Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Before you start reading, I want to say that all the characters in this fanfic have their own zooform. This means that they have animal ears, a tail, fangs (at the predators) and some animal habits. I don't know what this feature is called correctly, so I'll write "zooform".

For example, people with the zooform of predators have fangs and can growl. They are also stronger than others, so you need to understand that in such a world there is a certain hierarchy. But this doesn’t mean that people with a different zooform (not predators) are very weak. They may have developed speed, hearing or flair.

In general, it was some kind of warning for you to decide whether you will read or leave the story. If you aren’t a kepat shipper, also leave this story, thanks.

Sorry, English isn't my native language.

No connection with reality!

It's all my imagination!

Chapter Text

– You're so stupid. – Oscar narrowed his eyes, smiling triumphantly, and twitched his big red ear. – I won.

– Tch, you're annoying. – Caelan snorted and put down his phone, turning to Mika, who was watching their game. – Why do I always lose to him?

Mika yawned widely and shrugged, ruffling Caelan's hair. He constantly messed up Caelan's hair, making him angry, but he couldn't deny himself the pleasure.

– You haven't reached my level yet. – Oscar teased him. Caelan snorted and took another seat to Zhou Keyu, who, as usual, was silently sitting next to them, reading some book. Actually, it's because of him that they are now in the library. Keyu needed to find literature for the report, so his friends followed him out of habit, frightening the librarian, who had long known that this company was a disturber of peace and quiet.

Everyone knew that their company is very noisy. Oscar, Mika and Caelan are hyperactive, and when they get together, you can literally expect the end of the world. And it's very strange that introvert Zhou Keyu found his place in this noisy company.

– Will you finish soon? – Oscar pushed Zhou Keyu on the shoulder, distracting him from the book. – We wanna eat!

– I didn't make you follow me. – Keyu responded by twitching his black ear in annoyance.

– But we followed! – Oscar whined. – Take charge boi!

– Just go and buy yourself some food, what's wrong with you? – Daniel waved him off. – I heard they have fried chicken in the cafeteria on Thursdays.

– Chicken? – Oscar licked his lips and turned to Mika and Caelan. – Are we going?

– No, I'm too lazy. – Mika collapsed on a chair, showing with all his appearance that he wasn't going anywhere. – Take the littleboi with you, I'll pay you later.

– Okay. – Oscar snorted and put his arm around Caelan's shoulder. - Lets go, littleboi!

– I'm going to bite your arrogant ears off right now. – Caelan snorted, but got up obediently.

– Your teeth have not grown. – Oscar teased him.

Oscar is always teasing them. You could say he's the leader of their small company. Oscar's zooform is the red fox. He has large fox ears, sly eyes and a sharp tongue. Even though Oscar loves to tease his friends, he also never hurts them and saves Zhou Keyu from freshgirls.

Zhou Keyu has the zooform of a black wolf. This is a rare form, there are only two black wolves in their university, all the rest are gray. Zhou Keyu is the exact opposite of Oscar. In general, Daniel is the quietest in their company. He's also the most controversial of all. If only because wolves are pack animals, but Keyu prefers loneliness. It's amazing how he get along with Oscar, Mika and Caelan at all. Keyu and Oscar have been friends since school, Daniel somehow helped Oscar with his studies, because he's very smart, since then their friendship began.

Mika joined them from the first year of university, because he, like Zhou Keyu and Oscar, plays basketball. Mika's zooform is a polar bear. He has white bear ears and a tail. Even hair! Mika also looks very strong, although sometimes he's a little clumsy. He also likes to sleep, which fully corresponds to the shape of his animal. Despite the fact that polar bears are dangerous predators, Mika is actually quite a soft and gentle person. He loves to listen and sing sad love songs.

Caelan was the last to join this predatory company, and his zooform is... the most ordinary, friendly dog.

– Golden retriever! – he's constantly indignant when Oscar teases him, calling him a mongrel. – This is a rare breed!

Caelan is the only one in their group who isn't an undergrad. He just started his second year this year. It was Mika who brought Caelan to them. They met on the basketball court when they played basketball after classes. They had a conflict in the game because Mika didn't follow the rules. But Caelan not only wasn't afraid of Mika growling menacingly at him, but even dared to be impudent response to him. Mika later realized that he was wrong, but he liked the courage of this puppy, so now they are best friends.

Also, Santa used to hang out with them, but now he spends all his time in Rikimaru's teacher office. They have been secretly dating for a year.

– While we were stuck here, the whole chicken was dismantled! Only the fish remained. – Oscar and Caelan are back, dissatisfied. – Hey boi, this is all because of you. – he complained to Zhou Keyu. Daniel didn't answer.

– What a great loss. – Mika teased Oscar.

– Certainly! – Oscar snorted deplorably. – You're good, you love fish! But what should I do? – he handed Mika food.

He was still a little indignant, but then calmed down, carried away by food. When Oscar is hungry, he is just unbearable! Zhou Keyu sighed. Finally, the long-awaited silence came. But fate has its own plans for him.

– Zhou Keyu-ge! – a familiar voice sounded in the distance.

– Oh no... – Daniel instantly looked up from the book and groaned, hiding his face behind the pages.

– Oh yeeahh! – Oscar smiled contentedly and exchanged glances with Mika. – It's Patrick!

They both laughed, looking forward to the show soon, Caelan patted Keyu's shoulder sympathetically.

Patrick, aka Yin Haoyu, is a freshman from the dance department who came to study in China from Thailand. Almost from the first day, this pretty boy literally stalked poor Zhou Keyu. But he pursued not without a reason, but because he was in love with him. And this isn't surprising, because Daniel is so handsome and mysterious that it's just impossible not to fall in love with him.

Of course, many girls confessed their love to Zhou Keyu, and he even received letters from several guys, but Patrick is the only guy who openly let Keyu know how he feels for him. He gives him cute gifts and flirts constantly, making Daniel embarrassed. And he often catches in the corridors of the university or looks for meetings in library. It's amazing how he always finds him.

And yes, the funniest thing about this whole situation was that Patrick is a rabbit. With cute white ears and a charming round tail. Sweetest creature! And this rabbit make blush literally the most dangerous predator on the planet. Zhou Keyu, not accustomed to such open flirting and an abundance of attention, was constantly embarrassed when Patrick "attacked" him with his feelings again, and snapped because he didn't know how to behave. All Patrick's actions confused Keyu, his compliments, his care and that stupid love look just confused Daniel. And he never admits to his friends that his heart, in fact, lose its usual rhythm when Yin Haoyu reappears in his field of vision.

– I'm leaving. – Keyu raised his shirt collar and tried to sneak out of the library unnoticed. Did not work out.

– Chou gege! – Patrick, quickly appeared nearby, grabbed him by the waist and pressed him against the nearest wall, not giving a chance to escape. He put his hands on the sides of Zhou Keyu's waist, but he didn't touch him, as if giving him a ghostly hint of personal space, which he had long ceased to observe. His white ears fluttered with delight when he saw Zhou Keyu again, and his eyes shone with joy. Patrick gently rubbed his cheek against Daniel's shoulder.

– Caelan, don't look. – Oscar teased the younger and closed his eyes with hand. – This is an 18+ scene.

– What the heck? I'm already eighteen! – Caelan wagged his tail in annoyance, and Mika hurried to take him out of the library. Oscar followed, saluting Zhou Keyu in farewell. Daniel's eyes begged him to stay and help him, but Oscar was unlikely to dare to stand in the way of a fighting rabbit like Patrick. And no, he's not a coward, just a reasonable one.

– Look at me. – Yin Haoyu pouted, noticing that Zhou Keyu's gaze was still following the retreating figure of Oscar. He took Keyu's face by the chin and turned it towards him. – Did you want to hide from me?

Daniel didn't answer. He never answers to Patrick's advances at all, because he literally forgets all the words from embarrassment. He usually snarls and "bites" when Patrick pins him against the walls again.

– Please don't run away from me. – Yin Haoyu looked at him seriously, and Zhou Keyu became even more embarrassed, unable to withstand the gaze of those attentive dark eyes. – It hurts me. My heart is suffering!

– What do I care? – Zhou Keyu grumbled, trying to push the annoying rabbit away from him. Patrick was too close to him, and if he got any closer, he could hear Keyu's heart pounding. – It's not my problem, okay?

– You're so cruel to me! – Yin Haoyu pouted.

He reached out and gently brushed Daniel's bangs away from his forehead so he could see his face. Zhou Keyu frowned at him, but Patrick's closeness really confused him.

– You're very cute, gege! – the smile returned to Yin Haoyu's face when he saw the reddened face of the elder. The short white tail fluttered happily. – What are your plans for this weekend? I want to ask you out on a date!

Keyu choked on the air and stared at him, dazed, not knowing how to respond to that. It seems that the silly rabbit decided to go on the counterattack. The silence dragged on, but Patrick, as if remembering something, answered himself.

– Although, wait... I completely forgot your schedule! – he sighed in frustration and frowned. – You have basketball competitions this weekend, so you'll be busy. – he pouted. – Well... I'll have to wait until next weekend.

Then he smiled broadly again.

– You'll definitely be mine next weekend, chou gege. – he said with firm determination. – I'll get you! For the whole Saturday! So don't even think about hiding from me.

– This is a threat? – Zhou Keyu asked with a snort.

– Warning. – Patrick smiled sweetly and touched Daniel's dark ears. Keyu shuddered – ears being the most sensitive part of his body. – See you!

Yin Haoyu stepped back and smiled again as he waved his hand at Zhou Keyu. Then he left, turning around a few more times.

– A little splinter. – Zhou Keyu said to himself. His tail curled excitedly around his thigh.

He needs to find Oscar, Mika and Caelan.

His friends were already waiting for him in the corridor near the library. As soon as Zhou Keyu came out, they whistled and clapped loudly, laughing at him.

– Stop laughing, traitors. – Keyu growled at them. You all left me to my fate.

– We're just helping you arrange your personal life, bro. – Oscar said, putting his arm around his shoulder. – With such a dull face, you would never have found a soul mate. You're lucky that Patrick noticed a recluse like you.

– Ha ha. – Zhou Keyu grimaced at him. – Incredibly funny.

– Jokes aside. – Oscar snorted, then squinted foxy. – What did he say to you?

– Threatened with date. – Keyu answered with a roll of his eyes.

– You will go? – Caelan asked. – Patrick seems cute.

– He's not cute! – Zhou Keyu retorted loudly, making his friends laugh. – He's just unbearable!

– He's just a silly rabbit, don't be mad, he really likes you. – Caelan said with a smile. – So what about a date? You will go?

– Do I have a choice? – Keyu twitched his dark ear.

– There is always a choice, Daniel.

Mika smiled for some reason and exchanged glances with Oscar. Zhou Keyu was confused.

Chapter Text

Friday evening, Patrick caught Zhou Keyu in the library. Mika, Oscar, and Caelan left long ago without waiting for him, so Keyu was left alone. Easy prey for a rabbit.

– Chou gege!

Patrick's voice made Zhou Keyu flinch. Yin Haoyu sat down on the chair next to him and stared at Daniel with a smile. His white ears fluttered again, and maybe Zhou Keyu thought it was cute, but only a lIttLe!!

– Whataya want? – Daniel frowned, frantically trying to remember today's date. Isn't their meeting scheduled for next week?

– I missed you. – Yin Haoyu pouted, offended by his question. – Aren't you glad to see me?

He moved closer and smiled slyly, casually touching Zhou Keyu's knee with his own. Daniel shuddered and pulled back slightly, which made Patrick smile again.

– I hope you remember our date. – Patrick tilted his head to one side, watching with interest the embarrassed Keyu. – Just so you know... I'm not giving up on you. But today I just came to wish you good luck. You have a game tomorrow! – he smiled again. – I'm sure you'll win!

– This is a team game. – Zhou Keyu frowned as he objected to this silly rabbit.

– Doesn’t matter. – Patrick shook his head. – I don't care about others. Only you.

Daniel didn't answer, just rolled his eyes and snorted, which Patrick laughed at.

– You’re a very, very cute wolf, Zhou Keyu-ge! – he said. – I've never seen one like you before! Why don't you communicate with the pack?

Keyu stared at him dumbfounded. He didn't even know that they had some kind of wolf pack at the university!

– What are you talking about? – he asked, pricking up his ears.

– Oh, you didn't know? – Patrick frowned. – Oscar-ge didn't tell you? Senior student… I think from the fourth year… I don’t remember exactly. This year he gathered a pack of wolves. It also accepts freshmen. Wants to stick together as one species.

– I have never heard of it. – Zhou Keyu shrugged.

– Well, that's fine! – Patrick suddenly objected sharply. – These wolves are disgustingly rude! You shouldn't be friends with them. – he nodded to his thoughts. – Now I understand why Oskar-ge didn’t tell you. He's probably afraid you'll get involved with this bad crowd.

Daniel snorted.

– I'm old enough to decide who to hang out with.

– Certainly. – Patrick smiled softly. – I just wanted to say that your friends are worried about you. This pack is really, really bad. Not all, but there are dire wolves there!

– How do you know this? – Zhou Keyu narrowed his eyes, and then suddenly remembered that Patrick is just a silly little rabbit. – They… Did they do something to you? – he asked cautiously.

– They won’t dare, I can take care of myself. – Patrick snorted and then suddenly looked at Zhou Keyu with wide and surprised eyes. – Wait, you… Are you worried about me? – he even got up from his seat. – Gege!! I'm so happy!

– I’m not!! – Daniel blushed, and Yin Haoyu grabbed his hand, pressing the palm to his chest. – What are you doing?!

– Look how you made my heart beat! – Patrick said excitedly, his little white tail swaying quickly from side to side.

– What the f… – Zhou Keyu felt the warmth of Patrick's body under his fingers and how fast his heart was beating. He really didn't lie. – Let go of my hand! – Keyu asked embarrassed.

– But I don’t want. – Patrick pouted and pressed Zhou Keyu's hand to his cheek. – I don’t want to let you go. – he gently rubbed his cheek against his palm. Then he suddenly licked it with his tongue.

– Stop it now! – Daniel was indignant, blushing even more, and freed his hand. – Are you a rabbit or a puppy?

– For you, I can be anything. – Patrick smiled broadly and sat down next to him again. – I really like you a lot!

– I got it. You've said it a million times already. – Keyu grumbled, embarrassed.

Yin Haoyu laughed as he watched Zhou Keyu write information from a book into his notebook. For a while he sat quietly and did not interfere, but then again he wanted to attract attention to himself.

– Why are you writing this by hand, chou gege? – he asked with interest. – Isn't it easier to find information on the Internet?

– The teacher gave the task to write an essay by hand. – Daniel shrugged. – And I like being in the library. It's quiet here. At least it was. – he looked reproachfully at Patrick.

– Oh... – Patrick was visibly upset, but then, after a little thought, he suddenly smiled. – Let me redeem myself and help you? – He clearly wasn't going to leave so easily.

– Can you handle this amount of work? – Daniel arched an eyebrow. – You are just a little rabbit.

– I can handle! – Patrick nodded eagerly. – Just tell me how to help you.

Zhou Keyu suddenly had a brilliant idea. If he gives Patrick a lot of work, he will go away on his own very soon and leave him alone, right? Who wants to sit up late in the library doing someone else's homework?

Daniel couldn't help a sly smile and pushed an impressive stack of books towards Patrick.

– I marked here the pages I needed, but did not have time to write in a notebook. – he said to Yin Haoyu with the most innocent expression on his face. – If you want to help, you can do it.

– Okay, gege, I understand. – Patrick nodded and took the pen. – I'm glad you let me help!

Daniel nodded and returned to his work. Sometimes he looked at Patrick, waiting for him to leave. But it looks like Keyu was wrong. This rabbit was still sitting next to him and diligently writing what Keyu had asked him.

Yin Haoyu sat quietly, and a little later, Zhou Keyu even forgot that he wasn’t alone, immersed in his studies. He needed to finish the task quickly, so he focused on it, immersed in himself as always. It wasn't until Keyu was done that he looked back at Patrick.

The little rabbit had already fallen asleep, resting his head on his hands stained with blue ink. His white ears no longer stood up, but rested wearily on his hair. Daniel felt guilty for tiring Yin Haoyu. Still, he should have guessed that the diligent Patrick would not back down from his idea of helping him. And knowing this, he loaded him with work, which wasn’t at all good of him.

Zhou Keyu thought that he should somehow thank Patrick for his help.

– Chou gege...

Daniel flinched when Yin Haoyu called out to him and looked back at Patrick.

– Don't be angry, I'm almost done. – he muttered and shuddered, but didn't wake up.

Zhou Keyu frowned. He stood up and took off his jacket, covering Yin Haoyu with it. It was chilly in the library, and rabbits don't do well in the cold. Daniel justified himself.

Then he decided to buy Patrick something to eat, because when he wakes up, he will certainly be hungry after so much work done. Besides, he's his senior and should take care of the stupid rabbit at least once in a while, no? Zhou Keyu nodded to his thoughts and left to get some food.

When he returned, Patrick was still asleep. He seems to be really tired. Zhou Keyu wasn’t going to stay in the library because his homework was already finished, but what to do with Patrick? Should Keyu wake him up? Or is it better not to touch, letting him sleep?

If Daniel wakes up Patrick, this noisy rabbit will haunt him again, but leaving him here is also wrong. Zhou Keyu sighed and suddenly turned his attention to Patrick's phone. Maybe set an alarm?

Zhou Keyu picked up Patrick's phone and unlocked it. Stupid rabbit didn't even set a password! Is he really that naive?

On the wallpaper of the phone... there was a photo of Zhou Keyu playing basketball! Patrick seems to follow him everywhere he goes.

«When did he take this photo?» – Daniel thought confusedly.

He found an alarm clock and set it so that it would wake Patrick exactly ten minutes later. It's time for Keyu to leave the library. And no, this is not an escape. Tactical retreat!

Zhou Keyu quickly gathered his things and left the food on the table in front of Patrick. He doesn’t know what rabbits like, so he bought some noodles, vegetables, and sweets with strawberry milk. After some thought, Keyu also wrote a note to Patrick.

«Thanks for your help»

Then he left. And only when he was already far from the library, he remembered that he had left his jacket there.

