Work Text:
Tuesdays are - generally speaking - the worst days of the week.
At least to Chongyun.
His schedule at college is packed with subjects he only attends because it will 'look good on his application papers', as auntie Shenhe has worded it and after his study duties, he has to work a really long shift at a really mediocre café that serves really bad coffee.
But as he is in dire need of money to feed his concerning popsicle addiction, he doesn't really have a choice.
At least they pay him relatively well.
A big downgrade of that job are his co-workers, though.
They are noisy and constantly flirt on the job, urging him to do the same although Chongyun can't recall 'flirting with customers' being a part of the job description.
Weirdly enough he's never been employee of the month (he thinks he'd be very deserving of that award because he's the only one with actual dedication to his job... though the award only gives you a coupon for a free coffee at their own café - which really isn't something a sane person would want, trust him).
His best 'oh dang, we have customers, better be nice'-smile on the lips, Chongyun sets down a tray with two coffee cups in front of a couple and internally apologizes for what their taste buds will have to go through once they start drinking.
Contemplating his life choices, he returns behind the counter (where he doesn't belong, his co-workers shoot him annoyed glances already but he needs a break from running around).
How exactly did he even end up in this horrible café that surprisingly often turns into a stage for overdramatic breakups?
He can't lie, the breakups are entertaining (though not more than his co-workers trying to hit on the fresh singles), nonetheless he wishes every day he didn't have to be here.
Sadly, he'd need money in order to ditch his job and he doesn't really have enough of that. He's barely holding up financially (working ridiculously overtime and running on way too less sleep).
His co-workers start giggling and whispering next to him, a sure as hell indicator that a hot person has entered the café.
And as Chongyun is not immune to such prospects (though he wishes he was), he lifts his head, seeing who must be the most beautiful man in existence walk straight towards the counter (where Chongyun is still standing and very much gay-panicking).
The guy is styled immaculately, dark blue hair peeking out from under a beige beret, a soft brown cardigan wrapped around his slender shoulders, hands hidden behind his back, dark shorts that reveal way too much of those silky pale legs, black boots with red laces that resemble the shade of-
Chongyun can't check him out any further because the dude has reached the counter now. And starts speaking.
To him, to make it worse.
"H-hi. What can I get you today?", not the most elegant greeting but Chongyun's mind is running panicked laps around the one he secretly calls 'beautiful boy' in his head.
The guy frowns slightly. Oh damn, did he already order and Chongyun was too lost beneath the clouds to hear him? That would be bad, he won't get an extra paycheck if he messes up like this.
"Could you recommend something?", the boy taps his chin in thought.
Chongyun thinks it might be the prettiest chin in existence.
A few notable seconds of awkward silence later, his brain has finally processed the request.
"N-nothing!", he blurts out, barely noticing what he is even saying "I can't recommend any of our stuff.".
This is a terrible way to do business, he will definitely get fired in about 10 minutes (once the boss returns from her coffee break at the café across the street) and he doesn't actually feel ready for that but well, it's his own fault, isn't it?
The customer giggles.
"And why would that be?", the guy playfully leans closer, making Chongyun feel like he was 5 seconds close to fainting.
He really knows why he is so against the 'flirting with customers' policy. His poor heart can't handle such flirtatious actions of such pretty people.
"It's just... none of the stuff we sell is really good.".
One of his co-workers smacks his side. "Behave!", she hisses.
The customer's smile fades: "Why... I just wanted to have a breakfast drink here."
Chongyun smiles apologetically, letting his co-worker shove him out of the way to take over.
"I can recommend our caramel latte.".
Chongyun winces. Caramel latte is one of the worst drinks they serve here. He stares at the customer, trying to somehow build up a telepathic connection and tell him that this is a really bad idea!
It doesn't work, obviously.
"I'll take a caramel latte, then.", the customer's gaze wanders from his co-worker to Chongyun and he can't help but notice the guy's eyes have the color of molten caramel.
"Thank you for your service.", the guy flashes his teeth in a quick smile and Chongyun allows himself to indulge in the fantasy that it was meant only for him.
It is embarrassing how delusional he has become.
This café really is doing no good to him.
"Chongyun get working, goddammit!!", his co-worker smacks his arm again. If she continues like that, he'll have multiple bruises by the time they close.
"Working?", Chongyun echoes (yes, this must be a new addition to his 'top 10 moments I was embarrassingly dumbfounded'- collection. Most likely it will take 1st place).
