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Chapter Text

Shen Yuan's POV

Shen Yuan had been reading a trashy web novel late into the night as it was a Friday night and he didn't need to be at work the next day, but of course, right when he thought he could relax for the weekend, everything always goes wrong for him.

His phone vibrates, diverting his attention from the shitty smut of the novel. He glances at the new message from his Jiu-ge and couldn't help but sigh.

Jiu-ge's probably arguing with Qi-ge again. He thought, feeling annoyed.

It was the fourth argument this month. It's nothing new or serious, it's usually Jiu-ge being a very dramatic and overall sensitive person for absolutely no reason.

He opens the message with a tap of his thumb, eyes dozing off, feeling lazy to move even a muscle.

Shen Jiu

I'm divorcing Qi-ge.

Shen Yuan drops his phone and scrambles to take it back before it can drown under his sheets.

WHAT?!

There's no way any argument of theirs could be that serious!

You see, Shen Yuan being Shen Jiu's twin, he knows plenty about him. And he knows more then anyone just how much he loves and cherishes Qi-ge, even if he doesn't show it.

They've been best friends throughout childhood, preschool, middle school, high school, college and work!

Sure they argued very often and Shen Yuan had to occasionally be the peacemaker, but they would never stop talking to each other. Qi-ge, being the more apologetic person, would always apologise to Jiu-ge first, and Jiu-ge would put on a show of not caring and jump right back into his arms later.

To Shen Yuan, It had been sweet and sort of cheesy to see them realise their romantic feelings for each other throughout their years in college. It was quite obvious they literally could not live without eachother. They even went as far as working in the same field. Jiu-ge was a teacher, same as Shen Yuan. Yue Qingyuan was the principal, an higher authority then them but still held no power over Shen Jiu's intense glares.

Safe to say, Shen Yuan finds himself quite startled and confused to see Shen Jiu even daring to send a message like that.

And so he does what any good brother would.

He texted Binghe, a very handsome student of his.

Shen Yuan

Binghe! I know it's midnight right now, but could I ask you a favour?

Luo Binghe

Yes Shizun?

Shen Yuan

I thought I told you to stop calling me that- anyways. I need a car. I kinda have an emergency right now- since your house is near, could i borrow your car?

Luo Binghe

Shizun, I'd rather drive you wherever you want...correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I remember, Shizun doesn't have a license nor does he know how to drive:(

Shen Yuan

Right..okay- ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ I just need to go to a place about 15 minutes away as fast as possible. I don't want to trouble you but- if you're okay with it?

Luo Binghe

Ofcourse! Anything for Shizun❤️

Shen Yuan

(⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠) Thank you Binghe. And don't call me that (⁠눈⁠‸⁠눈⁠) . read

---

Luo Binghe arrived just a few minutes later. Shen Yuan wanted to ask why his student was up so late and responding to his texts so quick, but he figured he shouldn't meddle into a student's private life and didn't question him.

For some reason, Binghe appeared a bit distracted. Lack of sleep, perhaps? He kept looking at Shen Yuan up and down, appearing dazed. The moon reflecting his handsome face, making him appear quite red. Shen yuan might just be overthinking, though. He got inside Luo Binghe's car.

Shen yuan gave him directions to Shen Jiu's house and told Binghe it was his twin's and brother in law's home.

"Why on earth would they ask Shizun to come over in the middle of the night though?"

"Ah, Jiu-ge doesn't know I'm coming over."

"..Oh"

A few seconds of silence. Shen Yuan feels somewhat judged by the lack of response.

Luo Binghe continues, "Then...perhaps shizun shouldn't disturb...them?" Luo Binghe says, sounding like some shy maiden for some reason. Which is pretty weird.

"Jiu-ge always thinks I'm a disturbance. No big deal. Besides, they've been arguing so much Jiu-ge's planning to divorce his husband for some reason."

Shen Yuan probably shouldn't talk about his Jiu-ge's private life to someone else but...it's not just someone, it's Luo Binghe! Binghe's always a trust worthy student and companion! He shares many things with his student from college and he never seems to mind nor does he judge, so it's fine.

Binghe stays quiet for some time before asking, "They're planning to divorce? But the last time shizun spoke of them...shizun said they're so 'sickly in love it makes me want to puke'?"

This kid remembers every damn thing Shen Yuan says as well. With really good memory, he really proves himself to be a grade A student! Just what he expects from him!

