Chapter Text
Chongyun and Xingqiu have been part of each other's lives for far too long. They grew up together and supported each other through both good and bad decisions as well as during bad and good moments. They were now halfway college, sharing a little apartment for students so they could escape from their families and follow their own dreams, together. They've always been best friends, and no stupid crushes or little swings between them would change that.
Or it would?
It is undeniable by now the fact that Chongyun has liked Xingqiu for quite a while, but at this point he cannot bring himself to say it knowing Xingqiu doesn't feel the same. It would only make things awkward.
Being halfway through the second year of college also sucks. The second and third year are always the worst, but Chongyun likes to think that he's dealing great with it. He couldn't say the same thing about Xingqiu though… Chongyun knows his career is more demanding, so he tries to take care of Xingqiu the best he can. Not letting him stay awake too late at night finishing projects, studying, writing or reading –that one’s the worst, because if Xingqiu is well invested in a book, there's no Archon that can bring him to bed–, or cooking when he notices Xingqiu being ate up by work; which also ends up bad, mostly because Chongyun's cooking is too bland for him since he doesn't use much spices –Chongyun cannot handle spice–. But it works just right for both of them, Xingqiu likes to be spoiled once in a while after all, and Chongyun knows it. He doesn't care though, he is the first one to indulge Xingqiu into tricking or teasing him. He often thinks Xingqiu is going to drive him crazy one of these days.
Xingqiu studied linguistics and he dreams of becoming a novelist one day. Chongyun supports him with all his being, even if Xingqiu doesn't let him read any of his drafts because he thinks it is too embarrassing. He, on the other hand, studies history and wants to specialize in Asian antique legends and history because he finds it so interesting, filled with so much meaning behind every fact and finding the reason why a lot of things are like they are now thanks to it. Chongyun could even say that it is what he has always wanted to do, to study, and in the same way Chongyun supports Xingqiu, Xingqiu is very happy for Chongyun, for having found the thing he's decided to dedicate his passion to, and Chongyun can't thank him enough.
Even if they spend the majority of their time together, Chongyun would be lying if he said he is bored of it. Chongyun would be lying if he said he didn't find peace in the quiet of the living room where Xingqiu lies on the sofa with a book in hand while Chongyun is sitting by the table doing some homework, knowing Xingqiu should be doing the same. It wouldn't be true if Chongyun denied the way his heart twists when he's caught staring at Xingqiu, honey-like eyes looking back at him as Xingqiu gifts Chongyun a smile before continuing with his reading. Chongyun could be bored, but he's too in love for that.
In the middle of second year, Xingqiu starts to take interest in what Chongyun studies. It surprises Chongyun, but who is him to say no when Xingqiu asks him about his passion? Chongyun has never been the one to talk a lot, the other way around, he finds himself listening to Xingqiu rumble about the novels and books he reads pretty often, but once Xingqiu asked about one thing specifically that coincided with his favorite topic in the world, he cannot help his excitement.
“Hey, Yun.” Chongyun gazed away from his laptop at the call of his name by his best friend. The nickname sounded just right, Xingqiu used it since they were kids. Chongyun wouldn't admit out loud that he likes it a little too much. “The other day in class we saw that this is quite a common topic for books and I guessed you would know more about it. Cultivation? Like, antique culti– whoah!” Xingqiu exclaimed the very moment he saw Chongyun slapping his laptop shut and practically running to the couch. “Haha, cu– uh, you seem to like this topic, don't you?” Xingqiu smiled softly, tilting his head a little, strands of hair following the move. Chongyun didn't even notice the tremble in Xingqiu's words due to his own excitement, even so that he felt a hot wave run through his entire body, eyes shining.
