched his fists; Lan Xichen’s serene smile could always cool his fiery temperament.“What – why are you calling her jiejie?” Jiang Cheng stammered, he could hear his heart thundering.“She asked me to,” he answered innocently.“But –” Jiang Cheng stopped talking because he didn’t want him calling her that because… and well, he didn’t want him
not
calling her that either… “Whatever,” he grumbled. He wasn’t complaining – no, it sounded domestic and reminded Jiang Cheng of the rings he was browsing a few days ago.Lan Xichen grabbed one of Jiang Cheng’s hands, holding it in two of his and lowering his voice as he spoke to him.Jiang Cheng had already gotten past the stage where any affection in public made him go red, but Lan Xichen's tenderness was something that both excited and calmed his heart, meaning that the desire to burst was still there but well hidden by his prickly exterior.The two had spoken a lot through calls and texts, but it didn’t beat the real thing. Lan Xichen wanted to make up for lost time. Jiang Cheng gazed at him, feeling frustrated and betrayed that he hadn’t been told about this but also relieved and glad that he was here with him, they were due to see each other after so long. All that anger at the surprise soon changed into tenderness and he had completely disregarded the other Lan in the room.Wei Ying looked away from the lovebirds, grinning and rolling his eyes all at once. He was glad that his brother had someone that someone to make lovey-dovey eyes with - if only he had someone too. He had a couple of days left and that was not nearly enough time.“Good afternoon, Wei Ying,” a placid voice greeted him, pulling him out of his thoughts. He turned and saw the second Lan brother, looking as uptight and aristocratic as he remembered.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying greeted excitedly and practically jumped to his side. “How have you been?”“Fine,” Lan Wangji answered, looking at Wei Ying with his golden eyes. His pale, marble face was impassive as ever. “How are you?”Looking at the two of them, you wouldn’t have thought that they were the same age. Wei Ying donned his ripped jeans and a maroon hoodie. His shoulder length hair was tied up in a messy bun. By contrast, Lan Zhan wore a white shirt and smart, black trousers paired with smart shoes. His chin-length hair was up in a half do.“I’m great!” he answered, still smiling brightly. “How long have you been here?”“Only a few hours,” he answered, keeping his eyes on the shorter man’s face. “How was your journey?”“Meh,” Wei Ying replied. It was short and boring and nothing worth saying. “How’s Gusu university? Are you still the top student?” Wei Ying’s voice teased at the end, as if asking the question gave him amusement.Their high schools were sister schools and that often meant that every year they found themselves staying over at another school or a different location, meaning it was easy to make friends halfway across the country.But their schools were very different from each other and whilst Yunmeng High School – the one Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng attended - was focussed on attempting the impossible, Gusu High School was very different. It was strict and, to put things simply, Wei Ying hated every moment of it. He was glad that he only had to spend two weeks there, he even steered clear of applying to its university. But that didn’t mean he didn’t miss the Lan brothers – particularly, this one. Whilst they were in the 9th grade, where they had first met, Wei Ying had been certain that this Lan brother had hated his guts to the core. Lan Zhan, however, was as tolerant as he was righteous, and so eventually they made the unlikeliest set of friends.Wei Ying and Lan Zhan continued to talk, filling each other in on what had happened since they had last met, even though they often exchanged messages – Lan Zhan was poor at responding to them and, to Wei Ying’s distaste, never used any emoticons.What they didn’t know was that Jiang Yanli had been looking at them intently. She had other things to do than watch her younger brothers but looking at Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, especially the way that Lan Zhan looked at Wei Ying, she couldn’t help but wonder.I mean, everyone who wasn’t Wei Ying knew that Lan Zhan had the biggest crush on him but Lan Zhan was looking too tender for it to simply still be a crush, surely there had to be some development to the relationship by now.“A-Ying,” she called out suddenly. Her voice cut in their conversation and Wei Ying looked straight at his jiejie. She waved him over and urged him to step closer to him, so he could whisper.
“Yes, jiejie?” Wei Ying asked, wondering what the secret was.“Is he the surprise?” She whispered excitedly.“Huh? Surprise?” Wei Ying repeated, his eyebrows knitted together at her curious but hopeful voice.“Your surprise boyfriend?”“Surprise boyfriend…?” Wei Ying trailed, still confused before a moment before to dawned on him. “Oh!”Shit,
he had almost forgotten about that. He opened his mouth to reject her conclusion, but an idea lit up in his head. Wei Ying turned his head and looked at the solemn second Lan brother and considered for a moment.Lan Zhan was a gentleman. He tolerant towards him and his antics, and was considerate to his needs. He was fair and abided by the rules and he always helped someone in need. He was handsome and attracted attention from males and females alike. Even though he asked, Wei Ying already knew that he was doing amazingly at his studies – he was one of the smartest people Wei Ying had ever known and the sincerest. Whenever they went out to eat, no matter if Wei Ying insisted he’d pay, Lan Zhan was always the one who settled the bill.And best of all, he was fun to tease.And now that he thought about it, Lan Zhan was a catch. It was a shame he didn’t feel anything but friendship towards him.Lan Zhan caught his gaze, his earnest golden eyes piercing into his for a moment before he looked away.He did have to forget ideas of romance and true love now that it was so close to the wedding - finding someone this late was going to difficult. And he didn’t fancy going on any blind dates here.Wei Ying couldn’t see a reason why Lan Zhan wouldn’t help him out with this, it would only be a couple of days. They’d split ways and go back to their universities and could laugh about this five years in the future.“A-Ying?” Jiang Yanli whispered, not wanting to break him out of his thoughts but also wanting an answer to her question.After a few moments, Wei Ying turned back to Jiang Yanli with a smile flirting on his lips.“Jiejie, you ruined the surprise!” He whisper shouted back at her, hoping that his was one of the rare occasions that she wouldn’t see through his lies. “It’s a secret for now. Don’t tell anyone. Not even Jin Zixuan, not even Jiang Cheng.”“Wait, A-Cheng doesn’t even know?” She asked, her quiet voice was clearly shocked.I mean, Lan Zhan didn’t even know but that was a minor technicality.“Shhh! I’ll tell him later or tomorrow or something. I have to speak Lan Zhan about it.”“I understand,” Jiang Yanli said, the smile still on her lips as she looked between her brother and his secret boyfriend.Wei Ying admired his sister’s tender expression but then his stomach churned. He was lying after all.“A-Li,” a voice called out. The duo turned and faced the peacock of a soon to be husband. “My mother is calling you, she wants to talk to you about our wedding album.”He smiled tenderly at Jiang Yanli, ignoring Wei Ying’s presence completely. Jiang Yanli nodded, giving a soft smile of her own and took a step before him but then turned on her heel and walked towards the second Lan brother.“Wait, jiejie, what are you –” Wei Ying marched behind her, clenching his fists and trying not to show it on his face the shock and the stress he was feeling.