Patrick woke up to the sound of his alarm clock. He groaned in annoyance and turned it off, about to go back to sleep. But then he remembered where he was and started up.

– Chou gege, I…

It took only a second for Patrick to realize that the chair next to him was empty – Zhou Keyu had already left. The rabbit was upset, his ears drooped sadly, and he sniffed. Daniel really doesn't seem to like him, since he's gone, leaving him here alone.

But then Yin Haoyu remembered that he didn’t set the alarm, because he simply didn’t foresee that he would fall asleep. So it was Zhou Keyu who took care of him? Patrick turned his head, and finally noticed the food, and then Zhou Keyu's jacket on his shoulders.

«Thanks for your help» – Keyu’s even handwriting on a small piece of paper made Patrick smile widely. Now he’ll definitely not giving up on this cute wolf!

He pulled Daniel's jacket off his shoulders and held it up to his face, inhaling his scent. Would it be wrong if Patrick don't return the jacket to its owner?

Chapter Text

– Fuck, I'm not going to lose to these morons! – Oscar snorted angrily and drank almost half a bottle of water in one gulp.

Now they have a short break between halves, and Oscar was angry because their team, the best in the world, damn it, was losing to their rivals!

– Calm down. – Mika snarled at him and wiped the sweat from his face. – Have you forgotten that we play as a team? You're taking on too much and we're losing because of it!

– It's not my fault you can't keep up with me! – Oscar hissed, showing fangs.

– Stop, you both! – Caelan said at the elders to calm down.

Caelan and Santa also came to the basketball court. Santa is not part of the team, he has many other things to do, but he always comes to support his friends. And Caelan isn't in the game because he's just a sophomore. Usually, Caelan and Santa come to evaluate the tactics of the opponents and secretly help the team during breaks, while the coach does not see them.

– That player is their weak spot. – Caelan said, pointing at the opposing team.

– I got it, we will play through him. – Mika said. – Unless someone gets carried away again. – he glared at Oscar.

– Chill out, don't let the whole team down. – Santa said. – The coach is coming, we'd better leave. – he nodded to Caelan and they returned to the stands.

Zhou Keyu, like the rest of the team, silently watched their skirmish all this time. He usually doesn’t interfere in these domestic quarrels, but he still agrees with Santa and Caelan – Oscar is especially restless today.

– Are you nervous. – he said to the fox. – Relax, it’s okay.

– I'm not nervous! – Oscar objected, but then sighed as he realized that Keyu could see right through him. – Our opponents are playing well. But Mika isn’t so dexterous, he does not keep up with me.

– But he has a strong kick. – Keyu replied. – You can't compare the dexterity of a fox and a bear, Oscar.

– I know, and it pisses me off! – Oscar snorted, but Mika wasn't offended, he just laughed and grabbed Oscar into a friendly hug.

– Come on, boi. We will definitely win! – He ruffled his hair and patted his shoulder reassuringly. – Don't freak out!

Mika was right, they really won. Oscar finally pulled himself together and turned his attention to the team, so that they managed to overtake their rivals.

– You all did a good job! – Oscar smiled happily and congratulated each player on his team. – You too, Keyu, don’t stand aside! – he pulled him close and hugged him tightly, then whispered in his ear, – I saw Patrick in the stands. I'm sure this rabbit is waiting for you.

– You're a goddamn pimp. – Zhou Keyu snorted, but his eyes, as if by themselves, began to search for Yin Haoyu in the crowd of students. Patrick looked at him, and when their eyes met, he smiled broadly and waved at him to come over.

– Just look how happy he is to see you. Oscar teased, nudged Keyu in the back to go to Patrick. – Go talk to him!

– What the heck? – Daniel was indignant, frowning at his friend. – Why are you doing this?

– Because Patrick seems cute to me! – Oscar replied. – And he's trying really hard to get your attention. Look, I'm not asking you to sleep with him, only to communicate! He has no friends, that's why he's so desperate for you.

– No friends? – Keyu asked, surprised. – Why? – he really didn’t expect this, because Patrick seems so outgoing and charming that Zhou Keyu thought that he must have many friends.

– He just recently moved to China. – Oscar sighed and explained it to him like a child. – Even if you don’t like him, you can befriend him, and at the same time introduce him to us.

– Why should I introduce him to you? – Zhou Keyu snorted.

– Hey, me, Mika and Caelan want to be friends with the cute rabbit too! We don’t know each other personally, so let him now be our official friend. – Oscar replied. – You… heard of the pack, didn’t you?

Zhou Keyu nodded, but decided not to specify from whom he had learned about the pack.

– Lets talk about this again a little later? – Oscar proposed, then added, – Patrick is just a weak little rabbit. Plus, he's a foreigner. The pack doesn’t like him, always clings. Who, if not us, will take care of it?

– What else should I know? – Zhou Keyu asked sarcastically.

– Don’t be mad at me. – Oscar patted him on the shoulder. – I wanted to tell you later.

– We'll talk about it later again. – Zhou Keyu warned him and went to the stands. Patrick had already gone down to him and was patiently waiting for Keyu to come up.

– Chou gege! You were so good! – Yin Haoyu said as Zhou Keyu approached him, looking at him questioningly.

– What are you doing here? – Daniel asked, fighting a great urge to straighten a stray strand of the rabbit's hair. Doesn't he look in the mirror? – Do you have classes today?

– I came to support you. – Patrick answered and then reached into his backpack. – And I brought your jacket. You left it in the library.

He reluctantly handed the jacket to Daniel. He didn't want to part with it.

– Thanks. – Zhou Keyu nodded. It got a little awkward and he didn't know what to say. – You… maybe you want to meet Oscar?

– What? – Patrick frowned, not understanding him. – I don’t want. – he shook his head, and then his eyes cleared. – Ah, I understand! You think I'm hanging out with you because I want to be closer to Oscar? This is not true. I like you, not Oscar.

– No, I just… – Zhou Keyu was embarrassed and looked away. – I just suggested that you meet my friends.

– Oh. Ohh! – Yin Haoyu smiled broadly and nodded. Should he count on the fact that since Zhou Keyu is getting him to know his friends, it means that he is not against his advances? – Certainly!

– Okay. Come on. – Zhou Keyu awkwardly beckoned him along and led him to his friends who were already waiting for him smiling slyly. Almost the entire team had dispersed, only Oscar and Mika remained, and Caelan had just come down from the stands.

– Look who it is! – Oscar smiled slyly as Zhou Keyu led Patrick closer. – You are the same rabbit that stalkers my friend!

– My name is Yin Haoyu, ge. – Patrick boldly introduced himself, pretending not to notice the teasing. – But you can call me Patrick.

– Nice to meet you, Patrick. – Caelan replied. – I'm Caelan, and this is Mika and Oscar. Santa was still here, but he's already gone to his boyfriend, so we'll introduce you to him later. Don't be afraid, Oscar is always wisecracking.

– Did I say I'm afraid? – Patrick replied with a sweet smile.

– Oh, I like him, Dan! – Oscar smiled broadly as he turned to Zhou Keyu. – So pretty. Lucky you!

– Back off. – Zhou Keyu was embarrassed and grumbled, turning away. Patrick smiled.

– Ugh. – Oscar snorted with a fake pout and then turned to Yin Haoyu. – What did you like about him? Look, he's so rough.

– He’s very cute. – Patrick laughed and looked softly at Daniel. This look confused Keyu even more.

– Did you hear, Dan? – Mika teased him. – Someone thinks you're cute. I swear, if you don't take that rabbit, we'll do it for you.

– Damn, can you shut up? – Zhou Keyu blushed indignantly, making his friends laugh. He folded his arms in displeasure.

– Oh, don't be mad, Danny. – Oscar patted him on the shoulder. – Don't be embarrassed, we understand. – he laughed again.

– We heard you asked him out on a date? – Mika asked Patrick. – If you want to know anything about Keyu, you can always ask us. – he winked at the rabbit and smiled. – We know everything about him. Even that he hasn't kissed anyone yet.

– Mika, damn you! – Zhou Keyu was confused. He was outraged and everything that happened less and less pleased him. Sensitive by nature, Caelan noticed this and imperceptibly pushed Mika on the shoulder. Finally, they calmed down.

– We are now going to change clothes, and then we are going to celebrate the victory and have a bite to eat somewhere. – Caelan said turning to Patrick. – Do you want to come with us?

– Yes, Patrick, join us! – Oscar nodded and looked at Zhou Keyu, trying to see if he would mind.

– I’m sorry, ge, but I can’t. I have practice tomorrow. – Patrick twitched his white ear and shook his head.

– On Sunday? – Mika snorted as he glared at Yin Haoyu.

– This is my practice. – Patrick explained. – I’m still learning Chinese. Today I came here instead of studying Chinese, so I’ll do it tomorrow.

– Come on! Your Chinese is already very good. – Oscar pouted like a child. – Not for long! And then Keyu will take you home. He's in the car today.

Patrick turned to Zhou Keyu and looked at him curiously. The little tail trembled in anticipation again.

– Chou gege, can I come with you? – he asked.

Daniel was confused and didn’t find what to say. Patrick waited patiently for an answer.

– Of course he doesn't mind! – Mika answered for Keyu and patted Yin Haoyu on the shoulder in a friendly way. – If he had been against it, he would have already found a thousand and one reasons not to go.

– Oh, good. – Patrick smiled. – But I won't stay long.

– No problem! – Oscar nodded and pulled Zhou Keyu into the locker room. – Come on, boi, we need to change. Wait for us in the parking lot, Patrick? – he asked the rabbit.

– Yeah, I’ll meet you there, ge. – Yin Haoyu nodded and looked after Daniel.

– Holy sh… stop dragging me! – Zhou Keyu jerked his hand out of Oscar's grip and twitched his ear in displeasure. – I'm not sure it's a good idea to take this rabbit with us.

– Why not? – Caelan turned to him. – You don't like him that much?

– He has practice tomorrow. – Zhou Keyu shook his head as he followed Oscar into the locker room. – And knowing you guys… You are so wild when you get drunk! I don't want to take responsibility for your behavior.

– Hey! Are you saying we're a bad influence on your rabbit? – Oscar was indignant and Mika laughed at him. Caelan sat down on the bench and stared at his phone, not wanting to get involved in their bickering anymore.

– You’re definitely. – Zhou Keyu teased him and went to take a shower, taking a towel with him. – And Patrick isn’t my rabbit.

Oscar yelled something back at him, but Daniel couldn't hear him over the noise of the water. He washed quickly, dried himself with a towel, dressed and sat next to Caelan, waiting for Oscar and Mika.

– Your ears are wet. – Caelan noticed Zhou Keyu's hair and ears. – You'll catch a cold again. Keep in mind, I’ll no longer carry you notes from Mika. That impudent bear really drove me when you got sick last time!

– I'll be more careful this time, mummy. – Zhou Keyu teased him, for which he immediately received a push in the side.

Caelan rummaged through his backpack and pulled out the hair dryer he usually carries with him to take care of his friends. He turned it on and started drying Keyu's hair.

– Thank you. – Zhou Keyu smiled, putting his ears into the warm air contently.

– My pleasure. – Caelan chuckled. – Do these two ever get in a hurry? – he snorted as Oscar emerged from the shower stall. – Hurry girls, I'm hungry!

– Hey, since when did you become such a commander? – Mika snorted at Caelan as dressed and dried his short hair with a towel. – By the way, have yall already decided where we’re going?

– I decided. – Zhou Keyu nodded, and Oscar became indignant. Mika took the hair dryer from Caelan and quickly dried his hair.

– Hey! Why you decide? – Oscar asked Keyu. – What about us? You'll again drag us to some sushi restaurant where there's nothing meaty!

– I like sushi. – Mika shrugged his shoulders and smiled contentedly.

– Hey! – Oscar was indignant again and pouted like a child. Then he began to dry his hair too.

– We're driving my car, boy. – Daniel chuckled, teasing his friend. – It is logical that I choose a place. Besides, don't forget that Patrick is coming with us, and rabbits are unlikely to eat the same as we. – he stood up, patting his pockets for his keys. – You are ready? Let's hurry.

– Is someone in a hurry to get to their rabbit? – Oscar couldn't resist another tease.

– One more word… – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes, – And I will bite off your red ear.

– Oh, scary-scary. – Oscar laughed. They took their things and left the locker room, moving towards the parking lot, where Yin Haoyu should have been waiting for them.

– I remember you promised to tell me about the pack. – Zhou Keyu said, coming up with Oscar and trying to keep up with Miki and Caelan, who were walking in front, who were again talking about something of their own.

– There is nothing to tell. – Oscar shook his head. – Some kid from the fifth year… I think his name is Jinyuan, if my memory serves me right.  He is the leader of the pack. It clicked in his little head that he should gather all the wolves into a pack. Almost everyone went.

– Almost? – Daniel arched an eyebrow.

– Except you and the fifth years. – Oscar explained, wrapping his tail around his palms. He often did this when his hands were cold.

– Mmh… – Zhou Keyu nodded thoughtfully.

– Sorry I didn't say earlier. – Oscar said. – But seriously! Their leader is a real jerk!

– Oscar just afraid that you’ll leave us and go to the rest of the wolves. –Mika said turning to them.

– This isn’t true! – Oscar was indignant, and the others laughed at his reaction. – And generally speaking! I know Keyu. He's so socially-obnoxious that he'll not enjoy being with the pack.

– Well, you've got it right. – Caelan nodded, shivering. It was cold in the parking lot. – But I wouldn't want you to leave us either, Dan. – he turned to Zhou Keyu.

– I didn't mean to. – Zhou Keyu shrugged. – I just wanted to know as much about it like yall. So henceforth I ask you not to hide such news from me.

– Okay, we… – Mika wanted to say something, but Oscar interrupted him.

– Wait, is that Patrick there? – he asked, pointing somewhere to the side. Zhou Keyu looked where he pointed. – And a pack! Again attached to the rabbit!

– What? Where? – Mika and Caelan were also worried. – Exactly! We must help.

Daniel frowned. From his height, he could see a little more detail. He saw a pack, or rather, only about five wolves, surrounding Patrick. They said something to him and laughed, but Yin Haoyu's face didn’t express fear, only contempt. Keyu, Oscar, Mika and Caelan didn’t stand still and moved closer.

– Hey, you! – Caelan called out to Jinyuan, the leader of the pack. – Find someone your own size and don’t embarrass yourself!

– Who the hell are you? – the older student waved his gray tail in annoyance. – Go to hell, littleboy, don't interfere.

– Only we can call him a littleboy, hear you! – Oscar grinned rapaciously and was ready to pounce on the offender of his friends at any second.

They approached Patrick, causing the wolves to involuntarily retreat from him, and made it clear that they were ready to stick up for the rabbit. Caelan patted Yin Haoyu's shoulder reassuringly, as if telling him, "Don't be afraid, you're not alone."

– Oh, this is Zhou Keyu in person. – Jinyuan smiled nastily as he looked Daniel up and down appraisingly. – I didn’t have the opportunity to meet you personally, but I heard about your color. I don’t understand what you forgot among these ill-matched?

– It seems none of your business. – Zhou Keyu replied coldly. He had no intention of getting into a fight with these idiots, so he just silently pointed his friends to his car, urging them to leave. Mika nodded. He patted Caelan on the shoulder and with a glance asked him to lead Patrick to the car.

– They told me you don't mix with wolves. – Jinyuan didn't want to let Zhou Keyu go so easily. – Why don't you want to join the pack?

– I'm done with you. – Zhou Keyu didn’t answer the question. He turned around to leave, but Jinyuan wouldn’t allow it, grabbing his shoulder.

– Fuck away! – Oscar growled, baring his fangs and standing up for his friend. – Don't you have a brain? You were clearly told to back off.

– I didn't talk to you. – the leader growled, waving his tail in displeasure. – Mind your own business, fox! – then he turned to Zhou Keyu again, waiting for at least some reaction from him.

– What's the point of me joining your pack? – Keyu arched an eyebrow and his voice was literally icecold. – If I want, I can make mine.

– Nobody will come to you. – Jinyuan chuckled. – I have gathered all the wolves of this university. You were left alone.

– Really? – Zhou Keyu stepped closer and looked menacingly at the guy. – You know my name, but yours is an empty phrase for me. And I didn't know you existed until today, but every wolf in this university knows about me. If I gather my pack, who will be left with someone like you?

He said and walked away. Jinyuan was angry, but didn’t answer, and Zhou Keyu returned to his friends.

– You're just a coward! – Jinyuan snarled at Daniel as he retreated. – Are you afraid to join the pack, because here you’ll be shown your place! Wolves have always lived in packs, but you’re a disgrace to your kind.

– Shut up you..! – Patrick cut him off in annoyance, and it took a lot of effort for Caelan to keep the war rabbit in stay. – You don't know a damn thing about him! The only one who dishonors your species is you! Insulting your own kind, offending the weak and bullying freshmen! Do you think it will make you cooler in the eyes of others?  You're wrong! It's better to be alone than to join the pack of such a miserable leader!

– What you said? – Jinyuan went berserk and growled as he rushed towards Patrick.

But the imperious roar of Zhou Keyu literally chained him to the spot. His black ears flattened against his head, his tail swayed angrily, and he made it clear that he wouldn’t let Jinyuan get close to Patrick.

Oscar and Mika were also ready to defend themselves if necessary, and Caelan was still standing next to a stunned Patrick. Yin Haoyu wasn’t intimidated by Keyu's growl, but he was very surprised. Patrick has always thought Daniel was cute and has never seen him so angry. But this side of Zhou Keyu greatly delighted Patrick, and once again he was convinced that his heart made the right choice, because Daniel is a good person who is ready to protect his friends no matter what.

– Get out. – Keyu said angrily, turning to Jinyuan. – And don't ever show your face to me again.

Jinyuan snorted, but didn’t anger him any more, and nodding to the rest of the wolves behind him, he walked away.

Oscar watched them leave and patted Zhou Keyu soothingly on the shoulder.

– Calm down, boi, they're gone. – he said softly. His fingers ruffled Keyu's hair soothingly, reassuringly. – Finally, our wolfcub showed his teeth! We have to celebrate!

Zhou Keyu sighed and then finally relaxed. He unlocked his car and then turned to Patrick, who was looking at him with concern. Keyu should know if the stupid rabbit got hurt?

