Chapter Text
On a serene afternoon, Xiao Chunsheng finds himself sitting near the tranquil ocean, allowing the calming sound of the waves to wash over him. As he closes his eyes and breathes in the salty air, a sudden sensation tingles his pinkie finger.
Opening his eyes, Xiao Chunsheng is shocked to see a vibrant red thread materializing on his finger, seemingly out of thin air.
"What?" he finds himself saying, wide-eyed, as the other end of the thread connects to his own before the light dims down.
A red thread of fate? His soulmate?
Xiao Chunsheng tries to shake off the feeling of shock and disbelief that has taken over him. He had always heard about soulmates and secretly wanted to have someone just made for him—a red thread connecting soulmates. But he had never really believed in it. Yet, there it is—a physical manifestation of the myth. An ethereal connection between two souls meant for each other, born only for each other, made for each other.
He looks around, trying to see if there is anyone nearby who could be his soulmate, but there is no one in sight. Experimentally, he starts to pull at the thread, thinking that it will break easily and prove that it was all just an illusion, that his loneliness has finally manifested into a hallucination.
But the thread does not budge. Instead, as he pulls on it, it seems to tug back, as if someone on the other end is holding onto it too. Xiao Chunsheng feels a jolt of surprise. Could it really be true?
Utterly struck by shock, Xiao Chunsheng starts to follow the thread, letting it guide him along the beach. It twists and turns, stretching out before him like a line of fate.
The thread guides Xiao Chunsheng with a purpose as if it possesses a will of its own. Xiao Chunsheng follows it like a dazed man, maneuvering through the forest and through the foliage, carefully navigating the terrain until he stumbles upon a chilling sight—a wreckage of an aircraft hidden amidst the trees.
The red thread leads him closer and closer to the wreckage, the thread tugging at his finger more insistently. Xiao Chunsheng's heart races as he realizes someone could be in there, possibly injured, or worse.
His heart pounding in his chest, Xiao Chunsheng rushes until he is standing at its edge, peering inside. He spots a figure, hunched over, their face obscured by the wreckage, but there is something familiar about them. Xiao Chunsheng feels his heart race as he steps closer.
Pushing aside the debris, Xiao Chunsheng stumbles into the remains of the plane, his breath catching in his throat. Amidst the twisted metal and shattered glass, he sees a figure slumped against the back wall of the plane. Xiao Chunsheng rushes forward, his heart pounding in his chest, and as he reaches the figure, he finds a man.
The man is young, around Xiao Chunsheng’s age, with dark hair and a handsome face that would have been striking if it had not been marred by bruises and cuts. His breathing is shallow, his eyes are closed as if he is unconscious.
And then, Xiao Chunsheng sees the thread between his fingers stretch towards the man, and suddenly he feels a pull in his chest. The thread tenses like tightrope wire as if it is trying to yank him forward.
Xiao Chunsheng falls to his knees beside the injured stranger, roughing aside debris with shaking hands until he can see him clearly. Xiao Chunsheng kneels beside the man and checks for a pulse; it is weak but steady. He quickly assesses the extent of the man’s injuries—he has broken bones in both legs but no visible head trauma.
Forgetting about his red thread, for now, Xiao Chunsheng focuses on getting help. He pulls out his phone to call emergency services only to find there is no signal. Cursing under his breath, he looks around frantically, trying to think of what else can be done. He needs a first aid kit to help him. Bare-handed like this, he will only cause more problems.
As he scans the wreckage for any sign of a first aid kit, Xiao Chunsheng cannot help but feel a sense of desperation creeping up on him. He knows that time is running out for this stranger, and he does not want to lose him.
Suddenly, an idea pops into his head—there must be something in the overhead compartments!
With renewed determination, Xiao Chunsheng starts scrambling through the debris towards where the luggage compartment had been located. As he reaches it, he sees that one compartment appears to have stayed intact despite all that has happened.
He quickly pries open its door and sees various bags and items inside. Digging through them frantically with shaking hands until his fingers close around something small yet vital: a first aid kit.
Rushing back over to where the injured man lies unconscious at this point, Xiao Chunsheng tears open the bag in haste, trying not to hit himself or anything nearby while going down as fast as possible beside the man once more before snapping it open with deft movements.
With a steady hand, Xiao Chunsheng pulls out the supplies he needs from the first aid kit and gets to work. He splints both stranger’s broken legs as carefully as possible so that he does not cause more harm. As Xiao Chunsheng works, he feels a strange sensation stirring in his chest again.
He looks down at his red thread and sees that it is still taut, leading off into who knows where. The pull is stronger now than ever before—almost insistent-like—but there is something different about it this time.
