Chapter Text
He’s not okay.
“Are you okay, Junhui?” Wonwoo asked, noticing how Junhui’s been sighing heavily ever since they met that day in Junhui and Soonyoung’s dorm room.
“I’m… I’m okay.” Junhui answered to which Soonyoung beside him quickly dismissed.
“Don’t believe him, he’s been like this ever since he logged off of his game last night and nothing’s okay ever since— Ouch!” Soonyoung was cut off because Junhui tapped him on his mouth.
“Soonie, you blabbermouth. Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
“Class?” Soonyoung looked at his watch and he gasped when he saw the time. “Oh goodness! I have an exam.” He quickly put his belongings inside his bag, Junhui putting as many snacks inside it as possible then stood up to leave. Before heading out, he said, “See you later, Junnie. Wonwoo, I entrust my best friend to you, okay?”
“What are you, my mom?” Junhui shook his head. “Don’t worry about what he said. I’m really okay.”
Wonwoo looked unconvinced. “You know you can tell me anything. We’re not just partners in Lit, at least for me.”
Silence. This is what Wonwoo and Junhui like about being with each other. They can just sit there doing nothing but it won’t be awkward. Sometimes, silence is really what our heart needs. And Junhui really, really appreciates Wonwoo for that.
“It’s just…” Junhui opened one of the books where they’re supposed to find a reference for their poem assignment. “Words are scary, Wonwon. I thought… being in a virtual world, hiding my face and everything won’t give anyone the right to disturb my peace but I guess I’m completely wrong.”
Wonwoo didn’t interrupt. He let Junhui do all the talking first and he just listens to him attentively.
“I mean, you log into that game to escape the real world and it somehow becomes your safe space. But what if what you thought is your safe haven feels like it’s not safe anymore?” Junhui took a deep breath. “I’ve been called names… accused of things I didn’t even dream of doing in real life. The more painful thing is that it came from people you considered as friends at some point in time. I thought once I logged off from the game, it would all be erased too. So why… is it still bothering me? Why is it painful?”
Junhui felt something warm on top of his hands and when he looked at it, Wonwoo put his one hand on top of Junhui’s, drawing comforting circles on it.
“I’ve been called a teacher’s pet since I started studying. Some of my classmates say that I just got good grades because of my dad’s connections. Some call me weird and they don’t want to be friends with me. Others befriend me so they could use me to their own advantage.” Wonwoo said, a sad smile painted on his lips. “People think being a top student or a genius always comes with positive things. They thought everyone will like you, will love you. But the truth is it’s not.”
“What I’m trying to say is… no matter how much we try so hard, there are people who won’t like us, Junnie. People would believe what they want to believe. But who are they to decide who’s black and who is white in this world? At the end of the day, they don’t know you. They don’t know your heart. I mean… even the crows are black but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a heart.” Wonwoo held Junhui’s hand tighter. With his other hand, he wiped Junhui’s tears who unconsciously fell from his eyes because of Wonwoo’s words. It just hit right into his heart.
“Sometimes we just wish that life has a Shift+Delete or Esc buttons too, right? Like when you experience something like that, all we have to do is press that button and forget everything.” Wonwoo said, his eyes never leaving Junhui’s. “But, maybe… those things are meant to be there to help us grow into a better person. Maybe that’s why there’s no Shift+Delete or Esc button. We can’t just escape or permanently delete those bad moments but what we can do is Ctrl+S it in the deepest part of our hearts and turn it into something like a reminder that we’ve been through this. If we get to experience it next time, we won’t Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V it again.”
It’s very Jeon Wonwoo to give advice using computer shortcuts and it somehow made Junhui’s heart at peace. It was like a heavy weight was lifted off his chest.
“More importantly, you have us. People who truly care about you, who truly know you.” Wonwoo patted Junhui’s head. “Crossing a single log bridge in darkness with someone holding your hand is better than walking on a long, wide road alone.”
Junhui wiped his tears then gave Wonwoo a thankful smile. They realized they’ve been holding hands for too long so both of them shyly took their hand back.
They both continued searching for an object to be the subject of their poem then at one point, they both got a light bulb in their minds turned on.
“Crow!” They both said at the same time. They both gasped at the timing.
“Oh god, Wonwon. Let’s write about crows who are black but that doesn’t mean they’re heartless.” Junhui exclaimed.
“Mn. Let’s do that, Junnie.”
The two worked together to create a poem to submit in their Literature class. Junhui didn’t realize that he dozed off.
When he opened his eyes, Wonwoo’s gone. But the guy left a handwritten note beside him.