"They just have really stupid arguments, they probably won't divorce."

Luo Binghe shrugged, before stopping by a house. "Is this it?"

The house was barely visible, the roads were dark but not too dark, the moon shining down upon them as the quiet breeze made the tree leaves sway, making a creepy yet soothing sound.

It almost felt like he was outside of a haunted house.

Shen Yuan doesn't believe in ghosts. And Jiu-ge's usually way scarier then a ghost. So it's fine. But perhaps he should invite Binghe inside with him just incase..

But he eventually got out of the car alone, knowing that Shen Jiu would probably curse at him for bringing Luo Binghe with him, a student Shen Jiu hates alot for some damn reason.

"Jiu-ge probably won't speak to me if you're there with me...maybe you should go home? It's quite unsafe for you to stay here in a sketchy neighbourhood in the middle of the night." He whispered to Luo Binghe, unsure on why he's whispering.

"It's alright. I'll wait for Shizun."

Shen Yuan wanted to protest but he knew that when his student set his mind on something, it can be significantly hard to change his mind.

And thus, he left Luo Binghe outside in his car and knocked on the door of the huge 'vampire looking ass' mansion Jiu-ge and Qi-ge lived in.

A few lengthy seconds later, the door opened with a ghostly looking Shen Jiu wearing a wrinkled cardigan. His shoulder length hair was unbound and tangled, very unlike him.

"Jiu-ge???" Shen yuan questioned, unsure if this was really his 'too pretty to be caught in anything but perfection' Gege or some spirit haunting his body.

"Why the hell are you here, A-Yuan?" Jiu-ge snarled.

Yeah, that's his brother.

Shen Yuan invited himself inside the house, walking towards the sofa and sat himself down. Shen Jiu seemed even more confused, closing the door, reluctantly and questionably walked towards the kitchen to make some tea for the both of them.

Shen Yuan took off his jacket, one he threw on to avoid freezing in the cold wind of the night, only to realise that he wore the ugliest outfit ever. A black crop top with his short shorts. It's comfortable to sleep in, okay? Suddenly he feels bad for binghe to have seen him like this, no one wants to see their teacher barely-dressed!

Shen Yuan decided distract himself by speaking first, to break the awkward silence that was beginning to grow. "The text, what's that all about?"

Shen Jiu visibly stiffened for some time before snorting. "Your Qi-ge's being a dramatic bitch."

Now, from experience, Shen Yuan finds that hard to believe. He knows that Shen Jiu tends to be the more...dramatic one in his relationships with anyone, family, friends and romantic partner.

Nevertheless, he still asked, "Why? What did Qi-ge do?"

Shen Jiu seemed to have thought long and hard before answering, "I guess you could say he accused me of cheating."

...huh???

What the hell is wrong with these two?

Weren't they just all over each other a month ago? How could Qi-ge accuse Jiu-ge of cheating? It makes no sense!

It seems that Shen Jiu's leaving out some parts but seems unwilling to say.

That's fine. Shen yuan will investigate and learn everything about the situation, which is most likely a big misunderstanding, and help save the marriage life of his beloved geges!

"Jiu-ge, don't make any rash decisions. It's probably just a misunderstanding!"

"Go tell him that then, he's the one accusing me! I know it's a misunderstanding, why the fuck would I cheat on him? Especially with some guy twice my age!"

Shen Yuan expression turned into something of disgust. "Ew. And i thought Qi-ge was already old.." Qi-ge was just 3 years older then them.

"Of course you would say ew, you're clearly into younger ones." Shen Jiu said with an eye roll. He looks kinda offended that Shen Yuan called his husband old.

But Shen Yuan has never dated a younger women. When did he come to that conclusion? Weirdo.

Jiu-ge sat down next to him with some tea and poured them both a cup. "So why are you here? And how did you get here in the middle of the night?"

Shen Yuan definitely should not answer that. "Why would you say you're gonna divorce Qi-ge just because of that? Can't you talk it out?"

"You're dodging my question. I was just thinking about it. I'm not...gonna." Shen Jiu said, seeming distracted.

"Speaking of which, where is Qi-ge? You live together but he's not here?"

At that, Shen Jiu went quiet.

The silence..It felt..weird.

They stay silent for a few seconds.

"Did you..kill him?"

Shen Jiu's weird sad expression changed into something of disbelief, staring at Shen Yuan with a glare. He scoffed, "How did I raise such an idiot like you."

