#chengcheng is so so so cute i want to squish him

[tenecity]

from haters to lovers: fan chengcheng

cr:https://weheartit.com/entry/197009922

from haters to lovers—a series where nine percent and you have the cliche, typical love story

[AT THE START]

When you entered Yuehua, you had no idea what to expect. I mean, it was just so sudden. One day, you’re on the streets busking, the next you receive an email saying that Yuehua wants to cast you and you have to go for an audition. You had no idea what to expect, but your talent exceeds anyone’s expectations, including yourself.

“Hi! We are Yuehua boy trainees.” A whole line of boys (who are all at least a head taller than you besides Bi Wenjun of course, who is two heads taller than you) bow as their leader, who you come to know as Zhengting, greets you.

“Er, yes, nice to meet you too.” You smile politely back, a little apprehensive and self conscious. You didn’t put on any makeup because you didn’t think it was necessary. But now that you’re facing seven madly handsome boys, you wish you weren’t so lazy and had at least put on some concealer.

Although you’re the well known “ice cold queen”, the boys’ lively spirits and warm heartedness got you melted and you soon became great friends with all of them. Except for one person of course. Fan Chengcheng.

You just didn’t like him. From the very start, you didn’t like his cold ass bitch face, number 1.

Number 2, you soon found out that he was Fan Bingbing’s brother. The Fan Bingbing. Nation’s hailed queen. You felt even more cautious around him.

Number 3, you think its a complete waste of resources that he decided to come out here and train to become a singer. Like, he is rich, he has money, he has resources. Why doesn’t he use that to go to good schools, or go overseas to study, or maybe even start some business and earn even more money? Maybe you’re jealous, but so what? It’s true, isn’t it, that it’s such a waste that he, who has the resources, who has the opportunities to go to places like Harvard and Cambridge, threw all those possible educations away. And for what? To become a singer? That might not even be famous? You shake your head at that thought. Ridiculous.

So you didn’t like Fan Chengcheng.

Neither did Chengcheng like you. He hated how cold you were at first; and he hated how flirtatious you were it’s not your fault you’re a scorpio. You were always teasing Justin, trying out pick up lines with Wenjun, couple dancing with Zeren, goofing around with Xinchun, playing with Quanzhe’s cheeks and play-hitting Zhengting. It was as though you would purposely spend time with them and Chengcheng doesn’t fail to see how you would always use your puppy eyes and fluttering lashes to persuade the boys into doing things your way, and they almost, always gave way to you, despite Chengcheng’s constant protests.

It’s almost as if you are taking them away from him. And Chengcheng hated it.

Just the other day, he had asked Justin if he wanted to go out and watch a movie. Justin didn’t even hesitate; he turned it down at once, and said “Y/n’s going to play games with me tonight. MARIO CART! Sorry bro, maybe next time.” and then he had walked away, slinging an arm around your shoulder. Chengcheng didn’t miss the smirk you had on your face, and he boiled inside.

“Why do you guys like her so much?????? Come on, she is a whole, full package of b-i-t-c-h. And hello? Does she not have other friends? Why does she always have to come to our practice room to hang out with yall? And guys,” Chengcheng almost pleads. “Stop giving in to her puppy eyes and flirty acts! I mean, I get it, it looks cute bu-”

“What?!” The six other boys stare back at Chengcheng.

“What?” he says back indignantly.

“Did you just call y/n cute?”

“No I did not!” The rising heat of his cheeks however, weren’t very convincing.

“I meant, that you guys find it cute and always give in to her! YOU NEED TO LOOK PAST THAT BITCH’S TACTICS!”

“A. WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE FAN CHENGCHENG!” Zhengting reprimands.

“B, why do you guys hate each other so much? It’s not like she has done anything to you.”

Chengcheng mentally slaps Zhengting. But of course Zhengting would say that. He thinks you’re an absolute angel; he doesn’t see the glares and smirks you send Chengcheng’s way, or the winks and teasing grins you give him when the boys give in to you and he’s groaning because he has no choice but to follow.

[SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN]

Winter comes around and it is as bitter as ever. Almost as bitter as your relationship with Chengcheng. You still hate each other to the guts; but now you rarely confront him or interact with him as trainings become more intense and you just don’t have the time to deal with his idiotic ass. Which also means, you don’t have the time to go and hang out with the Yuehua boys. So when the management announces to all the trainees that they are going to have a retreat for all them, you squeal in delight because it definitely means more! time! with! them!