– Are you okay? – he asked a little embarrassed. Yin Haoyu nodded, unable to suppress a smile.

– Yeah, I’m fine, chou gege! – Patrick answered, glad that Daniel was worried about him. – They didn't touch me, just teased. Thanks for helping me. – he bowed to the olders, thanking them.

– No problem, but why are they teasing you? – Mika asked, frowning. – Did you somehow annoy them?

– No. – Patrick shook his head and sighed. – I don’t know… Jinyuan just clung to me for no reason.

– Maybe he likes you? – Oscar teased. – That's why he is climbing to you.

– But I don't like him! – Yin Haoyu was outraged. – And now – even more so!

Oscar and Mika laughed, Caelan only smiled, shaking his head and patting Patrick on the shoulder.

– Okay, let's go. – Oscar turned to Zhou Keyu, who was silently watching them. – I'm hungry, boy! Let's finally eat, shall we? – he patted his stomach. – Today, so be it, I’ll give my place to the rabbit. Hey, Patrick, – he turned to Yin Haoyu, – Would you like to ride next to your hubby?

– Yeah! – Patrick beamed happily, like a Christmas tree, and nodded. Zhou Keyu snorted and got behind the wheel. Mika, Caelan and Oscar climbed into the back seat, arguing over who would sit in the middle, while Patrick sat next to Zhou Keyu.

– How long is the ride? – Caelan asked indignantly, sandwiched between Oscar and Mika.

– Not for long. – Daniel answered as he started the engine. – Twenty minutes.

– Oh no…– Caelan groaned and pouted. Mika and Oscar burst into laughter.

– Come on, littleboi. – Oscar patted Caelan on the knee. – If you sit here once, nothing will happen to you.

– You crush me! – Caelan loudly protested and pushed Mika in the shoulder so that he moved a little. – From now on I hope that Daniel will skate Patrick separately from us.

Zhou Keyu grunted something unintelligible in response. Caelan was still a little indignant, but then Mika carried him away with the game on his phone. Oscar also decided to pass the time by playing, so soon the car finally became quiet.

Daniel drove the car smoothly, trying to keep his eyes on the road, but the gaze of Patrick, who was sitting next to him, made him a little unnerved, which often caused him to twitch his ears. Yin Haoyu just looked at him with a soft smile and didn't say anything. Isn't that stressful?

– I didn’t know you were driving, gege. – Patrick said, noticing that Keyu was nervous under his gaze. – You look so cool!

Daniel looked at him, trying to figure out if he was joking or not. Black ears perked up, listening to the intonation of his voice, and Patrick couldn't help but chuckle. His gege is so cute!

– Really! – Patrick nodded, looking around the interior of the car. – And your car is also very cool!

– This is a gift from my father. – Zhou Keyu shyly answered, following the road.

– Yeah, Patrick, – Oscar suddenly looked up from his phone and interrupted their conversation, – Keyu isn’t only handsome, he’s also a rich daddy! Lucky you!

– God, just shut up. – Daniel snorted, rolling his eyes, and Oscar laughed.

– No, really! – Mika supported Oscar's teasing. – You have good taste, Patrick. If I were you, I would fall in love with him too.

Yin Haoyu only chuckled in response. He didn’t take his eyes off Zhou Keyu, as if he couldn’t stop admiring him. Patrick closely watched the expression on his face and enthusiastically examined his hands, squeezing the steering wheel. Everything about Daniel was ideal, everything about him was perfect for Patrick.

– What the hell are you staring at? – Zhou Keyu grumbled, embarrassed, and Yin Haoyu laughed again. He wanted so badly to kiss that embarrassed wolf, because how the hell did he dare to be so cute?

– You are handsome. – Patrick answered with a shrug. – And I like looking at you. Is it bad?

Zhou Keyu didn’t answer. He twitched his tail nervously, trying not to be distracted by the stupid rabbit next to him. Patrick confusing him! Everything he says is confusing.

Finally, they arrived at a small restaurant. Mika, Caelan and Oscar noisily got out of the car, Patrick and Zhou Keyu followed them. They chose a table at the far end so that Zhou Keyu, who was unaccustomed to crowded places, would be comfortable, and ordered food and drinks. Patrick said that he was able to pay for himself, but Oscar didn’t allow him to bring it up again and insisted on treating the rabbit as a token of their acquaintance.

– Let's drink! – Mika triumphantly held up a freshly opened bottle of alcohol. – We won today!

– Yeahh! – Oscar supported him and put his glass for Mika to pour for him.

Mika also poured alcohol for himself and then for Caelan, but when he reached for the Keyu's glass, Daniel stopped him with a gesture.

– What's the matter, boy? – Mika asked incredulously.

– I'm driving, so I won't drink. – Zhou Keyu shook his head and splashed himself in a glass of water, defiantly drinking.

– Ugh, whatever you want. – Mika snorted and turned to Patrick, but Zhou Keyu again didn’t let him pour. – What else? – Mika rolled his eyes, looking questioningly at Keyu. – Rabbit isn’t driving, why shouldn't he?

– He has studying tomorrow. – Daniel answered sternly. – I don't want him to get a headache.

– Oii! – Mika teased Keyu, but obeyed and poured water into Patrick's glass. Oscar and Caelan laughed, and Yin Haoyu only looked at Daniel with a loving look, making him embarrassed.

– It’s nice to know that you care about me, chou gege! – Patrick said happily, and Mika and Oscar burst out laughing again.

– Let's eat already. – Daniel snorted and picked up his chopsticks.

Chapter Text

– Oscar-ge!

Oscar looked up from his phone and turned to the familiar voice calling to him. He first noticed the white rabbit ears, and only then lowered his gaze to see Yin Haoyu's smiling face.

– Patrick, hey. – Oscar couldn't help but smile. Patrick is so adorable! – Daniel hasn't finished yet, you can wait. He’ll come later.

– I know. – Yin Haoyu twitched his ear excitedly and smiled again. His eyes were shining. – But… I came to you.

– To me? – Oscar was surprised. – What's the matter? Is the pack hurting you again? – he frowned, remembering their recent brawl.

– No, that's not the point. – Patrick shook his head reassuringly. – Tomorrow is Saturday! You probably know that I asked Zhou Keyu-gege on a date, right?

– Ah, so that's what you want to talk about! – Oscar smiled dazzlingly. – Of course I'm listening! – he turned all his attention to Patrick, and even his red ears turned towards the rabbit.

– I’d really like to do well. – Patrick said, coming closer and moving to a conspiratorial whisper. – Maybe you can tell me where we could go? I don't know chou gege's interests very well yet. He's so secretive!

– Oh yeah! – Oscar nodded, confirming his words. – I'll tell you everything you want to know! Let's sit down. – he sat down on the nearest bench and dragged the rabbit behind him. Patrick obeyed with a smile. – So, listen carefully.

Yin Haoyu nodded seriously, focusing on Oscar, his white ears frozen in anticipation.

– Hmm, you want to take him somewhere? – Oscar asked thoughtfully. – Keyu doesn't really like crowded and noisy places, like, you know, amusement parks and all that. – he said, nodding to his own thoughts.

– Yes, I get it this when I found out that chou gege likes to spend time in the library. – Patrick nodded, glad that he could figure out something about Keyu on his own.

– Yeah, and he doesn’t like restaurants and bars either, we always can hardly get him out for a drink with us! In general, you know, he’s a very fastidious boy! – Oscar was indignant, as if Zhou Keyu was nearby and could hear him. – But Dan loves animals, he's just crazy about dogs!

– Oh, I have a dog! – Patrick nodded, delighted.

– Fine! – Oscar ruffled Yin Haoyu's hair. – You could go for a walk in the park with the dog, since Keyu lives nearby. He also likes to eat in street cafes. – Oscar suggested thoughtfully. – I know, the scenario is rather boring, but this is the whole Zhou Keyu. – Oscar looked at Patrick gently. – The place isn’t important for him, but the person with whom he spends his time – yes. And if you manage to get him to talk, be sure to listen carefully to everything he says, because this is also very important for him. He doesn't usually want to draw attention to himself, but he's always happy as a child if I, Mika or Caelan listen to what he has to say. – fox smiled kindly and looked at the attentive Patrick. – Usually people fall for his handsome face and tall stature, and that make him so withdrawn and cold, you know? But if he feels you interested by his inner self, this will be the most memorable date for him.

Patrick nodded in all seriousness, and Oscar couldn't help but smile again.

– I’ll do my best to make him feel comfortable. – Yin Haoyu said, and his white ears bobbed as if confirming his words. – Thanks, Oscar-ge!

– My pleasure, I'm always happy to help a cute rabbit. – Oscar laughed and ruffled Patrick's hair.

– What are you two doing here? – Zhou Keyu's displeased voice was heard from the side. He had just finished study, so he looked rather angry. But Oscar knew his friend was just really tired and hungry, so he should take him out to eat before he suddenly decided to eat one cute rabbit.

– Don't be jealous, Dan! Your rabbit and I were only talking. – Oscar laughed and waved his hand. – I nearly died of hunger while waiting for you. You fell asleep there?

Keyu stepped closer. He still looked gloomy. His black tail trembled with displeasure, and his ears were lowered.

– Chou gege, you finished late today. – Patrick looked at Zhou Keyu a little worriedly. – Are you okay?

– Little tired. – Daniel replied, looking Patrick up and down. – What are you doing here? Faculty of dance in another building.

– Aren’t you happy to see me? – Patrick smiled and walked over to Daniel, straightening his collar. – I came to remind you that we have a date tomorrow.

– I remember. – Zhou Keyu answered, but then realized that he shouldn't have said that.

– Remember? – Patrick beamed happily. – Fine! I'm glad you think of me!

– I don't! – Zhou Keyu was embarrassedly indignant, and Oscar literally fell off the bench from laughter.

– Okay-okay. – Patrick smiled conciliatoryly. – See you tomorrow at four?

Yin Haoyu rummaged through his backpack and took out a notebook. He tore a piece of paper out of his notebook and wrote his phone number on it.

– Here. – he handed the paper to Zhou Keyu. – Tomorrow I’ll come for you, send me the address on this number.

– What if I don't do it? – Zhou Keyu asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He twitched his black ear and looked at Yin Haoyu with narrowed eyes.

– Don't be so stubborn, baby. – Patrick smiled softly. The affectionate treatment made Zhou Keyu blush, and Oscar almost choked with laughter again. – You know that I’ll find you anyway. But if you give me your address, it will be much faster.

– Give your damn number! – Zhou Keyu grunted and took the paper from Yin Haoyu's hands. – Who is stubborn here?

Patrick watched his embarrassed gege with a smile. He really wanted tomorrow to come as soon as possible.

– I have to go now. – Patrick glanced at the time on his phone. – I still have homework. See you tomorrow at four, gege! – he stroked Zhou Keyu's hair. – Oskar-ge, please take care of him for me.

– Of course honey-bunny! – Oscar nodded and waved his red fluffy tail at Patrick. – Don't worry, tomorrow he’ll be fresh as a daisy!

– I'm still here. – Zhou Keyu snorted at Oscar and Patrick smiled.

– See you, gege. Please don't forget about me. – Yin Haoyu said before leaving.

– Forget my ass... – Zhou Keyu whispered, but Patrick no longer heard him. He left.

– I'm starting to envy you. – Oscar said, going up to his friend and patting him on the shoulder. – Just look how cute rabbit is taking care of you! I swear even my mom doesn't care about me as much as Patrick about you.

– Back off. – Zhou Keyu snorted, but the vigilant fox gaze managed to notice the sparkles in his eyes.

– Okay, let's go eat already, Juliet. – Oscar nodded to Zhou Keyu and moved towards the parking lot.

– Who the hell is Juliet?! – Zhou Keyu was indignant and stomped after him, dreaming of strangling the impudent fox with his own hands.

In the evening, Zhou Keyu hesitated for a long time to send his address to the number of the pestering rabbit. He knew that if he did this, Patrick would follow him all evening. And by the way, he doesn't have time to chat with a stupid rabbit. Turning the phone over in his hands, Daniel sighed thoughtfully. What to do?

Suddenly, he received a message from Oscar. The cunning fox seemed to know what Zhou Keyu was thinking.

“Don't forget to text the rabbit!!”

“Damn you!” – Keyu wrote back to him, to which he received a bunch of laughing emojis.

Daniel thought for a moment, and then he made up his mind. With slightly trembling fingers, he typed his address into the message line and immediately pressed "send" so as not to have time to change his mind.

The answer came immediately, literally in the same second. The phone beeped and Zhou Keyu flinched.

“Chou gege! I'm glad you made up your mind!" – said the message from Patrick. Zhou Keyu snorted, but didn’t answer him. Also, he has a lot to do.

"Are you busy? Can I call you via video call?” – another message came to the phone.

"I'm busy" – Daniel wrote to stop the stupid rabbit from bothering him.

"But I really want to see you (("

“Please gege, I won’t take up much of your time!”

"Can I call? naa~"

Zhou Keyu ignored all his messages, hoping that Yin Haoyu would leave him alone, but the persistent rabbit didn’t even think of giving up. A few seconds later, Zhou Keyu's phone vibrated, alerting him to an incoming video call.

Daniel looked at the flashing screen and hesitated for a long time to answer the call. He had already washed off his makeup, and in general he looked too tired for video calls. But Patrick was still calling, and Zhou Keyu decided to answer. Patrick's smiling face appeared on the screen, his wet hair and ears and bare shoulders.

– Chou gege!! – Patrick beamed.

- WHY ARE YOU NAKED?! – Daniel interrupted him dumbfounded.

– I'm not naked! – Patrick was outraged. – Well, maybe a little ... I'm taking a bath.

– Go to hell! – Daniel hung-up the call and tossed the phone away. His face got flushed, and he put cool palms to his red cheeks. Damn rabbit!

The phone buzzed again. Patrick didn’t stop trying to get through to his gege. He called several more times, and finally Zhou Keyu decide to pick up the phone.

– Chou gege, I’m so sorry! – Patrick immediately shouted, afraid that Daniel wouldn’t listen to him.

– Whataya want? – Zhou Keyu grunted, and Patrick breathed a sigh of relief knowing that Daniel wouldn't hang-up the call again.

– I miss you. – Patrick said with a piteous grimace. – I really miss my gege! That's why I called you. I wanted to see you.

– We'll meet tomorrow, can't you wait? – Daniel asked.

– I cannot! – Patrick shook his head, and his wet ears left spray on his bare shoulders.

– You are so stupid. – Zhou Keyu snorted and Patrick smiled.

– And you're very cute. – he said, enjoying watching Zhou Keyu blush again.

– Keep in mind, I can hang-up at any time. – Keyu threatened him.

– Sorry, sorry! – Patrick laughed happily, realizing that if Zhou Keyu really didn't want to talk to him, he wouldn't even pick up the phone. – What are you doing now?

– Nothing. – Daniel answered. – I recently returned home.

– So late? – Patrick asked worriedly. – Why?

– Oscar. – Zhou Keyu grunted and rolled his eyes. – The impudent fox doesn’t like to be alone, and his roommate is away for the whole weekend. So he wouldn't let me come home for the long time.

– Oskar-ge is such a child. – Patrick smiled, Zhou Keyu nodded thoughtfully. – Wait, my screen is fogging up. – Yin Haoyu wiped the screen of his phone with a corner of the towel.

– Then why did you take it with you? – Zhou Keyu asked with a roll of his eyes. – Who takes the phone to the bathroom anyway?

– I was just looking forward to your message. – Patrick said with a smile. – So I took my phone with me when I went to the bathroom. I didn't mean to miss your message.

– You are so stupid. – Daniel snorted, repeating his favorite phrase. – What if you drop it in water?

– I may be stupid, but I'm certainly not clumsy. – Patrick laughed. He tilted his head to the side and scrutinized Zhou Keyu's face without a twinge of conscience. – You okay? – he suddenly asked. – You look tired.

– I'm tired. – Daniel didn't hide it. What's the point if a shrewd rabbit sees right through him?

– Then you should go to bed. – Patrick said with a soft smile. – Don’t stay late, and spend more time sleeping, chou gege!

Zhou Keyu looked at Patrick a little surprised. Why did he call him if now he is talking him to bed? It seems he’ll never understand this silly rabbit.

– You called me just for this? – Daniel frowned, and Yin Haoyu laughed.

– I called because I wanted to see you. – he answered with a shrug. – That's all I needed. Of course, I can look at you forever, but your well-being is much more important to me. So if you're tired, I won't bother you.

– Fine. – Zhou Keyu grumbled. – Bye.

He was about to hang-up, but Patrick called him at the last moment.

– Chou gege!!

– What else? – Daniel asked.

– You’re so, so cute without makeup! – Yin Haoyu answered with a wide smile. – You really don't need to do it!

– What are you talking about? – Zhou Keyu frowned. – I’ll decide what to do myself.

– I know, sorry. – Patrick smiled again. – But I like you even more without makeup. If I... can I ask you not to wear makeup tomorrow evening? I’d like to see you the way you are now.

– Then I’ll definitely do my make-up and paint my lips with red lipstick. – Zhou Keyu quipped, but Patrick was not at all offended and didn’t lose his head.

– Then I'll kiss you right on your red lips, – he self-satisfied answered, – and wipe your lipstick off with my tongue.

– Go to hell, Yin Haoyu! – Zhou Keyu blushed. – Pervert! – he heard Patrick laugh, and then he dropped the call.

The damn rabbit is driving him crazy!

Chapter Text

Patrick fixed his hair impatiently, ordered his Labrador to sit still, and then knocked on the door. Footsteps were heard, and soon the door opened, revealing Yin Haoyu the one he had longed to see since yesterday evening.

– Chou gege! – Patrick smiled broadly, but his dog bared his teeth and growled at the stranger. – Hey, it's all right, Muffin, it's a friend.

– You have a dog? – Zhou Keyu, who had been frowning up to this point, suddenly smiled softly as he looked at the dog.

– Yes! – Patrick smiled again, glad that he was able to pleasantly surprise Daniel. – It's Muffin. Don't be afraid, he's just not used to strangers, but I'm sure he'll like you soon, he's very friendly.

