Archive of Our Own

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Noticing eyes trained on his every move, his hackles immediately rose in a defensive mode as he realized the identity of the person watching him. Moving his body to turn towards the direction where that person was rudely staring at him, he automatically snarled. 

“What?” He asked fiercely, glaring at that person.

Instead of being greeted back by that person’s usual glare and hearing his inviting yet irksome words of challenge, that person just, surprisingly, nodded in his direction with a neutral expression before walking away.

Despite his lessons about manners in his early years of childhood, his jaw unceremoniously dropped at that action.

He was stunned, feet rooted to the ground in favor of watching the man he’d been clashing heads with for as long as he’d remembered walk away from him. Walk away silently as if they hadn’t treated each other as each other’s bane of existence. 

As if he was just a mere acquaintance to be politely greeted along the hallways out of courtesy, not as someone he’d traded blackeyes and bruises with their fistfights back then.

Heart beating faster for some indistinguishable reason, he can’t help but wonder what the hell just happened between them. If his nemesis’ actions would only be for this day or for the rest of their uni days.

He shivered at the thought of his enemy becoming kind to him even after he graduated. Hopefully that bastard stops this façade of false security; he will definitely wither at the spot if the bastard even thought of smiling at him.

Totally ignoring his heart’s daring attempt to hope for this improvement to continue and for them to be something more, he forced his frozen feet to move away from his earlier position and to walk into his next class. This matter is just a fluke; something not to happen again because the asshole is surely taking the piss for the purpose of messing up his already muddled mind.

Jiang Cheng would never let that asshole’s earlier gesture affect his productivity for the day. Not a chance.

.

1. Oh shit (this is new)

If one would ask some in the student body of the Gusu University about the greatest and amusing gossip to ever exist in the walls of their own premises, many would instantly and unanimously give you their own versions of a crash course about the Great Feud between two, specific people in the Engineering department. Two people who, as far as anyone knew, instantly formed animosity from day one wherein their fashionably late Grand Entrance caused them to battle their way to get the one, last remaining cafeteria’s special for that specific day. To which, either of them failed to acquire since while they bicker and everybody watched with sparkling, interested eyes, someone sneaked in to get that said lunch.

To which gave them another reason to fight for another half an hour until they were all late to their classes because of their amazing play and prideful determination of having the last word at the end of an argument over food. Splendid.

(It was a memorable day for those people in the cafeteria that time, you know. Aside from the reason mentioned above, never have they ever heard curses and insults crafted in such a way that put other metaphors in some literary works almost to shame.)

Going back, the gossip about these two would not only stop from there. After all, these two people were already known to glare at each other in their best days and turn their bickering into a full-out brawl just because they wouldn’t want the other to have the chance of sitting at the far end table at one corner in the library, claiming that it was theirs when technically it’s not. There was even one time when the librarian was almost involved in the brewing fight but thankfully, nothing too drastic and damaging happened.

(Well, at least to the perspective of these two people. The other bystanders were totally disrupted during that time; it was finals’ week, for fuck’s sake. Can’t these two like, take a break or something? People needed to study!)

Of course, the student body of the engineering department reached the same conclusion once they realized that their fighting would never end. That the ever noticeable spitefulness of these two towards each other is the fuel for them to go on into these arguments due to them having a fierce competitiveness in everything. Members of their faculty now even compare them to the legendary rivalry between their alumni university president Lan Qiren and now business tycoon Wen Rouhan back in the 80s, which was something to take note of since these two alumnus once headbutted in everything.

(Ask dear old Lan Qiren, my dear folks. Up to this day, he will regale you a bitter tale on how Wen Rouhan cheated his way on receiving the highest honor in graduation instead of him who had done more efforts in their university than that cheating, conniving bull---)

These two honorable beings mentioned to be the stars of the engineering are none other than the known, stern and slave-driver engineering student council vice president Nie Mingjue and one, simple sophomore student Jiang Wanyin who just wants to suffer in his remaining years in college in peace.

With these facts now laid out, it is much easier to understand how arts student Nie Huaisang, Nie Mingjue’s brother and Jiang Wanyin’s best friend (ha, no one knew the utter chaos he’d experience for being closely associated with these two), has continued to live his life with constant stress whenever these two coincidentally found themselves in the same room. It is an enigma, really, on how he maintained both of his healthy social relationships with the two balanced through the years. With the way they fought with each other at every chance they got since they were all children, he even thought that his real purpose of being born was not for the purpose of contributing art to present to the world but rather to be the peacemaker of these two. 

Much worse was the thought that they would eventually force him to choose between them. To which could probably lead all of them to much worse repercussions because like hell am I cutting either one of you out of my life.

His brother and best friend may sometimes be the pain of his neck and the migraine of his head but Nie Huaisang loves them wholly and unconditionally. They were his life (apart from a certain Lan). Parting with either one of them would literally kill him. And if the time comes that these two really fought hard enough to force him to choose between them?

Let’s just say that Nie Huaisang may be known by his blockmates as the class headshaker who is too afraid to raise his hand in recitations, but Jiang Cheng once described him in one of their games in monopoly as the lord who could put everyone’s life in misery through world domination if he just have the determination and patience to do so.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to put on that persona that his best friend described him with and act through such cunning and manipulative means. Small mercies shone through his way when deep understanding dove down in his brother and best friend’s mind into begrudging understanding about the importance of each other to Nie Huaisang’s life.

Wise decision for their ends. Really.

So, yeah. Nie Huaisang could proudly say that he’s fairing well so far. He may not have the skill to make the two wholeheartedly reconcile and hold hands under the sunset and rainbows with all of his previous attempts with his Xichen-ge, but he learned to adjust with their bickering every now and then. He learned to survive.

That’s why one could only imagine Nie Huaisang’s utter shock when his brother not only pulled him away from his blockmates just half an hour before his next class starts but also brought him to one of the secluded areas of their university’s vast garden in order to ask Nie Huaisang about how he could get closer to the person his brother was supposed to be in a feud with.

“But, why? What’s with this sudden change, Dage? Don’t you…hate his guts since we were like, 7 and you’re like, 9?” Nie Huaisang asked with all the skepticism his system contained. While Nie Huaisang could vouch based from his previous observations that their quarrels are… quite tamed recently compared to those times back in his middleschool, Nie Huaisang still doubts the possibility of his brother managing to successfully befriend Jiang Cheng. Being civil if needed in social functions even if they looked like they would rather be stuck in their rooms doing research papers that they needed to defend? Sure, but years of being their oh-so-patient referee made him much resigned to the fact that it is much better if the two were not to be in the same room for more than an hour.

So for his brother to tell him that he would want to…get closer to Jiang Cheng despite everyone’s attempts in reconciling them in the past failing?

“It took me a long time to admit it but my mind was tired of my bullshit. Made me realize that I liked that dolt all along for some reason.” The admission from his brother’s mouth made Nie Huaisang’s mind stutter into a stop, eyes bulging out of its sockets. “Then his stupid heart of mine apparently wasn’t contented in just forgetting all of these shitty feelings that should have been a fluke and want to take our relationship to the next level instead. And since you’re the closest to him whom I know, I am now asking for advice.”

Nie Huaisang was totally unprepared to hear those words. When a moment of silence passed without his brother telling him that he was joking, Nie Huaisang took a deep breath and reacted.

“Dage,” Nie Huaisang uttered. “What the absolute fuck?”

His brother glared at him for his audacity to cuss right in his face, but Nie Huaisang’s usual fear of being subjected to his brother’s glare was nowhere to be found right at the moment. Excuse him for wanting to check if his brother finally, excuse him, lose a screw in his head in all the bickering he does with Jiang Cheng to utter such nonsense, because did dage just admit that he’d been doing the aggressive version of pigtail pulling for years and has only noticed it now?!

Aside from the fact that this was the first time that his brother asked for his assistance about something that turned out to be about friendship/dating matters, did…did his brother just imply that he considered constant bickering with Jiang Cheng as a relationship?!

His brother finally answered with all the seriousness present in voice, but it didn’t help Nie Huaisang in the slightest. 

“I really am serious.”

Of everything fucking nice and holy on this goddamned world, Nie Huaisang internally cursed in cursive, stunned and almost frothing in the mouth. If dage already considers bickering with someone as a type of relationship, then I wouldn’t want to know what other social relationships for him and with him constitutes.

Nie Huaisang may have always seen his brother in high regard due to his intelligence and diligent nature, but Nie Huaisang really knew that his brother’s weakness was his social skills. Of course, he’d noticed how his brother improved through the years; those highschool clubs and his organizations in college that Xichen-ge brought him to certainly did help him, but still. He highly doubted his brother’s skills when it comes to the matters of the heart. Especially when you take into consideration his brother’s lack of experience and probably minuscule knowledge with love due to being busy pouring all of his attention to his academics and fighting his best friend.

Especially when the one to receive his brother’s affections is Nie Huaisang’s grumpy best friend, who also sucks at the matters of the heart and being busy pouring all of his attention to his academics and fighting his brother.

(Why is this my life?)

“I know what you’re thinking.” His brother huffed, leaning back. “That’s why I’m asking for your opinion. All of my attempts seemed to be failing and worsening our interactions, and you seem to know about these kinds of things more than I do. So hit me with it.”

The hesitant smile on Nie Huaisang’s features froze as he heard those words from his brother’s mouth. The realization that not only did his brother’s voice dripped with an emotion bordering, god please help him, nervousness and anti-fucking-citipation when it comes to Jiang Cheng shocked him, but also at the implication that his brother had been attempting to be friendlier with Jiang Cheng recently in hopes of making Jiang Cheng see him more than the, how did Jiang Cheng phrased it?