Xiao Chunsheng can feel a warm energy emanating from somewhere beyond him. It starts slowly at first, pulsing, growing brighter with each beat until finally culminating in one powerful surge of electricity that radiates through his entire body like an electric shock wave.
The sight takes his breath away, leaving him gasping for air momentarily before quickly regaining composure while staring back intensely, wondering what could be on the other end causing this crescendo within himself when all of a sudden, the man in front of him groans in pain.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Xiao Chunsheng’s question is met with a faint moan from the injured man. He presses his fingers against the stranger's neck to check for a pulse, relieved when he finds one.
Sighing in relief Xiao Chunsheng continues his efforts to stabilize the injured man. He speaks soothing words, trying to keep him conscious and reassure him that help is on the way. He picks up his phone, relieved to find the call goes through. The paramedics will be here soon.
“What’s your name?” He asks, carefully assessing the man's injuries, looking for any signs of internal bleeding or other hidden complications. He knows that time is of the essence, and he needs to do everything he can to keep the man stable until medical professionals arrive.
“Who are you?” The man asks, his voice barely comprehensible but hearing it makes Xiao Chunsheng breathe a sigh of relief again.
“We don’t ask questions when we are trying to save someone's life," Xiao Chunsheng responds gently, his voice filled with compassion. "Just focus on staying with me, alright? Help is on its way."
But it seems like the man even in his injured state tries to move and free himself, groaning in pain when he asks again, “Who are you?” And before Xiao Chunsheng can say anything and react, the man moves.
In a swift and unexpected motion, the injured man manages to move and puts him in a chokehold. Xiao Chunsheng gasps, fear filling him as he sees the glass shard held against his neck.
Fear courses through Xiao Chunsheng’s veins as the injured man's sudden movement catches him off guard. The sharp edge of the glass shard pressed against his neck sends a shiver down his spine. His mind races, searching for a way to defuse the situation.
"You don’t need to do this" Xiao Chunsheng pleads, his voice calm despite the fear that grips him. "I’m here to help you”
The injured man's grip tightens, his eyes filled with distrust.
"You need to trust me," Xiao Chunsheng continues, his voice steady. "I want to help you, but we can't do that if you hurt yourself or me."
“How do I know you are not here to capture me?” The man struggles to breathe out the words, his voice strained with pain and suspicion.
"I understand that you're scared and unsure, but I promise you, I am not here to capture you," Xiao Chunsheng says, "I came across the wreckage, I was following this” and raises his hand with the threads that bind together. The only way to explain the situation to him.
The injured man's gaze flickers between Xiao Chunsheng’s face and the thread and then realization. The man's grip on Xiao Chunsheng loosens slightly, his brows furrowing as he follows the thread to his own pinkie and then looks back at him.
Xiao Chunsheng uses this opportunity to carefully reach for the man's hand, turning in his grip and fully intending to tell him to lay down when he sees the exact moment his eyes rolls back and his body goes limp and his head falls on Xiao Chunsheng’s chest. That was not what he was expecting.
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Before panic can seize Xiao Chunsheng at the unconscious man in his arms, finally, the distant sound of sirens fills the air, growing louder with each passing second. He remains by the injured man's side, watching the slight rise and fall of his chest to calm himself down.
As the medical professionals take over, Xiao Chunsheng steps back, giving them the space, they need to assess and treat the man's injuries.
Once the injured man is stabilized enough for transport, one of the paramedics, his family friend, approaches Xiao Chunsheng. "We were worried when we got your call” he says, patting his shoulder in relief, "how did you find him?"
Xiao Chunsheng takes a moment to collect himself, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"I... I followed the red thread," Xiao Chunsheng explains, his voice slightly shaky. "It led me to the wreckage, and I found him inside."
the paramedic's eyebrows went up. "He is your-"
"my soulmate" Xiao Chunsheng completes the sentence for him and looks back at the injured man, who is being carefully placed onto a stretcher.
The paramedic's eyes widen in surprise, clearly taken aback by Xiao Chunsheng’s response. "Your soulmate?" the paramedic repeats, his voice filled with astonishment. "that's... Incredible."
Xiao Chunsheng nods, "The red thread led me to him, it's like we were destined to meet."
The paramedic places a hand on Xiao Chunsheng’s shoulder, offering support. "Sometimes, life has a way of bringing two souls together in the most extraordinary circumstances. It seems like fate has intervened in your life, Xiao Chunsheng."
Xiao Chunsheng does believe in fate and soulmates but this seems too sudden. To have a soulmate, to see him injured and then worry about him surviving.