"Yes. WORKING! Go. Make. Our. Lovely. Customer. A. Caramel. Latte!", the way she stresses each word makes it obvious that she's long lost her patience.
But Chongyun must agree, the customer truly is lovely.
He scurries towards the coffee machine and suddenly feels aware of all the eyes that are trained on him ('all the eyes' is a real exaggeration here, because only around 3 people are looking at him but one of them is the pretty customer, so he somehow feels self-conscious).
With the most care he's ever put into anything, he works on messing up the instruction for the caramel latte as thoroughly as possible. If he only messes up bad enough, it will taste good!
So he sprinkles some cinnamon here, takes away some caramel there and in the end adds a heart to the foam (it looks more like a wilted flower, but well, the effort is what counts, right?).
Sweating anxiously, he carries the tray with his sinful beast of a creation towards the booth where the guy has chosen to take a seat. It's one of their nice ones, well secluded and providing at least some privacy. Yet Chongyun would never sit there on his own free will (which is due to the fact that he would NEVER, NOT EVEN IN HIS WILDEST NIGHTMARES take a seat in this hellhole of a café).
"Ummm... here's your caramel latte.".
The guy looks up from his phone (a model that is worth more than what Chongyun has earned in his two years of working in this café) and blesses him with a smile.
His actual plan was to retreat as fast as possible, so he doesn't have to see the look of disgust that will inevitably spread on the pretty face, but his body freezes in place when he notices the red thread that is tied around the customer's pinky finger.
This is the first time he's ever seen a string of fate.
He knows the folktales, of course. Those stories of hopeless romantics who proposed to people just because they saw a red thread around their finger... but he had always thought those were just tales. Bedtime stories for children, to lull them to sleep.
"Is something the matter?", the customer looks at him, sorrow clouding his pretty brown eyes.
"No-nothing.", Chongyun stammers, almost stumbling over his own feet when he finally retreats behind the counter again.
Is it normal to be able to see someone else's string?
But Chongyun has never even seen his own.
He peeks down towards his hands and almost drops the cup he was wiping dry when he notices the vibrant red string tied around his pinky finger.
He chokes on nothing but thin air, breaking into a violent coughing fit.
No, this can't be. When has his own thread become visible?
Could it have something to do with-
"Chongyun!", an angry voice rips him out of his thoughts.
Oh shoot, it's his boss!!
"Your co-workers have informed me that your work ethic today is even worse than normally. Get yourself together or I will fire you!".
Chongyun searches for traces of humor or irony in her voice but there are none. His boss is being serious (a serious asshole!).
His head ducked down, he nods.
He must really do better.
The thread is no life-changing obstacle after all.
It merely means he has met his soulmate, the one he is destined to be with, the one who understands and loves him in a way no one else could...
Okay, this is a catastrophe.
He isn't exactly ready to get into a relationship, though mainly because his experiences in that field scale up to 0 and he doesn't feel like changing that.
What if they laugh at him if he admits he has never kissed anyone?
Gods, this is a disaster!
Deep in thought he continues cleaning the used cups, soon being joined by one of his co-workers.
"Are you okay, Chongyun? You seem pretty out of the ordinary today.".
Oh, so it's plain obvious. Damn!
"Have you ever seen a red string of fate?", his mouth blurts out before his head can follow up.
"What??", his co-worker narrows her eyes "Well, I've seen that one drama a while ago, but it really was trash, I absolutely don't recommend that. Though, the main character was pretty cu-"
"No, I mean in real life.", Chongyun cuts her off.
His co-worker stares at him, mouth wide open like a fish: "In real life? Of course not!", she rolls her eyes "Why would such cheesy children's stories be real?"
Chongyun nibs on his lower lip in a desperate attempt to calm himself: "But I saw-"
"You should really go see a therapist if you experience hallucinations like that!".
Chongyun glances down at his pinky where the red string is still tied in all its glory.
Experimentally, he tries to tug on it, but his fingers simply move through the thread as if it was air.
Maybe he is hallucinating, after all...
"Chongyun, I really don't know what's wrong with you today but the guy in booth 7 has been signaling at you to come collect his money for the past six minutes and 38 seconds."
Chongyun flinches. Booth 7 is the one with the overly pretty customer. The one with the caramel eyes.
"Excuse me.", he huffs once he reaches the guy's table.
The boy flashes him another one of those sugary sweet smiles Chongyun could become an addict to, all too easily. He thinks perfect coffee would taste like his smile looks. Well, he wouldn't be opposed to tasting that smile either.
His resistance to kisses has melted surprisingly fast.