‘Bastard who has nothing better to do in his free time but to remind me how shitty life was.’

Well, shit.

(Goodluck on changing his perception of you, dage!)

“May I ask what you like about A-Cheng?” Nie Huaisang asked. He needed to know, alright?! He’s curious to the highest level and it is truly understandable and valid! It’s already bizarre for him to be asked by his brother who showed no interest in making amends with Jiang Cheng or with romance for god knows how long. Then now he became interested in what Nie Huaisang is about to say in those matters?

Really, the least his brother could do now to make amends for all the stress he’d given him in the past is to humor him with how his feelings have come to be. Besides, his best friend’s future is also at stake here! Brother or not, Nie Huaisang wanted to make sure that his best friend would be in good hands and not end up being hurt.

Will he, though?

Memories of the brawls of his brother and Jiang Cheng in the earlier years resurfaced into his mind, and he can’t help but doubt creep into him once more.

Can dage really pull this off?

Shifting his eyes to observe his brother’s expression, Nie Huaisang was totally unprepared for his brother’s tensed features to soften.

“Everything.” His brother answered with a gruff voice, averting his gaze away from him. “From the fierce determination in his eyes in everything he puts his heart into to the way he took care of the people he cares about. Those were apparently the qualities that made me fall for someone. Noticing and finally acknowledging those things that you kept making me see in him, I…can’t help but fall more and more, I guess.”

Nie Huaisang gaped.

Holy shit, Nie Huaisang internally cursed for the nth time in wonder as he stared at his brother who almost spitted out some potential poetry material. Dage’s really whipped.

Another curse slipped into his mind.

Holy shit, I’m not actually dreaming. Dage really is head over heels with A-Cheng, and wanted my help to set him up with the person who barely tolerates him.

Nie Huaisang inhaled. While Nie Huaisang hated doing something to his best friend that falls under the category of going behind someone’s back, this matter concerns his brother greatly.

And Nie Huaisang really loves his brother dearly. With how his brother has put up with him all these years, Nie Huaisang had always swore that he would do everything that he could to repay his brother’s patience and efforts in keeping him alive and well in this cruel world. And if this is the only way that his brother’s asking for?

Nie Huaisang took another deep breath. He only hoped and prayed to the gods above that his assistance would prove to be useful, and that his best friend won’t hate him for this. This is for his best friend’s sake too anyway; too much studying will eventually give him a burnout. Having a boyfriend could possibly reduce Jiang Cheng’s habit of cursing everything under the sun (and not to mention, the perks of him finally getting laid), and whose better candidate could it be than his own brother who isn’t easily fazed at his best friend’s temper and could even match it with his own?

Oh, and this is also for everyone in their department’s peace of mind too. God knows how much of their classes were interrupted and how much their ears endured in listening to these two bicker loudly in the hallways.

“Dage,” Nie Huaisang called out for his brother, who had his attention already solely focused on him.

“You need to work on your communication skills first because honestly speaking? It’s shit.”

His honest opinion may have rattled his brother or offended him, but Nie Huaisang gathered all of the courage he had to continue his statement. This needs to be said alright, and if no one points this out then Nie Huaisang will.

“Don’t you dare deny it!” Nie Huaisang pointed a finger at his brother. “I’ve heard all of your conversations with him, and it’s really worse than you thought! Not to mention that this kind of interaction with him lasted for like, a decade. Keep this up dage, and you will soon celebrate the second decade of being enemies with him if you keep this up. I even heard that Xichen-ge already planned where to get the buffet---”

Nie Huaisang’s hands unconsciously waved in his excitement and in passion to fully express his thoughts while he ignored his brother’s narrowed eyes. It’s not everyday you were given the chance to talk about dage's lovelife without the danger of being punched by said brother, you know. Might as well reap his luck.

“Everybody literally knows how you two interact with one another, so the possibility of Jiang Cheng himself instantly believing you if you go up and tell him about your feelings instantly is close to the negative.” To emphasize his point, Nie Huaisang formed his hands into an ‘X’. “As for the probability of him punching you in the face after your confession that you would of course take offense and cause you two to participate in a full out brawl until even the faculty and your fellow student council members get involved?”

Nie Huaisang forced his expression to deadpan before delivering him the bad news.

“A hundred and fifty. Like, seriously dage. Miscommunications and misunderstandings are known to be a part of a budding romance and even in marriages, but you two really took it to a whole new level, huh.”

His brother huffed, crossing his arms.

“Fine, I admit my mistakes. Now tell me what I should do to help…lessen his hostility towards me.”

Nie Huaisang beamed at his brother. “Make him like you as a decent human being with manners first!”

He took his brother’s raised eyebrow as a sign to continue.

“Start with something small before taking a huge leap! Don’t glare at him as soon as your eyes meet. In case you haven’t noticed, that’s really one of the root causes why you two fight every single time, so make sure not to narrow your eyes often, okay?”

Clearing his throat, Nie Huaisang continued.

“Once you two manage to have eye contact without Jiang Cheng sneering at you as a result, greet him like a normal human being would! Nod to acknowledge his presence first so that he wouldn’t be surprised by your change of demeanor, say hi and good morning. Soon, if he does the same thing to you, step up your game and ask him how he’s doing---oh and compliment him!” Nie Huaisang’s eyes brightened. “He may not say it, but he really appreciates compliments. Maybe if you showered him with enough compliments to last him a lifetime, he would eventually start to like you, too.”

His brother stared at him for a moment before reaching out to ruffle his hair in a gentle manner he had grown used to.

“Thanks, Huaisang. I’ll keep this in mind.”

In hindsight, Nie Huaisang should’ve known better than to fully trust his brother to do all of these things perfectly. He should have known better and expected that giving advice to people would not automatically mean it would bring them to the gates of success and guarantee tickets to a happy ending. That no matter how good you articulate your words, there is still no guarantee that the person receiving the message you shared will process it the same way your mind did.

That, and how the actions of the receiver of the message could be interpreted differently by the person being subjected by those actions.

“Nie Huaisang, is your brother dying?”

Nie Huaisang, busy quenching his hunger, choked on the food he was currently stuffing his face with.

What in the  everloving world  did A-Cheng just---

After a few pats on the back from Jiang Cheng himself, Nie Huaisang finally managed to compose himself before facing his friend.

“Jiang Cheng,” He started. “What the fuck?”

Jiang Cheng’s concerned and guilty gaze instantly transformed into incredulity.

“I am the one who’s supposed to say that!” Crossing his arms, Jiang Cheng huffed. “Do you know how weird your brother has been? For the past week he’d been civil. Civil! Something that he had never done to me before outside a formal setting!”

Ah, Nie Huaisang realized. So dage’s in the move.

His brother really does not wait and immediately goes headfirst, huh.

“---not to mention, of all the times we bumped into each other this week, he had never initiated a challenge of cursing or whatever and nor did he glare at me!”

“Isn’t that supposed to be a nice thing?” Nie Huaisang asked, confused. “More peaceful surroundings and less stress to face in uni? Like what you wished for when we graduated in highschool?”

Jiang Cheng looked like he was ready to throw hands.

“Nie Huaisang, he fucking smiled at me and somehow complimented the way I looked just a while ago!” Jiang Cheng exclaimed, eyes manic in a manner that almost spoke desperation in seeking answers to the unsolvable questions of the universe. “It’s fucking weird! And I’m afraid that if this continues, I’ll be more stressed with our future interactions than with our previous fights! It will affect me! It will affect my studies!”

Nie Huaisang winced. Truthfully, it really is somewhat terrifying from Jiang Cheng’s perspective. Imagine, the person you’re used to exchanging glares and heated words with for almost a decade suddenly treating you as if you’re just mere…acquaintances with no history together. That it’s just completely normal for them to wake up one day and interact as if you two hadn’t held any grudges with each other for years.

Nie Huaisang sighed. He now wondered what went wrong for his brother’s actions to cause the opposite effect that they were hoping for. Maybe he has not been clear with his instructions to his brother? Maybe he should’ve rearranged those suggestions he’d given?

Wait a minute.

“How would dage’s change of behaviour change your studies, exactly?” Nie Huaisang can’t help but ask in curiosity. “You could just ignore him. That’s what you usually do when you’re not in the mood to fight with him anyway. It’s not any different.”

“And be the rude one to not return his sudden civility?” Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Not a chance.”

Nie Huaisang was ready to comment on how Jiang Cheng shouldn’t make a competition out of being the most decent human being between the two of them out of spite. That he also shouldn’t have to worry for Nie Huaisang’s reaction to his brother’s change of heart since he wouldn’t be entering the reincarnation cycle soon, but he then noticed something different in his friend’s demeanor.

Something that he had never witnessed in his friend before.

To Nie Huaisang’s amazement and utter curiosity, there was a blossoming pink tinge appearing on his friend’s ears.

Interesting.

Is this what I think it is? Nie Huaisang wondered. Is my dear A-Cheng…missing the verbal fighting they’ve been doing for years but also is welcoming for this change?

Seems weird if he put it this way, but progress is progress.

Not wanting to spook his friend more by asking intrusive questions lest he damage the development occurring with Jiang Cheng’s feelings towards his brother and indirectly damage more of this development, Nie Huaisang decided to sort out the most appropriate plan that his mind conjured in the duration of their conversation by settling in a much subtle approach.

“Dage just has other things to worry about, with him being a graduating student this year.” Nie Huaisang patted Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “Being piled up with endless requirements not only on the academics but also in his extra-curricular activities, you understand. Maybe getting into more fights with you would just stress him out so he decided to cut it out and just focus on much more important things.”