"We will save him, okay? Do not worry" the paramedic says reassuringly, squeezing Xiao Chunsheng’s shoulder gently. "Our team is highly skilled, and we'll do everything we can to ensure his recovery. You are family to us, Xiao Chunsheng. We will take care of him like he is our own"
As the ambulance doors close, Xiao Chunsheng watches his soulmate being whisked away to receive the medical attention he desperately needs.
With the sirens wailing in the background, Xiao Chunsheng takes a deep breath and steels himself.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Xiao Chunsheng follows closely as the medical team rushes his soulmate into the emergency room. He cannot help but feel a surge of anxiety and helplessness as he watches the doors swing shut, separating them momentarily.
The feeling was so strange. He has just known the man for 60 minutes max. The red thread must be igniting this strange feeling in him.
In the waiting area, time seems to slow down as Xiao Chunsheng paces back and forth, his thoughts consumed by worry.
Hours pass and then finally, a doctor emerges from the emergency room, wearing a grave expression. Xiao Chunsheng’s heart skips a beat as he rushes forward, his voice trembling.
"How is he? Will he be, okay?" he asks, the red thread trembling on his finger.
The doctor looks at Xiao Chunsheng, "it was touch and go for a while, but we managed to stabilize him. He is in critical condition, but he will most likely recover"
Relief floods over Xiao Chunsheng as he hears the doctor's words. The weight of worry that had been pressing down on him begins to lift, replaced with a glimmer of hope. He clasps the red thread on his finger tightly.
"Thank you, doctor," Xiao Chunsheng says, his voice filled with gratitude. "Please, do everything you can for him."
The doctor nods understandingly. "We will provide him with the best care possible. Right now, he needs rest and time to heal. We will keep you updated on his progress. You can see him if you wish to"
Without hesitation, Xiao Chunsheng makes his way to the room where his injured soulmate is recovering.
As he enters the room, he sees his soulmate lying there, still, and fragile, surrounded by medical equipment and monitors. But despite the tubes and bandages, Xiao Chunsheng cannot help but notice the handsomeness of the man.
Carefully, Xiao Chunsheng approaches the bed, taking a seat beside it. Gently, Xiao Chunsheng reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from his soulmate's forehead, careful not to disturb any of the medical apparatus. He marvels at the man's features—the strong jawline, the peaceful expression despite the circumstances.
And among the hospital-supplied clothes, the red string tying them together. A stark contrast against the white. He twirls the thread around his finger, feeling so strange.
Who is this man? How did he end up in this situation? Where is he from? Who was after him?
But the only man who can give him any kind of answer is lying unconscious in front of him. He will wait for him to wake up and hope everything will turn out okay.
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As the hours turn into days, Xiao Chunsheng becomes a constant presence by his soulmate's side. He learns about the extent of the injuries but nothing about his identity. There was nothing in the plane crash. No indication of who this man can be.
Xiao Chunsheng lives in a small town where almost everyone knew each other. It did not take long for everyone to find out about what happened and storm into the hospital and his home to learn about his mysterious soulmate.
Many tries to visit the room his soulmate was in, some fawning over the man. Not many, too many singing praises of how handsome he was.
The influx of visitors, both well-intentioned and curious, becomes overwhelming for Xiao Chunsheng.
Xiao Chunsheng feels this odd and deep sense of protectiveness toward his unconscious soulmate, and he becomes fiercely determined to shield him from prying eyes. Call this whatever but he cannot just let his soulmate be talked about like this. With the help of the hospital staff, he manages to maintain a sense of privacy, limiting visitation to close family and friends.
Outside the hospital walls, Xiao Chunsheng faces similar issue rumours and speculations about his soulmate's identity spread like wildfire through the town. People discuss possibilities, fabricating stories based on mere conjecture.
"No auntie, you cannot see him right now" Xiao Chunsheng politely refuses the auntie who says he just wants to see his soulmate once.
"Look at you being so protective! Our little Chunsheng is in love!" the auntie giggles and Xiao Chunsheng’s face flushes at the words. He tries to compose himself and maintain his polite demeanor despite the auntie's teasing.
"Auntie, it's not about being protective or in love," Xiao Chunsheng explains earnestly. "I just want to respect his privacy. I am sure you understand."
The auntie's giggles subside, and she looks at Xiao Chunsheng with a touch of admiration. "You are such a responsible young man, Chunsheng"
Xiao Chunsheng smiles appreciatively at the auntie's understanding. "Thank you, Auntie. Your support means a lot to me. For now, I hope you can respect our privacy."
The auntie nods, her expression softening. "of course," she says and then finally Xiao Chunsheng closes the door behind him and sighs in relief.
The hospital machines beep constantly, filling the room with a steady rhythm.
