Work Text:
“Idiot.”
Was what Cheng Xiaoshi heard before something soft was thrown at his face. “Ow- What was that for!?” He yelped, gawking at his roommate with wide eyes.
Lu Guang huffed in response. “It's cold tonight, and you think it was a good idea to just wear a shirt and shorts?” The other sighed before sitting down on the couch.
“I run warmer than you.” The raven haired male had defended himself, pouting. But nonetheless, he pulled the blanket around himself, getting comfortable.
“Doesn’t mean you're invincible to the cold.” Said the other, who shook his head before opening a book.
Whilst the other was calmly reading, Cheng Xiaoshi had paused. A slow, sneaky grin danced on his lips.
Suddenly, Lu Guang felt two arms wrap around his middle. He was suddenly pulled closer towards the other. “Idiot!” The white haired male had hissed, glaring at his roommate. His eyes blown wide and his face redder than the Christmas decorations in the studio.
“What? I need to keep myself warm.” Cheng Xiaoshi hummed, burying his face in the crook of the other's neck. Lu Guang could feel the smile pressed against his shoulder. His heartbeat grew faster.
Giving up and knowing he was fighting a losing battle—he was incapable of saying no to his partner, they were both aware of this—Lu Guang took a deep breath, tried to calm his racing heart—it was difficult to if Cheng Xiaoshi was holding him like he was some sort of precious treasure—and turned back to his book.
They stayed like that for a few moments. Relaxing under the cold, winter night. Sometimes, Cheng Xiaoshi would pull the blankets tighter around them and cuddle closer to Lu Guang.
Lu Guang gave up trying to hide the constant pink coloring on his cheeks.
“Lu Guang.” His partner said, his voice muffled against his shoulder.
“Hm?” He hummed as he turned another page.
“This is the best Christmas I've ever had.” Cheng Xiaoshi said and looked up, grinning at Lu Guang toothily. His expression was full of joy.
“How so?” The other replied, closing his book and turning to his partner and giving him his full attention.
“Because..” His partner said and held him closer.
Lu Guang's face went slightly redder. Cheng Xiaoshi's expression turns softer but doesn't mention it.
“I got the best present ever this year.”
That fateful day in the basketball court, where he met Lu Guang, was the best day of Cheng Xiaoshi's life.
Of course, the meeting wasn't ideal. Especially when Lu Guang got hurt because of him. And he only felt worse when he realized the other was crying.
But despite all that, the other male was willing to play basketball with him.
And then, they exchanged contact information! Cheng Xiaoshi was beaming with joy, and ended up sending a message to Lu Guang. He wanted, really really wanted, to play basketball with him again.
Lu Guang replied. And Cheng Xiaoshi felt like he was on Cloud-9.
After that, they were attached to the hip. Glued to each other’s side.
No longer did Cheng Xiaoshi come home to an empty photo studio.
Instead, he came home, Lu Guang beside him as they entered the studio.
Now, Cheng Xiaoshi wakes up to soft snores from the top bunk where Lu Guang was peacefully asleep.
Now, when coming home from late night classes, Cheng Xiaoshi enters the photo studio to Lu Guang waiting for him in the sunroom.
Now, Cheng Xiaoshi buys groceries for two people instead of one.
Now, Cheng Xiaoshi has another person working with him at the photo studio.
The photo studio wasn't filled with sounds of the online games on Cheng Xiaoshi's phone, or the videos he played just to cover up how silent the studio was anymore.
Now, the photo studio was filled with the sounds of them calling each other. Filled with the sounds of their chatter, their laughter, their voices full of warmth echoing through the house as they basked in each other’s company.
Or, it was filled with silence. But, the good kind of silence.
Before, quiet meant loneliness, quiet meant that the loudest thing Cheng Xiaoshi could hear were his own thoughts ringing in his head.
Now, silence meant contentment.
Silence in the studio was accompanied with coziness. Where soft gazes were exchanged as they sat next to each other, where words didn't need to be spoken in the warm presence of the other.
Cheng Xiaoshi almost rarely stayed out past midnight anymore. He regularly did, really. Exploring Guidu late at night, bringing his camera along. It was to take late night pictures, improve his skills at nighttime photography, he reasoned.
It was just an excuse to be away from the studio.
To be away from the cold stillness in the place that was supposed to be a home.
It wasn't. It's been a long time since it was one.
Now? He was content to spend his nights sat next to Lu Guang. Sometimes, they were busy with university work. Sometimes, it was cases. Sometimes, they were winding down from a long and tiring day. Cheng Xiaoshi with a video game on his phone, and Lu Guang with his book in his hands.
And most especially, with their partner right by their side.
Living with Lu Guang felt.. right.
Like he was supposed to be here. By Xiaoshi's side. Like they were meant to be together.
Many things have changed since that day on the basketball court. Since the day he met the person who would promise to be his.
And everything. Everything that changed once his partner had entered his life, he changed for the better.
Cheng Xiaoshi couldn't help but feel his chest fill up will all the tenderness, fondness, love he felt for the person that was in his arms.
He leaned forwards, arms circling around Lu Guang's waist, and gently pressed his lips to his. He poured everything, every ounce of deep affection he felt for Lu Guang, he poured into the kiss.
Cheng Xiaoshi slowly pulled away, the grin on his face blinding with how happy he was.
As the months changed into December. And as the days neared to Christmas. Cheng Xiaoshi realized one thing.
The best present he ever received in the world?
It was Lu Guang.