Shit! What is she going to say to him?!She stood before him and was tiny in comparison, but then Lan Zhan was above average in height. But despite him towering over her, she held her head high and addressed him politely before looking between him and her brother.“I’m so happy for you two. I know he can be a handful but please take care of A-Ying.”“…” was Lan Zhan’s response. Jiang Yanli smiled again before leaving the room and following her husband-to-be.Wei Ying stood next to Lan Zhan, who was as motionless as ever if not more, afraid to look at him.“Wei Ying.”“Yes…”“What did you say to her?”“I…” Wei Ying let out a nervous laugh. “About that,” Wei Ying said and continued to laugh. He scanned around the room, seeing that Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen still had their attention on each other, and grabbed Lan Zhan’s arm and pulled them out of the room. They went outside to the gardens, which was also a sight to behold with the sea of white peonies and perfect marble fountains.A chill breeze brushed past them as Wei Ying met Lan Zhan’s inquiring but patient gaze. “You know my jiejie, don’t you?”Okay, that was a stupid start, she had invited them over after all and there were times that Wei Ying simply did not shut up about her so he knew her a lot more than he ever showed.Lan Zhan nodded and continued to wait. He had the tiniest inkling of what Jiang Yanli was talking about, but he didn’t understand how she had come up with such an understanding. He and Wei Ying were not involved, no matter how much he wanted them to be. But, He had imagined it before, being approved by one of the dearest people in his crush’s life. But not like this. Not before he told Wei Ying (pfft, like he ever planned) how he felt.“Basically,” Wei Ying started, stretching out the word so he had time to formulate his argument. “Jiejie is getting married, yes? Well, after her engagement she had a little request for Jiang Cheng and I. This was easy for Jiang Cheng of course, but for myself, let’s say that I have tried my best.”Wei Ying was struggling to compose his expression, he always gave things away easily and he just had to make this feel like not a big deal.“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said simply, prompting him to continue and get to the point.“Okay, okay,” Wei Ying said, almost as if he had had enough of his own ramblings. “Jiejie wanted both of us to have a date for her wedding and I promised her that I would so please Lan Zhan be mine!”“…”Wei Ying scrutinised Lan Zhan’s facial expression, finding that his eyebrows drew together ever so slightly and that could mean anything.
“Come on Lan Zhan, is the idea of dating me that horrifying? I’ll try to behave. We just have to pretend to be boyfriends for a couple of days.”First of all, the idea of dating Wei Ying was not horrifying, on the contrary, the idea was heaven to Lan Zhan and he thought about it often. Second of all, he knew that there was nothing – absolutely nothing – that could make Wei Ying behave. Wei Ying was Wei Ying after all. And finally, the thought of pretending to be boyfriends – pretending to be in a committed relationship based on mutual love and respect – with the man of his dreams scared him. I mean, how was he supposed to contain himself?He wanted Wei Ying. But not like this.“No.”“No? Why not?” Wei Ying asked, his usual carefree expression changing into a pout. His delicious bottom lip jutted out and Lan Zhan had to tear his eyes away. “Come on, please!”Wei Ying took a step forward and held Lan Zhan’s muscled forearms, making him freeze. He didn’t have to look at the shorter male to know that he was looking up at him with round pleading eyes that were impossible to say no to.“Come on! Please, Lan Zhan! You saw how excited Jiejie was. She even wished us happiness! I can’t break her heart like this.”“No,” he declined and continued to have his gaze fixated on some far-off detail in the garden.“Come on, it’s not even a big deal,” Wei Ying begged. “Lan Zhan, it's as simple as this: until the wedding, I'll be yours and you'll be mine." He then paused, thinking that was a romantic way to put it. “It’s just until after the wedding and then I won’t bother you ever again.”Lan Zhan wanted to point out to him that he’s made such a promise to him before but continued to refuse. He also felt like he’d choke over his own sentences, he had never anticipated Wei Ying saying the words I’ll be yours and you’ll be mine. Did Wei Ying want to be jumped? Lan Zhan clenched his fists, did Wei Ying want him to lose all his self control?“No.”“Come on, we don’t have to do much. At most it will be holding hands. We don’t even have to kiss.”That made Lan Zhan’s mind wander for a second until he steered his attention back to the matter at hand. “No, pretending is the same as lying. Do you want to lie to your jiejie?”Wei Ying stopped for a moment, recognising that Lan Zhan had a very fair point. But he couldn’t give up. They only had a week until the wedding, pretending would be easy and it would keep his jiejie happy now that he’d already told her he was in a relationship.Wei Ying let go of Lan Zhan’s forearms and reached up to grab his face to turn it before him. Lan Zhan looked at him with his eyes slightly widened and lips slightly parted. He continued to hold his smooth cheeks, feeling strangely intimate but not letting it distract him.He dropped his voice and looked into the taller man’s golden eyes. “Please Lan Zhan, I’ll owe you big time. I’ll do
anything
in return, Lan Zhan. Anything.”Lan Zhan stared back at Wei Ying’s grey eyes. He had never been this close to them before and he could see the flecks of black in them. He noticed that he didn’t have amusement in his eyes as usual, instead, he looked back at his golden ones, both pleading and determined. Lan Zhan held his breath, the frown between his brows deepening. The idea of the possibility of having more moments like this became incredibly appealing to him. Fake dating meant that they’d be spending more time together than he could have originally anticipated. He could pretend that he belonged to a man that he’s always wanted.
Is this really a bad idea?“Okay.”
