Work Text:
Lately, Xingqiu couldn't focus on reading his novels. Even if they were his favourite martial arts novels. Everytime he tries to focus, a certain light-blue-haired-boy would pop up in his mind and he would get distracted from reading his novel.
He didn't care much about it until this one time the same thing happens again, he thought that maybe he just missed Chongyun. Yes, that's it. A perfect reason! No suspicions!
Although, they literally just had a hangout a few days ago. They also had lunch together and Xingqiu even played a chili prank on him, causing Chongyun to run off to archons-know-where, seemingly upset. When he had found him by liyue harbor enjoying the sunset view with the wind blowing his soft light blue hair-
Pinning in his mind that that was the reason he couldn't focus and not wanting to think more about what happened on that day, Xingqiu went back to reading.
Then he decides to think again when he imagines himself and Chongyun as the couple in the romance novel he's reading.
'What is going on with me?' Xingqiu thinks.
He's certain that he has no special feelings for Chongyun. Nope, never once thought of that, definitely. He's also sure that he doesn't have and never had special feelings for anyone else. He was too focused on himself to think about that.
Now that he's gotten more free time(and spent almost all of it with Chongyun), he starts to contemplate about having special feelings for someone.
Oh how fun it must be to wake up everyday and think about the person you love. How sweet it would be to go on dinner dates with someone you love. How romantic it would be to sing love songs together with them. How silly it would be to play a playful prank on them, tease them, make them blush and fall in love with them more and more each and every day.
That sounds familiar, huh.
While Xingqiu was thoughtfully thinking, a knock is heard from his bedroom door.
"Who is it?" Xingqiu looks at the door.
"Young master, your exorcist friend is outside and has requested to see you," the maid on the other side says.
Well, that's weird. He doesn't remember planning a hangout with Chongyun today. Maybe Chongyun was the one that has planned for a hangout.
Although he rarely does that...
"Oh, let him in," he'll have to ask his father about Chongyun's entry permissions, it's quite troublesome for him to request to enter the house everytime they plan on hanging out for the day. But in this case, they didn't plan anything at all.
Xingqiu tries to think of a reason for why Chongyun would want to see him out of the blue.
'Did I leave my book at the hangout spot? No, no, I'm sure I brought it back-' Xingqiu thinks when his bedroom door slowly opens. Xingqiu smiles once he sees a hint of light blue hair poking out beside the opened door.
"Why, hello there, my dearest Yun," Chongyun tilts his head from behind the door to look inside the room, his icy blue eyes meeting with Xingqiu's golden amber ones. "Did you perhaps forgot to knock again?" Xingqiu continues.
"Oh, sorry!" Chongyun backs away and closes the door. He then knocks the door, "May I come in, young master Xingqiu...?" Chongyun says from behind the closed door. The act made Xingqiu giggle.
"Yes, you may come in, Chongyun," and Chongyun opens the door to walk into the room. He stares at the pile of books beside Xingqiu's bed.
"Reading again?" he asks.
"What else could I be doing?" Xingqiu looks into Chongyun's soft eyes.
"I don't know, maybe doing work or something. You seem busy these days."
"As grateful as I am that you think that I'm a hardworking person that only works for the whole day, I could never do so," Xingqiu replies, looking at the book in his hands.
"Huh. Then, maybe you'll be preparing to go to a date that your parents set up for you, young master." Chongyun crosses his arms and looks at Xingqiu who seems to be reading his book thoughtfully and not listening.
"I've personally never heard of such a thing from my parents." Xingqiu lies, looking up at Chongyun and raising a brow.
"Well, you have now." Chongyun joins Xingqiu on the bed, sitting next to him.
"Eh. Anyway, what are you doing here, Yun? I thought we planned today as work day," Xingqiu closes his book and gracefully places it on top of the pile of books beside his bed.
"Your mother told me that you were supposed to go on a date that your father has arranged today."