The journey to one of the most secluded nature reserves in Beijing is a long one and there is a coffee break in between. Stretching your arms over your head and get off the bus, you catch a glimpse of the rowdy boys and immediately wave your other friends goodbye as you dash up to them.

“Ouch! What….” You freeze, completely mortified. You thought the person you had jumped on was Justin; who knew that both him and Chengcheng had wore matching outfits and you completely mistook the other as Justin.

“Sorry….” You scratch the back of your head and you can feel heat rising up your cheeks, despite the cutting winds.

Chengcheng glares at you and crosses his arms, while the rest of Yuehua tries very hard to suppress their giggles (only, Justin is laughing uncontrollably and Quanzhe is giggling like a little fluffball he is.)

“You did that on purpose didn’t you?”

“No I didn’t! It’s not my fault you and Justin wear the exact same thing. Why the hell are you two wearing the same shirt?” You retort back.

“Because it is bloody cute, stupid.” He flicks your forehead and you rub the hurt spot as you glare at him. “Why, jealous?” He smirks at you, a glint in his eyes.

“In your dreams.” You punch his arm before grabbing Justin and dragging him towards the stop point cafe. Justin is cackling like an evil witch and teasing you non-stop. God, you wouldn’t hear the end of this.

“Ge! Did you see that? She only knows how to use her fists. If only she was this talented in her singi-”

“Will you pleaseee stop complaining! I have heard enough of the whining from both of you. Solve your own problems!” Zhengting cuts him off and rubs his head with two fingers. He didn’t sign up for this.

Chengcheng signs and glares at Zeren who is nudging him with his elbow. “What?” Chengcheng hisses. “Nothing! Only, that’s the most you two have said to each other.”

The frown on Chengcheng’s face only deepens as he realises the same thing.

“That’s weird….”

“What’s weird?” Quanzhe pipes out, staring curiously at Chengcheng.

“Nothing!”

But it is weird. He never realised it until now, but it is almost as if he mis-

Chengcheng shakes his head and clears his thought. No way he missed you. No. Bloody. Way.

The rest of Yuehua only smiles and suppresses their grins. They knew this would happen.

“Alright, so….that leaves us with…” The supervisor squints his eyes at the list. “Ah yes, the two problematic kids. Y/n! Chengcheng! You’ll room together.”

“WHAT?!” You both shout at the same time. Chengcheng’s mouth is agape and he is pulling at the supervisor’s sleeve, pleading for a change. “I’ll be very good, I promise. I’ll buy you all the hotpots in the world.” “Yes, yes, you do that for me. Y/n, don’t you dare try to pull that trick on me. The puppy eyes aren’t going to work. And what’s the problem? It’s not like anything would happen. You guys hate each other. Right?”

“THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT!” Once again, you both shout it at the same time, glaring at each other. “Stop copying me.” “Am not!” “If you both won’t SHUT UP.” The supervisor screams at the two of you. And you both pause, and stare at the jiejie. Chengcheng pouts and turns away, clearly unhappy, and runs to Zhengting to whine some more.

It’s cute, but you will never admit it. Not with your arms crossed and brows furrowed as you complain to your other trainee friends, who only tease you for it.

“FAN CHENGCHENG”

“WHAT?!??!!??”

“WILL YOU BE A MAN, AND HELP ME WITH MY SUITCASE!”

“Firstly, I’m your age, I am only seventeen and therefore, still not a fully grown man-”

“What a liar.” You roll your eyes, hands on your hips. A finger points accusingly at him. “Weren’t you the one declaring how ‘manly’ and ‘grown up’ you are, just now, on the bus?”

“And I thought you were asleep.” “I was, until some idiot decided to scream about how supposedly mature they are.”

Zeren nudges Zhengting and the elder nods his head at him. “If they continue to bicker like this, they are going to get married.” Justin claps a hand on his back. “I hate to agree with you Zeren….but you’re right. They are going to get married at this rate.”

“WE CAN HEAR YOU IDIOTS.”

“IT’S NOT HAPPENING.”

“If only the two of them were so synchronised with their dances.”

“Yea…..” “YEA WHAT YEA LAH HURRY UP AND UNPACK AND MEET ME DOWNSTAIRS IN 5!“

Startled, they all quickly apologise to their manager and scurry off, leaving the two of you bickering at your room’s door way, because neither one of you knows how to open the door and are blaming each other for it.