– Okay. – Zhou Keyu nodded, allowing the dog to sniff him. He didn't pet him until the dog got used to his presence. – Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant. – he said to Patrick, looking at him.

– I don't take you to a restaurant. – Yin Haoyu answered with a smile.

– No? – Zhou Keyu was surprised.

– No. That what you think of me, chou gege? – Patrick asked, laughing at Zhou Keyu's expression. – I know you don't like restaurants.

– Then what are your plans? – Daniel asked as he locked the door.

– Our plans. – Patrick corrected him. – You want to go to the park and take a little walk with Muffin?

– If I don’t want to, then what? – Zhou Keyu squinted his eyes at Yin Haoyu. – You'll leave me alone?

– Then I’ll come up with something that you definitely can’t refuse. – Patrick answered, shaking his white ears.

– Ugh... – Zhou Keyu snorted. – Let's go already.

He moved towards the park, and Patrick, not hiding his pleased smile, hurried after him.

– Chou gege, wait! – he called Daniel, and the older slowed down, realizing that the little rabbit couldn’t keep up with him. – I noticed that you didn't put on makeup today.

– To you keep your tongue out. – Zhou Keyu snorted, teasing him and reminding him of yesterday's conversation.

– What a pity, cause I wanted. – Patrick laughed, and Daniel turned away from him, embarrassed, turning his attention to Muffin. He reached out and timidly stroked the golden fur. Soft.

Patrick watched him with a smile. For a while they just walked in silence to get to the park, where it was much quieter and calmer than the noisy streets.

– Does your family also live in China? – Zhou Keyu suddenly asked. Yin Haoyu was surprised at such interest from his gege.

– No. – he shook his head. – Why did you think so?

– You have a dog. – Zhou Keyu shrugged. – Students are not allowed to have pets in the dorms, which means you live in an apartment or house. Are you too stupid a rabbit to live alone, so with parents?

– No. – Patrick smiled. – My parents stayed in Thailand. But yes, you're right, I don't live alone. My Phi has been living in China for a long time, He has his own apartment here, so he let me live with him. I arrived a few months before school started to improve my Chinese and P'Nine helped me with that.

– Phi? – Daniel asked, a little confused.

– Oh, it's like "ge". – Patrick explained. – P'Nine is like a big brother to me, he takes care of me.

– So Muffin is his pet? – Daniel asked again. – It’s unlikely that you would transport a pet from Thailand to China.

– I found Muffin here in China. – Patrick replied, glad that Zhou Keyu was talking a little next to him. – I saw him on the street, he was so hungry and dirty.

– And your P’ let you drag a street dog into his apartment? – Zhou Keyu chuckled, easily imagining this scene. A stupid rabbit, who brought a dirty, scary dog into the house and begged his older to put him at home.

– Not right away. – Patrick sighed, remembering how Nine was against the idea. – At first he didn’t allow me, and I understand him, because this is his apartment, and I wanted to bring a street dog into it, which has many diseases and parasites. But I immediately fell in love with Muffin, as soon as I saw his sad eyes. – Yin Haoyu patted the dog on the head. – First I fed him to get him used to me, and then I saved up some money and took him to the vet. The doctor cured him, and I gave Muffin to the pound. I went to see him every day, and even took P'Nine with me once. Muffin is so adorable, so then P'Nine let me take him home.

– You got your way. – Zhou Keyu chuckled, glancing at Patrick.

– I always get my way. – Patrick answered with a serious look at Daniel, and Zhou Keyu realized that the stupid rabbit meant more than just a dog.

– We'll see. – he said defiantly, looking at Yin Haoyu from the his height.

– We'll see. – Patrick smiled.

They got to the park and Patrick let Muffin off his leash, letting him run around for a bit.

– What about you, chou gege? – Yin Haoyu looked at Zhou Keyu. – Why do you live alone? Where is your family?

– In America. – Zhou Keyu answered, and Patrick was surprised.

– In America? – he asked. – Why?

– Our family has been living there for a long time. – Daniel shrugged. –Haven't you noticed that I have a middle name?

Patrick nodded thoughtfully.

– I was born in China and lived here for a while. – Zhou Keyu said. – And then we moved to the States. There I learned English and finished school.

– But you returned to China. Why? – Patrick asked.

– I like China. – Zhou Keyu shrugged. – I came back to enter the university here and study. I came with Oscar.

– Wow, so you and Oscar-ge have been friends since school? Yin Haoyu was surprised. – It's so cool!

– You think so? – Zhou Keyu asked with a chuckle. – During this time, Oscar managed to get on my nerves pretty much.

– Yeah, I believe you, Oscar-ge doesn’t look like you at all! – Patrick nodded. – It's amazing how you get along at all.

– At first I didn’t like him at all. – Zhou Keyu answered. – At school, he was still an asshole, besides, he studied poorly. But somehow he asked me for help with studies... – he nodded thoughtfully, remembering. – And during this time that we spent with him, I realized that he wasn’t so bad. Well, we also have a lot of common interests, so we became friends.

– It's great to have such friends. – Patrick smiled.

– What about you? – Zhou Keyu looked at him. – Have you found friends yet?

– Of course! P'Nine is a very good friend. – Patrick answered, and Zhou Keyu frowned.

– I mean at the university? – Daniel looked at Patrick carefully. – Do you have friends at the university?

– Actually, I don't have any friends. – Patrick answered a little shyly. – I'm not very sociable, so I'm pretty bad at getting along with people.

– Seriously? – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes. – I didn’t notice it about you.

– Hey, I tried for you. Patrick laughed. – I put in a lot of effort to approach you in the first time. And I liked you so much that I decided not to retreat.

Zhou Keyu snorted again, although Yin Haoyu's words embarrassed him.

– Do you want to play with Muffin? – rabbit asked Zhou Keyu, handing him a small rubber ball. Daniel took it in his hands and beckoned the dog to him.

– Muffin! Fetch! – he showed the ball to the dog, and then threw it. Joyfully wagging his tail, the dog rushed for his toy, and after a few seconds, satisfied, he brought the drooling ball to Zhou Keyu. – Eww! Keyu groaned as the wet ball fell into his palm, and Patrick laughed.

– You are so silly, chou gege! – he said softly, rummaging through his fanny pack and handing Daniel a pair of wet wipes. – Here, take it.

Zhou Keyu grunted something unintelligible in response, wiped his hands, and patted Muffin on the head. The dog wagged its tail happily.

– He likes you. – Patrick said with a smile. – It's good.

Zhou Keyu looked at Yin Haoyu in confusion. What is this stupid rabbit talking about?

– Muffin is ready to accept you into our family! – Patrick explained with a wide smile. Daniel snorted and rolled his eyes, turning away in embarrassment. Patrick laughed again.

They moved further through the park, Yin Haoyu suggested that they get to the center, to the fountain, to get Muffin drunk. It was quiet near the fountain, despite the day off, it was almost deserted, and they lingered there for a long time, playing with the dog.

– I heard a new cinema is opening near here. – Patrick said to Zhou Keyu. – Do you want to go with me sometime?

– You haven’t gotten rid of me today, but already calling again? – Daniel snorted, twitching his black ear. He tossed the ball to Muffin again. – You're weird.

– I'm not weird. – Yin Haoyu smiled as he fought the overwhelming urge to take Zhou Keyu's hand. His palm looks so big and warm... – I just want to get you before anyone else does.

– Nobody wants except you. – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes and Patrick laughed, nodding smugly.

– Then it's good. – he said, shaking his white tail in satisfaction. – So you’ll… come with me?”

– I'll think about it. – Daniel looked away from the hopeful face of the rabbit. – If you don't be so annoying.

– I’ll try to! – Patrick nodded eagerly. –Thanks, chou gege!

– Hey, I haven’t given you the exact answer yet! – Zhou Keyu was indignant. – Why are you so self-confident? – he grumbled.

– If I were unpleasant to you, you wouldn’t come with me today. – Yin Haoyu answered with a smile. – But now you're here, which means...

– Which means you forced me! – Zhou Keyu interrupted him before he could finish. – You threatened me!

– But I didn't threaten! – Patrick protested, barely able to contain his laughter. Zhou Keyu was so charming when he cursed. – I just said what I think!

– You said you would find my house if I didn’t agree to a date! You fucking stalker! – Daniel pouted like a child.

– I wouldn't do it. – Patrick smiled, gently touching Zhou Keyu's shoulder with his palm. – I just knew that if I said this, you would agree. It may not be very good, but I really wanted to spend time with you. Plus, I got official permission to take you out of the house for a walk from your friends.

– My friends are ready to shove me to you at the first opportunity. – Zhou Keyu snorted. – So don't be proud of it.

– But I'm the only one they've allowed to get this close to you. – Patrick reminded me with a sly smile. – I heard that Oskar-ge warded off everyone who tried to ask you out on a date.

– People like my face. – Zhou Keyu answered, and Patrick caught a note of sadness in his voice. – Only the face, not me. They ask me out on a date because think I'm cool and handsome. They think if they date me, everyone else will be jealous. I'm not big on people, but Oscar has a fox sense, so I trust him. Although I also cannot understand why he suddenly changed his principles. Rabbits! That's who is sly than foxes.

– He probably just knows I'll take good care of you. – Patrick joked to dilute this sad conversation.

– Hah. – Zhou Keyu snorted as he looked at the rabbit. – You, too, drew attention to me just because of my face, no?

– I… – Patrick thought for a second. – Probably… – he shrugged guiltily, then looked at Daniel carefully. – In case you are wondering… I first saw you in the library, you were there with Oscar-ge and Caelan-ge, I remember… I was choosing books to study Chinese, and from afar I saw how Oscar-ge brought you food. – Zhou Keyu frowned, turning all his attention to Patrick, and his black ears turned in interest towards the rabbit. What is he talking about? – At first I wanted to leave so as not to disturb you, because, well you know, I heard that it’s better not to mess with Oscar. –Yin Haoyu laughed. – But when I saw you eating, I just… ah, I don’t know, you were so cute! I stood there and looked at you for twenty minutes, if not more!

– Cute? – Daniel asked in surprise.

– Yeah. – Patrick nodded. – You ate so funny, and… well… got a little dirty, and Caelan-ge wiped your face with a napkin, although I know that he is younger than you. It was so charming, because you are so big and serious, but you’re taken care of by a small and friendly Caelan-ge. That's when I thought you were cute.

– Holy shit. – Zhou Keyu blushed and turned away. – It sucks.

– No, it was really cute! – Patrick answered with a laugh. – I've been thinking about this for a whole week! And then I decided to take a closer look at you, and it was also funny, because Zhou Keyu that I saw in the library and Zhou Keyu that everyone else sees are very different! I wanted to get to know you better, and then I realized that really like you.

– Why are you saying all this? – Daniel grumbled in embarrassment. – I didn't ask you to tell.

– I just want you to know this. – Patrick smiled. – I'm glad I could see a different side of you. One that almost no one knows about.

– Don’t flatter yourself, impudent rabbit. – Zhou Keyu snorted, waving his tail excitedly. – I still intend to keep you at a distance.

 –And I still intend to cut it down considerably. – Patrick answered without hesitation. – Are you hungry? – he asked, changing the subject so that the stubborn gege wouldn’t start arguing with him. – Since you live nearby, you must know where we can eat deliciously here?

– I know. – Zhou Keyu cheered up when he heard about the food and licked his lips, rejoicing at the opportunity to choose a cafe himself. – We go there. – he pointed to the side.

– Okay. – Yin Haoyu nodded and called Muffin. – I hope there's something for the dogs too.

– I'm sure there will be. – Zhou Keyu gently looked at the dog and stroked its head. – Well, Muffin? Do you want to eat, baby? Then let's go!

– Ugh, I also want you to caress me like that! – Patrick pouted. – Why am I worse? Am I cuter than Muffin, no?

– You are much more annoying than him. – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes. – And you'd better hurry if you don't want Muffin and I to eat all the delicious food.

Make Zhou Keyu talking proved to be a difficult task for Patrick. Daniel was still not used to the constant presence of the pesky rabbit, so he was still a man of few words. So Yin Haoyu was the one who spoke, because Keyu was silent most of the time, only occasionally saying something.

After a walk and a cafe, Patrick accompanied Zhou Keyu back to the house, although his gege was against it.

– I know the way and I can walk myself. – he said to Patrick, twitching his black ear.

– I know, gege. – Patrick smiled again. – I just want to be with you a little more, na~

Daniel snorted, but didn't protest, knowing that the stupid rabbit wouldn't leave him anyway. Muffin happily wagged his tail, and it was because of him Zhou Keyu stood at the door of his apartment for a long time. Because he didn't want to say goodbye to the cute dog, you know, yeah!

– So sorry that today is over. – Patrick said, lowering his white ears sadly. – We won't see each other now.

– Monday is coming soon, can't you wait? –Zhou Keyu grumbled, opening the door with a key.

– I’ll need leave for Thailand for a week. – Yin Haoyu sighed, almost crying. – I’ll miss you so much, chou gege!”

– Thailand? Why? – Zhou Keyu asked, turning his ears towards the rabbit to hear him better.

– It's my mother's birthday, I promised to come back. – Patrick answered. – I'm doing well with my studies, so the teachers let me go.

– Aren't you glad to see your family? – Keyu asked, rolling his eyes again.

– I am, but… – Yin Haoyu looked at him with a puppy-like look. – You’re my family too! And I miss you too!

– Don't be stupid, I'm not your family. – Zhou Keyu snorted as he entered his house. – And now you have my number. – he said before slamming the door in the curious rabbit's face.

– Ah, chou gege! – Patrick exclaimed as the meaning of Keyu's words hit him. – Did you just let me call you?! – he knocked on the closed door, but heard no answer. – I'm so happy! Chou gege, do you hear? I love you so much!

– Go to hell, Yin Haoyu! – Zhou Keyu's embarrassed shout was heard.

– With pleasure! – Patrick laughed as he hugged the barking Muffin happily. – I'll call you tonight! And tomorrow too! And every day now I will call!

There was no answer, but Patrick wasn’t upset at all. On the contrary, he was the happiest rabbit in the world! After all, now he has such a valuable privilege, which he didn’t even hope for.

Chapter Text

Zhou Keyu desperately didn't want to admit it, but without Patrick pestering him every day, it was somehow empty for him. He usually tried to brush off the stupid rabbit's insistence, but now that he had flown to Thailand, Keyu felt strange. The silence he longed for began to seem oppressive to him, and even noisy Oscar and Caelan couldn’t fill it. He unconsciously looked for white rabbit ears among the students, but every time he stopped himself, forbidding to do this.

– Don't be sad, Dan. – Oscar didn't miss an opportunity to tease him when Zhou Keyu didn't eat a bite of his lunch. – Your rabbit will be back!

– Back off, Oscar. – Zhou Keyu snorted. – I'm not sad, okay? And Patrick isn’t my rabbit, stop talking nonsense!

– Whatever you say, baby. – Oscar smiled slyly, exchanging glances with Mika and Caelan. They understood everything too.

– Stop smiling so disgustingly. – Daniel said, noticing their exchange of glances. – I'm sick of you now!

– Ugh, what a rude boi! – Mika laughed. – And what did Patrick see in you? I don’t understand!

– I'm handsome and hot. – Zhou Keyu snorted, rolling his eyes. – And tall, unlike some.

– And tALl, unLIkE sOMe! – Mika teased him. – That's where your positive qualities end. Ah, why didn't Patrick fall in love with me, for example?

– Yeah, you’re much kinder than Keyu. – Oscar nodded, taking up Mika's idea of making Daniel jealous. – And you treat Patrick better! Keyu constantly scolds him and treats him rudely.

– What the heck?! – Zhou Keyu protested loudly, causing Mika, Caelan, and Oscar to laugh.

– C’mon, boy, we were just joking. – Oscar patted him on the shoulder. – No one claims your rabbit, calm down. Don't be so jealous~

– Go to hell, all of you. – Zhou Keyu grumbled, frowning and crossing his arms over his chest. He didn't like this joke at all!

– The weekend is coming soon, and then Monday again, and Patrick will be back just in time. – Caelan said in a soft tone so as not to annoy Zhou Keyu. – I miss him. It's kind of empty without him. – he looked at Keyu, meeting his eyes. Daniel barely nodded so Oscar and Mika wouldn't notice and start teasing him again. Caelan smiled knowingly.

– Yeah, I miss him too! – Oscar nodded, sighing. – I miss my honey-bunny so much!

– Why the hell is he yours? – Zhou Keyu asked with a frown.

– Well, if you don’t want to take him for yourself, I’ll do it! – Oscar answered with a smile. – I’d really like Patrick to take care of me the same way he cares about you! But you don’t appreciate the cute rabbit at all, but I really do!

– You don't deserve his care. – Daniel snorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

– Oh, and you deserve it? – Oscar was indignant and pushed his friend in the shoulder. – You're so disgusting, you know that?

Zhou Keyu childishly mimicked him, making his friends laugh.

– Okay, let's go guys. – Mika stretched and yawned. – We still have classes today, but I'm already tired.

The weekend passed quickly for Keyu, because Oscar, Mika and Caelan didn’t let him get bored. They fell into his apartment and didn’t leave there all weekend, playing the console. They probably guessed that without Patrick Zhou Keyu felt a little lonely, and therefore didn’t leave him a single step, noisy and annoying.

On Monday, Keyu was waiting for lunch break because Patrick used to have lunch with them. But the rabbit didn't have to wait long and came to see Keyu in the morning, right after the first class. Zhou Keyu was sitting in the audience, waiting for the end of the lecture, when he saw white ears flashing in the corridor. Oscar also noticed this and turned to look at Keyu with a sly smile.

Patrick flashed through the doorway again, and Zhou Keyu's heart fluttered a little as Yin Haoyu smiled at him. Then the rabbit disappeared from Keyu's view again, but even without seeing Patrick, Daniel could no longer focus on his studies.

When the lecture ended, Zhou Keyu gathered his things as slowly as possible so that the stupid rabbit wouldn’t suddenly think that Keyu was in a hurry to see him. And as soon as Daniel stepped outside the classroom, Patrick pounced on him with hugs.

– Chou gege, I missed you so much! – he said whiningly, wrapping his arms and legs around Keyu's body.

– Holy shit, get off me now! – Zhou Keyu was indignant, trying to throw off this stupid koala.

