Work Text:
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It was a normal day at the noodles shop. Tang was at his regular gimmick of trying to get free food from Pigsy, but he noticed something strange about Mk today. Mk was diligently rushing with his deliveries. Not like that was a bad thing, but it seemed like he needed to be somewhere, on time even. He had also been checking his phone a lot.
With the corner of his eyes, Tang saw that Mk had been texting Mei on his phone all day too. Not that he was peeking at Mk's messages or anything. Alright, maybe he was, but Tang always knew when something was off with Mk's behavior.
He even noticed that Mk had been acting a bit strange since the lady bone demon incident and even more when Mei got her freedom back.
"Got someplace you wanna be Mk?" Tang asked slurping some noodles, his glasses shining white. Mk flinched almost dropping his phone then he looked at Tang.
"Ah! No! I mean er... I just wanna go to sleep early, haha you know me, can't lose my beauty sleep! Ha ha I'm a growing boy after all." Mk said scratching the back of his head. Tang thought that was a hella sus reaction but he chose to ignore it for now as his attention returned to the noodles he so desired.
Surprisingly, due to Mk's hard work he got to get off work early and as soon as that happened he bolted upstairs to his apartment, leaving Pigsy and Tang at the shop to close.
"Tang we got extra deliveries today thanks to Mk's hard work, I should give some credit to the kid sometimes." Pigsy boasted as Tang finished his last slurp of noodles.
"Well I did encourage him to be more hardworking, so don't I need some credit for being a good mentor~ like a nice bowl of noodl-ow!" Tang yelped as Pigsy used his ladle to hit his chop sticks away.
"I've got a cooking with chang'e episode to get to Tang." Pigsy said, then he started to blush. "But... If you help me clean up, I might make you a fresh bowl of noodles some time-"
Before Pigsy could finish talking, Tang had already picked up a broom and started going to town on the floors, to Pigsy's shock. He couldn't help but chuckle.
While Tang and Pigsy started to clean up the shop, Tang found Mk's favourite monkey king journal on the floor.
"What's the unauthorized Monkey King autobiography novel that Mk wrote (with the help of me of course) doing on the filthy floor?!" Tang gasped, holding the book.
"That Mk, discarding such valuable information. When I give it back to him he's gonna get an earful from me." Tang tsked as he decided to look for Mk. "I also have to teach him how to take better care of things." he said, wiping some dust off of it.
He went to Mk's apartment door and knocked on it but there was no response. He then called out for Mk but there was still no response. "Huh, that's strange..." Tang tried the door knob but it was locked. "Hmm is he out or is he already fast asleep?"
Without success, Tang gave up and continued to help Pigsy clean up. After they were done, Tang waited outside for Pigsy to lock up the shop doors. He was was still holding the Monkey King novel in his hands, clearly pissed.
Pigsy offered to walk Tang home but he declined, he said he'd be better on his own, to Pigsy's dissapointment, so they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
"I can't believe Mk would just leave such an important book lying on the floor." Tang sighed as he looked at the book. "I guess I'll just have to return his favourite book to him tomorrow then." Tang concluded as he decided to go home but then an object in the dark caught his eye.
Tang saw a familiar silhouette of a motorcycle at the back parking lot of the noodle shop. "Is that Mei's bike?" Tang questioned as he walked closer to the object. When he was close enough, he saw that it truly was Mei's bike. He looked up to Mk's apartment window, seeing some light coming out of it. He could hear the distant chatter of a conversation coming from a tv and a little bit of Mk and Mei's voices.
"Oh. So he was awake." Tang frowned, clearly not surprised.
'What are they even doing up there? Some kind of Bff fun night?' Tang thought as he walked to the fire escape. He didn't want to intrude on their little party but he had to scold Mk for leaving such an important gift from the great Tang on the ground. And he could even say hi to Mei in the meantime.
So Tang decided to climb up the stairs of the fire escape. It was simple, scold Mk, return the journal to him and he'll be on his way.
As he was getting closer to the window, he noticed the volume of whatever they were watching was turned down. He faintly heard movement and then shuffling, tickling his curiosity, he stilled his steps.
Tang mentally hit himself. He knew he shouldn't be snooping or spying on the youngsters, but it was what he heard, as soon as he got to the window, that stopped him in his tracks.
It was Mei's familiar voice. "Let's do it."
"let's have sex."
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"Ten orders complete Pigsy!" Mk brightly walked into the shop. "Good work sport, keep it up!" Pigsy said as Mk sat beside Tang at the counter. Tang looked over to Mk, he was swiping away at his phone and Pigsy handed him some breakfast.
'It must've been a misunderstanding.' Tang thought to himself, sweating. 'Yup. That's what it was.'
It's been a few days since he heard what he heard at Mk's window. He heard some weird noises too, almost like moaning... Tang covered his face in shame. He didn't look, he left abruptly after that in shock.
'Maybe Mk and Mei were playing some kind of weird video game, or...or play wrestling even. Heck, they could've been watching porn together. Who knows! Mk and Mei weren't doing what i think they were doing that night!' Tang tried to convince himself, but the sounds he heard replayed in his head.
'Why did I have to climb those stairs that night!? My poor ears!' he cried then he gave up. He really couldn't fool himself. He knew exactly what he heard that night.
'Mk... When did your interest in training with Monkey King turn into an interest in your best friend? No wonder you've been acting strange.' Tang groaned as he rested his chin on the table.
'So what, they're in some kind of relationship now? How the hell did that even happen?' he wondered. He didn't notice anything strange with Mk and Mei's behavior when they were together. They also never even showed any sign of interest towards each other either.
'Wait a minute! If they're dating why haven't they told us yet?' Tang questioned deep in thought.