Shen Yuan rolled his eyes, "If he's still alive then where is he?"

Shen Jiu crossed his arms and leaned back on his chair, "He just left, no big deal."

"Left where??"

"The park nearby"

"..In the middle of the night?"

"I said I need some space so he left thinking I mean physical space. See how stupid he is?" Shen Jiu frowned.

"And you didn't stop him..?"

"I don't care, he'll be fine."

"Uh-huh.." Shen Yuan sighed.

These two are so.. urgh.

Shen Yuan needed to think of a way to be peacemaker for them again.

And the only way to do that was...

Sigh

---

Shen Yuan watched as Shen Jiu eventually went back to bed after telling Shen Yuan to do as he pleases with a scoff.
He's probably not gonna sleep by the looks of it, just sulk.

Shen Yuan noticed that Shen Jiu had left his phone on the table.

And his password was a face recognition.

So ofcourse, he opens the phone and decides to text Qi-ge and fix everything. Sometimes, you just need to make the sacrifice of going on your brother's phone to text his husband. No homo, ofcourse. Qi-ge's like a brother to him, and he isn't gay.

But the thing is...he can't know it's Shen Yuan. Knowing Qi-ge, if he knew that his dear Xiao-jiu called Xiao-Yuan over after kicking Qi-ge out he probably won't come back home for quite some time, hoping not to disturb whatever they're up to.

But..what if Qi-ge finds out it's Shen yuan? They both text extremely different.

Maybe he should just call Qi-ge?

...

That sounds like a bad idea..but..

Shen Yuan impulsively clicks the call button on Shen Jiu's phone, ringing Qi-ge❤️💋 up. Seriously though, Shen yuan didn't expect Shen Jiu to have such a shameless name saved for Qi-ge.

Qi-ge picked up a few seconds later, which already seemed odd considering Shen Yuan had always seen Qi-ge pick up Jiu-ge's call within milliseconds.

"....hello? Xiao-jiu?"

He sounded like a kicked puppy. Fuck. Maybe Shen yuan shouldn't have intervened in their fight. He cleared his throat and spoke in the best imitation he could of his gege.

"I sprained my ankle."

Why the fuck did he say that?!

He can hear Qi-ge's audible worried gasp on the phone.

"I'll be right there in 5 minutes. Please sit down somewhere and don't move Xiao-jiu. I'm so sorry, this is all my fault.. are you okay? Does it hurt? Should we go to the hospital?"

He could literally hear Qi-ge running on the phone. 5 minutes? The nearest park is 15 minutes away!

He's so dead if Jiu-ge finds out what he's done...

"I'm fine. It was a butt dial. D-don't come!"

he slapped his own mouth with his hand to stop himself from talking.

Fuck. He stuttered. That's so ooc.

"..Are you sure? You sound hurt. Is someone there? Your Qi-ge will be right there Xiao-jiu, please don't pretend you're okay, you promised Qi-ge you wouldn't do that anymore."

"..mn." it's better if he shut the fuck up. Qi-ge's being so sweet to Jiu-ge..how could Jiu-ge be so mean?! His heart aches for the both of them. Even more, his teeth rots listening to this sweet stuff. He wants to go home and finish his novel.

"Xiao-jiu, it's okay, you can scold Qi-ge, I'm sorry. Please don't stay quiet.."

What should he say now?? Damn it.

"I'm near, I'll be there in seconds, hang in there Xiao-jiu."

Shen Yuan stood up from his chair. What could he do now?? Sprain Jiu-ge's ankle? Sprain his own ankle and pretend to be Jiu-ge? Run away with Binghe and pretend nothing happened?

Wait..

BINGHE!

He's still outside!

"..fuck.." he sighed quietly.

"...xiao-jiu? You okay?"

All of a sudden, there's a loud knock on the window behind him. He squeaks, caught in suprise. He lets out a shaky breath before turning back towards the window.

"A-JIU!" Yelled a man from outside. A man he did not recognise, calling for his Jiu-ge without realising it's not Shen Jiu.

Who is this guy, anyway? Knocking on someone else's window in the middle of the night! How creepy!

Suddenly, the man outside slid the window up, opening it.

Oh. The window's open. That's probably not a good sign–

The man jumped inside, he wore a black shirt with grey sweatpants, had short hair and wore a crazed look on his face.

