Chapter Text
As it would turn out, not everything is simple and straightforward after finally confessing to Jian and getting in a relationship like Zhengxi had thought.
He was under the impression that things would be smooth for the rest of his life after getting the biggest thorn in his side out, all his hidden emotions; but it’s never that easy, is it.
The problem now is, Zhengxi is very awkward.
Well, it’s always been a problem, but he’s always been good at hiding it, opting to a nonchalant silence that gives oftentimes a more threatening vibe than the pathetic truth, but now… He has to try and find a balance between being lovey with Jian (while Jian knows he likes him now, embarrassing) while also not seeming desperate (which he is) while also not making Jian doubt his affection (because he’s like that).
They hold hands pretty often, sometimes even discretely in public, and they cuddle, and they kiss at home, sometimes even with Zhengxi as the initiator, but Zhengxi can tell there’s a lack of confidence in Jian.
Don’t get him wrong, Zhengxi isn’t interested in going that far, but Jian always eases out of situations where things get a little heated, and Zhengxi has an inkling it’s because he’s scared Zhengxi doesn’t really want this.
That he’ll get too far in and want to pull away. Or that Zhengxi can’t handle the societal pressures of this type of relationship. Or that he only confessed to make Jian happy after he’s been depressed for so long.
Zhengxi sighs as he sits on the park bench with his and Jian’s pinkies brushing. In the blondes other hand is a cone of cotton candy.
They both exhale heavily after the intense rollercoaster.
“Haaa~” Jian’s head falls back. “I think… we should take a break from the intense rides… I can’t even handle the teacups after that.”
Zhengxi nods, looking away from all the lovey couples around them. He hates places like this, crowded and loud, but he came here with a plan.
His pinkie moves and his palm encases the back of Jian’s hand, then he scoots a little closer.
“Eh?” Jian looks at him, his cheeks turning a slight red.
“I saw a photobooth earlier, when you finish your food we can go there for a bit.” Zhengxi comments casually, and Jian practically vacuums what’s left of his floss and stands up, putting the last bit of cloud in Zhengxi’s mouth as they stand
They toss the cone away and Zhengxi keeps hold of Jian’s wrist as they walk through crowds until they reach the place.
It’s not so busy at the booth since it’s still midday, and people usually go when they’re leaving later.
Zhengxi puts some money into the machine and steps in, closing the curtain tightly. He wets his lips and Jian, as excited and distracted by everything as he usually is, pulls them into a pose.
His index and thumb cup the brunette's jaw and tilts him closer as he tilts his own head, a big smile on his face while Zhengxi looks at the camera straight faced.
The first flash blinds the booth, and Zhengxi’s hand reaches behind Jian to grip the curtain tight, then as the second flash approaches, he leans his head a little more forward while Jian puts up a peace sign with his other hand.
On the third flash, Zhengxi’s hand inches upwards, and Jian’s eyes widen when he suddenly feels lips on the side of his mouth.
On the fourth and finally flash, Zhengxi’s hand catches on the junction between Jian’s neck and shoulder, his eyes close and he kisses Jian as people talk and laugh outside of the box.
And for the sake of Jian, Zhengxi tries not to care. To show him, prove it; I want you. I’m not scared to want you.
The blonde stays frozen all the way to until Zhengxi pulls away and suddenly moves even closer, reaching out the booth and quickly snatching the roll of pictures.
The brunette is still straight faced, but it’s really a tactic he’s forced himself to learn. To him, it feels like some sort of emotional constipation, because when he blushes, he blushes bad. In turn, his heart beats erratically as he looks at the photos, then at Jian, who’s practically turned into a strawberry with his hands over his face.
“That’s not fair…” The blonde mumbles, and Zhengxi raises a brow.
“Fair?”
Jian’s hands fall down and he likes Zhengxi firmly in the chest, his face still burning, making Zhengxi stumble into the wall of the cube, “I wasn’t ready! We need to do it properly!” He declares, whipping around and putting his own money in the machine.
Zhengxi huffs in amusement as Jian comes back in and the screen in front counts down from three.
In this set, Jian pretty much attaches himself to Zhengxi, his arms hugging around the brunettes build, his lips desperately attacking XiXi’s, while Zhengxi holds Jian’s back and holds his cheek, letting Jian do what he wants until the flashes stop.
Jian leans backward when it’s done, sending Zhengxi stumbling forward as his body chases the feeling that just left. Jian grabs the strip as soon as it leaves, and he puts both the sets into his bag. “Seriously, who taught you to be naughty…” He anxiously runs the knuckle under his nose as Zhengxi pats his hair down.
As they leave the booth, Jian kisses Zhengxi on the cheek one last time.
The brunette’s face malfunctions slightly when they leave, because it was definitely obvious. Their lips are red and they’re blushing, and Jian’s hair is a bit of a mess. He ignores the old lady with her grandson looking at them.
So much for not doing anything intense…