– But I missed you! – Patrick pouted, but then smiled broadly again. His white ears fluttered with delight, and Daniel would be lying if he said he didn't think it was cute. – Haven't you missed me this week, no?

– Not at all. – Zhou Keyu snorted. – Who will miss such a clingy rabbit? It's certainly not me.

– Chou gege is so rude to me! – Yin Haoyu pouted again. He finally got off Keyu, but still didn't want to let go of him. – I was waiting to see you again and you didn’t even miss me? – he rubbed cheek against his shoulder. – I missed you soooo much!

– Stop, I get it. – Daniel snorted, trying to unclench the rabbit's arms. – Let me go, you...!

– But I haven’t seen you for a whole week! – Patrick capriciously said. – I came straight from the airport just to see you.

– Wow, that's so noble! – Oscar smiled slyly, patting the rabbit on the shoulder and briefly diverting his attention to himself. – Keyu did nothing but suffer for you.

– What?! – Daniel protested, but Patrick was already shining brighter than the sun, looking at Oscar with hope.

– Really? – he asked, and even his white ears froze in delight.

– Certainly. You have fox word. – Oscar nodded and stroked the rabbit's hair and ears. – He had such a sullen face that I almost cried myself. Looks like someone missed you.

– It's a lie! – Zhou Keyu was indignant, but Patrick didn’t seem to hear him. He smiled brightly again and looked at Keyu with a loving look, and then gently took his hand and stroked his thin fingers. – What are you doing? – Zhou Keyu asked warily as he watched Patrick.

Yin Haoyu didn't answer, only softly kissed Keyu's long fingers, causing him to flinch in embarrassment. Oscar groaned touchingly as he watched them.

– Stop it! – Zhou Keyu yanked out the hand of their rabbit fingers and tucked his palms into his pockets. The kiss was itchy and a little ticklish. – Don't you have to go to class? Why are you still here?

– Gege is so cold towards me. – Patrick shook his head, but the smile never left his face. – I still have some time, but I'll be leaving soon.

– Great, I can't wait. – Zhou Keyu snorted, but Patrick smiled again.

– Let’s meet after class, gege? – he suggested, looking hopefully at Keyu. – I want to spend time with you.

– Oh, is this a date? – Oscar said slyly, drawing out his vowels. Mika and Caelan came just at that moment.

– Patrick, are you back? – Caelan greeted the rabbit and patted his hair. Patrick bowed respectfully to them.

– He already managed to call Keyu on a date! – Oscar smiled widely. Mika and Caelan yelled their approval. – Don't worry, Dan! I'm even giving you permission to skip today's practice for this opportunity! – fox turned to Daniel. – Still, the rabbit hasn’t seen you for a whole week, and this is a serious reason!

– Thanks, Oscar-ge! – Patrick shook his tail gratefully and looked at the fox happily. – Please take care of Keyu-ge for me. I'll come for him later.

– Don't worry honey-bunny, you know you can rely on me. – Oscar said convincingly, making Mika and Caelan laugh.

– Hey, what the hell?! – Zhou Keyu exclaimed indignantly, and Patrick turned to him again.

– Oh chou gege, I have something for you. – rabbit reached into his backpack and began to look for something in it. Zhou Keyu tried to pretend that he wasn’t at all interested in this. – I grabbed some Thai snacks for you to try, and anyway… – he handed Keyu several rustling packages, smiling shyly. – I thought… maybe you would like it or… I don’t know…

– Oii, our rabbit is so adorable! – Oscar groaned touchingly, seeing Patrick's embarrassment. – Come on, Dan! Where are your manners? You have to say "thanks"!

Zhou Keyu grumbled something in response, but Patrick heard his embarrassed gratitude. He smiled broadly again and still couldn't bring himself to take his eyes off Keyu and leave for class. He watched as Keyu's fingers shyly clenched the snack packages and dreamed of kissing him right now.

– I’ll come for you later, please wait for me. – rabbit asked, stretching out his hand and straightening Zhou Keyu's bangs. Even though it wasn't necessary, Patrick just wanted to touch him. – I really missed you, so please give me some attention.

– Just go already. – Zhou Keyu grumbled. – You’ll be late, and I’ll not take responsibility for this.

– Okay. – Patrick smiled again and nodded. – See you, gege. – he waved his hand and hurried to his audience, so as not to be late for the start of classes.

– You guys are sweeter than cotton candy! I swear I'll be diabetic soon. – Oscar smiled sweetly and waved his red tail. Zhou Keyu looked at him with displeasedly. – What's wrong, Dan? Isn't honey-bunny adorable? Just look, he brought you snacks!

Mika and Caelan nodded in agreement.

– Yeah, man. – Mika patted Keyu on the shoulder. – Even being in another country and with his family, Patrick doesn’t stop thinking about you. I think it's very touching.

– Everything seems touching to you. – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes and snorted as he stuffed his snacks into his backpack. – That rabbit, even away from me, got on my nerves. He called me every evening! Called, and whined like a puppy, honestly!

– But you were the one who answered the phone. – Caelan reminded him with a sly smile. – You don't have to do it.

Daniel grunted something unintelligible in response, but his cheeks turned treacherously pink again, making his friends laugh.

After class, Patrick came for Keyu to kidnap him for the next few hours.

– Why are you smiling? – Zhou Keyu grumbled as he barely saw Patrick's white ears and crossed his arms over his chest.

– I'm happy to be able to see you again. – Yin Haoyu replied, and his white tail swayed happily from side to side. – So… I know you don’t like noisy places, but maybe you wouldn’t mind going to the mall with me? I need to buy some things and then we can eat somewhere.

– Can't you buy the things you need yourself? – Zhou Keyu snorted. – Why you need me?

– You dress stylishly, and you probably know clothes better than me. Patrick smiled, wiggling his ears. – Please, gege, help the stupid rabbit, na~

He rubbed cheek against his shoulder and made the most puppy-look he could. Zhou Keyu gave up too quickly.

– Okay, damn you. Daniel nodded and moved towards the exit. Then, realizing that the rabbit wasn’t around, he stopped and turned around. – You going?

– Yeah! – Patrick, smiled and hurried after him. Actually, it was a little lie. Patrick is an expert in clothes and likes to dress stylishly, but today he really wants his gege to help him choose clothes.

They left the university. It was cool outside, and Zhou Keyu wrapped himself in his coat, warming his hands with his fluffy tail, as Oscar usually did. Patrick found this cute, but he would certainly prefer to warm the palms of his chou gege for himself.

– Are you driving today? – Patrick asked curiously, and breathed a sigh of relief when Zhou Keyu shook his head. – Great! I’d like to take a walk with you.

– Take a walk? – Daniel cringed. – I don’t feel like roaming the streets in this weather.

– I can give you my sweater if you want! – Patrick enthusiastically offered, but Zhou Keyu resolutely refused this idea.

– Don’t be silly. – he frowned. – Do you want to get sick?

– Oh, do you care about me? – Patrick asked another stupid question and his ears turned excitedly towards the wolf. – It's so cute! But if you don't want my sweater, then I can warm you with hugs! Or keep your hands in my pockets!

– Calm down! – Zhou Keyu said at him in embarrassment. – What nonsense are you talking about? You read too many novels?

Patrick giggled.

– I just want to take care of you, is that bad? – he asked smiling. Then he changed the topic. – Have you ever been to Thailand, gege?

– No. – Zhou Keyu shook his head and looked curiously at Patrick. – Why you ask?

– Because I want to show you Thailand one day! – Patrick sighed dreamily and smiled broadly again. – I’d like to go there with you. And I want to show you all my favorite places! – his voice sounded so enthusiastic that Daniel could hardly suppress a smile. – I know so many street cafes! Do you love them? I know. And there are many quiet and beautiful places in Thailand, for example, by the water or in parks ... You would definitely like it.

Zhou Keyu didn't answer for a long time, but Patrick seemed to have gotten used to his reticence. They walked in silence for a few more minutes before Keyu answered:

– I would like.

Yin Haoyu turned to him with a dazzling smile, and his white ears fluttered enthusiastically again.

– Really? – he asked hopefully, and Zhou Keyu could literally see the happy sparkle in his eyes.

– I didn't say I want to go with you. – Daniel snorted and quickened his pace so that the stupid rabbit wouldn't see his blushing cheeks.

– Oh no, gege! – Patrick laughed and hurried to catch up with him. – But you know… if you'll really want to come with me, just let me know and I’ll give you the best tour! Okay?

Zhou Keyu barely perceptibly nodded, but Patrick managed to catch it. He smiled broadly again.

– When we’re in Thailand, you can call me "nong"! – he said, looking at Keyu with a beaming look. – I’d really like to hear it from you. It must be so seductive. – he squinted slyly, and his smile became teasing.

Zhou Keyu blushed again.

– You're a fucking pervert. – he said, turning away, and Patrick laughed.

– Only because of you. Yin Haoyu answered with a nonchalant shrug. He looked at Keyu's handsome profile, and Daniel could literally see hearts in his eyes. – I want to kiss you every time I see you, but you’re so unapproachable! And cold. – rabbit twitched its white ear thoughtfully. – I have to be very, very hot to melt your heart! But gege is still very cold towards me.

– Don't talk nonsense. – Zhou Keyu snorted, shrugging his shoulders. – If you weren’t so annoying, I would be gentler with you. But you always get on my nerves.

– If I wasn't, you wouldn't pay attention to me. – Patrick answered with a smile. – You don't care about anyone but your friends, so I had to try hard to get your attention. But now you're going to the mall with me instead of sitting alone in the library! – he said happily.

– I was fine alone in the library. – Daniel pouted, making Patrick laugh. – Why are you laughing?

– Nothing. – Patrick shook his head. – It's just that you're really cute when you're pouting. Your lips are cute!

– Li… Cute?! – Zhou Keyu blushed indignantly and turned away in embarrassment. – Maybe you should stop talking nonsense? And stop staring at me!

– But you are very cute! – Patrick retorted without taking his eyes off Keyu. – I wanna look at you! And at your lips too!

– STOP THIS, you little…! – Zhou Keyu frantically picked up curse words, but he was too embarrassed to come up with anything. And the stupid rabbit, as if mocking, laughed at his red face.

– Gege is so charming! – Patrick said, his white ears fluttering in delight as he looked at Keyu. – Can I kiss you?

– NO! You can't get it, shorty. – Zhou Keyu teased him and quickened his pace again, mentally thanking the wind for cooling his hot cheeks.

– In fact, rabbits jump well! – Patrick answered and caught up with Keyu again. – Let's check this out?

– Back off, Yin Haoyu, otherwise I’ll go home. – Zhou Keyu hid his hands in his pockets and lifted his chin proudly, preventing Patrick from reading the embarrassment in his eyes.

– No, please stay. – rabbit barely held back a smile. – I’ll try to be good. Stay with me, gege, na~

Daniel snorted again and twitched his tail excitedly. He didn't say anything, but he didn't go anywhere either, so Patrick was happy.

They finally made it to the mall. The impatient rabbit dragged his gege through the boutiques, and Zhou Keyu had no choice but to follow him.

– What do you need? – Daniel grumbled as Patrick led him towards one of the many clothing stores. – Do you even know what you came for?

– I know! – Patrick nodded. – I need some spare T-shirts for dance practice because mine are already worn out. – rabbit twitched his ear. – I also wanted to buy a pair of warm sweaters, because it’s pretty cool outside. Can you help me choose something beautiful?

– If it makes you calm down. – Zhou Keyu snorted, but his ears twitched in interest. He looked Patrick up and down and then turned to the coat racks.

– Gege looking for something special for me? – Patrick asked as he followed Keyu along the shelves and display cases.

– No. Anything that suits you. – Zhou Keyu shrugged and stopped by the T-shirts. He looked them over carefully. – This one has good fabric. – he pointed to the soft-green T-shirt. – Just right for your workouts.

– Will this color look good on me? – Patrick teased him, but obediently took the T-shirt to try on.

– Don't wanna admit it, but you're not ugly. – Zhou Keyu snorted and turned away so as not to see that stupid smug rabbit smile. – What? Are you not looking in the mirror?

– So you think I'm handsome? – Patrick asked, and his ears bobbed contentedly. – I'm so flattered.

– I didn’t say that! – Daniel embarrassedly objected and handed Patrick a few more T-shirts. – Get in the fitting room, stop staring at me!

– Ouch, it's hurt! – Patrick said whiningly, but the smile was still on his face. He obediently took all the T-shirts and disappeared behind the thick curtain of the fitting room. Daniel sighed wearily and sat down in an empty chair to wait for the rabbit.

Several minutes passed before the white ears appeared in Keyu's field of vision.

– I'll take these three. – Patrick showed some T-shirts. – I also really liked this one, but I want to take a larger size. – he complained, showing a white T-shirt.

– Stay here, I'll find a consultant. – Zhou Keyu said and went to look for the seller. Then, quickly changing his T-shirt for a larger size, he returned to the rabbit. – Here, dumbass.

– Thanks! – Patrick smiled broadly and disappeared behind the curtain again.

Daniel stayed to wait for him. He looked around the store with a bored look, wondering if he should buy something too, when he suddenly saw Jinyuan.

– Holy fuck! – Zhou Keyu twitched his ear in displeasure, backing away. Jinyuan didn't notice him, but he was clearly on his way to this same boutique.

Without hesitation, Zhou Keyu dived into the fitting room.

– Chou gege? – Patrick, surprised, turned to him. He was just about to get dressed, and Daniel fixed an awkward glance at his naked chest. – Of course, I don’t mind, but aren’t we rushing things too much? – he grinned cheekily.

– Shut up, pervert. – Zhou Keyu grumbled at him in embarrassment and looked away.

– You came to me. – Patrick reminded him, still smiling slyly. Daniel rolled his eyes, then twitched his ear, listening. He heard Jinyuan's voice talking to the seller about something.

– Damn it, why now? – Zhou Keyu groaned in annoyance.

Soon the voices died away. Daniel pulled back the curtain a little to check if Jinyuan had left, and almost screamed out in surprise when he saw his back.

– What th-… – Patrick didn't have time to say anything when Zhou Keyu's hand sealed his mouth.

– Shut up. – he looked into the uncomprehending eyes of the rabbit. – Shut up now.

His ear twitched, listening again for sounds. It seems that Jinyuan also came to pick up some clothes. Damn, it's so awkward! What the sod's law?

Daniel realized that his hand was still covering Yin Haoyu's mouth when the insolent rabbit licked his fingers.

– What are you doing? – Zhou Keyu removed his hand and wiped it on his coat. His cheeks flushed and Patrick smiled contentedly. – You’re not a puppy, in case you forgot.

– You know, gege, since we’re stuck here… – Patrick took a step towards Keyu, who backed away uncomprehendingly. – Let's use this, shall we? When else will I have a chance...

– Hey-ee-hey, what are you doing? Stay where you are! – Zhou Keyu shook his head, holding out his hand to keep Patrick at a distance. – Do you hear, rabbit-pervert? Don’t get close to me!

– But I want. – Patrick objected, quite no-cute and predatory smile. – Come to me, my chou gege.

He grabbed Daniel's arm and tugged at him, pulling him into a hug. Zhou Keyu felt the warmth of his bare chest even through his clothes, and this is so fucking embarrassing! He tried to get out, but the rabbit's grip was surprisingly strong.

– Let go, or I’ll bite off your ear. – Daniel said warningly, still trying to sound stern, but his face was completely red with embarrassment.

– Okay, bite. – Patrick purred, pressing cheek against his chest as he tightened his arms around Keyu's waist. – I don’t mind. You can even eat me, I won't mind. After all, you’re a wolf and I’m just a rabbit.

– Let me go, Yin Haoyu. – Zhou Keyu said a warning. – Otherwise…

– Otherwise what? – Patrick chuckled and rubbed his nose against Keyu's chest. – You smell so good. – he smiled and finally released the embarrassed and uncomprehending Zhou Keyu from his embrace. –  Someday I’ll definitely make you mine, chou gege. You won't get away from me.

– Are you threatening me? – Zhou Keyu snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. He urgently needed to return to his habitual prickly state, because Patrick is just confusing him!

– I'm just glad you're spending time with me. – Patrick smiled. – Now I’ll take you on dates much more often!

– This is not a date! – Zhou Keyu objected. – Keep in mind, I’m the one who decides whether to accept all your offers. The choice is always mine, and if you keep doing stupid things...

– Your choice is always positive. – Patrick didn't let him finish and smiled broadly. – You always choose the answer that I need. You always agree.

– You think I'm weak-character? – Zhou Keyu was offended.

– No, gege, I didn't mean that. – Patrick hastened to correct himself. – I just wanted to say that you definitely like me.

– It’s a lie! – Zhou Keyu blushed and turned around as he left the fitting room. – And I'm going home! Adios!

– But what about the cafe? – Patrick shouted after him, not holding back his laughter.

– Fuck you and your cafe, Yin Haoyu!

Chapter Text

The library was as quiet as ever, and Patrick, with his long ears pricked up, could easily find his gege. He sat at a closed, box-like table for one person, and thoughtfully looked out the window, calculating something in his head. His lips moved soundlessly, and his long fingers twirled the pencil. Daniel wrote something in his notebook and often frowned, trying to figure out where he had made a mistake in the calculations. Patrick stared at him for three long minutes before finally coming over.

– Gege!

Zhou Keyu flinched at his voice and dropped the pencil, which rolled away somewhere under his feet and the table. The wolf looked sternly at the rabbit, and its ears twitched in displeasure.

– Why are you yelling at? – he asked, frowning again. – This is the library, keep quiet.

– Sorry. – Patrick chuckled and dropped to a whisper. – I've been looking for you. Oscar-ge said that you are here. What are you doing?

– I'm busy. Daniel shrugged vaguely and turned his head to his notebook, pretending to be very busy. – What do you want?

– I wanted to invite you to eat with me. – Patrick answered, looking forward to the answer. – You want to go?

– I have a lot to do. – Zhou Keyu grunted and looked around the table, trying to remember where the pencil had gone. Patrick chuckled softly at him. – What are you laughing at?

– Your pencil is on the floor, gege. – Patrick laughed as he watched Keyu. The wolf frowned and reached for a pencil, but the rabbit was ahead of him, deftly diving under the table. Zhou Keyu didn’t even have time to react, as the white ears disappeared from view.

