#seaspringblossomwrites

[seaspringblossom]

Through the lens

Qin Haiyang x Reader TW: Mentions of cheating; No Beta, Just want to write anything

“How does it feel to have stanned a literal red flag?”

You frowned at the mocking question from your friend. He had been bugging you with endless mention of how your favorite professional swimmer ruined his image for being, apparently, a cheater. 

Of course, it stung. You’ve liked him since he first stood on the podium. 

It’s been 11 years. Eleven long years of admiring him diligently and quietly from the sidelines.

“I’m disappointed.” But what can you do? What should you feel instead other than being disappointed? Why does it have to matter to you? 

“You’ve bought the DSLR with your blood and sweat just to get a picture of him….so..what do you do with that?” Your friend pointed at your camera splayed on the sofa next to him. 

You sighed. “ Probably sell it online.” 

Your friend smirked at you. “Thought you’d still stick around. Great decision.” 

You stared at your camera aimlessly. 

—---------------------------------------------------------------

“Please please..I’ll treat you to this really fancy restaurant in Changde. A newly built resto! They specialize in this really good steamed fish. I’m sure you’ll like it! Just stand in for me okay? Huh?” Your college classmate who happens to be a swimming fan just like you kept on tagging your sleeve. 

You’ve seriously thought about quitting from being a fan but it was for a sum in exchange for good pictures of Wang Shun, the team leader of the Chinese National Swimming Team. 

“Just make sure I get 40% okay?” You caved in. Being a swimming fan capturing content every game gives you the opportunity to generate some sort of quick income. Some are being bought by entertainment agencies. You’re currently on tight cash these days after paying your rent so you didn’t spend too much time contemplating rejecting the offer. 

It’s your first time switching to take pictures of another swimmer. You stared a little longer on your camera, fiddling the lenses back and forth, feeling sad that this time, you’re not looking forward to seeing him  again. 

You scoff in the air when you’re left alone. “What are you even worried about? Your favorite athlete doesn’t even know you” You scolded yourself. 

—---------------------------------------------------------------

“Bring back the money, cheater!” A man shouted beside you. The crowd started to boo, some directed to the man beside you and the others, you know, are directed to Qin Haiyang, your cheater ex-favorite swimmer. 

Just as you look at the ranking board, you can’t help but be relieved. 

He’s done it again. 

Another gold medal. This time, for the 100m breaststroke. 

You seriously thought he couldn’t make it due to the scandal. You knew he’s not that strong mentally compared to his seniors, the Olympics showed you that. Despite his stoic stature and quiet confidence, he couldn’t handle too much pressure. What more that he’s been targeted for being disloyal to his girlfriend. 

“Wow! What a feat! Qin, you’ve done it again. What do you feel that you’ve been consistent with the 100m from the morning to this point?” The host’s voice was extra enthusiastic, you've noticed. 

The loud crowd didn’t stop. But you cannot make out what’s being said. Your focus maintains on him who’s proudly standing at the center of the podium, breathing heavily yet somehow his eyes are somewhere far from the competition that has just finished. 

“...I..I don’t feel anything..” Qin haiyang’s voice was quiet yet direct. You unconsciously sat upright and tried to dodge the banners in front of you held by the enthusiastic fans just to have a glimpse of him at the podium. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------

“Get ready for your questions, Wang Shun’s about to come out.” A staff blurts out with a huff. You notice he was the one who offered you a seat in the press corner. You were about to tell him you’re not a part of the press but you’ve guessed he mistook you to be one because of your professional camera lens. 

You’ve left it after reasoning that you’ll get a better view at your current place at the press corner. 

“Wang Shun! Wang Shun!” the crowd uproared. 

You stand upright and direct your lens at the Olympic medalist. You can’t help but admire how he looks even more handsome in person, despite knowing how he looks behind the cameras for years.

“Wah” You followed the athlete with your lens, completely immersed with getting the better angles for the pictures. 

You continuously move your camera along while focusing on the walking athlete, unaware that he’s about to go behind the blockages until someone you’ve been very familiar with appears on your camera screen. 

Qin Haiyang.

Still as handsome and prestine as ever. Standing over six feet tall. Confident but not airy. His wet hair appears to have been permed just the way he likes. 

Still the Qin Haiyang who’s using his eyes to send you signals you cannot fathom. 

Or maybe that’s just you. Maybe that’s just how you think for harboring a crush for so long to think those eyes mean anything. 

And you know you must stop it. Now. 

So you hastily move your lenses, deliberately away from his form, and directly following the other athlete re-emerging from the blockages. The crowd’s noise reverberated as Wang shun went closer to the press corner. 

You’ve been focusing on capturing Wang Shun until he left the press corner. You were about to leave when the staff yelled at you. 

“Qin Haiyang agreed to answer some questions, quick, just cover this really quick.” The staff signaled you to direct your camera at the athlete who’s getting closer.

You felt your throat getting dry. You tried to gulp but it hurt. You focus on the screen of your camera but as soon as his eyes directly look at the screen, you feel your knees weakening. You frowned at the strange reaction. You purse your lips and try to ignore his eyes. 

This will take less than 50 seconds. Yes..just..or maybe make it 30 seconds. Just make it quick!

“Do you have anything to say about the accusations against you?”

You frowned. Will he answer that question? He has been avoiding talking since the first day of the competition. There’s no way he will say something. 

“It’s fake news.” 

Qin haiyang blurted. Just like that. You didn’t look at anyone except at the screen of your camera. 

He isn’t staring at your lens this time. But you could feel his eyes directed at your way, by your peripheral view.