He walks over and sits beside him, taking his hand gently in his own. He does not know when in those weeks of being by his side day and night, he started this habit. He holds his hand in his when he falls asleep next to him. Hoping it will be today he wakes up. He takes care of him in any way he can and just waits.
Most of the time, Xiao Chunsheng talks and talks about everything and anything he can think of. His childhood, the aunties, the problems, his feelings, complaints and so much more.
Today, he holds his hand and just sits there and traces the red string that binds them together, twirling it around his finger.
"I don't even know your name and here you are causing me so much trouble" he chuckles softly, thinking of how many people he had to stray away from him. Even littered with almost healed injuries, the man is undeniably handsome.
"You better wake up soon" Xiao Chunsheng finds himself praying, resting his head next to the hand where the red string connects them.
"When will you wake up?" he says again, a question and a wish. And just while staring at his face, Xiao Chunsheng falls asleep.
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"Ouch!" Xiao Chunsheng wakes up to being shaken and thrown off from where he was sleeping. His chair stumbles back but he catches himself just in time before he can hit his head on the floor. He does land on his butt on the floor but that is better than a little concussion.
Xiao Chunsheng winces in pain as he rubs his sore backside. His eyes quickly focus on the source of the disturbance, and he meets the same brown eyes he had gazed into weeks back.
That time they had been sharp, today they are sharper, even more distrustful than that fateful day. The man stares at him with wide eyes from the bed, eyes flickering between the red string between them and his face.
Xiao Chunsheng opens his mouth to say something but does not get a chance to say something heartful when the man begins to rip out all his tubes and moves out of the bed.
"What are you doing?! Stop! Stop! You will hurt yourself" Xiao Chunsheng yells, getting off the floor to stand up and walk closer to him, his hands reaching out instinctively to try and stop the man's reckless actions.
But his soulmate continues to push forward, his movements driven by a determination Xiao Chunsheng cannot comprehend. The distrust in his eyes lingers, leaving Xiao Chunsheng with a sinking feeling in his chest.
He moves forward until he is close enough to grab his arm and stop him. "Hey, it's okay, we can talk it out, just calm down-"
"Stay away!" his soulmate roars in anger and in a desperate attempt to get away, pushes Xiao Chunsheng away from him. Even injured and lying unconscious for so long, the push is so strong that it leaves Xiao Chunsheng falling onto the table next to the bed.
The machines around him fall with him to the floor, the glass shattering around him, cutting the skin of his palm.
Xiao Chunsheng cries out in pain as the shards of glass pierces his palm. Blood trickles from the fresh wounds, mixing with the chaos that has unfolded in the room. He lies there, momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events, his gaze fixed on his soulmate, who stands before him, now frozen.
The room falls into an eerie silence as both Xiao Chunsheng and his soulmate just stare at each other.
With great effort, Xiao Chunsheng pushes through the pain and slowly sits up when he realizes he will need to be the one to handle this, his injured hand cradled against his chest. He looks into his soulmate's eyes, seeing nothing reflected in those eyes. No regret, no fear anymore. Just something Xiao Chunsheng does not understand.
"Listen," he begins, his voice somehow steady despite the pain in his hand and the tears filling his eyes. "I don't know what you're going through or what is after you, but you are injured and I’m not trying to hurt you. I will leave if you want me to but at this point, you are just making it difficult for yourself"
Silence lingers between them, stretching into an unbearable void. Xiao Chunsheng is tired and his hand hurts. He gets up from the floor and stands on shaky feet, his back aching.
With a heavy sigh, Xiao Chunsheng takes a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. He knows he cannot force his soulmate to accept his presence or anything but he also knows that he cannot simply give up. His soulmate is hurt and must be scared to be here and find out about the red string.
"I don't want to intrude on your life," he says. "If you need me to leave, I will respect that. But please understand that I am not here to hurt you. I will call the doctors for you and leave you alone. Nobody will bother you, okay? Just let us help"
His soulmate's gaze remains fixed on him, unreadable and distant. Xiao Chunsheng’s heart aches at the sight, his gaze falls to his feet and he sighs deeply.
"I won't pretend to know what you're going through," he continues, his voice steady but filled with a raw vulnerability. "But we are connected with this thing here" he raises his hand with the red string. "I cannot ignore that no matter how much I want to"
The room remains still, the atmosphere heavy with uncertainty. Xiao Chunsheng’s wounded hand trembles slightly. But he stands there, unwavering.
"I’ll give you space if that's what you need," he says softly, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "But please remember that I’ll always be here for you. Whenever you are ready to talk, to share, or simply to be heard, I will be here. You are not alone."