“We are going on a mountain trail-”

As soon as the trainees heard this, everyone collectively groans.

“Well, what do you think your journey is going to be like, a walk in the park? It’s going to be more like this mountain trail, kiddos. While you walk, reflect and make new goals for yourself, so that you will continually improve.” The supervisor fiercely instructs and everyone begrudgingly heads out.

What were your goals? You pondered hard about it. All you wanted to do was dance and make some money out of it, to contribute a little to the family. But now you’re here, in one of China’s biggest entertainment companies. Guilt ripples through your entire being. Being here means having to be away from home, not being able to financially support your family, or even give a hand at the chores. Bile rises up your throat as you think of your little brother. He is annoying, sure, but you still miss his weird antics and funny faces. Now that you think about it, without you around and your parents always working, the burden of taking care of that kid and doing the house chores all lie on the frail shoulders of your grandmother.

On top of that, you didn’t know if you were enough. Were you talented enough? Were you continuously improving? Everyday, you got compliments for your dancing, sure. But you also get multiple criticisms for your singing and rap; and being an idol is first and foremost about voice, not how well you can dance. You don’t feel like you’re enough. You’ve watched the other trainees. They are born gifted. They don’t even have to try, and they can hit falsetto. Meanwhile, you spend countless hours just trying to get that one note right.

Sometimes, you wonder if this is the right route for you, if this is the quickest way to success, the fastest method that earns you the most amount of money in the shortest period of time. Probably not. But…. you just can’t bring yourself to quit. The last 10 months has been enthralling. Exhausting, yes, but fun and exciting. Every day, a new challenge presents itself and the feeling of satisfaction when you have overcome a hurdle, or a teacher says “You’re improving” gives you unspeakable happiness. Unknowingly, you’ve fallen deeper and deeper in love with singing, rapping and dancing.

So you’re torn. You know you aren’t good enough, yet you love it. You know your family is back home in need of your help, but you love doing this. Waking up at 6am, training till 4am or even later. Laughing, playing around, singing, rapping, improving.

But sometimes you think, is it worth it? That your happiness and your ambitions are done at the expense of your family members, who struggle to keep up with the numerous bills?

A single tear slides down your face at that thought and you bow your head, trying to hide your miseries from the bustling group. You’ve spent countless nights worrying about your future, worrying about your family. You’ve never shown this side of you to anyone, and you sure didn’t want to expose this ‘weak’ side of you to the entire of yuehua. It’s just….the tiring walk, the scenic view, the gentle but chilling wind, the falling red and yellow leaves…..all leave you with a sense of regret, guilt and….longing. Longing for what? Home? A better life? A quicker debut? More talent? Better skills? You don’t really know.

Unbeknownst to you, as you fell behind the group, face contorted with an unspoken pain, a certain someone had fallen back as well, watchful eyes searching your face, trying to unravel the multiple layers and facades, searching for the core.

Evening falls like a blanket on all the trainees and although they are tired, they still are enthusiastically helping out with the campfire. It’s a tradition; after the mountain trail, a campfire for all to speak about their innermost feelings. Of course, you can pass if you didn’t want to, but for the most part, everyone freely shares their thoughts. Yuehua’s unique in this way. It’s like a big family.

“.....Last year was difficult. I mean, in a country completely foreign, having to learn a foreign language in such a short time… was difficult. And i had to take care of didi… I felt responsible for a lot of things. And it was burdensome. But this year, I hope that i can keep improving and I can lead the team even better. I don’t want to disappoint again.” Zhengting starts it off and the Yuehua boys are already sniffing. Justin is close to tears as he remembers their Produce 101 attempt that failed. He feels sorry too, for making Zhengting worry about every single thing, and because he was young, he hadn’t know how to help.

It carries on clockwise, everyone having a say and the emotionally charged words dissolves everyone to tears.

“I…” Your eyes shift and they land themselves on the soon-to-be 17 year old boy.

He clears his throat. “I...was also insecure about myself. I felt the need to… grow up faster. I haven’t got a choice. My sister is famous and glamorous. From young, I always felt the need to do just as well, to be equally perfect. I needed to grow up faster because I wanted to show that I was just as competent as anyone else, and I wasn’t just riding on my sister’s popularity. I just thought, I needed to be good in something, but something different from my sister, because I didn’t want to be compared to her.”

