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Chapter Text

Cheng Xiaoshi stared at the walls of the shop, his head full of thoughts as he tried to understand what was happening.
He and Lu Guang had been on this job together for so long that it felt strange to think it could all end from one moment to the next. For him, this had been more than just a job: it was a partnership between him and Lu Guang, the symbol of their friendship.

"Relax, Xiaoshi. Just try to understand his side." He could hear Qiao Ling's words echoing in his mind. "Sometimes, people need space to sort out their own stuff. Maybe Lu Guang is just trying to do what he thinks is best."

But what was this "best" for Lu Guang? For Xiaoshi, this job was everything. They had already been through so much, helped so many people... and now, suddenly, Lu Guang wanted to stop.

The feeling of loss cut through him like a knife to the chest, mixed with the frustration of not getting a clear explanation from his friend.

He looked at Lu Guang, who was focused on reorganizing some photos on the table, his usual serious and determined gaze. That meticulous nature of Lu Guang's had always been a balancing point for him. And now, seeing that same distant look, attached to a decision Xiaoshi couldn't comprehend, was unbearable.

— So... this is really our last mission? — Xiaoshi asked, trying to sound casual, but the tension was evident in his voice.

Lu Guang paused, his eyes fixed on the table before finally looking at Xiaoshi.
— Yes, Xiaoshi. It's what's best for both of us — he said, with a calm that only made Xiaoshi even more uncomfortable.

"Best for both of us?" The phrase echoed in Xiaoshi's head, stirring a silent anger he tried to control. How could Lu Guang decide what was "best" without even explaining what was going on?

— And you think that's a good enough reason? — He shook his head, crossing his arms, the frustration finally showing. — I thought we were partners in this. If it's over, at least tell me why.

Lu Guang sighed, looking away.
— Xiaoshi, some things are complicated to explain. Just... trust me, okay? We need to stop... But, for now, we have this last case. So let's focus on that.

"Trust me." It was the phrase Lu Guang always used, as if that were enough to erase all of Xiaoshi's doubts. But this time, it wasn't enough. He needed answers, a reason to understand why his friend was willing to abandon everything they had built together. And the lack of answers was eating him up inside.

— Fine, what's the case? — he said, trying to hide his disappointment.

Lu Guang passed him an old, worn-out photo, and Xiaoshi examined the image.

It was a nearly ghostly scene, with a solitary figure sitting on a fog-covered park bench. The surrounding trees were shrouded in shadows, and time seemed to have erased some of the image's details.

— Who took this? This photo looks like it's from decades ago... — Xiaoshi commented, frowning.

Lu Guang nodded, his expression even more somber.
— The client is an elderly woman who came to us a few days ago. She wants us to help her with something that happened... sixty years ago.

Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows, surprised.
— Sixty years? Lu Guang, is that safe? You know this kind of old photo can be... unstable. The memories, the details... it's risky.

— I know, and that's why I almost refused — Lu Guang replied. — But she seemed desperate. And, well... I felt like maybe we should take it, to have one last job...

He paused, choosing his words carefully.
— The woman said this is the last thing she wants to do in her life. Many years ago, she fell in love with someone, but she never managed to confess. It seems she's carried this regret to this day. She wants you to enter this memory and say... what she was never able to say. So she can die in peace.

The explanation brought a new weight to the room. Xiaoshi felt a shiver run down his spine. This job meant a lot to the client. There was something solemn about the request, and he realized why Lu Guang was hesitant. He couldn't mess this up or be impulsive.

— Right... I think I get it — he murmured, feeling a pang of apprehension. — Then let's get this over with.

Lu Guang nodded, holding his hand out to him, a gesture Xiaoshi knew well. That touch before every mission had become a ritual, a silent reminder of the trust they shared.

This time, however, as he took Lu Guang's hand, he felt a strange sensation, as if he were leaving something important behind, as if something had broken.

He closed his eyes, ready for whatever came next, but when he opened them again, he realized he was... in the shop. He looked around, confused.

Everything seemed to be in its place... but something was wrong. The atmosphere felt quieter, cozier in a way he didn't recognize, as if every detail had been carefully positioned to create a sense of familiarity.

A stack of books was organized in the corner, along with some decorative items he had never seen before. On a shelf, small mementos from trips he and Lu Guang had never taken together were arranged casually. And, on the walls, photos of the two of them... smiling, in places he had never been.

Xiaoshi felt his heart speed up. Every detail enveloped him, making him feel as if he were in a dream where everything was simultaneously familiar and strange.

A small frame next to the table caught his attention: it was a photo of him and Lu Guang on a beach, smiling as if it were... a common thing.

He swallowed hard, the feeling of confusion and astonishment mixing with a pang of anxiety. None of this made any sense. He was supposed to have been transported to the scene in the photo, to the park from the client's picture. But instead, he was in the shop... a version of the shop that made no sense at all.

Before he could process anything else, he heard footsteps behind him and turned around. There was Lu Guang, standing in the doorway, with a smile he had never seen before—a warm, welcoming smile.

— Hi, babe. You're here.

Cheng Xiaoshi blinked, completely frozen.
"Babe?" The word didn't make sense, as if it were part of a movie where he was just a spectator.

Before he could even think of responding, Lu Guang walked over and, without hesitation, kissed him.

It was a soft, natural kiss, as if it were something they did all the time. The touch of Lu Guang's lips was warm and gentle, the kind of intimacy Xiaoshi had never experienced.

When Lu Guang pulled away, still holding that serene smile, Xiaoshi remained motionless, feeling his face heat up and his heart pounding. It was as if he were in a distorted reality. "What's going on?" he thought.

— Xiaoshi? Is everything okay? — Lu Guang asked, his expression worried.

Xiaoshi swallowed hard, the words stuck in his throat as he tried to piece together this absurd scenario.
— Lu Guang... what's going on? — He whispered, barely believing what he had just experienced.

But the other man just smiled, seeming confused by his reaction, as if he didn't understand the surprise.
— What's wrong, babe? You look like you've seen a ghost.

"What the fuck..."

Chapter Text

Xiaoshi blinked, completely paralyzed, feeling his heart accelerate as he looked at Lu Guang. What had just happened made no sense. He could still feel the sensation of Lu Guang's lips on his, and that way he was acting—so calm, so... intimate.

— Xiaoshi, are you okay? — Lu Guang asked, his expression worried.
He moved even closer, bringing a hand to Xiaoshi's face, his fingers touching his skin, making him flinch.

He simply couldn't react. There was Lu Guang's face, too close, with an expression of genuine concern, as if... as if he were someone Xiaoshi shared more than just a friendship with.
This wasn't the Lu Guang he knew. It couldn't be... what was he doing?

Lu Guang's hand remained on his face. Xiaoshi felt his words fail him.
"Did I dive into the wrong photo?" The question surfaced in his mind, but he dismissed it the next second.
He had never experienced anything like this. A photo of a moment like this didn't exist.

But if it wasn't a photo, then... what was it?

A piece was missing. He tried to organize his words, even tried to push Lu Guang's hand away from his face, but the other man's eyes were so... intense, so full of feeling...

— Xiaoshi... — Lu Guang was the one who spoke again. He sounded even more worried. — Why aren't you answering, babe? You seem... strange.

Xiaoshi took a deep breath, trying to speak, but all that came out was a jumble of panic.
"This can't be happening," he thought, as that "babe" seemed to hammer even deeper into his brain.

He needed to get away, to get out of this situation, but at the same time, he needed answers.

Finally, he pulled back a little, drawing his own face away from Lu Guang's hand. The instant he did, Lu Guang tilted his head, and a serious look entered his eyes.

— Xiaoshi... — He took a step forward, raising the hand Xiaoshi had pushed away, and his tone lowered, seeming to realize something.
— You... you're not Xiaoshi, are you?

Xiaoshi swallowed hard.
— Of course I am! Who else would I be? Have you gone crazy? — He said, trying to sound convincing, but his voice came out all shaky.

Lu Guang didn't seem convinced. He frowned and began to shake his head slowly, looking at Xiaoshi with an expression that was a mix of doubt and... despair?

— No... — Lu Guang muttered, almost to himself, as his eyes scanned Xiaoshi's face as if confirming something. — You... you're not Xiaoshi... not my Xiaoshi.

Xiaoshi's heart pounded even harder, and he felt a wave of panic.
— I don't understand... — He said. — I... I was in the shop with you just a few minutes ago, and I dived into a photo... and suddenly, I was still in the shop, but then everything was different, I've never seen these pictures before! And you're... you're acting like...

Lu Guang kept looking at him, his expression growing more and more desperate.
He took a step back, as if trying to see Xiaoshi from a different perspective.
— So... you really are Cheng Xiaoshi. But... from somewhere else. Could it be that... other realities exist? — Lu Guang was talking to himself, as if trying to understand it all. He was trembling slightly.

Xiaoshi didn't understand what he was talking about.
— Lu Guang, is this a prank?

Lu Guang finally raised his face and met his gaze. Xiaoshi realized that the way he looked at him had changed.
— Then... the Xiaoshi I know... — He paused, seeming to choose his words with care. — He... he's my boyfriend. We live together in this reality.

Xiaoshi blinked, frozen in place, staring at Lu Guang. Boyfriend?
After a moment, he finally moved. He turned his head to look around. He looked at the photos again. Images of them smiling, holding each other in unknown places. It was a very strange vision of himself.