"The caramel latte was excellent, possibly the best I ever had, why didn't you want to give me a recommendation?".
Chongyun can feel himself shrink under that pretty, pretty gaze.
"Um, because I- I...", his voice trails off, somewhere towards a place in the back of his mind. A place where everything is easy and light "I had to mess with the recipe in order to create this drink. My boss would jump me if she knew that.".
"Wow, you're really skilled.", the guy cheers, pulling out his wallet "How much does that wonderful drink cost me?".
Chongyun spends a few desperate seconds trying to remember their price list, then helps himself with a glance towards the menu that is written on a chalkboard above the bar.
The guy unceremoniously whips out a banknote that is worth almost six times as much as the drink costs.
Chongyun fiddles with his own wallet to give the guy the overdue money back, but he is stopped by a soft chuckle: "Oh no need. You can keep it all.", he winks and Chongyun thinks he will faint right here "If only I get your name in return... I must know who to ask for when I'm in need of my favourite barista.".
Chongyun's knees are no more than jelly at this point, he even needs to hold onto the table for support.
"It's Chongyun. Thank you so much, I-"
He is interrupted by frantic shouting from behind the bar: "Chongyun!! Were you on dish duty today? These cups are the furthest from clean I've ever seen!! I swear I will fire you if there's one more incident!".
Shooting the customer one last apologetic smile, Chongyun rushes back to accept his fate.
<3
Thursdays are far from being Chongyun's favourite days, but they might become.
Just because Mr Caramel Eyes has returned.
In all his glory that makes Chongyun's heart beat way too fast.
What makes it even worse for his poor heart, is the customer walking right towards him, even though he isn't at the counter but rather cleaning a table where around three different drinks were spilled. He tries his best not to shudder at the disgust chilling through his bones.
"Hi Chongyun!", the pretty guy cheers "I'm so glad you're here now. I came here this morning to look for you, but you weren't on shift yet.".
Chongyun is completely gone at that. The prettiest customer this café has ever seen came here, only for him?
Okay, once he thinks about it in some more depth, it's probably not because of him, but because of the coffee he makes. Nonetheless, he allows himself to get lost in how great those words make him feel.
"Are you here to get a caramel latte again?".
The guy giggles: "Of course I am! Can you read my mind, Chongyun?".
His name sounds really nice when the beautiful boy pronounces it.
"Take a seat wherever you like, I'll start preparing your drink once I'm done cleaning here.".
Only once he stands in front of the coffee machine, Chongyun realizes he has no actual clue how to make the same caramel latte he's made before.
He can feel panic rise in his chest.
He'll make a bad latte, the customer will hate it and never return, never say his name again, never call him 'my favourite barista' again.
This is a tragedy.
And Chongyun is in the center of it, all because that guy is so damn cute and has a thread wrapped around his pinky finger that resembles the one on his own so much (only because they are the only two threads Chongyun can see).
Wait a minute.
The spoon he used to measure the caramel clatters to the ground.
Heads turn, he can see annoyed co-workers glaring at him from left and right but surprisingly enough, he doesn't care much.
He must make a good latte now and then find out if the guy can see the thread too.
Only... making the caramel latte is harder than he thought.
He did use cinnamon, right? But how much?
For how long did he stir it?
He shoots an anxious glance through the café and already fears the customer might have left until he spots him in the same booth as last time, reciprocating his gaze with a strong, steady one.
Oh lord, Chongyun really is into his eyes.
He wishes he could look into them more often.
He adds another spoonful of caramel, suddenly feeling ecstatic again.
The heart in the foam looks better this time, almost like an actual heart.
He picks up the cup (a little too fast, a few drops spill onto his white shirt - his boss will never let him hear the end of that), and carries it to his favourite customer's table, together with two cookies the guy didn't order but that taste alright, he knows. This is the least he can do to show him he likes him.
"Here you go! Your special edition caramel latte.", he smiles sheepishly at the customer.
"Oh, but I didn't order any cookies...", his lips are so pretty, Chongyun wishes he could draw his own over them, breathing in the other's taste and whichever tiny noises he might make.
He smiles back: "It's alright. They're on the house.", he is not allowed to give away free stuff, so this is the last straw that will get him fired if his boss finds out, but in all honesty, he doesn't care too much. Not when that customer gives him a smile, so gentle it could easily outshine the sun.
"Thank you so much, Chongyun!! You're really nice!".
This.
This will become the base of so so many nightly fantasies, Chongyun already knows and can't hold back a blush.