“Really?” Wei Ying exclaimed, he let go of Lan Zhan’s face and jumped back excitedly. His pathetic state dissolved completely, and he was now beaming. “You’re the best!”His heart hammered and all Lan Zhan knew was that he was already regretting this.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It had only been five minutes for Lan Zhan to completely regret his decision. He had been swept by his own emotions in the moment and completely forgot the little detail that Wei Ying had no romantic feelings for him. Now, he had to pretend he could be his boyfriend – something he’s dreamed of – without letting his heart explode and his self-control slipping.That was going to be an impossible feat. His heart was already long gone, and he had to somehow not give into a moment of weakness – a crack in the self-control that was implanted in his by his Uncle from a young age. This was going to be especially difficult when Wei Ying had no concept of personal space. But he couldn’t.He couldn’t do anything that would make Wei Ying hate him. It was just pretending, he didn’t have to do much. Wei Ying had agreed to do the talking and told him all he had to do was stand there and look pretty. It will only be until the wedding anyway. There was no point in getting so worked up.But that was hard because by the time they walked back into the house, Wei Ying was holding his arm shamelessly and yapping about his shenanigans in university as if they indeed were a lovey-dovey couple. They entered back into the room where Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were still engrossed in each other but once they appeared in the lovebirds’ peripheral vision, the whole scene changed.Within 5 seconds Jiang Cheng marched away from his beloved and towards Wei Ying. He ripped him off Lan Zhan’s arm and pulled him outside, ignoring Wei Ying’s protests and attempts to pull away.He only let go when they were outside, coincidentally in the exact spot where Wei Ying and Lan Zhan made their pact ten minutes prior.“What are you doing Jiang Cheng? Aren’t you supposed to be all over Lan Xichen?” Wei Ying whined and rubbed the part of his arm that Jiang Cheng had aggressively seized. “I thought we talked about you only being rough with Lan Xichen.”The veins on the other man’s forehead already looked like they were going to pop. “What did you do?” He growled, glowering at his brother.“Why do you assume I did something?” Wei Ying asked coyly.Jiang Cheng gave him that look but Wei Ying continued to play innocent.“Why were you acting so familiar with Lan Zhan?”“Oh, are you jealous? You can’t have both of the Lan brothers, you know.”A moment of silence passed and Wei Ying decided not to continue his jest in fear of his legs being broken.But he still let out a laugh. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, didn’t I?” Wei Ying mused. He shifted his weight to one leg and stroked his chin. “Well, you see…” he said, starting his story. “There’s always been something between Lan Zhan and I, I don’t know what you could call it, maybe… maybe soulmates might be the accurate term –”“Cut the bullshit.”“You’re not even given me the chance to speak!”“Wei Ying, I’ve known you for more years than I care for. Do you really think I can’t see through your bullshit?” Jiang Cheng barked, his face turning red.Wei Ying didn’t understand why his brother was getting so worked up. He had done worse things in the past and he didn’t get this angry. But he understood that Jiang Cheng had some concerns. He knew if it ended badly between him and Lan Zhan then it could cause a strain on Jiang Cheng’s and Lan Xichen’s relationship.However, the possibility of that was slim because there wasn’t any chance that any drama might happen. Lan Zhan was unproblematic and completely unlikely to develop feelings for him. Wei Ying had known Lan Zhan for too long to catch feelings either. They weren’t going to do anything that was going to change the entire nature of their relationship. They could very easily go back to being friends.“Okay fine, I asked him to pretend to be my boyfriend for this week. That’s it. You’re acting as if I’m joining a cult or something.”Jiang Cheng actually reacted worse when Wei Ying tried to join a cult.“Why did you think that was a good idea?” Jiang Cheng questioned. His face was no longer red (probably because he was using those breathing exercises that Lan Xichen had once taught him) but his voice was still as sharp as a knife.“Why not? Lan Zhan and I are good friends. I can always rely on him. Besides, Jiejie is really happy about this too. It’s a win-win situation.”“What about Lan Zhan’s feelings?” Jiang Cheng asked suddenly.“What feelings?”Jiang Cheng paused and ran his hand or his face as if he was choosing whether to say something or not. He figured it probably wasn’t his place to say.“Listen,” Wei Ying said, his voice confident. “I know Lan Zhan better than you do. I don’t like him, he doesn’t like me. We’re just friends.”It was the certainty in Wei Ying’s voice that was the final blow. Jiang Cheng closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He sent a silent prayer up to the heavens, begging them to give enough strength to not bitch slap this fucker into the next century.God, when it came to anything else in life – anything – Wei Ying was one of the smartest and intuitive people Jiang Cheng ever knew. But for some reason, when it came to love he was the stupidest to the point Jiang Cheng feared he’d be reduced to tears.He let out a huge sigh, hoping all that frustration would leave with his breath. “How did you manage to persuade Lan Zhan?” His voice was disconcertingly calm.“I’m surprisingly persuasive,” Wei Ying replied smugly, obviously pleased with himself.He’s whipped. He’s definitely whipped. Poor Lan Zhan, he probably couldn’t say no to this motherfucker. Jiang Cheng thought. He knew from being a man in love himself to another man in love, there was no chance that Lan Zhan could refuse him.“Anyway, we’ll ‘break up’ after the wedding and then pretend nothing happened. So, you need to just chill out,” Wei Ying assured and flapped his hand around as if to cool the tension. “You just have to keep it a promise from jiejie, you can’t tell her!”Jiang Cheng looked at this brother, thinking that how much he’ll grow and mature, he’ll always be pulling dumb shit like this.“Oh, I won’t,” He promised. In the end, it really wasn’t his problem. He just hoped it didn’t end badly for either of them.~After dinner (when Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying finally got their lotus root and pork rib soup), Jiang Yanli took the four to their guest rooms. At this point, with how Wei Ying held Lan Zhan’s arm as if he was an accessory, everyone knew that Wei Ying was dating Lan Zhan – he’s the surprise boyfriend! Jiang Yanli so happily announced. This caused from raised eyebrows from the parents, particularly Madame Yu who replied with a curt comment but still approved. It was just Lan Qiren who looked like he was going to pass out – all those years he was scared that Wei Ying would taint his perfect nephew and now he actually had.The four followed Jiang Yanli and the peacock to the guests’ quarter. The hallways that led them there was enough to wonder if they were walking in a museum.Once they arrived, Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen were given a room, naturally, they would share. But when Jiang Yanli said that she immediately got the servants to prepare a bedroom for Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, that’s when the alarm bells started ringing in Wei Ying’s head.In all honesty, Wei Ying hadn’t considered an outcome like this. It made sense for them to share a room especially as Wei Ying decided that they had been dating for six months.They thanked the couple and retired to their rooms and that’s when Wei Ying decided to get hysterical.“Lan Zhan, I’m so sorry! I didn’t even think about this.”“Lan Zhan, I promise this isn’t on purpose!”“Lan Zhan, please don’t hate me!”“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan’s cool voice effectively silenced him. Wei Ying knew he was being noisy, and Lan Zhan didn’t like noise, but this seriously was a predicament. He really didn’t want Lan Zhan to hate him. “This is fine.”It wasn’t really but Lan Zhan had agreed to go through this with Wei Ying and they’d have to keep up appearances at least.Wei Ying frowned, looking at the perfectly furnished white and gold room. The four-poster king-sized bed garnered most of the attention with its silk sheets and elaborate pillow display. There were the same white peonies in exquisite vases and lavish mahogany furniture that showed off golden ornaments. He noticed that their suitcases had already been brought up and were side to side right next to the sofa.