Lu Guang placed two glasses of cold water on the table in front of them. The glasses looked like they were part of a matching set and had engravings from an anime Xiaoshi really liked. He had watched it alone in his room, in his free time from work.

As Lu Guang drank the water, he noticed Xiaoshi's gaze.
— We... Xiaoshi and I really like this anime... we bought these glasses when we traveled to Japan — Lu Guang explained.

Xiaoshi finally drank the water. He reflected that in... his world, he had never talked about that anime with Lu Guang. Did he watch it too?

— So... something must have gone wrong when I dived into that lady's photo, and instead I ended up in... what was the word you used? — Xiaoshi asked.
They had spent the last few minutes going over the events that led Xiaoshi there.

— Parallel reality — Lu Guang replied.

— Parallel reality... — Xiaoshi repeated, trying to absorb the concept.

Lu Guang nodded, his tone calm.
— It's a term used to describe alternative universes to our own, where things are similar, but different. Every decision, every small event can create a new branch. — He raised his eyes, studying Xiaoshi carefully. — In this case, it seems you ended up in a version where... we're more than friends.

Xiaoshi looked away, trying not to blush as he remembered the kiss.
— Okay... but how did this happen? — He asked, slamming the glass on the table harder than he intended. — I was diving into a photo, Lu Guang! This makes no sense! What went wrong?

Lu Guang pressed his lips together, his face taking on a pensive expression Xiaoshi knew well. It was the same look he got when he was solving a complicated problem.
— The woman from the photo... — Lu Guang began, — she's the key! You said I told you she was a psychic, right?

Xiaoshi nodded.
— Uh-huh. A psychic who wanted to fix a mistake from the past by confessing her love. I thought it was weird at the time, but I didn't pay it much mind.

Lu Guang seemed focused on this. Even in this alternate reality, Lu Guang was just like the Lu Guang he knew. Making that serious face whenever he wanted to solve a problem that came up.
— If she really is a psychic, maybe she used something more than just the photograph for this request — Lu Guang theorized. — Some kind of... ability that created this connection between realities.

Xiaoshi frowned.
— So... you're saying she did this on purpose? That she sent me here?

Lu Guang hesitated, his eyes narrowing.
— Maybe it wasn't intentional. It could have been a flaw in the process...

Xiaoshi propped his elbows on the table, covering his face with his hands. His head was starting to hurt. Everything felt more and more surreal.
— Right... and how do we find this woman? — He asked, his voice muffled by his hands.

— If she works on the same street as the shop, like you said, we should start there. Let's hope she exists in this reality too.

He sounded calm, but Xiaoshi noticed the glint of anxiety in his eyes.
He was worried, desperate to find out what had happened to the original Xiaoshi from this reality.

As they walked down the street toward the supposed psychic's shop, Xiaoshi noticed Lu Guang's small gestures.
He kept a steady pace beside him. And his hand seemed to hesitate, as if it wanted to hold Xiaoshi's. He glanced to the side frequently, as if he were still convincing himself. And he had a very obvious look of worry on his face.

— Lu Guang? — Xiaoshi called out.

— Yes? — Lu Guang replied, trying to soften his expression.

— You're really... — Xiaoshi hesitated, searching for the right word. — Worried. I mean, you seem kind of upset.

Lu Guang let out a nervous laugh but didn't answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was lower.
— It's just... Xiaoshi is important to me. Not that I have anything against you... but the idea of not getting my Xiaoshi back... it scares me.

Xiaoshi fell silent, feeling his face heat up again. He didn't know how to respond to that, so he just kept walking, trying not to trip over his own feet. It was weird hearing a version of Lu Guang talk about him like that. Sure, it wasn't exactly him, but still, it was weird.

When they reached the end of the street, they turned right and saw a shop. This had to be it. It was a small place with a discreet sign that read "Spiritual Consultations." The interior was full of colorful fabrics and a strong aroma of incense.

An elderly woman was sitting behind a counter, with a distant look. Xiaoshi recognized her from the photo he had seen earlier. It was a much older version, but it was her.

— Come in — she said, before either of them could even speak.

Lu Guang and Xiaoshi looked at each other, but they obeyed, entering the small space. The old woman observed them with a slight smile.
— How can I help you?

Cheng Xiaoshi scratched his head, unsure where to begin.
— You see, we work... I mean, we have the ability to dive into photographs and I can go to the moment they were taken — Xiaoshi wanted to explain the situation before getting to the main point. — This might sound strange, but I already knew you. Not exactly knew, but... How can I put this?

He started to get lost in the explanation.
Lu Guang sighed.
— He met you in another reality, when he agreed to dive into an old photo of yours. But upon diving, he was brought to this reality. And the version of him from this reality disappeared. What do you know about this? — Lu Guang got straight to the point.

The old woman maintained that smile.
— I see — she said. — Unfortunately, I don't know anything about that.

Xiaoshi's eyes widened.
— How can you not know? It was that photo of yours that brought me here, a photo with you on a bench in a park... — He waved his arms as he explained. — You must have put some kind of spell on it.

The woman smiled more openly now.
— Why don't you tell me more about this gift of yours? — The old woman asked. — So you can transport yourselves to a time in the past?

— More or less... — Lu Guang replied.

— And this young man doesn't belong here, but to another reality? — This time she didn't seem to be asking, but reflecting. — Interesting...

— You don't believe us? — Xiaoshi asked.

— Why wouldn't I? I see things like this all the time in my line of work. — The old woman explained. — But this ability of yours is very different. That must be why I went to you in the other reality.

— So, you really don't know what might have happened? — Xiaoshi asked, his voice uncertain.

The old woman was silent. She stood up, went into another room, and returned a moment later with something in her hands.
— Was this the photo you dived into? — she asked, handing a photograph to Xiaoshi.

Xiaoshi took the photograph carefully, recognizing it immediately. It was the same photo, but even more worn, with yellowed edges and some tears at the corners. He exchanged a quick glance with Lu Guang before focusing on the old woman again.
— Yes, this is it — he replied.

The old woman nodded, her eyes half-closed as she observed his reaction.
— I think you should try. Do what you did before and see if the process sends you back to your reality.

Lu Guang moved closer, reaching out to take the photo from Xiaoshi's hands. He studied it for a few seconds, his analytical gaze scanning every detail.
— Let's try, Xiaoshi — he said, his voice serious. — Maybe my ability can give us some answers.

Xiaoshi nodded, trying to hold back his anxiety. He watched Lu Guang concentrate, his eyes fixed on the image as his fingers lightly touched the worn paper. A silence took over the room.

But nothing happened.

Lu Guang blinked a few times, confused. He tried again, holding the photo more firmly, almost as if he were trying to force something to happen. The result was the same: nothing.
— This... doesn't make sense — he said. — I can't see anything...

Xiaoshi's heart sank. Seeing Lu Guang so desolate only made everything worse.
— Let me try — he said, taking the photo from his hands.

Xiaoshi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, concentrating as he always did. He waited to feel that familiar sensation of being pulled into the image. But nothing happened.
— Nothing... — He murmured, looking at the photo. — This has never happened before.

The old woman observed them in silence, her expression now more serious.
— The photo is too worn out — Lu Guang said. — Very old photos are more fragile. For it to have worked in the other reality, the photo must have been in better condition...

Everyone was silent.
— And what if something you did interfered with your process? That might have broken the connection — the old woman suddenly said, looking at Xiaoshi.

— Interfered how? — Xiaoshi asked. — Are you saying this was my fault?

The old woman gave a small, enigmatic smile.
— Maybe it's not your fault, but rather something inside you. A desire... something you wanted so badly that it was enough to change the natural course of things.

Xiaoshi blinked, confused.
— Desire? What kind of desire?

She shrugged.
— That, only you can find out. Maybe understanding what you truly wanted at the moment you dived into the photo is the key to undoing what happened.

Lu Guang crossed his arms, his gaze fixed and even darker.
— Are you saying the solution to this depends on Xiaoshi?

The old woman tilted her head, as if reflecting on Lu Guang's words.
— Not alone. He has you to help him, doesn't he? — She smiled again, but her tone was softer. — Work together, and I'm sure you'll find the answers.

Xiaoshi ran a hand through his hair as they left the shop, frustrated. This all felt like a nightmare.
— Great... now, besides being lost in another reality, I also have to figure out what I did wrong. — He sighed.

Lu Guang put his hand on Xiaoshi's shoulder, then took it off, then put it back on again.
— We'll figure this out, Xiaoshi. Together.

Xiaoshi looked at him. Even though he seemed kind of awkward and unsure how to act around him, this Lu Guang seemed determined to help him. Of course, he wanted the other version of Xiaoshi back.
— Right... together. — Xiaoshi repeated, with a smile.
It was comforting to hear that Lu Guang was going to help him. A few hours ago, he was saying they would stop working together, and now they were ready to solve this as partners.
Xiaoshi felt a sense of satisfaction inside him.

Chapter Text

Lu Guang placed the folded blanket on the arm of the sofa, looking at Xiaoshi.
— Are you sure you're okay sleeping here?

— Of course! I've slept in way worse places. — Xiaoshi shrugged.