“When it’s hard to find a star in the darkness
The big, bright moonlight
I hope it becomes hope to someone
As the light shine my eyes
The wish and the hopes within it
I wish it to seep in other people’s window
For it to shine in other’s eyes
Today too, I hope the moon shines brightly…”
🕹🕹🕹
The next day, Junhui couldn’t find Lan Wangji at their usual meeting place under the maple tree. Then, he received a game notification.
[Lan Wangji vs. YunmengJiang clan]
[+1117, -2377] If he’s not crazy, why would he ask a whole clan for a duel?”
[+2099, -7777 I mean, even if he’s a top player, no way he’ll be able to take down a whole fucking clan.]
[+8888, -1234 Lan Wangji is insane for this]
Wei Wuxian quickly went to the Nightless City. And there, he found thousands of players swarmed to witness one of the most legendary duels in MDZS history. One player asking a whole clan to fight with him.
At the battle ground, his eyes widened to see Lan Wangji standing there, his zither on his back, facing the whole YunMeng Jiang clan.
“You might’ve gained some guts being the top player, huh? Do you really think you can take down all of us?” One of the clan members asked Lan Wangji who maintained his composure. He didn’t answer, he just stared at all the people in front of him, untaunted.
Madam Yu, the clan leader, signaled the whole clan to shut up. Then she walked to the front in order to be face-to-face with the young cultivator. On her ring finger, her weapon, Zidian, wrapped dangerously. “Someone from my clan might’ve offended you. I wonder what made you do this crazy idea.”
Looking back, Wei Wuxian would never forget how he’s always intimidated by Madam Yu. No wonder she’s the clan leader even if she’s a woman. Seeing Lan Wangji not intimidated by her is so impressive.
“If I win, stop posting about Wei Wuxian on the worldwide website. Much better if you won’t speak against him at all after this.”
Wei Wuxian felt his heart swell. He, too, knows that this is such a crazy idea but having someone care for him like that made his heart warm. He’s feeling many things right at the moment.
Madam Yu smirked. “Wei Wuxian. So, this is about him.” She looked back to the whole clan, “You heard that, okay? We shall never speak about him again.” The clan members snorted, some grimaced.
Wei Wuxian felt his heart constricting inside his chest.
“And if we win? We shouldn’t be the only one putting something on the line with this. This match garnered so much attention anyways.”
“What do you want?”
Madam Yu pretended to think before she returned her gaze to Lan Wangji with a cold pair of eyes.
“Unbond with Wei Wuxian.”
To say that Junhui is horrified is an understatement. How can his ex-clan leader make a bet with his bonding matters? This is unfair. So unfair…
Junhui’s hand curled into fists. He was so ready to type something out of rage and stop this ridiculous situation when Lan Wangji spoke on the live chat, “Okay.”
Junhui has never felt so scared in a match before. It’s not even his own, but he felt like crying at the moment. Lan Wangji should not be doing this. How can he agree to that deal? Not that he's not confident with Lan Wangji’s skills but…to take down a whole clan is like saying you’ll beat three or four football teams alone.
Before it starts, Lan Wangji spotted a distressed Wei Wuxian among the crowds. He just gave him a reassuring smile. On the top of his head, his name was replaced with, “Wei Wuxian’s husband, Lan Wangji .”
“This idiot, how can you fucking smile at me like that?”
The match is too painful to watch. Yunmeng Jiang clan didn’t even bother to give Lan Wangji time to breathe as almost all of them charged at once.
It’s like Lan Wangji vs. the World.
The other spectators might still see the calm demeanor of Lan Wangji even if he’s being swarmed by the Jiang clan members but for Wei Wuxian, he could see even the tiniest furrow of brows when he’s in pain. And it’s...painful. So…painful for him.
Even if this is just a virtual world, how can someone go through so much just to save his reputation and clean his name like that?
How can Lan Wangji go through all of this trouble just because of him?
With the help of Bichen and his zither (and Wei Wuxian’s prayers), Lan Wangji managed to defeat all of the Yunmeng Jiang clan except for one — Madam Yu.
On her one hand, Zidian turned into a whip with electricity crackling with every movement of it. And what was assumed to be Lan Wangji’s victory, the table has turned when she finally moved.
Both players were so fast, as they fought each other. Only the whish and whoosh of Bichen and Zidian could be heard. The whole battlefield became full of dust because of the two player’s movement all over the arena.
Wei Wuxian has his heart hanging by a thread. He knows Madam Yu’s power. She’s not your average cultivator. She’s a clan leader for a reason.
A few more minutes and the dust cleared and what Wei Wuxian could see in the battlefield made him terrified and scared.
Lan Wangji was knelt down in front of Madam Yu, his limbs bound by Zidian. If it’s another occurrence, Wei Wuxian would’ve found it impressive how Lan Wangji isn’t reacting with Zidian’s electricity.