“Okay, Lan Zhan, I’ll sleep on the sofa.”“You’re too big for the sofa.”“I’ll sleep on the floor.”“It will be cold on the floor.”“I’ll sleep in the bathtub!?” He didn’t even know if there was a bathtub in here, all he saw was a white door that must have led to an en suite.“…”“Then…”“It will be fine to share the bed.”Wei Ying whipped his head around to face Lan Zhan, stunned for him to suggest such a thing. But if he was suggesting it, surely it will be fine. They were just sharing a bed, it wasn’t like they were going to do anything. “Are you sure Lan Zhan?”Wei Ying knew that he wasn’t the kind to enjoy physical contact even though he had been hanging off Lan Zhan’s arm the entire evening.“It is fine.”To Lan Zhan, it wasn’t fine, but it knew that neither of them would let the other sleep anywhere except on the bed.Wei Ying continued to study Lan Zhan, seeing from his calm expression that this didn’t perturb him in any way. But then again, Lan Zhan was as proper as a monk something as insignificant as this wouldn’t faze him. It was just sleeping, and with how wide the bed was it was as if they were sleeping side by side in dormitories.Wei Ying shrugged and then did what anyone did once they checked into their hotel room. He threw himself on the bed and hugged the soft sheets. “Lan Zhan, this bed is so soft!” He called out, his voice muffled.He turned on his side so he could see the second Lan brother and propped up his elbow so he could rest on his palm. A smile flirted on his lips and his messy hair framed his face provocatively. “Join me, Lan Zhan.”With clenched fists, Lan Zhan replied with nothing and turned away. He had to get rid of the thoughts that immediately raced through his mind with how Wei Ying was so deliciously sprawled on the bed.“Okay, okay, don’t ignore me,” Wei Ying said, he pushed himself up and patted the mattress coaxing Lan Zhan to sit beside him. “First thing is first, after all, we really do need to get our story straight.”After little deliberation, Lan Zhan sat beside Wei Ying being careful to leave at least a foot between them. That foot didn’t stay there for long though, with how Wei Ying gave ideas and suggestions for their love story, his body moved as he spoke and before he knew it his knees brushed Lan Zhan’s thigh. Lan Zhan was, of course, awfully self-conscious about this.But none of this was evident to Wei Ying and eventually they had had up their story – well, Wei Ying did. They decided that six months ago, Wei Ying confessed to Lan Zhan over text – because who would ever believe you confessed first Lan Zhan? – and then they met every six weeks. Their first date was at the aquarium in Yunmeng (they had once gone there on a school trip) and their first kiss was at the end of that first date at the corner of the street next to Wei Ying’s favourite restaurant.Now that they had their details settled, Wei Ying felt relaxed. He knew that his jiejie was dying for a moment to ask them both about specifics and now he had something convincing to tell her.“Oh yeah, Lan Zhan, you told Lan Xichen, didn’t you?”“Mn.”Wei Ying wasn’t surprised. Lan Xichen would have very easily grasped the situation and Lan Zhan wouldn’t lie to his brother. He figured this happened at the time he was speaking to Jiang Cheng.They then stumbled into silence and it sat comfortably around them, Wei Ying slumped back and lay on the sheets, the tiredness of the day and the travel seeping into his bones. But he wasn’t prepared to go to sleep yet.Without looking at him, Lan Zhan got up and excused himself to unpack and shower. Wei Ying nodded and pushed himself up and figured he’d follow suit – with the packing that is, he couldn’t imagine Lan Zhan’s repulsion if he followed him into the shower.They moved around each other, silently agreeing on their own and their shared space. Once they finished and Lan Zhan slipped into the bathroom, Wei Ying collapsed back onto the bed, thinking that in the morning he hadn’t imagined he’d end his day like this.~“Wei Ying,” a voice called out, prodding at his consciousness.Wei Ying stirred in his sleep, his eyes briefly opening and finding someone sitting beside him. He narrowed his eyes at them, fixating on their marble face before realising who it is. “Lan Zhan…?” he murmured sleepily. “What are… you – what are you doing here?”He looked around the room as he propped his elbows up and remembered what was going on. “Oh yeah, we’re boyfriends, aren’t we?”“Mn,” was all Lan Zhan said. He was glad that Wei Ying couldn’t hear his heart.“Wow, how long have I been asleep for?”“Ten minutes,” Lan Zhan answered. “You should bathe before going to sleep.”“Just ten minutes? I feel like it’s been ten years,” Wei Ying muttered and pressed his palm against his lips as he stifled a yawn, unaware of Lan Zhan’s intense gaze on him.He looked back at the silent male, meeting his eyes and it occurred to him, that Lan Zhan being the first thing he saw as he gathered his consciousness was a sight to behold. Especially after he had had a bath and his usually pale skin had a warm glow on it, brightening him up even as he remained impassive.His black hair was down and neat even though it was still damp, and a few strands slipped from their allocated place and Wei Ying had the strangest urge to brush it away from his eyes.Wei Ying noticed that Lan Zhan was in his nightwear which was a buttoned-up full sleeve top and trousers, both blue in colour. It was typical and boring Wei Ying thought but perfect for Lan Zhan’s broad and strong figure.
At least he had something to look forward to each morning.“How have I not noticed how handsome you are Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying asked as he got up, his voice both honest and teasing. He turned around to give Lan Zhan a flirtatious smile. “Be careful, I might jump you.”He laughed and grabbed his stuff and went inside the en suite. He hadn’t noticed that Lan Zhan had a death grip on the sheets.He showered swiftly, trying to tame his messy hair but gave up after five minutes. He soon left the shower, the heat of the water adding colour to his skin, and he dressed himself in his pyjamas which was an old graphic t-shirt and mismatched trousers.Usually, he just liked sleeping in his boxers, but he couldn’t do that to Lan Zhan. Thank goodness Jiang Cheng made him pack actual clothes.He exited the bathroom, his wet hair dripping onto the towel he wrapped around his neck. He looked around the room and found that only the bedside lamps were on, leaving the rest of the room to be shadowy and Lan Zhan was sitting on the bed, his hair already towel dried, with a book in his hands.Wei Ying paused, a savoured in the sight. He had never been more than a few weeks in a relationship. He had never thought about what it would feel like to have someone being there as if you were home to each other.Lan Zhan didn’t look up at Wei Ying, so Wei Ying just made his way to his side of the bed.“What are you reading Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying asked and started to towel dry his hair.“Poetry.”“Ooh romantic, will you recite me some?”Lan Zhan ignored him and continued to keep his eyes on the book.“Okay, okay Lan Zhan don’t ignore me.”Again Wei Ying was answered with silence, causing him to pout. But soon, Lan Zhan bookmarked his book and placed it on the bedside table, making Wei Ying’s lip turn upwards. Lan Zhan turned off his bedside light and started to pick up the sheets.“Eh? What are you doing Lan Zhan?”“Going to sleep.”“Are you going to sleep so early?”“It is nine,” he stated simply.“Come on Lan Zhan, this is a holiday. Let’s stay up. Don’t be an old man. Let’s pretend we’re at a sleepover.”Lan Zhan continued to ignore him and slipped into the sheets.“Come on, this is our first night together as a –”Wei Ying decided not to continue his sentence, the dark look on Lan Zhan’s face led him to think that things would not bode well if he did.“Okay, but I can’t sleep like this! I’m not tired. I’m just going to talk and annoy you so you might as well stay awake with me.”“You should try to sleep too.”“Lan Zhan, please.” Wei Ying searched his mind for a reasonable idea. He couldn’t believe that Lan Zhan still abided by those ridiculous school curfews. “Okay, how about we just lie down and talk?” He wanted to use the term pillow talk but he was afraid that Lan Zhan would really go to sleep.