– What the heck? – Daniel hissed, looking sternly at Patrick.

– I wanted to help you. Found! – Patrick responded. – I’ll return your pencil if you agree to eat with me. – he chuckled as he looked up at Keyu. Daniel frowned again.

– Are you blackmailing me? – he snorted, twitching his ear in displeasure.

– Not at all. – Patrick smiled. – I'm just inviting you to eat.

– Give me the damn pencil. – Zhou Keyu held out his hand and Patrick rested his chin on it. – Are you kidding me? Well, then sit there forever!

He pulled the chair back up to the table so Patrick couldn't get out and was already looking forward to the stupid rabbit begging for mercy. But things didn't quite go according to plan, and Zhou Keyu flinched when he felt a hand on his thigh.

– Patrick, what the hell are you… – Zhou Keyu clenched his teeth as Yin Haoyu’s deft fingers ran down his inner thigh. – You’re crazy?

He tried to move away, but Patrick firmly grabbed the legs of the chair, not allowing him to move an inch. Damn, Keyu had no idea this rabbit was so strong.

– What the hell?!

– Be quiet. – Patrick smiled, licking his lips slyly, and looked up at Daniel. – Otherwise, somebody will notice you.

He lowered his white ears so that they didn’t stick out from under the table, and adjusted the bangs that tickled his forehead. It was uncomfortable to sit on your knees, and Yin Haoyu's white trousers were a little dirty, but Patrick didn't care at all. He breathed out as if in anticipation and stroked Zhou Keyu's knee with his fingertips. The pencil was safely forgotten by both of them.

– Get out right now! – Daniel ordered him in a whisper, but Patrick only snorted softly in response and settled comfortably at Zhou Keyu's parted legs. – Patrick, please… Just get out.

– No, don’t put your knees together, chou gege. – Yin Haoyu shook his head and touched Keyu's nervously trembling tail with interest. – I haven’t done anything yet, then why are you so nervous? – he rested his chin on Zhou Keyu's knee and looked at him again using his most charming gaze. If Zhou Keyu isn't going to fall into his love nets, all right, Patrick will drag him there himself.

– Fuck… – Keyu took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut, as if hoping it would all be an illusion when he opened his eyes again. He only wanted to tease the stupid rabbit, but he was trapped again.

– You're so cute. – Patrick smiled and left a light kiss on Zhou Keyu's knee. Even through his pants, Keyu felt the warmth of his lips. – I like it.

– No, calm down. – Zhou Keyu said in a whisper. – Calm down and get out from under the table, wild rabbit. Immediately.

– No, I just started. – Patrick shook his head. He slowly stroked Daniel's thigh again, sliding up to his belly. But Zhou Keyu intercepted his hand, not allowing him to move on.

– Patrick. – he said insistently and looked down at Yin Haoyu again. – Stop doing that.

– Do you really want that? – Patrick looked at him slyly, with his other hand stroking the bottom of his stomach, hidden under a white shirt. – Do you want me to stop?

He gently lifted the hem of Zhou Keyu's shirt and gently slid his hand under her, touching his abs enthusiastically with his fingertips. Keyu tensed, but said nothing, only sucked in a noisy breath. Patrick's hands were warm. He let go of the stupid rabbit's wrist and frowned. Maybe you should scare him? To growl, to threaten violence?

No, Zhou Keyu would never do anything like that. Patrick is just a rabbit, and Keyu isn’t the one who uses his predator power.

– Oh, chou gege… – Yin Haoyu looked lovingly at Keyu, feeling the hardness of his muscles under his fingers. – I love it. – he smiled. – I know you play sports, but this is… So hard.

He became bolder and allowed himself to touch Zhou Keyu not only with his fingers, but with his whole palm. He never dared to even dream about it, but now he can touch Keyu as much as he wants and it fucking turns him on.

– Oh, Zhou Keyu. – Patrick couldn't help but laugh when he heard Jinyuan's voice. Damn, what a ridiculous situation. Now the main thing isn’t to catch the eye of this idiot. – What are you doing here? – Patrick turned his ears back, as if trying to appear inconspicuous, and kissed Zhou Keyu's knee again.

– I want to ask you the same thing. – Daniel, on the contrary, wasn’t at all funny. – Didn't know you could read. – he gritted his teeth and moved closer to Patrick to hide his presence under the table. Does the stupid rabbit even know what he's doing?

– Are you still mad? – Jinyuan asked, narrowing his eyes.

– I don’t get mad at idiots. – Zhou Keyu replied coldly, but his voice trembled as Patrick began stroking his body under his shirt again. Jinyuan didn't notice. – If that's all, then you can go.

Yin Haoyu smiled. The whole situation unbelievably excited him, and the fear of being caught by someone like Jinyuan somehow added to his adrenaline. He unbuttoned the last couple of buttons on Zhou Keyu's shirt and gently kissed the exposed skin.

– Fuc…! – Zhou Keyu growled, causing Jinyuan to flinch in surprise. He slid his hand under the table and groped Patrick's hair in a fist. Not much, so as not to harm the stupid rabbit, but tangibly, to let him know that he is out of line. – What are you staring at? – he glared at Jinyuan, who was looking at him with narrowed eyes. – Get out!

– Don't growl at me! – Jinyuan bristled, angry. – Don't think that you are the coolest! I tried to be polite to you, but you make me change my mind.

– You insulted my friends. – Zhou Keyu arched an eyebrow, looking at Jinyuan with contempt. – There isn’t an iota of politeness here.

– When I did? I didn't touch your friends. – Jinyuan snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. – Or is that rabbit also into in your midst now? – he chuckled cheekily.

– Shut up. – Zhou Keyu interrupted him. – Shut your mouth and get out, or I'll tear you to pieces.

Patrick again attracted his attention, already running both hands under Zhou Keyu's shirt and selflessly exploring his body. He stroked his abs and chest, scratched with short nails and stroked again, enthusiastically holding his breath. Daniel clenched his teeth so hard they almost gritted. Damn rabbit just mocks him!

– Why are you protecting him? – Jinyuan snorted, still trying to get to the bottom of the truth. – This long-eared one shouldn’t be with predators. Plus with seniors. I can still understand Caelan, this puppy knows how to stand up for himself, but Yin Haoyu…

– I said it's none of your business. – Zhou Keyu answered sharply, not letting him finish. He was tense and angry, and Patrick under the table changed the touch of his hands to his lips. One more damn minute and Keyu just can't take it anymore.

– Oh, I get it. – Jinyuan smiled wickedly. – So you and him...

– Fuck away! – Zhou Keyu bared his fangs and growled menacingly, pressing his ears to his head. Even his eyes flashed dangerously, frightening his opponent. Jinyuan shuddered, but stopped talking.

– Fuck you, Zhou Keyu. – he said, rolling his eyes, and just in case, stepped back a couple of steps. – You know, I’m even glad that you don’t dishonor the pack! – he said and, turning around, quickly left. The library was quiet again, only Zhou Keyu's heavy breathing and Patrick's light kisses broke the silence.

Daniel sighed heavily and dropped his head on the table, digging his nails into the smooth glossy surface. He didn't want to admit it to himself, but his body responded to Patrick's caresses, responding to every touch and kiss.

– It's so nice when chou gege protects me. – Patrick purred, rubbing his cheek against Keyu's thigh. His hair was quite tangled, but even so, he still looked charming. – I like this Zhou Keyu so much.

– Shut up already. – Zhou Keyu pursed his lips and groaned under his breath as Patrick touched him again. Yin Haoyu smiled as he stroked his gege's heaving chest. He is one hundred percent sure that Keyu's face is now red again. And he likes the idea that it was he, the little rabbit, who brought him to this frenzy.

– Try to shut me up. – Yin Haoyu said with a chuckle. He moved closer, placing his hands on Zhou Keyu's hips. – Oh, so good... You know, it seems that you like me. – Patrick chuckled and licked his lips. – Well, let's see how long you last, my sweet chou gege. – he teased, then undid the fly of Keyu's trousers.

_______

– What did Patrick do?!! – Oscar choked on water and splattered the screen of his phone. He had just returned home from an unscheduled workout when Zhou Keyu called him via video link.

– Yes. – Keyu nodded, sighing tiredly as he watched Oscar wipe his phone.

– Wait-wait-wait! – fox twitched his ears as if they had heard his friend's words wrong, and looked at Zhou Keyu again. – So… Patrick… That cute and adorable honey-bunny… sucked you off in the library?!

– Yes, Oscar. – Keyu nodded again. – He really did it.

– I don't believe you, no, I don’t! I just can't believe it! – Oscar yelled, rushing around the room, as if beside himself. – It's… just impossible, do you even hear yourself?!

– But it is so! – Zhou Keyu objected, embarrassed. – It happened and now I… just don't know what to do.

– Oh fuck… – Oscar sat on the bed and sighed as if he were in Zhou Keyu's place. – I don’t know either, boy. – he ruffled his red hair, but then smiled. – But now… you're only half a virgin. – he couldn't resist joking.

– Very funny. – Zhou Keyu snorted, rolling his eyes.

– So... do you like Patrick? – Oscar asked, becoming serious again.

– No! – Zhou Keyu objected, blushing.

– No?! – Oscar yelled again. – What do you fucking mean “no”? You’re lying! You got a boner because of this rabbit and you're cu-

– Shut up, I know! – Zhou Keyu didn't let him finish, his face flushed with embarrassment. – I know it, no need to remind me!

– Oh holy fuck, you're in the big shit, bro. – Oscar said thoughtfully. They both fell silent for a moment, contemplating the situation. – Well... since it all happened, maybe you like him? – fox asked cautiously, looking at Keyu intently.

– I don’t know… not sure… – Zhou Keyu answered vaguely with a shrug. – I just… want to protect him. And he may seem cute to me, but he's still clingy! – he was indignant, and Oscar smiled. – I want to keep this dumbass away from Jinyuan, but is it just because I’m his senior? – he asked quietly.

– I don’t know. – Oscar sighed again. – I'm not sure I've ever felt like that. I don't know how to help you, baby, sorry.

– It’s okay. – Zhou Keyu shook his head. – I have to get used to the fact that you are not all-knowing.

– Let’s get Caelan and Mika involved, shall we? I'm sure these two are together now. – Oscar suggested. – I think they both know more about it than I do. Caelan has a gentle nature, he’ll understand you better than me.

– Okay. – Zhou Keyu nodded. – I'll call Mika. – he said and rustled his fingers on the screen of the phone.

A few minutes later, Caelan's smiling face appeared on the screen.

– Hey, girls! – he greeted Oscar and Keyu.

– Caelan, give me my phone, you nasty puppy! – somewhere on the side there was a displeased roar of Mika.

– Try to take it, gorilla. – Caelan laughed as he ran away from the angry bear. He ran for a few more seconds, and then noticed the worried faces of his friends. – Oh, are you okay?

– We have to talk. – Oscar said. – Call Mika too.

– Something serious? – Mika's white head appeared on the screen.

– Highly. – Oscar nodded, and then, to his friends didn’t have time to ask questions, he briefly told about the situation.

– Holy cow! – Mika and Caelan said at the same time. – It's impossible!

– I didn't believe it at first either. – Oscar nodded, unable to contain his laughter. – Can you even imagine that? Patrick! Cute rabbit surprises me more and more!

– And what did you say to him, Dan? – Caelan looked at Zhou Keyu in anticipation. – What happened next? I hope you said at least a word!

Zhou Keyu pouted like a child and turned away.

– Damn, don't tell me you left him there after what he did! – Caelan yelled, and even the fur on his ears rose in anger.

– I'm not! – Daniel looked embarrassed and wagged his tail nervously. –He left on his own, I didn’t run away, if that’s what you mean.

– So…he just…left? – Mika raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

– He said that he needed to go to the toilet and left. – Zhou Keyu shrugged. For a while his friends were silent, and he didn’t understand why. – Fuck, to the toilet! – he finally got it. – Don't dare laughing, you...! – he blushed and turned away. Oscar, Mika and Caelan burst into laughter.

– You are so selfish, Keyu! – Mika teased him. – Why didn't you help the cute rabbit?

– Go to hell! – Daniel snorted, clattering his teeth, but Mika on the other side of the screen just laughed. – PERVERT!

– I'm a pervert?! Patrick SUCKED YOU IN THE LIBRARY, which one of us is the bigger pervert? – Mika answered immediately.

– SHUT UP, YOU TEACHED CAELAN TO KISS!

– WE WAS DRUNK! AND YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO KISS AT ALL!!

– Calm down, girls! – Oscar interrupted them. – We’re here to solve a pressing problem, not to pull out each other's fur.

– Yes. – Caelan supported him with a nod of his head. – What now?

– How should I know? – Daniel shrugged, sighing tiredly. – Yin Haoyu is driving me crazy!

– But you don't hate him, do you? – Oscar asked, looking sympathetically at his friend. – Please, Keyu, first sort out your feelings. We can't help you if you can't understand how you feel.

– Well, I think Keyu doesn't hate Patrick. – Mika said, stretching. – If Keyu hated the rabbit, he wouldn't turned on.

– He can imagine someone else, so it doesn't count. – Oscar twitched his red ear.

– Did you imagine someone else? – Caelan asked Daniel.

– Yeah, the teacher Lee. – Zhou Keyu snorted.

– Eww!! – Mika and Oscar said at the same time, laughing. Caelan rolled his eyes.

– So you were only thinking about Patrick at that moment? – he asked Daniel again.

– I didn't think about anything at all. – Zhou Keyu answered a little embarrassed.

– Well, yes, you had other things on your mind, right? – Oscar teased. Caelan rolled his eyes again.

– So did you look at him or not? – he asked.

– Well, maybe sometimes… Damn, are we seriously going to disassemble every second? – Zhou Keyu snorted.

– It only took you a few seconds?

– OSCAR!!!

– My lips are sealed, baby, sealed. – Oscar said conciliatoryly, screwing up his cunning eyes.

– Listen, Keyu, you may not have figured it out yourself yet, but… I think you have feelings for Patrick. – Caelan said with a frown. He often frowns when he thinks hard about something. – I know you enough and I can say with confidence that if you weren’t interested in Patrick, you would have let him know right away. In the end, you are a predator, a wolf, it’s not difficult for you to defend your position and drive away someone who isn’t interesting, but he’s just a rabbit.

– Rabbit-manipulator. – Mika teased. – But Caelan is right. If you really didn't like Patrick, you would have kicked him out the first time you met. Think about it, Keyu.

Zhou Keyu thought for a moment. He’s no longer sure of anything. He needs to listen himself in order to understand what he really feels.

Late in the evening, Zhou Keyu waited for a call from the stupid rabbit. Patrick usually calls him to video call in the evenings to talk and stare at Keyu for a long time. But today, for some reason, he didn't. It even seemed to Zhou Keyu that now Patrick would avoid him.

Chapter Text

It didn’t seemed, because the next day the white ears didn’t show up in Keyu's field of vision! Not in the morning, not after the first couple, not even during lunch.

– Where is your cute rabbit? – Mika asked, surprised that Patrick hadn't approached Zhou Keyu all day.

– How should I know? – Daniel shrugged his shoulders, trying to appear calm, but his black ear twitched in a betrayal that did not escape Oscar's penetrating gaze.

– Do you think Jinyuan ambushed him somewhere? – the fox asked cautiously, touching his friend's shoulder.

– I hope it’s not. – Zhou Keyu answered.

– Something must have happened. – Caelan suggested. – Patrick usually doesn’t leave you a single step and constantly hangs out with us during breaks. I don't know what could have made him ignore you all day.

– It even sounds crazy. – Mika chuckled. – Let's find him? I heard Jiayuan is in the same class as him. We can ask him.

– Yes, let's try. – Oscar nodded.

Jiayuan is a freshman, his older brother Bo Yuan is also on the basketball team, so Mika, Caelan and Oscar know Jiayuan. Zhou Keyu doesn't know Jiayuan personally, but he heard that he’s a good guy and knows almost all the freshmen, especially foreigners, because he’s interested in different cultures.

They found Jiayuan playing basketball with Bo Yuan. Caelan approached him to ask him about Patrick, while Mika, Oscar and Zhou Keyu stayed at the entrance waiting for him.

– You needn't worry. – Jiayuan said, smiling when Caelan asked him about his guesses. – The pack picking on Patrick a lot less than before. I heard they are afraid of Zhou Keyu. It's good that now this little rabbit is under his care.

– Yeah, good. – Caelan nodded. – But we haven’t seen him all day, do you know anything about that? Was he at university today?

– Of course, he was. – Jiayuan nodded. – He was in my field of vision most of the day. He's also being looked after by Nine, his senior, so he's probably fine. Don't you guys see him? It's weird, I hear he hangs out with you a lot.

– Yeah, that’s weird… – Caelan nodded thoughtfully. – We thought something was wrong with him, but since he's fine… Thank you.

– My pleasure. – Jiayuan smiled again. – I'm glad to help you, guys. Say hello to your friends from me, Caelan!

– Necessarily. – Caelan patted him on the shoulder and returned to his friends who were patiently waiting for him at the exit of the gym. – Jiayuan said our rabbit is fine. I can't believe I'm saying this, but... he just seems to be avoiding us.

– What? – Oscar pouted. – But we were so kind to him and didn’t offend! We didn't even tease him often! Why did he suddenly decide to avoid us?

– Not us. – Mika clicked his tongue like it was the most obvious thing in the world. – Him. – he pointed to Zhou Keyu. – Maybe Patrick is just embarrassed by the whole situation that happened yesterday.

– Does he know this word? – Zhou Keyu snorted, rolling his eyes. He doubted Patrick had ever felt embarrassed at all. – And I'm not the one who started this yesterday.

– Patrick often does and then thinks when it comes to you. – Mika objected. – I’m sure he’s doing some soul-searching now and is thinking about whether he did the right thing towards you. That's why he avoids you. Perhaps he is really confused by this situation and doesn’t know how to behave now. Talk to him, Keyu. Tell him you're not angry, that will calm him down.

– How can I find him? – Zhou Keyu snorted. – If he’s hiding, it means he doesn’t want to see me himself, right?

– No, man! – Mika, Caelan and Oscar said in one voice.

