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It was an absentminded comment. He has the habit of listening in on his middle school students’ conversations while walking down hallways, answering them in his head. It was meant to stay in his head.
“Look at how he’s glaring at the students, he’s so grumpy all the time.”
“Who would ever date him?”
“I would.”
I would—!! I would—??
Xichen has never known himself to be so heedless.
One of the boys, with all his teenage bravery, yells from the open hallway they’re on.
“Coach Jiang!! Mr Lan said he would like to date you!!”
Xichen freezes where he is standing, heart in his throat. A few students on the field turn to look but the man in question is unbothered. In the distance, incomprehensible by the ones at the balcony, Coach Jiang chides at his students who have stopped running laps. The students resume their activities immediately.
“Maybe he didn’t hear us?” Another student chimes in. “Do it again.”
“Coach Jiang!! Mr—”
Xichen, having regained a fraction of his mind, reprimands the students. “That’s enough now, back to class.” He cuts in. “It is rude to say someone is not worthy to date. After all, how well do any of us know Coach Jiang?” He scolds gently as he ushers them along the hallway.
Student 1, “How well do you know him, Mr Lan?”
“Uh—”
Student 2, “You said you would date him.”
“I said—” Xichen pauses to clear his throat. “I was trying to teach you a lesson, that is all. Out there there may be someone who thinks Coach Jiang is their ideal partner. It is not for you to comment or judge.”
Student 3, “Do you think that, Mr Lan?”
Xichen sighs, “Let it go now. This conversation is far too complicated for your young minds.”
The students do not let it go, not by the slightest bit. The tale is carried an impressive distance and it echoes down the halls to even more itchy ears.
They do not usually run into each other often but Xichen can’t seem to avoid the man now. It is made even worse with students chattering about them.
“Stop speaking nonsense.” Jiang Cheng scolds. “Do all of you have nothing better to do than sit in the canteen after school and gossip? Shall I make you run laps?”
“Ah, Coach Jiang!” A bold student counters. “We are merely concerned about you.”
“Your concern is not needed.” Jiang Cheng snarks. “Go on now, head home or to extracurricular activities, school grounds are not for you to hang around idly.”
Xichen, standing at the cashier, pinches his lips together, shaking a leg as he impatiently waits for his change. It’s only been half a day since the incident in the morning and he’s heard their names together more than he’s ever had since they’ve been working together for 3 years.
He was only there for a month when the news flooded his ears of a professional coach joining their school. It took some poking around to find out he is Jiang Wanyin, junior ice skating champion. Retired from skating, he went on to further his studies before coming back as a gymnastics coach under the name of Jiang Cheng. After a decade he quit being a national coach and decided to coach regular physical education.
Xichen’s interest hasn’t stopped growing since.
“You allow your students to walk over you too much,” Coach Jiang says, standing behind him.
Xichen jolts a little and turns around, quickly pushing his change into his wallet. “It is harmless teasing, it will fade soon enough.”
“They will be better off doing things that benefit their brains.” Jiang Cheng frowns.
“Gossiping, though usually frowned upon, does contribute to social skills.” Xichen adds, pulling a hopeful smile across his face.
Jiang Cheng does not share the opinion and fixes a vexed expression instead.
“It is my fault,” Xichen confesses. “I said some things I shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, I heard.” Jiang Cheng replies, tone lilting. “Whatever were you thinking?”
Xichen huffs a tiny laugh, trying to find relief from the pressure building in his chest, “I—”
“You?” Jiang Cheng echoes.
“I… should get back to class,” Xichen hurries away before anyone could see them standing together and incite more gossip.
;
“The annual ball theme, as announced previously, will be fairytales. Precise costume guidelines will be distributed in writing after the assembly.” Xichen says and clears his throat, preparing for the next paragraph.
Will you bring Coach Jiang as your date?
“Anyone inappropriately dressed will be barred from attending the event, therefore all costumes—”
You should dress as Cinderella and Prince Charming!
“Therefore, all costumes must be pre-authorised by individual class teachers. Costumes should be carefully considered to ensure that they are racial, religious and culturally sensitive and do not discriminate and offend.”
Mr Lan as Prince Charming or Cinderella?