“Of course! It's my favorite topic! I literally died when I read that I would get to study that in uni. You know, Chinese cultivation has been going on for centuries, as a way of religious practice, mostly in Buddhism and Taoism. It's like a construction of meditation and Qiqong intended to teach discipline and morals. It is said that this type of practice led to three different purposes: exorcism, religious practice as I've said earlier, and dealing with Gods and Demons. As false as it seems, there are actually a lot of papers and writings that prove it, but it of course depends on each beliefs. Combined with martial arts, cultivation was a way to train disciples back in the day when the country was divided in clans and sects and one could become very powerful. It is truly impressive! That's one of the reasons I started practicing wushu, which I bet you know that it's a more extensive way to call martial arts, such as kung fu, and it helps mostly for self defense as well as an art itself. Monks would often say that there are two types of exercise in martial arts: external for the development of the body and internal for a better development of the inner strength. Most martial arts are of the second type though, which can be related to the huge amount of meditation that the cultivation requires and–” Chongyun made the mistake of looking up at Xingqiu, right in the eyes. Then, he was suddenly super aware; the way his hands moved while explaining, the way Xingqiu is looking straight at him with wide eyes and a tiny smile in impression and maybe he's been talking too fast and too much. Not being able to look away from the honey-like eyes, his voice trembled. “Uh, oh– sorry, too much info? I got distracted for a moment and–”
“No!” Xingqiu shook his hands in disapproval. “I was listening, really, it's just– I'm happy to see you talking so enthusiastically about this. Usually it is the other way around.” Xingqiu's mischievous smile definitely made Chongyun's cheeks heat up.
“Sorry…” Chongyun suddenly felt too embarrassed. It was true that usually it is the other way around, Xingqiu talking about books or complaining about class and Chongyun doesn't even need to ask for Xingqiu to just start talking. Chongyun doesn't know what got into him to forget about everything and just talk.
“Don't be, I asked you anyway, didn't I?” Xingqiu raised a hand and, before Chongyun could say anything, Xingqiu rubbed his hair. He always did that, and Chongyun would never quite get used to it, not after the reaction his heart has every time Xingqiu does this. Fighting the urge to lean into the touch, he heard Xingqiu talk again. “Why do you apologize?”
“I don't know, I just… forgot about everything and started talking.” Chongyun moved his head away a little before the touch of Xingqiu's hand could get to his cheek, which was bright red at this point.
“So what?” Xingqiu left a low chuckle. “I guess this is what happens when I yap so much the listener of a best friend I have starts yapping back.” That made Chongyun laugh along Xingqiu too, the sounds filling the room for a while. “You know, you've been practicing martial arts for years and I've rarely seen you perform.”
“That's true…” Chongyun thought about it, and it was true. Well, Xingqiu is very used to finding Chongyun meditating in his room, but hasn't seen him actually practicing. “I'll show you, but not now. I really need to finish my homework for tomorrow. And I must remind you, you have to do the sa–”
“Noooooo.” Xingqiu complained loudly, squirming on the sofa so he could lay there hugging his legs. That made Chongyun laugh, and patting Xingqiu's hip, he got up from the sofa to go back to his laptop.
“I recommend that you finish your work as soon as possible if you don't really want me to cook dinner.” And with that, Xingqiu got up from the sofa as fast as lightning, running towards his room, probably to take his laptop to do his own homework. Chongyun shook his head, thinking if his cooking was really that bad.
☾☼
Xingqiu has been quite interested in the topic ever since. Chongyun isn't going to complain though, he loves chinese cultivation. He finds it so interesting, mostly the way it used to be a way of exorcism back in the day, so that Chongyun sometimes wished he'd been born in that time so he could experience it himself. Actually, Chongyun is the one to believe in ghosts and demons, and one could find him researching for his own curiosity about them. So, everytime Xingqiu asks, sometimes in general and other times making more specific questions, Chongyun found he actually enjoyed talking more than he thought, and Xingqiu would always listen and even participate in the conversation, creating fake and not so fake scenarios involving adventures or exorcisms that would end up bad because of Chongyun's enthusiasm. It's funny when Xingqiu comes up with a fact about cultivation that he read somewhere which turns out to be false, but Chongyun always explains why it is incorrect and what would be correct instead. Though, this doesn't mean Xingqiu stopped coming to Chongyun to rumble about books or shit talk about a character in a novel that Xingqiu holds a grudge against. It never fails to amuse Chongyun when Xingqiu comes to the living room saying ugh this one son of a bitch just had to ruin everything AGAIN– making Chongyun close his laptop and look at Xingqiu's red face with anger –which makes him look very cute, but Chongyun could never bring himself to say it out loud– and just nod at him.