"Hey Tang?" Mk snapped Tang out of his thoughts and he almost choked on his saliva.
"Y-Yeah Mk,*cough* what is it?" Tang smiled awkwardly as more sweat gathered on his forehead.
"Pigsy said you have my monkey king book, can i have it back please?" Mk asked chewing his food.
"Oh yeah, here you go." Tang pulled the book out of his robe and handed it to Mk.
"Thanks Tang. You could have given it to me sooner, I thought I lost it." Mk said returning to swipe on his phone.
'I would have given it back to you days ago if you weren't so busy having sex!' Tang yelled in his mind while smiling with an anger mark on his head.
After Mk was done eating, he put on some headphones, grabbed a mop and a bucket and started cleaning the floor. Tang then looked over to Pigsy who was cooking.
'Right! I should tell Pigsy.' Tang decided. He watched as Pigsy approached him with a noodle bowl in his hand.
"Thanks for helping me clean up again Tang. Here's your noodles." Pigsy said, he put a fresh bowl of noodles in front of him and Tang immediately took the opportunity. He grabbed Pigsy's hands and pulled him close to him.
"Pigsy! I've got something to tell you." Tang whispered quickly and Pigsy blushed from how close he was.
"Have you noticed anything different with Mk recently?" he asked as he whispered again and Pigsy turned to look at Mk. He was dancing and singing along to his music as he mopped.
"Umm... not really? Apart from Mk doing a good job and being a lot happier since Mei got her freedom back, I haven't noticed anything strange... Why? Is there something strange going on?" Pigsy asked a little bit confused and tang nodded his head.
"Okay, I know this might sound unbelievable but..." Tang moved closer to whisper in Pigsy's ear. "I think Mk and Mei are in a relationship." he whispered the last part and waited for a reaction from Pigsy.
"Ha! Mk in a relationship with Mei? Yeah right, good one Tang!" Pigsy laughed and Tang frowned. "Oh come on Tang, you know Mk and Mei are just best friends. You must've misunderstood." Pigsy snorted.
"No Pigsy, I can prove it!" Tang said confidently and Pigsy raised an eyebrow.
"And how exactly are you gonna do that, Tang? I'm not buying any of that without any real proof." Pigsy spoke waiting for an answer.
"I heard them fu-" Tang stopped mid-sentence fully realizing what Pigsy said. He knew Pigsy hardly believed a single word he said without proper evidence and that was due to his many (and I mean many) attempts and schemes to get free food from him.
'Dammit! Why did I have to lie my way into being untrustworthy!' Tang whined internally. How the hell was he going to prove what he heard now.
"Er...heheh, I don't actually have any proof on me right now...but I know Mei and Mk are definitely in a relationship, I can bet on it! I just need to find proof." Tang explained and Pigsy smirked.
"Alright Tang, let's bet on it then. If you can prove to me that Mei and Mk are truly dating..." Pigsy thought for a while. "I'll give you free food for a whole week." he said and Tang perked up at the sound of free food.
"But if you can't, you'll have to pay for all the food you eat for a week." Pigsy completed and Tang hesitated. The losing side of the bet was very dangerous but the winning side was just too irresistible.
"It's a deal!" Tang said, accepting the challenge and Pigsy laughed again, then he returned to what he was cooking. "Just you wait, my sweet and sour Pigsy, I'll get you all the proof you need to make you believe me." Tang muttered to himself then he began to gobble his noodles.
'And returning to the subject, why haven't they told anyone they're dating yet? Are they planning to keep it a secret from us?' Tang assumed, he tried his best to not get upset as he looked at Mk who was now wiping the tables clean.
'If that's how it is then, keep it a secret all you want kids. I'm still gonna make sure Pigsy knows all about your little secret and I get my reward.' Tang humphed and took another slurp of his noodles. All he needed to do now was to figure out how he was actually going to get that proof for Pigsy.
"So... er, did you make it home safe last night Tang?" Pigsy asked as he slid a free plate of dumplings beside Tang, surprising him. Tang raised an eyebrow.
"You're giving me free food while asking about my well being? What's the catch Pigsy?" Tang asked stuffing some of the dumplings into his mouth. "You want me to do something, don't you? You know I'm allergic to hard labour."
"N-No Tang, it's not about work or anything I was just wondering if maybe you would..." Pigsy stuttered and his voice died down. Tang noticed Pigsy was fiddling with a button on his jacket. He knew Pigsy only did that when he was nervous.
"I was just wondering...would you... like to um-" Pigsy started again but he was interrupted as Sandy popped into the shop with Mo on his shoulder and Mei tagged along behind him.
"Hi Sandy! Hi Mei~Mei!" Mk greeted as he noticed them walk into the shop. Mei rushed to hug him and he spun her as usual. 'Mei~Mei?!' Tang mentally screamed, completely ignoring what Pigsy had to say. 'Did they always interact like that?' Tang couldn't tell anymore.
"So listen to this guys, you know how it's been a while since we really hung out as a group. Sooo, I and Mei were wondering if we could all go for a...wait for it! *drum roll* Camping Trip!" Sandy said as Mei held background posters and cardboard to sell the idea.
"Woah that would be so awesome!!" Mk said with excitement jumping in unison with Mei. "A short vacation wouldn't be so bad." Pigsy chipped in then everyone got excited and started making plans while Tang observed.
'A camping trip huh...' Tang thought scratching his chin. Maybe he could use this camping trip to get the proof he needed for Pigsy. He also thought about all the delicious foods Pigsy might cook up on the trip plus the one he would get after he won the bet then his mouth began to water.
All he needed to do was watch the two very closely then he would get all that he needed. Tang smiled as his plan was coming together. He was starting to get excited for the trip.