– He probably thinks you don't want to see him. – Caelan added, patting Daniel on the shoulder. – Just find and talk to him, okay?

– Okay. – Keyu nodded as if reluctantly. – I'll go.

He nodded to his friends and headed to the building of the Faculty of dance. Surely the stupid rabbit is still there. His classes end before Zhou Keyu's, but Patrick often stays after class, doing extra work in the library or practicing with a Chinese teacher. Zhou Keyu quickly reached the right building, literally fighting off freshgirls, and began to look for white ears in the crowd of students. The Chinese lessons of freshmen-foreigners have just ended.

Daniel took a careful look at all the students and finally found the annoying rabbit from his height. He walked next to a short dog-guy, whose breed Keyu didn’t make out, and laughed sweetly.

– He seems to be having fun there. – Zhou Keyu snorted, twitching his black ear. – Well, let him go to hell then!

Daniel didn't get why he was so angry, but it offended him! He, Mika, Oscar and Caelan were worried about the rabbit, thought he was in trouble, or the pack was hurting him again! But it turned out that Patrick had no problems, he just decided to ignore them, as if they didn’t know each other. He pretty getting on their nerves by not appearing all day, but he seems to be fine without them.

– Don't care. – Zhou Keyu lifted his chin proudly and turned away, waving his black tail. He wasn't going to stand there any longer and watch the pesky rabbit have fun!

He moved down the corridor, pushing the first years aside, and tried to ignore the strange longing in his chest. Perhaps he was a little offended that Patrick preferred someone else to him. He was also angry that Yin Haoyu, who told him about his feelings, let him go so easily, as if all his words were fake.

– Chou gege! – his sensitive ears caught Yin Haoyu's excited voice, but Zhou Keyu didn’t even turn around, pretending not to notice him. He won't waste his time on the likes of Patrick, okay? His friends are waiting for him and he still has a lot to do!

Patrick deftly made his way through the crowd and grabbed Zhou Keyu by the arm, making him to stop.

– What the hell? – Keyu growled, baring his teeth, but Patrick wasn’t afraid of his formidable appearance. – Fuck off, Yin Haoyu.

– You came here for me? – Patrick asked, his eyes glowing with pleasure.

– No. – Zhou Keyu answered, pulling his hand out of Yin Haoyu's fingers. – I said fuck off. – he walked away, but Patrick didn’t retreat, but followed him, moving away from the crowd of curious students.

– Are you mad at me? – Patrick asked, trying to look into Zhou Keyu’s eyes, and his ears drooped sadly. – Are you angry about what I did? – he asked very quietly, but wolf ears heard the question. – I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me, I didn’t want to, honestly!

– Didn’t want? – Zhou Keyu asked, and the tone of his voice was like broken ice – just as cold and sharp. – Then why did you do it? What are you doing all this for? Kidding me? – he asked furiously. – It's not funny, okay?

– No, gege, no! It's not like that! – Patrick shook his head quickly. It scared him that all his actions made Zhou Keyu feel used. – I would never be kidding you! I never... I really like you a lot! I swear it wasn't my intention to offend you!

Zhou Keyu snorted and rolled his eyes, as if Patrick's words didn't convince him. Yin Haoyu grabbed his wrist again, afraid that he would suddenly leave.

– Sorry if I made you feel bad. – he said. – I'm really sorry!

– I don’t feel bad about some stupid rabbits! – Zhou Keyu objected, and Patrick couldn't help but smile softly.

– Of course, sorry. – he nodded. – I just… – Yin Haoyu stuttered, biting his lip. – I thought you wouldn't want to see me after… well. But I missed you so much!

– If you missed me, then why did you have so much fun with some...? – Zhou Keyu grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. – Well, I don’t care, okay? I'm leaving! – he twitched his ear.

– Chou gege… wait, are you…?! – Patrick's face suddenly lit up with a satisfied smile. – Are you jealous of me? Oh my God!! So you really je-

– Shut up, liSTEN YOU!! – Zhou Keyu didn't let him finish, his cheeks reddened. – I’m not jealous of stupid people like you, okay?! – he jabbed a long finger into Patrick's chest, trying to appear stern.

– Okay. Yeah. – Yin Haoyu pursed his lips, trying to hide his smile. Zhou Keyu snorted again.

– Go to hell! – he said, seeing that Patrick was openly laughing at him. – Get out to your mongrel, with whom you cooed so cheerfully! And don't come near me again.

– Oh, chou gege is so cruel to me! – Patrick pouted his lips, but didn’t even think to obey him. – Do you know how many times you broke my heart? Millions!

– I don't care. – Zhou Keyu grumbled and went looking for his friends. Patrick hurried after him.

– Don't you care that you hurt such a charming rabbit? –Yin Haoyu asked, adjusting to Keyu’s wide stride. – But you know, I'm ready to be patient! – he said with a happy smile. – Because my chances of winning your heart are better every day!

– I have no idea what are you talking about. – Daniel rolled his eyes and finally saw his friends.

– Patrick! – Oscar waved a hand to the rabbit. – Where have you been? Hey.

– Yes, we were worried. – Mika added.

– Do you have any problems? – Caelan asked. – Something happened? We haven't seen you all day.

– He was just busy flirting with some puppy. – Zhou Keyu snorted, not giving Patrick a chance to answer.

– But I didn’t flirt with him, gege! – Patrick hastily retorted, looking imploringly at Keyu. – Please don't be mad at me!

– Awww! – Mika, Oscar, and Caelan yelled with one voice.

– So you're jealous, Dan? – Oscar asked, ruffling Zhou Keyu's hair.

– No! – Keyu retorted sharply, pushing Oscar's hand off his head. – Besides, I’m hungry, so I’m going to eat. – he waved his hand and left without even looking back.

– Don't worry, Patrick. – Oscar said, patting the rabbit on the shoulder. – Daniel is so disgusting in terms of showing his feelings.

– But he was really worried about you. – Mika said, smiling reassuringly at the rabbit.

– Yes, he was worried when you didn't come to him as usual. – Caelan added. – So please don’t disappear like that again, or his heart will stop. – he joked.

– Yes… – Patrick nodded. – Sorry guys. I wasn't sure if he would want to see me. You, well… you know?

– You know how to surprise. – Oscar said with a smile. – But listen, Keyu doesn’t keep around him those who are uninteresting or unimportant to him. You have every chance, Patrick, but Keyu doesn't have the courage to admit it. I hope you have enough courage for the two of you?

– I have it. – Yin Haoyu nodded confidently. Mika and Caelan smiled at his insistence. – Thank you!

– Don't thank, honey-bunny. – Oscar smiled dazzlingly. – We're worried about you.

– Fuck, am I supposed to starve to death while I wait for you?! – Zhou Keyu’s displeased voice was heard. – I'll leave without you if you four don't hurry! – he shouted.

– He just said… – Patrick looked at Mika, Oscar and Caelan in surprise.

– Yep. – Oscar nodded, narrowing his sly eyes.

– Let's go already! – Mika put his arm around Caelan's neck and dragged him towards the exit. – This old fart will bite our ears off if we don’t hurry.

Chapter Text

Friday turned out to be very difficult for Keyu, the teachers were merciless for some reason, and even Oscar drove Keyu in training, using his status as team captain. So in the evening, all Daniel wanted was to eat and sleep well. He came to his empty comfortable apartment, but, as luck would have it, he realized that he didn’t have any food left at all. Looks like he'll has to go to the store.

He didn't want to cook, so in the shop, Keyu stopped at the shelves with noodles, taking several at once for some reason. He bought some more food and moved towards the house. It was cold outside and it was starting to get dark, which made him feel more tired. Zhou Keyu slowed down, enjoying the rare silence and walk, and then saw a familiar silhouette. A short figure with lowered rabbit ears, and a dog sitting faithfully next to him, whining softly and asking for affection.

– Patrick? – Daniel called him. He was sure that it’s Patrick there, but what that stupid rabbit doing here at a time like this? It's so late and getting dark outside, so Daniel was surprised to see a stupid rabbit here. Shouldn't he be at home?

Yin Haoyu turned around, a little surprised, and Zhou Keyu stepped closer, noticing his reddened and swollen eyes from afar.

– Chou gege? – Patrick didn't seem to expect to see him. He quickly wiped his face and smiled tightly. – What are you doing here? I thought you were already asleep! Why are you not sleeping?

– I have the same question for you. – Zhou Keyu frowned. – What the hell are you doing here? Have you seen the time? Go home now!

– Yeah… – Patrick nodded. – Yeah sure. Sorry.

– What are you apologizing for, dumbass? – Zhou Keyu snorted and then brought his face close to Patrick's. – Did you cry? – he clarified sternly, narrowing his eyes.

– What are you talking about? Of course, I didn't! – Patrick shook his head, trying to smile, but tears welled up in his eyes again. – I just… – he broke off, turning away and sobbing. – I'm fine.

– Yeah, I see that. – Zhou Keyu said sarcastically. He didn't know how to behave. Usually smiling and flirting, Yin Haoyu now looks unusual, turning away from Zhou Keyu and crying. – Stop crying, do you hear?

– I do ... – Patrick stifledly answered. Muffin whined again.

Daniel shook his head and touched Patrick's shoulder uncertainly, silently asking him to turn around. Yin Haoyu didn’t react, and Keyu walked around him, facing him.

– You…well…don’t cry, okay? – he said a little embarrassed, and then awkwardly hugged Yin Haoyu. He doesn't know how to console stupid bunnies, but at least that's what Caelan does when Keyu, Oscar or Mika are upset about something.

Patrick immediately clung to Zhou Keyu, barely feeling the warmth of his body, and sobbed, buried in his chest. Daniel thought that now his sweater will be flooded with tears.

– So… Why are you here? Also with Muffin? – Zhou Keyu asked, patting Patrick uncertainly on the back. His shoulders trembled, and Keyu involuntarily hugged him tighter.

Yin Haoyu didn’t answer, only sobbed again. The white ears flinched and rested on Zhou Keyu’s shoulder.

– You don’t have to say. Sometimes you don't feel like explaining, I know. – Zhou Keyu nodded in understanding. – It's okay.

– I'm fine. – Patrick said hesitantly. – Just a little fight with Phi. – he pulled back and looked sadly at the wet spot he had left on Keyu’s chest. – Oh no…your sweater…I…I’m sorry, gege!

Zhou Keyu twitched his ear, realizing that the stupid rabbit was ready to burst into tears again.

– Forget it. – he waved it off. – Don't you want to go home? – Zhou Keyu asked again. Patrick shook his head, turning away guiltily. Daniel considered. – Okay. You’re lucky to be near the park. It's ten minutes from here to my apartment, you can stay the night.

– I ... May I..? – Patrick asked, looking at him with wet eyes. – I bother you so much… – he said regretfully.

– I suggested it myself. – Zhou Keyu answered, trying to keep his voice softer. – Let's go to.

– And… Muffin?

– And Muffin too.

Zhou Keyu didn't plan to go out for long, so the lights were already on in the apartment when they returned. Wow, he just went out for groceries, and a crying rabbit and a golden dog have already fallen on his head.

– The bathroom's over there. – Zhou Keyu pointed to the door. – If you want to wash up and also wash Muffin’s paws, because I won’t let him go beyond the threshold with such dirty paws. You’ll find a towel there, take any.

– Thanks. – Patrick nodded and led the dog into the bathroom.

– Hungry? – Zhou Keyu asked. – I'll cook something.

– It's okay, gege. – Patrick shook his head. – I don't want to bother you.

– I asked are you hungry? – Zhou Keyu said sternly. – Answer me.

– I… yes, I am. – Patrick nodded uncertainly and even seemed embarrassed.

– Okay. – Zhou Keyu nodded in satisfaction. – Hurry up with your wash, I’ll be waiting for you in the kitchen.

He left to give Patrick time to clean up himself and Muffin. Zhou Keyu was about to make some noodles, and he was glad that he grabbed a little more than he usually took from the store. He took out the meat from the refrigerator that he planned to cook the couple day before, and thought that he could feed Muffin with this. In the end, he doesn't begrudge.

– I'm sorry we caused you the inconvenience. – two couples of guilty ears appeared in the kitchen at the same time that Zhou Keyu was chopping vegetables.

– Shut up, no one talked about the inconvenience. – Keyu snorted. – If you feel guilty, then come and help me.

– Okay, gege. – Patrick stepped closer and turned up the sleeves of his sweatshirt. – How can I help?

– There's meat. – Zhou Keyu pointed somewhere to the side. – This is for Muffin, cut it. I don't have anything else for dogs, so I hope this suit.

– It's all right, it'll suit. – Patrick answered. – Muffin can also eat vegetables. Usually I cook him porridge or soup, he isn’t so fastidious.

– Then get on with it. – Zhou Keyu said. – Cook something for him. Just take what you need.

– Thank you, I’ll refund your money later. – Yin Haoyu answered.

– No need. – Daniel objected. – You're the guest, so just shut up and do what I say.

Patrick smiled as he realized that his gege was also embarrassed by this situation.

– Okay.

He busied himself with cooking, occasionally glancing at Zhou Keyu, and couldn't help but smile. He had never seen Daniel in such a homely setting before, in an old sweater and apron. Patrick liked what he saw.

– Stop staring. – Keyu grumbled when he saw his gaze and nervously flicked his tail.

– You’re so cute. – Patrick smiled. – I didn't know you could cook.

– Dumbass, I live alone. – Zhou Keyu answered sarcastically. – I would die if I didn’t know how to cook.

– Yes, but… – Patrick scratched his ear thoughtfully. – I thought you go to eat in a cafe or, more likely, ordering delivery.

– I was doing that in my first year. – Daniel said thoughtfully. – I didn’t know how to cook before, so I often ordered food home. Or sometimes I went to eat with Oscar, he likes to wander around restaurants and cafes.

– But now you're cooking yourself. Have you been learning for a long time? – Patrick asked curiously.

– For a long time. – Zhou Keyu suddenly smiled, and Yin Haoyu froze for a moment, afraid to frighten away Daniel's smile, like a butterfly from a flower. – I had to change the kitchen in this apartment because I practically burned it down.

– Really? – Patrick asked in astonishment.

– Really. – Keyu nodded, then became serious again. – As you can see, I’m not as perfect as everyone used to think.

– My classmates think that everything is easy for you. – Patrick nodded thoughtfully.

– This isn’t true. – Zhou Keyu shook his head and his bangs fell into his eyes. – I work hard on what I want to master. I didn't know how to cook before, but I practiced for a long time to learn it. Also with basketball and studies. Nothing is given to me just like that, I achieve everything myself.

Yin Haoyu carefully looked at Zhou Keyu, respect flickered in his gaze. Daniel was silent for a moment, then turned away in embarrassment and muttered:

– As a child, I was chubby.

Then he fell silent again, as if he had told his darkest secret.

– Wh-what? – Patrick asked again, as if it seemed to him.

– You heard me. – Zhou Keyu snapped. Silence fell as Daniel sighed and turned to Patrick. I have never been a beautiful and thin child. – What you see is also years of training. People think I'm lucky in everything, but I'm not. I mean… – he searched for words in his head, and Patrick waited patiently for what he would say. – You're annoying me, okay?!

– What?! – Patrick was outraged. – What's that got to do with it?!

– Moreover! – Zhou Keyu answered, his cheeks flushed. – You literally stuck to me! I've been waiting for the moment when you finally back off, but here you are again! In my damn apartment! No one stayed that long, why are you... why are you still following me?

– Because I like you! – Patrick answered. So loud that Muffin, sitting next to him, flinched and barked. – I already told you that I wouldn’t give up on you! But if you really tell me to back off, I'll do! Only if you say it seriously, not because of your harmful nature, but because you really want it, I... I’ll never follow you again, I swear!

– You wouldn't dare!

It became quiet again. Zhou Keyu turned away in embarrassment, and a stunned Patrick stared at him with wide eyes. His heart was pounding, and hundreds of fireworks exploded in his head.

– Chou gege, you…

– Shut up! – Daniel interrupted him, he was still very embarrassed and his face was on fire, so he didn't want to turn to Patrick. – Listen carefully, dumbass! Now if you dare to back away from me, I swear I will find you and tear you to pieces, you get it?!

– I get it! – Patrick said enthusiastically, his tail trembled with joy. He jumped up to Keyu and hugged him tightly around the waist, pressing his cheek against his back. – I get everything, gege! I... I... I'm so happy!

– Shut up already, you're annoying! – Daniel snorted and Patrick obediently shut up, stepping around Zhou Keyu to see his face. Yin Haoyu never stopped smiling. – You look like an idiot. – Keyu quipped.

– Let it! – Patrick waved his hand. – I love you so much, chou gege!

– God, just shut your mouth already! – Zhou Keyu said shyly.

–  But it's true! Patrick objected. – I really lov-

He didn't finish, because Zhou Keyu’s warm lips suddenly pressed against his. If Patrick thought a second ago that he would never be happier than he is, then he was wrong. Right now, he felt great happiness and real euphoria – at the moment when Zhou Keyu kissed him. He groaned softly at the overwhelm of his feelings, and grabbed Daniel's shoulders, afraid that can faint from such surprise.

Patrick thought a lot about what their first kiss would be, but he didn't know, couldn't even imagine(!), that Keyu would be the one to do it first.

Daniel's fingers slipped into his hair and softly touched his white ears. Patrick leaned into the caress, longing to prolong this moment longer, but Zhou Keyu pulled away as abruptly as he started it all.

He looked embarrassed and Patrick couldn't help but smile.

– Gege, I-

– Shut up, it didn't happen. – Daniel cut him off before he could finish.

– Okay let it be your way. – Yin Haoyu nodded and deliberately slowly licked his lips, teasing Keyu. Daniel snorted and turned away, going back to cooking.

– Get your doing. – he said to Patrick. – Muffin is waiting.

Patrick obeyed, smiling all the time.

After a late dinner, Zhou Keyu laid Patrick on the sofa in the living room. Yin Haoyu didn't object, he was already grateful to Zhou Keyu for letting him and Muffin stay.

– Tomorrow is a day off. I usually sleep for a long time. – Keyu said looking at the rabbit. – Just wake me up if you wake up early and get hungry.