Chongyun has been looking for a day to bring Xingqiu along to his kung fu class since Xingqiu pointed out the fact that he hasn't seen him perform and also because the house isn't really the best place for that. Their apartment isn't very big, which Chongyun finds quite comfy, and they didn't need much space either. The apartment consists of the living room connected to the kitchen, only separated by the counter, a bathroom and two rooms. They spend most of their time home in the living room, usually it is Chongyun sitting with his laptop in hand, doing homework or researching for fun while Xingqiu lies on the couch with a book in hand. On the other hand, when Xingqiu works for uni he usually locks himself in his room, and only then Chongyun occupied the couch. They share the sofa too, when chatting or watching TV.
A notification from his phone popped up next to him, so he turned to see what it was about, even if he expected it. He has texted his shifu to ask him if Xingqiu could show up to class next day, and even if he was a little hesitant at first, the text he just got said that he agreed with it, only if Xingqiu doesn't interrupt the class in any way. Chongyun told him that he wouldn't be any issue even if, now that Chongyun thought about it, he is capable of getting distracted with his very presence. Chongyun felt his cheeks warm at the thought, and he really hopes he won't mess up. He was about to tell all this to Xingqiu, but he noticed the sound of water running down and the horrible singing that came with it, which made Chongyun laugh out loud unconsciously. If Xingqiu heard it, Chongyun doesn't know. He really hoped he didn't though.
Once Chongyun heard the bathroom door open and close again, he was ready to call Xingqiu when he did the same right before him.
“Chongyun! You won't believe what I read yesterday. Ugh this character is so fucking annoying.” Xingqiu sat next to Chongyun on the sofa, and Chongyun prepared himself to listen to Xingqiu curse for the next five minutes straight. “The protagonist to say the least! Really, I love him, but he does things sometimes and fucks up so hard I wish I could grab him by the hair and shake. He's such a bitch I swear–” Xingqiu groaned and Chongyun found it too funny not to laugh.
“But, what did he even do now?” Chongyun asked between chuckles, but he turned to look at Xingqiu when he didn't get a reply. Xingqiu was looking at nowhere, as if lost in his thoughts, and Chongyun didn't know if the red in the other's cheeks was from anger or if it just appeared.
“Uhhh too much lore, long story short he said something at the wrong moment and fucked up so bad almost at the end of the book! He better do something about it or I will show up on TV you hear me?!” Chongyun laughed at the fake threat, shaking his head.
“I hope so, or else I won't live to tell.” Xingqiu bursted out laughing, to which Chongyun followed later. “Is this about the cultivation book you were reading? That's why you've been asking weird things lately.” Chongyun asked, not for the first time though, and Xingqiu laughed in a way Chongyun couldn't really categorize.
“Hehe, uhm, yeah! I mean who else should I ask when I have the one and only expert in cultivation right here?” Xingqiu tapped Chongyun's cheek to accompany his words. “I started this book because it was about cultivation and all that, but much of it is romance as I already told you so I don't really recommend it to you though.” Xingqiu gave him an apologetic smile even if Chongyun knew it, so he didn't really care. He was fine with finding out the story only by what Xingqiu tells him, and also he has fun when he comes up with questions.