Lu Guang didn't answer right away, and Xiaoshi noticed he seemed thoughtful.
— I thought you might be uncomfortable. We only have one bedroom, like I told you... we made my old room into another studio.

— Relax, Lu Guang. I'm not that spoiled.

Lu Guang looked at him, but he didn't seem convinced. He sat down in a chair and stared out the window.
— You're thinking about him, aren't you? The other Xiaoshi? — Xiaoshi asked, more serious now.

Lu Guang continued to stare at the street, nodding slightly.
— He must be somewhere... — Lu Guang's voice came out low. — I hope he's okay.

Xiaoshi scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little guilty. Even if it was something beyond his control, he didn't know how to comfort Lu Guang.
— Hey... can I ask you a question? — He asked suddenly.

Lu Guang turned his attention back to him, his face more alert now.
— You can.

— How... how did we fall in love? I mean... you two fall in love?

Lu Guang raised his eyebrows, surprised by the question. Then, letting out a sigh of relief, he leaned back in the chair and smiled.
— How we fell in love... — He repeated, thoughtfully, before letting the smile grow a little more. — Well, I can speak for myself. Xiaoshi has always been stubborn. You must know yourself, right?

Xiaoshi stared at him.
— Stubborn? I don't know if that's a compliment, Lu Guang...

— It is, — Lu Guang replied, laughing. — You're stubborn, but in a way... that impresses me. When you decide to help someone, no matter how hard or dangerous it is, you just do it. Your heart thinks of everyone else before yourself...

Xiaoshi blinked, surprised.
— And you know what was funny? — Lu Guang continued. — You never asked me anything about myself when I first arrived. About what I did before, about what worried me... You just accepted me. I didn't have to explain anything. It made me realize that... with you, I could be myself.

There was a silence after those words, and Xiaoshi didn't know what to say. He felt a strange tightness in his throat.
— You get really sappy talking like that — Xiaoshi replied, looking away to hide the embarrassed look on his face.

Lu Guang laughed again.
— Maybe I do. But it's the truth.

Xiaoshi crossed his arms.
— But, like, did you make the first move? — Xiaoshi asked, feeling even more embarrassed.

— Me? Make the first move? — He laughed loudly this time. — Of course not. You did.

Xiaoshi's eyes widened.
— Me?! — He almost choked on his own surprise. — No way. What do you mean?

Lu Guang seemed amused by his reaction.
— It was about three years ago... — he began, looking to the side as if reliving the moment. — You asked me to go to the beach. I almost refused, because I wasn't feeling great that day. But you insisted, like you always do when I don't want to go somewhere with you.

Xiaoshi smiled in spite of himself. That really did sound like something he'd do.
— The beach... you said going there made you remember your parents. — Lu Guang continued, his tone more serious now. — It was a hard day for you. You started talking about losing them, about how it still affected you. And, well... it was the first time you let me see that side of you, so... vulnerable.

Xiaoshi swallowed hard.
— It was complicated, you know? — Lu Guang continued. — You told me things I didn't know. And suddenly, while I was trying to comfort you, I realized that... you were all I had. And I... was all you had, too.

He paused, looking directly at Xiaoshi now. His eyes were full of something Xiaoshi couldn't name, but it made his heart clench.
— After that, it was just natural. I didn't want any formalities or anything. But you asked me to be your boyfriend... Since then, we've never been apart. Not even for a day.

Lu Guang stopped talking for a moment. He looked like he was about to cry.
— And now, it feels like my heart is going to break. — He lowered his head, clenching his hands on his knees. — I just want this to be resolved and I want Xiaoshi back. It's like... I'm incomplete.

There was a long silence.
Xiaoshi didn't know what to say. He had never seen Lu Guang be so honest about his feelings.

He stood up slowly and walked to the bookshelf where photos of the two of them were. He picked one of them up.
Xiaoshi studied the photo, feeling a pang of sadness. In this reality, they looked so happy. So connected...
"Why can't my reality be like this?" Xiaoshi thought, gripping the photo frame. He felt a mix of envy and longing—longing for something he'd never had.

Lu Guang walked over, stopping beside him.
— What's wrong? — he asked.

Xiaoshi looked at the photo one more time before putting it back on the shelf. He took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.
— Nothing... I just remembered something — he replied, without giving details. Lu Guang looked like he wanted to ask something else, but chose to remain silent.

Shortly after, they decided it was time to rest. Xiaoshi settled on the sofa, wrapped in the blanket Lu Guang had left for him. The room was quiet, but his mind was a mess.
The old woman's words echoed in his head. "A desire strong enough to interfere with the natural process."

He closed his eyes, but his mind wouldn't stop. What was he desiring? He tried to replay everything he felt before diving into the photo: the frustration with Lu Guang, the fear that the job would end, the anger at not understanding his reasons. And, underneath it all, a desperate wish that things wouldn't change...
"I didn't want him to leave me," he thought, feeling his heart tighten. But exhaustion finally won, and he fell asleep thinking about it.

***

The next morning

— Okay, Xiaoshi. If you're really you, answer this: what tattoo did Wang Jie try to hide from everyone in school? — Qiao Ling asked with a challenging look, arms crossed as she stared at Xiaoshi.

Xiaoshi huffed, still half-asleep. He had slept terribly and was woken up by Qiao Ling's arrival at the shop. Lu Guang had explained the situation to her, but she still didn't quite believe it was all true.
— Easy. A dragon that looked like a badly drawn lizard, on his shoulder. He tried to cover it with a shirt even in the summer, but everyone saw it in the locker room. — Xiaoshi laughed at the memory.

Qiao Ling narrowed her eyes, but she didn't give up.
— Okay, point for you. And... what was the nickname you gave me when I cut my hair in elementary school?

Xiaoshi rolled his eyes, already used to her teasing tone.
— "Panda-with-Bangs". You were furious and ignored me for three days.

Qiao Ling laughed out loud this time, clutching her stomach.
— Alright, it's really you. — She paused, looking at him more seriously. — But this whole thing is still super weird to think about.

Xiaoshi made an "I told you so" face.
She was still pensive.
— So, basically, the realities split about four years ago, right? When things started to get different between here and there...

Xiaoshi nodded, yawning.
— Seems like it, — He replied. He looked for Lu Guang and saw him in the same chair as last night, near the window.

Qiao Ling raised an eyebrow, suspicious.
— Right, Sherlock. Now you just have to figure out what brought you here. The fortune-teller lady said it's related to a wish of yours, didn't she?

Xiaoshi winced, looking at her like he was suffering.
— I'm thinking about it, but it's complicated.

Qiao Ling smirked, leaning forward.
— It's not that complicated. You just need to stop acting like an idiot for five minutes and use your brain. — She let out a small laugh.

Xiaoshi huffed, but he couldn't help but smile.
— Even in another reality, you're still picking on me, huh?

— That's what friends are for. — She said.

Qiao Ling glanced at Lu Guang, who seemed lost in his own serious world. She took a deep breath before speaking, whispering.
— You need to remember, Xiaoshi. Lu Guang... he's shattered. He looks like he's going to drop dead from sadness any minute.

Xiaoshi looked over at him and nodded slowly.
— I know...

Qiao Ling stood up, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. She gave a small smirk.
— Well, I'm heading out. I hope this is the last time I have to deal with this version of you. One Xiaoshi is already unbearable. Two is torture! — she teased.

Xiaoshi let out a weak chuckle.
— Bye, Ling. And the feeling's mutual.

— I'm off then, Lu Guang. — She winked at Xiaoshi before heading out the door.

When the door closed, he took a deep breath and turned to Lu Guang.
— I need to tell you something... — Xiaoshi said. — I spent all night thinking, and... I think I know the answer to the question that old woman asked me.

Lu Guang turned to him, attentive.
— The answer? And?

Xiaoshi nodded, a little hesitant.
— I didn't tell you before, but... In my reality, you... my Lu Guang said he wanted to stop working with me. That this would be our last case.

Lu Guang paid attention and looked a little surprised.
— And do you know why? — he asked.

Xiaoshi shook his head.
— No. It's hard to know. He can be so stubborn sometimes... — He stopped, frowning. — You know.

Lu Guang couldn't help but agree, but he stayed silent, letting Xiaoshi continue.
— I thought that maybe you... I mean, he... just couldn't take it anymore. Maybe he found something better to do. Or... — He hesitated, feeling his throat tighten. — Maybe he just doesn't want to work with me anymore.

Lu Guang sat up straighter in his chair.
— I doubt it's that. — he replied firmly.

— I don't know... He's been weird for weeks. Barely looks at me, and there was this one time... he just left me talking to myself in the middle of a conversation. — Xiaoshi ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. — It doesn't seem like the kind of thing he'd do, you know?

There was a pause, and then he let out a sigh.
— When he said we should stop working together... I despaired. I felt like the floor had dropped out from under me, you know? I asked for an explanation, I wanted to know the reasons so I could fix it. But he wouldn't talk and was vague — Xiaoshi replayed the scene in his mind as he told the story. — Then yesterday he came and said that would be our last case... I was terrified. I didn't know what to do. I was scared... scared of losing him. And...
He stopped, looking at Lu Guang.
— ...scared he hated me...