“Okay,” Lan Zhan agreed.Wei Ying slipped under the covers as well, his hair more or less dry but still a mess. He lay down and faced Lan Zhan who was a comfortable space away from him, but even so, he wondered if this was a good idea.Lan Zhan finally looked at him, seeing his red cheeks and pleased expression. He subconsciously held onto the sheets.He wanted to avoid looking at Wei Ying really, he knew that from the first time seeing him come out the shower it made his imagination run wild. It was worse that they were on the same bed, in each other’s reach.“Let’s gossip, Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying suggested, the grin on his face growing wide.“Gossiping is wrong,” Lan Zhan replied automatically.“Boo, you’re so boring Lan Zhan,” he whined and pouted again, and Lan Zhan found his mouth grow dry.In the end, Lan Zhan didn’t mind listening to Wei Ying chatter away. Well, didn’t mind was an understatement. He savoured it. He took in his changes in expression and the way his voice altered with what he was saying. He loved how his smooth nose scrunched up and his eyes creased. His lips never stayed still, and he couldn’t even imagine how they felt.Wei Ying had enough words for both of them. Lan Zhan just replied when appropriate.Wei Ying found himself laughing in joy, the warmth grew in his chest and started to spread throughout his body. He had always enjoyed talking to Lan Zhan, he was calm and rational. He, also at times, gave interesting and clever ideas and opinions that he liked to agree with or challenge. But there was something that he was starting to notice, and it was that talking to him but comforting. He didn’t pause to think about what that could mean.Soon, Wei Ying was yawning, and his words became slurred.“Wei Ying, you’re tired. It’s time to sleep now,” Lan Zhan said.“When you say it’s like we really are a couple!” Wei Ying laughed gleefully but saw the dark look in Lan Zhan’s eyes again “Okay, okay I’ll stop. I said I’ll behave, didn’t I?” He then paused, a question burning his tongue. “Lan Zhan?”“Mn?”“Have you ever been like this? You know with anyone else?” The curiosity was palpable.“No.”There was something about that that made Wei Ying want to squeal in joy.“Neither have I. I mean, I’ve… but it’s never been like this.”They stayed in silence, their gold and grey eyes meeting and the intensity of their gaze translating something between them that none of them understood. Wei Ying’s lips parted but before he could say something, they could hear a papapa and a series of moans.Wei Ying withheld the urge to laugh. “Lan Xichen is surprisingly loud, no?”Lan Zhan didn’t speak to him after that. He turned away and went straight to sleep.~If Wei Ying seemed like a clingy person when he was awake, that had nothing on what he was like when he was asleep. Even though they had their own halves on the bed, Wei Ying transgressed his and now had his and Lan Zhan’s limbs tangled together. His face was resting on Lan Zhan’s shoulder and he had an inkling of spit drooling out.Lan Zhan couldn’t even figure out if he was doing it on purpose or not. But as “improper” he thought this was, he didn’t hate it. In fact, he loved it and it felt so wrong to. Wei Ying was laying against him, his hands cradling his bicep and their legs brushing against each other. For a moment, Lan Zhan allowed himself to think that they were actually dating.He gazed at Wei Ying’s sleeping face, a face so pure and innocent you wouldn’t have thought that he ever got up to mischief.After an hour, two hours, Wei Ying had started stirring and Lan Zhan had long retired to stroking his soft, messy hair. The sun had started to shine behind the curtains, causing the light to pool in the room.Lan Zhan stopped and as Wei Ying’s eyes fluttered. He mumbled something to himself and opened his eyes. His gaze landed directly on Lan Zhan and he found himself staring at him.“…Lan Zhan?” He mumbled sleepily. Lan Zhan’s heart started to race just as it had in the evening when Wei Ying woke up to him.“Mn,” Lan Zhan replied.Wei Ying’s arms tightened on him for a moment but then he let go as if he realised what he was holding.“Lan Zhan, did you try to cuddle with me?” Wei Ying asked. Even though there was still sleep stitched to his voice, the jest was clearly heard.“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan started. He paused realising Wei Ying’s name was the first thing he said this morning. “You are on my side of the bed.”“Hm?” Wei Ying said and turned his head to see for himself. “That is the case, Lan Zhan.” He laughed.Lan Zhan didn’t say anything. He just thanked the heavens for allowing him to hear that laugh so early in the morning.“Don’t hate me, Lan Zhan. I didn’t mean to. I always have to grab something when I sleep whether it’s the blanket or pillow or someone.” Wei Ying smiled at him coyly and then pushed himself further away, feeling the cold from the rest of the bed. “What time is it anyway?”“Eight.”“Eight?! I’m going back to sleep,” Wei Ying declared and pressed his head to the pillow and closed his eyes.“No.”“Huh?” Wei Ying eyes, peeking his eyes open.“Breakfast is at nine, you should get ready.”“Lan Zhan, it takes me three seconds to get ready.” He had mastered the rolled out of bed look in 8th grade.“Stay awake.”Wei Ying arched his eyebrow, surprised to find an almost hidden urgency in Lan Zhan’s voice. “What will you do to make me?”Lan Zhan turned to look at him, his golden gaze catching the grey one. “If you get ready, we can go for a walk in the gardens.”Wei Ying stared at him blankly, wanting to point out that was not appealing, especially as it was still chilly in the morning. But it was rare that Lan Zhan suggested something and that alone was enough to keep him awake.Wei Ying nodded but couldn’t help the smirk that flirted on his lips. He put a hand on Lan Zhan’s hard chest, gripping on to his shirt ever so slightly. “Lan Er-gege, you’re so romantic~”With that, Lan Zhan got out of bed and went straight into their ensuite to have a very cold shower.~After breakfast, Jiang Yanli told her brothers that she wanted to take them and their boyfriends around Lanling as they still had some time before the other guests were due to arrive.Their first destination was the ancient Carp tower which was believed to once be the home of cultivators. Their stories were told by the faded but preserved murals and reliefs that lined the sides of the carriage path that led the way to the tower.They walked together, in a line but closest to their loved ones. Wei Ying kept on swapping between holding Lan Zhan’s arm and holding his hand. He didn’t know which one he liked doing the most.They talked about the history of the place, Yunmeng and Gusu also had such a past and it allowed Lan Xichen to impart his vast knowledge (thanks to his degree and ongoing PhD in Chinese History).Once they arrived at the tower, they saw the stairs that led to a wide, bricked square and the entirety of the magnificent palace. It was something that seemed to fit an emperor more than a clan leader, but they didn’t question it. Clan leaders were probably akin to emperors back then.They looked around, admiring its grandness but also eyeing the street food that came from the food vendors.“Lan Zhan, isn’t this amazing?” Wei Ying asked, his eyes wide as he took it on. He looked over to Lan Zhan, now holding his large hand.“Mn.”It was an impressive sight indeed, Lan Zhan though but, it had nothing on the smile on Wei Ying’s face.“Lan Zhan, can you imagine what kind of cultivator I’d be? Wei Ying of Yunmeng! I bet I would have been one of the best cultivators in the generation,” he bragged and then humoured the idea of flying on swords.“Don’t get cocky Wei Ying, you never study,” Jiang Cheng called out, hearing his boasting.