Chapter Text
The sounds of soft music and someone gliding across the ice filled the young boy with a sense of belonging.
He admired the young skater that provided that noise. Hoping he could recreate it one day just like he did.
He watched the skater like a hawk. Watching as they twisted and turned in all sorts of ways. The young boy's eyes filled with admiration. His heart and soul filled with warmth.
Suddenly, his eyes went wide and dim. The skater lost balance and fell during a jump in the air. The young boy that was once smiling started tearing up and frowning.
As the skater got back up, the youngster looked at the scoring and pouted. His idol lost first place and went down to third. His heart shattered when the skater only got third.
The boy sighed as the competition came to a close. He made his way out of the rink but ran into the skater he admired. His eyes filled with that hope once again and thanked the skater for doing his best. The skater chuckled and patted the little one on the head.
"I'll makeit up to you next time. Just believe in me.."
The young boy nodded and hugged the skater's waist. The skater smiled while a few tears stained his cheeks.
The boy eventually let go and waved goodbye. The skater waved back and felt a small sense of hope and happiness from that tiny interaction. He didn't know he would have such a young fan watch and cheer him on, even though he only came in third, but it was heartwarming.
"Mu Qing," Someone called from a distance. "Let's go over your performance today and discuss a few topics."
The skater, Mu Qing, rolled his eyes and crossed his arms at his coach. "I don't want a lecture from you right now." His coach let out a sigh and walked past Mu Qing.
"I'm not going to give a lecture just yet. I actually have some news for you." Mu Qing tilted his head, interested in what his coach had to say. He followed behind his coach with his arms now behind his back.
"You'll be getting a new coach next season." His coach stopped in his tracks, arms crossed. Mu Qing's eyes widened. He frowned and looked to the ground.
"But." His coach turned around to face Mu Qing. "You'll be trying partner skating next season." He quickly looked back up at his coach.
"With who." Mu Qing held his breath in his throat. He had a good feeling who the person might be and was hoping it wasn't him. He held a grudge against them from the beginning of his skating career.
"Hua Cheng."
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Mu Qing faltered and fell on the ice trying to attempt a triple axle. He scoffed and pushed himself up onto his hands and knees, staring down at the ice beneath him. He smacked ice out of anger before letting out an exhausted sigh. He got back up onto his skates before leaving the rink for the day.
He started to take his skates off when a familiar voice from the distance called out his name. He looked over at the boy who wore primarily white with hints of cyan here and there on his person. He knew that they would be arriving soon but didn't realize it would be this soon.
He overheard the other day that a group of well known hockey players would begin practicing at the rink. He wasn't hoping it would be them but in the end it was.
"Mu Qing! It's been a moment or two since we last saw each other in person." The guy smiled and sat down next to Mu Qing. Mu Qing returned the smile but went back to packing up. He thought about it, they have been busy traveling, haven't they? While he hasn't even gone to his first competition quite yet. Mu Qing also didn't attempt to contact Xie Lian during the past few years. He sighed and glanced back up at his friend. Letting out a small laugh.
"Hah... It has been a minute, hasn't it? How have you guys been doing with hockey and all that?" The guy in white laughed for a moment before responding. Eventually, he thought of a good response when he got interrupted. Mu Qing moved his head to look at where the voice came from. His eyes widened when he landed on a man in crimson red walking over. He panicked and quickly grabbed his things. Mu Qing's stomach filled with unpleasant and unnecessary feelings.
"Sorry to make it short, Xie Lian. I have somewhere to be in.." He looked down at his phone making up a time on the spot. "In an hour or so." He started walking away before bumping into someone his height. He hissed out a curse word to the guy before continuing on his path out the door of the rink.
The guy he bumped into looked at Mu Qing with a puzzled look on his face. The guy stood there for a moment before it dawned on him who the person was. His breath hitched as he turned around to stare at Mu Qing.
"WAS THAT FUCKING MU QING!?" The guy almost bolted after Mu Qing before Xie Lian got up and grabbed his arm.
"That was indeed him Feng Xin. Has it really been that long since you guys have last seen each other?" Xie Lian tilted his head. Feng Xin looked at Xie Lian with guilt. He nodded his head silently and Xie Lian just shook his head.