Madam Yu encircled Lan Wangji, a smirk plastered on her face while the other members of the clan cheered for her.
“Any last words, Lan Wangji?”
Lan Wangji just glared at her.
Wei Wuxian closed his eyes. No, he can’t watch this. He will never be able to watch this—
“Bottoms up, I guess?”
Junhui’s eyes snapped open to return his eyes on his screen. The moment his eyes went back to the scene in front of him, Madam Yu was the one lying on the cold floor of the battlefield, everyone silent as they saw Lan Wangji standing up.
On his one hand, he was holding a bottle of Emperor’s Smile.
“My wedding gift—” Junhui gasped, tears starting to fall on his cheeks.
Emperor’s Smile might be a low-class item but it’s fatal when used. It can make anyone drunk with it with just one bottle, making them unable to use their weapons anymore.
Lan Wangji gazed at the direction of Wei Wuxian and winked at him.
Just in time, the notification flashed above their heads and declared Lan Wangji as the winner.
Junhui didn’t know why but he’s shedding tears over the game. He’s too afraid the whole time he was watching.
At one point, he even considered logging out of the game but how can he leave this person who’s willing to go through so much just to clear his name?
Did Junhui even deserve this person?
When Lan Wangji came to find him, Wei Wuxian was standing beside the maple tree. The other quickly walked towards him with a gentle smile on his face.
“How can you smile at me when I almost died watching you?!” Wei Wuxian said as he stood up and punched Lan Wangji on his chest. “How can you do that without asking me? How can you scare me like that?” He was crying now. He felt a strong pair of arms wrapped around him as he continued crying.
“I’m sorry… I just can’t stand it when they’re calling you names.”
“What if you lost? What if you lost your current ranking? What if… you won’t be bonded with me anymore—” Wei Wuxian wanted to facepalm. What the fuck is he saying?
Lan Wangji didn’t answer for a while. Then after tightening his hug on Wei Wuxian, he answered, “I would never let that happen.”
Before Wei Wuxian could even react to that, he was being taken away. A hand on his wrist, Lan Wangji led him somewhere. Well, it’s not like he mind tho.
“We’re here.”
What Wei Wuxian saw in front of his eyes had him in awe. They were at the top of a mountain where there are clouds floating. From there, you could see every place in the MDZS universe. From the 5 Great Clans’ residences up to the moon that is literally within Wei Wuxian’s reach.
“What place is this?”
“I don’t know either. To be honest, it’s not on the map. I just call this the Moonlight Peak.” Lan Wangji answered. “It’s because at this place, it’s as if you could take the moon within your reach.”
“Why didn’t I know this place exists in this game?” Wei Wuxian asked. He’s been roaming this game universe for a year but he’s never encountered this place.
“It’s because you can only go up here if you’re the top player.”
Wei Wuxian gasped. “Oh, then why am I—”
Lan Wangji took his hand. “It’s because you're the husband of the top player now, that’s why.”
Wei Wuxian felt like he’s in Cloud 9. Lan Wangji really does things to his heart. How is this possible?
“I’m sorry I stepped in that matter with your clan. I know you prefer it if we just ignore it, but I can’t.”
Wei Wuxian roamed his eyes and saw the Lotus Pier, Yunmeng Jiang clan’s residence. It’s his home since from the very start that he played this game. “Do you know why I chose the Yunmeng Jiang clan when everyone else is recruiting me to be their clan member when I first started?”
Lan Wangji didn’t answer. He just waited for Wei Wuxian to continue what he’s saying, eyes never leaving the other.
“It’s because Lotus Pier reminds me of my hometown in the real world.” Wei Wuxian smiled, reminiscing how much Lotus Pier reminds him of Shenzhen. “It’s making me less homesick. It’s amazing how a game makes people less lonely, right? How we experience things here we don’t experience in real life.”
Wei Wuxian reached up as if to touch the big moon above his head. “Just like how I feel less lonely whenever I see the moon. Whenever I see the moon, I’m reminded that my mom or my brother might be looking at it too. The thought of us both looking at it despite being kilometers away washes away all my worries.The moon is like… our secret messenger or something. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Very beautiful. I hope the moon is shining brightly today too.”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened. Those words— When Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, the other wasn't looking at the moon. He’s staring at Wei Wuxian.
“I used to be alone since I was young. Having two busy parents that I only see during their day offs and holidays, I grew up basically alone.”
Wei Wuxian froze. It’s very rare for Lan Wangji to open up about what he’s like in real life.
“But yeah, these games made me less lonely. For some these might be just pastimes or childish activities but for me… I want to create a game like this in the future. Something to accompany people and make them less lonely in life.”
Junhui froze in his seat. Why are his words so familiar? Is he missing something? Why… does it feel like he knew the person behind Lan Wangji for a long time now? He definitely heard or seen that before… It’s awfully… familiar.