Chengcheng swallows down the nervousness that is wrapping its hands around his throat.

“I know maybe some think I should then do something outside the entertainment industry. I mean, I could easily ask my parents for money and start my own business. But, I love dancing and rapping and singing. I chose to do this because I want to do it; because I love it. But….I don’t know if I’ve put in enough effort and done enough to be considered competent.”

The Yuehua boys immediately protest and are shouting out words of affirmation. He waves his head ans silences them, continuing on.

“But I realised if I love it, I should just do it. It doesn’t matter if my sister is in the same industry, doesn’t matter if other people think I should be doing something else, doesn’t matter if now, I’m still not good enough. I just have to work hard for my dream and achieve my dream. Because I’ve decided that from now onwards, how I want my dream to be, is up to me. 我的梦想季后由我主宰。”

Everyone applauses and many are wiping away stray tears, nodding as they agree with whata Chengcheng said.

But it is almost as if he can’t hear them, because his chocolate brown eyes, now almost looking black because of the dim lights, are locked with your own irises and you wonder, if he had known that you hated him because you thought he was wasting his resources and he was now giving you an answer; if he had known that you were feeling unworthy, untalented and not cut out for this, and he was telling you that it didn’t matter; if he had known that you were torn between serving your family and chasing after your own dreams, and he was persuading you to go after what you love and do what makes you happy.

You pass when it comes to your turn, and no one questions. Except for one person.

At the end, everyone goes back to your dorms. You stay out, watching the twinkling stars and the sparks of fire. It’s calming, it’s meditative, and it gives you time to rethink your choices.

“Why didn’t you share just now?” A mellow voices rings from across the fire.

“.......I didn’t know what to say.”

You see the shadow nod.

“How did you know what I was thinking?” You directly ask him.

He shrugged and mysteriously smirks. “I have my ways.” You roll your eyes and a smile creeps up your face. “Creep.”

“Hey now, that’s not very nice.” He accusingly points his marshmallow at you. You walk up to him and bite it off. He glares at you, but it soon softens and melts into a nervous glance as he realises how close you are to him. Even in the darkness of the night, you can see the flush on his face. Laughing, you take a seat next to him.

“Thank you though.” You whisper eventually, eyes lifting up in awkwardness.

“You owe me one.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes you do. Hey, i did you a favour, I should get some reward, right?”

You rolls your eyes and look back down, only to be startled at the proximity of the two of you. You can almost feel his breath on your cheeks. “Maybe if you give me a kiss-” Two fingers push his forehead away. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Actually…..if you buy me ramen, maybe I’ll reconsider?” You cheekily look at him.

“Deal.” He grins and pokes another marshmallow with his stick and hovers it over the fire.

The dancing flames illuminate his pale face. His eyes are clear and reflect that beautiful sparks, his rosy cheeks a pretty complement to his fair skin tone, and his pouty lips looking extremely inviting.

Has Chengcheng always looked so ethereal?

[AT THE END OF THE DAY]

“The lights of the hallway were flickering and then….BAM” Justin shouts and Quanzhe gives an ear piercing scream. You cover your ears and shudder. Why, why, why do you never learn your lesson and always let Justin tell you ghost stories as a bedtime story?

“He hears a voice from the dark hallway, and it sounds like a growl or howl. It said, ‘Where have all the children gone?’” Justin’s eyes grow bigger and his hands wave in front of his face. You stare at him and lean forward, because while you were scared, you were also intrigued.

“The end.” Justin says and he leans back, a neutral expression on. “See you tomorrow y/n! You too, Chengcheng!” He winks at the both of you and Chengcheng just rolls his eyes. Zhengting waves a goodbye to the both of you as he half carries a bawling Quanzhe to his room.

“Can you not...off the light?” You timidly ask Chengcheng as his fingers touch the light switch.

He turns around. “Oh no, our dear fearless and seemingly infallible queen is scared.”

You glare at him. “Don’t make me hit you.” He shrugs. “Not going to hurt, baby girl.” He says as he turns around and switches off almost all the lights, leaving the one near you bed on. Now you regret asking him to keep the light on, because he is sure to see your lightly flushed face. You hide under the covers and you squeeze your eyes close, trying hard to not overthink about the story Justin had told you.

