Chapter Text
Gusu Pet Sanctuary was a quaint establishment on the far end of town. Despite the lack of foot traffic, the little shelter did well for itself. It functioned, for the most part, like any other animal shelter. But past the front door, beyond all the barking dogs and purring cats, was a serene little pen space for rabbits. Here was where Lan Wangji went when the noise of the world became too much. Tucked away, unbothered, and surrounded by hopping furballs of pure joy.
He first found the sanctuary the same year his mother passed. Home was all of a sudden unbearable, so he ran as far as his legs carried him. For a quiet and subdued kid, he was nimble. No one saw him slip away until it was too late. The nice workers at the sanctuary allowed him to play with the rabbits after informing Lan Xichen about his brother’s whereabouts. Since then, Lan Wangji became a regular. He volunteered during adoption fairs, was on friendly terms with the staff, and came to sift through his thoughts on bad days.
Today was one of the bad days. Lan Wangji sat cross-legged in the corner of the pen, watching the rabbits go about their day. A small black bunny curled up in his lap. He watched its steady breath and twitchy nose.
This was the first time Lan Wangji ever missed school. Uncle would have several words with him later, but he did not care. He rested a hand atop the sleeping rabbit, wanting to feel the calm that it felt as it slumbered.
Wangji was asleep when Wei Ying called. Through sleep-riddled eyes, he saw the two characters and picked up at once. It was irresponsible of him. The Lan household upheld a strict personal lifestyle regimen that he and his family kept up with pride. A plain diet, humble attitude, and reasonable sleep pattern. As soon as Wei Ying entered the picture, all those principles were tossed out the window.
He recalled the sound of Wei Ying’s drunken voice: hoarse, yet inviting. Like the sound of a flute in the dark of night. Come have fun with me, Lan Zhan. I want to see you, Lan Zhan. I miss you, Lan Zhan.
Lan Wangji composed his breath even as his heart thumped out of his ears. He reminded himself that Wei Ying was drunk. Wei Ying should go find his friends and make sure that he gets home safe. But Wei Ying was never one for caution. Every time Lan Wangji hung up, two seconds later his phone rang again. He picked up each call like clockwork.
He repeated his request that Wei Ying go home and rest. Prom was this weekend, and he should consider proper sleep if he wished to be healthy enough to attend an event so important to him.
But Lan Zhan, the way Wei Ying drawled his name reverberated in his chest, Jiang Cheng and Huaisang ditched me. They’re prob-ly makin’ out ‘r whatever. I don’t have anybody. I want you here. Won’t you come get me, Lan-er Gonzi?
Five sentences was all it took for Lan Wangji to sneak out of his home for the second time in his life. According to all the posts on social media (which Lan Wangji refused to allow anyone know he had), Huaisang’s home was not too far. A thirty-five-minute walk. He got there in twenty.
Parties were not Lan Wangji’s “scene.” Social engagements that were rowdy, crowded, playing loud music, and involved alcohol were the opposite of a “fun time.” But for Wei Ying, Wangji endured it all. He tried calling Wei Ying back many times, but he did not pick up. The Nie estate was too large and the partygoers too wild. Had Wei Ying not hoisted himself up to the table and screamed for everyone’s attention, Wangji may have been too late to find him.
He forced his way through the crowd, progressing at the pace of molasses, but he got to Wei Ying in time to catch him from his fall.
“Lan Zhan, you came!”
Wei Ying’s eyes were glazed over. His breath smelled of alcohol. There were drops of sweat on his forehead from the physical exertion. He grinned like a lazy cat and wound his arms around Lan Wangji’s neck. The glitter of the red jacket dug into Wangji’s palms.
“Will always come if Wei Ying calls.”
Wangji reminded himself that he was in front of his classmates. He could not be thinking about how alluring Wei Ying looked under the dim lights. Or how his lips quirked in the way that made Lan Zhan want to bite them. He was in a world opposite to all he knew and loved, but it was a world ruled by Wei Ying. So in a sense, he was right where he wanted to be.
Using the leftover strength in his arms, Wei Ying shifted himself so that his mouth hovered right next to Wangji’s pink ears. How valiant of you, Lan Zhan. I feel so special. You always make me feel different. In a good way. Did ya come to take me home?
Mn. Wangji wanted to say that Wei Ying also made him feel special. That he will support Wei Ying through the worst of circumstances. Even if it cost him his social reputation and his clean jacket.
Getting to Nie Huaisang’s house was one thing. Going from there to Wei Ying’s house, when it was farther away than his own home, with two armfuls of Wei Ying himself? It was a learning experience, to say the least. But Wangji found, like most learning experiences that involved Wei Ying, he was quick to learn and was unbothered by the lengths he went to.
The feelings were new to him. All his life, Lan Wangji thought himself mild-mannered and reserved. He was not emotionless, but there was never a cause for him to have extreme reactions. As soon as Wei Ying barrelled into the library with his laughter and witty tongue, a spring burst inside his chest. Every day brought new emotions and thoughts Wangji never encountered before. His body reacted before his mind and his mind wandered to uncharted places.
Lan Wangji carried Wei Ying all the way to his home. The boy fell asleep in his arms halfway through the trek, so Lan Wangji was spared all his flirtatious comments. Instead, Wangji was allowed to glance down upon his serene face whenever his arms felt like they were about to give in. One look at his messy hair, the way he buried his nose into Wangji’s chest, and all weight lifted.