“Hopefully this one didn't make you cry your eyeballs out at least.” Chongyun pointed out, because the last cultivation themed book Xingqiu read scared Chongyun more than once, finding Xingqiu constantly crying about it. Xingqiu hit him on the shoulder in response. “Oh, and, I talked with shifu and he let me bring you to my next class, he only asks you not to disturb the class.”
“Fantastic! When and where?” Xingqiu asked enthusiastically, which made Chongyun blush with a little embarrassment, looking at his best friend so excited to see him perform.
“Tomorrow afternoon. I usually go by motorbike, hope you don't mind. I know motorbikes aren't your thing.” Xingqiu smiled nervously at that, but Chongyun continued. “It's at 6:30 PM, so be ready before that.”
“Understood.” He answered as if he was receiving orders. Chongyun chuckled at that, and Xingqiu smiled back. Gosh, Chongyun could feel his face burning already, his best friend really doesn't give him a break, never. His heart feels like it's going to get out of his chest. “So, uh, wanna buy takeout tonight?”
“Okay! Let's make it fried chicken. Spicy for me, normal for you. Chips?” Xingqiu asked, looking up at Chongyun as he took his phone, where the amulet they shared danced when the phone was taken and used.
“Sure.” Chongyun nodded, looking at how Xingqiu called the place's number from memory. While Xingqiu ordered, Chongyun let himself indulge in the view that is his best friend; the amulet they share hanging from his phone, as well as his own. The necklace that Chongyun gifted Xingqiu for a birthday also hangs from his neck, looking delicate and elegant even over Xingqiu's casual clothes. He has combed his hair in a tiny ponytail to be more comfortable since he let his hair grow for the past years. Even if he knew Xingqiu is more expressive than him, sometimes Chongyun wished he had the strength to tell Xingqiu how good looking he is; without his poor feelings in between, as if just an objective, completely platonic comment. But he can't, so he just keeps the thought to himself.
“Chongyun? Is something the matter?” Xingqiu asked, leaning towards him to look at Chongyun, too close for Chongyun's poor heart.
“Huh? No? Why?” Chongyun asked back, quite lost. Xingqiu pinched Chongyun's cheek as he would do with a kid.
“You were staring.” Xingqiu replied, simple and straightforward, sitting next to him again on the sofa. Chongyun couldn't guess how he could say things like that untouched.
“Sorry.” Chongyun chose to apologize. He does that often, kind of afraid to make his best friend uncomfortable with his overwhelming feelings. Xingqiu never cared, he never complained or said anything that he didn't like about him. Chongyun was glad though, if Xingqiu had to ever call his attention for that he doesn't think he could forgive himself.
“I know I'm stunning, don't need to apologize.” Xingqiu joked, and even if Chongyun felt his cheeks growing hot, he genuinely laughed at it. He wouldn't say he thought that anyway.
The food didn't take long, and they ate peacefully after that. Peacefully as far as it goes, because Xingqiu, only Archons know how, managed to leave a spicy chicken wing in Chongyun's free-of-spice cube of fried chicken and Chongyun ate it, and Xingqiu's laughter could be heard through the entire apartment as Chongyun choked down at least three cups of milk which, to everyone's information, was awful. Chongyun doesn't like milk. But the sound of Xingqiu laughing so openly made his chest ache just perfectly so, and Chongyun couldn't help but laugh too, going after Xingqiu who started running away from him, going in circles around the living room.
Chongyun caught Xingqiu from behind, laughing and feeling his heart beating as fast as lightning, making it hard to breathe, but it was also hard to stop laughing. Chongyun could say that he lives for moments like this. He enjoys these moments with Xingqiu as much as the peaceful, quiet moments in each other's company. Xingqiu, laughing, tried to get rid of Chongyun, but Chongyun held Xingqiu tight and didn't let him go. Xingqiu, at the sight of losing, stopped fighting and took the moment to catch his breath.