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Early the next morning, everyone gathered at Pigsy's shop and they all got into the team van to start their journey.
The ride to the campgrounds was calm and relaxing, except for the loud bickering from everyone around Tang and the thumping sound of the music of a bluetooth speaker he didn’t know Mk and Mei had brought. Things were pretty normal with the two of them, they acted just like they used to and it really made him have doubts... just for a second tho.
Before he realised it, less than an hour had passed already and the van came to a stop in the campground location they'd be staying at. Tang could see there were a few tents pitched far from them in the open field by other campers through the window.
“We’re here Guys!” Sandy announced. “Let's get our stuff from the trunk and set everything up!”
"Phew! We finally made it!" Mk said as he got out of the van and Mei followed suit.
"That was the longest 2 hours of my life!" Tang whined as he slowly came out of the van. "We've only been driving for about half an hour Tang." Pigsy said as he started unpacking. "Now help me get this grill out." he said, Tang whined but he started to help anyway.
Soon everyone gathered around and set up the fireplace and some of their camping equipment. They even set up a small canopy from the side of the van with pretty fairy lights.
Tang confessed to have "accidentally" forgotten their tents at home to everyone's disappointment, but in reality he did it on purpose to avoid making it easy for Mei and Mk to hide their relationship in one, so they would have to sleep in the team van all through the trip.
After they got everything ready it was time for them to explore.
They started the first hike of the trip to a popular trail in the forest. Sandy and Pigsy promised it wouldn't take long; as it was their favorite trail whenever they camped, only a few minutes to their first destination in the middle of the forest and then back.
Tang found himself walking with Sandy and Pigsy as they dragged the group out along one of the many trails in the forest. He thought he was going to die during what he felt was half an hour of walking, though it was just a few minutes they've spent. His noodle feet hurt and he was starting to feel a little lightheaded from exhaustion, but he’d signed up for this trip for a purpose and knew walking was inevitable, so he decided to keep going.
Pigsy had them stop so he could look at some mushrooms and edible herbs. Although Sandy pretended to be fed up with his obsession, he seemed content reading the wooden sign about the local wildlife while holding Mo close to him.
"Tang take a look at this." Pigsy said moving closer to Tang. He picked up a herb and started talking about all it's health benefits. As Pigsy was talking Tang's attention drifted towards Mei and Mk, they were happily playing and hopping around the scenery.
Tang hadn't spoken to them since they started the hike, but he silently watched them. Mei had encouraged Mk to join her in her inspection of an anthill on the path. Mk was reluctant at first but he walked over, and some of the tension seemed to lift from his shoulders as Mei didn't hesitate to pick a small flower from the ground and place it in Mk's hair.
Mk didn't hesitate to do the same to Mei and they both blushed and laughed. Tang looked at them in awe and pulled out his phone to secretly take a picture, he's never seen this interaction before, it was hella cute! This was definitely a gesture that shows a sign of affection for one another. Could this be the proof he's been looking for? The key that would unlock the door to his free foo-
A flower was placed in Tang's hair by Mk, quenching his victory. "Flowers for everyone!" Mei and Mk chanted hopping and playing around the place to look for more flowers. They then made it a challenge for how many flowers they could stuff into Sandy's beard.
When they were done, Tang looked at everyone. They had flowers in their hair, even Mo. Sandy's beard could even be mistaken for a bouquet.
Pigsy removed his own flower from his head and added it to Tang's hair. He murmured something about the flower looking better on Tang and he returned to picking his herbs. 'What was that about?' Tang thought as he blushed at the gesture. He shook his head and brought his attention back to the kids as they were having fun and he sighed. This attempt was a bust.
By the time they got back to their campsite, the fields were occupied by couples and families. There were children running around the grass, and dogs that stared up at their owners in hopes of getting some scraps from their meals.
Pigsy pulled the grill out to get lunch ready and Tang didn't hesitate to help while the others chatted as they sat on some logs, taking in the pretty view of the lake not so far from their site.
Halfway into lunch, Tang thought he caught another moment as Mk and Mei fed each other from their plates and laughed about it, but it was also a fail as they also fed everyone. Tang finished his meal and he quickly took a spoon out of Pigsy's plate and stuffed it in his mouth.
He waited for Pigsy to retaliate but he didn't, to his shock. Pigsy actually offered to share some of his food with him. Tang was hesitant at first since it was very strange for Pigsy to be okay with this, but he gave in and gladly gobbled all of it. Soon enough, everyone had finished their meals and had full stomachs.
Mk and Mei went to test out a new contraption Sandy had brought to work on, while Pigsy and Tang chilled under the canopy near the van. Tang still continued to watch the kids for any sign of proof.
A little later when night time came everyone was sitting down and relaxing around the campfire, roasting s'mores and telling scary stories. When Mei started her own scary story, Mk was shaking in fear while holding unto Tang, but he didn't mind since he too was shaking and holding on to Pigsy a little too tight. Pigsy didn't seem to hate it though.
After they had their fill of stories and snacks they all headed back into the van to rest for the night. Tang sighed as he laid on his bed. He really couldn't get any proof today and it was really hard to tell their interactions apart. He turned to look at Mk and Mei and the both of them were already passed out in their beds.
'Are they friends with benefits?' Tang contemplated for a while, but he quickly threw the thought away. He wouldn't win the bet if that were to be the case.
'Maybe i'll just try a little harder tomorrow.' he concluded, then he closed his eyes and began to dream about the types of food he would eat when he was successful.
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If there’s one thing Tang doesn’t like about camping, it’s that it’s too freaking bright in the morning. He lifts his head from the pillow, and it’s like his eyes were screaming at him. When his eyes adjusted he wore his glasses and looked around the room.