He did not know what to expect when he rang the Jiang’s doorbell. From what Wei Ying told him about his family, his mother was rather strict towards him. He held Wei Ying tighter at the prospect of being greeted by a solemn-faced Mrs. Yu. His grip relaxed when a younger woman opened the door with a quiet gasp.
She took one look at Wei Ying and another at Lan Wangji. He held his breath as she assessed his disheveled clothes and blank face. She sighed. “Is this the famous Lan Wangji I’ve heard so much about?”
So this was Jiang Yanli. Wei Ying’s sister. The soup-maker, household caretaker, first-year college student, and alleged “favorite sibling.”
“I am Lan Wangji. I apologize for the disturbance.” What else was there to say?
Your brother called me from a high school party and I could not resist going to him, even if it was illogical. His safety means a lot to me as well and I promise I do not mean to harm him. You have no reason to trust me, as we have just met. It is extremely awkward considering our only mutual acquaintance is currently passed out in my arms. He makes me feel something so strong that I am unsure what to call it. But I know that if I were to let him go now, I’d regret it. Please allow me to take care of him?
“Jiang Yanli.” She introduced herself in return and held the door open. A tired smile appeared on her face as her eyes followed him inside. “You can bring him to his room upstairs. I’ll make sure he has something to eat when he wakes.”
Lan Wangji saw what Wei Ying meant every time he compared his sister to an angel now. He made his way up the stairs without another word. Wei Ying must have woken up halfway up the stairs. Two arms wound around his neck. Wei Ying looked up at him through half-lidded eyes with a curved smile. Wangji almost tripped over the last step.
“Lan Zhan? Where…”
Wangji readjusted his grip on Wei Ying’s back and legs. “Home.”
“I know you’re carrying me, I was askin’ where we are location-wise,” Wei Ying teased.
Wangji gave no answer. Vibrations of Wei Ying’s bubbly laughter flowed through his arms as he pushed open the door to Wei Ying’s bedroom. (It was easy to tell which was his, what with all the doodles and paint all over it. And Wangji was sure the door with the “Wei Wuxian! KEEP OUT!!!” sign was not his.)
Upon entry, Wangji was overwhelmed with how Wei Ying the space was. The unmade bed, the half-written on papers on the floor, the trash around the garbage can, the countless posters taped to the wall- He could imagine Wei Ying bouncing around the room. Day or night, pinballing from one side of the room to the other to work on a sketch, scribble down a project idea, demolish a bag of shrimp crackers, take a nap, and do it all over again.
Wei Ying mumbled his name over and over as Wangji tiptoed around the room to reach the bed. “Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, you’re so forward! Takin’ me to bed already? Take a guy out on a date first, why don’t you? We can get bubble tea… wouldn’t you like that, Lan Zhan?”
“Mn.” Lan Zhan was unable to lie. His ears felt so hot, one more comment may burn them off the sides of his head.
Quiet as he was, Wei Ying still heard him. Always heard him. “Ah, I knew you liked being with me. D-don’t you, Lan Zhan?”
Lan Wangji tried to let Wei Ying down to the bed, but the boy hung onto his neck. Wei Ying shook his head like a small child and pouted. Wangji sighed. “Mn. Like spending time with Wei Ying.”
The smile he got in return made it all the more worth it. “I knew it.” Whispered like a secret. Wei Ying’s arms gave out, allowing Wangji to tuck him carefully into bed.
There was only one clean shirt suitable for sleeping in. Lan Wangji handed it over to Wei Ying, who struggled to put it on. He did his best to tune out the attempts at coaxing Wangji to help him change. By the time Wei Ying declared he was done in a groggy voice, Lan Wangji had a flush down to his neck. He brought the blankets up close around Wei Ying’s neck and smoothed out the sides of his pillow. Wei Ying was bound to have a headache in the morning, so for now, he needed all the comfort and rest he could get. Wei Ying continued to mumble as Lan Wangji tidied up around the room. He did not want Wei Ying to wake up and trip on something by accident.
“You’re so good to me, Lan Zhan. Ha, you’re so nice! How’re you so n-nice? And attractive too. It’s so unfair!” Wei Ying’s hand reached out from under the blanket and waved around in the air aimlessly.
Wei Ying was drunk. He did not have control over his words and actions. Wei Ying was drunk . He could not mean- No. He definitely did not mean it. They spent so long together and he was always like this. This was Wei Ying’s way of having fun. All just fun and games-
A sharp sensation hit Lan Wangji in the back of the head while he was arranging some papers. He put them on the desk and bent down to see what it was. Wei Ying giggled. It was a red hair tie. Wangji looked back over to the hair tie’s owner. Wei Ying was upright again. His hair was down, falling to his shoulders in messy layers. Shadows danced over his face as the wind blew by the curtains. He beckoned Wangji over with a curl of his hand.
Wangji’s body listened at once. He attempted to place distance by sitting on the side of the bed near Wei Ying’s legs. His arm reached over to hand Wei Ying his hair tie back, but Wei Ying’s hands were faster. They grabbed the red elastic and stretched it over Wangji’s hand.
“A gift,” he said with an innocent look.