Once again, luck is not on his side, though (or his co-workers simply are little devils), because he gets called to help out at the bar again.
"I'm sorry...", he doesn't even know how he still manages to speak, everything is weirdly muted at this point.
Everything except the pretty customer whose eyes are still trained on him.
"Don't worry. I will wait for you, no matter how long.".
Great, another sentence that Chongyun's mind will twist and turn until it becomes an obvious love confession which he will play himself in his head over and over again.
He should really get to work again.
For some reason, his co-workers seem mad at him today, because as soon as he has finished one task, they give him the next.
By the time they finally let him breathe again, the café is about to close and all customers have left.
Including the one Chongyun is always so enchanted by.
Not really able to hide his sadness, he strolls over to the booth to collect the empty cup when his eyes suddenly notice a piece of paper that's stuck underneath.
The handwriting is really hard to decipher, basically illegible but Chongyun can make out his own name at the top.
Has the customer really left him a letter?
Chongyun tucks it safely into his pockets, finishes cleaning for the day and bids goodbye to his boss who surprisingly enough lets him go without a lecture. (Is she ill?)
He doesn't even make it to his bike until the impatience gets the best of him and he fiddles with the paper again, trying to decipher its contents.
The message isn't long, barely 15 words, but it proves as an undoable task.
If he is not mistaken, it says 'Dear Chongyun' at the top, but the actual contents of the message remain a riddle, no matter how hard he tries.
His eyes finally still on the last word.
It looks like a signature of sorts.
Xinyu? No. Xirgu? That doesn't sound likely either.
Chongyun sighs, tilting the paper in the pathetic hope to get a better look at the signature but all it does is reveal his pinky. The one that's still decorated with a red string.
Chongyun groans in frustration.
He won't get anywhere like this.
His only chance now is to wait until the customer stops by at the café again.
Which could be never if he has messed up on the caramel latte.
<3
The good thing about Sundays is that Chongyun doesn't have to work. He can stay in bed all day, indulging in videogames, simping over fictional characters and neglecting his body hygiene.
This Sunday is different, though.
One of his co-workers fell ill, so he has to fill in... and he isn't even mad about the additional workload.
The last two days at the café were rather sad.
Every time, the door had opened, he had scurried there like a clingy dog, only to be disappointed when a face greeted him that doesn't belong to Xinyu?/Xirgu?... argh, whatever his name may be, Chongyun misses him.
So he is more than eager to return to the one place he can meet him at.
It seems that whatever is responsible for happiness, is kind to him today because Pretty Boy really shows up a few hours after noon.
Chongyun almost lets out a squeal. How embarrassing.
His co-workers would call him 'squirrel' if he did, and he'd never lose that nickname again.
"Oh, Chongyun! What a delight to see you! I was afraid you wouldn't be here today, so seeing you proves as a pleasant surprise.".
This must be the best greeting he's ever gotten.
"N-no, don't worry, I'm here.".
He sounds so stupid. He's just a barista, not a knight in shining armor, coming to rescue Xinyu?/Xirgu? - he should really find out the guy's name.
"Did my little letter reach you?".
Aaaah, Chongyun is about to combust.
Why is that guy so illegally cute?
"Yes, it did.", he tries to signal his co-workers that they should take over the incoming orders, because he sadly is REALLY BUSY right now. Busy flirting, yes. But busy, nonetheless.
"So... do you accept?".
A-accept? He knows he should've spent more than a ridiculously low amount of 6 hours trying to decode the letter.
He uncomfortably shuffles his feet on the floor: "Well... I must admit... I couldn't read all the parts. I really tried to, but-".
He is cut off by the customer stretching a hand into his direction. "Come on, show me. Is it really that bad? I thought my handwriting had finally improved.".
Chongyun prays the guy will not consider it weird that he literally carries the letter around in his wallet.
Okay, judging by his amused frown, he does.
"You actually have it with you?? Wow!", he unfolds the paper, frowning slightly in the process (probably because he has spotted the note Chongyun has left on one of the edges - a note in which he debates the guy's possible names.).
"Dear Chongyun.", he needs a moment to process that the guy is reading his letter out loud and not casually addressing him with a term of endearment (what a pity, Chongyun would love that) "Your latte tasted magical as always. Wanna meet up with me? Xingqiu.".
"Meet up with you?", Chongyun doesn't think his face can get any redder than it already is but Xingqiu - what a pretty name - is colored in by a pretty heavy blush, too.
"Yes, meet up outside of this café... when you don't have to work, so I can...", his blush deepens "have all your attention on me.".