“Ha, damn, how are you this fast?” Xingqiu looked at Chongyun from behind his shoulder, and then Chongyun realized that he had Xingqiu completely glued to his torso, so he let him go, catching his own breath too. “Oh, look at you! You're all red.” Xingqiu grabbed Chongyun's face with both his hands, laughing.
“You too.” Chongyun smiled, unreasonably happy right now.
“Haha, I'm sorry.” And Xingqiu hugged Chongyun, intertwining his arms around his neck and resting his chin on Chongyun's shoulder. This way, he could feel Xingqiu's heart beating as fast as his, and it took a moment to realize what Xingqiu was apologizing for.
“You bastard.” The insult made Xingqiu laugh, his body shaking against Chongyun's. Just then, Chongyun moved away, walking to the sofa to keep eating his spice-free fried chicken, followed by Xingqiu, who dropped himself on the sofa with a sigh and a smile on his lips. Chongyun fought himself not to stare again. He couldn't help it, Xingqiu really was stunning.
They finished their dinner without further interruption. They stood on the sofa late into the night, until Chongyun felt a pressure on his shoulder coming from his best friend, laying on him and dead asleep. Chongyun smiled, turning off the TV and carrying Xingqiu to his room, careful not to wake him up. Both would regret this in the morning, because they had class early tomorrow, but it was definitely worth it.
Next morning, Chongyun had a hard time waking up. But he did anyways, dressing and trying to make his hair look presentable and opted to make himself some coffee. While it, Chongyun heard Xingqiu entering the living-kitchen, yawning and sitting on the table, looking a bit disoriented.
“Want coffee?” Chongyun asked, searching for a couple cups.
“Please.” Chongyun chuckled at that, Xingqiu's morning voice showing that he really did just wake up. “Thank you.”
“Welcome.” Chongyun sat with Xingqiu to drink his coffee, even if he had to finish it quickly because otherwise he would be late for uni. Xingqiu's class is later than his and in a different place, so Chongyun would go alone first today. He got on his motorbike and started his familiar way to uni.
When he got to uni he ran to one of his classmates mid way. They coincide in a lot of classes, but she gave such a completely different vibe from him but he guessed that history is too vast for all of them to specialize on the same things.
“Chongyun! Haven't awakened yet?” She greeted him, too excited to be eight in the morning.
“Good morning, Hu Tao.” Chongyun greeted her back. “Mh, not quite yet, stood late watching TV yesterday.” He answered Hu tao's literally, and she scoffed in response.
“Yeah, watching TV…That's how they call it these days.” She said, turning and continuing their way to their first class. Chongyun felt his cheeks gain color, but he knew Hu Tao was only joking.
The morning passed normally, he had a few classes two hours each and then got to go home early before lunch. At this hour, Xingqiu is never home, due to his classes being later than Chongyun's, so he has to cook lunch for today. He made sure that it could be something that Xingqiu could season to his taste later.
Xingqiu arrived not too late after that, and he gave Chongyun quite the scare when Xingqiu approached him from behind and rubbed his hair.
“Shit, Xingqiu! You can't just do that while I'm cooking!” His heart was racing, but Xingqiu's laugh made him sigh in exasperation.
“Sorry, sorry. I didn't notice you were cooking.” Obviously a lie, but Chongyun preferred to concentrate on not burning their lunch. “Smells really nice.”
“Thanks.” Chongyun smiled at Xingqiu before he would move away and out of the kitchen. He finished cooking and started putting up the table when Xingqiu came back with more comfortable clothes and with his hair combed in a tiny ponytail. Without the necessity of words, Xingqiu started helping Chongyun with the few things at the table, not before taking his spices for the food.
“You cannot believe what happened today.” Chongyun changed his attention automatically to Xingqiu. Xingqiu started talking and talking as he always does, telling him about the anecdote of the day. Somehow, something manages to happen everyday at Xingqiu’s school that he arrives every afternoon with a storytime to tell. It made their lunches entertaining anyways, so Chongyun didn’t mind. In fact, he participated a lot because his and Xingqiu’s circle of known people and friends coincide so Chongyun knows most of the people Xingqiu talks about.