After everything that happened that night, Junhui finally decided he really wanted to meet Lan Wangji. Not in MDZS but in the real world. He doesn’t care if that person won’t see him the way he’s seeing him now but he really just wants to meet this person and thank him for everything that he has done for him in the game.
Even if scared, Junhui typed the words that he wanted to ask his cultivation partner for a long time now.
The whole time, Wei Wuxian’s just staring at him. Then, finally, he got to ask what he wanted.
“Don’t you… don’t you want us to meet in the real world?”
Lan Wangji looked at him, surprised. But after a few seconds, he regained his composure again before he answered, “After the Battle of Xuanwu...let’s meet.”
“How do I know it’s you?”
Lan Wangji patted Wei Wuxian on the head. “Let’s have our code.”
“What code?” Wei Wuxian asked, puzzled.
“Code 222.”
🕹🕹🕹
“Oh, are you starting your game conceptualization now?” Junhui asked as he saw Wonwoo so focused on his laptop that he didn’t even notice Junhui approaching him.
“Mn. My team and I are going to present this to an investment company tomorrow.”
“What game is it?” Junhui curiously peeped on Wonwoo’s laptop and the other smiled at how cute Junhui is while peeking at what he’s doing.
When Junhui realized that Wonwoo’s staring at him and that their faces are in close proximity again, he quickly pulled away only to be pulled back by Wonwoo who took his right hand and guided it over the mouse.
“Here, try it.”
Wonwoo led Junhui to sit on his chair. Junhui gulped nervously as he felt Wonwoo put the headphones on his head like a romantic scene in that one movie.
“This is how you do it.”
Wonwoo gently placed his left hand on the table as he hovered over Junhui, his right hand placed on top of Junhui’s hand while his face was almost touching the latter’s cheeks.
“So, basically, with this game, you can go to every part of the world. The places are based on real-world maps. There are NPCs that are programmed to do different reactions depending on whose player they’re facing—”
Junhui found it hard to focus on whatever Wonwoo’s saying, not when they’re in this very heart-fluttering position.
When they said Jeon Wonwoo is good at everything, Junhui didn’t think he's this good at making someone’s heart explode too.
“Wonwon—”
“Hmm?”
“Are you like this with everyone?”
Wonwoo furrowed his brows. “Like what?”
The other took a deep breath. He didn’t know if he genuinely didn’t know or he’s just messing with Junhui. “Like this.”
This time, it’s Wonwoo who breathed heavily. And what he answered definitely made Junhui’s heart do several backflips.
“Only to you.”
Junhui’s heart pounded loudly inside his chest. It seems like his mind just went AFK with what Wonwoo had said.
“W-Wonwoo...”
Wonwoo booped Junhui’s nose, enough for Junhui to be snapped out of his reverie. He took something from his bag and it revealed a keychain with a cute cat with a red scarf on his neck. “Beautiful stuff needs beautiful owners.”
Before Junhui could say something again, Wonwoo beat him to it.
“Tomorrow night, let’s meet. I have something to tell you.”
🕹🕹🕹
That night, Junhui had a dream.
He’s standing in the middle of a green field. The moon is shining brightly above him, and there are fireflies flying everywhere. He walked a little and he saw a maple tree.
However, when he was about to walk towards it, the maple tree split into two. Not only was it split into two, but he could also see two guys standing beside each other.
“Junhui!”
“Wei Wuxian!”
The two guys called at the same time and when Junhui squinted his eyes, he recognized the two guys standing not far away from him.
To his left, there’s Lan Wangji. And to his right, there’s Jeon Wonwoo. Then, all of a sudden, the wide field is starting to split into two too.
The two guys held their hands at him. When Junhui was about to grab a hand, his eyes snapped open.
He was awake.
🕹🕹🕹
“What are you doing here? You got a power outage again at the dorm?” Jihoon asked as he saw Junhui sit in front of one of their computers.
The said guy shook his head, followed by an exhausted sigh as if he’s thinking of how to save the world or something. “I’m hiding.”
“Hiding from what?”
Junhui took a deep breath again then whispered. “From my feelings.”
Junhui has an important tournament that night. The Battle of Xuanwu is about to take place later so why… Why is he here running away? Why is he here doing everything but open MDZS to play?
Why is he feeling conflicted?
Whenever he thinks of Wonwoo, his heart flutters like he knows what he feels for the other guy is more than just them being partners in Lit.
So why… Why does he feel the same way whenever he talks to Lan Wangji?
This is not right… This is so not right. He should separate his virtual feelings from his feelings in real life.
“Do you think in-game feelings are real, Jihoon?”
Jihoon gave Junhui a cup of warm chocolate then he sat down next to him to open his game.