Cinderella, of course!
And Coach Jiang as Prince Charming?!
“Any questions may be directed to the Student Affairs Committee.”
Mr Lan is more Prince Charming material!
“Moving on—”
“What about the Mad Hatter? And Alice?”
“They would suit Red Riding Hood.”
“They’re dating?”
“Why can’t there be 2 Prince Charmings?!”
“Beauty and the beast would be perfect for them!”
Xichen taps the mic twice, “Moving on, the sale of the tickets to the ball will begin—”
The sporadic chatter does not cease, the laughter only continues to proliferate, rolling in waves across the long hall and Xichen squirms where he stands. He did not expect the topic to survive more than one week but it has lived and thrived for a month and counting.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake ,” Xichen hears before he flinches with the screeching mic feedback.
Jiang Cheng had risen from his chair, stomped right to the centre of the stage and grabbed the microphone. He knocks it multiple times against the wooden podium, sending loud blows throughout the speaker, demanding the attention of the entire hall.
“Now, if I hear a single word uttered before the end of this assembly, I will personally make sure each and every one of you is penalised and trust me, your PE class will be hell. ” Jiang Cheng threatens in a voice that causes even more feedback and Xichen is pretty sure the sound has travelled all the way to the housing area opposite the school.
“Can he do that?” Xichen hears another teacher say.
Xichen desperately bites back the triumphant smile, pleased that the entire hall seems to cower in fear at the threat. But it is his turn next and his contentment is drowned out immediately.
Jiang Cheng turns to him, glowering furiously, “Are you going to finish the speech or should I?”
A low wave of laughter emerges but is promptly silenced with a quick glare.
Xichen nods, carefully reaching for the microphone from the man’s tight grip.
“Oh,” Jiang Cheng murmurs as he releases his hold. “Sorry.”
The sale of the tickets to the ball,” Xichen continues. “Will begin tomorrow at booths set up all over the campus until 72 hours before the event. Booths will be operating from 9am to 6pm.”
The speech is completed without any more disruptions but Xichen can’t sigh with relief yet. They’re in much more trouble than he thought. His dear uncle might find out and disown him.
;
“Do you think they’ll show up together?”
“Wait, are they dating or it is rumoured that they are dating?”
“They’re dating.” One student confidently states and Jiang Cheng is only a hair away from literally setting the whole school on fire.
“ Tickets ,” he growls, returning to his post at the entrance of the hall. A large proportion of the hall had decided to show up as princes and princesses, and this group is no different.
“Oh, Coach Jiang, you look so handsome.” One dressed as the nutcracker comments.
“ Tic-kets, ” he reiterates and the students do finally listen, promptly presenting their tickets.
“What are you supposed to be?” The tallest one asks.
“An ordinary man, fairytales have ordinary men too, right?” He says with a glare that shuts down any intention to reply.
The students simply nod and hurry inside without another word.
;
“Mr Lan, you dressed as a wizard?”
Xichen smiles at yet another group of students who approach him, “Yes.” He slowly takes in all the students' costumes and grins, “How very creative. A warrior, a prince, Robin Hood and Zeus.” He pulls a proud face and chuckles lightly, “I am honoured to meet all of you.”
They bow dramatically in return and break into laughter. It is a beautiful sight, Xichen thinks, way better than looking at their sleepy faces during his mathematics classes.
“Mr Lan,” the warrior calls, “Did Coach Jiang refuse to dress as a wizard too?”
“Why would he dress as a wizard?” Xichen asks, brows furrowing with true confusion.
“Because you were supposed to match, aren’t you attending together?”
Xichen sighs, “No, we are not. We are here as teachers, we don’t need to match.”
There is a chorus of protests from them. “But you look good together!”
Xichen grimaces, “Listen, I am begging you guys to let this go.”
“Mr Lan, you should be bold and confess your feelings!”
Xichen startles, seizing up for a moment. He shushes them quickly. “I don’t— there are no feelings here. Please now, go on and enjoy the party. Forget about this issue. Weren’t you so eager to show off your dance moves?” He asks, nodding at the crowned king who had decided to join the conversation. They frown at him in return and all he can do is shake his head at them. “Go on now,” he ushers them away.