Pigsy and Sandy were outside around the campfire while Mk and Mei were inside. They were lying on the floor watching a funny monkey mech cartoon, chuckling among each other and Tang watched them like a hawk.
Today was another day for him to try to get proof of their relationship and he wasn't sure how. Then he immediately remembered what today's activity was.
Unfortunately, they had swimming today and Tang would rather eat than do any form of activity. Pigsy called them out for breakfast and after they ate, they started getting ready. As the guys were done, Mei kicked them out of the van so she could get ready.
Pigsy asked Tang if he wanted to join him to the lake but he declined. He lied that he needed to get something done before he would join them later so Pigsy followed Sandy instead and they made their way to the lake.
Tang would have gone with them but he was a man on a mission. Mk and Mei were lingering around the van, talking about something so he snuck to the side of it stealthily to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Come on Mei, we could've gotten to the lake before everyone does." Mk whined at the window of the van, he already had his floaters on. "I'm going as fast as i can, Mk." Mei answered still getting ready. Tang could make out a few words but not enough so he drew even closer the side of the van. He brought out his phone to record what he could, stretching into an uncomfortable position.
"Hey! Do i really need to leave the van?" Mk asked with a smirk. "Uh duh monkie man, of course you do." Mei replied poking her head out the window. "I mean, i have seen you naked befor-" Mk couldn't finish as Tang slipped and crashed out into the open, his phone tumbled from his grip too.
"Stupid slippery floor!" Tang cursed then he remembered that he was out in the open. "I mean uh..." he immediately stood up to his feet acting like he was searching for something. "A-Aha! So this is where my phone was all along..." he said as he quickly picked up his phone, pretending like he totally wasn't spying on them.
Mei quickly came out of the van, she had on her two piece swim suit. "Oh Mk! You mean that ONE time you walked in on me when i was changing right?!" Mei asked with an anger mark on her head. "Oh uh haha yeah! That's the one." Mk laughed nervously and nodded, sweat dropping from his forehead then the both of them quickly skidaddled to the lake.
"Phew that was close." Tang let out a breath in relief then he remembered his slip up. "Why did I have to fall at that moment?! I almost had em!" he cried. He saw bowls of free food grow wings and fly farther away from him and his eyes started to water.
"No! I can't give up! Today's not over yet." Tang encouraged himself as he shook the thought from his mind then he walked to the lake to meet up with everyone.
When Tang got to the lake, Pigsy and Sandy were already in the water splashing in it while Mei and Mk ran and cannon balled into the water. Tang stayed with Mo on a large boulder beside the lake to get away from their splashes mostly because he didn't want his glasses to get wet.
He watched Mei and Mk have fun in the water and he sighed. Getting proof from these two was getting a lot harder than he expected. Their interactions right now were just those of platonic friends having fun.
As usual, the "best friends" were having the time of their lives swimming laps, splashing everyone around them and dunking into the water for long periods of time- OH?
Tang watched Mei and Mk pop out of the lake in a laughing fit for a third time and it clicked "The water... underneath!" Tang waited for them to submerge into the water again and this time he switched his glasses for his underwater medicated goggles, held his breath and dived right in.
The water was a bit cold but he could make out Mk and Mei in the water. It looked like they were doing something but he didn't know what exactly.
He didn't have much oxygen so he started to hurry. He reached into his shorts pocket and brought out his phone that was in a clear plastic bag. Thank the heavens he prepared beforehand.
He positioned his phone camera on the pair and hit the record button. In the water Mei swam closer to Mk, gripped his face and pulled it closer to hers. Their lips were just a few centimeters apart but suddenly Tang felt himself being pulled up and out of the water.
"Hey Tang! You trying to get yourself killed? Can't have you drowning on this trip haha." Sandy laughed as he held Tang high up in his arms. Tang squealed out of shock and for air, he quickly looked at the water where Mei and Mk were and bubbles were popping at the top.
"Wait! Put me down Sandy!" Tang yelled for Sandy to put him down but by the time he did, it was too late, Mei and Mk popped out of the water gasping for air and laughing their heads off, then they returned to swimming laps.
Another attempt of getting proof failed.
"I give up..." Tang muttered. Washed and tired, he sat on a rock to watch everyone have fun in the water, a towel hung on his neck. He looked at the kids happily splashing other campers as they joined in on the fun. Pigsy soon came to join him on the boulder with a bag of chips in his hand.
"Hey Tang, you good?" Pigsy questioned while handing Tang the bag of chips to his surprise again but he gratefully accepted it.
"Yeah I'm fine. I'm having a blast. Thanks by the way." Tang said trying to sound cheerful. He quickly popped the bag open and started to munch.
"That's good to hear." Pigsy said as they watched Mk and Mei try to bring Sandy down into the water.
"Say... you've been giving me a lot of snacks since we got here, what's with the sudden generosity?" Tang asked and Pigsy flinched.
"I-it's nothing really, I'm just happy that we could all go on this fun trip together and relax is all." Pigsy stuttered while looking away from Tang.
"Hmm...yeah, me too." Tang replied nodding his head. "I'm just happy that I get to taste all your delicious outdoor cooking." Tang said smiling and Pigsy's face turned beet red.
"Ah? Your face is totally red. Are you getting sunburnt?" Tang laughed as he noticed.
"No! U-Uh er I just remembered that it's almost time for er... lunch! I better get started on that." Pigsy stuttered and Tang watched him bolt back to the van with speed leaving him confused. Pigsy's reaction was definitely strange now but Tang didn't care too much.
Tang nibbled on a potato chip as he started to think about what Pigsy said.