After lunch, Chongyun had to prepare himself mentally to bring Xingqiu to his wushu class. He accepted Xingqiu’s request without thinking of the consequences, those being that he will probably not be able to concentrate with Xingqiu watching every move. He took a deep breath, hoping that it won't be the case and that the meditation and warming up exercises will calm his heart and mind. Heart be pure, evil be erased. Mind be purged, world be… Chongyun kept repeating in his mind as he took a bath and prepared everything to leave.
“I'm ready!” Xingqiu yelled, making Chongyun jump on the very sofa. He stood up and took his bag before Xingqiu got out of his room, wearing long jeans, a short-sleeved shirt and a blue, sleeveless sweater on top. Chongyun frowned for a moment.
“Wait a sec,” he raised his hand for Xingqiu to stay where he was, going into his room again and taking a second jacket, just as the one he is wearing. He got out and laid the jacket over Xingqiu’s shoulders carefully. “You'll have to wear this for the ride, it's still chilly outside and I don't want you to get hurt either.” Xingqiu opened his eyes at Chongyun’s statement, grabbing the jacket and looking away.
“Thank you.” He smiled, and Chongyun wanted to believe that the little pink spots on Xingqiu's cheeks were a product of his own imagination. He paid it no mind and went to take his bag, with Xingqiu following from behind, for both of them to leave the house.
Xingqiu isn't very fond of motorbikes. Chongyun got his motorbike license since he only needed a fast way to get to everywhere by himself, so he thought it would be a waste to get a car license. Although he has used the motorbike more than once to take Xingqiu to school whenever he was running late, and he learned that Xingqiu is rather scared of it, so he doesn't take him on rides around town as much as he would want, he only takes Xingqiu for a ride if it's strictly necessary. His academy is far from the apartment so he always took the motorbike. Now that he thought of it, he should've told Xingqiu to use the public transport together since he is coming along, but he should've thought about it sooner, not when they were about to take the motorbike and they were already a little late.
Chongyun handed over Xingqiu’s helmet and he took it a little hesitant, and Chongyun again felt bad for not thinking this through before. He took Xingqiu’s hand for a moment.
“Don't worry, we'll be there in a moment, you won't even notice.” Chongyun reassured him, and Xingqiu gifted a weak smile in return. Chongyun helped Xingqiu to get on the motorbike before getting on it himself, and started it.
As soon as the motor growled, Xingqiu clinged onto Chongyun with a curse. Chongyun restrained himself from laughing, instead he took a deep breath and focused on the road. Just as he said, they were there in no time, and he rushed to look for a spot to park the motorbike. Once he did, he got down and took off his helmet to help Xingqiu.
“I'll never get used to this,” he said as he took off his own helmet and handed it to Chongyun, who kept it in the back of the motorbike. He helped Xingqiu to get off the motorbike carefully, because Chongyun was painfully aware that Xingqiu had spent the whole ride shaking.
“Are you okay?” Chongyun refused to let go of him, and even if he wanted to, he couldn't, because Xingqiu himself was still clinging to him for dear life.
“Yeah, yeah, of course.” Chongyun stared deadly at Xingqiu’s sarcastic tone. Xingqiu took a deep breath and stood correctly. “I am! Really!”
“Sure…” Chongyun wasn't so sure, but he left Xingqiu alone for once. He started walking –more like sprinting– towards the academy and Xingqiu ran behind him, trying to get to him until he took his hand.
“You're such a pain,” Xingqiu cursed, obviously not meaning it since Chongyun knew him already, and let Xingqiu grab his hand, ignoring the flip his heart did at the action. Despite that, he squeezed Xingqiu's hand and held it tight until they spotted the academy.
They finally got to the academy and Chongyun greeted his shifu, who gave him a curious glance at their intertwined hands. Chongyun noticed they hadn't let go of each other when they entered the academy, so Chongyun did as soon as his shifu noticed.
