Chapter Text
Xiao couldn’t believe it.
A call from his brother. A message from his parents. A conversation. The opportunity of a lifetime.
Boarding school. In Taiwan. With his loving older brother Zhongli.
He laid flat on his bed, boring his eyes into the ceiling light. His phone sat adjacent to his head, the illuminated screen taunting him with Zhongli’s phone number. Resting his arms on his stomach, he contemplated his choices, feeling his head churn to mush.
If he went, he would be whisked far far away from his hellhole of a home. He would leave his parents, whom he hated with all of his heart, and live with Zhongli, whom he kept close to his heart. He would move away from his school, which wouldn’t matter: no one cares about him, and he sure as hell doesn’t care about any of them either. He has no friends, so no ties would be spliced. And, if he were thinking like any other person, he would live in Taipei, the glorious capital of Taiwan with bubble tea and almond tofu everywhere and people that looked like him everywhere. It would be a grand escape, and he would feel no shred of guilt if he left whatsoever.
But also, it’s a boarding school. Rich people. Disgusting.
Xiao picked up his phone, hovering his thumb over the “Call” icon. Sighing to himself, he pressed it. He was going to be stuck in some hell either way. Might as well pick the lesser of the two.
Xiao stumbled out of the airplane, his luggage rolling behind him. The plane ride was nauseating with the garbage food and the shrill of the jet engines. Each step he took felt like he was carrying a weight, and if it weren’t for his pounding heart, he would’ve passed out right on the airport floor.
He didn’t know what his heart was telling him. Was he excited to be in a new country, especially one as gorgeous as Taiwan? Was he nervous to see Zhongli, his brother whom he hasn’t seen in-person for almost a year? Was he anxious to go to a new school, where he knew absolutely no one and would probably be criticized for his dyed hair and tattoos? Or perhaps, was he angry, angry to be stuck with a bunch of arrogant rich kids for the next two years of his life? Xiao couldn’t process anything.
He couldn’t process anything, not when he sees a tall man in the distance, with his beige trenchcoat brushing his knees and adorning a pale yellow turtleneck, his back straight up with frustratingly perfect posture. His black glasses perched atop his nose and his amber eyes reflecting in the lenses. His signature black hair, the ends fading into brown and tied in a neat ponytail. And that glint in his eyes, with that small, tender smile on his face when he sees Xiao.
Xiao quickened his pace, heading straight for the man. Upon settling face-to-face, Xiao looked at him, their matching amber eyes greeting one another.
“Zhongli.”
“Xiao.”
They stared each other down, one gaze smiling and the other unreadable. Then, without any thought, Xiao wrapped his arms around Zhongli, pulling him in.
“Did you really miss me that much?”
“Just get me out of here, please.”
Zhongli chuckled, and together, side-by-side, they strolled out of the airport.
“Welcome home, Xiao.”
In an instant, Xiao was greeted with the most unimpressive city apartment he had ever seen. The walls were a plain, minimalist white ornamented with a single calendar. They surrounded the living room, which consisted of a displeasing mustard yellow couch across a tiny flat screen TV, a lime green circular carpet draped underneath. Some feet away from the living room was the kitchen, which somehow had the most personality out of the whole complex. There was a stainless steel refrigerator, a jet black electric stove, a shimmering marble counter with cabinets hanging above, two racks of pans and knifes, and an cozy island, which, for some idiotic reason, had no stools to compliment it. Overall, it was a boring and kind of hopeless sight, which was actually somewhat surprising, considering Zhongli’s spending habits.
“No money for some antiques? Or some kind of flashy, obnoxious lamp?” Xiao snickered with his last bit of energy.
“College did not want to pay that much for me.” Zhongli stated. “They said I will just be getting an apartment and some money for food, but that is it.”
“Wow, and you haven’t spent all of it on weird knick-knacks, huh?” Xiao whistled, impressed.
“I have been tempted, but ultimately, I refuse to. I remember my deal.” Zhongli sighed.
Xiao flashed a tired smile, and beelined towards the end of the hall.
“Would you like something to eat--”
“No.”
Zhongli peered at him, quizzical and concerned.
“Are you sure--”
“Yes, I want to sleep--”
“I prepared almond tofu before your arrival.”
Xiao perked up at the name, and in fact, there it was, a plate of decadent, milk-white tofu atop the kitchen island.