You wake up in cold sweat. Damn Justin…. He is going to get it tomorrow. You shiver; whether it is from the cold or because of something else, you don’t know. Either way, your hair still stands up and the howling wind isn’t helping you. Heart pounding, hands clammy, you swallow nervously and look around the room. The light casts shadows at odd angles and it sends chills down your spine.

Looking over at the sleeping Chengcheng, you are dying to go in and sleep with him. Not that you want to! It’s because you will feel safer. Right? You try hard to convince yourself. Chengcheng sleeping is not soft, nope nope nope. You just want to feel safe and reassured. That’s right.

“Chengcheng?” You whisper out. You internally curse yourself at how your voice trembles.

“Hmmmmm?” He mumbles through the sheets.

“Can I-”

“Come here.” His voice is low and husky, but oddly reassuring amidst the ominous shadows and screaming winds.

Diving under the sheets, you are careful not to touch him. The proximity however, is enough to cause colour to paint your cheeks. Your eyes travel from his clear forehead, to his half moon eyes, to his perfect nose, to his pink lips. You hear a sigh depart from them, as you wonder whether they feel as soft as they look.

“I know I am handsome, but are you going to sleep, or are you going to just stare at my face?”

“I can feel you rolling your eyes y/n. Do you know, if you keep doing that-”

You didn’t know what motivated you or what pushed you forward, but your eyelashes flutter close as you press you lips against the skin near the soft lips. 

You feel a hint of their velvety texture, but not wanting to push too hard, you only press a quick kiss on the cheek before burying your head in his chest. He smells of citrus and lemongrass, a mixture of herbs and a slice of a chilled wind, refreshing and comforting. “Can’t I do both.”

You don’t even have to look, as you feel his cheeks lift up. A pair of lips press themselves on the top of your hair and light, slender fingers weave themselves in your hair and he combs through them, the continuous action lulling you to sleep.

“Of course you can.”

He thinks you’re asleep, but you hear a soft “I love you” at the curve of your ear. A smile finds its way onto your lips and you whisper back onto his neck. “I didn’t think I would say this,

“But I think I’m in love with you, Fan Chengcheng.”

You laugh as you feel the heat rising from his neck to his cheeks and he playfully hits your arm, before rubbing circles, soothing it. A kiss is pressed against your forehead, your cheek, and finally, when your lips meet, you wonder, why did you have to hate him?

[yanjuniverse]

How Should It Be - Xiao Gui/Wang Linkai One Shot

[a/n: ah yes back at it again with another cringey one shot. i meant to post this on 5/20 but i couldn’t get my brain juices to work and finish it until tonight. i hope you guys like it. big reminder that i love wang linkai ❤️. sorry if the fic is a mess btw lol.] / master list

He sags down in his seat, visibly defeated by whatever was on his mind. A pout is prominent on his lips as his best friend cracks a smile, clapping him on the back before wrapping his arm around him, their bodies crashing together.

“Why the long face, Gui? Don’t you know that frowning gives you wrinkles?” he asks. If Linkai wasn’t so down in the dumps, he would’ve smacked the exaggerated frown right off of Chengcheng’s face right then.

Fan Chengcheng has never been the kind to just let Linkai live in his misery. Oh, no. Fan Chengcheng has to twist the knife after he stabs you. Sure, the guy’s quiet when you first meet him. But once you get to know him the way Linkai knows him, it’s a done deal. Your soul is his and there’s no getting rid of him.

“You saw my butthole once, Kai. We’re practically blood brothers now.”

Don’t ask. Linkai is begging.

“Nothing,” he shifts back into the ratty couch. He thinks for a second about how Xingjie is always babbling on and on about how he should replace it (as if Linkai has the money to replace this old hand-me-down couch. He’s a soundcloud rapper. How much does Xingjie even thinks he makes off of his beats?). Something about how just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s vintage. Linkai thinks that maybe the spring that pops out of the second cushion of the faded blue sofa may have caught Xingjie by surprise one too many times. That’s why Linkai always sits on the arm rest or lays like a starfish on the floor during movie nights. You’ll never catch him squished in the middle of Yanchen and Xingjie on their Thursday night Grey’s Anatomy marathons (per Yanchen’s request because how could one look at the actual sun and say no?).