Lu Guang was silent for a few seconds.
— That's impossible. — Lu Guang finally said. — I can't explain his reasons, because I really don't know what happened. But there's one thing I know for sure.
He paused, his eyes fixed on Xiaoshi's.
— From the first day I met you... I was already in love with you. Even before I realized what that meant. And I'm certain that, in every reality, in every possible world, that is an absolute truth.

Xiaoshi was speechless. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't find a response. Lu Guang's words hit him like a wave.

Lu Guang looked away for an instant, almost shy.
— If that's true for me, why would it be any different for him? — he added.

Xiaoshi thought his face was going to explode from how much it was burning.

Chapter Text

Lu Guang was kneeling on the floor, rummaging through something on the bottom shelf. Xiaoshi watched him.
— What are you looking for? — he asked.

— My seashell keychain. — Lu Guang replied, as he continued to search. — Xiaoshi gave it to me years ago...

Xiaoshi became thoughtful.
— Seashell keychain? I don't remember giving you anything like that... — He paused, correcting himself quickly. — I mean, in my reality...

Lu Guang stood up slowly, holding onto the shelf for support.
He seemed to be lost in thought.
— It was from our first trip together, the beach day I mentioned. — He explained, pointing toward the photo hanging on the wall. — But I...

Xiaoshi found it strange that he had stopped talking and followed his gaze in the direction he pointed. It was the photo of them on the beach, with the sea in the background. But that didn't look good at all. He blinked, thinking it was his vision, but unfortunately, it wasn't.

The photo was... fading. Not all of it, but the edges were blurred, as if the ink was dissolving in water. Lu Guang's smile in the image seemed less sharp, while Xiaoshi was already disappearing completely.

— Lu Guang... the photo... — Xiaoshi said.

Lu Guang was frozen. For an instant, it seemed like he wasn't even breathing. Then, he moved to the photo and took it off the wall.
— No... this can't be happening. — He murmured.

— You think this is linked to the keychain? I mean... are things changing? Is it because I'm... here? — Xiaoshi asked, full of anxiety.

Lu Guang clutched the photo in his hands, looking at him.
— I don't know... but this situation is strange.

Xiaoshi took a step back. He could only think of one strange thing that could be motivating this, and that was his presence there.
— I'm going to see the old woman again — he said, trying to sound calm. — She talked about the desire thing. She must know something else.

Lu Guang didn't answer immediately. He put the photo back on the wall.
— Alright. I'll go with you.

The smell of incense was even stronger this time in the shop. Xiaoshi made a face. This woman is so old... Who lights this much incense for her?, he thought.

The old woman was in the same place as before, with an enigmatic smile on her face. It was as if she already knew they'd be back.
— So, what do you desire this time? — she asked, not even feigning surprise.

Lu Guang took a step forward and got straight to the point.
— Objects are disappearing. First, it was a keychain, then a photo... it's fading. — He spoke quickly. — Can you explain what's happening?

The old woman raised an eyebrow, smirking.
— The universe doesn't like flaws. When something isn't supposed to be where it is, it tries... to correct itself so that everything makes sense. — She looked at Xiaoshi, tilting her head. — And you, my young man, haven't lived through many of the things your other version has. This reality is adapting to your presence here. So things are altering...

There was an uncomfortable silence until Xiaoshi spoke.
— And how do I go back? Do you have any idea?

The old woman tilted her head.
— You already know the answer. — She said, as if it were obvious.

— No... I really don't! — Xiaoshi replied. — I already told you, I dived into the photo and ended up here.

The old woman observed him for a moment as if reflecting.
— The anchor point. Your desire was strong enough to bring you here. But to leave... you need to understand what you felt and reframe it.

Xiaoshi blinked, trying to understand the words. He looked at Lu Guang, who had no expression on his face.
— Reframe it? That doesn't tell me anything...

— You found out what you were feeling when you dived into the photo, didn't you? — She asked, very calmly. — That is the key. Find out what you truly desire, and maybe you can correct the error and return to your reality.

— And if he can't? — Lu Guang asked suddenly.

The old woman stopped smiling.
— Then the error will continue, until there's nothing left of the world you knew. — She replied.

Xiaoshi felt a shiver down his spine. He looked at Lu Guang, who now looked as if he didn't have a single drop of blood circulating, pale as paper.

The street seemed more deserted than usual, though that might have just been Xiaoshi's perception, who was walking behind Lu Guang, following him. Lu Guang kept his gaze fixed on the ground, looking like a zombie with no destination.

Xiaoshi quickened his pace to walk beside him and glanced at him sideways. The tense lines on Lu Guang's face gave the feeling of deep sadness, and that bothered him a lot.
Xiaoshi didn't know how to end this. Despite the old woman's explanation... what did he have to understand?

— Lu Guang, let's stop there. — Xiaoshi pointed to a small café on the corner, with tables outside. — I think some coffee might help me think better.

Lu Guang looked up, hesitating for a moment, but eventually nodded.
They sat at an outside table. Lu Guang ordered for both of them, as if it were a habit. Xiaoshi preferred not to say anything.

When the coffees arrived, he noticed something that made him smile involuntarily: Lu Guang had ordered a latte. In his reality, he always chose decaf. Always. And he was always nagging Xiaoshi to drink less caffeine.
That's because he said I got more hyperactive than usual, Xiaoshi thought, holding back a laugh. For an instant, it was as if he were back in his own reality, remembering Lu Guang complaining.

When he looked up, he realized this version of Lu Guang was staring at him. The gaze was intense, but not scolding. It was something deeper, harder to define.
Xiaoshi swallowed hard.
— I'm going to solve this, okay? — He said suddenly. — I didn't want to be causing problems for you guys. I just... don't know how to go back yet.

Lu Guang remained silent for a moment before sighing deeply. He looked at his coffee, spinning the cup between his hands.
— It's not your fault. — He said. — Maybe it's my temperament's fault. I've always kept things to myself, whether here or... in another reality, apparently.

Xiaoshi drank some of his coffee.
— What do you mean? — He asked, leaning forward a little.

Lu Guang shook his head.
— I keep thinking... it was my way of being that made you feel confused and end up here. If the Lu Guang from your reality had been clearer, maybe none of this would have happened.

Xiaoshi was silent for a moment.
— What if... you help me understand him? I mean, the Lu Guang from my reality.

— Help how?

— I don't know. You could try to help me understand why he was acting that way... maybe if I understand everything, I can change what I feel. — Xiaoshi replied.

Lu Guang stared at him.
— Alright. Where do we start?

Xiaoshi took another sip of coffee, setting the cup on the table as he thought about where to begin. He looked at Lu Guang.
— Well... — he started, hesitating a bit. — He... he changed gradually. Like, first with small things, but they started to bother me. For example... he stopped waking me up.

Lu Guang raised his eyebrows.
— He stopped waking you up?

— Yeah. I know it sounds stupid. But he always woke me up at the exact right time, because he knows I always oversleep. But then... he started just leaving me there, sleeping. When I wake up, he's already been working at the shop for hours. — Xiaoshi pouted, feeling a little sulky.

Lu Guang looked like he was holding back laughter.
— It was those kinds of small things... you get me? One minute he'd say that without him, I'd end up living on just rice balls and coffee. But from one moment to the next, he didn't seem to care about any of that anymore.

Lu Guang rested his elbows on the table, listening.
— Aaah. I just remembered something else weird. One night I went to watch a movie in his room. I always do that when I can't sleep. We put on a movie, I end up falling asleep in the middle, and he just leaves me there 'til morning. But this time... he woke me up. He told me to go back to my own room.

Lu Guang leaned back in his chair again.
— Wait, you slept in his bed?

Xiaoshi looked at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
— Of course. Why not? It's not like we're strangers. — He shrugged.

Lu Guang looked like he wanted to say something, but he stayed silent.
— After that, he started to really isolate himself. — Xiaoshi started to feel the caffeine in his system. — He stopped accepting things I did for him. For example... I always washed his clothes with mine. Suddenly he started saying I didn't need to anymore. Or when I bought the cookies he likes, he'd say he didn't want them...

— I think he was trying to avoid everything you two did together. — Lu Guang said, choosing his words carefully.

Xiaoshi suddenly exploded.
— That's exactly it!!! But he was never like that before, you understand? He always accepted the things I suggested, even if he complained. Now, it's like he's... avoiding everything. He even gave up on our job...

Lu Guang nodded.
— What happened the day he told you about the job? — He asked.

Xiaoshi stared at the ceiling, feeling more anxious. Maybe it was the coffee.
— He just said he wanted to stop, that there was one last case. I asked why, but he wouldn't explain. He just said it was for the best for both of us... and kept repeating that whenever I insisted.

Lu Guang continued to stare at him.
— And how did that make you feel?

Xiaoshi hesitated, furrowing his brow as he tried to find the right words.
— I don't know. I mean... I was angry, because he wouldn't give me an answer. But, at the same time... I was scared. Scared that he was really going to leave me. — He stopped, gripping his cup tighter.

Lu Guang nodded.
— You... so you miss the things he did? — he asked, his tone calmer.

Xiaoshi looked confused, then glanced away.
— It's not just that... — He answered, almost whispering. — I miss him. His company. The conversations, the bickering... everything. It's not just about what he did for me. It's about... us.

Lu Guang sighed deeply.
— Maybe... that's the part you need to understand, Xiaoshi. — he said. — It seems like what you're feeling is bigger than just being afraid of losing a friend.