“Fuck, I guess I’ll eat then.”
Zhongli smiled, pulling up a chair for Xiao to sit on. Xiao, eager to fill the void in his head, seized the seat, and with a fork in his hand, he stabbed the tofu and shoved it in his mouth. The sweet flavor flooded his jetlagged senses, and soon enough, his stomach growled, begging for more.
Eventually, he felt himself wake up just enough for a conversation.
“How was the ride?”
“Terrible. The food was shit and I couldn’t get any sleep because of the obnoxious noise.”
“Ah, I see.” Zhongli said.
A silence filled the room, the only noise coming from the clinking of a fork.
“Are you excited to go to school next week?”
“Hell no, I don’t want to see anyone.”
“Why not?”
“Because they’re all rich and snobby, and I don’t like people like that.”
“Don’t assume that Xiao, there are some very kind students I have worked with at the school.”
“Sure there are, it’s not like I’ll get along with them.”
“You will learn to, Xiao.”
“And what makes you say that?”
“Because I think you will fit in just fine, so long as you get good grades and stay out of trouble.”
Oh right, that part of the deal.
“So if I don’t get good grades and I get in trouble, then I can leave, right?” Xiao sneered.
“Xiao, if you wanted to leave, you should have never come here in the first place.” Zhongli barked, his words laced with frost.
Xiao could feel the disappointment in Zhongli’s voice, and he backed down immediately. Sure, he was definitely more awake than before, but did he want to get a Zhongli lecture? Hell no, especially when he still felt half-dead.
“Fine fine, I’ll do my best.” Xiao grumbled.
Zhongli smiled. “Good.”
Silence, and then Xiao finished the plate.
“I’m going to bed.”
“Brush your teeth first.”
“Fine. Show me to my room after?”
“Of course.”
A few moments later, Xiao slumped into his bed, falling into a deep slumber seconds later.
“Good morning, Xiao,” Zhongli chimed, clad in a pink apron and looming over the stove.
“Good morning, Zhongli,” Xiao grumbled, slumping into the island stool.
It was his first day of boarding school, and he felt like shit, again. Xiao was never fond of mornings, his early morning fight with his unruly hair and the dull shadow in his eyes reflecting that. His head was in a fog; usually, he would have some alone time in the morning to regain some sense, but thanks to his new school and their oh-so-special conditions for him, he had, quite literally, rolled out of bed. The only thing keeping him awake was the savory aroma of Zhongli’s cooking, the smell of eggs frying and the sound of crackling oil echoing in his empty head.
“Are you excited for school?”
“Fuck no, I want to sleep.”
“Xiao, you are going to have to adjust to your new life. You cannot skip class anymore, and you absolutely cannot curse in front of any faculty. They will do anything to get you out of this school.”
Xiao scoffed. “Is that how low they think of me? Because of my appearance and my past?”
“Absolutely,” Zhongli affirmed. “No one like you has ever been enrolled in this school. In fact, in all honesty, I do not think they like you at all, Xiao. You are an opponent against every law in this school.”
“Then why am I even here?” Xiao muttered.
“Because I gave you a good word. You should thank me for it.”
“Sure, sure I will.”
The sound of crackling oil soon ceased, Zhongli sliding the eggs over two plates of rice. Dribbling soy sauce over them, the arrangements were passed between Xiao and him, and they began their meal.
“We will be going to the school right after this. I trust you have everything?” Zhongli asked after a few bites.
Xiao nodded, his mouth full.
“Good.” Zhongli smiled, and they continued their meal in silence.
“If there is anything you are having trouble with, I encourage you to ask anyone, Xiao.”
“Yeah yeah, I know.”
“I am going to be in the history sector, so you can talk to me anytime.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Also, be aware that things are different here compared to home. As I said earlier, you cannot curse, argue, fight--”
“Okay, I get it Zhongli, I can’t do anything!” Xiao snapped.
Zhongli blunk, taken aback. Then, his voice lowered to a tender whisper, rubbing Xiao on his shoulder. “You will learn, Xiao, you will learn.”
Xiao rolled his eyes, staring out the car window. Outside, he was frustrated, frustrated at Zhongli’s need to parent him and the idea of going to his rich-kid boarding school. But inside, Xiao was stressed, and so so scared.
You are an opponent against every law in this school.
