Chapter Text
Moran received the happy news at the hospital wing reception. The elderly man he had saved along with his friends from a group of petty thieves was now safe and sound in the hospital. Luckily, they had come across the scene just in time; he had only been shoved down to the ground and was beginning to get frisked when they intervened. With his belongings retrieved, they decided to take him for a check-up and have his scratches and bruises tended for.
Smugly proud from yet another good deed accomplished, he walks out towards where his group is waiting for him on the front parking lot, so lost in reminiscing their success that he didn't notice he bumped into a young woman, causing her to fall down to the floor. If he had been aware, he would have definitely rushed back to lift her and help her put her things away, maybe even treat her to a coffee as an apology, but his mind had drifted towards another person, someone who had been invading his every thought as of late.
What a sight Xunxian had made in his fishnet tank top, that revealed his toned abs and his tantalizing navel piercing, framed by his faux leather jacket, lined with synthetic fur, and his high-rise black jeans which hugged the perfect silhouette of his thighs, revealing the portions of his strong calves that weren't covered by his heeled combat boots.
But what caught his attention the most at that moment was the concern and joy of helping others that made Xunxian’s features shine with his genuine and warm feelings. People might think of him as a misfit, a random punk hiding behind perfect eyeliner and eyeshadow, layers of mascara, and crimson lips. No one knew of the pure, innocent, and sensitive soul that hid underneath, his confidence more sincere when wearing years-old jeans and a flannel shirt while tending to the many pets he kept at home.
Moran could see him through the tainted glass of the hospital's front doors and felt immeasurable giddiness and nerves while he watched his childhood best friend talking animatedly, teasing Shang Yu with a sly grin.
It was then when Moran realized he wanted Xunxian to smile for him forever.
Hesitating at the entrance, he considered this revelation, feeling his heart stutter. It wasn't all that surprising, even if he only just put a name to his emotions. It seemed only natural and logical to fall in love with whom has been his best friend for fifteen years, his favorite person in the world. He had always thought the love they shared was that of brothers, but now… His stomach twisted and his heart ached at the thought.
It’s become real, this change, this love of his growing so much more than anything he had felt for anyone before. But this couldn’t be. Their bond has lasted for so long and persisted through so much; the epiphany came more as a bad omen.
Xunxian would surely not feel the same way about him. The affections they shared were nothing more than friendly closeness. He could not let this discovery warp his perceptions just because of his selfish desires. Xunxian was nothing but honest to him, not one to bury his feelings, at least never with him. Knowing their relationship would change and Xunxian would feel guilty if he knew the truth he hides breaks Moran’s heart.
I cannot lose him, too.
The next step he took was accompanied by his newfound determination: he would have to stay away from Xunxian.