Lan Wangji’s breath hitched. His hand wrapped around his wrist, feeling the hair tie press against his pulse. He looked up again when Wei Ying slumped forward, covering Wangji’s body with his limbs. Wangji froze at the feeling of lips tracing the lines of his neck. He maintained enough sense to put two hands firm on Wei Ying’s shoulder before his face could travel any higher or lower. Despite his best efforts, Lan Wangji shivered.
“Lan Zhan…” Wei Ying moved to whisper in his ear. “You were so far away. Don’t leave me like that. Stay close to me.”
Wangji wanted nothing less, but it was so inappropriate. “Wei Ying is drunk. Rest.” There were only so many stock phrases he had in his head. He knew he should leave, but Wei Ying was holding onto him with so much conviction. Like he needed him there or else he’d disappear into the blankets.
Wei Ying balled up Wangji’s shirt in his hands and tucked his head under Lan Wangji’s chin. Lan Wangji was helpless as Wei Ying repeated his request. “Stay close to me. Please.”
It was Wei Ying’s turn to shiver, and Lan Wangji’s arms wrapped around him on instinct. “I will.”
“Close to me. I want you close to me.” Wei Ying kept repeating. He lifted his head from its hiding spot to look up at Wangji with… tears?
Lan Wangji did not want to think about what they could have meant. He used his thumb to wipe away the wetness, but in doing so gave Wei Ying an opening. His lips were on Wangji’s as soon as his hand made contact with Wei Ying’s cheek. A gasp was stuck in Wangji’s throat as he was left wide-eyed at the sudden kiss. He let Wei Ying stay there, unable to move an inch even while his mind turned to static. Wei Ying gave him his first kiss in his life and he had no clue what to feel or what it meant. Wangji kept his hand against Wei Ying’s cheek and the other fell limp across his back.
Wei Ying did not pull away so much as bury his face back against Lan Wangji’s neck. He muttered a final phrase before his breath evened out in sleep.
“Stay with me.”
Lan Wangji clutched Wei Ying closer, releasing the gasp lodged in his throat. Why was it that he was the one who felt like crying now? He pushed all those thoughts aside to lay Wei Ying back down. He forced himself not to look at Wei Ying’s sleeping face as he brought the blankets back around him. He hung his head the whole way downstairs where Jiang Yanli waited for him.
He wanted nothing more than to go back to his own home and sigh into his pillow for the rest of the night, but he reminded himself to be polite.
Jiang Yanli looked exhausted. Lingering traces of a savory something drafted in from the kitchen. She called his name. Her eyes crinkled. “Thank you, Lan Wangji. For looking after him.”
Lan Wangji had no words. How dare he face someone so kind and trusting when he violated that same trust by letting himself get caught unawares by Wei Ying? There was no excuse for such carelessness when he himself was sound of mind. He replied with a curt nod before exiting the house.
That night he did not sleep. Every moment of darkness brought him back to the way Wei Ying looked in the dark of his own room. The way he smiled at Lan Wangji without a care in the world. The depth of his eyes as it held the answers to questions Lan Wangji didn’t know he needed to ask. Wei Ying’s whispers that reverberated in his ears like the lingering strums of a guqin . Every time Wangji’s tongue darted out to feel the lips that Wei Ying kissed, he tasted the adrenaline and alcohol.
Wangji struggled the whole night to make sense of the pounding of his heart. His head spun in twists and turns that he could not keep up with. By morning, he was out the door and heading towards Gusu Pet Sanctuary before he even knew that school escaped his mind.
The rabbit in his lap woke up. Wangji watched it shake off its sleep and shuffle around between his legs. The black ball of fur jumped up to join the rest of its rabbit family.
Lan Wangji yearned to be as carefree as that rabbit. Able to come and go as it pleases, knowing exactly what it wanted. He folded his hands in his lap, seeking out the bits of heat left.
Wei Ying’s words played in a loop in Wangji’s brain. Stay . But Wangji did not stay. His phone buzzed with a message from Wei Ying. No one else texted him, after all. He knew it was because Wei Ying was looking for him, but he could not bring himself to reply.
Did Wei Ying truly want Wangji to stay with him?
And Wangji? He knew what he could describe. Ears hot after every conversation. Heart rate increased whenever their distance decreased. Not tired or bored when Wei Ying was around. Kept all the things Wei Ying gave him. Tried all the things Wei Ying wanted him to try. Remembered all the things they talked about. Liked the way Wei Ying was loud, even if some considered it too loud. Liked that Wei Ying saw Wangji as funny and interesting while others thought him haughty and unreachable. Liked Wei Ying’s hair when it bounced with his laugh. Liked when they worked together in the library. Liked Wei Ying’s clever answers and sense of reasoning.
Liked Wei Ying.
His hand went to the red hair tie, still in the same spot on his wrist. Wangji heaved another sigh. He fell backward, allowing the rabbits to prance about around and over him.
Everything was so clear, yet he found hurt in his chest. For as long as he’s spent time with Wei Ying, he was still stuck asking to what extent the teasing went. Wei Ying looked for, above all else, a fun time. Would Lan Wangji ever stop being fun? Where would that leave him, then?
His chest tightened at the thought of being passed by. No longer amusing to someone so full of energy. But if Wei Ying was no longer having fun- if he was not happy with just Lan Wangji anymore- then who was Wangji to blame him?
It was true. He had few interests that related to others his age. He did not make for a very exciting conversationalist. But Wei Ying stayed anyway. And Wangji was grateful. So when Wei Ying finally decided he’s had enough, Wangji will let him go.