— What do you mean? — Xiaoshi made a face like he didn't understand at all.

Lu Guang thought of something that made him smile.
— You know, it's complicated for me to give you an answer about what your Lu Guang was feeling when he acted like that, without imagining that your relationship isn't just friendship.

— What??? What are you talking about? — Xiaoshi said, louder than he meant to.

— It's actually very simple, because... a lot of those things you mentioned, I do them here, too.

Xiaoshi raised his eyebrows.
— Really? Like what?

Lu Guang folded his hands.
— Well, for example, I also wake Xiaoshi up every day. I hate it when he oversleeps. — He let out a short chuckle. — And also, well... we watch movies together. And he always sleeps in my bed. But that's because... we're boyfriends. Understand?

Xiaoshi blinked, his face heating up a bit.
— Oh... — He looked away. — Well, it's different. Because in our case, we're just friends. There's none of that...

— Friends? — He repeated, his tone almost skeptical. — And you think it's normal for friends to act the way you two do?

Xiaoshi opened his mouth to answer, but couldn't find the words. He crossed his arms, trying to ignore the anxiety he felt at Lu Guang's words.
— I don't know. Maybe you're exaggerating. — He shot back, but his voice sounded much less confident now.

Lu Guang leaned slightly forward.
— Let me ask you something... What if there was a reality where Lu Guang wasn't in your life? What do you think that would be like?

Xiaoshi froze. He blinked a few times. Thinking about that felt like being punched in the gut. A reality without Lu Guang?
He opened his mouth to answer, but the words just wouldn't come. The silence seemed more obvious than any answer he could give.
— I... — He started, but his voice was shaky. — I don't know... I can't imagine something like that.

Lu Guang kept his gaze steady, waiting for an answer.
— I think... I'd miss him. A lot. Like, really a lot. It would be... awful. — Xiaoshi admitted, his throat tight. — Because he's... He's a huge part of my life. And without him, I... I don't know what I'd do.

They fell silent again. Suddenly the waitress appeared to collect their cups.
Xiaoshi processed what he had just said. His eyes widened slightly.
— Wait... — He shook his head, as if trying to push the thought away. — It can't be. It can't be that.

Lu Guang smiled, noticing that Xiaoshi was beginning to understand.
— That's exactly how I feel about my Xiaoshi — he said. — He's my balancing point. My reason. I can't imagine my life without him. I... I love him so much.

Xiaoshi's heart was beating faster than he would like. This wasn't from the caffeine.
— But... it can't be... — He murmured, his hands trembling slightly. — It can't be that. I... I can't be in love with Lu Guang.

— Why are you like this? — Lu Guang seemed genuinely confused now. — Would you liking him be so bad?

Xiaoshi clenched his trembling hands.
— It's just... Lu Guang... What's he going to think when he finds out a guy likes him? — Xiaoshi's voice came out very low.

Lu Guang had no expression on his face. But then he started to laugh. But really laugh, bursting out laughing right there in the café.
— You know, Xiaoshi... at the same time you're very cute, you're also very dumb — he replied, still laughing.

Chapter Text

Xiaoshi was lying on the sofa, tossing a ball he'd found in the corner of the room from one hand to the other. He was trying to organize his thoughts.
He sighed, spinning the ball with his fingers. Okay... so I'm in love with Lu Guang? The sentence kept running through his head, and he felt his face heat up just thinking about it.

Do I think he's handsome?, he continued his self-investigation.
It was a simple question, but memories of random moments—like Lu Guang fixing his hair, the way he furrowed his brow when he was concentrating...—surfaced in his mind. Of course he was handsome.
But that doesn't mean anything!

Am I jealous of him? He tried again. He remembered the times Qiao Ling would comment on how the café waitresses always smiled at Lu Guang in a different way, and how he would always complain about it afterward. It wasn't jealousy... it was just, I don't know, irritation.

He tossed the ball a little higher this time, trying to ignore the heat rising in his face.
Do I... do I want to kiss him? The ball dropped right onto his face.
— Ow, dammit! — He complained, rubbing his nose as the ball rolled onto the floor.
But the question wouldn't leave his head. Did he really want to kiss Lu Guang? The mental image appeared out of nowhere: him, walking toward Lu Guang, their faces getting close, and...
STOP! He practically screamed in his own mind, feeling his face burn. He covered his eyes with his arm, trying to erase the image.

— You okay? — Lu Guang's voice came from the direction of the door. Xiaoshi snapped his head around, realizing the other man had come in without him noticing.
Lu Guang was watching him curiously, holding a book.
— You're acting weird. Are you sick? You're all red... — He moved closer, looking at him with concern.

Xiaoshi felt his face get even hotter.
— I-I'm fine! — He stammered, sitting up on the sofa. — I was just... thinking about life.

Lu Guang raised an eyebrow.
— Thinking about life?

— Yeah... organizing my thoughts... — Xiaoshi explained, crossing his arms.

— Ah... — Lu Guang shrugged. He sat in the chair near the sofa, placing the book on the table.
Xiaoshi took a deep breath. He felt like his face must be as red as a pepper.
— Actually, I was thinking about you... — Xiaoshi began, but he quickly realized how weird that sounded and tried to correct himself. — I mean, about what you said yesterday... about my feelings.

Lu Guang nodded.
— I was thinking about that, too... I think I have an idea.

— An idea?

Lu Guang leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
— What if you dive into one of our photos? I mean, from this reality. Mine and Xiaoshi's. Maybe it would help you... connect better with your feelings, or with what's keeping you here.

— A photo? — Xiaoshi repeated, blinking. — Like, me and... the other me?

Lu Guang nodded.
Xiaoshi scratched his head.
— Okay... makes sense. I guess... But which photo?

— I already know which one. — Lu Guang stood up, walking toward the wall. He grabbed the frame and returned to the sofa, sitting down next to Xiaoshi this time.

It was the photo of them on the beach. The one that was fading...
It was a beautiful picture: Lu Guang and the other Xiaoshi were standing on a beach, the blue sea in the background. The smile on the other Xiaoshi's face was huge, and Lu Guang had a peaceful look.

— I think this could be a good start.

Xiaoshi looked at the photo for a long moment. His heart felt heavy and, at the same time, was speeding up. He didn't know if he was ready to experience seeing another version of himself... but he had to try.
— Alright. Let's do this.

Lu Guang gave a small smile.
— Want to do it now? When you're ready, let me know.

Xiaoshi took the photo carefully, feeling anxious. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
He then nodded at Lu Guang, who held out his hand, ready to dive into the photo.

When Xiaoshi opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the sea breeze. He also felt the warmth of the sun on his skin, the salty smell of the sea, and the sound of the waves. A heavy camera in his right hand made him pay attention and look around.
In his other hand, his fingers were interlaced with someone's. He looked down and saw... himself. Or rather, the version of Xiaoshi from this reality.

— Come on, Lu Guang! — The other Xiaoshi said, pulling him by the hand with enthusiasm. — The light is perfect now, let's take more pictures.

Xiaoshi blinked, trying to understand the situation. He was in Lu Guang's body, which meant... he was holding his own other version's hand. How crazy. A version that seemed pretty happy, by the way.

— Uh... okay. — He said, trying to sound like Lu Guang and not seem weird.

— Okay? — The other Xiaoshi laughed, squeezing his hand tightly. — You're so serious, but you're so cute when you get like this! You know... I'm just noticing now that you look amazing in this shirt today, it shows off your waist!

Xiaoshi felt his face burn. Was he really this direct and... cheeky?

The other Xiaoshi kept talking, walking backward as he pulled him.
— I still can't believe we finally figured this out. I mean... it took a while, but it was perfect, wasn't it? — He said, stopping in front of a large rock. — Let's take a picture here!

He laughed again, looking around.
Xiaoshi felt strange observing himself.
— Why are you so quiet, huh? — The other Xiaoshi asked, tilting his head. — You've got a dorky smile on your face.

I'm smiling? He thought, trying to control his expression.
— Just thinking. — He replied, trying to sound like Lu Guang.

The other Xiaoshi laughed once more, throwing his arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight hug.
— Thinking about me, right? — He teased. — You can admit it, Lu Guang. I'm a good kisser. From today on, I'm going to cover you in kisses every day.

Xiaoshi almost tripped over his own feet but managed to keep his balance. My god, am I really like this? I'm so full of myself! He reflected, gripping the camera tighter.
— Xiaoshi... — He said, trying to change the subject. — Can I ask you something?

— Sure! — The other replied, pulling back a little to look at him.

Xiaoshi took a deep breath.
— How did you know... you liked me? — He asked, trying to sound casual.

The other Xiaoshi smiled, his face lit by the sun.
— Oh, that? Hmmm... It was easy. — He answered, sitting on the rock and pulling Lu Guang (or Xiaoshi in his body) to sit beside him. — I mean, you're you! And ever since we met, you're the one who's always been with me through everything... You were there for my worst and best moments.

He paused, looking at the sea for a moment before continuing.
— But it wasn't just that. You're like... my opposite in so many things. I'm so loud, and you're... calm. I'm impulsive, you're strategic. I make a drama out of everything, and you just look at me and say, "I'll handle it." — He laughed, and the sound was contagious. — But the funniest part is that, even with all these differences, we work. You complete me, Lu Guang. And I like to think I complete you, too...