“You’re just jealous,” Wei Ying pouted and then turned to Lan Zhan who was distracted by his lips. “Lan Zhan, what do you think?”Lan Zhan considered for a second before murmuring, “You’d be incredible.”Wei Ying blinked, the seriousness of Lan Zhan’s expression almost made him want to blush.The turned back to Jiang Cheng before the blood could rush to his cheeks. “Yeah Jiang Cheng,” he grinned and held onto Lan Zhan’s hand tighter. “I’d be an incredible one.”Wei Ying laughed giddily, his chest feeling light. He looked before the impassive faced man and the building, thinking for a moment that Lan Zhan seemed to be made out of better marble.A sudden idea came to mind. “Lan Zhan let’s take a picture together.”He wasn’t the biggest fan of pictures, but he wasn’t going to say no (not like he could anyway).Lan Zhan nodded, and Wei Ying’s smiled stretched. He pulled out his phone from his pocket and put on the camera. He held it at an angle to get him, Lan Zhan and the temple in but then he had a better idea.Wei Ying pulled Lan Zhan’s hand his waist and he wrapped his arm around Lan Zhan’s neck and pressed their cheeks together. He could feel Lan Zhan stiffen beside him, but he reckoned he’d still forgive him for this.He held up the camera and smiled but then coaxed not to look so stiff. Lan Zhan tried to relax, he really did. But he could feel his heart thundering in every inch of his body, and he was pretty sure he had broken out in cold sweat.In the end, all he could manage was his normal impassive expression which satisfied Wei Ying.Wei Ying took a couple of photos before letting go of Lan Zhan completely so he could look at them. If Wei Ying was proud of anything it was this ability to take good selfies. He showed Lan Zhan as he swiped through them. “Don’t we look like a hot couple?”Lan Zhan nodded and then took a step away and then started to walk away. Wei Ying suppressed the urge to laugh even though he felt bad. He didn’t realise that Lan Zhan had hated it that much. He’d have to tone it down if he didn’t want Lan Zhan to hate him by the end of the week. But it was still kind of funny to him.He saw Jin Zixuan move away from his jiejie at that moment and walked towards her.“Jiejie,” he greeted with a smile. She beamed at him back.“A-Ying, what do you think of this place?”“It’s amazing jiejie. They’re different to the towers in Yunmeng.”“I agree.”They gazed at the tower, taking it in again before Jiang Yanli turned to face her younger brother. “You two are so cute together.”“Hm?” Wei Ying’s knitted together for the slightest second before he laughed. “You think so jiejie?”She nodded. “You really like him, don’t you?” Her voice was calm but held the excitement of a child on Christmas in it.“Yeah, he’s the best,” Wei Ying answered, ignoring the sudden jolt of guilt in his stomach.“When did you start liking him?” She asked, the excitement in her voice getting coupled with curiosity.“Oh, about a year ago,” Wei Ying answered easily.“Really?”Wei Ying nodded and the smile on his jiejie’s face grew larger. “I’m glad, I know that Lan Zhan has –”“A-Li, here’s your jiaozi,” a voice interrupted. They both turned to Jin Zixuan who only looked at Jiang Yanli – still as if she was the only person in the world.“Thank you Jin Zixuan,” she replied sweetly and took the dumplings off him.For a brief moment, Jin Zixuan turned to Wei Ying. “Lan Zhan is getting you yours.”Wei Ying’s eyebrows raised, and he nodded. He looked at towards the food vendors and found that Lan Zhan was making his way back with jiaozi in his hand.Wordlessly, he walked towards Lan Zhan and met him halfway. “You got jiaozi for me?” The surprise was clear in his voice. He was certain that Lan Zhan wasn’t going to talk to him for the next half an hour.“Mn,” Lan Zhan replied and passed him his dumplings.Wei Ying saw the red sauce that was all over them and felt his heart soften. “Thank you, Lan Zhan.”He picked one up and took a bite of it and hummed in delight at the beef, vegetables and the kick of the hot sauce.He swallowed his bite and focussed on Lan Zhan. “Here you eat some.” Wei Ying lifted a dumpling to Lan Zhan’s lips. “Open up now. Don’t be shy.”Lan Zhan looked at the dumpling, wanting to protest but Wei Ying kept on pressing it to his lips. He gulped before he took a bite, the simple action causing the biggest smile on Wei Ying’s face and he almost forgot about his burning tongue.When Lan Zhan finished his bite, Wei Ying stepped closer to him and lowered his voice. “Lan Zhan that was an indirect kiss.”Wei Ying laughed, not realising that Lan Zhan’s heart had completely stopped for a moment. Immediately, Lan Zhan's mind thought about it. He dared himself to look at Wei Ying’s lips and had to urge himself not to capture them.Wei Ying stopped his giggles and looked over to Lan Zhan with mirth still in his eyes. He saw that while Lan Zhan’s face remained neutral, his ears were bright pink. He laughed again and between his cackles, he spoke. "I'm just teasing. God, Lan Zhan why are you getting embarrassed? This doesn't really mean anything anyway."
Wei Ying took a bite on the bit that Lan Zhan just ate from, showing how unconcerned it made him. "You're so cute Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said, ignoring his own heart that was humming in his chest. He smiled playfully.
“Lan Zhan, don’t fall in love with me, okay?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You’d think that the next couple days would be easier for Lan Zhan, figuring he’d have time to get at least a little bit used to Wei Ying’s closeness and flirtatious behaviour. But he didn’t. Wei Ying always surprised with comments or when he guided Lan Zhan’s movements, so they centred around him as if it was the most natural thing in the world. As if their bodies were already well acquainted with each other.But Lan Zhan noticed that it was so incredibly easy to just be with him. No effort had to be involved, he just had to be with Wei Ying everything felt as it should be.They woke up together with Wei Ying cuddling up to him even though he had found a pillow to grab on instead. Lan Zhan spent hours each morning marvelling Wei Ying’s sleeping face wondering how someone who slept so innocently was almost always up to no good. He was sure that he knew the contours of his face at least visually, everything from the slope of his nose to the creases of his eyes and the curves of his lips. He had been tempted to, many times to trace his fingers on his supple cheeks and the hollow of his neck wanting to familiarise himself with every dip and fall of his skin.Wei Ying arose sleepily, always mumbling Lan Zhan’s name first and it brought him nothing but warmth and a contended bliss that he never knew existed. It flowed through Lan Zhan and engulfed his insides making him feel as light as a feather whilst floating on clouds.He had known Wei Ying for years but every second he spent with him made him think that he was flying instead of falling.The feeling lasted throughout the day and even though it had only been a few days, Lan Zhan’s arm was permanently attached to Wei Ying’s waist, as if they were a two-part set. Wei Ying teased him relentlessly at every moment he could, making Lan Zhan want to kiss him speechless. They ate together, spent time with family together, and even slipped into a night time routine. It started with Lan Zhan towel drying Wei Ying’s hair because Wei Ying you will catch a cold if you go to sleep like this. Wei Ying knew that he wouldn’t, but he liked the feeling of Lan Zhan’s large hands as they massaged his scalp and then they lay down next to each other in bed and Wei Ying nattering on about something even though he had spoken all day.So, Lan Zhan was going to forget the fact that they were playing pretend and that in a few short days they’d resume to their normal, long-distance friendship that would never amount to much. He was lucky to have him and he was going to savour it as much as he could.But a part of Lan Zhan dared to think that maybe, just maybe Wei Ying had feelings for him, that’s why he simply couldn’t get his hands off of him. It had to be why Wei Ying smiled so brightly when he entered his line of vision and why he gravitated towards him even though his family and precious jiejie was around.But a cold reality dawned upon him and it was that if Wei Ying wasn’t in love with him already, then there was nothing else he could do. But he knew that already and he knew better than to dwell on it.So, days past with Wei Ying testing his limits and Lan Zhan trying desperately to retain his self-control. It was getting closer and closer to the wedding and the guests were starting to arrive and one of these guests were the Nie family.Nie Huaisang approached Wei Ying in a rare moment he was alone. He flapped his fan in front of his face before closing it swiftly and greeting Wei Ying. “Wei-xiong, it’s good to see you again.”“Nie Huaisang, how’s it been?” Wei Ying replied, a smile sitting on his lips. It had been a while since he had seen his friend, a small part of him even missed his fans. “Are you still doing Law?” The smile on Wei Ying’s face became knowing.“Everything’s fine, well....” Nie Huaisang gave a grimace and fiddled with his fan. “I want to switch to History of Art, but big brother will…”“Break your legs,” Wei Ying finished.Nie Huaisang groaned. “He says there are no jobs in it! Says I’ll be working in a fast food store and there’s no way he’ll allow that.”“You could get a degree in Law and still work in a fast food store?” Wei Ying said thoughtfully.