“Well, feelings are feelings. Sometimes, it’s hard distinguishing if it’s from reality or from the game.”
Junhui noticed that Jihoon opened a different game other than MDZS. “Oh, you’re not playing MDZS?”
Jihoon chuckled. “I haven’t told you I haven’t played that for a while now?”
“Why?”
Jihoon looked at Junhui and the other’s leaning to him, eyes full of curiosity. “I bonded with someone. I don’t even know but at that time, I’m really drawn to that character. It was like… that sappy word ‘love at first sight’ or whatever the fuck it’s called. I asked him to bond with me, then we did quests three times. And then…” Jihoon took a deep breath.
Junhui snorted. Jihoon really dislikes being sappy but he’s sappy anyways. “And? What happened?”
“He never showed up again. I mean, if you’re going to disappear at least tell me why or say goodbye? But no, he just straight up go poof. Just like that, I’ve been ghosted.”
Junhui could see the bitterness in every Jihoon’s word. And here he was, trying to run away from his feelings without saying a word. This is unfair not just to Lan Wangji… but also to Wonwoo.
“I told you, feelings are feelings. Whether you’re in reality or in a game, feelings are spelled the same either way so how is it different?” Jihoon put a hand on Junhui’s shoulder and said, “So, if you’re just going to run away from whatever the fuck you’re feeling, do the other person a favor and at least say goodbye.”
Whatever this is, he needs to act like a man and sort out his feelings. Whether he’s in love with Wonwoo or Lan Wangji, the best he could do is, to be honest about what he truly feels.
“But wait, how are you always updated with MDZS if you’re not playing it anymore?”
Instead of answering, Jihoon just gave him a mysterious smile and shrugged.
🕹🕹🕹
Today is the day.
Today is the day of the Battle of Xuanwu in MDZS and today’s also the day that Wonwoo has something to say to Junhui.
To say that he’s nervous for both is an understatement. He’s beyond nervous for both. The Battle of Xuanwu would determine if he and the person behind Lan Wangji could finally meet.
Tho, he still hasn’t figured out what Code 222 means. Junhui actually tried to search for it.
“Soonie, do you know what Code 222 is?”
Soonyoung scratched his head and tried to think. “222? What’s that? Balance Inquiry? Junnie, I’m a dance major. You’re the Computer Major here.”
Junhui scrunched his nose. “Oh, right. I should probably search for it myself.”
He saw the cute cat keychain on his bag and remembered he had to send Wonwoo a ‘good luck’ message so he rummaged through his things to look for his phone but to no avail. “Soonie, did you see my phone?”
“Junnie, seriously? You really do have memory gaps like how can you forget where you left your phone?” Soonyoung shook his head. “Also, you have exams today, right?”
The other nodded. He stayed up all night trying to practice some coding shits. So yeah, it seems like he’ll battle with his programming major first before he goes to the Battle of Xuanwu and the battle of his feelings later.
“Should I ring your phone?”
Junhui slapped his forehead. “Oh god, I put it in silent mode last night so I can focus on studying.”
Soonyoung walked towards his best friend and made the latter face him. “Wen Junhui, why do you look so jumpy today? It looks like you’re going to fight in three battles all day.”
Junhui pouted and faked a cry. “But I do have three battles today, Soonie. I think I’m gonna cry.” He leaned his head on Soonyoung’s shoulder.
Soonyoung held him again on his shoulder so he could see Junhui’s face. “Who are you?”
“Wen Junhui.”
“Kwon Soonyoung’s best friend, Wen Junhui. You can do it, okay?”
In the end, Junhui failed to find his phone. He didn’t know how to say ‘good luck’ to Wonwoo for his presentation that day. Add the fact that he didn’t know where they’ll meet.
In the meantime, he has to finish all his classes today so his mind would be at peace later when he plays his game.
He has to do his best.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian worked so hard and have been through so much just so they could be where they are now.
And so… the whole day passed by painfully slow for Junhui. However, he survived it and he was just in time for one of the biggest player tournaments in MDZS — Battle of Xuanwu.
It’s where a whole clan of cultivation partners would go inside the Xuanwu cave and try to defeat the very powerful boss, Tortoise of Slaughter.
Nothing is known about this boss. But the stake is high. Not only does it offer unique and rare items, but it also upgrades the winners’ golden core. Thus, your ranking will go up too in the game.
Wei Wuxian arrived 10 minutes before the set time for the battle. Lan Wangji is still nowhere to be seen.
He took it as a chance to change his name to: [ Lan Wangji’s husband, Wei Wuxian]
Yunmeng Jiang Clan arrived and they all saw Wei Wuxian in front of the cave entrance. Some of them looked like they were about to say something but quickly shut up when they remembered the duel they had with Lan Wangji.