Pigsy was right. He's supposed to be enjoying this trip with everyone and relaxing, not the other way around. And It's all because he wants to win a bet and prove a point.
It's not like it's even a bad thing to be dating or anything, so why are they hiding it so much?! He would have won this bet ages ago and focused more on the trip.
Tang started eating his chips aggressively then he noticed that the gang had already gotten out of the water and started to make their way back to camp. He saw Mk give Mei his jacket to wear because of the cold and it was a nice gesture, really.
"Maybe i should just give it all up and enjoy our mini vacation." Tang contemplated for a while but his stomach growled, reminding him of what he would gain if he won the bet and he started to think otherwise.
"I still have time, I can totally do this." he told himself then he joined Sandy and returned to camp for the day.
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It was mid-afternoon when the five of them maneuvered their kayaks onto the river's bank. Sandy had suggested they go kayaking as It was a perfect day for it because the sun was out and Tang had never had such a life threatening experience before.
It has already been a few days on camp and getting proof was still as difficult as ever.
Tang had tried to get proof from the kids during the activity but he always ended up flipping his kayak and almost drowning. As soon as he got out of his kayak, he started to kiss the dirt and quickly made his way back to their camp.
They've done a lot of activities like rock climbing, scavenger hunting and even fishing but he still hasn't gotten anything proof worthy and he was already getting worn out. Were the heavens against him winning this bet?
Tang turned to where Mk and Mei were and they were currently chatting and taking pictures with some campers who recognized them. He then shifted his gaze from them and focused more on some other people around the campgrounds.
Most of the other campers had gathered around trying to start a large bonfire at the center of the campground while some others brought out coolers with cans of drinks.
"Guys! They're planning a party later tonight and we're like, totally invited." Mei said as she and Mk returned to join the gang.
"Really? We can join?" Tang asked as his head jerked up. "Yup It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait!" Mk replied, getting excited.
"Hmm, I don't know. We barely know these people." Pigsy said a little skeptical and Mei, Mk and Tang all gasped at the same time.
"Aw come on Pigsy, pretty please? We promise to stay out of trouble." Mk begged as he and Mei gave their best sad puppy dog eyes.
"I can keep an eye on them Pigsy. You don't have to worry." Sandy said as he put a hand on Pigsy's shoulder. "Me too." Tang said joining them to pout and Pigsy gave in.
"Alright. We can join. But if anyone offers you anything weird, don't drink it, okay?" Pigsy said. "Okay!" they all said together as they nodded in unison and celebrated.
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When the party started, food and drinks were free for all and there was even a DJ booth playing dance music at its loudest and everyone was in high spirits. Mk and Mei both ran to get in on the fun then they started to dance among the other campers.
Tang was by the snacks section munching some food and he looked around for where everyone was. Sandy and Pigsy weren't too far from him and they looked like they were having a deep conversation. He then looked at Mk and Mei, both of them danced together with some other kids around the bonfire and participated in some kind of dance battle. This was a very good place for him to get proof, so he better keep an eye out.
Tang returned to Pigsy and Sandy's spot with a drink in his hand and as soon as he did, Sandy quickly left Pigsy's side giving him a thumbs up.
"Why did Sandy leave?" Tang asked confused and Pigsy began to sweat. "Uh certain reasons... so uh... you wanna dance?" Pigsy said nervously and Tang just stared at him. He remembered what Pigsy said about all of them having fun on this trip and he decided to put it in action.
"Sure why not." Tang happily accepted, to Pigsy's relief. He quickly chugged his drink completely, ignoring it's slightly bitter aftertaste.
The music from the speakers started blasting louder, heightening the atmosphere of the party. Suddenly, people are more excited, louder, and dancing harder. They let the music take over their body and they start to dance hard to the beat of the music.
As Tang danced, he watched as Mk, Mei and Sandy were dancing together to the music and he smiled at them. It was nice to see them dancing and having fun. "I'll take my eyes off them just for a minute." Tang decided then he focused on dancing with Pigsy.
After they danced for a while, Tang separated from Pigsy and retreated to a nearby log to catch his breath. He was on his third drink by now and his cheeks were already starting to burn.
He looked around the party again and to his surprise, Mk and Mei were gone from their usual spot. He frantically looked around the crowd for where they went and when he finally did find them, he saw the both of them sitting in a corner away from the crowd.
Mei was smiling and Mk looked dazed wiping away what clearly looked like lipstick marks from his lips and neck... Tang's glasses cracked a little.
"I missed it..." he said. "They did it when I was dancing and I fucking missed it!" Tang swore out of frustration. He was failing at finding proof so bad that it was alarming. What if he actually loses this bet? Tang was starting to get worried but he shook his head at the thought.
"Cmon Tang, think of something." he started to search his brain for something he could do then he suddenly got an idea. "Jealousy? Maybe if one of them is jealous they might out themselves." Tang considered, then a mini devil version of himself appeared on his shoulder.
"I think that's a great idea Tang." the devil Tang said with a smirk. "You should totally use this opportunity while you got the chance!"
An angel version of himself appeared on his other shoulder "Don't do it Tang! Think of their relationship! You don't want them to fight, do ya? You're the adult here, make better decisions!" The angel pleaded but the devil kicked him off his shoulder.
"Don't listen to that guy Tang, making them a little jealous ain't gonna hurt em. In fact, a little lover's quarrel might just make their feelings for each other to be stronger," the devil persuaded, rubbing his palms together. "and a stronger relationship means an even greater chance to get proof and good proof equals free food~"
As soon as the demon was done talking, it disappeared from Tang's shoulder and Tang made sure to discard the entire drink in his hand.