“Exactly!” Nie Huaisang agreed and flapped his fan.Opening his mouth to comment further, Wei Ying was interrupted when a certain Lan brother came into vision. “Lan Zhan, you’re back,” Wei Ying said, his attention fixated on him. A smile stretched on his lips. It had only been a few minutes, but Lan Zhan’s face was a sight for sore eyes. “Where did you go?”“To the restroom.”“I missed you!” Wei Ying said and pulled Lan Zhan’s arm around his waist. I mean, he did a little because he was a bit cold and Lan Zhan was currently a source of his warmth. Nonetheless, the statement made Lan Zhan’s heart flutter and he had to remind himself that Wei Ying was simply keeping up appearances.Nie Huaisang coughed, diverting the attention to him. “Lan-xiong it’s good to see you again. How have you been well?”Lan Zhan nodded. “Good to see you again.”A moment of silence lapsed and there was a question evident on Nie Huaisang’s face. He gulped before starting. “So, you two are…”“We’re boyfriends!” Wei Ying announced excitedly catching on quickly. Lan Zhan couldn’t help but hold Wei Ying a little tighter. Boyfriends, he wished. He really did.“Oh wow, really? That’s great. I’m happy for you two.”Wei Ying chuckled, a warmth spreading through him. Lan Zhan is mine he thought. You know currently. There was just something exhilarating about flaunting the most perfect man to ever exist as your own. Well, he wasn’t technically Wei Ying’s but you know.“So wow, Wei-xiong, you two really are love-dovey huh?” Nie Huaisang said, quietly. He looked away from Lan Zhan’s gaze once he realised that he made the comment.Wei Ying nodded, the smile on his face suddenly feeling not wide enough to account for the pride and happiness that he felt in his chest. Picking Lan Zhan to be his fake boyfriend was the best idea he’s had in a while.“Yep,” he said and looked towards Lan Zhan who was already looking back at him. He could feel his heart speed up as those gold orbs bored into him and for the briefest of moments, he felt lost in their intensity.He had to admit he wasn’t as good at reading Lan Zhan as he had let on, he was impassive and only micro changes in his expression gave you an inkling of what he was thinking or feeling. But Wei Ying hadn’t learnt how to read his eyes yet. He didn’t know what they were trying to say to him.After conversing about university again and life in general for a while, Lan Zhan was called over by his brother, leaving Nie Huaisang and Wei Ying to continue their conversation but once Lan Zhan was out of earshot Nie Huaisang leaned forward.“So,” he started. His voice was lowered as if he was going to spill a secret.“Yes?” Wei Ying responded, leaving forward too and lowering his voice.“You’re with Lan Zhan then?”Wei Ying’s eyebrows were knitted together. “You literally just said we were love dovey why are you suddenly questioning it?” He said. Were they not convincing enough? Wei Ying thought. Could Nie Huaisang see completely through them?“It just feels a bit surreal. I mean, it was about time,” Nie Huaisang explained, his voice rising in volume. He flapped his fan again, and the cool air could be slightly felt by Wei Ying. “I swear Lan Zhan has been pining for you for years. The poor guy finally got you to like him back, huh?”“Huh?”“What do you mean ‘huh’?” he said but then his voice lowered this time quieter because now he was spilling a secret. “Wait don’t tell me you didn’t know?”“Don’t be silly,” Wei Ying said. He waved his hand, dismissing what Nie Huaisang was possibly suggesting. It was ridiculous and there was no chance of something as impossible as that happening. “He has only started liking me for the past year or so.”Nie Huasang frowned. “You’re wrong.” He paused for a moment, pressing his lips together deep in thought for a second before he opened his mouth again. “Jiang Cheng is right you are totally oblivious about your love life. Lan Zhan probably isn’t the one to talk about his feelings but let me tell you this: he’s in love with you. And he has been since like, high school. And, who knows, maybe it was even love at first sight or something? I did hear a rumour that the Lans fall in love pretty quickly.”Wei Ying’s heart started thundering in his chest for a completely different reason than it had been the past couple of days. He was sure that his body was covered in cold sweat and is it me or are the walls closing in on us?“You can’t be serious.” He couldn’t hide the shock and disbelief in his voice.“I am being serious,” Nie Huaisang assured. “Have you seen the way he looks at you?”Mechanically, Wei Ying shook his head.“Ok,” Nie Huaisang said, he slowed his words as if he was talking to a young child. “Look at Zixuan-xiong looking at Jiang Yanli.”Wei Ying turned to Jin Zixuan who he didn’t notice was in the same room until now. It didn’t take long for his gaze to switch from the guest to his bride to be. His gaze softened immediately, and he looked at his jiejie with such a gentle intensity that Wei Ying felt his chest thud. He wanted someone to look at him like that. Like he was the only person in the world as if he put all the stars up in the sky.“Now look at how Lan Zhan is looking at you right now,” Nie Huaisang directed.He switched his gaze and found again, that Lan Zhan was already looking at him. He focused on his gaze, trying to understand what it was trying to tell him but found the same gentle intensity Jin Zixuan had when he looked at Jiang Yanli.Wei Ying’s heart lurched.“Do you see now?”Wei Ying nodded his head weakly and looked back at Nie Huaisang. “That’s a coincidence. He doesn’t usually –”“Wei-xiong you’re acting weird. I understand you’re surprised, but shouldn’t you be happy? At least you know for certain you’re his first love,” Nie Huaisang spoke simply as if it wasn’t some earth-shattering truth. But why would it be? He was just telling a truth that he had been too blind to realise.“There’s no chance,” Wei Ying continued to deny.“Come on, it’s so obvious. It’s always been. Remember back in High School, how much trouble did he save you from? How many times did he let you drag him into trouble? Why did he partner up with you with every project that he possibly could? And now I don’t know how in contact you guys are, but how many times have you given him some of your spicy cooking and he can’t even handle spice?”Wei Ying looked as if a cold bucket of water had been thrown onto him. “He doesn’t like spice?!”“Oh, course not! I don’t think any of the Lans can tolerate it.”FUCK.Wait no, this isn’t the issue right now.Wei Ying thought back to all of those times in school. Wei Ying really did do as he pleased. Lan Zhan shouldn’t have tolerated it, he didn’t at first but then… something did change. Lan Zhan warmed up with him and while he didn't condone the trouble he caused, he stayed with him and accepted punishment too. They always ended up partnering up with each other, but he always assumed that was because the teacher didn’t like him working with anyone else because he wasn’t a good worker. He always –“Wow, you really didn’t know, huh?” Nie Huaisang said, cutting into his thoughts.“No, I didn’t,” Wei Ying breathed.It made so much more sense now. No wonder Jiang Cheng was so mad when he said they were doing this. He told him to consider Lan Zhan’s feelings and he so brazenly assured his brother that he knew Lan Zhan. But obviously, he didn’t he had been completely blind.Wei Ying paused for a moment, wondering who else knew. I mean, if Nie Huaisang knew and is as gossipy as he is, of course, everyone else would know!Wei Ying turned on his heel suddenly, alerting his friend and wordlessly left the room, back outside where the cool air hit him but he still wasn’t sure if he could feel it.He looked around the garden, nothing really catching his attention but he settling on looking like he was admiring the peonies instead looking like he was going to have a breakdown.He wanted to deny it. He wanted to deny it, but it made sense. It explained everything. It explained why he indulged him. Why he stayed awake and listened to his mindless nattering. It explained why he always paid for him. It explained that while he might disapprove of his behaviour, he never got angry. It explained his patience and why he got away with teasing him as much as he did. It explained why he never really managed to say no to him. It explained -
“Wei Ying.”The voice cut through his thoughts and his head automatically turned towards the voice.He saw Lan Zhan, standing a few feet away from him with his eyebrows ever so slightly knitted together showing that he was concerned for Wei Ying’s sudden disappearance.