"Xiao-jiu..? Was that our neighbor?"

"A-Jiu, I noticed that you were without your husband, and I came to make sure you were okay." The man spoke, sounding awfully creepy, breathing between each word.

On his phone, Qi-ge went quiet.

The whole situation definitely screamed red flag. Shen Yuan took a few steps back, not sure on what to do in a situation like this. He decides to make one smart decision and mute the microphone on his phone, so Qi-ge doesn't hear the mess going on right now.

Shen Yuan took another step back. Should be call his Jiu-ge? Is this safe? Gods, he feels so stupid and naive. Shouldn't he know what to do in a situation like this?

"I didn't know you wore such.. provocative outfits."

"Why are you in my house?" Shen Yuan had a feeling that he shouldn't expose his identity, afraid that the guy might look for his Jiu-ge and hurt him. He wasn't sure what the man's intentions were, he didn't appear to have any weapons on him but a guy that breaks into your house in the middle of the night usually isn't a good thing.

"A-Jiu..I know it could feel alone without a man here to warm your bed...but don't worry, you know you can trust me." He said as he slowly began to approach Shen Yuan, like a wild animal surrounding it's prey.

Suddenly, Shen Yuan realises that this man might just be the guy Qi-ge's accusing Jiu-ge of cheating with. He cuts the call on Qi-ge, not wanting to cause even more misunderstandings between them. Now he really wants to leave here with his Jiu-ge–and Binghe, ofcourse.

While Shen Yuan distracted himself for a few seconds, the man quickly closed the gap between the both of them, grabbing Shen Yuan by his shirt. Shen Yuan felt like he couldn't move. He felt..fear. His Jiu-ge was just in the room next to him...his dearest student was just outside..hecouldn'tbreathe–

Suddenly, the man dropped on the floor.

"Shizun!"

"...Binghe?" He stood there dazed, his student right in front of him with his fists clenched, standing over the unconscious man on the floor.

"I saw that someone climbed into the house, I was afraid that something might have happened so I came in and saw..that and punched him. Are you okay, Shizun?"

"..ah- yes yes, Good timing, Binghe." Shen Yuan could feel his body relax, finally being able to breathe once more.

As he felt himself calm down, there was suddenly the noise of two doors slamming open at once.

Jiu-ge opened the door from his bedroom, his face appearing quite annoyed. For someone that slept through a whole situation he sure looked more annoyed then Shen Yuan..

Jiu-ge looked around the room with a confused expression on his face.

Qi-ge walked in from the other door. But the problem was..

THUD

Luo Binghe punched Yue Qingyuan out of impulse, resulting in Yue Qingyuan falling down on the floor, appearing confused as he held his hand over the place he was punched.

Luo Binghe gasped, realising that he just punched Yue Qingyuan and not some random guy breaking into the house.

"Shit- sorry, i didn't see y-" Luo Binghe began to speak as he was cut off by Shen Jiu shoving Luo Binghe out of the way.

He kneeled down, "Qi-ge! You fool! How dare you–What happened to your feet?"

Shen Yuan glanced down and Qi-ge's feet and saw that he had bruised his feet, probably from running. Fuck.

Yue Qingyuan looked around the room confused. "Xiao-jiu? You're walking just fine- Xiao-Yuan? Luo Binghe?? it's the middle of the night?– is that our neighbor on the floor??"

Shen Jiu snarled, "So many fucking questions, Shut up!"

"Right, sorry-..but is your ankle okay?" Yue Qingyuan replied with a gentle smile.

Shen Jiu turned to glare at Shen Yuan "What's going on."

Shen yuan gulped.

---

"Let me get this straight. Your thought process behind getting us to apologise to each other was to pretend to be me and lie?"

"I mean...it always worked for you in the past.."

"Yeah, when we were 12! Shen yuan, you dumbass! Why the fuck is this beast Luo Binghe here anyway?!"

"Aren't you supposed to be more concerned for the guy that's unconscious on your floor?!"

"You're still dodging the question!"

"Xiao-Jiu, Xiao-Yuan- let's calm down, please. It's 1 in the morning.."

"Oh, I'm not done with you just yet, Yue Qingyuan!"

sigh

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan's POV

After the weird display of events that had taken place in the middle of the night, everyone had been too tired to talk about anything complicated.

At about 5 am, all four of them had been sitting around the table, awkward.