Even if he didn’t want to. Even if it hurt. He will find a way to make peace knowing Wei Ying was happy.
Lan Xichen was waiting for Wangji when he got back from the shelter. He sat on the couch, reading a book, and listening to soft music in the background. It was late in the afternoon. The sun was ready to set. School must have been out for a few hours now. He lost track of time. Wangji was reminded of the text message again. Xichen stood up as soon as Wangji appeared.
“Ah, Wangji. I hope you’re feeling alright. Did you want any tea?”
Wangji shook his head.
Lan Xichen put his book aside and went to stand by Wangji. He tried to appear casual, but Lan Wangji knew his brother better than that. “You left the house in quite a hurry last night.”
“Wei Ying needed my help.”
His brother nodded. “I figured as much. And what about you?”
Lan Wangji frowned. “What do you mean?”
His brother gave him a knowing smile. “Did something happen between you and Wei Wuxian? You haven’t seen him since, have you?”
“I have not.” Wangji knew he was dodging the first question. It was unfair how Xichen picked up on all his cues. He also knew Xichen well enough to know that he was not satisfied with a partial answer. “We- Wei Ying was inebriated. Unable to make rational decisions. Cannot account for things done while under the influence of substances that are-”
Lan Xichen’s laughter made Wangji seize up. “I know the effects of alcohol on the human body, Wangji. You don’t need to explain it to me. I wanted to check up on you, was all.”
Wangji knew his brother had good intentions, but it only reminded him of the poor control he exhibited last night. The shame turned his face plain as a sheet, and he felt it clog up his senses. He ruined any chances of a proper relationship. Broke Wei Ying’s trust. If Wei Ying ever knew, he’d be so disappointed.
“I will be alright.” It wasn’t a choice.
Lan Xichen did not believe him. “If Wei Wuxian did anything to you-”
“No! He did not do anything wrong. It was I who should have been more responsible.” Wangji spoke up. He did not want his brother to get the wrong idea about Wei Ying. He knew what it was liked to be judged too soon off of half-truths.
“You’ll have to be more specific if you want me to stop worrying,” Xichen told him.
“I let him kiss me.” His ears burned saying it out loud. Xichen lifted his brows but made no further comment. There did not seem to be any anger in his reaction. Lan Wangji continued. “I should not have.”
At this, his brother held up a hand. “You’re ashamed,” he observed.
Wangji was beginning to think that he should’ve stayed at the pet shelter longer. He lowered his head. With the lack of sleep from last night, even the task of keeping his head up felt too big to handle.
“Wangji-” his brother gave him the fondest look of total exasperation- “I will never judge you for how you feel. Just tell me, do you have feelings for Wei Wuxian?”
The biggest rule between all of the Lan family members was to never lie to one another. Lan Wangji swallowed all his guilt, eyes glued to the floor. He nodded.
Xichen exhaled a chuckle and put his hand on Lan Wangji’s shoulder. Wangji looked up in shock. He was not used to being brazen with his emotions, but his brother always read between the lines so easily.
Lan Xichen looked Wangji in the eye and thanked him.
The confusion must have been obvious. “Thank you for being honest with me. And with yourself, Wangji. I’m sure Wei Ying will be so glad to know-”
“Wei Ying must not know.” Wangji cut him off.
“Oh?” Lan Xichen did not seem surprised at this either. “Why is that, Wangji?”
Lan Wangji said nothing. He stared straight ahead. Stubborn, his brother would describe him. He did not want to lie, but he also did not want to admit how afraid he was. Wei Ying was one of, if not the only close friend Lan Wanji ever had. But Wei Ying was boisterous and kind and commanded attention. Popular enough among their student body to run for Prom King and have a clear shot at victory. Wangji, on the other hand, was not. For all he knew, Wangji was simply another one of the many speeding faces in Wei Ying’s whirlwind of life.
Wangji’s shoulders fell. If he told Wei Ying how meaningful he was to Wangji, he would be inviting disappointment. Lan Wangji was no exception to the passive cruelty of the universe. Anyone can come and go within the blink of an eye. He was used to this. Stare straight, hands firm, back rigid, and no one will think him any weaker than a mountain.
“Why don’t you go get some rest? Tomorrow is the big day, after all.” It seemed his brother was done fishing for answers. Lan Xichen went back to the book he was reading.
Wangji stole away to his own room to ponder by himself and practice his guqin until Uncle got home. After dinner, he will rest. Prom was the least of Lan Wangji’s worries, but Wei Ying was so excited for it. He wanted to be there for Wei Ying’s victory, even if it meant watching from the sidelines.
Gusu High School’s Senior Prom was held in a large garden. Lan Wangji entered from an elaborate floral archway. His uncle and brother gave their permission to break curfew tonight considering this was a school event. Lan Wangji was sure that he would be home before then either way.
Not many students were there yet, considering how many of his peers wanted to arrive “fashionably late,” as Wei Ying put it. This allowed him to make his way slowly along a stone path. The walk felt like a quaint hedge maze. Bushes and plants bunched in close together for an intimate atmosphere. Twinkling lights hung in between branches and leaves, illuminating the path forward. Lan Wangji followed the twists and turns until the path stopped in front of a large fountain.