Seeing Jiang Cheng’s deepening frown, he continued his piece.

“Don’t be so alarmed by dage’s new approach in life, A-Cheng.” Nie Huaisang reassured Jiang Cheng, patting his shoulder. “Maybe this could be a chance for the two of you to let go of that silly grudge you two held one since the beginning of time---” Nie Huaisang pointedly ignored the indignant glare that his dear friend gave him. “---and finally give the engineering department the peace that you two both robbed from them since that specific day you two decided to spit out creative insults at ten pm back in your dorms. God only knows how much they’d endured every time the two of you are inside the same room.”

Jiang Cheng’s tense expression finally relaxed as he rolled his eyes at Nie Huaisang’s statement.

“I’m serious!” Nie Huaisang exclaimed. “I’ve been literally telling you and him for years that the two of you aren’t that bad and you two have more similarities than differences. That you two could be closer friends too if the two of you only worked with your communication skills ages ago! And now that dage’s finally working on it, I hope that you do the same. For me and the sake of your department, please?”

Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Fine, but I won’t be held responsible for my actions if this turns out to be one of his plans to mess with my head!”

Later, when Jiang Cheng bid his goodbyes to Nie Huaisang and left the cafeteria in order to go to his next class, Nie Huaisang broke away from the restraints that kept his kind smile and smirked.

Nie Huaisang knew what Jiang Cheng hid behind his tough persona. Despite his grumpiness caused by multiple factors and his capability of unintentionally hurting anyone by his honesty and bluntness, he knew that Jiang Cheng still had a big heart enough to indulge the wants and needs of everyone who asks for his consideration. That he could also reciprocate the kindness and respectful way he was held through his own ways.

This circumstance is not an exception. Nie Huaisang is certain that Jiang Cheng would come to the point that playing along with Nie Mingjue’s change of behavior for everybody else’s sake would stop being just an act along the process if his brother continues this.

Number 1 in Plan A done. Time to start for Number 2.

He couldn’t wait to know how things would change now that everything’s set in motion.

/ / /

“Uh..hey.”

A neutral stare was the other man’s response to his almost timid greeting. A beat of silence passed between them before the man nodded his acknowledgement of his presence.

Gulping, Jiang Cheng awkwardly waved at Nie Mingjue’s direction before turning around to leave.

“Goddamnit.” Jiang Cheng muttered under his breath, tightening his grip on the books he held. He cursed as he felt the tips of his ears reddening in embarrassment. “That was so fucking awkward. Why did I even bother listening to Huaisang and why did this bastard even think of changing things between us anyway?!”

A glance behind him made him cursed once more.

“Fucking asshole. Always finding a way to mess with my head.”

Busy hunching and walking away, Jiang Cheng didn’t notice how Nie Mingjue’s softening gaze remained on him, nor was he aware of how Nie Mingjue’s heart raced at that simple interaction they had and the celebratory mode he is now under.

Nie Mingjue swore himself to buy Nie Huaisang that art materials he was eyeing a week ago. It is only just to reward his helpful brother, after all.

.

2-3. The steps towards a new stage

As Nie Mingjue’s best friend for almost his whole life, it is already guaranteed that Lan Xichen knew everything that is needed to know about Nie Mingjue more than anyone could. He knew the depth of Nie Mingjue’s care and overprotectiveness when it comes to his brother. He knew how he values his family duties and friendship with Lan Xichen. He knew how he could hold on grudges for a long time, such as that case with the past antics of one, nosy and full of bull basta---Atty. Yao who nearly landed Nie Mingjue and his father in jail back in their second year in college.

Of course, Lan Xichen was also the first to know how his best friend’s feud with the heir of the Jiangs had come to be.

He remembered being the witness of their awkward first meeting at the backyard of the Nie’s home. They were all children back then, celebrating Nie Huaisang’s birthday peacefully when it was suddenly interrupted by a nine year old Nie Mingjue. It was not in a pleasant way either, with him harshly shoving a seven year old Jiang Wanyin to the ground and shouting some threats to the poor boy whom Nie Mingjue had mistaken to be the one to make the birthday celebrant cry.

By the time the adults broke them apart and clarified that Nie Mingjue had read the situation wrong and Nie Huaisang did in fact confirm that it was Wen Chao and Wen Xu bothering him all along, it was already too late. The damage has been done, the Jiang heir hated Nie Mingjue’s guts and because of Nie Mingjue’s shortcomings in being a good communicator when he was young and both were always using their anger to mask their emotions, peace between them was thus never considered an option.

Lan Xichen could only sigh at that. Years had passed and the memory still gave him headaches, considering the fact that his best friend was also in love with the said man.

Yes, Lan Xichen was already aware of Nie Mingjue’s repressed feelings and affections towards Jiang Wanyin. Even with his best friend’s desperate attempts in denying and hiding it from him through the years, Lan Xichen didn’t miss how his best friend’s eyes would linger at Jiang Wanyin’s form even when they were still in highschool. At how Nie Mingjue’s body language told him that he was interested in listening to his brother’s ramblings about school especially when Nie Huaisang would include Jiang Wanyin to his stories.

So, yeah. He wasn’t that blind and oblivious as everybody thinks. This is the main reason why he even bothered reminding Nie Mingjue on a daily basis that challenging Jiang Wanyin in everything and anything won’t win his favor.

To which Nie Mingjue would deny that he wanted to win Jiang Cheng’s favor, because he’s stubborn like that. And to prove a point and the existence of his spitefulness that fueled most of his actions, his best friend would even say and do something worse.

So you could just imagine how tired Lan Xichen is. How he is also suffering with Nie Mingjue’s stupi---questionable life decisions. Additionally, his frustration to his best friend's, excuse him, shitty communication skills with his beloved stressed them both. Lan Xichen even reached the point where if the other party still isn’t doing something to end their misery then he might as well start with it.

Which leads us to the second point.

Lan Xichen is an observant person. He notices many things that a lot of people probably don’t. He knows a lot of things that people think he doesn’t know, and that includes Nie Mingjue’s affections to the youngest Jiang. He was even sure that he was the first one to notice Nie Mingjue’s feelings before the aforementioned man did, which he couldn’t really blame. He might see Nie Mingjue in a high regard and love his best friend enough to offer his kidney to him if life chose Nie Mingjue to be a part of the census of the diseased but it couldn’t really be denied how stubborn he was to just fucking drop the tough act and finally admit his feelings towards the other man. 

Which is why he is now in this current state of utter bewilderment, because try as he might to convince himself that what he was seeing was only possible in the land of his dreamscape because his troubles with his best friend’s lovelife still unfortunately exists, he could’ve sworn at this moment that the scene right before him was Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng, walking outside the library side by side.

Closing his eyes, he counted one to ten before opening them again.

The vision of them harmoniously walking side by side is still there. The distance between them was even closer than the distance they painstakingly put themselves into on a daily basis. They seem to be even having a conversation without their voices rising; only whispering whatever it is they were talking about in the peaceful hallways of their building.

Lan Xichen could have even sworn that their hands almost touched while they’re walking. Which should have been impossible, considering the nature of these two towards each other.

Lan Xichen only learned to accept that this was reality instead of a hallucination that his overworked mind conjured when he noticed that through the neutral expressions on their faces and the casual regard in both of their stances, Lan Xichen could still see the contentment in Nie Mingjue’s gaze, as well as the fond exasperation in Jiang Wanyin’s features.

Lan Xichen took a deep breath. Moving to hide himself from the other side of the wall he just walked passed through, he rested his palm on it before letting a big, wide grin overtake his face.

Lan Xichen never really curses for respect and abidance for their family rules. He only ever shows his delight in things by offering a light chuckle and a small smile, but in light of recent events, he let himself loose from their strict family upbringing rooted in him since childhood.

Holy fuck! Lan Xichen almost squealed. They fucking finally started working on their shitty communication thingy!

He was so overjoyed, so happy for this development occurring between his best friend and the object of his affections that he felt like throwing a party, because finally! Fate got tired of watching them constantly bicker, finally pulled its strings and did something about this predicament! His best friend could finally stop being prissy whenever Wei Wuxian invades Jiang Wanyin’s personal space! He can finally make a move on making Jiang Wayin his!

Lan Xichen could finally sleep at night without any more worries for his best friend’s complicated ways of showing that he wanted to fuck to be closer to him!

This is Lan Xichen’s best day of the year. Seeing the people he cared for finally getting the happy endings they deserve after every struggle they went through? It would always, always delighted him. No force on earth shall ruin this joy he held for the day.

Until of course, something reminded him of why good things sometimes go to an end.

“Xichen-ge!”

Composing himself into the prim and proper student council president the entire department has known him for, he faced the person who called his name. Seeing the form of an ethereal beauty blessed by the gods and goddeses with a smile that could probably heal the wounded Recognizing the form of his best friend’s younger brother, Lan Xichen’s smile widened and brightened at the approaching form of his partner in crime in making their two best friends reconcile.

“A-Sang.” He greeted as the person he would bring all the goods in the world other man stopped in front of him. “As much as your brother would finally be in high spirits if he finds out that you’re finally starting to welcome exercise in your daily routine, shall I remind you as the university president’s nephew that running along the halls of the university is forbidden?”

Not to mention that Nie Huaisang should have been in his class at this hour.

“Spare me from that rule now, Xichen-ge! I have good news to deliver!”

Eyes sparkling, Nie Huaisang then indulged him in the reason of his current disregard of his hatred against physical exercises and his bravery of not caring that he was totally breaking the rule of ‘cutting classes are prohibited in the university’ right in front of the university president’s nephew himself.