Qi-ge called the police, one of his friends, to come help out with the neighbour that had broken in with intent. Luo Binghe suggested they tie the man up and question him, the strange suggestion weirding out both Qi-ge and Jiu-ge. Shen Yuan didn't think the suggestion was too bad but he did think the police was a better option anyway. He knew the police too, it was his friend from when he was younger, Liu Qingge.

Jiu-ge had went to bed frustrated after waiting for Qi-ge and Shen Yuan to properly explain this mess of a situation, eventually giving up when he got no proper answer.

Qi-ge had been just a little disappointed in Shen Yuan for..well, pretending to be his husband and trying to fix things he probably wasn't supposed to intervene in.

Luo Binghe was sitting next to Shen Yuan, a comfortable presence, having small meaningless conversations with Yue Qingyuan to ease the mood. It seemed to work a little, atleast.

Shen Yuan knows Jiu-ge can be hard to convince out of the sulking stage. Even though Shen Yuan shouldn't have helped the couple the way he did, he can still help them with the truth.

And so, Shen Yuan began to question Qi-ge, to see his point of view in this dumb fight.

"Qi-ge, what did you and Jiu-ge fight about yesterday?"

The atmosphere of the room seemed to get heavier once more, Yue Qingyuan's posture slouching as his face appears hurt, like that of a dog that was thrown rocks at.

"It was all my fault. I should have trusted Xiao-Jiu more." He said, avoiding the fucking question as always.

Shen Yuan held back a groan, he had expected this. Qi-ge was the most talented person when it comes to taking all the blame and never explaining the situation properly and dodging all questions.

"Can you explain what happened, Qi-ge?" He questioned further. Luo Binghe had went quiet, observing Shen Yuan as he spoke with Qi-ge. He must be regretting tagging along with his teacher. He should treat him to some food later as an apology.

Yue Qingyuan went quiet once more. A few seconds later, he sighed dramatically, placing his hand on the bridge of his nose. "Many days ago, I saw Xiao-Jiu with another man. It's not that he was doing anything suspicious nor did i suspect him, I had just come across them on my way to pick Xiao-Jiu up from his department in my car."

"The other man gave Xiao-Jiu flowers. Of course, Xiao-Jiu had given it back to the man harshly. I was far away, i couldn't hear what they were saying but I knew that Xiao-Jiu rejected the man, showing no mercy."

Yue Qingyuan frowned, "The man seemed persistant. He pulled Xiao-Jiu in for a kiss without his consent. Of course, when I saw this, i felt angry that he would cross Xiao-Jiu's boundary like that. I hurried to help Xiao-Jiu out of the situation."

Shen yuan squinted his eyes. This just seemed like the classic scene of a hero saving his damsel in distress. How did this start such a fight for these two? Qi-ge doesn't even look like he blames Jiu-ge. Which he shouldn't, of course. This wasn't Jiu-ge's fault.

"The problem is" Yue Qingyuan continued, "This was apparently not the first time Xiao-Jiu had come across the man. He's been frequently harrassing Xiao-Jiu and his co-workers on his way work."

Shen Yuan's nose wrinkled. How come his Jiu-ge always ends up getting himself in such complicated situations with men?

"I asked him why he hadn't told me. I could have easily taken care of the situation for him and his co-workers. But he never told me why. Whenever I brought it up he would scold me and get distant. So i dropped the topic, i thought it made him uncomfortable."

"But I was worried that that man might hurt Xiao-Jiu one day. So I took it upon myself to pick Xiao-Jiu up from work every day, so he wouldn't need to walk anywhere. But... I'm not sure what happened but he seemed even more offended and said i was accusing him of cheating.."

Shen Yuan couldn't believe his ears.

Even Binghe looked confused. This all just seemed so...dramatic. extreme misunderstandings!

Yue Qingyuan sighed. "I should've properly told him that I wasn't accusing him of anything, I know he would never cheat on me. But my insecurity got the best of me..and I told him some things which led to our fight the night before."

Shen yuan sounded irritated as he spoke "what did you say?"

Yue Qingyuan gulped. "I asked him if I wasn't good enough to protect him. If he didn't trust me. But he told me that I was completely missing the point."

Shen Yuan knew that there was definitely something up with Shen Jiu. He needs to speak with his brother.

Shen Yuan held his hand up to stop Yue Qingyuan from speaking. He turned to face Binghe and spoke quietly, "Binghe, do me a favour and keep Qi-ge company while I speak with my brother."