Neon lights filtered through in the splashes of water. Unrecognizable music blared from beyond the fountain. Here the walkway diverged around the fountain’s base. Lan Wangji rounded the corner and was welcomed under a huge tent pitched in the middle of a meadow. All the surrounding greenery made sense. They were natural noise cancelers. A few students were already on the dance floor, teetering from side to side. If Wei Ying were here, the atmosphere would not be so awkward.
After checking in with the adult chaperones, Lan Wangji took a seat at one of the round tables circling the dance floor. The navy blue tablecloth brushed against his suit. He chose plain dress pants to go with the light blue blazer borrowed from Lan Xichen. He at first intended to show up in white, but Xichen was rather insistent that he dress well for this occasion. Wangji did not have the heart to argue otherwise.
Lan Wangji was grateful his chair faced away from the dancefloor and the music. The bright lights hurt his eyes. He focused on the layout of the table: the ceramic plate, the faux glass cups, the paper name card with his name printed on it in a swirly font. He glanced at the name perched on the plate across from him.
Nie Huaisang. The party host and Wei Ying’s close friend. His breath caught. Across the table to the right was Jiang Cheng. That meant- Lan Zhan picked up the name card on his right with shaky fingers.
He didn’t need to look at it twice to know the name. Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji dropped the card back onto the plate, ears already burning. As if tonight was not going to be torturous enough. He wanted to get up and walk all the way across the field and change his place before anyone noticed, but he remained stuck to his seat. He was unable to get two seconds of breath when a joyful shout roused his attention.
The sound beckoned to him like a siren’s song. “Lan Zhan!”
Wei Ying stood out among the vicious neons, emerging from the dark leaves and past the glittering fountain. He raised his hand and waved energetically. “Lan Zhan!” Lan Wangji watched the boy run up towards him, still frozen in place. It was not until Wei Ying was standing right in front of him that Lan Wangji remembered to blink.
“Lan Zhan, you’re here! I knew you’d be early!”
Lan Wangji nodded. He rose from his seat, taking in the details of Wei Ying’s suit. The black coat had sparkling red embroidery sewn in whisp-like shapes. It reminded Lan Wangji of the blue clouds of his own undershirt (another addition at the insistence of his brother). Wei Ying’s own undershirt was red with the top three buttons undone. His pants did not appear to be made out of the same material as traditional dress pants. The obsidian cloth flowed like water along his legs. It captured his attention for too much time. Wei Ying noticed.
“Like it?” He spun around, pants fluttering to reveal semi-sheer fabric along the sides. When he turned around, Lan Wangji noticed his high ponytail was held together with a long red ribbon. “I didn’t want to be stuck in stiff boring old pants all night long. A-Jie and Jiang Cheng helped me find these online a couple months ago. Aren’t they cool?”
“Mn.” Wangji brought his eyes back up and found Wei Ying gazing at him with the same affection as when he fell into Lan Wangji’s arms that night. “Wei Ying looks beautiful.”
Such a bold statement surprised them both. Lan Wangji turned his head, but the feeling of Wei Ying’s hand around his wrist brought him back. “Really? Do you mean that, Lan Zhan?”
A faint blush dusted Wei Ying’s cheeks that made him look all the more alluring. Lan Wangji swallowed his desire to tug Wei Ying close. He was spared the need to answer by Wei Ying’s laugh. “Of course you do. Look at me! And besides, I know you can’t lie.”
Lan Wangji hoped he did not look too starstruck. Wei Ying continued to talk while looking right into Wangji’s soul. He felt his emotions all over the place and was rendered a mess. He was unable to think straight with the feeling of Wei Ying’s hand holding onto his wrist. He was sure that Wei Ying felt the way his pulse beat faster than the music.
“Wei Wuxian! Get your-” Their attention moved back to the fountain, where the rest of Wei Ying’s party stood. Jiang Cheng beckoned his brother over. Wangji realized Jiang Cheng cut himself off before blurting an expletive in front of the chaperones. “Get back over here! You forgot to check in!”
“Oh! Hahaha, sorry Lan Zhan! I’ll be right back!” Wei Ying scratched the back of his head and ran off towards his friends. Lan Wangji watched Jiang Cheng scold his brother before rolling his eyes. With one arm looped into Jiang Cheng’s was Nie Huaisang, who held a painted fan in his other hand.
The two made a stunning couple. Jiang Cheng’s violet suit jacket also included special embroidery, reflecting off the strobe lights like purple lightning. His hair was slicked back and the usual scowl on his face that Wei Ying described so often looked nowhere near as threatening. Perhaps it was due to the fact that Nie Huaisang leaned over every two seconds to whisper something behind his fan. Unlike the rest of them, Nie Huaisang wore a long, boxy coat that reached the back of his knees over a black turtleneck. Dark grey flowers sprawled over the light green jacket in such a way it reminded Lan Wangji of the calligraphy paintings at home. In his hair was a golden pin that matched the yellow corsage on his wrist.
Wangji stared at the red ribbon dancing in the wind, his own hand going to the hair tie he kept around his wrist. As more guests flooded under the tent, Lan Wangji went back to staring at his plate and ignoring everyone else. He had no intention of attracting attention to himself, but attention found him regardless.
A red rose boutonnière dropped down in front of him. Lan Wangji’s eyes widened.
“I got this for you! Do you like it?” Wei Ying sat down beside him, leaning over with one arm on the table.
Lan Wangji forced himself to breathe. “Wei Ying got this for… me?” He traced a finger over the red petals.