Then again, Lan Xichen couldn’t find himself scolding him for that matter. He was too happy right now to care for a broken rule or two.

“Have you witnessed it already?” Nie Huaisang asked him with that excited voice Lan Xichen was always soft for. “Dage and A-Cheng are finally on peaceful speaking terms!”

Lan Xichen couldn’t help his eyes to crinkle in delight.

“I just saw them leaving the library together. By some miracle, they seemingly enjoy each other’s company.” Lan Xichen told him, causing Nie Huaisang to make some of his gestures whenever he was happy about something.

He totally understood his beloved’s Nie Huaisang’s enthusiasm with this great news. If he as Nie Mingjue’s best friend was already tired by Nie Mingjue’s resistance to his feelings and stubbornness in just acting on it in the proper way, he could only imagine the exhaustion Nie Huaisang endured as his brother and Jiang Wanyin’s best friend. Being constantly around them either from their home or at the university, it is really inevitable for Nie Huaisang to be the usual witness of his brother and his best friend’s goal of fulfilling their daily quota in antagonizing each other in the worst way they can.

Lan Xichen can’t help but feel sympathy at what Nie Huaisang has gone through all these years.

“I hope this improvement continues and dage doesn’t muck this up.” Nie Huaisang sighed, wistfully. “It’s finally nice to see him get along with A-Cheng after years of grudges, you know.”

And that statement, ladies and gentlemen, put Lan Xichen’s world into a stop. As much as he knew how his best friend strove in curbing his tendencies of saying something that could sound callous and insulting to the ears of many, it could still be said that his tendencies of saying something that could sound callous and insulting to the ears of some unfortunately still stays within him.

Nie Mingjue’s attempts of showing his concern and care to his brother when it comes to academics and well-being almost destroyed their relationship back in middleschool. His efforts in not being insensitive to their friend A-Yao after everything that happened proved it, and shall Lan Xichen still remind you of his verbal fights and brawls with Jiang Wanyin through the years? 

So, yeah. The possibility of his best friend messing up this budding romance between them is 80-20.

Lan Xichen only had one thought about this realization.

Fuck.

So Lan Xichen started plotting for how he will subtly assist Nie Mingjue in keeping this up, because like hell he wouldn’t take this as an opportunity to finally bring solution in the unresolved tension permeating in the air whenever they fought. Like hell he wouldn’t use this as his chance to spare their already burdened hearts into more unnecessary drama that their miscommunication could cause. 

He, A-Sang and everybody else in the engineering department deserves a rest from their constant fights, and he’ll be damned if this development crumbles once more in the dust and get them all back to square fucking one.

Busy with his thoughts of how he will broach this topic to Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen didn’t notice the proud and appreciative gleam in Nie Huaisang’s eyes. He didn’t notice that him seeing the two leaving the library together was not out of pure luck and of sheer coincidence, but because of Nie Huaisang’s machinations. How he took his brother’s usual secretive nature when it comes to feelings into consideration before observing his brother’s schedule for the week for the purpose of making the revelation of this current development to his brother’s best friend look coincidental.

Now that he is sure that Lan Xichen’s also in the plan for giving pieces of advice to his brother when it comes to the matters of the heart, Nie Huaisang could finally feel the burden of constantly worrying over his brother butchering this up leave his heart.

Now, for Number 3 of the plan, let’s see…

Nie Huaisang smiled as he already guessed the person who will surely be dragged along with Lan Xichen’s future plans, intentionally or not. And it is only just for him to be; Jin Guangyao did mention to Nie Huaisang before that he wanted to make up with his past mistakes for his brother. This could probably be his redemption stage too for being Nie Huaisang’s hindrance from finally having Xichen-ge so…

Hello, dear A-Y ao. Glad for you to finally contribute something for the good cause.

/ / /

“Nie Mingjue,” Jiang Cheng called out his---er, recently civil acquaintance? Distant friend he bickered with every now and then? The person giving him butterflies in his stomach for weeks ? ---  best friend’s brother’s name with the patience he solely dedicated to this man these days, eyeing him warily. “I’m not weak  nor am I a damsel in distress . I can handle holding my books and opening the goddamn door  with my hands .”

“ Jiang Wanyin.” Nie Mingjue called his name back mocki ngl ---teasingly in  a low voice, somehow causing shivers to run down Jiang Cheng’s spine.

Only to stop when Nie Mingjue opened his mouth to talk again.

“Guess what? I don’t care.”

Then the asshole grabbed his books from the desk they were occupying for an hour and a half before Nie Mingjue swiftly walked towards the library exit.

Jiang Cheng can’t help but gape at Nie Mingjue’s audacity. While their constant bickering now turned to be a…somewhat lighthearted  banter  with no resentments and anger mixing along with their comebacks to each other, Jiang Cheng still found himself unable to cope with the idea that somehow, along the way of Nie Mingjue’s weird and unexplainable  behavior, they are now what others could call as…friends.  Not a friendship that he has with Nie Huaisang nor one he reluctantly shared with Wen Qing, but a friendship nonethelesss.

The very concept  of their blooming friendship  is just very foreign to him, and it doesn’t help that the change made his heart regularly beat faster . His mind  sometimes still worry at the implications it may bring, alright.

Still, Jiang Cheng would admit that he preferred this change to remain rather than go back to their past quarreling . Jiang Cheng, as embarrassed as he is to admit,  perceived those as childish.  For goodness’ sake,

He swore to himself to never resort to that kind of childishness ever again; it’s embarrassing as fuck. He’s already an adult; time to let go of this resentment his childhood self has held onto for several years. Hopefully Nie Mingjue wouldn’t taunt him again in a similar matter that had caused him to hold onto this resentment for years in the first place. Jiang Cheng can be spiteful too if he wanted to and he was certain everyone he knew was aware of it.

Shaking off these thoughts, he followed the path Nie Mingjue went. Seeing Nie Mingjue waiting for him by the doorway, he purposely bumped into him as he walked past the man. Letting out a (slightly) outraged cry when Nie Mingjue did the same to him in the hallways, the punch that he sent to Nie Mingjue’s arm was a weak attempt. It was almost laughable. Compared to the punches he pulled into that handsome face Nie Mingjue, this time it was s o weak that he could almost compare it to Nie Huaisang’s tap o n  the shoulder.

That’s it, Jiang Cheng thought as he walked side by side with Nie Mingjue. I’m getting soft.

Weirdly enough, Jiang Cheng found himself liking it.

.

Jin Guangyao is a busy man.

That statement is not a subjective perception but an objective observation; one that could be attested by anyone in the student council and the rest of the student body in their department.

Why and how, you ask?

To put it simply, his task of being the secretary of the student council is no joke. Being the one to keep the records of their meetings despite having his own challenging times to stay awake with the social affairs he is required to attend. Disseminating vital information which everyone must be aware of to the organizations of their department and the different blocks of each year. Not to mention the documents stacked on his own desk in their office that already screamed “we are this man’s free time”.

Additionally, his social life almost revolved around being the bearer of the bad/good news to everyone and being the first to face people’s reactions firsthand. Also doing the damage control between the student council and student organizations as well as within the faculty if worse comes to worst. Oh, and did he mention that his attentiveness with the important files that he is obligated to keep and his goal in making his father finally acknowledge his diligence could also rival the dedication that a lovesick fool could have for his wellbe-fucking-love?

So, yeah. With all those being cleared, it could be concluded that Jin Guangyao is a busy man. This is enough reason as to why he isn’t up to date with gossip that doesn’t touch the perimeter of the academic aspect. Additionally, he learned his lesson from butting his nose to the things he isn’t wanted from. Nearly making one of his best friends livid with him almost made him lose them both, so he really does try not to meddle with the affairs he is concerned with lest he lose more of the council and students’ favor of him.

Thus, his utter surprise is totally understandable when Lan Xichen broke the silence emanating in their office by saying these words.

“Do you know that one of the most successful love languages for couples who are having a hard time with being good with words is the acts of service?”

Looking up from his files, Jin Guangyao’s mind halted in processing the community proposals given to him by some org leader to fully bring his attention to Lan Xichen.

What is he up to?

It is common knowledge for everyone who knew Lan Xichen that he wasn’t interested in the romance aspect in life. Of course, there was this matter regarding his alleged attraction to one Nie Huaisang but even then, there were no rumors or indications from the two that they became lovers at some point. Even when others attempted to flirt with him, Lan Xichen’s vow of never indulging himself with these kinds of thoughts remained strong. He made it clear from the very day he gave his speech as the student council president; that as long as he is seated in this position, his dedication towards aiding the hardships of his fellow students will be his topmost priority alongside his studies.

Thus, hearing that statement out of Lan Xichen’s mouth is not only odd but puzzling, because it could only mean that he found someone worthy enough to disregard his promise to everyone. Or that his alleged attraction to Nie Huaisang did not remain unanswered and became mutual and this conversation is his confirmation from that allegation.

Jin Guangyao tried very hard not to be affected by it.

Then, when Jin Guangyao already thought he received the shock he had for the day, Nie Mingjue responded.

“Really?”

Now Jin Guangyao is truly curious. While Lan Xichen remained to be what the ladies and other males hope to have as the perfect partner to introduce to their parents, Nie Mingjue still isn’t short with the people lining up to capture his attention. Jin Guangyao even believed that if Nie Mingjue only didn’t usually pick verbal fights with Jiang Wanyin whenever they cross paths and scare people with how exceptional he is in picking a fight with him, the people including Nie Mingjue as a candidate in their list for their ideal man could probably equate to the number of Lan Xichen’s fans.