Luo Binghe nodded, obedient as ever. He was as adorable as a puppy sometimes.

Shen Yuan refocused on the task at hand. Yue Qingyuan seemed hesitant to let Shen Yuan talk to Shen Jiu but he didn't do anything to prevent him walking to the bedroom where Shen Jiu was in.

Shen Yuan knocked twice before barging in without waiting for a response.

"Jiu-ge, we need to talk." He said as he closed the door behind him.

His Jiu-ge was currently leaning against the headboard of the bed while texting on his phone. Ignoring Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan smoothly stole Shen Jiu's phone and put it in his pocket. Shen Jiu snarled.

"What is it, you nosy brat?"

Shen Yuan bent down to open the drawer of the night stand next to the bed, taking something out and sitting down next to his brother.

Shen Jiu looked at Shen Yuan with judgemental eyes as Shen Yuan unwrapped a watermelon flavoured lolipop in his hand and plopped it in his mouth. "I'll be generous, want one?" He asked.

"That's my stash of candy you're stealing from, from my own home yet your oh, so generous to give me some." Shen Jiu rolled his eyes. Although his voice dripped of playful sarcasm, he somehow still sounded like he was dead on the inside, his eyes dull. He looked so depressed.

Shen Yuan unwrapped the strawberry flavoured lolipop and gave it to his brother.

He always knew that to convince a child to speak the truth, you need to bait them first. Candy always worked for Jiu-ge. And even though Jiu-ge was older, he was much more child-like compared to Shen Yuan. Although, Jiu-ge would kill anyone who dare say the truth out loud.

"So what's up with that creepy guy breaking into your house?" He started out slow, questioning carefully so as to not scared the 'prey' away.

Shen Jiu rolled his eyes as he put the lolipop in his mouth, "Just the weird neighbour. He didn't do anything to you, right?"

Shen Yuan couldn't help but feel a slight sense of warmth in his heart at the care his brother always held for him no matter the situation. "I'm- fine. Binghe came in just in time–either way, do you know him?"

Shen Jiu made a nasty face when Binghe was mentioned which Shen Yuan politely ignored. Shen Jiu finally spoke up, the lolipop still in his mouth. "I've seen the man more often then I'd like to. He owns the café next to our school. How come you've never seen him?" Shen Jiu directed the question back to him.

Shen Yuan's eyes widened. But he always went to that café?
"The silver café? But i frequent that café. I've never seen him before."

"Not that one. The bamboo café with the library." Shen Jiu said.

"Oh, i don't go there." Shen yuan shrugged. Shen Jiu let out a sigh of relief, which Shen yuan didn't understand why.

"But why does he bother you?" Shen yuan questioned again, he can't let the topic dissolve into something else, it'll be hard to get back on track to the truth of the situation.

It was Shen Jiu's turn to shrug. "I don't know, he's fucking annoying. He's been stalking me for like a month or something."

Shen Yuan pretended to act suprised and asked the million dollar question. "Why didn't you tell Qi-ge? Wouldn't he have been able to take care of it?"

Shen Jiu paused, glaring at Shen Yuan. "So you think I'm weak too."

what??

"What? No I don't– wait is that why you haven't told Qi-ge about that guy harrassing you? You think he'll think you're weak?" The words flowed fast from his mouth, he couldn't contain them.

Shen Jiu's brows furrowed. "No, I've clearly got the situation under control. That guy barely approaches me these days since I threatened to stab him and throw his body in the river. Qi-ge's the one getting insecure! He doesn't even let me have a fucking coffee in peace anymore. Now everyone at work thinks I'm some weak man that can't even manage without his husband showing up everywhere to ask if I'm okay."

"Wait– pause- did you just say you threatened the creep by saying you'll murder him and throw him in a river?" Shen yuan gaped.

Shen Jiu took the lolipop out of his mouth to speak more effectively, "What? It's nothing new! So why does Qi-ge still think I can't take care of myself?!" He raised his voice as he spoke, "And now he's approaching me everytime I even converse with my stupid co-workers, and they're all asking me if my husband doesn't trust me with other men. Which, of course, i told them to mind their own damn business."

"Anything else?" Shen Yuan asked, his face scrunched, unsure on what to say at his discovery.

Shen Jiu scoffed, "Well, when I told Qi-ge to stop fucking following me everywhere without letting me work and go work on his duties as a principal at his job, he asked me if he wasn't good enough?! Like what the fuck?!"