5 minutes…
Lan Wangji is still not there.
Almost everyone that’ll be participating already entered the cave. As of the moment, the worldwide chat box is going wild.
[Did Lan Wangji ditch Wei Wuxian?]
[Poor Wei Wuxian. Abandoned by his husband.]
[I didn’t know LWJ is a ghoster too.]
3 minutes…
Wei Wuxian tried to go pass the NPC soldiers but they didn’t let him pass.
“Lone cultivators aren’t allowed.”
Junhui felt confused and hurt at the same time. Did he get stood up? Did Lan Wangji ditch him? Did he finally realize he’s someone with whom he doesn’t want to be associated?
1 minute...
5 seconds…
[Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji: Disqualified]
Junhui never felt so dejected over a game. This is not deep, right? We shouldn’t feel anything about it. It’s just a game. So why… does it hurt? Why is it painful to be stood up?
He looked at his watch and remembered that Wonwoo and he are supposed to meet. He shouldn’t ditch up someone just because he got stood up by another. But, he remembered Wonwoo didn’t specify where they’re supposed to meet.
Just in time, Soonyoung entered their room, panting heavily. “Junnie! I found your phone. I don’t know why it’s inside my bag.”
Junhui quickly took the phone from Soonyoung and he checked the messages. He received messages from Wonwoo. He immediately opened them.
From: Wonwon
Don’t forget tonight, okay?
From: Wonwon
Let’s meet at the place where we first met.
From: Wonwon
Fighting, Junnie!
However, the last two messages caught Junhui’s eyes, his heart beating fast inside his chest.
From: Wonwon
223
From: Wonwon
mo-mo-dda ❤️
Junhui felt something like a missing puzzle piece finally came into place. Is he perhaps…
4735
124
223
222
Are Lan Wangji and Jeon Wonwoo the same person?
Then, he remembered everything… Everything… The tiny details remind him of the other person while talking to the other.
It all made perfect sense how Wonwoo told him he has two cats when there’s clearly no-pets rule in their dorm.
How… those words seem so familiar…
He looked at the kitten keychain in his bag and immediately remembered the ornament Lan Wangji gave him.
‘Beautiful weapons need beautiful owners.’
‘Beautiful stuff needs beautiful owners.’
How both Lan Wangji and Jeon Wonwoo comforted him when that happened...
‘I hope the moon is shining brightly today too.’
‘Today too, I hope the moon shines brightly.’
That single log bridge thing...
‘Seems like being tied to me is like walking on a single log bridge in darkness. I’m sorry you have to be in this too.’
‘Crossing a single log bridge in darkness with someone holding your hand is better than walking on a long, wide road alone.’
And that things about creating a game to make people less lonely… Oh god, how can he forget?
‘I want to create something like this in the future. Something to accompany people and make them less lonely in life.’
‘I just want to develop a game that could maybe make someone less lonely in this already lonely world. I hope someday, I can develop a game to keep other people company.’
Idiot Junhui. How can he be so smart in a lot of things but be so dense and oblivious in terms of this? Like everything is already in front of him. The answers are all laid out in front of his eyes. He never wanted to smack his head this much.
With glassy eyes, he hugged a clueless Soonyoung in front of him.
“Ya… Junnie, what’s happening? Are you okay—”
“Soonie… I found them both.”
Wonwoo clearly told him that they should meet at the place where they first met. So, he found his way running towards the library. That’s where they first talked, right? He was panting when he reached the library but Wonwoo wasn't there. Junhui tried calling him but he couldn’t be reached.
Junhui ran to their Lit classroom next and still, there are no signs of Wonwoo there.
He’s clearly still missing something here. Where they first met… Where could that be? Isn’t it in their Lit class?
“Wen Junhui, think… Where could Wonwoo and you first met?”
‘I first met you under the autumn leaves.’
Junhui’s eyes went watery. Did Wonwoo actually remember that day—
“No way, he remembered that day…” But Junhui’s already running towards the walkway where the maple leaves are planted. He’s running out of breath but who cares?
His heart beating so fast inside his chest, he finally reached the maple leaves.
However, no Wonwoo could be found there.
Junhui sat on a nearby bench, tired and exhausted. Is he perhaps ditching Junhui too in real life? Will he not show up too just like in the virtual world?
But, no. Lan Wangji in MDZS and Jeon Wonwoo in flesh is not like that. He’s never someone to ditch or not show up intentionally.
Lan Wangji was never late in their quests. Jeon Wonwoo is always early on promised meeting time.
“Oh my god, did something happen to him?” Junhui frantically took his phone from his pocket and tried calling Jihoon. “Hello, Jihoon… do you perhaps know where Wonwoo is—”
“Junnie, actually… we’re at the hospital.”