The words stuck in Xiao’s head. Would anyone like him? Here he was, in a stiff, navy blue blazer over a white collared shirt and red tie, the collar of his shirt scratching his neck and driving him insane. Underneath was an all-too-tight belt with black khakis tickling his socks and dress shoes. The uniform did not match at all with everything above, with his turquoise streaks in dark, neck-length hair, black stud earrings, and the tiny purple diamond tattooed on his forehead. He was uncomfortable, and he knew anyone with eyes could see it. There was absolutely no way he was going to fit in.
“We are here.” Zhongli stated.
Xiao’s heart drummed in his chest. Without a word, he draped his backpack over his shoulder, and he exited the car. Zhongli soon followed after, clutching onto a brown messenger bag overflowed with papers and books. Together, the odd pair entered the school grounds.
All around them were whispers and pointing fingers. As if on instinct, Xiao pulled himself closer to Zhongli, trying to cloud out the chatter. Everyone was staring at them, the brother duo that absolutely no one expected. And, no matter where they went, the noise was everywhere, and in Xiao’s heart, he knew it would never leave. Forever would it live inside the corners of his mind, plaguing him with every step he took inside the school. Xiao wanted to cry a little at the thought, his anxiety overwhelming.
“Xiao.” Zhongli said.
Upon hearing the name, Xiao was snapped out of his thoughts.
“We have arrived. This is your class.” Zhongli faced him. His visage quickly morphed from his usual business tone to a softer look upon seeing Xiao’s shiny eyes. “Xiao…”
“Get me out of here,” Xiao muttered. “I’m already sick of this place.”
“Xiao,” Zhongli gripped Xiao’s shoulder, rubbing his hand up and down the biceps. “It may seem overwhelming, but you will be fine. Teach them that you are not who you seem. I believe in you.”
Somehow, the loving words comforted Xiao a little, his anxiety calming down. Instead, he felt something else replace it.
Spite. Pure, absolute spite.
Xiao met Zhongli’s eyes, amber penetrating amber. “You know what, Zhongli, maybe you’re right. Maybe, I can prove that.”
Zhongli grinned. “Good. I know you can do it.” Then, he turned 180, his back facing Xiao. “I am going to be on my way now. Best of luck to you, Xiao.”
“Thanks,” Xiao said, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Yeah, he’ll prove them wrong alright. He’ll prove that he, the delinquent student with dyed hair and tattoos, can beat them at everything they do.
“Everybody, take your seats, please.” The teacher ordered, her voice ringing throughout the classroom.
Venti sighed, resting his chin on his palm. It was just another typical school day: the same people, the same lessons, the same lunches, the same everything. There just wasn’t anything interesting these days. Boarding school was really just like any other high school. Unnecessary teenage drama. Someone’s crying in the bathroom. The absolute despair of grades. Ah, someone threw a chair across the room? Not the first time.
Venti wanted, no, needed , something different. He was about to drift himself away to some imaginary daydream land, but then--
“Today, we have a new student. Everyone, welcome Xiao.”
Oh, right, the delinquent student was joining his class. Venti, ready to see this oh-so-mysterious-and-dark stranger, peeped an eye open.
His heart stops in his chest.
Mid-length hair as dark as midnight, embellished with teal highlights as bright as a dandelion. Black stud earrings on (concerningly, but kinda hot) pale ears. Intense, intoxicating honey yellow eyes that Venti could stare into forever. The sharp, red eyeliner defining his eyes. And a tiny, amethyst purple diamond stamped on his forehead, the icing on the cake (He has tattoos! Does he have any more? What does this man not have!?)
Venti feels the blood rush to his face, dusting his cheeks in an embarrassing blush. Well, this was something different.
Then, in the next second, the man (his name was Xiao, right? Right?) takes a seat in front of Venti.
Venti feels like he might faint.
At some point, the lesson starts, but Venti can’t hear anything over his thoughts. Wow, this guy is smoking hot. You could probably cook an egg on him because of his hotness. I wonder what kind of music he listens to? Punk, probably? Rock? It doesn’t matter, I’d play anything for him. Anything for his attention. Ah, how many tattoos does he have? Maybe he has a whole sleeve! That would be hot. Wait, isn’t this the delinquent student? Has he been in a fight? Does he have scars? Or muscles? That would be kinda hot, how he could probably smush me like a bug and do whatever he wants with me--
“Oi, Venti, pay attention!”
Venti’s thoughts disperse as quickly as they had formed. “Sorry Laoshi!”