He’s picking at the frayed edge of the sofa when Chengcheng says, “It doesn’t look like nothing.” He suddenly snaps, reaching into his pocket before pulling out a pair of his (nonprescription) glasses. He pushes them up on his nose then opens his phone to his notes. Linkai sees him type “WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH GUI TODAY” and watches him not only put it in bold print but italics as well. “I think we should start a diary of some sort. My sister has one of those and she says it’s all a part of a healthy life style. Wait, should we buy a Password Journal for you? Okay, wait Chengcheng. Too far off track. Let’s focus on the now.” He recomposes himself before saying, “First of all, do you know your rising sign? It could help explain a lot of things.”

Linkai thinks that there’s a reason for everything. He thinks that you never meet a person by mistake. But sometimes...he has to question his life mottos as Chengcheng waves his hand and tells him he’ll make his birth chart from scratch, all he needs is the time he was born (because Chengcheng’s already memorized that he was born on May 20, 1999 in the Fujian Province).

“Chengcheng, I promise on my mother that I won’t judge you. Just tell me if you were dropped on your head as a baby or not.“ He’s desperate at this point. There’s no way somebody just wakes up and makes the conscious decision to be Fan Chengcheng. Not any sane person, that is.

“Astrology is a very serious science, Gui and I will not stand for your bashing!” Chengcheng whines.

Likai gives him side eyes. “Didn’t you only get into astrology because Justin said you were a Gemini and he liked that?”

“No!” But the blush rising on his cheeks says otherwise. “Look. This isn’t about me! This is about you! What’s your deal?”

The older one shakes his head, throwing himself back against the couch and hoping that the weird stain to his left would manifest into a blackhole and swallow him hole. He crosses his arms and taps his shoe against the ground, eyes glued to the ceiling popcorn and wondering who the hell even thought that shit was cute. He starts to wonder how much he could pay Chengcheng to eat it when the doorbell rings.

“I’ll get it,” Chengcheng says. “I’m expecting a package!” As he gets up, he throws a cushion at his roommate before hopping away.

Linkai shuts his eyes, too exhausted to even fight back. Maybe it is his package. Maybe it’s Justin. Maybe they have another “date” in Chengcheng’s room (it’s not a real date if Justin doesn’t know it’s a date).

He’s about to drift to sleep when another cushion hits his chin, causing him to bite his tongue.

He’s on his feet and ready to throw hands when his eyes land on (a very pissed looking) you.

Honestly. He’s not surprised. You have this sour face all day and all night and it’s to the point where he’s starting to consider having Chengcheng put together your birth chart so that he can understand just that much more about you.

He crosses his arms. “And what is the problem today, princess?” he raises his eyebrows. He leans down, teasingly close, and wrinkles his nose. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Don’t look so stressed,” you scoff. He pokes your forehead, causing you to stumble back a couple of steps. “Hey!” you whine, rubbing the spot. He can just hear you screaming in your head about how he has dirty finger nails or how his hands are always so cold and boney. You huff. “You’re gonna give me a headache.”

“You give me a headache every time you walk into the room,” he shrugs, pulling back. He throws himself onto the couch again and hears the floor rattle beneath him. Another complaint that you’ll throw at him is how he and Chengcheng should just move out of this ratty old place. (“And go where exactly?” “I don’t know! Go live with Zhengting! I heard he needs a roommate!” “You want us to live with Zhu Zhengting? He’ll be on China’s Most Wanted after he kills me and Chengcheng.”) You roll your eyes instead. “But go on. What did your best friend Wang Linkai do to piss you off today?”

“We had a lunch date!” you stomp your foot.

“A lunch date?!” Chengcheng repeats as he exists the kitchen, choking on the piece of bread he had shoved into his mouth. “You two go on dates?!”

Linkai snorts. Ever since Chengcheng found out the story of how you and Linkai met, he’s been begging for you two to fall in love. (“You met in college when she dropped her books and you helped her pick them up? Fingers lingering, eyes glazing over. Love blooming like spring cherry blossom-“ “Chengcheng, shut the actual hell up. I only helped her out because I’m not an asshole.” “Not an asshole? Have you met you?”). Chengcheng says that he’s read a lot of fan fictions. He knows how this will turn out. Apparently, he’s taking bets alongside Chen Linong and Lin Yanjun as to when you two will finally get together. But jokes on them because you are denser than a book.