As Xiao Chunsheng finishes speaking, he takes a step back, giving his soulmate room to process his words, and then makes to leave the room and call the doctor for him when his soulmate's voice suddenly echoes in the room, stopping Xiao Chunsheng right there.
"Why are you doing this?" his soulmate asks and Xiao Chunsheng turns his head at hearing that voice again. His heart soars in his chest at the man finally acknowledging him.
But then before Xiao Chunsheng can be happy about it and say something, the man raises his hand where the red string is tied and laughs, tinged with bitterness. "Is it because of this thing?"
Something that tone makes Xiao Chunsheng feel like he is being mocked. Mocked by the very person who should be his better half. Who you spent weeks taking care of, only for this. His soulmate did not ask for it but still, he did because he wanted to. He was not expecting anything in return and he understands the man, he does but Xiao Chunsheng is just tired.
Xiao Chunsheng cannot help the tears that spring to his eyes. He blinks the tears away, refusing to let them fall. His wounded hand clenches into a fist hoping his soulmate did not see it.
He must have because he hears for the first time the man gasping lowly. He ignores it and somehow keeps his composure when he says this, "I don't need a red string to save someone. I would do it for anyone" and then leaves, thinking he has imagined the man moving towards him as if to stop him.
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The next day and the day after that Xiao Chunsheng does not go to the hospital. He had made the doctor’s visit to the man and ensured that he was receiving proper care.
He had let his mother tend to his hand. It was not a big cut but it did hurt a lot.
His soulmate waking up became a big thing and many tried to visit Chunsheng but he had kept himself locked in his room. He had heard from his father that the man refused to share who he was and the doctors told anyone asking questions to keep it easy for a few weeks. Even though his condition had improved, he had minor concussions that the doctor wanted to keep him under observation for.
Xiao Chunsheng had not actively sought this information out, no. He could not care less what happened to his dumb soulmate anymore. And he had refused to even look at the red string at all. The man was here until he recovered. After then he could go to where he came from. Xiao Chunsheng could not care less.
His mother's gentle nudges and attempts to reach out to him went unanswered. Xiao Chunsheng was determined to protect himself from any further hurt. The red string was not something he wanted either.
One evening, as he sits alone in his room, a knock on the door startles him. Reluctantly, he opens it, revealing his mother standing there with a worried expression on her face.
"Chunsheng, the doctor called. He said your soul- the person you saved" she corrects herself. "He is not well. I do not know what happened but he needs you. Please, go and see him."
Xiao Chunsheng’s heart stops in his chest, his breath catching. His grip tightens on his red string. Despite his resolve to distance himself, the connection between them still holds sway over his heart. His body and his mind rush to push him out of the door and run to the hospital.
No, no. He will not go. He told himself he does not care, so he will not. He looks at his mother and shakes his head. "He does not want my presence, so I won't bother him with it, ma," he says sternly but his voice is trembling, his red string thrumming as if vehemently protesting him.
Xiao Chunsheng’s mother gazes at him and takes a step closer, reaching out to place a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Chunsheng, I know you were hurt," she says softly. "But seeing you, I believe you still care."
"I don't!"
His mother only shakes her head, "Just do what you believe is right, okay? I only want what is best for you" she says and leaves Xiao Chunsheng wondering what it is he exactly wants.
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Xiao Chunsheng cannot sleep anymore. He keeps tossing and turning on his bed, restless energy coursing through him. Did he make the wrong choice?
His soulmate could be very hurt if he even received a call. But Xiao Chunsheng is here avoiding him just because he had started to feel some sort of connection. Did he stay with him only to expect something in return? Expecting his soulmate would wake up and then just what? Hug Xiao Chunsheng?
The thought of his soulmate waking up to find himself alone in a hospital room, abandoned by the one who had saved him, fills Xiao Chunsheng with unease. And suddenly he cannot want more than now to be by his side.
Making a decision, he grabs his coat and keys. He carefully closes the door of his room behind him, making sure to make no noise. He does not want his mother to give him an I told you kind of look.
Leaving his room behind, Xiao Chunsheng steps outside the house in the middle of the night, cold and shivering. He should have taken a thicker coat.
As Xiao Chunsheng arrives at the hospital, he is greeted by the sterile scent and dimly lit corridors. The waiting hours are already over so he will have to be quick to avoid the medical staff visiting him.
As he approaches the room, he notices a faint glow emanating from beneath the partially closed door. He will only see him once. Just see from afar and see how he is doing and just leave.
Taking a moment to compose himself, Xiao Chunsheng gently pushes the door open, revealing the room bathed in the soft glow of bedside lamps. He cautiously steps inside, his eyes instantly moving to the bed, thinking he will find his soulmate sleeping.