“Lan…Lan Zhan,” he replied, weakly. He looked away, not wanting to see the gentle intensity he had seen before or the worry that was etched in his features now.
Lan Zhan deserves so much better than this. He deserves so much better than me!
“What is the matter?” He asked.Wei Ying couldn’t look at him even though he desperately wanted to. His stomach churned at the thought of him being worried about him now even though he’s been nothing but an inconsiderate asshole.“I’m sorry Lan Zhan,” he said suddenly, not really knowing what he wanted to say or if he wanted to say anything.Should he tell him that he knows? I mean he kept it a secret on purpose, right? He must have had no intention of asking Wei Ying out and probably wanted to keep his feelings for himself.But why would he keep his feelings to himself? Did he find it hard to express his feelings or… did he simply not want to be in love with him?“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan’s voice cut through Wei Ying’s thoughts again and as if he had given a command, Wei Ying obediently turned his head.He focused on his forehead knowing that he couldn’t bare look him in the eye. He pressed his lips together and clenched and unclenched his hands a few times before speaking. “Lan Zhan, why did you agree to this?”Lan Zhan didn’t answer at first, probably wondering what this was but then replied slowly when he realised. “Because you asked me.”His heart.Wei Ying was certain his heart had stopped for a moment. His throat constricted and warmth bloomed in his chest because someone as incredible as Lan Zhan is in love with someone like me. But he pushed it away.Wei Ying grabbed his hands almost as if out of habit, Lan Zhan’s long fingers enclosed around him.“Maybe we should…” The breath got stuck in his throat.He didn’t want to stop this, but he knew that they should. It wasn’t right. He shouldn’t be taking advantage of him like this, not when Lan Zhan’s feelings were so serious.But what about jiejie?He shook his head. As much as he wanted to make his jiejie happy, he couldn’t do that at Lan Zhan’s expense. He deserved better than this. He deserved better than him.“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying said, looking up at him imploringly. “I found out.”Lan Zhan didn’t say anything, his eyebrows knitting together again.When it was evident that he had no idea what Wei Ying was on about, he continued. “You’re in love with me, aren’t you? Like, for real?”Lan Zhan stiffened immediately, almost as if he had been impaled.“Nie Huaisang told me. He said you’ve been in love with me since high school,” Wei Ying continued. “Is this true?”Lan Zhan remained frozen except for his eyes that turned away from Wei Ying even though he felt that he had just started looking back at him. He could feel his heart beating in every inch of his being.He hadn’t expected something like this happening. It was something so obvious – he knew his feelings weren’t a secret and he didn’t care so he shouldn’t be surprised that Wei Ying found out like this… He found out and instead of smiling brightly and telling him he felt the same as he had dreamed, Wei Ying looked like he had awaken in a nightmare.His heart hurt and he knew he’d have to consider his options. He could lie to Wei Ying and everything would go back to normal. He could lie to him and Wei Ying would smile again – out of relief. He could lie to him and he’ll live the rest of his life without Wei Ying ever knowing his feelings. He could lie to him and Wei Ying wouldn’t distance himself from him. He could lie to him –No, he couldn’t.“Yes,” he said, his voice barely audible. He willed himself to look at Wei Ying’s troubled grey eyes. “Wei Ying, I am in love with you.”Letting out a shaky breath, Wei Ying dropped Lan Zhan’s hands and turned around. He didn’t want Lan Zhan to see his face because he didn’t know what kind of face he was making. He didn’t want to hurt Lan Zhan anymore, he didn’t want to break his heart.But what he didn’t know was his heart had already started breaking.It started at the moment Wei Ying had asked him if it was true because he knew. He knew from that moment that Wei Ying harboured no romantic feelings for him, no matter how much he desperately wished it was the case. Now, he and Wei Ying weren’t going to have much of a relationship anymore. Not even as friends.Wei Ying was kind and Lan Zhan knew that he’d hold onto their friendship and try to pretend that nothing has happened. But he’d keep his distance and he’d stop smiling as freely and talking to him as much. He’d stop being so shameless and perhaps would behave for once in his life because he wouldn’t want to hurt him. But that would hurt even more.“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying called out, whilst turning around. Lan Zhan met his eyes, which were pensive. “I’m sorry.”Crack.“I’m really sorry,” he said, not knowing that each word was like a blow to Lan Zhan. “I’m sorry I didn’t realise. If I knew I wouldn’t have…”“Wei Ying –”“I don’t want to cause any drama at Jiejie’s wedding,” Wei Ying said suddenly, clenching and unclenching his fists again.“Let’s continue.”Wei Ying’s shoulders dropped. “Lan Zhan I can’t ask you to do that. It’s not right.”“It’s okay.” In his tone, there was enough assurance to make Wei Ying think that it was okay. It was okay to be a completely selfish and inconsiderate douchebag and hurt Lan Zhan like this.And seeing this was what Wei Ying was thinking, Lan Zhan repeated. “It’s okay.”It was only two words and it calmed him greatly. Wei Ying took in a deep breath.“Okay,” he said and rubbed his hands together. “But I promise I’ll behave this time. I won’t touch you unless it’s necessary. I’ll sleep on the floor, I’m sure I can find some extra blankets somewhere –““Wei Ying.”“No Lan Zhan,” he interrupted. He didn’t want Lan Zhan to continue to tell him that it’s okay. He didn’t want to use him any more than he already had.
“I need to do this. I can’t be inconsiderate to you anymore.”Lan Zhan nodded and let Wei Ying set more ground rules, so it hurt him less.For the rest of the day only exchanged minimal words and only touched each other’s hands. That night, by time Lan Zhan was out of the bathroom, Wei Ying was already on the floor with his head turned away from him.