He looked over to Mei and Mk again, they were sitting down happily chatting and sipping their drinks. "Free food huh, I like the sound of that." Tang smiled mischievously at his plan.
"Alright, I just gotta use someone to stir them up a little... but who?" Tang scanned his brain for anyone to use then suddenly a certain someone came to his mind. "Oh yeah, Red son."
He got close to where the pair were and he popped out his phone to record their conversation.
"So Mei, how's things going with you and Red son? You guys dating yet?" Tang asked out of the blue, snapping the pair from their conversation. Mei even choked on her drink.
"Me and Red son- What are you talking about Tang?" Mei asked as she and Mk looked hella confused. Tang saw their reaction and pressed on. "Yeah you know, with the way you and Red son spend SO much time sparring together I was pretty sure the two of you would have hit it off by now." Tang said acting koi.
"Mei, what is mister Tang talking about?" Mk questioned. "N-Nothing Mk I don't know what he's talking about." Mei said nervously as she tried to diffuse the situation.
"What? But you do know Mei, you know Red son likes you, and the last time we talked about it, you did say you and him were a great match. It's kinda surprising you two haven't become a couple yet." Tang said slyly, waiting for everything to play out and Mk gasped.
"Mk wait, let me explain-" Mei tried to talk but Mk cut her off. "Red son likes you?! You think you and him are a great match?! Why didn't you tell me any of this Mei?!" Mk yelled all at once, he was in-between shocked and upset.
"No Mk, for heaven's sake, It's not like that! I did want to tell you, but I knew you'd react this way, that's why I kept it from you!" Mei yelled back and Tang was glad that the party music was loud.
"Mei! But I'm your boyf-" Mei and Tang froze at what Mk was about to say but to Tang's disappointment, he quickly composed himself before he spoke again.
"I'm you're best friend, I'm not supposed to hear this stuff from Tang!" Mk frowned as he looked at Tang then also at Mei.
"If you prefer to tell others important stuff and leave me out of it then...maybe Tang should be your best friend or whatever." Mk said, shocking both Mei and Tang. "I'm going back to our camp. Don't follow me." he said then he made his way to their camp.
Silence.
"Uh Mei, are-" Tang tried to say something but Mei cut him off.
"Argh! why did you have to bring up Red son like that, Tang? There's nothing going on between me and him." Mei said clearly upset and he realized she was trying to act like she wasn't hurt by what MK said.
"Mei...I'm sorry, I didn't think-" Tang wasn't able to finish again as Mei walked away to where Mk was, leaving Tang alone in the party.
-------°˖✾✿✾˖°-------
After the party had died down, the gang sat at their campfire. The fire crackled and the embers floated up to the sky until they burnt out. Sandy, Mo and Tang were all eating their dinner silently. Pigsy bantered on about his recipes while Mei and Mk sat farther away from each other on separate logs in silence as they played with their food.
Tang was starting to feel really bad for what he instigated. He'd finally gotten them to fight but it didn't feel good at all, he started to feel sick in his stomach instead. Them fighting in his head didn't look as bad as it did in real life. He kinda bit off more than he could chew.
'How the hell am I going to fix this now?' Tang thought as he took a sip of his fourth drink, then he remembered that Sandy had a knack for giving good advice. So he scooted closer to Sandy at the other side to talk to him.
"Um Sandy can i talk to you, for a sec?" Tang whispered as he looked around and made sure no one was listening. "Sure thing Tangy! What seems to be the problem?" Sandy whispered back, he re-positioned himself to talk to Tang better.
"So...uh I really need your advice on this... thing, you see, there's this guy i know who kinda found out about a secret between two of his friends. And because he wanted to win a bet, he tried to reveal that secret by causing a misunderstanding between the two of them, so now they're kinda not talking to each other..." Tang tried his best to explain the story the best he could.
Sandy hummed to himself nodding then he spoke. "Anyone who would rip apart something as beautiful as a friendship just for their own selfish gain is a real jerk. Especially that guy." a sweat dropped from Tang's head as he laughed nervously.
"So what CAN that jerk do to fix the problem?" Tang asked.
"A simple heartfelt apology and proper explanation would be good enough, that person should patch things up and bring the friends back together!" Sandy advised and picked Mo up, stroking him.
"And besides, there must have been an important reason why his friends were keeping a secret in the first place right? So why not just wait for them to open up to him on their own instead of going through such lengths to expose it and eventually hurt them." he went on and Tang felt guilt peirce his chest.
He turned to look at Mei and she was miserably roasting a marshmallow. "Patch things up huh." Tang whispered, he thanked Sandy for the advice then he walked over to Mei and sat beside her, she looked really sad now.
"Hey Mei..." Tang spoke slightly nudging Mei. Mei didn't reply, she only continued poking the marshmallow into the fire, it was already charred black. "You're marshmallow's burnt." Tang informed Mei who snapped out of her thoughts and grimaced at her burnt food.
Tang chuckled a little and took a deep breath. He needed to do this. "Hey Mei... I'm sorry for bringing up Red son back at the party." he apologized.
"It's okay Tang, it's not your fault." Mei signed staring at her stick and a guilty sweat fell from Tang's head. "I should have just told Mk about everything instead of keeping it to myself. And now he's avoiding me." Mei buried her face into her knees as she hugged them.
"You know, I'm still partly to blame..." Tang said as he looked at Mei. "I shouldn't have brought it up without talking with you about it first." Tang put his hand on Mei's shoulder.
"You know what? I'll go talk to Mk real quick." Tang said then he staggered to Mk. Mei watched Tang talk to Mk, he made a lot of hand gestures as he spoke and Mk turned to look at her most of the time. It wasn't long before Mk got to his feet and the both of them walked to where Mei was sitting.