But what Xiao Chunsheng sees instead is his soulmate, better than he was the last time he was here, sitting up and looking at Xiao Chunsheng with a smug smile on his face.
And anger like never before fills Xiao Chunsheng’s chest.
"Who do you think you are?" Xiao Chunsheng’s voice trembles with anger. "You lied and have the gall to be smug right now!?"
His soulmate's smile wavers, replaced by a flicker of surprise, that smug smile long gone. "You would not have visited me otherwise," he says simply like that makes any sense.
Xiao Chunsheng’s anger begins to boil in him. How dare he use his care against him? To lure him here? How dare he!? Here Xiao Chunsheng was worried for him and here his soulmate is lying to him!
"That doesn't justify lying to me," Xiao Chunsheng retorts, his voice tinged with hurt. "I came here because I care about you" he seethes. "Why did you have to lie"
Staring so intently at him, his soulmate's expression softens, remorse replacing the surprise on his face. "I... I did not mean to deceive you," he stammers and for the first time, Xiao Chunsheng sees genuine remorse there. "I merely wanted to see and talk to you"
Xiao Chunsheng’s anger subsides slightly. He takes a deep breath, attempting to collect his thoughts and find a way forward. "I was genuinely scared something had happened," Xiao Chunsheng says, his voice disappointed. "I would have come for you if you had just been honest with me"
His soulmate's eyes meet his and then shift to the bandage wrapped around his hand. He gestures at it with his head, "Is your hand fine?"
Xiao Chunsheng is still standing at the door, angry and confused. This feels strange, having this conversation with him so late at night. "It is better now," he says and just stands there, the string hanging between them.
The silence is so strong around them, awkward really, that Xiao Chunsheng wants to run back home. He is considering it when he hears his soulmate saying, "Come here"
"What?"
"I said" the man begins, face twisting as if it is causing him physical pain to say this. "Come here and sit" he continues.
Xiao Chunsheng blankly stares at the man and then around the room. The chair Xiao Chunsheng had kept in the room back then is not here and nor is any other place to sit. Well other than the bed his soulmate was in.
Did he mean-
"No!" Xiao Chunsheng’s voice rises instinctively, his eyes widening. The fact that this man he does not even know the name of wants him to be close to him! If he was not on a hospital bed before this, Xiao Chunsheng himself would put him there.
The man gives him a blank stare. "Do you plan to stand there all the time then?"
Xiao Chunsheng does not answer him, just huffs, and turns his head away.
"Suits you then" the man mutters under his breath.
Minutes pass between them and none of them speaks once again. It is then when footsteps echo in the hall and his and the man's eyes meet again, this time in panic.
Xiao Chunsheng is not supposed to be here. With panic settling in, Xiao Chunsheng quickly looks around the room, searching for a place to hide. He spots a small storage closet near the entrance and gestures to his soulmate, urging him to keep quiet who has this amused expression on his face. The footsteps draw nearer, and Xiao Chunsheng moves swiftly, slipping into the closet and leaving the door slightly ajar.
As the door creaks open, a nurse enters the room, carrying a tray of medications. She approaches the bed where Xiao Chunsheng’s soulmate is sitting, unaware of the unexpected visitor hiding just a few steps away. The nurse exchanges a few words with the patient, checking his vitals and adjusting his iv. Xiao Chunsheng strains to listen, but the conversation is muffled by the closed door.
After a few minutes, the nurse finishes her tasks and then leaves. Xiao Chunsheng sighs in relief and gets out of the storage closet, only to see his soulmate muffling a laugh.
Xiao Chunsheng’s eyes are narrow as he steps forward, his frustration mounting. "what's so funny?" he demands.
His soulmate tries to compose himself, a smirk lingering on his lips. "You are weird" he chuckles. "I didn't expect you to be so... Sneaky."
Xiao Chunsheng feels his face heat up with embarrassment, but he quickly regains his composure. "I was just trying to avoid any complications," he retorts, crossing his arms over his chest. "it's not like I wanted to be caught snooping around." at night, goes unsaid but the man hears it all the same.
His soulmate's laughter fades, and he studies Xiao Chunsheng with a thoughtful expression. "You came here for me?" he asks, his tone softer than before.
Xiao Chunsheng’s anger dissipates, replaced by annoyance. "Yes," he admits, his voice quieter. "Despite everything and you being an idiot and a liar, I still care about you. I wanted to see if you were okay," he confesses.
"Why?" the man asks again, an echo of the same question he had asked before.