He returns to his beverage stand duties, refilling the drinks as soon as they decrease. It is not long until the man everyone keeps bringing up shows at the beverage stand.
“What would you like to drink?” Xichen asks.
“Anything unsweetened.” Jiang Cheng joins him behind the beverage stand and crosses his arms over his chest. He gives Xichen a once-over. “Are you supposed to be doing magic with that outfit?”
“Your only option is water,” Xichen ignores his question and hands him a cup.
Jiang Cheng makes a face, “That’s unfortunate. I would kill for a beer now.”
“Only a while longer,” Xichen says and gives him a pointed stare.
“What?” Jiang Cheng frowns, “You want me to leave?”
“You standing here does not help in letting the rumours go away.” Xichen explains.
“So I have to go away instead.”
Xichen grimaces at the notion. “You know what I mean.”
“You started the rumours, Xichen. What was it you said? It will fade soon enough?” Jiang Cheng says in a singsong tune, chuckling slightly as he steps closer. “I offered to make the kids stop talking but you refused.”
“Yelling at them is not the way to go about things.” Xichen says with a glance and is startled with how close Jiang Cheng is. “What are you doing?” He asks, retreating backwards.
“Getting my phone.” Jiang Cheng responds nonchalantly, reaching into the front pocket. “I would keep it myself if this outfit had proper pockets like yours.”
“Just ask then!” Xichen says, flustered and a little too loud that it draws some attention.
The outburst surprises Jiang Cheng too and he retreats. A low murmur goes through the crowd but the music fortunately overpowers it.
Phone in hand and cup in the other, he steps away and returns to his assigned duty for the event.
Xichen watches silently, biting his bottom lip as guilt rises.
;
“Why don’t you give Mr Lan a chance?”
Jiang Cheng can’t believe his luck. After being the one who got yelled at, he's the one who’s being pummelled with questions.
“Why must I do that?” Jiang Cheng counters, picking at the snack plate. He doesn’t know why he has to answer to kids.
“He’s a nice teacher and he said he would like to date you.”
Jiang Cheng huffs a breath, “That’s it?” He narrows his eyes at the group of children before him and sighs, stuffing the last piece of nugget into his mouth.
“He likes you!”
“Then that’s his problem, isn’t it? What does it have to do with me?”
“Coach Jiang, it’s not like you have anyone looking to date you anyway.”
He rolls his eyes, hand reaching to grab another snack. “How would you know that?”
“Do you have a partner then?”
“I do,” Jiang Cheng huffs, pushing an entire cookie into his mouth before picking up another.
“Oh no, Mr Lan will be so upset.”
“Poor thing.”
“Coach Jiang, don’t you like him?”
Jiang Cheng swallows and points at them, “He will be upset because you guys keep poking your nose in his business. Enough of this nonsense now.”
“Should we set Mr Lan up with someone else?”
“Who else is single in the school?”
“What do you think he likes about Coach Jiang anyway?”
The questions are slowly drowned out as his ears start to ring.
“Coach Jiang?”
“ Call Xichen .”
;
Xichen dutifully mans the beverage cart as upbeat music that he doesn’t recognise continues to play until suddenly it is cut off with a commotion building nearby the stage.
The name they call is unmistakable and Xichen’s feet move faster than he can think, pushing his way to the front. The man lying on the floor confirms the suspicions he had when he first heard a yelped Coach Jiang from across the hall. He drops to his knees and shakes Jiang Cheng once before feeling his throat and confirming that it has swelled up.
“Was he eating something?” Xichen asks, reflex guiding him to reach into one of his many wizard costume pockets.
“Cookies—” A trembling voice supplies. “He took some cookies from the plate.”
Hesitance ebbing away, he pulls off the cap of an EpiPen and stabs it into Jiang cheng’s outer thigh, holding it there as a shaky breath escapes him. “Call for an ambulance,” he says.
;
Jiang Cheng stirs slowly, groaning as he adjusts to the bright light. “What happened?” he asks hoarsely.
“Why did you eat random food from random people’s plates?” Xichen scolds.
Jiang Cheng groans, rubbing a hand over his face, “Huh?” He pulls his hand away and looks at Xichen - still dressed in his wizard outfit, clutching the pointy hat to his chest - and recalls with a sigh.