That being said, Nie Mingjue having some people holding admiration for him and asking Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen about him is normal. What isn’t normal is for Nie Mingjue to be the one asking about something related to love.

What the fuck.

Lan Xichen indulging himself with a thought or two about romance is something, but hearing Nie Mingjue of all people respond to Lan Xichen’s statement as if he wanted the man to elaborate more of his thoughts regarding that matter is entirely different.

Curious indeed.

Pretending to be engrossed with the documents on his desk, Jin Guangyao listened closely to the conversation occurring between his two fellow student council members.

“I read a blog about it.” Was Lan Xichen’s opening statement. “The writer first told an interesting story about it. How he and his lover hated each other’s guts first at their first meeting. They were bad with words, you see, so they kept on piling up misunderstandings with another that made them unable to make peace with each other despite others’ efforts in helping them make their hateful relationship with one another cool down.”

Jin Guangyao, knowing everything that is about to be known about Lan Xichen, somehow found his response suspicious. For one, he’d known that Lan Xichen only read academic papers from the internet, if not their family’s scholarly research projects. Second, he found Lan Xichen’s short summary about the content of the blog oddly specific. It felt familiar for Jin Guangyao, as if the answer of his musing is only right before his eyes.

Of course no one noticed its oddities but himself, since the other person in this room was busy inquiring Lan Xichen about it.

“It was interesting how they learned to tolerate each other through their genuine actions. Actions where they showed how they regret saying mean things with one another, how they would like to make up with it and fix their misunderstandings.”

Jin Guangyao saw Nie Mingjue raised a brow, as if asking Lan Xichen to tell him what those actions were. As if he is about to take notes of it and do those with another person.

What the, Jin Guangyao thought, watching the two in total bafflement discuss the blog’s full details. Has something happened recently that I completely missed?

Despite some people’s assessment of him being cunning and him being perceived to only have goals in elevating himself to the social chain (in which he wouldn’t deny-that’s exactly the only reason he agreed to be in the cursed position in the student council in the first place), Jin Guangyao do care for these two. He wanted to learn everything about them in order to give back their kindness. Afterall, they were the first ones to warmly welcome him here. The ones who, despite Nie Mingjue’s hesitation, still forgave him even after that fiasco where their friendship nearly went into shambles thanks to his past self’s idiocy in keeping up with his father’s demands in exchange of gaining his favor. Like, seriously, without these two he would still probably be under his father’s thumb for eternity and he would not know the real meaning of his life---

Going back to the topic, Jin Guangyao wanted to show them how he’d repented. He memorized everything about them; be up to date on what they’re up to in order for him to offer his assistance for them. He always made sure to find time in his busy schedule to hang out with them and give him his full attention.

But something seemed to have happened in their lives that has slipped past Jin Guangyao’s radar, making him feel not only left out but…unsettled.

“What’s with the sudden interest in romance, Xichen-ge?” Jin Guangyao finally found his voice and courage to ask that question out loud. “It’s unusual for you to bring up something like this.”

Please don’t let it be what I think it is---

Seeing the inquiring look in Nie Mingjue’s eyes flickered, Jin Guangyao was glad that Nie Mingjue’s look of realization is proof that he wasn’t intentionally being left out. That he finally found Lan Xichen’s interest in romance questionable.

Lan Xichen directed his smile at him. “I just recently find the matters of the heart fascinating. I am curious as to how a person could mean so much to someone enough that making sacrifices for them will still feel worth it in the end. Even with the knowledge that it could end up unrequited.”

With those words, Jin Guangyao was now certain that he had definitely missed something, since those words are close to confirmation that Lan Xichen is indeed ready to throw away his past vows of remaining single throughout his uni life.

Trying not to ponder more about the hurt how any day by now Lan Xichen could possibly be in someone’s arms, Jin Guangyao focused more on thinking about the other possible reasons why Lan Xichen brought this up. Surely, Lan Xichen would remain firm in holding onto his promises since it’s in their family morals?

“How about you, A-Yao?” Lan Xichen questioned, breaking him out of his musings of denials. “Do you ever wonder about those things of romance too?”

Gentle eyes trained on him, plush lips stretched into a smile as his arm  was being held with his gentle touch. Stance generating comfort and warmth  and security, lulling him to a feeling of safety and home only present whenever he’s with him---

“Not yet. I am too busy with my responsibilities not just as a student but as an officer for the student body.” Jin Guangyao answered the curious look Nie Mingjue sent him. “Besides, if I am to welcome someone who could be my potential partner in life, I would prefer it to happen when I finally graduate and find a suitable job that, if possible, does not take much of my time, especially on the weekends.”

Lan Xichen hummed. “Your love language is quality time, A-Yao?”

Jin Guangyao shrugged. “Perhaps. Spending your time with the person you love and giving them your full attention will make them feel wanted, appreciated and craved for, you know.”

For some reason, a contemplative look settled into Nie Mingjue’s features in a way that he seemed to assess Jin Guangyao’s words. As if he’s about to remember what Jin Guangyao said, for the purpose of using it for his future references---

As if Nie Mingjue’s attention was caught from the very beginning, since the contents of the blog Lan Xichen apparently read totally corresponded to Nie Mingjue’s situation with the youngest Jiang.

Oh.

Jin Guangyao did hear some interesting rumors about a large betting pool in their department about when Nie Mingjue and Jiang Wanyin would finally fuck that goddamn tension out of their system reconcile.

If Jin Guangyao seemed relieved at the realization that Lan Xichen only brought this up for the purpose of helping Nie Mingjue elevate his relationship with Jiang Wanyin to another level, Jin Guangyao didn’t show it. Instead, he played along and started dropping some “tips” he’d read in some articles and research projects about how a partner could feel appreciated and loved by their partner even without words.

After all, as much as he held his friendship with Nie Mingjue dearly in his heart, his friend and Jiang Wanyin’s bickering did add more work on his shoulders from Jiang Wanyin’s very first day in uni. It’s good if they finally got around their childish resentments towards one another and finally do all of them a favor in fucking making love not war bringing peace to the already stressed college students of the engineering department.

/ / /

“Don't you find this weird?"

"Us eating outside the school premises? Of course not. Are you an idiot?  It’s normal and what everyone does. "

"No, dummy. What I'm talking about is us recently spending our free time with each other."

With the  unchanging, calm expression present in Nie Mingjue's features as well as his raised brow, Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

"In case you have forgotten, we have much preferred to stir ourselves away from each other just a month ago. For years, even. So for us to act as if...as if we're…"

Friends.

Jiang Cheng hadn't voiced that out loud, but the hint of realization settling into Nie Mingjue's eyes told him that he understood what he meant.

" Understandable. We've been at each other's throat from the start." Was Nie Mingjue's answer. "Since we're adults now---"

Jiang Cheng scoffed. "Really?  Oh, wow, I didn't  exactly notice  until you said it ---ow!"

Swatting Nie Mingjue's hand that came to roughly ruffle his hair, the other man continued.

"Going back to the point, as I am so rudely interrupted by some asshole," Nie Mingjue narrowed his eyes at Jiang Cheng before he smoothed  his creased forehead. "I realized that there is no more point in letting the animosity between us stretch longer than necessary. I'm graduating soon, and it will be inevitable for our family and social circles to cross since they all are in the same industry. So---"

"So you wanted to smooth things between us, for the sake of future professionalism once we take over our family businesses?"

With Nie Mingjue's nod, Jiang Cheng got confused as to why he first felt disappointment at Nie Mingjue's admission. It's for the best, isn't it? Afterall, it is truly unsightly to see their future professional selves resorting to brawls just because they haven’t phrased their words correctly. It already took them long enough to face this reality (to which, Jiang Cheng realized once with embarrassment, was so stupid of them), so why isn't contentment reaching him at Nie Mingjue's answer?

Why does he seem to expect to hear something more from Nie Mingjue's reasons? Why?

"Besides," Nie Mingjue added, piquing Jiang Cheng's interest once more. "Huaisang did make many efforts in reconciling us both. I wanted to understand why he's so invested in doing that. Thought that knowing more about you and interacting with you with our animosity disregarded probably could help."

Jiang Cheng ignored the now familiar fluttering feeling in his stomach. "Did it, though?"

Nie Mingjue's gaze remained focused in his eyes.

"Somehow. You're still an asshole most of the time, but at least I now find it amusing and don't have the urge to fight you for it."

Jiang Cheng couldn't stop the snort that his throat released, as well as the smack his palm gave Nie Mingjue's arm. Nor could Jiang Cheng give anyone an explanation why his apparently tensed form suddenly relaxed at hearing the other man’s  statement.

"Do you remember, then? That time when Nie Huaisang sent us valentines notes and chocolates back in highschool, telling us to meet our "secret admirer" on the rooftop only to meet with each other instead?"

Nie Mingjue grinned . “You almost gave me a blackeye back then if I was a second late at evading your punch. Man, the look on your face back then. You really believed that I stole and made your ‘admirer’ my girlfriend and to rub it in your face than believe that we were played by Huaisang a prank.”

Jiang Cheng released an indignant sound from the back of his throat. “I did no such thing!”

“Keep telling yourself that. I know of the truth.”

Soon, they found themselves reminiscing Nie Huaisang's previous attempts on making them friends, as well as the idiot things they did back in their childhood for the sake of retaliation for their damaged pride and vengeful, spiteful hearts.

Neither of them noticed how their mouths were stretched into wide  smiles  during that time of their conversation, nor did Jiang Cheng acknowledge how he'd liked it more to hear and make Nie Mingjue chuckle than those times Jiang Cheng initiated fights with him.

.