Chongyun feels more like a robot than a human when he nods: "I'd love that!".
"Are you free this evening?", Xingqiu tilts his head a little and Chongyun thinks it's too adorable "How about 7:30 pm?".
"That's when my shift ends...", Chongyun can't help but feel like Xingqiu already knew.
"Great, I'll pick you up, then. See you later.", he winks at Chongyun "By the way, I would like it to be a date, if you're fine with that.".
Of course Chongyun is. Stupid question.
And stupid time. Why must it pass so slowly?
He spills four drinks over himself, two over customers and breaks six cups (to defend himself: they were stacked and he dropped all of them at once), but he somehow manages to get through the day without losing his job.
7:30 can't come fast enough, though. He internally curses every time the door opens to a new customer. They drift in and out like snowflakes, so blurry, so fast. If only Xingqiu would finally come.
By the time Chongyun finishes work, his whole body smells like the soap they use to wash the dishes and the clock arms have already wandered past 8.
Dammit! He will be more than half an hour late! How is he supposed to explain that? Will Xingqiu be mad at him? Will he even still be there?
If Chongyun was in his place (and if his date was anyone but Xingqiu, he would've gone home).
Xingqiu surprises him, though.
"Hi, dearest Chongyun.", he greets him, so cheerfully as if he hadn't just waited for 48 minutes out in the blistering cold.
Chongyun can't help but smile back, though: "Hi. Sorry for being so late, my boss didn't want to let me go...".
"Don't worry.", Xingqiu reassures him.
Chongyun thinks he is perfect. Yes, he knows he's whipped, don't call him out for it, he's doing his best to behave.
"I was planning on taking a walk with you. There's a lake nearby that is actually frozen right now... but we can do something else, if you don't feel like being outside.".
He is so gentle...
"It's fine with me, but are you really okay with staying outside for longer? I mean... you've been waiting for me out here for so long...".
"Don't you worry! I admired the snowflakes. They're really pretty... though never as pretty as you.".
The words dance through the air, so softly intricate like they were one of the snowflakes tumbling down around them.
Chongyun wishes he could freeze this moment, conserve it forever, replay it over and over... it is too nice, too beautiful to be true.
"You're prettier.", he looks Xingqiu deep into those brown eyes that make his heart leap.
"You know...", Xingqiu brings their hands closer "I never really liked the color red, until I met you.".
Chongyun looks down, seeing their pinkies only inches apart, and despite not yet touching, connected by a red string.
He could never express what he feels in this moment.
Overwhelming happiness, a rush of colors that leaves a fuzzy, warm feeling inside him.
It all is perfect.
"Shall we go?", Xingqiu threads their fingers together, intertwining like they were weaving another thread, entirely new, spinning all the bent up feelings they don't even understand yet, all the memories they are about to make, into one feeling.
It is love.
Hand in hand, they wander the streets.
Snowflakes coating the world like they were caught in a snow globe, two princes under the gentle light of the moon.
"I can't believe we met because you messed with my coffee order.", Xingqiu giggles "And with my heart, of course.".
Chongyun wraps his arms around him and for a few blissful moments they stay like this - caught amidst the snow, crystals painting Xingqiu's lashes to match Chongyun's own - then, Xingqiu's lips are on his, so soft and sweet, almost saccharine.
He can feel Xingqiu's mouth curl against his.
Chongyun was right after all- tasting his smile is amazing.
Everything is amazing.
For this little moment, this tiny crystal they have ripped out of the chandelier of time, everything is perfect.
Then, Xingqiu sneezes, backing off to somehow cover his mouth.
"You caught a cold? I'm so sorry, it's my fault, isn't it? For making you wait in the cold...".
Xingqiu cups his face with his hands, those soft, slender fingers that send Chongyun's head spinning to places he doesn't deem suited for the general public.
"Don't worry. My little snowprince cannot be guilty of such charges.".
'my little snowprince'... Chongyun revels on the words, smiling to himself. What would his auntie Shenhe say if he told her he got a boyfriend?
<3
Mondays are- ugh, don't even make him begin on that. Even though it's holiday season, Chongyun is currently sitting on a chair in front of auntie Shenhe who's interrogating him with means so stern, the FBI would wish to have.
"You're trying to tell me a guy you've met no more than 3 times, is your boyfriend now?".
"Yes.", Chongyun fidgets nervously "Aren't you like... happy for me?".
"Not at all.", Shenhe's gaze darkens "That's deeply irresponsible. What about college? Your job?"