🕹🕹🕹
Crying, Junhui rushed to the hospital that Jihoon told him. His hands were shaking, he didn’t know what to do. He knew it… He knew something had happened.
Both Lan Wangji and Jeon Wonwoo are not the types of people who’ll just leave you hanging like that. He knows… He knows because he fell in love with both.
The way he fell in love with both versions of Wonwoo in reality and in a virtual universe says a lot.
Junhui quickly ran towards the room Jihoon texted him. There, his knees felt weak seeing somebody lying on the bed, a blanket covering up to his face.
Shaking, he approached the bed. “Oh god, Wonwoo… please. Why are you lying there like that? You promised we’ll meet, right? But not this way. Please, I still need to know what you’re going to say —” Junhui shook his head. “No, actually, you have to know what I truly feel. Please… wake up, Wonwoo.” He’s bawling his eyes out, tears staining the white blanket. “Wonwon, I like you. I don’t care if you’re Lan Wangji or Jeon Wonwoo… I just…” Junhui sniffed. “Please, wake up and I’ll tell you.”
“Really?”
Junhui’s eyes widened upon hearing that familiar deep voice. “Wonwon? Are you awake?”
“Junnie, I’m here.”
Junhui turned his body and behind him, he found Wonwoo standing at the door, alive and fine, with only a small gauze on his forehead. Eyes still blurry from tears, he rubbed his eyes thinking he’s dreaming or something. “W-Wonwon? Then who’s this—”
When he looked at the body he’s crying over again, he saw Jihoon lying on it.
“This is what you get for ending the call when I was just about to say that the driver is me and that Wonwoo only got a minor contusion on his forehead.” Jihoon leaned his head towards Wonwoo. “Ya! Take your husband away with you. I think my headache is coming back.”
Wonwoo took Junhui’s hand and led him to the hospital garden. The stars and the moon are out and there are only a few people there because the nurses are telling the patients to go to their respective rooms already to not catch a cold.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’ve been trying to find the perfect timing to tell you. But I… don’t really have the courage yet. I don’t intend for you to know it this way.” Wonwoo said, his eyes on the ground.
“I mean, we always meet at the most random of times. Do you remember asking me where we first met and you asked me if it’s love at first sight?”
Junhui nodded. “How can I forget? I logged out because of too much embarrassment after.”
Wonwoo smiled while looking at the moon. “Mn. It is indeed love at first sight. But it's not inside the game.”
Junhui’s eyes widened at the sudden realization that hit him. “You mean to say you remember that day —”
“Mn,” Wonwoo confirmed. “I was already looking at you before you ever laid your eyes on me, Junhui.” Wonwoo stared at the moon and he was so beautiful that Junhui could perfectly see how his character, Lan Wangji, really resembles him.
“So, when we bumped into each other that night you went to Jihoon’s internet cafe to continue your game, I thought that maybe it’s fate because everything that happened after that led me closer to you. Don’t you think, Junhui?”
Junhui was beyond surprised. So, all this time, their feelings are mutual. He felt thousands of happy butterflies swirling inside his chest.
Yes, everything is definitely fate.
“You don’t know what inner turmoil that caused me,” Junhui said pretending to be angry, reminiscing all those times he thought of running away from both. “I mean… it should be impossible to be in love with two different guys at the same time. I mean, I’m not that kind of person… But woah, Jeon Wonwoo, you’re really something.”
Wonwoo looked at him with furrowed brows. “Junhui—”
Junhui looked beside him to stare at Wonwoo’s eyes. “I mean, it’s unfair how I fall in love with both of your versions at the same time.” He blushed so he looked away to hide it from Wonwoo to stare at the ground then whispered,
“And yes, I think, it’s fate.”
A beautiful smile painted Wonwoo’s lips as he bravely took Junhui’s hand and kissed his knuckles. And they just stayed like that for a while under the moonlight as beautiful as the feelings they have in their hearts at that moment.
“Oh, you’re still not wearing your scarf properly, Wonwon.” Junhui reached for Wonwoo’s scarf and was fixing it when he noticed the wound on the other’s forehead.
Junhui waved his hand like the way Wei Wuxian would wave his hand to get his items and it made Wonwoo chuckle. “What are you doing?”
“Healing potion, Wonwon.” He said as he motioned his hand as if he’s pouring something on Wonwoo’s wound. “You have to heal faster, Wonwon.”
“I know something that could heal me faster.”
“What—”
Wonwoo put Junhui’s hand on his scarf then put his hands on the other’s wrist so he could pull Wonwoo by the scarf closer to him. When their distance is just a tiny space away, Wonwoo watched as Junhui closed his eyes, admiring every mole on his face before he put a hand on Junhui’s back and pulled the other for a kiss.