“Here, turn around.” Their fingers brushed against one another as Wei Ying took the rose and began pinning it to Lan Wangji’s suit lapel. His hand was so near Wangji’s heart. If Wei Ying did not feel his heartbeat before, it was more than obvious now. Wei Ying leaned back to admire his finished work. “Perfect.”
It came out quieter than Lan Wangji expected of Wei Ying, but he still heard him loud and clear. Now that he was right next to Lan Wangji, a change was evident in Wei Ying. Although he continued to be talkative and outgoing, there was peace about him. His brightness of his smile was free of any tension. He continued to look right at Lan Wangji, expressing something in his eye that Wangji did not understand. He only wished that Wei Ying would look at him the same way forever.
Wei Ying produced another arrangement from his pocket. It was a smaller assortment of forget-me-nots surrounding a large gentian. “I got one for myself too so now we’re matching! Lan Zhan, put it in my hair, will you?”
“Space for your crown?” Lan Wangji asked even though his hands were already arranging the flowers in Wei Ying’s hair. He couldn’t help but linger on how the red and blue contrasted with one another.
“I wouldn’t forget a detail like that. Trust me, there’s plenty of space up here for both.” Wei Ying reached a hand up to straighten out his ponytail. Once satisfied, he tossed his hair and batted his eyes at Lan Wangji. “How do I look?”
Ridiculous. Lan Wangji exhaled. “Perfect.”
Across the table, Jiang Cheng made a noise of disgust. “Are you two going to be like that the whole night?”
“Like what?” Wei Ying and Lan Wangji answered at the same time.
Jiang Cheng lifted a brow, giving Lan Wangji an unimpressed look. Wangji returned the notion.
“Whatever.” Jiang Cheng scoffed. “I’m surprised you actually made it to this night. The teachers are probably all thanking the Jade Emperor and Guanyin that you’re finally graduating.”
“What do they need Guanyin for?” Wei Wuxian pouted. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say again. I’m an absolute delight in a learning environment. Lan Zhan’ll vouch for me. Right, Lan Zhan?”
Lan Wangji nodded. “Wei Ying is a delight.” He did not know when he fell so hard for Wei Ying that he was compelled to act so brazen in front of those who were essentially strangers, but this was not the first or last time Wangji sided with Wei Ying.
No one bat an eye at his words. Wangji was sure this was the first time he officially met either of Wei Ying’s friends, but they seemed comfortable around him already. Unless they, like Wei Ying, were always like this. Something told Wangji that was not the case. Though Wangji was nowhere near as comfortable with either of the two as he was with Wei Ying, he imagined spending time with either Jiang Cheng or Nie Huaisang would not be as exhausting as socializing usually was.
“He doesn’t count!” Jiang Cheng argued.
Nie Huaisang chuckled from behind his fan. “Don’t worry, A-Cheng. It’ll be over by the time-”
“Okay!” Wei Ying cut them both off. He laughed nervously. “I for, one, think we’ve been sitting down for too long. Dinner’s not gonna be for like another hour. Let’s dance!”
Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang wasted no time scurrying off on their own. Though Jiang Cheng looked apprehensive, his smitten look when his partner twirled around in his arms was not lost on Lan Wangji. He himself was prepared to watch from the sidelines as Wei Ying experienced the time of his life. A distant admirer and silent supporter. Lan Wangji was no dancer, especially not to this kind of music. Upbeat, energetic, hard-hitting- styles that suited Wei Ying.
When Wei Ying stood up, he did not go to follow his friends. He extended an arm out, keeping the other folded behind his back. He smiled. “Lan Zhan, dance with me?”
And Lan Wangji, despite having zero experience dancing with a partner and despite all the embarrassment, took his hand.
Wei Ying was prepared for Lan Wangji’s lack of dancefloor experience. While all the students around them were jumping wildly, Wei Ying drew Lan Wangji close enough for them to ignore everyone else. Wangji looked down, centering his whole focus on Wei Ying. His partner grinned and leaned up to whisper.
“I bet this is pretty new for you, huh? Don’t worry, Lan Zhan. I’m right here!”
Lan Wangji didn’t have enough words to return the sentiment. He did not know what his own expression was, but it caused Wei Ying to wink and pull them further away from the crowds. Even though they were away from most of the excitement, Wei Ying did not show it. He was a better dancer than Lan Wangji expected. He tried his best to hide his fluster as Wei Ying danced circles around him all night. Sometimes literally, as he was quite adept at moving. Lan Wangji must have looked a fool with how little he moved in comparison, but their eyes never strayed from each other the entire time.
Dinner was no exception. While the rest of the senior class was gushing over how good the food was, all Lan Wangji heard was that the pasta needed more peppers. Jiang Cheng pointed his fork at Wei Ying for being ungrateful and the two engaged in the kind of conversation that Lan Wangji heard about after tutoring Wei Ying for so long. Nie Huaisang kept to the side as well, but Lan Wangji noticed the fan-flutterer giving him looks the entire night. Wangji was unsure what warranted such attention unless Wei Ying talked about Lan Wangji to his friends.
He was unsure which he preferred: to be judged by Wei Ying’s friends secondhand or for Wei Ying to not have mentioned Lan Wangji at all. Wangji felt his own gaze grow colder, but it caused Nie Huaisang to lower his fan and give him a quick smile. Lan Wangji hoped that was a good sign. From what he’s heard from his uncle, Nie Huaisang was a surprisingly good student for how often he complained in class about the difficulty.