According to Chengcheng, it’s not your fault because apparently Linkai has terrible game. His idea of flirting with you is to flake on you half the time, watch you get riled up then pat your head and walk away after you get done ranting to him. Linkai doesn’t call that game. He calls that tolerance because some of this shit you put him through makes his head spin in circles. Plus, he’s got an image to uphold. Xiao Gui AKA.IMP cannot go around braiding flower crowns and singing to the birds like this is some kind of Disney film. He’s still trying to live down that time Xukun posted a picture of him coloring in a coloring book on his instagram story (Ziyi still sends him children’s coloring books every holiday since. Whether Linkai fills them out or not is his business and his business only).

He thinks today is going to be a bad day. He thinks it’ll be one of those days where the two of you will fight to no ends and there’s literally nothing he can do to make you feel better. He hates to admit it but he likes those kind of days because they always end with the two of you laying in his bed. Those are the nights he’ll hold you and wipes your tears, whispering a mantra of “Yes, I’m an idiot” and “I’m sorry, it’s my fault for not cherishing you.” He likes those nights because even though you get on his last nerves, he’ll be willing to admit defeat if that means he’ll get to wake up with you beside him.

“Honestly, Linkai. I don’t even know why I try with you sometimes,” you groan, setting down the bag of food in your hands onto the coffee table with one too many water stains. “Chengcheng, come join us for lunch.”

“Oh, I don’t wanna intrude on your date,” he says.

You smile at him. “It’s not an actual date.“

There’s a weird look on your face as you say that. It’s a look you get that Xiao Gui has never been able to read. Your smile is big but your eyes never seem to match. Your shoulders visibly sag and your movements slow for a second before you seem to realize what you’re doing and get back to being normal. “Come!”

“No,” Linkai plops down on the floor next to you. “He has a lab with Justin due at midnight tonight. He needs to leave.”

“Hm? You keep tabs on me?” Chengcheng has a shit eating grin on his face which quickly disappears as Linkai scoffs.

“No. You’re wearing cologne for once and don’t look oily. From just that, I know you’re going to meet Justin,” he says. “You usually smell like terrible B.O. and your hair looks dry. As for your project, you have it written on your calendar inside of a big red heart. I saw it when I went to steal the five bucks from your dresser earlier.” Chengcheng sputters, face red with embarrassment.

You swat Linkai’s shoulder. “Leave him alone,” you frown. “Don’t worry about him, Cheng. You always look and smell great to me!” you grin encouragingly before turning back to Linkai again to whisper yell. “He has a crush. Don’t tell me you’ve never gotten dressed up for somebody you liked.”

“Hey!” he says louder than you expected considering this was supposed to be a hushed conversation. “I’m wearing the jeans you said make my ass look fat,” he retorts. You simply roll your eyes before returning to Chengcheng. Once again, you’ve reminded not only Linkai but the world that you are denser than a book. He makes a face. “You expect me to read your mind and yet you never seem to be able to read mine,” he mutters under his breath, forcefully stabbing into his rice.

“What was that?” you turn back to him. He shakes his head, shoveling a load of food into his mouth to keep you from pressing. You thankfully don’t and once again, turn to Chengcheng. “I think you look amazing. Really. Go get him! He’ll be in your arms in no time!”

“Thanks, jiejie!” the dopey boy grins. “I’ll be on my way then. Be back tomorrow morning. Don’t have too much fun while I’m gone!” he winks. He’s out the door before Linkai can kill him (as if Linkai even had the energy to do so).

He’s too busy dissecting his meat to notice your cold stare. You have to clear your throat for him to look up and see your face. He groans, “What the hell did I do now?”

“You should be more supportive of Chengcheng.”

“More supportive? Any more supportive and I might as well just text Justin and say ‘Hey dinghead! Chengcheng is in love with you!’” he scoffs. “Honestly, it doesn’t get any more supportive than me.” He’s actually offended that you don’t think he’s all for Chengstin. Linkai is the vice president of the Chengstin fanclub, only coming second to You Zhangjing. “Who do you think always makes sure there’s ice cream in the fridge when Justin comes over? Who do you think hops off our shitty ass wifi when Justin comes to watches movies? Who the fuck ran across town just to fight with sneaker heads to get Justin the newest pair of shoes because Chengcheng was stuck in class? Have you ever had to fight a sneak head, YN? Have you?” His eyes are wild as if he’s seen some things he’d rather not talk about.

You sigh. “I just think you need to be nicer to him,” you shrug.

“Last week you told me not to let Chengcheng step all over me,” Linkai points his chopstick accusingly at you.

“Because you were deadass tired and up doing his laundry while he slept!” you exclaim.