A soft, gentle kiss under the moonlight for two hearts bonded not just in a virtual universe but in reality.
Indeed, feelings are feelings. You can’t say it isn’t real when you feel it while talking to someone you can’t see in the flesh. To see is to believe? More like, to feel is to believe.
Wonwoo and Junhui pulled away from the kiss, their noses touching as they giggled.
“Healed now?”
Wonwoo smiled. “I think I need more so I could go back to the top rank.”
Junhui didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled the scarf and kissed Wonwoo again. Guess, this scarf will be their real-life version of the forehead ribbon.
🕹🕹🕹
The moon is shining brightly, accompanied with little stars littering the dark night sky. Everything is peaceful and quiet… calm. Until the sound of the flute, mixed with the serene sound of zither, disturbed the tranquility of the night.
Everyone, both living and dead, tremble in fear. The sound of the flute in the middle of the night only means one thing — Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are here.
Assa! I found you! Wei Wuxian thought as he flew his talisman to the powerful Tortoise of Slaughter.
No one was able to take down the monster in The Battle of Xuanwu. And so, they organized a new tournament a week after. This time, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji made sure not to miss on the fun.
Wei Wuxian flew into the air as he helped Lan Wangji put the chords in their right places. The latter calmly played his zither as his husband did the work.
They practiced Chord Assasination for how many times, they shouldn’t fail now. The final boss is thrashing angrily, baring its teeth at Wei Wuxian who’s unfazed. He moves swiftly and gracefully as if dancing on air and if it’s in another situation, Lan Wangji would really find the scene so beautiful.
Few more attacks and Wei Wuxian managed to distract the beast, while Lan Wangji arranged the chords ready for their final attack.
Lan Wangji took his forehead ribbon off and swished it into the air as it wrapped on Wei Wuxian’s wrist, pulling the latter to him. Without wasting any time, Lan Wangji did the spell and in a snap, the Tortoise of Slaughter was slain, his body divided into seven parts as cut by Lan Wangji’s strings.
[ Lan Wangji & Wei Wuxian: SUCCESS]
“We won!” Junhui exclaimed as he felt an arm snaking on his waist.
Wonwoo kissed him on the cheek and said, “You did great.”
”You did well too.” Junhui moved his face so he could give Wonwoo a peck on his lips too. He blushed and tried to hide his face and Wonwoo found his boyfriend so endearing and cute.
“I can’t believe you invited your best friends here in your dorm room just so we could see you two cuddling while playing your game,” Jihoon said while looking at Wonwoo and Junhui who’re cuddled on Junhui’s bed, burritoed with a blanket, while playing on their laptops. He sat next to Soonyoung who’s enjoying the popcorn. “Aren’t you going to scold them?”
Soonyoung laughed and then shrugged. “No.”
“They act like they’re married in real life now. I swear to god Wonwoo’s not like this when they first bonded in the game.” Jihoon complained. “Oh god, my eyes. I’m poking my eyes out.”
“Don’t you play MDZS too, Jihoon-ssi?” Soonyoung gave Jihoon popcorn. “I played for a few times but I forgot my password and I never got back to the game. I wonder what my cultivation partner is doing now.”
Jihoon’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?! What’s your character name?”There’s no way he’s—
“Nie Huaisang,” Soonyoung said proudly. He was startled when Jihoon suddenly stood up, his mouth agape.
“So, it was you?!”
“What?”
“Nice meeting you, Nie Huaisang. I’m Jiang Cheng, your cultivation partner.”
🕹🕹🕹
Junhui and Wonwoo left their best friends inside the room. Those two have a lot to talk about. They decided to walk around their university for a while, holding each other’s hands.
Lan Wangji regained his spot in the game and Wei Wuxian’s rank went up to Top 2. Even in the game, they’re next to each other and it makes Junhui feel warm.
They still won’t reveal their faces to the entire server but who cares? Other’s opinion doesn’t matter as long as they have each other, both in the virtual universe and in reality.
They came across the maple tree where they first met. Junhui excitedly ran towards it. “Wonwon, this is the maple tree!”
“Mn,” Wonwoo said as he smiled fondly while looking at Junhui. Whipped. He saw Junhui’s shoes get undone so he walked towards him, knelt down, and tied it again.
“I just have one question, Wonwon. If momodda is 223. What is Code 222?” Junhui asked and he felt Wonwoo paused in doing his shoelaces.
Once finished, Wonwoo looked up at Junhui then smiled, “What do you think?”
Junhui pretended to think of the meaning behind it but he just couldn’t find it. It’s not even in their programming books. So, what is it?
“The meaning of 222 is..” Wonwoo stood up, then gently pressed a kiss on Junhui’s forehead.
“Wo ai ni…”