4-5. The last two languages

Wei Wuxian wouldn’t dare admit it, but since he started living his uni life, he found himself missing being in Jiang Cheng’s space 24/7 and spending time with their jiejie. Sure, he and Jiang Cheng attended the same university and the three of them still manage to find time for them to hangout in the nearest food chain around, but it was still different for him when back in middleschool wherein they’re the first people he sees. Wherein their presence alone makes his grumpiness in the morning fade, replaced by hope that the three of them will have a good day.

Now that jiejie’s busy pursuing her career path and Jiang Cheng being on a different college department, Wei Wuxian rarely finds himself having a good morning these days. Without the glimpses of their faces first thing in the morning, he felt dreaded to face the day and deal with what it is to bring to him.

(Ugh, what a drag.)

That’s why when his eyes landed to the figure of their jiejie standing just outside their dorms in one, fateful morning, he can’t help but blink for a few more times to check whether his eyesight is turning bad or his mind is conjuring him another hallucination from consuming too much coffee as his booster for cramming his activities.

When he saw her smile at him and call for his name, Wei Wuxian needn't be called twice. With three, big strides, he reached where his jiejie was and enclosed her in his arms.

Wei Wuxian could nearly cry at the warmth his jiejie naturally provided, more so when he felt her arms hug him back.

“Jiejie.” Wei Wuxian whined, burying his face onto her shoulder. “I missed you.”

His jiejie chuckled, saying the same thing to him.

After Wei Wuxian expressed his excitement in seeing his jiejie and making their way to go and fetch Jiang Cheng too so they could eat somewhere together since it’s been a long time since they did, Wei Wuxian addressed first his primary concern. 

“What are you doing here anyway, jiejie?” Wei Wuxian asked, curious. “Don’t you have work today? It’s a weekday---ah wait.” Wei Wuxain signaled for his jiejie to let him speak. “Did that peacock do something? Fight you? Insult you? Now, where is that asshole and lemme give him a lesson---”

“Calm down, A-Xian.” His jiejie chuckled, making him calm once he felt her hand patted the top of his head. “A-Xuan---” Wei Wuxian made a face at what his jiejie called the peacock. He never really got used to his jiejie calling the peacock in that sweet manner.“---didn’t do anything to offend me. He knows not to do anything that could offend me lest he suffers the consequences, you know.”

Gently patting his cheek, she continued.

“I am here to address some concerns that could affect our family soon, especially our A-Cheng.”

Wei Wuxian suddenly became alert. Based on his experience, it really is something worth giving their attention to whenever his jiejie says those words. She said those words when word spread to their family about the brawl that he and Jiang Cheng was involved with in highschool against Wen Chao. She said those words when Wei Wuxian was nearly expelled and Jiang Cheng suspended because of Su She’s false accusations. She said those words when peacock’s cousin initiated a fight by insinuating insults about their family in a social gathering, so hearing those words from his jiejie’s mouth while the smile on her face remained oddly serene?

Especially when she put emphasis on who the concern may truly give problems with?

Oh-fucking-no.

“We’re here.”

Snapping out from his thoughts, confusion soon entered his brain as he registered the sight before him was the door of the engineering department's student council office.

"Jiejie?"

The smile on his jiejie's face was directed to him before she knocked on the door.

Soon enough, the person who opened the door was revealed to be Nie Mingjue. His wide eyes showed how dumbfounded he was at their impromptu visit, but his jiejie seemed to take no heed at the other man's surprise.

"Just the person I wanted to see." His jiejie greeted Nie Mingjue. "It's been a long time since I last saw you, A-Jue. May we continue this conversation inside?"

Wei Wuxian felt a shiver run down his spine as he saw how very, utterly peaceful is the look present in his jiejie's eyes.

That was the look their jiejie sported whenever she’s about to confront her business competitors who took their actions of bringing her and their family down below the belt. Or enemies ready to be roasted, grilled and slayed.

Oh no, Wei Wuxian thought, gulping as Nie Mingjue let them in and waited for them to settle themselves in the room. Did you go overboard this time, Mingjue-ge? 

While Wei Wuxian knew of Jiang Cheng’s dislike towards the man and their famed quarreling that surpassed his and Lan Wangji's, Wei Wuxian could admit that he’s pretty chill towards Nie Mingjue. Yes, he'd witnessed these two fight and bicker in their worst and yes there was once a time when the level of his dislike towards the other man nearly surpassed Jiang Cheng's due to him nearly making his dearest didi cry, but other than that, he learned to be neutral towards him. Especially since if he was to believe Nie Huaisang's words, Nie Mingjue recently seemed to be making up for all the agitation he made Wei Wuxian's didi feel. Jiang Cheng even vouched for Nie Huaisang's statement and told him that the two of them are slowly and miraculously becoming friends! So what could be the issue now?

Wei Wuxian's eyes then widened.

Could jiejie's purpose in dropping by here is to tell Mingjue-ge to leave Cheng-Cheng alone and she didn't want him to bother their brother more than necessary?

But Wei Wuxian doubted that. If that was the case, then his jiejie should've done this sooner; probably when they were all still children. If his jiejie chose to address this now, then what the hell did Nie Mingjue do? Was him being civil and cordial towards his Cheng-Cheng all an act to give more stress to his didi?!

Before he could even ask, though, his jiejie beat him to it and immediately addressed her concern.

"Is it true that your recent friendly actions towards my brother are for the purpose of getting into his pants?"

Wei Wuxian then couldn't blame the wide-eyed look that Nie Mingjue gave them and the out of character sputtering of the man that most people perceived as intimidating, for he himself choked at his jiejie's words.

"Jiejie!"

Sue him for being scandalized at his jiejie's words. He wasn't used to hear his shijie address some sex-related things! Bluntly, even!

And Nie Mingjue? Being interested in his didi when all they did from the very day they met one another was to fight?

Impossible, jiejie! Impossible!

"Hush." Was his jiejie's reply to his exclamation. Even probably to his thoughts, with her calm eyes never leaving Nie Mingjue’s form.

It took a few more moments (to which Wei Wuxian couldn't really blame; his jiejie is, afterall, scary if she chose to be) before Nie Mingjue gave them his response.

“My priority right now is to gain his forgiveness and…trust. To fix the damage I caused between us that my once immaturity has brought on for years that impeded what could have been a good friendship between us from the beginning.”

Wei Wuxian blinked, stunned.

Say what?

It was one thing to hear from Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng about Nie Mingjue’s change of behavior. It was another for Wei Wuxian to witness and hear from the man himself that he acknowledged his ‘immaturity’ in dealing with A-Cheng. Like he was also implying that he truly regretted not realizing how childish he was in picking those fights with A-Cheng from the very start and do something to have stopped the animosity between them sooner.

And the most surprising of all, is Nie Mingjue not rejecting his jiejie’s first deduction about his motives. Like he nonverbally confirmed to them that he is indeed attracted and seeing their dearest didi as his potential lover.

Huh.

It seems that his jiejie has the same understanding with Nie Mingjue’s words, and she wasn’t shy in pointing it out.

“You didn’t deny my statement.” His jiejie calmly stated in a neutral voice she uses whenever she’s testing whether the person she’s conversing with is a friend or a possible foe.

Nie Mingjue’s silence gave them the second confirmation they were asking, and honestly? Holy fuck---

Never in a million years did Wei Wuxian expect Nie Mingjue to fall for his brother, and their actions and their history were to be blamed. How the fuck could anyone expect Nie Mingjue to view his Cheng-Cheng in a different light? There’s always a thick tension between these two whenever they’re in the same room! It was as if one look and one word was enough for them to have a go with each other---!

Oh shit, Wei Wuxian realized in dawning horror. Is this what the motto of the betting pool Nie Huaisang mentioned means? Them literally fucking the tension out of their system?!

Before he could voice out his opinions about Nie Mingjue being a goddamn lucky man the man to be the one to take his didi’s virtue be subjected by Cheng-Cheng's loving attention and care if ever, his jiejie once again found herself voicing his thoughts.

In a more eloquent manner, of course.

(To the gods and deities existing above us, thank you for giving us jiejie.)

“It’s good that you’re aware of your mistakes and your priority is to make amends with our A-Cheng before anything else,” His jiejie’s smile softened for a bit before returning to its neutrality and calculating. “but what if despite all of these efforts of yours, he remained holding on towards his grudge to you? What if his feelings for you could only evolve to something one could feel towards a friend? Or the only feelings he could have of you is as a civil acquaintance?”

Wei Wuxian winced. Trust his jiejie, who was known by everyone to have the gentlest heart, to drop that friendzone and acquaintancezone bomb without warning.

“Would you hold it against him?” His jiejie asked.

They held eye contact.

“No.” Nie Mingjue answered. “I wouldn’t.”

Wei Wuxian may be dense sometimes in a social setting, but he definitely felt the resignation in Nie Mingjue’s tone. As if he expected that to be Jiang Cheng’s response to his actions more than anything else.

His jiejie seemed to have the same sentiments again, for she evaluated Nie Mingjue for a minute before she turned her head to look at him.

“A-Xian?” Her business-like voice turned gentle as she addressed him. “Do you have any words to say to A-Jue before we leave?”

Wei Wuxian, despite his nature of being playful at everything and lacking a zipper to filter the words from his mouth, decided to take his sister’s inquiry seriously. It was, after all, a concerning matter since Jiang Cheng was involved.