Linkai snorts. You’re honestly a walking contradiction when it comes to him. “Just eat and be quiet. I’ve already got a headache. Don’t make my stomach upset too with all of your nonsense.”

“It’s not nonsense, Linkai!”

“If it’s coming from you, it is.” He shuts his foam to-go plate and stands to his feet before you could give him another earful. “I’m gonna go get a drink. Want anything? Water? A soda? A shot of vodka?”

“Ten more minutes with you makes the last option sound more appeasing than it should,” you pinch the bridge of your nose.

“Nobody is forcing you to be here,” he reminds you, patting your head as he walks away. When he returns, he’s made two pretty drinks and winks at you. Bottoms up, his eyes say.

“Really? Drinking on a Tuesday?” you scoff.

“Whether it’s a Tuesday afternoon or a Saturday night, you will always find a reason to complain,” he replies. You roll your eyes, taking a sip and feeling the alcohol burn down your throat. You grimace before setting it back down on the table. “So what do you wanna do now, hm? Watch a movie? Make me watch you online shop?”

“Maybe I could put make up on you and do your hair,” you suggest.

It’s his turn to roll his eyes. “You say that everyone elses’ boy friends do this for them and yet, I feel as though I’m the only one.”

“Boyfriend?” you repeat, completely disregarding anything else he had said.

“Boy. Space. Friends,” he says before leaning back onto his hands. “Why? Do you wanna remove the space in between us?” he wiggles his eyebrows before swooping in close to you, noses bumping. You freeze at this. “What?” he smirks when you don’t push him away like usual. “You actually thinking about kissing me this time?”

You scoff, shaking your head and moving away from him. “Wang Linkai,” you scoff again. “You really are something else. You know that? Kiss you? My best friend? I’d rather eat sand or-“ You stop, looking at him and seeing the way his eyes cast down for a second. “What?”

He looks back up. “Nothing,” he says before pulling himself to his feet again. He stretches his arms over his head and yawns. “Come. Let’s go shop. Or something. I don’t know.” He shakes his head and reaches for his drink. Maybe he shouldn’t have poured so much alcohol into his drink. One sip and he’s already a mess. “What?” He notices you still haven’t moved from your spot on the floor. “Hurry up and put on your jacket. Or do I have to so it for you?” He makes a swipe to grab your arm but you pull back, holding it against your chest. “YN, what?” he sighs, a bit annoyed. “Are you mad at what I just did? Look, I’m sorry. Let’s just-“

“Linkai,” you frown. “Why do you look so sad?”

“It’s nothing,” he replies, walking around and looking for his keys.

“It’s doesn’t seem like nothing to you.” Your words are careful, almost as if you’re trying to find the right wire to cut in order for the bomb not to explode. It’s always like that when the two of you argue this deeply. And sadly, it always ends with somebody crying.

“Because it’s never anything to you!” he throws a hand down dramatically. “So like. Let’s go because I’m not going to do this today!”

“Do what today?” you ask, standing to your feet. He shakes his head and makes it towards the door when you grab his arm. He instantly spins around and pins you against the wall, arms encasing you. You narrow your eyes at him. “What’s your deal?” you huff.

“It’s not even a bit obvious to you?” He’s smiling like a deviant. Like you’re just playing into one of his cold jokes. “Are you really that stupid?”

“What did I do to you?” you cross your arms.

“Everything,” he says, eyes casting downwards. You feel your heart starting to hammer as you realize he’s staring right at your lips. “You waltz into my life and make it absolute hell. You expect me to just know what’s on your mind. You expect me to just know what makes you happy and what makes you sad. You expect me to just know these things and I don’t and it makes me so tired and yet...” he laughs coldly. “And yet when I look at you, I want to be defeated. I want to fall at my knees at your mercy. It’s been like this since the day we met.” His hand slowly makes its way up to your cheek, cupping the glowy red flesh between his fingers. “C’mon, YN. How should it be? What do I have to do to make you like me as much as I like you?”

“Linkai, you idiot! If you liked me, you should’ve just told me!” you pout.

“And then you would’ve found something to complain about then as well,” he rolls his eyes. “Honestly, YN. Just lighten up with me sometimes. I’m trying.”

“You’re always trying,” you smile. “That’s what I like about you.”

“You wanna know a secret?” he asks, leaning in closely. “I only try his hard for you.”

And as his lips finally land on yours, you realize that this is exactly how it should have been all along.