'Oh no, why must she mention that to him...' Xingqiu thinks, closing his eyes in frustration.
"But she said you kept refusing to go and locked yourself in your room for the whole day, every single time," Chongyun continues.
Xingqiu sighs.
"Aha, you may be right about that. Sorry I lied, I just don't want to hear about those for now."
"She said it's important for the guild's reputa-" Chongyun was cut off.
"I've heard that soooooo many times already that my ears might explode from hearing about it. And I'm afraid that soon, you're going to be māmā Yun," Xingqiu places a hand on his chest, acting like his heart is hurt.
"Did she really just specifically tell you to persuade me to go to the date? If yes then I assure you I am not going," Chongyun opens his mouth to speak but Xingqiu continues, "Andddd even if I go I would just reject her...or him. I'm sure the guild is strong enough with its connections now, so why need me to date then marry someone just for business purposes? Oh, my dear Chongyun! I'm sure you understand that!"
Chongyun blinks as a few quiet seconds pass. He makes sure Xingqiu has finished talking before answering, "One, yes she did send me here just to persuade you to go to the date. Two, I believe you must go. Three, I understand that and you'll have to go meet her or him, eventually."
Xingqiu stays quiet as his mind tries to decide.
"Oh, fine. But you'll have to accompany me all along the process!" Xingqiu decides.
"Of course I will. Now come on, your date is waiting," Chongyun smiles ever-so-brightly and warmly at Xingqiu. And that smile makes Xingqiu reciprocate it as his heartbeat starts to become faster.
He ignores his fast-beating heart and orders Chongyun to wait outside while he changes into more formal clothes for the date. He looks into the mirror to check out his suit. He wonders what Chongyun would think about it. Would he compliment him? Xingqiu smiles at the thought.
Just then, Chongyun knocks on the door. "Qiu, are you done yet?" he asks.
"I indeed am, and I am on my way," Xingqiu answers and walks over to the door to open it. He sees Chongyun standing awkwardly and a gust of wind blows his light blue hair when he looks into Xingqiu's eyes and smiles.
And there was that familiar feeling again. That familiar feeling of only wanting to focus on Chongyun alone and ignore everything else around him. That feeling of yearning, yearning to be with Chongyun even though he's already there. Yearning to be close to him, to touch him and-
'No. What is this feeling?' Xingqiu mentally shakes his head.
He couldn't even think of a possible answer because Chongyun is now reaching out for his hand, for him to take it into his, to hold his hand.
Why? Why did his heart ache at this? It's not necessary for them to hold hands, they...they are just best friends. So why? Why were they doing it and why does the truth hurt him?
Despite the confusing emotions, Xingqiu still reaches out. He holds out his hand and holds Chongyun's in his, as if it is only meant for him and only him to take and he sees that smile again. That gorgeous smile that makes his heart melt. He wonders why he feels like this.
They never let go of each other during the journey to the restaurant where Xingqiu's supposed date is at. They barely made eye contact. Even when they did, it was merely for one second and the next, Xingqiu looks away with his cheeks tinted light pink. He hopes Chongyun didn't notice it.
When they arrive at the restaurant, they stood outside, looking into the restaurant. It looked...empty. Only a few people are currently dining in.
'Wow their food must be terrible. Surely I can excuse myself with that,' Xingqiu thinks and smiles mischievously.
"You look happy," Chongyun says, raising a brow.
"Oh, so you've noticed, dear. Well, I'm just happy that you actually kept your words and have accompanied me here. Although the whole "process" hasn't ended yet," Xingqiu sighs.
Chongyun quietly nods. He then pulls Xingqiu into the restaurant, quite harshly.
"Ow!" Xingqiu lets out.
"Sorry," Chongyun says once they're inside the restaurant, rubbing the back of Xingqiu's hand with his thumb.
"It seems like you're the one who's going to see their date here."