More commotion from his right side caused Lan Wangji to forget all about anyone else besides Wei Ying. The boy was shaking with anticipation over the announcement of Prom King. No one was sure when during the night they would make the call. Lan Wangji felt his own nervousness build up as Wei Ying’s leg shook. But judging from Wei Ying’s bright expression, the jitters were more excited than worried. Lan Wangji wanted to reach across the table and hold Wei Ying’s hand in reassurance, but it would be inappropriate.
He recalled the feeling of Wei Ying’s arms around his neck. The comfortable weight of his body as Lan Wangji carried him. The fleeting lips that pressed against his own under the cover of darkness-
Lan Wangji fingered the red hair tie around his wrist. He looked at Wei Ying, who looked right back and smiled before continuing his third retelling of when Uncle reinstated all of his tests. To know that it meant so much to Wei Ying- He ran his thumb over this red elastic one last time before slipping it off his wrist. When there was a break in Wei Ying’s speech, Lan Wangji passed it over wordlessly.
“Eh? My scrunchie! Did you have it all along, Lan Zhan?”
Right. Wei Ying’s poor memory and disorientation meant he did not remember what happened while he was under the influence. Lan Wangji hoped his action did not further contribute to Wei Ying’s confusion.
Wei Ying did not show if he was concerned or upset. In fact, his grin widened as he took the hair tie back. “Thank you for keeping it safe for me, Lan Zhan. But I’m gonna give it back to you. Consider it a gift.” Wangji was silent as Wei Ying slipped the hair tie back around his wrist like he did before.
A screech cut through the air and the music stopped. The principal stood behind the DJ booth fiddling with her microphone. She tapped the head twice before clearing her throat. Much of the student body cringed as the DJ had to help the principal work out the setup.
“Attention Gusu High Seniors!” The microphone gave one last whine before calming down. “I hope everyone is having a good time!”
Cheers from all around the tent. The principal waited for the shouts to stop before continuing.
“We are about to announce the winners of Prom King and Prom Queen in a moment-” Wei Ying squeezed Lan Wangji’s arm- “but first a short public service announcement. We understand students’ desires to explore the grounds outside of the tent but please be wary of the staircase leading down to the Northern entrance! We already had one student fall down tonight and would like to avoid further accidents.”
Wei Ying stifled a laugh. “How does that even happen?”
“Wow I can’t believe the most idiotic thing to happen tonight wasn’t caused by you,” Jiang Cheng replied. “Yet.”
Nie Huaisang hummed. “He probably deserved it.”
Lan Wangji was curious to know how Nie Huaisang knew the student falling down was a he , but the principal continued to lead up to her biggest announcement of the night.
The tension was palpable. For once, everyone was quiet when asked. Wangji tried to take his mind off how tight Wei Ying held his arm by looking around. Many already had their eyes on Wei Ying, not that he noticed. From a distant table, Su She was spotted with a grimace. Finally, the principal opened the envelope that held the winner’s name.
“I know there’s been quite the buildup of excitement around this particular title, so we’ll be announcing it first. I should preface it by saying that this year’s results were a little unconventional…”
Wei Ying was almost bouncing out of his seat. His other hand joined his first, bunching up the light blue fabric of Wangji’s suit. “Come on, get to it already!”
Lan Wangji shared the same sentiment.
“...Put your hands together for Gusu High School Senior Class Prom King, Wei Wuxian!”
Wei Ying leaped out of his seat. “Yes! I did it! Lan Zhan, I did it!” Wei Ying never looked happier, and it tugged at Wangji’s heartstrings. All the way up to the stage, Wei Ying blew kisses to the crowd and reveled in his success. The applause was thunderous, with his two friends leading everyone else in the celebration.
True to his prediction, the plastic crown fit perfectly with his ponytail. Wei Ying waved at Lan Wangji while pointing excitedly at the flower nestled in the center of the crown. A spotlight shone down on him, and he truly looked like King of the world. Efforts of the past semester have not gone to waste, for either of them.
The principal started winding up her second speech for Prom Queen. Lan Wangji would have lost interest. Wei Ying won already, after all. But up on stage, Wei Ying continued to shuffle with anticipation. His hands were behind his back and he kept bouncing on his toes. If Wangji were more expressive, he would have tried to send him a reassuring smile. Instead, he hoped the feelings got across through his stare. Wei Ying caught his eye, but rather than calming down the boy seemed even more nervous.
A second envelope was handed to the principal. Wangji was too busy looking at Wei Ying to notice anyone in the crowd who may have wanted the title for themselves. Wei Ying looked to the ground, towards the fountain, to the principal- anywhere but at Lan Wangji. Had he done something wrong? He was not under the impression that-
“Students, please welcome up this year’s Prom Queen, Lan Wangji!”
The subsequent reaction was deafening, even louder than the previous announcement’s. Everyone’s eyes were on him now, including Wei Ying’s. There, on the stage, Wei Ying looked bashful. For but a moment. He soon shook off the sensation and held his hand out to Wangji. As if asking him to dance again. He lost all sense of himself. He could not move, could not hear, could not think.
The coldness in his hands signaled the sudden loss of his blood circulation, but his heart never answered clearer. It beat with the claps of his fellow students as they tried to get his attention.
Congratulations, Lan Wangji! The lights were so bright.