“They’re not random people, they’re our students.”
“And you have a severe peanut allergy.” Xichen chides. “You have to be more careful.”
“They were asking so many questions, I just picked up a random cookie and stuffed my face with it so I wouldn’t have to lie anymore.” Jiang Cheng explains.
Xichen sighs at him, brows knitting together as he drops himself onto the chair by the hospital bed. “It’s my fault,” he frowns. “I started this stupid thing.”
“Oh, come on, it was an unfortunate slip. You can’t blame the kids for wanting to set us up,” Jiang Cheng voices, smiling a little. “You have to admit we do make a cute couple.”
“A-Cheng, it’s not funny, you’re in a hospital.” Xichen scolds and groans, clutching his hat even tighter.
“Does everyone know now?” Jiang Cheng asks quietly. “About us?”
“I don’t know,” Xichen mumbles, “I told them I have a peanut allergy too.”
Jiang Cheng snorts and breaks into laughter, “You didn’t.”
“Well, how else was I supposed to explain that I have your EpiPen in my pocket?” Xichen grumbles. “So, I said it was mine.”
“And no one thought it was weird, considering I’ve seen you snack on peanuts in the teacher’s lounge?”
Xichen fixes him with a stare and replies with emphasis, “I. don’t. know. Jiang Wanyin. No one had the time to care while you were dying on the dance floor.”
Jiang Cheng pinches his lips shut, but not before uttering and people think I’m the scary one under his breath. He gets another death glare, which he thinks he can appease later with some soft kisses and maybe some heated ones too when he is discharged.
Luckily, a nurse draws the curtain and enters, pulling Xichen’s gaze away.
“Your vitals look good, swelling has gone down too. Are you feeling any discomfort?”
Jiang Cheng shakes his head, “I feel fine now.”
“Of course, you will have to monitor yourself for a couple of days and I will provide a prescription for you to replace your EpiPen. Besides that, you can go home.”
“Right now?” Xichen asks, rising from his seat. “Is there anything I need to look out for?”
“It seems like the epinephrine was injected entirely and has taken effect to fully stop the allergic reaction. There should be no further problems but if you do start to feel discomfort then you should go to a doctor.”
Xichen nods so earnestly, it’s cute, Jiang Cheng thinks. He wiggles his legs impatiently as Xichen seriously notes everything the nurse says.
“I’ll have your discharge papers prepared,” the nurse excuses herself.
“We’ll have to take a taxi, our cars are still at school. I’ll stay over at your place, hm?” Xichen says, his anger fading away into a deep concern as he tugs the blanket covering Jiang Cheng to help him up.
Jiang Cheng inhales deeply, “That’s fine with me. But what will you do when your uncle inevitably finds out about us?”
“I’ll go back tomorrow to get them,” Xichen mumbles and avoids eye contact, crouching to get Jiang Cheng’s shoes. “Feet,” Xichen orders.
Jiang Cheng feels like a child having his shoes put on by another person, feels even more than a child when he doesn’t respond as Xichen manoeuvres him to fit his jacket on and his face is cupped in very warm hands.
“A-Cheng?” Xichen calls worriedly. “Are you feeling okay? Should I call the nurse? You’re turning red.”
Jiang Cheng blinks and shakes his head, “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Jiang Cheng grits out, batting his hands away. “It’s you who is not fine,” he grumbles. “Seriously, what will you do when your uncle calls?”
“I do not know what he knows yet.” Xichen replies. “I’ll wait and see.”
“ We’ll wait and see.” Jiang Cheng says and holds out his palm. “Come on, let’s go, I’m really tired.”
;
“Shower?”
Jiang Cheng shakes his head, “I’ll just wash my face and change, I can’t be bothered right now.”
He does it quickly and shuffles into bed with record speed, sighing happily as he sets his head on a soft pillow.
“I’ll shower quickly, will you be okay?” Xichen asks.
“Yes,” Jiang Cheng answers, “I’ll be right here.”
Jiang Cheng stirs when Xichen comes to bed, all fresh and hair still a little damp. “Good shower?” He asks groggily, reaching out his hands.