The lesson continues, but Venti still can’t pay attention. He desperately wants to open his mouth, wants to talk to the guy in front of him, but he can’t and it’s so goddamn frustrating.
Yet, he finds himself blabbing anyway. “Hey there, new guy.”
The man reverts his gaze to Venti with glimmering amber eyes, whispering “Can you leave me alone? The teacher is teaching her lesson.”
Ah, for a delinquent student, he’s quite studious, Venti thinks. That doesn’t stop him, though.
“Your name is Xiao, right?” Venti whispers back, ignoring the man’s request.
“Yes, now can you please leave me alone-”
“I’m Venti.” He says, smiling his most flattering smile. “What kind of music do you listen to?”
Xiao’s eyes widen, clearly not expecting the question. “Um, I don’t know, I kinda just listen to whatever I like.”
Venti pouts. Xiao is not giving him any valuable information at all. “You have to have some favorite! Do you like alternative? Or punk? Or rock?”
Xiao shakes slightly at the rapid interrogation. “Um, maybe alternative or indie, I guess? I don’t really pay attention to what I listen to, really--”
The lightbulb in Venti’s head blinks bright. “Ah, so I was right!”
Xiao quirks his head. “About what?”
“Ah, I was just suspecting, that’s all,” Venti grins, his heart accelerating.
Xiao opens his mouth, but pauses. Then, out of nowhere, his eyebrows furrow, and he sneers “Did the dyed hair and piercings give it away? Or was it my past?”
Wait, this isn’t going according to plan. Maybe Xiao didn’t like that? “Oh, I didn’t mean it like that, I just--”
Xiao’s voice raises just a little too high. “Look, I get it, I’m weird and scary and have beaten up people. You probably think I’m the edgiest motherf--- guy here. So how about you just leave me alone, and let the teacher do her job--”
“Xiao! Venti!” The teacher yells. Both boys swing their heads at their names. “Stop talking! We have a lesson!”
The teacher particularly glares at Xiao. He tsks in response, and he passes that death glare to Venti. Venti gulps.
Archons, he must have pissed Xiao off somehow. But what did he do? It was a reasonable response to his answer. Maybe he’s insecure, or scared? Venti didn’t know.
Instead, he sighed. Maybe he should just pay attention to the lesson.
It’s finally time to go home , Xiao thought. The first day of school, and my teacher already fucking hates me.
Xiao’s steps were nimble as he paced towards his locker. There was no way he was going to survive this school. Not when his teacher hates him, and half the class probably thinks the same.
Typically, in this situation, Xiao would want to leave, and never come back to this godforsaken place. But he can’t do that, not when he already comprehends a good 70% of the material. Hell, he’ll beat these guys up so fast, they won’t see it coming. Especially that Venti guy. Archons, what a piece of shit, already making assumptions about him based on his looks. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to talk to the guy again, or else he might throw fists upon seeing that stupid, punchable round face--
“Xiao!” A familiar voice calls.
Speak of the devil. Xiao sighs, refusing to acknowledge the cry.
Venti strides towards him, his face apologetic. “Hey, I’m sorry about earlier, I didn’t think you would take my comment that way--”
“Venti.” Xiao asserts. He’s still facing his locker; if he turned towards Venti, he would probably clock him. “What do you want?”
Venti quirks an eyebrow. “Ah--I’m just here to apologize for earlier. I didn’t know you would take my comment that way. I’m sorry.”
An apology? Admittedly, it’s a bit unexpected, but still. How pathetic.
Upon Xiao’s silence, Venti cries, holding his hands out like a prayer. “I’ll do anything to make up for it!”
“Then how about you just leave me alone?” Xiao mutters.
Venti’s eyes widen, shocked. “Wa--I don’t want to do that though!”
“Why not? You’re clearly just trying to get in my way.” Xiao says, this time facing Venti.
“I’m not trying to, Xiao! I just thought you were cool, and I wanted to be friends--”
“I’m not here to make friends, Venti.” Xiao snarls, slamming his locker door shut. Venti jolts at the noise, taking a step backward. The noise attracts nearby students, who are all watching Xiao and Venti. “So how about you just leave me the hell alone, and we can both continue on with our days, yeah?”
Venti stands there, at a loss for words.
“Bye,” Xiao says, bumping into Venti’s shoulder and strutting out the door.