Xiaoshi felt his heart clench again, this time in a different way. It was a warm feeling. He was happy. Happy to see his other version like this.
— And, oh, let's be honest. — The other Xiaoshi continued, leaning forward with a sly smile. — You're cute and... pretty hot. That helped a lot.

Xiaoshi almost fell off the rock. He opened his mouth to answer, but no sound came out.
— Relax, babe! — The other Xiaoshi laughed, hugging him from the side. — I do these things to provoke you. Now... help me adjust the camera. I want another photo.

As Xiaoshi adjusted the camera, he felt a lump in his throat. He thought about the other Xiaoshi's words.
You complete me.
Was that what Lu Guang represented for him, too? Was that what he wanted? To complete someone? To be completed?
He looked at the camera and then at the other Xiaoshi, who was smiling and striking poses for him.
I want this. He thought. I want this with my Lu Guang.

After they took more photos, they went for a walk on the sand.
As they walked on the sand, Xiaoshi (in Lu Guang's body) noticed something: an ice cream cart parked at the end of the beach. A man in a cap was serving people. The other Xiaoshi let out an excited gasp.
— Ice cream! — He yelled, pulling Lu Guang by the hand. — Come on, let's go! Let's see if they have green tea ice cream.

Xiaoshi let himself be pulled.
Arriving at the cart, the other Xiaoshi went straight to the vendor.
— Two green teas, please.

The vendor, a friendly old man, smiled as he prepared the order.
— Are you two brothers?

The other Xiaoshi laughed loudly.
— Brothers? No! — He put an arm around Lu Guang's shoulder, pulling him closer. — He's my boyfriend.

Xiaoshi wanted to hit himself. But he imagined himself using the word boyfriend with Lu Guang. It wouldn't be bad at all.
The vendor laughed, handing them the ice creams.
— Good for you, then. You two make a good pair.

The other Xiaoshi handed one of the ice creams to Lu Guang and pulled him back onto the sand.
— See? Even other people can tell we're perfect together. — He teased, taking an exaggerated lick of his ice cream.

Xiaoshi agreed mentally. And he felt a mix of envy and admiration. It was so easy for this version of himself to express what he felt. He seemed to live without reservations, as if the whole world were his.
And Lu Guang... the way he felt about Xiaoshi in this reality was so full of affection and adoration.

As they walked and ate their ice cream, Xiaoshi bumped into someone. He looked ahead, ready to apologize, but his words died when he saw the person's face.
— You... — He murmured, recognizing the old woman from the shop.

She raised an eyebrow, looking surprised.
— Can I help you? Do we know each other? — She asked, but with a strange smile.

The other Xiaoshi also looked at her, curious.
— Do you know her, Lu Guang? — He asked, looking at her attentively.

Xiaoshi shook his head quickly.
— No, no... my mistake. — He replied, looking away. — I thought she was someone else.

The old woman smiled enigmatically but said nothing more before continuing on her way.
Xiaoshi felt a chill down his spine. What does this mean? He thought, but didn't dare say anything else. He didn't want to risk interfering with the past.

On the way home, a sudden rain started, forcing the two of them to run toward the bus stop. The other Xiaoshi held his hand as they ran, completely soaked.
It was a scene that seemed so ordinary, but at the same tempo so full of meaning for that version of Xiaoshi.
While they waited, he watched him. That Xiaoshi was radiant, even soaking wet. The smile, the way he held Lu Guang's hand so tightly... everything about him seemed... so free.
He's happy, Xiaoshi thought. And Lu Guang really loves him. You can feel it... He deserves this. They deserve this...
Xiaoshi was genuinely happy for them.
And then, he started to feel something different.
It was as if time around him was starting to slow down. The voices, the sounds of the rain, everything seemed distant. He knew what was happening.
His time in the photo was ending. He was going to go back, to leave the photo.
Thank you, Lu Guang, he thought, looking at the other Xiaoshi. For sharing this moment of yours with me.
Xiaoshi badly wanted to experience something like this. But he wanted to experience it in his real life.
He smiled, closing his eyes, ready to go back to the shop and thank Lu Guang personally. When he opened them again, he was back.

The feeling of being all wet disappeared, and he felt the warmth of the shop.
He opened his eyes and saw his bookshelf. He was in his room.
Xiaoshi then froze. My room? He blinked, confused. In that reality, he didn't have a room anymore. There was only *their* room. But then, how...
Only then did he realize his hands were holding something—no, someone. He looked down and saw his hands were interlaced with Lu Guang's.

— Xiaoshi! — Lu Guang said, clearly shaken. — My god, you're back? I couldn't find you in the photo. I was desperate... I thought... I thought I'd lost you.

Xiaoshi blinked, trying to process the words. He looked around, recognizing every detail of the shop. He was... HOME. Back in his reality.
His eyes returned to Lu Guang. His gaze was full of worry, his hands still holding Xiaoshi's firmly. He had deep dark circles under his eyes. His hair was all messed up, as if he'd been running his hands through it in worry.
Lu Guang, he thought, feeling his heart beat faster and faster. I... I love you.
But the words got stuck. He just squeezed Lu Guang's hands. This wasn't the moment to say it... he still had time.

Xiaoshi couldn't believe he was back, and tears began to form in his eyes. He looked down at Lu Guang's hands still holding his, feeling the familiarity. He was really home. With him.
— Lu Guang... it's really you, right? — His voice came out almost as a whisper.
He let go of one of Lu Guang's hands and brought it to his face, touching his skin, as if he needed to confirm this was real. His fingers trembled as he felt the warmth.
— Is it really you? IT'S YOU, LU GUANG?

Before Lu Guang could answer, Xiaoshi pulled him into a hug. Squeezing him tightly, holding him as if he were afraid he would disappear again.
He buried his face in Lu Guang's shoulder, smelling his familiar scent.
— I thought... I thought I was never going to come back. — He said against Lu Guang's shoulder, his voice thick with emotion.

Lu Guang froze for a second, but then his arms relaxed, and he hugged Xiaoshi back. He said nothing.
Xiaoshi closed his eyes, letting himself stay in that moment a little longer. This was his Lu Guang.
— I'm here. — Lu Guang finally spoke, his voice calmer now. — And so are you. You're safe, Xiaoshi.

Chapter Text

— Blow on it before you eat or you'll end up burning yourself.
Lu Guang closed the lid on the soup pot and sat down. The smell of ginger and leeks filled the kitchen.

Xiaoshi ignored the warning, bringing a spoonful of soup straight to his mouth. The next second, he yelped and dropped the soup back into the bowl.
— Ow!!! It's hot! It's hot! — he said, fanning his mouth with his hand, tongue sticking out.

— That's exactly what I just said... — Lu Guang had a smirk on his face.

Xiaoshi made a face, picking up the spoon again, but this time blowing on the soup before eating.
— You could have warned me it was that hot... — he complained, pouting now.

— I literally warned you 15 seconds ago — Lu Guang continued to smile.

Xiaoshi looked at him, smiling too, blowing on his soup.
He had told Lu Guang earlier, with some difficulty, what had happened in the other reality. But he left the more personal details out... he didn't mention the fact that they were boyfriends there.
Now that he was back, Xiaoshi was so happy that Lu Guang was still his Lu Guang, and he was acting the same as always. He had spent the day taking care of Xiaoshi. He had even made dinner...
How did I never notice how much he takes care of me?, Xiaoshi wondered.

While Lu Guang concentrated on eating, Xiaoshi couldn't take his eyes off him. He noticed the way he held the spoon, the shape of his fingers. His skin was so smooth... you could even see the veins in his hand. And there was... the shape of Lu Guang's lips as he drank the soup...
— Is my face dirty or something? — Lu Guang asked, staring back at Xiaoshi.

Xiaoshi blinked. He'd been caught red-handed.
— Ummmm... No! Why?

Lu Guang narrowed his eyes, as if trying to understand something.
— You're acting weird. You've been staring at me like that all day.

— Huh? No! — Xiaoshi laughed nervously, but he couldn't look away. — I was just... thinking about some stuff...

— Some stuff? — Lu Guang raised an eyebrow. — About the other reality?

Xiaoshi nodded.
It wasn't a total lie. Even if what he was *now* thinking about was Lu Guang's mouth... A heat rose to his ears.
— Yeah, more or less. — He managed to say, going back to blowing on his soup as if the bowl was the most interesting thing in the world.
Lu Guang stared at him.
— You're terrible at hiding it, you know?

Xiaoshi let out an awkward laugh.
— This soup is really good. — He said, trying to change the subject.

— You've always liked ginger soup. — Lu Guang replied, taking another spoonful. — I put in extra leeks this time, just how you like it.

He knows me so well, Xiaoshi thought, feeling all smitten. Lu Guang paid attention to him, and it gave him butterflies in his stomach.
— You're the best cook I know. — Xiaoshi rested his chin on his hand.

— It's just soup, Xiaoshi. It's not a big deal.

It's everything to me. Because my future boyfriend made it, Xiaoshi thought, but didn't say.

— Are you going to stop staring at me like that? — Lu Guang noticed Xiaoshi was still looking at him.

Xiaoshi blinked, and then blinked again. He wasn't even trying to hide it anymore.
— Well... it's just that you... you're... — He started, but stopped mid-sentence, realizing he was about to give himself away.