Shen Yuan sighed.

---

Yue Qingyuan's POV

Yue Qingyuan could very easily hear what was going on inside the room. The walls weren't so soundproof afterall. Yue Qingyuan feels dread that Shen Jiu had felt so hurt. But some part of him is relieved to realise that all Shen Jiu wanted was some space. Of course, he had already said so before but..Yue Qingyuan might have misunderstood it to an extent. He just wished that Shen Jiu had told him everything rather then keeping it all inside..

Luo Binghe sat infront of him, fidgeting with his fingers, unsure on what to say, trying not to make awkward faces as he hears everything Shen Jiu is yelling about.

While Shen Yuan helped out with Shen Jiu, Yue Qingyuan figured that he might as well help Shen yuan. Even though this might not be the right time, atleast it would help get over the awkward situation.

Yue Qi spoke carefully and quiet, "So..you like Xiao-Yuan?"

At that, Luo Binghe's eyes widened in suprise, freezing instantly.

"..Yes- yes i do" He replied, appearing startled.

Yue Qingyuan nodded, taking some time before saying "Why?"

Binghe went quiet for a few seconds. "Shizun..has always been there for me ever since I was a kid. I always considered myself extremely lucky for meeting him in this life, out of any other teacher i could have had. He always supported me, took care of me, appreciated me and acknowledged me more then anyone ever has. Everything about him makes me feel happy. Just thinking about him gives me more joy then anything. I could go on and on– but may I ask why you're asking me?"

"Well, I know that you've been around Xiao-Yuan for a longer time then most of his students. And it was a bit obvious you've been developing feelings for him."

Luo Binghe's face was unreadable as he reluctantly asked, "does..shizun know?"

"That you like him?"

"..yeah."

"Of course not."

At that, Luo Binghe exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Do you not want him to find out?" Yue Qingyuan questioned.

"I do..but not yet. I need to make sure he'll say yes first."

Yue Qingyuan suppressed a chuckle, a polite smile present on his face. "Very well, then. I'll look forward to seeing what happens."

Luo Binghe nodded, seeming just a little worried.

After the conversation had ended, Yue Qingyuan's mind can't help but travel back to Shen Jiu.

---

Shen Yuan's POV

After the heartfelt conversation of making Shen Jiu confess everything, he finally convinced him to leave the room and go talk to his husband.

It was about time those two learnt how to communicate and not misunderstand everything.

The moment the married couple saw each other, their eyes lit up, as if they don't live together and see each other every day. Shen Yuan almost rolled his eyes. They were so sappy.

"Xiao-jiu– I.."

"Save it."

Shen Yuan glanced at Luo Binghe, who was sitting there feeling more awkward then ever. He truly felt bad for the kid.

He approached Luo Binghe and pat his shoulder, whispering "let's leave those two alone."

Binghe nodded enthusiastically.

---

Shen Jiu's POV

Shen Jiu hates how stubborn his dear husband can be sometimes. He also hates how stubborn he himself can be.

But he's well aware that this was a completely avoidable fight.

Things weren't that serious until Shen Yuan decided to meddle in, and for some reason the creepy guy decided to break into his house? The audacity.

Shen Jiu could admit that he could have atleast told Qi-ge about the creep. Sure, he'll admit that was his fault.

The couple had a thorough conversation about insecurities and feelings, a conversation that was actually calm with no one pointing fingers or assuming the situation, they could finally look at each other without feeling wronged or guilty.

Of course, they both knew they'd solve this, they've been through way worse.

Shen Jiu had confessed the reason to Shen Yuan being a part of this was because he had sent a message about divorcing his Qi-ge, because it felt wrong to not tell him that.

Of course, Yue Qingyuan had felt anguish when he had heard of it.

"Why would you tell him that? I don't think we'd ever go as far as divorcing each other.." He had quietly asked, not judging, not looking down on him like everyone else, purely just.. disappointed. Yet his Qi-ge's disappointing gaze felt heavier, worse then any sort of hate from anyone.

Shen Jiu felt his words get caught in his throat. He pushed them out, not daring to keep more information away from his Qi-ge. "I.. I don't know. It was the heat of the moment.. I'm– sorry. "

Yue Qingyuan smiled. A kind, forgiving and dreamy smile. His husband was just...so tooth-rottingly sweet to look at.