"You should really talk to him. It's been years since they broke up. Mu Qing might forgive you now." Xie Lian smiled. "He might even be happy to see you again."
Feng Xin just scoffed before shaking off Xie Lian's grip. "Like he would be happy to see me. I'm the reason why those two broke up in the first place and the reason behind his loss at the Olympics that year." Xie Lian frowned. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Feng Xin sighed and went to get ready for their practice.
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Mu Qing walked out of the rink with a slight frown. He wanted to curse the dude he ran into but thankfully he didn't. Mu Qing shuddered at the thought of one of Xie Lian's lectures. That was one of the few things he was actually scared of during his years in high school.
Mu Qing sighed and got in his car. He planned to go to the cafe down the road. He smiled at the thought of caramel-flavored coffee. He usually went there after practice.
He arrived at the cafe a few minutes later, quickly getting out of his car with a hop in his step. He entered the building and got in the line. He looked at his phone as he waited and saw a text. He pursued his lips while reading it. Xie Lian had invited him for dinner with a few others. He knew Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were dating now but it still left an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach.
He still held a grudge against Hua Cheng after all these years but he would brush it off for dinner and Xie Lian's sake.
Mu Qing made it to the counter and ordered his usual coffee and cookie. He went to sit down at a table by a window and pulled out his phone again. Xie Lian had sent him another text. Mu Qing rolled his eyes. Didn't he have practice? He quickly responded and went to scroll through Instagram. He saw a few photos of Xie Lian taking random photos of himself. He clicked Xie Lian's profile to see how he had been over the years. He noticed all the recent photos of himself and his teammates at practice. He shook his head but he narrowed his eyes on a familiar, caramel-skinned guy.
Mu Qing put his phone down as his name was called. He grabbed his coffee and left the cafe. His mind wandered to the guy that he saw and he almost dropped his coffee upon realizing who it was in the photo…
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Mu Qing went home for the rest of the day until the dinner he was dreading arrived. He didn't know who else would be there so he was quite anxious. He paced around his apartment, which was quite large for one person and a cat. The places you can buy when you're rich, you know? Mu Qing groaned and went to search his closet for nice clothing.
He picked out a fairly decent outfit that somewhat matched in his opinion. It had hints of gold, light grayish blues, and hues of red here and there. Plus, black pants because he couldn't find anything else nice. He laid the clothes out on a table in his closet and nodded. He didn't have the greatest sense of fashion but it was better than the average person.
Mu Qing went to his room and flopped onto his bed. His cat, Fu Yao, jumped up onto the bed next to him and laid in front of Mu Qing. He looked at Fu Yao and smiled while shaking his head. He reached a hand out pet Fu Yao on the head before going back to what he originally was going to do.
He pulled out his phone and went scrolling through Instagram for the 10th time that day. He went back to the picture that he saw earlier in the cafe and went to see who the tagged person was to confirm his suspensions.
Lo and behold, it was Feng Xin. Mu Qing rolled his eyes. He looked the same since he last saw him. He scrolled through his profile until reaching a peculiar picture. His face warmed up and tossed his phone to the side.
He didn't have plans on seeing Feng Xin's fucking abs that day. Mu Qing couldn't help but bring a hand to cover his face. He groaned in aggravation. If things couldn't get better that day, he thought.
Mu Qing turned to his side and reached to grab his phone. He looked at the time and bit his lip. He went to look at the text messages between him and Xie Lian again and sat up from his bed. He quickly started getting dressed and doing his hair. He put on very light makeup, perks of being a figure skater.
He looked himself up and down in the mirror one last time before heading out. He semi-ran down the hall and caught the elevator before it closed. He sighed and looked at the other person in the elevator. His eyes widened as he gritted his teeth. The guy next to him looked at the other and his jaw dropped.
"WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU HERE?!" They yelled in unison.
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The two guys made it down the elevator without saying another word to one another after cursing each other out.
"When have you been living in this fucking building?" Mu Qing rolled his eyes at the other's question.