"Because unlike some people I’m a good person"
Xiao Chunsheng was expecting a rebuke or a mocking answer but he was not expecting his eyes to go soft and then saying, "You are a good person, Xiao Chunsheng"
Xiao Chunsheng is taken aback by his soulmate's unexpected response. The sincerity in his eyes catches him off guard, momentarily leaving him at a loss for words. He had braced himself for further resistance or disdain, but instead, this sincerity. And him knowing his name when Xiao Chunsheng has been calling him soulmate or a man in his mind.
Unable to find the right words, Xiao Chunsheng simply nods, his gaze locked with his soulmates. There is a warmth spreading within him, a tenderness that softens his features.
As the silence envelops them, Xiao Chunsheng gathers his thoughts, finally finding his voice. "You know my name"
His soulmate's eyes widen as if he was caught doing something he should not be doing and averts his gaze. "The aunties and the staff only talk about you"
Xiao Chunsheng’s eyebrows furrow slightly but he laughs. "What have they been saying about me?"
His soulmate shifts uncomfortably, his gaze still avoiding Xiao Chunsheng’s eyes. "They speak highly of you"
"Is that why you let me in today?" Xiao Chunsheng asks, his tone gentle yet seeking confirmation. "Needed confirmation about my character?"
He does not get an answer back, only another, "Are you going to stand there all night?"
With a sigh, Xiao Chunsheng takes a hesitant step forward, his resolve wavering. "Fine," Xiao Chunsheng says, his voice laced with reluctance. "But I won't stay for long."
Xiao Chunsheng cautiously approaches the bed and gingerly sits down on the edge, keeping a safe distance between them. The air in the room feels heavy, charged. There is only a little space between them and he swears he feels the red string thrumming with intensity within him.
"Were you planning to ever tell me your name?" Xiao Chunsheng asks, playing with the hem of his coat. "I heard you refused to tell anyone anything"
For a few minutes, Xiao Chunsheng thinks he will not get an answer. But then there is a movement by his side and then, "my name is Lei Yu and as for anything else, no one should know"
Xiao Chunsheng’s gaze shifts from playing with the hem of his coat to Lei Yu, his soulmate. Lei Yu.
"Lei Yu" Xiao Chunsheng tests the name on his lips and hears Lei Yu’s breath hitching in his throat. HMylikes the name. He turns his head, only to find Lei Yu’s attention already on him.
"You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to share," Xiao Chunsheng says, his voice sincere. "Or anyone for that matter. Just do not be an idiot anymore" he says the last part with an amusing tone.
Lei Yu’s eyes soften, and a hint of a smile tugs at the corners of his lips that he is trying to suppress. "I was never an idiot"
Xiao Chunsheng’s eyebrows raise at Lei Yu’s response. There is a spark of amusement in his eyes as he leans closer to him and bumps his shoulder with his.
"Oh really?" Xiao Chunsheng says, a playful glint in his voice. "Are you sure about that? Because I distinctly remember you being quite an idiot since we met"
"that is because you have a bad memory"
Xiao Chunsheng feigns offense, placing a hand over his heart in an exaggerated manner. "a bad memory? I will have you know, I have an impeccable memory, my dear Lei Yu. I remember every single foolish thing you have done since the day we met."
And then raises his injured hand at him and enjoys the way Lei Yu’s body fills with guilt. Xiao Chunsheng has not had the time to enjoy that when suddenly he gently grabs his hand and cradles it carefully in his own.
"Does it hurt?" Lei Yu asks, tracing over the cut ever so gently.
Xiao Chunsheng’s breath catches in his throat at the tender touch of Lei Yu’s fingers. He watches as Lei Yu’s gaze remains fixed on their intertwined hands; his expression unreadable. They are so close, only one move from him and they would be close enough for their lips to-
"It's fine," Xiao Chunsheng murmurs, wanting to pull his hand away but unable to. Lei Yu’s attention and the way he is holding his hand is making Xiao Chunsheng’s heart racing in his chest. "it's healing well, don't worry"
Lei Yu’s eyes flicker up to meet Xiao Chunsheng’s, searching for something as if trying to decipher the truth behind his words. Xiao Chunsheng sees the sincerity in Lei Yu’s gaze, and it softens his heart despite his initial anger.
"I'm sorry," Lei Yu says and with that expression of sincerity, the moonlight pouring through the window, framing his ethereal face, Xiao Chunsheng finds it hard to breathe, unable to for any words.
But Lei Yu takes his silence as him not forgiving him and turns to him, tightening his hold on his hand and pulling him closer. The sudden pulls make Xiao Chunsheng yelp, his heart pounding even harder in his chest as he stumbles forward, his body colliding with Lei Yu’s, their chests almost touching.
Lei Yu’s eyes stay determined and tender, a slight surprise as if his actions surprise him. "I’m sorry"
And for some strange reason, Xiao Chunsheng finds it captivating. The way they are so close and he can see and count every single lash on his eyes, the cut that is healing on his forehead, and the plum lips that his gaze flickers to on their own.