"Alright, listen up both of you," Tang said to the both of them. "I may not be an expert in friendships but I do know that your friendship shouldn't end because of a small misunderstanding that I caused." Tang continued as Mei and Mk were listening. "Friendships are also all about trust..." he looked at the floor.
'And Friends should always trust each other and their decisions, too.' Tang thought, also self reflecting.
"So why don't you two talk it out and really make up." Tang said then he left the kids alone to talk. He saw Pigsy on his own log and went to join him but as soon as he got there, he felt extremely dizzy and like he was gonna fall.
Pigsy noticed what was happening and rushed to his side. "You okay?" Pigsy asked, holding Tang steady. "Urgh I'm not drinking this soda ever again. It's been making me feel weird." Tang whined as he dropped the can beside him and Pigsy picked it up to get a closer look at it.
"This isn't just soda Tang, it's has alcohol in it. I told you not to drink weird stuff." Pigsy said holding the can closer for Tang to see. "How many of this did you even drink?" he asked and Tang raised 5 fingers up to Pigsy's shock.
"Come on let's go." Pigsy said as he grabbed Tang's hand then he dragged him into the van with him.
-------°˖✾✿✾˖°-------
Mei and Mk were very quiet since Tang left them alone. Mei wondered if Mk was still mad at her for earlier, so she sighed breaking the silence.
"Hey, I'm sorry about earlier." Mei apologized. She gave him a guilty smile as he looked at her.
"It's okay, I'm sorry for overreacting too. I should have let you talk and listen to your explanation." Mk apologized too, then he held Mei's hand.
"Speaking of explanations, can we go talk somewhere else? In private." Mei whispered as she looked around the campsite and Mk smiled at her.
"Yeah." he whispered to Mei's hearing, making her smile. Mk called to Sandy and told him that they were going to get more firewood and after a thumbs up from him, they set off into the woods.
As soon as they were out of sight from the campsite Mei and Mk hugged like they haven't seen each other for years.
"Come with me" Mk said as they separated, he took Mei's hand and led her through an hidden path in the woods. Mk brought Mei to an open field surrounded by pretty flowers, fireflies filled the area giving it a cute magical feeling to it.
"Mk it's beautiful! How did you find this place?" Mei marveled at the scene. "I found it on our first night here, I wanted to bring you to see it the moment I discovered it." Mk led Mei further into the field, settling in a space near the middle of it.
He plucked a few of his hair and scattered them as they transformed into pillows and blankets. Mk sat the blanket out on the grass and arranged the pillows gesturing for Mei to join him. He watched Mei as she slipped unto the blanket, her hair tousled by the gentle breeze and it caught his attention.
Mei felt her palms sweat as Mk smiled at her and pushed some stray hairs out of her face. They'd been like this many times before, and Mei was sure that Mk had seen and touched more of her than everyone else she knew combined. But it still felt new whenever Mk did it.
Mei gripped his hand on her face and held unto it. "Mk, about the Red son stuff..." she sighed and Mk's shoulders sunk. "Yeah?" he replied caressing Mei's cheek and she melted into it.
"It's true that Red son cares about me... but it's not in the way that you think." Mei said, holding mk's hands in hers. "I thought it was like that for a while but I later found out that it wasn't and I'm just sorry I didn't tell you about any of it." Mei apologized again and Mk smiled.
"And besides, if he did have feelings for me, I would've turned him down because you're the one i love Mk." she said, a blush dusted her cheeks as she confessed her love again.
"You would? Even though you think you and him are a good match?" Mk asked shocking Mei. "Nooo! I meant that we were a great match in training not as a couple!" Mei frantically explained then Mk started to laugh, cupping her face. "I'm kidding Mei, I love you too." Mk tilted Mei's head up slightly, and pressed their lips together.
They were as soft as he knew they would be, and Mei held him gently as he deepened the kiss. "And you don't really have to tell me everything Mei, just the important stuff, okay?" Mk said breaking the kiss, he picked Mei unto his lap so she could straddle him.
"Okay... But you're honestly really freaking cute when you're jealous though." Mei said as she kissed Mk's nose and he pouted. "And speaking of important stuff, I think it's time we tell everyone about us, the surprise is kinda overdue." she added.
“Oh thank goodness, pretending not to be your boyfriend was getting kinda hard.” Mk let out a breath chuckling and Mei joined him. "I can't wait to see the look on their faces when we break it to them." Mei said and the both of them leaned in to kiss again.
Mk bit Mei's bottom lip and she felt warmth rush through her body. Mei parted her lips so Mk could slip his tongue into her mouth and he tasted vaguely of citrus. She realised it was probably remnants of the concoction they had at the party that was left on his tongue.
Mei's hand grabs the back of Mk's neck, pulling him closer and they kissed until they were both breathless. Nothing could compare to their kisses, it was electric, and the both of them never want it to end.
-------°˖✾✿✾˖°-------
When Tang and Pigsy got to the van, Pigsy helped Tang sit on his bed.
"You shouldn't have had any of those strange drinks today Tang. You can't handle all that weird stuff." Pigsy said as he walked to the fridge in the van, got a bottle of water and handed it to Tang.
"Thanks Pigsy, but I'm not that zooted though, I just feel a little tipsy." He took large gulps of the water and sighed afterwards from how refreshing it was.
"Ahh I'm so glad I have you in my life." Tang said as Pigsy sat beside him on the bed.
"If only I could win our bet, then I would have your cooking all to myself for a week." Tang laughed.
"You're still trying to get that?" Pigsy asked and Tang nodded. "You know, you could have my cooking all to yourself for as long as you want... if you wanted to." Pigsy blushed as he whispered the last part but Tang wasn't really paying attention.