— I'm what? — Lu Guang asked, tilting his head.

— A good cook! — Xiaoshi said, laughing.

Lu Guang rolled his eyes.
— Stop messing with me...

After dinner, the two went to the sink to wash the dishes. It was a routine Xiaoshi had always found normal, but now it made him feel really excited.
He watched Lu Guang as he dried the plates, his hands so slender, his hair falling over his forehead a bit as he leaned over, his shorter height... his face could fit perfectly on Xiaoshi's shoulder...
— You're washing with the wrong side again. — Lu Guang took the sponge from Xiaoshi's hand.

— There's no right or wrong side! — Xiaoshi laughed.

— Of course there is. — Lu Guang started washing the plate his way. — This side doesn't get any of the grease off... See? How did you even survive before you met me?

— The same way I'll survive if you stop working with me...

Xiaoshi tried to smile, but the mood turned awkward.
Lu Guang paused for an instant, but then went back to washing the dishes.
— Let's not talk about that right now... You just went through something complicated. Let's leave that for later, okay?

They were silent for a moment. But Xiaoshi couldn't stay quiet for long.
— So... did you go to the old woman's shop when I disappeared? — he asked, trying to change the subject.

— I did. — Lu Guang's face was more serious. — But the shop was closed. It looked... abandoned.

— Really? — Xiaoshi grew thoughtful. — And you never saw her again after that?

— Never again... — Lu Guang said, while washing one of the plates. — But, to be honest, I hope you never have to go through something like that again... so diving into that photo is out of the question!

Xiaoshi smiled. It was so cute seeing Lu Guang worried about him. Him saying that so seriously... it made him fall for him even more.
Xiaoshi took the plate Lu Guang had just washed and started drying it. He started to reflect, too...
The old woman had helped him come back. Maybe he wouldn't see her in this reality anymore. So, he had to take this chance. He knew he needed to talk. He needed to say what he felt for Lu Guang... But not now, not like this, washing dishes.
He wanted something special. Much more special than what the "me" from the other reality had done. It had to be something well-planned.
— Lu Guang... — He started to say.

— Hm? — Lu Guang looked at him.

— Tomorrow... can you go somewhere with me?

Lu Guang raised an eyebrow.
— Where do you want to go?

— Well... if I tell you, you won't want to go with me.

Lu Guang fell silent. He looked suspicious.
Xiaoshi dried his hands on the dish towel and, in an impulsive gesture, reached over and grabbed Lu Guang's hand to dry it, too.
— Trust me, Lu Guang. It'll be fun... and special. — He said, looking at him with a suspicious smile.

Lu Guang was frozen. His eyes were staring at their joined hands. He opened his mouth to answer, but couldn't think of anything smart to say.
— You saying it like that... is what worries me. — He finally said, pulling his hand back and covering by grabbing a dish towel that was on his shoulder to dry his own hands.
He then threw the towel on the counter and bolted for his room.
Xiaoshi let out a low laugh.
What kind of reaction was that? Xiaoshi found that very interesting.

***

Lu Guang had just gotten into bed, adjusting his pillow, when he heard a knock on the door. He already knew who it was, but he wasn't in the mood to deal with Xiaoshi at this hour.
— Who is it?

The door opened slowly, revealing Xiaoshi with a huge smile on his face.
— So... I didn't want to sleep alone.

Lu Guang couldn't believe what he was hearing.
— You have your own room, Xiaoshi.

Xiaoshi shuffled in a little further, dragging his feet.
— I know, but... After everything that's happened to me these past few days... another reality, almost getting lost in that photo... — He took a dramatic pause, placing a hand on his chest. — You're really going to make me sleep alone?

Lu Guang let out a sigh, running a hand over his face.
— That doesn't even make sense. You're not a child... or are you?

— Please????? Just for tonight. I promise I'll stay on the very edge. — He clasped his hands in a plea, with a pout that made it clear this was all an act.

Lu Guang looked away, trying to ignore the urge to give in. He knew Xiaoshi wouldn't quit.
— This is ridiculous. You're just being dramatic...

— Dramatic? Me??? — Xiaoshi faked an offended look. — It's just one night, Lu Guang. You'll survive.

After a long silence, Lu Guang finally sighed, defeated.
— Fine. But stay on your side of the bed. And don't even think about moving around during the night, or I'm kicking you out.

Xiaoshi broke into a huge grin and flopped onto the bed with so much happiness it made Lu Guang roll his eyes.
— You're impossible.

— And you're the best. — He replied, already getting settled under the covers.
Lu Guang turned off the lamp and lay down with his back to him, trying to ignore Xiaoshi's presence beside him. Xiaoshi turned in his direction.
— Stop moving so much.

— Just finding the right spot.

The room went quiet, only the sound of their breathing could be heard. Lu Guang tried to relax and fall asleep, but Xiaoshi's proximity made that impossible.
— Lu Guang...

— What now?

— Can I hold your hand?

Lu Guang went still, his heart pounding without warning.
— What for? Are you crazy?

— I don't know. I just wanted to... I don't know, I feel safer this way. — Xiaoshi's voice was sincere this time.

— You can't.

— Lu Guang... if I hold your hand, are you going to kick me out? — Xiaoshi's eyes were shining in the dark.

— I will. — Lu Guang replied, but his voice came out quieter than he intended.

Even so, Xiaoshi moved closer slowly and, before Lu Guang could say anything else, his fingers were already on top of his.
Lu Guang didn't react. But he ended up giving in, feeling Xiaoshi's fingers lace through his. It was a warm touch...
— Tomorrow, at 11... — Xiaoshi said, still holding his hand, closing his eyes.

— What's tomorrow at 11?

— Our appointment. Don't be late.

Lu Guang didn't answer, just felt the grip of Xiaoshi's hand in his. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the heat in his face, while Xiaoshi smiled in the dark.

***

As soon as they arrived at the gates of the place, Lu Guang stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, staring at the entrance with an expression somewhere between shock and disbelief.
— An amusement park? — He said. — You brought me to an amusement park, Xiaoshi?

Xiaoshi found his despair amusing.
— Our nerves have been frayed lately... we need to forget our problems. I think it'll be good for us...

— But Xiaoshi... I don't like crowded places... — Lu Guang looked worried.

Xiaoshi went up to him and put an arm around his shoulder.
— Relax, Lu Guang. Don't worry, okay? Today is Monday, it's not crowded... And I'll be your private guide. How about that? — He opened his arms and did a spin, presenting himself for the job. — I promise I'll make you have fun and I'll take care of you.

Lu Guang had to laugh.
— You're going to... take care of me?? How old do you think we are?

— Lu Guang, just follow me! I bet by the end of the day you'll be thanking me and saying: "Wow, Xiaoshi, you have the best ideas and your knowledge of parks is impressive"! — Xiaoshi said, in a deep voice.

Lu Guang held it in, but he laughed again.
— What is that voice? Are you saying my voice is like that?

Xiaoshi laughed too.
He then saw an attendant selling a park map, just ahead. He signaled for Lu Guang to stay put and ran to the woman. He took a bill from his wallet and bought a map.
— Well... where do we start? — He asked, returning. He analyzed the map.

— You tell me, Mr. Tour Guide.

— First... the carousel! — He replied, already pulling Lu Guang by the hand.

— The carousel? — Lu Guang raised an eyebrow. — That's just for kids, Xiaoshi.

— So what? Who was calling me a kid last night?

The carousel was empty. Xiaoshi chose a horse with gold details and a blue-painted mane. He hopped on easily, holding out a hand for Lu Guang to climb onto the platform.
— Come on, pick a horse too. This one next to me is empty.

— They're all empty, wise guy!

Lu Guang hesitated, but ended up choosing the horse beside him.
— I still feel kind of ridiculous. — He commented, holding onto the side pole.

Xiaoshi laughed. He was really happy. When the carousel started to spin, he opened his arms, letting the wind mess up his hair.
His joy ended up being contagious, and Lu Guang broke into a small smile.
Xiaoshi didn't miss that detail and pulled his phone from his pants pocket, pointing the camera at Lu Guang.
— Hey, no! — Lu Guang tried to look away, but Xiaoshi had already clicked.

— Got it! It's great. — He smiled as he looked at the photo. — Let's take one together now.

Before Lu Guang could protest, Xiaoshi was already next to him, holding his arm out with the phone.
— Smile, come on!

Lu Guang turned to Xiaoshi.
— We look good together. — Xiaoshi commented, taking the picture.

After the carousel, Xiaoshi chose to go to the lagoon. The sun reflected on the water, creating a peaceful scene.
— How about a boat ride? — Xiaoshi suggested, pointing to some small boats docked at the pier.

— Do you know how to row? — Lu Guang asked.

— Of course I do!

As soon as they got into the boat, it was clear he did not.
Xiaoshi could barely keep the boat in a straight line, and the irregular movement made the water rock more than it should.
— Let me help you. — Lu Guang took the oars, taking control with precise movements.

Xiaoshi watched him, impressed.
— Hey! Where did you learn to row so well?

— It's my first time... — Lu Guang replied. Seeing the face Xiaoshi made, he couldn't help but smile. — It's not that hard. It just requires... concentration.

Xiaoshi pulled his phone out again, taking another picture of Lu Guang.
— One more for our album.