Chongyun huffs and this time, gently pulls Xingqiu to a reserved private room where the date is. To his surprise, the date was standing outside of the room and saw them coming over, with their hands linked together. Chongyun quickly lets go, to Xingqiu's dismay.
"Oh, hello there. Are you perhaps...young master Xingqiu?" the girl asks hesitantly.
"Yes, I indeed am. And you are...?"
The girl looks at Xingqiu, then looks at Chongyun and then looks at the distance between them. It is then that Xingqiu realises how close he is to Chongyun and that he somehow doesn't mind.
"Ah...I'm Liuli. I..." she hesitates, before continuing, "...I didn't know you already have a partner, if I knew I wouldn't have agreed to this."
Chongyun was about to deny but Xingqiu spoke first.
"Oh, well, I see. Then I shall take my leave. Though, I would prefer if you don't mention about this to my parents," he says, taking Chongyun's hand in his.
Xingqiu then smiles at the girl and looks at Chongyun. His mouth was slightly opened, his eyes blinking in a quick motion, indicating that he was confused. Xingqiu bows to the girl, who also bowed back, then pulled Chongyun out of the restaurant.
"Hehe, looks like I can ditch this one," Xingqiu lets go of Chongyun's hand to cross his arms once they're outside of the restaurant, a small part of him missing the warmth of Chongyun's hand in his.
"How should I explain this to your parents when we get back..." Chongyun sighs.
"Well I'll just tell them that I don't care about these stuff!"
"I think you should," an older man's voice is heard from behind them. Chongyun and Xingqiu turn around to see Xingqiu's parents behind them.
"Ba, ma! What are you doing here? Haha..." Xingqiu greets, fiddling with his fingers.
"We thought we should check on you while you go on your date," Xingqiu's father responds.
"A-Qiu...why didn't you tell us about this?" Xingqiu's mother asks.
"About what exactly...?" Xingqiu nervously asks back.
"About this...thing between you two. If you had told us, we wouldn't be setting you up on dates. You two could even be married now," Xingqiu's mother looks at the two boys in front of her.
"M-married?" Chongyun accidentally lets out.
"I mean, our guild connecting with your clan would bring benefits to all of us. Plus, our Qiu would be happy once you two are married since you both love each other. It's a win-win situation," Xingqiu's father calmly replies.
For once, Xingqiu is speechless. Mixed feelings swirling around him. He has pulled Chongyun into his family matters, he has troubled him. And yet there's this feeling inside him, a feeling of euphoria, when his parents mentioned about him marrying Chongyun.
What...?
"We'll discuss about this sooner or later," Chongyun hesitates to speak, fearing that he would choose the wrong words. "Sorry, but we should excuse ourselves now," and so Chongyun bows to Xingqiu's parents, reaching out to hold Xingqiu's hand, for the second time today.
"Ah, it's okay. Just take your time. We await for your news," Xingqiu's father says.
Chongyun smiles, pulling Xingqiu away. Xingqiu comes back to reality, shaking his head and processing what is currently happening.
He was holding Chongyun's hand, most likely likewise but they were holding hands. An unsurprising gesture. And Chongyun was bringing him to somewhere.
But where?
He then tugs at Chongyun's hand, causing the other to stop walking and look back at Xingqiu.
It is then that Xingqiu realises how...handsome Chongyun looks. The sense of deja vu. It feels just like a few days before, the day they last hung out together.
Their fingers intertwined, Chongyun's icy light blue eyes stare softly into Xingqiu's golden amber ones. Xingqiu notices the light pink blush on Chongyun's face as he avoids eye contact, looking everywhere but the boy in front of him.
"Where are we going...?" Xingqiu asks, somehow with fear hinted in his trembling voice.
'Why am I like this?' Xingqiu thinks, shutting his eyes and opens them again to look at Chongyun, waiting for his response.
Chongyun loosened his grip on Xingqiu's hand. He furrowed his brows, seemingly thinking of what to say.