He cannot see what Lei Yu’s face is doing, not when his eyes are stuck on his lips. He just knows one of them or maybe both are leaning in closer and closer until--
A hiccup decides to grace Xiao Chunsheng with its presence.
The unexpected interruption causes them to freeze, their faces mere inches apart. They exchange a startled glance.
A nervous chuckle escapes Xiao Chunsheng’s lips, breaking the tension that has settled between them. What was he going to do kissing Lei Yu? If anything, the hiccup saved him!
Then why is his face flushing from embarrassment? He tries to hide his face in his palms, still hiccupping like there is no tomorrow.
He peeks at Lei Yu from between his fingers, only to find him trying to hide his laugh. "Would you stop laughing!?" Xiao Chunsheng says but it comes out more like a whine than a proper protest.
It makes Lei Yu laugh even harder, the sound of his laugh making a smile twitch on Xiao Chunsheng’s face too. He hides it by clearing his throat. But Lei Yu does not stop laughing. If anything, it makes him laugh harder until he is wincing from what seems like him accidentally pulling on one of the stitches.
"This is what you get for laughing" Xiao Chunsheng huffs, still putting his hand on Lei Yu’s shoulder to check on him. "Do I need to call the nurse?" he asks in concern, trying to hide it with nonchalance.
Lei Yu waves the suggestion away and then looks at him pointedly.
"What?"
"Your hiccups"
"My hiccups, what?"
Lei Yu sighs heavily. "Your hiccups stopped, Chunsheng"
Xiao Chunsheng blinks. Oh, he had not even noticed that in between everything. "Oh, they really did"
And then Xiao Chunsheng realizes something again and makes to stand up from the bed. "Did you fake being in pain again? Do you ever learn, Lei Yu?"
Lei Yu grabs his arm to stop him, a furrow on his face. "Do you have to think the worse of me every single time?" his tone was like he genuinely cannot believe Xiao Chunsheng said this.
Xiao Chunsheng gently extricates his arm from Lei Yu’s grip but does not pull away completely. "Well, you did not give me a lot to trust you on yet, so don't blame me"
Lei Yu’s shoulder slump slightly and Xiao Chunsheng feels a little remorse on the choice of his words again. He does not say something and Xiao Chunsheng cannot think of how to make the situation better either, so he only takes a step back and fixes his coat, intending to leave.
"Where are you going?" Lei Yu asks, his voice sounding concerned and when Xiao Chunsheng looks at him, there is a hint of worry on his face but he quickly hides it when he meets his eyes.
"I need to go back home. It is getting late" he points to the moonlight shining through the window and then checks his watch. Three am glares back at him.
Lei Yu does not like that it seems. He looks at him with a stern expression and says, "Don't be dumb. It is too late to be going around alone. Stay here with me for the night. You can leave in the morning"
The words stay here with me for the night and tingle pleasantly in his ears. His face flushes from them, the other meaning behind his words roaring in his mind.
Xiao Chunsheng’s gaze lingers on Lei Yu as he processes his words and how to respond. He can see the genuine concern etched on Lei Yu’s face, the genuine worry that he is trying to hide but failing to.
The red string thrums on his finger, making Xiao Chunsheng shiver, as if telling him to stay.
Seeing his hesitation, Lei Yu shifts to get off the bed and stands on shaky legs before Xiao Chunsheng can begin to protest.
"Then I will walk you home" he announces in a tone that leaves no room for argument.
The sight of Lei Yu’s unsteady legs makes Xiao Chunsheng entire self-pause. Concern washes over him, overriding his initial hesitation.
"Lei Yu, do not push yourself. You are still recovering," Xiao Chunsheng chastises, rushing to his side to push him back on the bed.
Lei Yu goes willingly, his tense shoulders are slightly relaxed. Why does he want to push himself and be such an idiot!
Lei Yu offers a small, reassuring smile, but it does not quite mask the pain in his eyes. "I’ll be fine. I do not want you to walk alone at this hour."
"Ya, tell that to the pain lines here" Xiao Chunsheng laughs, flicking Lei Yu’s forehead with his finger. It takes him too long to realize what he is even doing. He pulls his hand back immediately but before he can, Lei Yu grabs it on his own.
"Stay" he repeats and this time, Xiao Chunsheng’s resolve weakens, and he relents. He suddenly has no doubt that if he insisted on going back, Lei Yu will follow him and worsen his condition.
"Alright," Xiao Chunsheng agrees, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "I’ll stay"
And it all seems worth it for the relieved smile that spreads on Lei Yu’s face.