"I didn't say I'd give any of that up...", he raises his hands in defense.
"You better don't!".
He must've forgotten how scary auntie Shenhe can get when it's about life goals and responsibilities.
Luckily, the doorbell saves him from his misery.
By ringing.
Oh, how easy it sometimes is to be a superhero.
"Uh... I gotta go.. uh, that must be Xingqiu. We're going to the aquarium!".
Shenhe crosses her arms but lets him scurry off towards the apartment door.
As soon as he opens, he is wrapped into the tightest hug he has ever received.
"Ugh... Xingqiu, you're squishing me.", he groans, only drawing a hum from the other boy who has proceeded to place kisses on his neck.
Chongyun tries to wiggle out of his grasp, but to no avail. His boyfriend is stronger than he looks.
Over his shoulder, he can see Shenhe's frown deepen. He knows she is no fan of pda and having Xingqiu throw himself onto her nephew right on her doorstep won't make her like him any more.
"Xingqiu, please...", his boyfriend finally lets go, not without giving him a triumphant peck on the lips.
It's clear as day that he has enjoyed that little show way too much.
Chongyun does his best to drag him outside before Shenhe can jump at him.
He doesn't want his boyfriend dead before 9 in the morning.
The subway ride to the aquarium is crowded, so much they don't even find seats anymore.
Now, Chongyun is experiencing one of the many advantages of having a boyfriend, though. He has wrapped his arms around Xingqiu from behind, the fragile boy holding onto a nearby seat to stabiliize both of them.
There are a few people giving them weird looks but Xingqiu only snuggles closer, making it more than obvious that they are a couple in love.
Chongyun lets him be, even though he wishes there'd be less people to witness their interactions.
"Xingqiu...", he groans when the other turns around in his embrace, draping an arm around Chongyun's neck "Do you have to...?".
Xingqiu snuggles up, bringing his lips closer to Chongyun's ear. "I don't like the way some of those people look at you... just because they can't see our thread...", he bats a loving glance at the red string connecting them "...doesn't mean they have any right to stare at you like you were a free meal!".
Chongyun blushes at that, more than he should and Xingqiu obviously catches on, whispering more sweet words to him that make Chongyun feel embarrassed but soo giddy at the same time. Love really is a weird thing.
They get off the subway two stops later, Xingqiu never letting go of his hand.
His boyfriend is a little possessive, Chongyun has come to learn, and he thinks it's adorable.
Another thing Chongyun is about to learn is the fact that Xingqiu is rich. Like rich rich!! Or well, his parents are, to be exact, but Xingqiu has so much money on that innocently looking black card he carries in his wallet, he'd never have to work a day in his life, if he desired so.
Xingqiu pays for anything and everything Chongyun likes (more like: voices even a remote interest in... he'll end up with so much stuff he doesn't actually need), without ever batting an eye to the price tag.
Chongyun will have to teach him a little about the value of money, it seems.
Nonetheless, he lets Xingqiu pay for the aquarium because the tickets would cost more than he has made in the last 2 months (these prices really aren't student-friendly).
Once they enter the first room, Xingqiu loses some of his elegant facade, excitedly dragging Chongyun towards the first of the countless giant fish tanks.
"Wow, look at them! So pretty! Oh, do you see that blue one over there, that looks like you, YunYun!", he giggles.
Chongyun huffs, crossing his arms at the sight of the puffy blue fish that stares down at him with unmoving blue eyes. It creeps Chongyun out.
"In what way does that fish remind you of me? There's literally nothing we have in common except for some of our body parts being blue.".
Xingqiu giggles: "Oh, Yun! I'm just teasing you, of course. You get so cute whenever you try to bring your point across. It makes me fall for you even more.".
Chongyun would love to linger on his words a little longer, frozen in time, until he turns breathless, blue like the fish Xingqiu has compared him to. But Xingqiu gives him no time.
"Come on, dearest!", he tugs him to the next room "The fish are waiting!".
Chongyun smiles to himself.
He really did get a happy end, huh?
Xingqiu is his boyfriend - his soulmate even - and he couldn't be happier.
If only there wasn't auntie Shenhe's weird attitude.
Is she homophobic?
Or simply concerned because Chongyun is so quiet and sticks to himself while Xingqiu is the polar opposite - a bubbly, dramatic boy who likes to tease Chongyun until his whole face is red and he begs Xingqiu to stop?
He must get to the bottom of that.
But first come the fish.
And Xingqiu, of course.
Always Xingqiu.