"You know what? We'll just talk about it here," Chongyun says.
"Huh?" Xingqiu was confused. Did he miss out that much just because he zoned out? "Talk about what, exactly?"
"Your parents think we are dating."
"Yes, they did. It's a misunderstanding."
"That's...it?"
"Hm?" Xingqiu slightly tilts his head back and to the side, confused.
"You're just going to tell them that it's a misunderstanding...?"
"Why, yes, of course. I wouldn't dare to lie to them about my relationships," Xingqiu says, but he thinks it's not enough. "We aren't exactly dating after all."
"That's...what we're supposed to talk about now," Chongyun looks away from Xingqiu.
"Oh?" Xingqiu's eyes glimmered with curiousity. "So you're about to tell me you have a romantic partner already and don't wish to be any part of this?"
Chongyun widens his eyes as Xingqiu continues, "Don't worry, haha. I won't be asking you to fake date me."
"No, I don't have-! Not like that..." Chongyun tries to defend himself, terribly.
"Then...I'll just tell my parents it was a big misunderstanding. Just like that, poof! Problem settled."
"The real problem is- I-" Chongyun choked on his own words. This was harder than he thought it would be.
"Hm? What is it, Yun?" Xingqiu raises a brow.
"Well, it's not really a problem..."
"You can just tell me, you know. You should trust me since I also trust you, my best friend," Xingqiu says, softening his gaze.
It had been a while since Xingqiu had called Chongyun "my best friend", since they both agreed that it was cringe. Unsurprisingly, the last time he has ever used it was a few years ago. But it is in moments like this that he uses the nickname to reassure Chongyun.
To show him that he trusts him.
They stood there in silence. Xingqiu waits for Chongyun to break it with what he wants to tell him. Anything at all.
And he did.
"I like you, Xingqiu. Like, like like. Romantically. I've liked you for years now, it's creepy. Everytime I see you my mind does twists and I can't think properly. It's okay if you don't feel the same, I won't be expecting anything from you so don't worry-"
"I...think I like you too, Chongyun," Xingqiu says, looking into those soft light blue eyes.
"You think."
"Now I'm sure."
"How are you sure? I don't wish for you to deceive yourself," Chongyun says, crossing his arms.
"I'm happy to hear that you like me back!" Xingqiu smiles, reaching out to uncross Chongyun's arms and hold both his hands in his.
Chongyun only stands still. And Xingqiu is afraid he has said the wrong thing.
"Is something wrong...?" Xingqiu hesitantly asks.
"No..." Chongyun replies, looking away.
"Eh?"
"I don't know how to say this but..." Chongyun looks back at Xingqiu, looking into his eyes and once their eyes meet, they both feel the faint blush on their cheeks.
"Will you be my boyfriend?" Chongyun asks, squeezing Xingqiu's hands.
And it is silent again.
"Ah- it's okay if you don't want to! I maybe got too excited when I knew that you like me back..."
"Yes, I will," Xingqiu answers, smiling widely.
"You do?"
"Yes, I do."
"You're sure?"
"Yes I'm sure."
"I don't believe you," Chongyun raises a brow.
"How am I supposed to prove that I'm sure?" Xingqiu asks, holding back a chuckle.
"By doing anything you think is suitable at this moment," Chongyun's eyes soften.
"Hmm..." Xingqiu pretends to think, looking up at...nowhere. "I prefer you do it," Xingqiu smiles at the thought.
"If you say so," Chongyun says, before moving Xingqiu's chin with one hand to make him look at him. And Xingqiu did. They smile at each other.
And then he leans in, connecting their lips together. The kiss was rather inexperienced, with their noses smashed together. Obviously showing that neither of them had kissed anyone before.
They still stayed like that despite how uncomfortable it was, until they both lost their breaths and Chongyun pulled away.
They both looked at each and laughed. Sounds of laughter and joy filled their ears. They were happy in this moment, together.