"I should be asking you the same damn thing." Mu Qing crossed his arms. They both left the building together and they stared at one another. Mu Qing didn't want to think about Feng Xin also going to the dinner but it wasn't an unlikely possibility.
"Please for fuck sake, tell me you weren't invited to Xie Lian's Dinner." Feng Xin said with a frown. Mu Qing scoffed and looked at the ground.
"If I knew you were going I wouldn't have said yes." Mu Qing elbowed Feng Xin in the side. Feng Xin glared at Mu Qing but didn't hit him back. He shook his head before turning his head to the side.
He cleared his throat. "Well since we are both going to the dinner... Wanna just take my vehicle there-"
"HELL NO.."
Feng Xin frowned and looked at Mu Qing's disgusted face. If one could describe it, Feng Xin would say it's like you just saw someone take your food at a fast food restaurant. Feng Xin sighed.
"Fine fine... I'll see you there then." Feng Xin mumbled and walked away to his car. Mu Qing bit his lip and groaned. He followed after Feng Xin with a hesitant step.
"I- Fine! I'll take you up on the offer. You look like a sad rejected puppy anyways and it's depressing." Mu Qing rolled his eyes as Feng Xin looked at him with sparkling eyes. Mu Qing just gave him a glare and shook his head.
They both got into Feng Xin's car and headed toward the restaurant. They sat in silence for a while with faint background music playing instrumental songs. Mu Qing had rested his head against his hand and absent-mindedly listened to the music. He felt that the music sounded familiar but he couldn't exactly remember where. He looked at the music player to read the name of the song and scrunched his eyebrows. Why would Feng Xin play instrumental music? And why were the songs one's he had performed to? Mu Qing looked at Feng Xin and smiled a little before going back to looking at the road.
Feng Xin on the other hand had a million different thoughts running through his head. He was happy that Mu Qing agreed to take one car, the car being his, and that they lived in the same building. Although yes, Feng Xin recently had moved into the building, he wouldn't have imagined Mu Qing was there as well. It could have been expected though since it was a pretty expensive building with large apartments. Feng Xin just softly smiled as he drove them both to the restaurant. He was a bit annoyed by the silence between them but he couldn't find the right words to say quite yet.
"Why do you have a playlist of songs I've performed to?" Mu Qing suddenly broke the silence. Feng Xin could feel a slight warmth appear on his face. He couldn't say it was a coincidence because it really wasn't. He has always had a playlist of all the songs Mu Qing had danced to on the ice. Feng Xin wasn't a big fan of instrumental music either but the songs that were chosen for Mu Qing just made his heart feel warm.
Feng Xin laughed a little. "I just think the songs you've performed to are really nice background music." He semi-lied to Mu Qing. Mu Qing in response rolled his eyes even though Feng Xin wasn't looking at him. He couldn't help but smile a little though.
"You're boring then." Mu Qing laughed. He hooked his phone up to the radio instead and played alternative indie pop. Feng Xin glanced over to Mu Qing and noticed the small smile on his lips.
Those lips.
He had always admired those cherry-red lips.
The ones that looked so soft after every performance.
He wished.. no.. wanted to know the feeling of those lips.
Feng Xin coughed before going back to looking at the road. His face filled with heat but he brushed it off. He knew it was just old feelings coming back to mess with him but he couldn't help but think of that smile with those natural cherry-red lips.
Mu Qing glanced over to Feng Xin when he coughed. He saw that his face was red but didn't ask why. He just thought he was having intrusive thoughts of women. He shrugged it off and closed his eyes.
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They shortly later arrived at the restaurant. It was a pretty expensive-looking place and Feng Xin almost let out an annoyed groan. He didn't dress quite expensive looking, thinking they were going somewhere casual like a bar or something. Mu Qing made his way inside as the other hesitantly followed him.
Xie Lian was the first to see the two enter together and his eyes lit up. He waved them both over with a soft smile. Mu Qing waved a little back and walked over to the table. He sat down in front of Xie Lian. Feng Xin followed suit and sat next to Mu Qing. Hua Cheng and the other people who were invited paid them no attention and carried on with their conversation.