"Xiao-jiu need-not apologize. I know you didn't mean it. I'm sorry too. Forgive this Qi-ge?"

For Shen Jiu, Yue Qingyuan would forgive him over and over again.

For Yue Qingyuan, Shen Jiu would do anything to protect his childishly unperturbed smile.

"Stupid Qi-ge. Of course I will."

Soon, they willingly forget about the other pair that had been in the same room as them a few minutes ago and went to bed together, holding each other dearly.

---

Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe have been staring at each other inside of Luo Binghe's car for the past 5 minutes.

Shen Yuan was speechless.

His student, whom he had tutored in school and taught in college from when Luo Binghe was a child to a full grown handsome adult, had just confessed a very important piece of information to him.

He's been crushing on a person...since...he was a kid?!

And he never told Shen yuan!?

Shen yuan had always assumed he and Luo Binghe were close. He knew he's never been this close with any of his other students. Was Shen Yuan the only one who favours Binghe? Did Binghe not think the same?

His eyebrows furrowed as he thought about who it could be. Ning Yingying? Could it actually be her? They would be cute together...but is she really his type? I mean...I always thought Binghe would prefer someone a bit more mature. Maybe Liu Mingyan? I'm pretty sure he's close with her, they even trade books and read them together. Similar interests, how cute. But isn't she..a lesbian? Does Binghe not know?! Oh this poor sweet boy, he's gonna get his heartbroken! I must warn him.

"..shizun?" The soft voice of his student interrupted his thoughts. He seemed nervous.

"Hmm?"

"So..what do you think? Should I...confess..to them? Would this be the right time?" The younger one spoke with hesitance yet the strong determination was visible in his bright, shining eyes.

why would you ask me that?? How would I know?! Shen Yuan really couldn't stand it. He needs to thirdwheel two couples now? This is unacceptable. But..Luo Binghe is a very attractive and beautiful young man. He deserves a pretty and intelligent girlfriend. Maybe not Liu Mingyan since she allegedly already has a girlfriend..? Should I let him know?

"Shizun?" Luo Binghe calling for him brought him back once more, as Shen Yuan calculated his words and finally responded, "Depends on who you like. Although...you should make sure they're into men first.. don't get your sensitive heart broken, Binghe." Shen Yuan smiled reassuringly, patting his student's fluffy hair.

Luo Binghe froze, and started to chew on his lower lip. He looked hurt, almost as if had already been rejected. It made Shen Yuan's heart squeeze in a weird, uncomfortable way. His innocent little lotus doesn't deserve to be hurt like this... especially not over something like this.

Seriously, Shen Yuan believed any lesbian woman would question their lesbianism if such a handsome man like Luo Binghe ever showed a hint of interest in them. If he were a lesbian, he would turn bisexual for Luo Binghe. Of course, he's not a lesbian nor a woman, so he's very normal about Binghe in the most no-homo way.

"Shizun.. isn't gay?" Luo Binghe squinted his eyes in questioning.

Huh???

"Sorry?"

"Shizun..you like women?"

...

"What the fuck Binghe."

"...it's a yes or no question shizun"

"...well.–"

...

---

Liu Qingge's early morning had went in the worst ways possible.

He woke up to his friend Yue Qingyuan calling him over to capture a man that had broken into his and his spouse's house in the middle of the night. While this was a very normal morning routine for a police officer like himself, only after travelling a few minutes away from his friend's house after arresting the guy did he realise that he had forgotten his phone at Yue Qingyuan's house.

He mentally scolded himself, that was absolutely unacceptable behaviour from a police officer, just because he was still training doesn't mean he could be so careless.

Going back to Yue Qingyuan's house had been a horrible, horrible thing to do. He swiftly ignored the silent car outside the house and went inside, only to hear the sound of a bed creaking suspiciously timed in the bedroom from the hallway.

Liu Qingge realised his mistake of walking into the house of a couple without knocking, a habit he had developed over the years.

Thinking the day couldn't get any worse, once he left the place after retrieving his phone, he accidentally glanced inside the car that's been standing there for a long time. And as if to mock his entire existence, the scene he just so happened to come across was his childhood best friend and crush Shen Yuan, making out with some guy inside the car. The said guy looked like Luo Binghe, Shen Yuan's student and his sister's friend.

He swallowed the urge to beat the car and guy up and left. This was a horrible day, he needed to go beat up some criminal.