He thought of creative threats that he could give to Nie Mingjue, but he found those currently useless. For one, they weren’t even sure if Jiang Cheng would reciprocate Nie Mingjue’s feelings if the time came and Nie Mingjue finally found the perfect time to confess. And Wei Wuxian couldn’t exactly tell Nie Mingjue to back off. Man was really trying to show his atonement and to improve his relationship with Jiang Cheng; he wasn’t even doing something indecent and uncomfortable to his didi as far as he’s concerned.

Besides, his didi’s an adult now. He already knows the right and wrong, his needs and his wants. He could already discern what’s good for him and what’s not, and has the brilliant mind and sense to verbally (and sometimes, harshly) point out what he didn’t like about a person. Also, if Nie Mingjue ever hurts him or forces him into doing something he isn’t cool with, Jiang Cheng would have no qualms in punching him straight in the face as retaliation. After all, Jiang Cheng did initiate some physical fights with Mingjue-ge in the past.

The memory of Jiang Cheng giving Nie Mingjue a blackeye and a broken rib or two back in their sixth grade was enough to calm Wei Wuxian’s worries, at least. Oh, and Wei Wuxian could hazard a guess that Lan Xichen or Nie Huaisang could do the honors of being his representative in punching Nie Mingjue if the man himself does something to destroy their budding friendship. The gods above knew how the two of them endured through the years with their best friends always clashing heads and spitting insults.

And his jiejie’s there to do the honors of blackmailing threatening warning being the serious sibling, so he decided to balance it by being the comic relief he was famously being known for.

“Well,” Wei Wuxian started, scratching the back of his head. “I really appreciate your efforts in prioritizing his comfort. Cheng-Cheng’s moods seemed calm and contented lately, so thanks for being helpful for that matter. Though if you step out of the line and made Jiang Cheng curse your name again with resentment and cry himself to sleep, just remember the Yiling Laozu reputation I had since freshman days because I would really not hesitate to help A-Cheng, maybe Xichen-ge and Huaisang too, in making your remaining uni days more stressful---”

“A-Xian.”

Wei Wuxian cleared his throat. “What I mean to say is that thank you for finally making Cheng-Cheng graduate from the NBSB movement and goodluck with your quest to my didi! He doesn’t show it to you because obviously you’d been enemies for so long, but he really has a soft heart and a spike for being a hopeless romantic! Oh, and he might not admit it too, but I do remember Cheng-Cheng loving it whenever he’s hugged or kissed or just by being touched by the shoulder or hand---”

The look his jiejie gave him made Wei Wuxian wisely shut up. He may be as shameless as everyone he knew proclaimed him to be, but he didn’t want to trigger and be subjected to his jiejie’s wrath, alright.

It took a few more moments before Wei Wuxian noticed his jiejie relaxed, business-like attitude melting back to the friendly jiejie everyone has seen in here.

“I’ll be entrusting our brother to you.” She said, “I hope you won’t disappoint us.”

Nie Mingjue could only nod from his jiejie’s subtle warning. She doesn’t even explicitly say that she will do something, but her words alone carry the weight of a promise. Could already have implied that she would absolutely plan something worse than what could Wei Wuxian ever do if Nie Mingjue ever lets her down.

Everybody in their circle knew what Jiang Yanli was capable of if people displeased her, as well as the list of people who dared to disregard this warning.

Once again, Wei Wuxian found himself admiring his jiejie. She really was more creative and effective in delivering not only threats, but a Promise.

Later on, after a few more conversations about Nie Mingjue and their brother, his jiejie and him bid their farewell to Nie Mingjue to finally gather Jiang Cheng and eat somewhere.

“Oh, and one more thing.” His jiejie paused by the doorway, tilting her head to look at Nie Mingjue. “I suggest that when you see anything that reminds you of him, do buy it for him. A-Cheng might say not to spend money on him too much, but he did grow up still appreciating whenever we do that.”

When Wei Wuxian saw Nie Mingjue consider this, he did wonder what Jiang Cheng would be receiving from this man for the next few days. Hopefully not something stupid as an efficascent oil added along with the words of, ‘to help the headache your issues with everything gives you’. After all, Wei Wuxian did that once and Jiang Cheng gave him that dreaded silent treatment for a week.

Once they left the office, Wei Wuxian was bewildered to instantly meet his jiejie’s wide grin.

“Jiejie?”

“I’m just so happy.” His jiejie explained. “I always had a feeling since years ago that their constant verbal fights would lead at least one of them to fall for each other, if not both. With A-Jue admitting it, I could finally see A-Cheng experience what it feels like to be loved romantically by someone.” His jiejie then snapped her fingers. “Oh, and I need to collect A-Xuan and Wen Qing’s dues for not believing in me, too. They’re such a big amount for me to let go of them this easily.”

Wei Wuxian can’t help but feel adoration and fondness settle in his heart. Trust his jiejie to not only have an insight in seeing this coming, but also proving it a point by placing a bet about it with Jin Zixuan and Wen Qing.

But most of all…

“How were you so sure about that since then, jiejie?” Wei Wuxian can’t help but ask. Everyone was already sure that world peace happening is much more plausible than these two to get along, so…

His jiejie smiled.

“I just noticed how they would glance at one another when we were young. I just felt like they were hoping to fix the misunderstanding between them to be friends, but something just prevented them from doing so.”

Wei Wuxian, knowing how prideful Jiang Cheng had been in the past, hummed in agreement.

“Thankfully they’re finally doing something about it, then.” Wei Wuxian beamed.

His jiejie then chuckled, with both of them suddenly beaming and approaching at a fast pace once they saw Jiang Cheng just left the library.

With Jiang Cheng greeting them with a wide grin, Wei Wuxian can’t help but wonder if some of the engineering students who knew of the legendary animosity between Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng was now updated about the change of their behavior with one another. If Nie Huaisang was telling the truth of them placing bets on when these two will end up together.

Wei Wuxian decided to ask Nie Huaisang about it later. After all, it is only just as Jiang Cheng’s gege to show his full support with his friendship with Nie Mingjue, right?

For now, he will be spending his time with his siblings first. God only knows when is the next time they will meet again like this.

/ / /

Of all the surprises he had faced all his life, Jiang Cheng could totally confirm that gathering a cute, shiba inu puppy keychain from one of the front pockets of Nie Mingjue's bag is included in his top five list.

"Since when did you become fond of dogs?!" Jiang Cheng asked his companion in utter disbelief, jaw dropping as his hand held the keychain in Nie Mingjue's face.

His disbelief, he believed, is completely understandable. The memory of a twelve year old Nie Mingjue arguing with him about cats and polar bears being the best animals compared to his beloved dogs is still fresh in his mind, especially when Jiang Cheng caused a scene right after the petty Nie Mingjue's next words back then were teasing him about his dogs that his father gave away.

Yes, Jiang Cheng might have now forgiven the child Nie Mingjue for the jab about the topic he was sensitive about. Almost had even forgotten about it, but Nie Mingjue's dislike of dogs still remained in his memory. It is even one of the many reasons why his child self was very resentful to this man. For his ex- enemy  to now have a keychain not only with a dog design but also  a  cute  one ?

"Just a freebie from something I ordered online." Was the gruff answer of the other man, mov ing Jiang Cheng's hand away from his face. Totally nonplussed at the existence of the object as opposed to Jiang Cheng's perplexed feelings.

"Planned to give it to Huaisang, but you found it first so go ahead. Take it."

Jiang Cheng could not believe his ears.

"Nie Mingjue, what the absolute  fuck?"

Yes, Jiang Cheng has already wrapped up the idea that the two of them are getting along better than expected. He even already accepted the fact that they are nearing the boundaries of being close friends, but they never do gift-giving okay?! The food Nie Mingjue shares with him obviously doesn't count, since it was his usual mistake in believing that ordering food for three people all the damn time could fulfill his stomach's wishes.

So why---

"You love dogs, right?" At the absentminded nod Jiang Cheng gave, Nie Mingjue r oughly r uffled his hair.

"Hey!"

"Just take it." Nie Mingjue repeated, taking another bite to the sandwich he was munching. "I think you would appreciate it more than Huaisang anyway. We're team cats, remember?"

Jiang Cheng scoffed.

"How could I forget that, when we literally had a fight because of it?" He told Nie Mingjue, already taking the keychain and hanging it on the zipper of his bag. 

Nie Mingjue snorted. "Still won that fight."

"I literally gave you a blackeye. And bruises on the other areas of your face. Just admit defeat already, it's been years since then."

"Rich of you to say that when you're also still not admitting defeat yourself."

"You're the one not admitting defeat here!"

"See?"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at the triumphant look in Nie Mingjue's eyes. "Whatever."

Nie Mingjue made a mocking imitation of his words, making Jiang Cheng lightly pinch Nie Mingjue's side.

This has been how they were for the past three months. Bantering, having normal and short conversations whenever they pass by each other in the hallways. Silently sharing the table that they once fought over every time they found themselves inside the library at the same time. Hanging out on the rooftop or in the gardens wherever they are dismissed early, eating together if they coincidentally have free time and encounter each other.

Like, right now.

Honestly speaking, never in a million years did Jiang Cheng expect the two of them to be this close. Considering how they first met and how they interacted with one another through the years, Jiang Cheng had expected that the animosity between them will stay until their very last breath, but look at them now, sitting close to each other with their food on their laps as if this is the most normal and natural thing the two of them did together.

Funny enough, Jiang Cheng thinks that if their highschool selves saw their present counterpart, their past selves would immediately (and violently) cough out blood. Curse their names for being stupid for falling into the enemy's trap or whatsoever, and probably remind them of why they consider each other their most hated persons for so long.