Aren’t you going up? Everyone kept on looking at him.
Lan Wangji, I think they called your name! Was he still breathing?
It wasn’t any of the students or Wei Ying who finally snapped him back from his state of near-panic. Something hard and metallic hit him on the side of his face. It didn’t hurt, but he gasped and faced the perpetrator.
Jiang Cheng was seething . “Get up there, asshole! The hell you think you are, sitting there like that? Go or I’ll break your legs!”
To anyone else, it was a serious threat. But Wei Ying told Lan Wangji enough about his younger brother for Wangji to tell that this wasn’t any old intimidation tactic. He was being “aggressively cared for.”
It was his concern that compelled the mechanical gears in Lan Wangji’s legs to start moving again. One step at a time. Back straight. To Wei Ying. Always walking towards Wei Ying, whose arm was still outstretched. Wangji saw himself taking it and stepping under the heat of the spotlight.
The glow was blinding but he refused to look anywhere else. A weight was placed atop his head and he saw the principal move her lips. To no avail could he make out anything going on around him. Wei Ying holding his hand. Still holding his hand.
“Lan Zhan?” The first clear thing he’s been able to make out since getting up on stage. Up close with his own crown, Wei Ying dazzled. He squeezed Wangji’s hand.
“I’d like to make a speech!” Wei Ying grabbed the microphone from the principal’s hand.
She flinched in alarm. “We don’t really allow-”
“Gusu High! How is everyone doing tonight? I’m your Prom King, Wei Ying! Wei Wuxian!” He raised both hands to the sky, including the one that Lan Wangji was holding.
Looking out, he saw nothing but the glare of the overhead lights, a sea of faceless bodies, and the serenity of a quiet nighttime garden that was too far to reach.
Wei Ying brought their hands back down. Lan Wangji expected him to spend the rest of his speech riling everyone up. Basking in his victory. Maybe even tell off one or two of his teachers. It was the last big event of their senior year, save for the actual graduation. Wei Ying should be reaching for his dreams and having the time of his life. Instead, with one hand tight on the microphone and the other clasping Lan Wangji’s, Wei Ying turned towards him.
“Lan Zhan! Congratulations! You’re probably really confused right now, huh? I could tell as soon as they called your name, but I suppose that’s to be expected.” Wei Ying laughed, swinging their arms a little. “You know, I was so focused on winning my own crown that I forgot tonight was supposed to be about two people. At first, I thought I didn’t care about who else won as long as I did. But the more I thought about it the more it wasn’t true. I didn’t want just anyone. I know it was selfish of me, but I wanted you up here with me tonight.
I wanted it so much that I asked the entire class to vote for you tonight. I told everyone to please, please vote for Lan Zhan as my Prom Queen. Because he deserves it. For helping me get to where I am right now and not giving up on me no matter how much I bothered you. Listen to me, I’m starting to ramble. But the point is, Lan Zhan, I have… a bit of a confession to make.”
Lan Wangji blinked. He blinked again. Wei Ying smiled at his reaction and stepped closer. Their fingers intertwined.
“Lan Zhan. Lan Wangji. I want there to be no doubts so I’m telling this to you in front of everyone as my witness. I, Wei Wuxian, like you! I want to go on silly dates with you to get bubble tea. I want to know what you like and don’t like. I want to try new things with you and watch your reactions. If we’re being cheesy, I fancy you! You complete me. You made my heart spin for an entire semester. Lan Zhan, my dashing, handsome, Prom Queen, I’ve never had so much fun as when I’m with you.”
Wei Ying tossed the microphone behind him without a care in the world. He threw himself at Lan Wangji, wrapping himself around the taller boy in a tight embrace. Several people in the crowd let out high pitched squeals. Wangji felt the same excitement. In his mind, he was shouting his joy from the mountaintops. His mouth, on the other hand, had more trouble expressing itself.
“How-” How did you do it?
Wei Ying tsked. “Come on, Lan Zhan. You should know me by now! I did what I do best- act shameless!”
To convince the whole student body to vote for two people of Wei Ying’s choice. It sounded impossible. But who better to accomplish the impossible than Wei Ying? His Wei Ying, who fit so well into his arms and played with the red rose pinned over his heart.
“It was you who made Lan-Laoshi regrade all my tests. And you brought me home the night of Huaisang’s party.”
“I-” There was no point in answering. Wangji’s throat threatened to close entirely. Wei Ying did not need an answer.
“I know it all now, Lan Zhan.” His hand cupped Wangji’s cheek and brushed a thumb over his face. Wangji melted into the hand. Wei Ying chuckled. “Oh, Lan Zhan. How can anyone in the world be as good to me as you?”
Though the entire school watched, Lan Wangji felt them all fall into the background as Wei Ying cupped the other side of his face and drew him in. With his eyes closed, Lan Wangji did not hear the cheers erupting around them. All there was was the tug of Wei Ying’s hands and the sweetness of his kiss. This time, Lan Wangji threw himself back into it. He rested his arms around Wei Ying’s waist.
Wei Ying was starry-eyed when he drew back. “Not bad for number two, eh?”
“You remembered?”
“It took me a while,” Wei Ying chuckled. “But I’ll always remember you, Lan Zhan.”
And when Lan Wangji was able to express his gratitude outwardly, with the faintest uptick of his lips, the only way Wei Ying could contain his elation was to gasp and throw himself against Wangji’s lips all over again.