Xie Lian looked at the two before resting his head on the back of his hand. He squinted his eyes and let out a deep sigh. Mu Qing raised his eyebrow at Xie Lian with his arms crossed. Feng Xin didn't care about the exchange of glances and worried about what to eat.
"It's one thing for you to show up but it's a whole other surprise to see you show up alongside Feng Xin.." Xie Lian mumbled. Mu Qing stared him down and bit down his remark. He rolled his eyes before looking away towards the menu.
Hua Cheng almost spitting his water out, looked over at the two who appeared in front of them. He gave Xie Lian a small glance before looking back at Mu Qing and Feng Xin. He wasn't really surprised Feng Xin came since he was apart of Xie Lian's team but to see Mu Qing and Feng Xin sitting next to him..
An awkward silence between the 4 of them lasted a few minutes before Mu Qing coughed. "We get it. It's surprising to see me next to Feng Xin after who knows how many years it has been."
"4 years." Feng Xin spoke up before going back to the menu. Mu Qing rolled his eyes. Xie Lian gave a weak laugh before smiling. "Hah... Years don't matter..! It's just really nice seeing you guys get along." Mu Qing choked on his spit, holding back a laugh. Feng Xin groaned.
"Who said I was getting along with this dumbass!?" Feng Xin glared at Xie Lian. "I'm merely putting up with him for the sake of this dinner." Mu Qing nodded along to that statement. Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Moments later, their waiter came by and took everyone's orders. Shi Qingxuan walked over to stand behind Xie Lian smiling. "So.. Anyone interested in a drinking challenge!" Xie Lian shook his head. "I'll pass like usual."
Mu Qing raised an eyebrow. Usual? Does this really occur that often? He pondered on it before his train of thought got interrupted by the person next to him. "I'll join in this time."
Mu Qing in that moment felt a desire burn inside of him. He wanted to crush, no demolish Feng Xin in the challenge. He side-eyed Feng Xin. "I'll join as well. I know I'll win anyways." Mu Qing smirked. Hua Cheng let out a small laugh before Xie Lian nudged him in the side.
Feng Xin side-eyed him back. "Ha! Wanna bet on it, Xuan Zhen?" Mu Qing scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'll bet on it, Nan Yang."
The two stared each other down. Neither knew what to bet on, they both had lots of money so that was out of the picture. Mu Qing pursed his lips together. Shi Qingxuan giggled before smirking. "I have a great idea of what to bet on!" The two quickly turned their heads to stare at him. Shi Qingxuan paused before continuing. "Whoever wins gets to... Hm, how to put this.." He smirked. He didn't finish the sentence to allow the minds to wander. Feng Xin's face flushed a little knowing it was the usual bet Shi Qingxuan placed out while Mu Qing was confused as hell.
"Spit it out already." Mu Qing rolled his eyes. Shi Qingxuan giggled before walking around the table to stand in between the two of them.
"You'll figure it out later after the challenge is over..!"
Mu Qing was left speechless. "That's not how you fucking bet.!" He almost got up to choke the hell out of Shi Qingxuan before Feng Xin coughed, his face falling back to its normal color. "We can figure something out later. If we really need to, we can let Xie Lian and them decide.." Feng Xin offered. Mu Qing slumped down into his chair like an angry toddler. Feng Xin took that as an agreement.
"So, Shi Qingxuan, what will we be drinking?"
"Mm... Beer! Spicy it from our usual wine." Shi Qingxuan smiled. Mu Qing frowned. Feng Xin looked up at Shi Qingxuan and laughed. "Will that really be a challenge then?"
Mu Qing glared at him. "That's why I'm the challenge."
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Mu Qing slammed down his third round of beer, already wanting to throw up. The taste was shit. Shi Qingxuan laughed from across the table. "Giving up already~?" They teased. Mu Qing rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry it fucking tastes like shit." Feng Xin placed his cup on the table and laughed. "Can't disagree with that surprisingly."
The two exchanged a quick glance. Mu Qing rolled his eyes. "Like I was saying... It tastes like I'm drinking vomit. Can we please, for the love of god, change to something tastier?" Mu Qing gave Shi Qingxuan a side eye as they gave a small laugh in response. "If it doesn't taste good, you'll give up quicker!" Shi Qingxuan clapped their hands together with a cheeky smile.