Even so, Jiang Cheng can't help but still look forward to  hanging out with the other man. He can't help but feel excitement rush his veins whenever he sees that he has free time of the day, because it no longer simply means that he has time for him self  to rest. It changed now into him sharing one of the important times in his life to Nie Mingjue, and even enjoying it as long as he is in Nie Mingjue's presence.

Getting used to being in Nie Mingjue's presence and his own brand of friendliness was just too easy, especially when the other man has been nothing but a good listener and a surprisingly understanding person to him. The only downside of falling into this habit, though, is facing the prospect of whatever they formed during these three months will somehow fade  once Nie Mingjue leaves.

Thinking that Nie Mingjue's graduation is just two months away never failed to make Jiang Cheng feel hollowness settle in him. While Jiang Cheng is proud that the idiot will be graduating (of course he is. Also with high honors too, fucking asshole too smart and diligent for his own good), it also meant that he would no longer have a glimpse of Nie Mingjue along the library, the gardens  and the rooftop they frequent. The hallways would then be silent, with no more of him to simply converse with interesting subjects with or even the mundane things that they could probably argue about.

Jiang Cheng felt empty at the prospect of the space beside him lacking the presence of one, jackass yet comforting Nie Mingjue soon.

Jiang Cheng wanted to laugh at his thoughts. Wanted to laugh for letting himself be dependent on Nie Mingjue, when all he wished at the beginning of the term was for the asshole to bring peace in his life by finally graduating and fucking off to wherever he pleases to go. W anted to mock himself for how he'd failed to fulfill his child self's promise to forever antagonize Nie Mingjue as long as he'd lived.

Wanted to curse himself in different languages for letting himself trust the other man not only by letting him be his friend, but also by being willing to give his heart to him.

Now, as they finished their food and started to walk towards the dorms, Jiang Cheng unconsciously inched closer to Nie Mingjue until he was forced out of his worrisome thoughts when he felt their shoulders bumped and the back of their hands brush ed with each other. Instead of apologizing and pulling away to return the space between them, Jiang Cheng only continued on walking as if their close proximity wasn't such a big deal between these two former enemies.

Jiang Cheng found himself releasing a breath when Nie Mingjue didn't utter a word about their sudden closeness. His  tenseness faded soon as Nie Mingjue's hand found its way to the top of Jiang Cheng's head and ruffled his hair  once more; this time, gentler.

Found his heartbeat racing faster than ever, when Nie Mingjue rested his arm around his shoulder  next. With the feel of Nie Mingjue's finger absentmindedly playing with his earlobe, they continued on being like this until both reached the dorms.

For now, he would enjoy the time he has with Nie Mingjue while it lasts. Let his heart ignore the future absence of Nie Mingjue in his life before the routine they made between them changed once again.

After all, Jiang Cheng’s time with him is running thin.

.  

6. Conclusion

By now, if any student is to be asked about the greatest and amusing gossip to ever exist in their own premises, they already know the two names to tell to those who asked: Nie Mingjue and Jiang Cheng. They would give you their own version of a crash course about their Greatest Feud, one that almost rivals the legendary rivalry of their university president and an alumni business tycoon back in the 80s.

The only difference now with their own interpretations of their relationship is that another chapter was added. A chapter of these two forming a truce that soon turned into a friendship that baffled anyone who cared enough to know them.

A chapter of friendship that everyone believed to have turned into a ballad of two people slowly but surely forgiving each other and falling in love.

It wasn't that hard for people to see that something has definitely changed between them. Everyone with eyes could see the spark in their eyes whenever they were in each other's presence. It was no longer filled with the purpose of agitating each other, but now has a touch of eagerness that everyone could only interpret as fondness.

When word spread about the shift between these two, everyone’s feelings ranged from bafflement to disbelief. Feeling either of these two or both, they were curious on what has caused this change; the factors that helped whatever the change was to keep on going and improving.

Of course, everyone was also enthusiastic. More so when they saw that it wasn't a temporary thing that they planned to make a rise out of each other.

It was beneficial. Both of them getting along gave them some peace in the mornings until the end of the day, with no loud arguments between the two happening at random hours in their department. Them getting along made the student council be in high spirits, for their vice president is right in time to graduate not only in his last year of college but also in the NBSB movement. Them getting along made hopeless romantics rejoice, for the two have proven that love conquers all and whatever shit these romance folks utter.

With this being said, we are now to address the question that everybody has had in mind for months, especially the beloved siblings of the two and their best friends.

What is taking them so long to finally be official?!

They have borne this question in their minds, for they noticed that despite the tenderness evident in each others' eyes, it is quite obvious that the two are still not stepping out from the boundaries of being friends. From the way that their hands twitched in the observers' eyes to the hesitant stances they made whenever they are about to close the distance between each others' proximity, it is clear to people who cared enough for their development that they are still friends.

This poses a problem, for the thought that their beloved student council vice president may graduate next month and leave without him and Jiang Cheng confessing to one another is becoming a possibility.

This turned out to be a suspense/thriller thing to everyone, especially those who placed their bets in the betting pool. Their sessions of exchanging money every now and then soon turned into ranting moments, with people not only worried of their money being a lost cause but also for these two to go back into being enemies once more.

They worried so much, without knowing that their anxieties for these two are about to be put into rest soon.

For now, they were clueless. They didn't know that destiny is about to move its hand and give the result that everyone has been waiting for.

They didn't know the emotions that spread through Nie Mingjue at the night before graduation as he thought of tomorrow being the last day he will be seeing Jiang Cheng before being faced by a new reality of his life with work and with his romance status.

They didn't know the frustration that gripped Jiang Cheng in a tight hold at the safety of his dorm. Of the thoughts that flashed through his head as he is kept on being reminded that Nie Mingjue is about to leave and his absence might bring distance between them once more.

They didn't know the feeling that went through their hearts as their eyes met on the day of graduation, with them being lost in each other's gaze with the sea of crowd around them.

They didn't know their sudden urge to admit the change of their feelings with one another will change everything. How the time has stopped as they stood at the area of the university garden they used to hangout in, distance between them slowly dissolving and being replaced by the air of something sacrosanct and fulfilling.

They didn't know how the vulnerable words they bravely spoke to one another will secure them a future of a happy ending they had secretly wished for long, and the confirmation that both of them had felt the same way through the tender gazes that is by no means friendly nor antagonizing.

These people didn't know how their future was written in the stars yet, but one thing's for sure.

Fate and destiny will surely be working on it.

/ / /

“I have always wondered, you know. The reason why we hadn’t done this earlier. Why did it take us too long to sort away our childhood resentment and just follow Huaisang’s advice to just  get along  with you.”

Feeling Nie Mingjue’s eyes on him, Jiang Cheng took a deep breath before continuing his piece.

“Funny enough, I just realized that I did want to be friends with you. Hearing Huaisang’s stories about you when we were kids, I was hopeful that I would have the chance to see those good qualities that Huaisang told me you possessed. It just sounded too good to be true, that whenever I see your glares directed to me I always get disappointed at not being able to witness and experience the goodness you were said to have  been carrying.”

Nie Mingjue hummed. “Did you ever imagine ourselves in a  world where we never became enemies?”

Jiang Cheng nodded. “I have, and it’s boring.”

Nie Mingjue snorted. “Fuels you to have someone to pour your frustrations on in life and to shout at?”

Now it was Jiang Cheng’s turn to snort. “As if you weren’t the same.”

Nie Mingjue smirked.

Comfortable silence ensued between the two, with them watching their surroundings. Relishing into the comfort that his presence brought, Jiang Cheng counted the seconds while Nie Mingjue was still with him before they parted ways soon.

“Huaisang mentioned that your first reaction to my civility was to ask him if I was dying.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at that. “Well, sorry if I didn’t know how to process your sudden change  of behavior.”

Jiang Cheng let the feeling of Nie Mingjue’s fingers ruffle his hair, almost lost into the sensation before being pulled out from his musings.

“To clarify, I'm not. I really did intend to fix things between us since you came here.” Jiang Cheng grunted in annoyance  as he earned a pinch on his nose from the snort he released at Nie Mingjue’s statement. “Not very obvious with my earlier actions, I know, but you also made things harder for me, you know.”

“And it’s supposed to be my fault?”

“Collective effort, it’s what I think.”

Jiang Cheng lightly shoved Nie Mingjue away. “Bullshit.”

Nie Mingjue rolled his eyes, arm casually coming to rest around Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. Before Jiang Cheng could stop himself, before he could even filter himself, his mouth moved on its own to say the questions he had kept from asking the other man for long.

“Do you sometimes regret it?” Jiang Cheng asked. “ Do you deem your efforts worth it?”

Inquiring eyes shifted to steal a glance, only to meet Nie Mingjue's profound gaze.

“Sometimes.” Nie Mingjue admitted, making Jiang Cheng’s heart sink.

Then,

“Made me had this stupid idea that we may have the chance to be more than what we are now. Or if that’s too much, I hope that even after I graduate, we will at least still keep in touch.”

Jiang Cheng suddenly felt the time between them stop for a moment.

“Can we?" Jiang Cheng heard Nie Mingjue ask him softly, voice as if whispering a secret between them. " Keep in touch? Maintain this friendship we built? Or perhaps… be something more?"

Sun illuminated Nie Mingjue’s immaculate features. Wind slowly blew, somehow making his expression more vulnerable than ever.

God, Jiang Cheng never imagined himself falling, but deeply he did.

Without words being spoken, Jiang Cheng answered him by burying his face on Nie Mingjue’s chest. Inhaling his scent, a tender smile played on his lips.

Tilting his head upwards, he gathered all the courage he had and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of Nie Mingjue’s mouth.

"Yeah.” Jiang Cheng gave his response. 

“I would like that."