“Good afternoon, shifu.” Chongyun bowed, and the man before him did the same. “This is Xingqiu, my roommate.”
“Finally I get a chance to meet you. My name is Guhua, Chongyun has spoken a lot about you.” Chongyun opened his eyes in shock and looked at his shifu, begging for him not to say a word. He felt his face warm up as Xingqiu smiled and bowed.
“The pleasure is mine. I was dying to see Yunyun perform.” Chongyun slapped his face with his hand at the sound of the silly nickname Xingqiu often called him. It was obvious Xingqiu and his shifu had forged an alliance to embarrass him this afternoon without him knowing.
“Well, let's get inside. As I told Chongyun, I would appreciate it if your presence doesn't affect the session, but I know it won't be the case.” Guhua led them inside, and Xingqiu sat where he indicated.
“Of course not. I'm grateful you let me in, I've never seen Chongyun perform so I'm intrigued.” As Xingqiu and his shifu talked, he chose to leave his things where he always leaves them and took off his jacket, trying to calm his heart as he heard Xingqiu say how much he wanted to see him. It did horrible things to his poor heart. But now there was no turning back.
He started his session meditating and warming up as always. Today his shifu taught him some new movements to practice jumps and turns. Chongyun had it almost perfectly, even if he would have wanted to practice on his own more, and YunJin even let him use her practice salon from time to time as long as she wasn't using it. They did a pause to drink water and rest, and while he took his water battle he took a glance at Xingqiu, who at that moment was looking at his phone but noticed him looking, so he looked back and smiled, giving him thumbs up excitedly. Chongyun laughed and left the water bottle with the rest of his things to return to his class.
Chongyun could see from time to time how Xingqiu followed his movements with his honey eyes thanks to the wall mirror in front of him. He couldn't help but feel nervous every time, but he was concentrated enough to keep doing what he was doing with any errors. By the end of the class, Chongyun finished a choreography that included an amazing pirouette with a kick at the end. He could say he was proud and done, he felt as if he had the whole words in his hands at the moment. He enjoyed this amazing feeling that this sport gave him so much, he couldn't help but smile as he did a little meditation to finish the class.
“Thank you for everything.” Chongyun bowed as he was saying goodbye to his shifu.
“Thank you for letting me in, it was truly amazing.” Xingqiu bowed as well, and took his words as a compliment. Chongyun felt happy that Xingqiu enjoyed it, because he was kind of afraid he would get bored, but his focused gaze on him told him otherwise. That made him feel proud of himself, as he made Xingqiu look at him for a while. It was selfish, but he couldn't deny that he liked it.
“I hope to see you again, Xingqiu. Have a good day you two.” Both boys left the place, and Chongyun noticed it was quite late already, so he turned to Xingqiu and asked:
“Do you want to have dinner nearby? There are some good spots we can eat.”
“Sure! Wanna go to Wanmin? Xiangling should be there, let's go pay her a visit.” Xingqiu smiled, and Chongyun had to use every brain cell not to stare.
“Okay, let's go.” Chongyun’s body moved unconsciously towards Xiangling’s family restaurant, due to it being an usual meeting spot so both of them were pretty familiar with the path to get there. Meanwhile, Xingqiu started talking as he usually does.
“I'm truly amazed by how you could do that pirouette! I thought this was a sport that focused on fighting, but it really looked like you were dancing!” Xingqiu moved his hands as he talked, and Chongyun tried not to notice how Xingqiu’s eyes sparkled in the light of the city.
“Dancing?” He asked, since he believes he's terrible at dancing.