This evil mastermind.
Feng Xin shook his head. "Why is no one else participating.." Shi Qingxuan smiled even more at that. "Wellllll~... We wanna be sober to see who wins and who loses to decide what the loser has to do!"
Mu Qing clenched his fist as his eye twitched. This mother fucking bi-
Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He quickly changed the topic to something else. "Mu Qing… How has your solo figure skating journey been so far?" Mu Qing loosened his fist and looked over at Xie Lian. He was hesitant to say it's been going pretty badly. He avoided Xie Lian's gaze as he responded. "It's been... Alright." He mumbled. Hua Cheng let out a short laugh. "Do people still use your old title, half-moon prince?"
Mu Qing's eyes widened. He clenched his fist and stood up quickly. He truly dared to use that name on him again. He hated that nickname with a passion. His eyes filled with pure hatred towards Hua Cheng at that moment. Hua Cheng was the reason for that nickname anyways. Xie Lian tried to calm Mu Qing down with a few words here and there but it didn't seem to work.
"You have.. no right to ever use that long-forgotten title.." He yelled under his breath. People in the restaurant turned their heads around and whispered a few things. He could hear the comments being said by the viewers. Mu Qing could feel the eyes on him. He hated that feeling sometimes, especially in public places. He sent an ice cold glare towards Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng pursed his lips and closed his eyes to ponder. He let out a short sigh and clicked his tongue.
"It's true I have no right.. Sorry." Mu Qing scoffed at the apology. "Such a pathetic apology." He looked towards Xie Lian. "I think I'm going to leave, it's been nice to sit down and talk after so long." He nodded his head toward his old friend. Xie Lian frowned a little but nodded back.
"We can have lunch together at some point in the future.." Xie Lian paused before speaking his next words. "..Mu Qing... Didn't you come here with Feng Xin though?" Silence. Mu Qing grabbed Feng Xin's hand and dragged him up. Feng Xin stared at Mu Qing, his face becoming a bit red.
"He's coming with me then." Mu Qing stared back at Feng Xin. He quickly looked away and looked over at Shi Qingxuan. "Sorry that we had to end the contest short... But also not sorry. That beer was shit." Feng Xin agreed with a few shakes of his head.
With those final words, he dragged Feng Xin out of the restaurant. Feng Xin followed him though with no hesitation. As they stood outside the restaurant, Feng Xin let out a soft laugh. Mu Qing looked at him with an annoyed frown. Feng Xin gave him a soft smile back.
"You know Mu Qing.. you've been holding my hand all this time now.." Mu Qing got all red and quickly let go of his hand. He wiped said hand on his pants and shook his head. He pretended to vomit as he rolled his eyes.
"Dare say to anyone that we ever held hands, you won't live to see tomorrow." Mu Qing threatened. Feng Xin continued to smile happier than ever. Mu Qing's face lingered red for a while.
Feng Xin laughed a little and walked off to his car. Mu Qing quietly followed behind him and stayed quiet for the rest of the time. They both got in and drove back to their apartment. It was a quiet ride back. Same music and everything. Except this time, there's a red Mu Qing and a happier Feng Xin.
As the two got back to the apartment building, Mu Qing quickly ran out of the car. He looked over at Feng Xin, who stared back at him as he, as well, got out.. Mu Qing bit his lip and nodded, averting Feng Xin's stare.
"Um.. Thank you for the ride." He muttered before running off. Feng Xin attempted to say something to him but Mu Qing was basically already in the building. He sighed and locked up his car. He wanted to ask something but he'll find another time.
Mu Qing walked, ran, inside the building, his heart pounding, his face still flush, he didn't know exactly what feeling was making him this way but he's felt it before during his time in highschool when around Feng Xin. He shook it off as he made his way to the elevator. He checked his phone for any new notifications once he got inside. Only a few normal one's he got but something new popped up.
It was a text, but it wasn't from Xie Lian or anyone who usually messaged him. It was from..