Xichen kisses his palm and sighs quietly, closing his eyes as he leans in. Jiang Cheng cradles his face and squints, noting a familiar redness. “Xichen…” he sighs and tugs the man to his chest.
With a choked sound, Xichen buries himself deeper, sniffling. “You scared me to death today.”
“I know, I’ll be more careful.”
“I’m sorry hiding our relationship caused this.”
“It didn’t cause this. They were separate events.”
Xichen sniffles some more, Jiang Cheng thinks it’s silly he finds that unbearably adorable. He pats Xichen’s head gently. “And there’s nothing wrong with hiding this. It’s only more difficult now, nothing we can’t deal with.”
“I’ll tell my uncle in the morning.” Xichen announces.
“You don’t have to.”
“He probably already knows, I should explain it as soon as I can.”
Jiang Cheng sighs deeply, “What should I do then?”
“Just hold my hand?” Xichen asks softly.
“I can do that.” Jiang Cheng affirms.
Xichen raises his head and props himself up on his elbows, smiling through wet lashes, “Thank you.”
Jiang Cheng juts his chin forward, asking for a kiss but Xichen pulls away. “We can’t, I had some of those cookies earlier.”
“You brushed your teeth, didn’t you?” Jiang Cheng counters, “It’ll be fine.”
Xichen pouts and shakes his head, “We should wait at least 3 days.”
“3 days?!” Jiang Cheng exclaims. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You heard the nurse, we have to monitor how you feel for a few days.” Xichen frowns. “Were you even listening?”
Jiang Cheng scoffs, “I’ve heard it so many times in my life.”
“Doesn’t make it any less important.” Xichen argues.
Jiang Cheng makes a frustrated sound, “If you’re going to nag at me and not kiss me, you can go and sleep on the couch.”
Xichen chuckles and moves quickly, wrapping his arms tighter to pull Jiang Cheng flush against him, “I’ll kiss you everywhere else.” And he does, peppering gentle kisses along Jiang Cheng’s temples and cheeks, humming softly until Jiang Cheng is sound asleep.
;
An unsettling feeling always arises when he wakes alone, knowing he fell asleep next to Xichen. It is a feeling that is usually soothed when he finds Xichen in the kitchen or dining table. He is in neither place this time. A little frantic, his feet hurries out of his small apartment and finally he finds Xichen in the small communal balcony on his apartment floor.
He would sigh in relief but Xichen holds a phone to his ear, stiffly bending his body slightly forward, over and over again, like he’s apologising.
It must be the uncle who hasn’t quite accepted his gay nephews, threatening to make sure they never get hired again if they continue to have out of marriage relationships with men. Real classy for a high ranking officer in the education ministry.
A lump forms in Jiang Cheng’s throat as he nears Xichen, but he tries his best to offer comfort and slides his arms around Xichen’s waist.
Xichen jolts slightly but immediately reaches for Jiang Cheng’s hand, squeezing it tightly.
“I can’t do that,” Xichen says and Jiang Cheng presses a kiss to his shoulder.
“Are you doing this because of your brother?”
“This has nothing to do with Wangji.”
“Then why?”
“Because I love him. That’s it .”
The line goes dead as expected.
Xichen’s arm falls away with a sigh, fingers tightening around the phone. Jiang Cheng presses another kiss to his shoulder and tugs at him to turn around.
“It’ll be okay,” he says.
It’s obvious that Xichen doesn’t believe him but he nods anyway. “That day, I feel like I unconsciously blurted it out because I’ve been holding it on for so long.” Xichen pulls in a deep breath and exhales slowly. “I don’t want to hide anymore. I want to shout from the rooftop to tell the world about us.”
A short chuckle stumbles out, “Maybe shouting from rooftops is a little too much but your message is well received,” Jiang Cheng says. “At least now we can wear those expensive rings you bought? And we don’t have to secretly wait for each other at the end of the road? We could even talk in school.”
“Yeah,” Xichen says, breaking into a smile as he considers those very sweet ideas. “ Yeah .”
The news of their relationship doesn’t even last 2 days, but the stories of Mr Lan, yelling at the students for interfering where they don’t belong, lives to instill fear in those who used to casually walk all over him.