He was looking out the window and was secretly watching as Mk and Mei made their way into the forest. Now would be a good time to follow them... But he's decided to call it quits. What was he even doing spying on a couple of kids just for some kind of bet.
'I'm supposed to be a role model not a stalker...' Tang thought, he mentally hit himself for stooping so low in the first place.
"Hey Pigsy?" Tang spoke as he turned to look at him. "I think I'm gonna forfeit the bet." he said, to Pigsy's surprise. "You forfeit? Why?" Pigsy asked a little bit confused and Tang just sighed.
"Just because." he said resting his head on the wall. "I don't have much cash on me but I'll try to pay for most of the food I eat at the shop for a week." Tang gave a clearly shocked Pigsy a little smile.
He quickly stood up from the bed to leave, but he suddenly felt dizzy and almost fell again. "Be careful Tang! Are you alright?" Pigsy asked as he caught him. When Tang got himself, he realized how close he and Pigsy were and his face turn red.
"T-Thanks I'm fine now." Tang said nervously, removing Pigsy's hold from him. "I uh... I'll just go now." he turned to leave the van but as he reached for the door Pigsy stopped him.
"Wait Tang, don't leave." Pigsy said and Tang turned to look at him again. Pigsy once again fiddled with his jacket button. "I have something to tell you."
"You have something to tell me?" Tang asked, wondering what Pigsy had to say.
"You didn't pay attention to what i said earlier, didn't you?" Pigsy asked and Tang guiltily shook his head.
"I said that you could have my cooking all to yourself for as long as you want, if you wanted to." Pigsy repeated. "Even without proof of Mk and Mei." he added.
"Woah! For real?" Tang asked getting excited but he started to sense something was up. "Wait... Why can i have that?" he asked, squinting his eyes suspiciously. Then Pigsy took a deep breath and summoned all the courage he had. He took Tang's hands into his, surprising him and then he said it.
"I'm in love with you Tang. Have been for a while now." Pigsy confessed not really looking at Tang in the eyes.
It was quiet at first and Pigsy thought he had been rejected but suddenly he was tackled by Tang in a crushing hug, making the both of them fall to the ground.
When Tang's face came to view, he had the happiest expression on his face. His cheeks burned so much that he was surprised his glasses hadn't fogged up yet.
"Really? You really like me that way?" Tang asked in disbelief, his heart has never pounded this fast before.
“Yes Tang, you mean everything to me.” Pigsy said and Tang thought he was going to cry. Tang leaned in, softly pressing his lips against the pigman’s, and Pigsy whimpered softly, his eyes fluttering closed.
They pulled apart slightly, staring into each other’s eyes, Pigsy’s face a pretty shade of pink.
"I love you too Pigsy." Tang confessed too. "Y-You do?" Pigsy asked.
"Yes you dummy, Who wouldn't." Tang replied, squeezing Pigsy again with a bear hug and this time Pigsy hugged Tang back. Then when they separated, they slowly returned for another kiss.
Tang couldn't care less about what Mk and Mei were up to anymore because right now, he and Pigsy and this very moment was all that mattered.
-------°˖✾✿✾˖°-------
After a while in the van, Pigsy and Tang came out to sit at the campfire that Sandy had strangely been keeping lit. Pigsy asked Sandy where Mei and Mk went and he said they had gone to get more firewood for the fire.
Tang knew that wasn't exactly what they were doing in those woods but he decided not to think about that. He and Pigsy were a couple now and that was all he had on his mind.
Tang and Pigsy shared some leftovers s'mores while they chatted with Sandy as they waited for the pair to return.
They were so lost in the conversation that they didn't noticed Mk and Mei walking out of the woods to their campsite with some firewood in hand. As soon as the kids got close, they called out to everyone, bringing their attention to the both of them
As soon as Tang noticed them, he saw that Mei and Mk were holding hands boldly, smiling from ear to ear and he immediately knew what was going to happen.
Mk and Mei looked at each other as the gang stared at them wondering what was going on then Mk took a deep breath.
"Hey guys, we have something important to share with you." Mk said nervously then Mei raised the hand they were holding up. "Mk and I are in love and we've been dating for a while now." Mei stated completely shocking all of them. They immediately gathered the pair asking them all kinds of questions, especially about how the both of them became a couple.
Sandy said he was happy for them while Pigsy interrogated if Mk was being a decent boyfriend to Mei and vice versa. Tang even aired his grievances of how news like that should be told to the gang a lot sooner.
Later after the surprise had died down Mk and Mei sat on their separate logs, they had a blanket wrapped around the both of them and Mei had her head on Mk's shoulder. Tang just smiled contently at the scene before him and he couldn't be any happier. He was just glad that they finally told the gang that they were dating.
Tang began to think about all his attempts to get proof of Mk and Mei's relationship and he almost cringed. Whether the both of them were dating or not was non of his business and he couldn't believe he even made them fight in the process.
He's learnt from his mistakes. He was going to respect people's secrets and privacy from now on.
"So you were right all along. I guess that technically means you won the bet." Pigsy said as he brought more snacks for all of them to share and Tang had an 'I told you so' look on his face.
"It doesn't matter anymore though, I have the full package now." Tang said, then he cuddled up to Pigsy lovingly. "So when are we gonna tell everyone about us?" Pigsy asked and Tang thought for a while.
"I have a better idea." Tang said adjusting his glasses. "Let's make a bet and see how long it takes for those rascals to find out about us, all on their own." he added with a smirk and Pigsy chuckled.
"Alright then. So what are the rules?" Pigsy asked. "Loser does whatever the winner wants for a week." Tang answered and it was Pigsy's turn to smirk.
"Deal."
°˖✿The end✿˖°