“Yes! The choreo looks like dancing, and it's beautiful. Every move has so much emotion and effort, I can see you practiced a lot.” Chongyun felt his cheeks growing hotter the more Xingqiu spoke. “It looked like I travelled several years back. I also felt like when I read these novels I tell you about, when they fight and use their fighting style that mixes martial arts and defense. I cannot explain how beautiful it was.” Xingqiu looked at Chongyun, gifting him one of his most sincere smiles, a smile which made Xingqiu’s eyes disappear and his cheeks look puffy and cute. Chongyun suddenly felt like crying.
“Thank you… I'm glad you liked it. I was scared you were gonna get bored.” Chongyun confessed. He had the courage to look at Xingqiu after.
“I could never get bored with you.”
☾☼
Chongyun opened the door as a rather nervous Xingqiu followed him from behind.
“I completely forgot that we went by motorbike.” Chongyun sighed at Xingqiu’s words.
“I mean, Xiangling talks so much one tends to forget everything.” And he meant it in the most positive way possible. “Hey, sit on the sofa, at this point you're gonna fall.” Chongyun pushed Xingqiu so he fell into the sofa, gaining a loud noise coming from Xingqiu himself.
“Ouch! I’m okay!” He yelled back, sitting correctly on the sofa and leaving room for Chongyun to sit with him.
“You're still trembling, A-Qiu.” Chongyun used the nickname he often used for him as a payback to what Xingqiu did back in the academy, knowing that Xingqiu doesn't like it. Or so Chongyun thought, since every time he used it, Xingqiu’s face went all red and he always yelled at him not to call him that.
“I told you I’m perfectly fine! I can handle a ride! And don't call me–” Chongyun interrupted Xingqiu by hugging him. He felt how Xingqiu became completely stiff, but Chongyun knew what he was doing. He only hoped Xingqiu couldn't feel his trembling heart beating strongly in his chest. “W-what?”
“This always helps.” Chongyun didn't have to explain further. Since they were kids, if Chongyun was scared for whatever reason or horribly scolded, he always looked for Xingqiu to hug him since it helped him calm down his body and stop trembling. And, even after all the beefing, Chongyun was still worried about him for not having thought about the transport earlier, so he hoped it worked as well with Xingqiu as it did with him.
Xingqiu didn't say anything, he only wrapped his arms around Chongyun's neck and hugged him tight. Chongyun reciprocated the effort, holding Xingqiu tight and caressing his back for comfort.
“Next time, we'll use public transport, okay?” Chongyun asked in a low tone, hyper aware of the moment, so that he was physically unable of talking loudly. He felt Xingqiu nod against his shoulder.
“Thank you…” Xingqiu whispered. Chongyun didn't dare to move, trying to regulate his own breathing and heartbeat. Xingqiu sighed, and Chongyun let him relax as much as he wanted, feeling guilty.
Long minutes passed and Chongyun wondered if Xingqiu had fallen asleep or something, because it didn't seem as if he was moving away. Just when Chongyun meant to talk, Xingqiu moved so he could climb on top of Chongyun, sitting astride him. Chongyun’s heart dropped and his heart automatically started beating faster, his whole face turning red so much it reached his ears and neck.
“Xingqiu, what are you–”
“Can we stay like this a little more… please?” He talked against his neck, his warm breath hitting Chongyun who had to repress a shake from head to toe. Besides, who was he to say no?
“Yeah… It's okay.” Chongyun patted Xingqiu’s back for reassurance. Xingqiu sighed again, and Chongyun limited himself to closing his eyes and meditate.
Heart be pure, evil be erased. Mind be purged, world be saved. Heart be pure, evil be erased. Mind be pure, world be…
Chongyun managed to relax as he meditated, but Xingqiu moved away so he could look at Chongyun.
“I'm better now. Thank you, YunYun… Goodnight.” Chongyun locked his eyes in Xingqiu’s honey ones as Xingqiu caressed his cheek for an instant, smiling at him before sitting up, heading to his room. Once he heard the door of Xingqiu’s room closing, his body relaxed onto the sofa and he brought his hands to his red face, rubbing it.
His best friend was going to be the death of him.