Yin Haoyu nodded even though he knew he was unlikely to wake Daniel up tomorrow morning. He would rather leave quietly so as not to interfere with his rest.

– Fine. – Zhou Keyu nodded. – Good night then. Do you need anything else?

– Can you sit with me for a bit? – Patrick asked.

– Okay. – Zhou Keyu, to Patrick's surprise, agreed. He waited for the rabbit to settle down, turned off the light and sat down on the edge of the sofa. Muffin rested his muzzle on his knees. It became quiet.

– You’re very comfortable. – Patrick said softly, breaking the silence. – But I would probably fell lonely if I lived here.

– Is that why you live with Phi? – Keyu asked, stroking Muffin's head.

– That's partly why. – Patrick nodded. – I had no choice, I didn’t know anyone in China, except for him. My family isn’t rich enough to buy me a separate apartment, so I have to live with him.

– You talk like your Phi is a real monster. – Daniel frowned.

– No way. – Patrick smiled. – P'Nine is always very kind to me.

– Nevertheless, you’re now in my apartment, not in his. – Keyu remarked sarcastically. The smile disappeared from Yin Haoyu's face.

– P'Nine thinks you're wrong for me. – Patrick said very quietly, but Zhou Keyu heard. He looked at the rabbit, waiting for more. – That's why we had a fight.

– So I'm the reason you're homeless today? – Daniel asked dryly. Patrick shook his head, and his white ears dropped wearily onto the pillow.

– P'Nine just doesn't know you as well as I do. he answered with a yawn. – He thinks you're a narcissistic fool who hurts me.

– Isn't he right? – Zhou Keyu snorted, and Yin Haoyu laughed softly.

– Of course he's not, cause you let me stay with you. – he answered. – And also fed me delicious food and gave me a warm blanket. If you were bad, you would leave me on the street.

Zhou Keyu didn't answer. In part, P'Nine was right, because Daniel isn't as good as Patrick thinks. He let Patrick stay simply because…. Just because it's Patrick. If it was someone else, Zhou Keyu wouldn't even stop at that street.

– I know you're good, gege. – Patrick said, yawning again. – It's just that so many people don't see it. But I see. And Oscar, and Mika, and Caelan too.

– Just sleep. – Zhou Keyu waved him off in embarrassment and discreetly covered Yin Haoyu's legs with a blanket so that the stupid rabbit would not freeze in his sleep. – And don't cry anymore, I don't like it.

– Okay. – Patrick nodded, smiling sleepily. – Can I… Can I get one more kiss?

– No. – Zhou Keyu was indignant, blushing, but this wasn’t visible in the darkness. Patrick laughed again.

– Okay. – he called back. – I'll wait. Good night, chou gege.

Zhou Keyu didn’t answer, he silently waited for the rabbit to fall asleep. As sleepy breath filled the room, Daniel stood up carefully so as not to disturb Patrick's sleep and beckoned Muffin to the dog blanket next to the sofa.

– Be a good boy, Muffin. – Zhou Keyu whispered as he stroked the dog's head. – Don’t make noise, otherwise your stupid owner won’t get enough sleep, okay?

Muffin obediently lay down, wagging his fluffy tail. Zhou Keyu smiled. He walked over to the sleeping Patrick, straightened his blanket and removed the bangs that fell over his eyes. The white ears moved, but Yin Haoyu didn’t wake up. Looks like he's had a hard day falling asleep so quickly. Zhou Keyu sighed in embarrassment and leaned down, leaving a weightless kiss on the rabbit's forehead.

– Good night, dumbass.

Then he went to his bedroom.

Chapter Text

In the morning, Zhou Keyu woke up to the sun mercilessly shining on his face. He closed his eyes and rolled over onto his stomach, hiding his head under the pillow. It's already noon. Daniel stretched, twitched his tail as if trying to ward off sleep, and then he suddenly remembered that he wasn’t alone. Wolf ears listened, trying to catch extraneous sounds, but the apartment was habitually quiet.

Zhou Keyu stood up. He pulled on the first T-shirt that came to hand and went out into the living room. Rabbit was gone, and there were no traces of his being here yesterday. The bedding Daniel had given him yesterday was neatly folded on the edge of the sofa, and a few bills and a note lay on a small table. Zhou Keyu didn’t even begin to read it, he angrily squeezed the money and the unfortunate sheet in his fist, and then threw them on the floor.

– Damn rabbit! – he growled. Keyu returned to the bedroom, found his phone, and angrily began dialing Patrick's number. Long beeps annoyed him, but Yin Haoyu soon answered.

– Chou gege! Have you already woken up? – he asked cheerfully.

– What the hell, Yin Haoyu?! – instead of a greeting, Zhou Keyu growled into the phone. – Didn’t I ask you to wake me up?! Didn't I say I don't want your money?! – he asked without giving Patrick a chance to answer. – Why did you go away? You... ran away like a coward and left me money like I was some kind of prostitute! I don't want to see you, okay?!

– Gege, what are y- I didn’t mean it at all!

– I don't care anymore. – Zhou Keyu said coldly. – You ignored my words, they mean nothing to you? If that's the case, then you can get the hell away! Do you get it, dumbass? Arevoir!

He dropped the call and switched off the phone, knowing that Patrick would try to reach him. Zhou Keyu was angry and offended. Wasn't he hospitable enough to that stupid rabbit? He tried, he really tried to be a good host, why then did Yin Haoyu leave his money to him like in a hotel? Does this mean that Keyu was not good enough, since Patrick considered himself indebted to him. It's just humiliating! He let him into his apartment, tried to feed him tolerably, he, damn... even kissed him! Isn't that enough to express his feelings and openness? But Patrick just decide... to pay him off?

Daniel sniffed resentfully and went back to bed. He's not going to come out of here all day because now he's got a damn broken heart!

From all these experiences, his head ached, and Zhou Keyu fell asleep again. He had a dream where he was much braver and could tell Patrick how he felt, and he didn't want to wake up because he knew that in real life he was just a coward, unable to properly express emotions.

– Chou gege, are you sleeping? – in his dream, Patrick came to him, he was warm, and Keyu didn’t even want to kick him out, despite the offense. Patrick's small hand stroked Zhou Keyu's hair, and the feeling was so real that Daniel purred contentedly. – Are you a kitten? – Patrick laughed at him and scratched his black ears.

Zhou Keyu woke up.

– What the heck?! – he stared in amazement at Patrick sitting on his bed. – Didn't I say I didn't want to see you? – he asked as he sat up in bed and crossed his arms over his chest. He wanted to look menacing, but his frowny and sleepy look made Yin Haoyu laugh. – How did you get in?

– I left the door open when I left, I don't have the key. – Patrick explained gently. – I knocked, but you didn’t hear, so I just walked in.

– Cool. – Zhou Keyu snorted. – Now get out, and be sure that I will lock the door so that you cannot return.

Patrick sighed, but thought about it – those words sounded so ambiguous. If Patrick ever leaves Zhou Keyu, he will never be able to go back again.

– Chou gege, let’s talk. – he asked, gently touching Zhou Keyu's shoulder.

– Nothing to talk about. – Daniel snorted, but didn't remove Patrick's hand from his shoulder. – Just take your damn money and leave. It's my day off and you're bothering me.

– You don't want this. – Patrick said. – You don't want me to leave.

– What?! – Zhou Keyu was even taken aback by his impudence. – So you know better than me what I want? – he asked caustically.

– Yes! – Patrick nodded and smiled broadly. – You want hugs!

– Wh-

Daniel didn't have time to react when Patrick pounced on him with a hug. He fell on the pillows and almost hit the back of his head on the head of the bed, and the stupid rabbit fell on top of him, preventing him from escaping.

– Get off me, dumbass! – he tried to get out, but rabbit's grip was surprisingly strong. Patrick squeezed his body with both hands and smiled happily.

– Chou gege is so warm! – he said, rubbing his cheek against Keyu's shoulder. His eyes shone as he looked at Zhou Keyu. Daniel pouted, still trying to sound offended.

– Stay away. – he grumbled, twitching his black ear in displeasure.

– Please don’t be mad at your rabbit, gege! – Patrick said in a sweet tone. – I thought it would be right to return the money to you, because Muffin and I disturbed you late.

– I said I don't need it. – Zhou Keyu snorted and made another attempt to get out. – Let go.

Yin Haoyu smiled again, and then suddenly kissed Daniel's pouty lips.

– What the he-

Patrick didn't let him resent, kissing him briefly again.

– Stop that-… Pat-… Sto-… Stop it!

The insolent rabbit laughed, and Zhou Keyu's cheeks were pink again.

– My gege is so cute! – he said, smiling contentedly. – You're not mad at me anymore?

– Back off. – Zhou Keyu grumbled, but without malice in his voice. Patrick was pleased.

– Do you want to come have lunch with me? – he offered, finally releasing Zhou Keyu from his hands. – We can go to your favorite street cafe if you want. I'll buy you lunch for your help.

– Fine. – Zhou Keyu thought for a moment and nodded. – Okay, I hope you go broke. – he said caustically, making Patrick laugh.

– I’ll wait for you. – Patrick said. – Take a shower and get dressed, gege.

– I know it without you. – Zhou Keyu snorted and headed for the shower, but stopped halfway and turned to Yin Haoyu. – So you…reconciled with your Phi? – he asked.

– Yes! – Patrick nodded happily. – It turns out that P'Nine called me many times during the night, but my phone ran out of power. I'm sorry I made him nervous.

– Yeah, you know how to get on nerves. – Daniel nodded in agreement. – I'm glad you've reconciled.

– Oh, thank you. – Patrick smiled. – I told P'Nine that you let me stay the night yesterday.

– I doubt his opinion of me changed so quickly. – Zhou Keyu rolled his eyes.

– He asked me to thank you for taking care of me. – Yin Haoyu bowed respectfully and shook his white ears. – P'Nine said he didn't mind us dating.

– We aren’t dating! – Zhou Keyu embarrassedly objected.

– Not yet, but we will be soon. – Patrick said in all seriousness. – Please hurry, gege, I’m hungry.

– Ugh… – Keyu responded and went to the shower. Patrick patiently waited for him in the room.

Soon Daniel returned, already dressed and clean, with wet ears and sticking hair. Patrick couldn't help but laugh.

– Shut up, I can't find a hair dryer. – Keyu yelled at him.

– You’re so cute!

– I'm not cute! – Zhou Keyu objected. – Stop saying that or I'll bite your ear off! I’m a wolf, a predator! I'm dangerous, not cute, got it?

Patrick couldn't stop laughing and Daniel pouted. The impudent rabbit just mocks him!

– Can I help you find a hair dryer? – Patrick suggested, and Zhou Keyu nodded in agreement. So it will be faster. – Okay, where did you last see it?

After a short search, they still manage to find the ill-fated hair dryer. Patrick had volunteered to dry Zhou Keyu's hair and ears, and now he was delighted with the soft strands of his gege.

– Your hair is so smooth! – Patrick said enthusiastically. Show at least one detail that would not be perfect in Zhou Keyu. There is none of them. Even his hair is just a work of art for Patrick!

– Hurry up. – Zhou Keyu answered. He was already tired of sitting in one place, and he was hungry.

– Be patient. – Yin Haoyu said softly. – I'm almost done.

– While you are busy, I can have time to die a hundred times. – Daniel snorted.

– I just want your hair to be beautifully styled. – Patrick shrugged.

– What don't you like in my usual hairstyle?

– I didn't say I don't like it. – Patrick stroked Keyu's black ears with his fingertips. – Why are you so categorical, gege?

– You can always leave if you don't like something. – Daniel snorted.

– That's what I'm talking about. – Yin Haoyu laughed. – I asked you a simple question, and you’re already ready to kick me out.

Zhou Keyu pouted like a child and crossed his arms over his chest. Is it his fault that he is like this?

– Don’t pout, gege, after all, we are all different. – Patrick said softly. – You’re who you are, but sometimes you still need to be a little softer with people.

– I don't care about people. – Zhou Keyu answered. After all, he had Oscar, Mika and Caelan, and Daniel tries to be gentle enough with them, he cares about them and loves them very much. Perhaps soon he will get used to Patrick, and will be less picky about him because this stupid rabbit doesn’t give up and diligently picks up the keys to Keyu's heart. He don't care about the rest people.

– Okay, I'm done. – Yin Haoyu said. – Now you’re even more beautiful!

Zhou Keyu snorted without malice and twitched his ear.

– I’m hungry. – he said to Patrick as he walked into the hallway. – Hurry up or I'll eat you.

Yin Haoyu laughed and hurried after him.

In his favorite cafe, Zhou Keyu became less irritable. The food satisfied him, and he stopped snarling and "biting" so often.

– You look so happy. – Patrick said with a smile as he watched Daniel eat.

– You messed with my hair for a hundred years and I almost starved to death. – Keyu replied. – Of course, I’m happy that I can finally eat.

– You're exaggerating, gege. – Patrick laughed. – It only took twenty or thirty minutes.

– Eternity! – Zhou Keyu corrected him.

The waitress approached them and asked if they needed anything else.

– Do you want something, gege? – Patrick asked.

– No, just water. I'm already full. – Keyu shook his head.

– Oh, you know, we have a promotion today. – the waitress suddenly said. – Good discount if you bring your soul mate. I immediately realized that you a couple, you came to our cafe on time!

– We don't-… – Patrick broke off as Zhou Keyu kicked him hard under the table, making him hiss in pain. The rabbit twitched his ears and looked at his gege with displeasure. What's happening?

– It’s good that we came here today, isn’t it, my love? – Daniel asked Patrick with a sweet smile. Yin Haoyu widened his eyes in surprise. Such Zhou Keyu was so unusual that Yin Haoyu was even embarrassed.

– Oh… uhm… yes. – he nodded.

– Well, then, please, a glass of water and immediately the bill. – Zhou Keyu turned to the waitress. She nodded and finally left.

The smile immediately disappeared from Zhou Keyu's face, when he return to his usual severity. He looked at Patrick with barely visible sympathy.

– Hurt? – he asked a little worriedly.

– No, but... What was it? – Patrick asked, surprised.

– I don’t remember you saying that you have a million in your account. – Daniel snorted, looking reproachfully at the stupid rabbit. – You volunteered to pay, so enjoy the discount, fool.

– Is that how you care about me? – Patrick asked with a smile. Zhou Keyu didn't answer, just looked away. – Oh my God! You don't even mind?! – Yin Haoyu looked at him with glowing eyes and moved his ears happily.

– I just don't want you to starve to death if you spend all your money here. – Zhou Keyu quipped. – You should be grateful!

– No, you care! – Patrick objected. – You care about me! Oh, my gege is so caring!

– Listen you… – Zhou Keyu was about to tell the impudent rabbit whatever he was thinking, but noticed a waitress walking towards them and was forced to stop talking.

– What's the matter, ge? – Patrick teased him. – Do you want to ask me out on a date again?

– Of course, my love. – Zhou Keyu didn’t remain in debt, he intended to teach a lesson to the impudent rabbit. – We can go right now.

– Heкe your water. – the girl put the glass on the table.

– Thanks. – Daniel nodded. Patrick didn't take his eyes off him. Zhou Keyu looked straight at the stupid rabbit, his eyes asking "What are you staring at?", but then a great idea came to his mind.

Zhou Keyu made the most imperturbable face and smiled sweetly at Patrick, who was looking at him. Yin Haoyu tensed, not understanding such a change in his gege. And then he flinched when he felt Keyu's foot touch him under the table. Patrick looked at Daniel pleadingly and shook his head, asking him to stop, but received only another sugary smile in response. Keyu slid his foot up to Yin Haoyu's knee and smoothly reached his thigh. The waitress was still around, writing the bill and counting off the discount.

– You look very cute together. – she said, writing down something in a notebook.

– Oh thank you. – Zhou Keyu smiled charmingly again. Patrick clenched his hips, preventing Keyu from moving any further, but Daniel moved closer and extended his other leg. – Actually, we just started dating.

– Oh really? – girl interested asked. – You look like you've been dating for a long time.

– It’s just that this rabbit has been running after me for a long time. – Zhou Keyu pointed to an embarrassed Patrick. – Would you like to share our love story, honey? – he asked mockingly.

– I… – Patrick couldn't answer, his ears were trembling. Zhou Keyu moved his foot further, and his fingers brushed against something hard. Daniel was surprised. Then he got embarrassed and quickly removed his legs, hiding them back in his sneakers. Damn, he's gone too far!

– I would really like to hear this story, but, unfortunately, I can’t talk to visitors during working hours. – the waitress was upset but sighed. – But you both are really cute.

– Thank you. – Zhou Keyu nodded shyly. Patrick quickly paid for the food, and soon the girl left again. There was silence at the table.

– You…why did you do that? – Patrick asked, and in his voice Keyu was surprised to hear resentment. He didn't know what to say, so he just shrugged. – This isn’t funny, how can I get out now?

– Just wait, it will pass by itself. – Zhou Keyu snorted, explaining to him like a child.

Patrick dropped his gaze.

– You're angry now? – Zhou Keyu asked in surprise. Yin Haoyu didn’t answer. –What is the problem?

– It's not funny. – he repeated. Zhou Keyu frowned.

– Can you see that I'm laughing? – he asked irritably, although he knew that he had no right to be angry with the rabbit, because he wasn’t to blame.

– But you…! – Patrick said emotionally, but didn’t finish, noticing that several rare visitors turned to his loud voice. – You did this… knowing my feelings for you, why?

– How was I to know you couldn't control yourself? – Zhou Keyu snapped. – Or do you think I did it on purpose because I just wanted to make fun of you?

Patrick clenched his jaw but said nothing.

– Fine. So you really think so. – Zhou Keyu got angry. Then he stood up and pulled off his sweatshirt. He walked up to the rabbit and, without letting him come to his senses, hastily pulled his sweatshirt over him. – Go to the toilet, dumbass. – he growled in his ear. – And consider it an answer to what happened in the library. Now we're even.

Patrick looked into his angry eyes, but Daniel quickly turned away. Yin Haoyu carefully stood up, Zhou Keyu's long sweatshirt reached almost to the middle of his thigh and completely hid the "problem". Patrick went to the toilet, and when he returned, Keyu was gone. He left.

Yin Haoyu sighed. They quarreled again. Then he looked out the window. It began to rain.