Then he took another picture of their reflection in the water.
Lu Guang looked suspicious, but he didn't complain.
— Enjoying it so far? — Xiaoshi asked, moving to get a little closer to him.

— The park really is pretty empty, isn't it? — Lu Guang replied.

Xiaoshi moved even closer, leaning in to try and see Lu Guang's face better.
— That wasn't a "yes" or a "no". — He teased, resting his chin on his hand.

— I'm saying it's... peaceful. — Lu Guang kept his eyes on the movement of the oars.

— That's still not an answer! — Xiaoshi insisted, a playful smile on his lips. — Are you enjoying it or not?

— You know... you look handsome rowing like that. — Xiaoshi said suddenly, tilting his head as if he were evaluating him.

Lu Guang turned his face to him, surprised.
— What?

— I said you look handsome. — Xiaoshi repeated, now with a mischievous grin. — The sun is hitting you just right, and you're so focused...

Lu Guang turned red immediately, which was a rare sight. He tried to compose himself, but his hands faltered on the oars, and the boat turned slightly to the side.
— W-what... — He muttered, trying to correct their course.

— Hey, careful! — Xiaoshi laughed, holding onto the bench.

Since last night, Xiaoshi had started to notice these reactions from Lu Guang. Was he always this shy? Xiaoshi only ever paid attention to the scoldings he got whenever he provoked him, but he tried to remember if Lu Guang had always blushed like this and he just hadn't noticed.
— Can't you be quiet? — Lu Guang replied, but his tone wasn't one of irritation.

Xiaoshi held back his laughter.
— But I didn't do anything!

Lu Guang was silent until they returned to the pier.
He hesitated when he saw the hand Xiaoshi offered him for support as he got out of the boat. But he ended up taking it.
— Thanks...

Xiaoshi was a little taken aback when Lu Guang took his hand on his own. He hadn't expected him to accept his help.
— So... just one more place left — he said, turning and looking up.

Lu Guang turned in the direction he was looking.
— You... you want to go on the ferris wheel?

Xiaoshi smiled.

***

In line, Xiaoshi seemed to have his head in the clouds. He was thinking about what to do next. The day had been perfect so far. He couldn't ruin it all.
Then it was their turn to get into the cabin.
— Are you afraid of heights, Xiaoshi? — Lu Guang asked, as he got in and sat down.

— Me? No... why?

— You seem... nervous.

Xiaoshi fell silent, watching the movement of the ferris wheel through the window.
He felt his heart beat faster, but he didn't know how to start. It was now or never.
He took a deep breath.
— Lu Guang...

Lu Guang, who was also looking at the view, turned his face to him.
— Hmm?

— I... — Xiaoshi scratched the back of his neck, looking away for a moment. — I wanted to bring you here today for a reason... I mean, of course I wanted it to be fun. But... I wanted us to make a memory together. Something for me to always remember.

Lu Guang frowned slightly but said nothing, allowing Xiaoshi to continue.
— These last few days have been... confusing for me. I thought a lot... about you, about me, about everything that happened when you suddenly started to pull away from me. And, to be honest, I... I was scared. — He looked directly at Lu Guang now, taking a deep breath. — Scared of losing you.

Lu Guang blinked, surprised, but remained silent.
— I know this might seem weird, because... we've always been together, right? But in the other reality... — Xiaoshi paused, searching for the right words. — In the other reality, I ended up discovering things about myself. Things that... I had never realized before.

Lu Guang kept his gaze fixed on him.
— To be honest... it was my fear that made me end up there. In that reality, there was something that I wanted deep down and didn't know. There, you were... m-my boyfriend. — Xiaoshi blurted out, feeling his face burn. — And, at first, it was a shock for me to see us like that. I didn't know how to feel. But as time went on, seeing what those versions of us were like, how the 'you' from there loved me... I realized I wanted that, too.

He stopped. Lu Guang was frozen; it looked like he wasn't even breathing. He decided to continue.
— And when I came back... when I saw I was back in my reality, with you, it was like everything finally made sense. I... I realized that I really like you... but I like you on a level that's more than friendship... I love you, Lu Guang. And, maybe, I always have. I just... never realized it before.

The silence in the ferris wheel cabin was almost deafening.
Xiaoshi looked down, nervously fidgeting with his fingers.
— I know this must be a huge surprise for you. And I understand if you don't feel the same... I just wanted you to know. And... if you can, just keep being my friend, because I can't imagine my life without you.

Xiaoshi finally stopped talking, feeling his heart almost pounding out of his chest. He didn't have the courage to look directly at Lu Guang. The silence continued, and he began to think the worst.
— Xiaoshi... you... — Lu Guang's voice broke the silence.

Xiaoshi blinked, looking up at him, anxious.
— Me?

Lu Guang looked at him. Xiaoshi could have sworn he saw a small smile appearing on his lips.
— You think any of this would be a surprise to me? — He took a deep breath, as if freeing himself from an enormous weight. — The truth is, I wanted to stop working with you because... I couldn't handle my own feelings anymore. I... I've always liked you, Xiaoshi. I suspected your feelings... But you only saw me as a friend, no matter how many signals I gave you. So, I figured pulling away was the only solution...

Xiaoshi looked like he didn't understand at all.
— Wait! You... always? — His voice came out as a whisper.

— From the beginning. — Lu Guang looked away, blushing. — But I never thought you'd realize it like this, so I tried... to keep it to myself and deal with it alone.

Xiaoshi felt his heart stop. He laughed, running his hands over his face.
— My God... I really am an idiot. — He laughed again, shaking his head. — And I brought you here because I thought...

He stood up and went over to Lu Guang, sitting down beside him.
— Lu Guang, I'm really slow at understanding things... I'm sorry! I wanted to confess and... I heard that confessions on ferris wheels were good luck.

Lu Guang couldn't hold back his laughter.
— You're unbelievable. That's why you wanted to come up here?

Xiaoshi moved a little closer, his eyes shining with expectation.
— So... you really do like me?

Lu Guang nodded, looking down afterward.
Xiaoshi leaned in. His breathing was uneven, and he felt his heart racing. Carefully, he touched Lu Guang's face.
— Lu Guang... I'm going to kiss you now.

Lu Guang didn't answer, but his eyes seemed to agree. Xiaoshi moved in slowly, closing the distance between them until their lips finally met.
The first touch was soft. Xiaoshi felt the softness of Lu Guang's lips and was surprised by the temperature. His lips were warm.
He put one hand around Lu Guang's waist, pulling him closer, while the other was still on his face. He felt Lu Guang gradually relax and put his hands on his shoulders, and then move them down to his back, hugging him.
Xiaoshi smelled Lu Guang's scent. His heart felt like it was exploding, but in a good way. Lu Guang seemed to fit perfectly in his arms. He tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss, letting himself just enjoy the moment, without thinking about anything.
When they finally pulled apart, their faces were still close, their breaths mingling. Xiaoshi kept his hand on Lu Guang's waist, while he continued to have his arms around his back.
— Your lips are so soft... and now they're much redder — Xiaoshi whispered, with a dopey smile.

Lu Guang felt warm, and the color rose in his cheeks.
— You're terrible at keeping those things to yourself, aren't you? Why would you say that...

Xiaoshi laughed.
— Lu Guang... I think ferris wheels really do bring good luck...
Then he pulled Lu Guang in for another kiss.

Chapter Text

The shop was calm that morning, with the soft sound of a playlist playing in the background.
Xiaoshi was leaning against the counter, an old camera in his hand, pretending to analyze its details. In reality, his eyes were fixed on Lu Guang, who was typing something on the computer.

— Lu Guang...

— Hm? — Lu Guang replied without looking away from the screen.

— Did you know that when you're concentrating like this, you get a little wrinkle right here on your forehead? — He pointed to his own forehead, smiling.

Lu Guang stopped typing for a second.
— And did you know you have a lot of work to do instead of analyzing me?

— My job is to take care of you now... — Xiaoshi laughed, resting his chin on his hand. — And... you're much more interesting to watch.

— Interesting? — Lu Guang raised an eyebrow. — Like an animal at the zoo?

— No, babe! Interesting like a work of art. — Xiaoshi moved closer, coming up behind him.

Lu Guang shook his head, but Xiaoshi saw a smile forming there.
— You have a talent for talking nonstop, don't you?

— And... did you know your scent is my favorite?

Lu Guang stopped again.
— Why are you standing there behind me?

— I'm watching you work. — Xiaoshi didn't move.

— Right... Right. — Lu Guang went back to typing.
Xiaoshi took the opportunity to slide his arms around Lu Guang's waist, pulling him slightly closer.
— You don't seem bothered. — Xiaoshi teased, putting his face in the space between Lu Guang's shoulder and neck. He gently inhaled his scent.

— Xiaoshi... — Lu Guang tried to sound serious, but his voice came out weak. — Can you at least pretend you're working like before?

— I don't want to anymore! I'm super busy right here now.

Lu Guang huffed a laugh through his nose, shaking his head.
Xiaoshi smiled too, leaned in, and left a kiss on Lu Guang's cheek.
His face immediately turned red.
— For you, a thank-you kiss. — Xiaoshi said, with the most innocent smile in the world.

— For what?

— For being you. — He replied, shrugging. — And for being the best boyfriend in the world.

Lu Guang turned his face away, clearly trying to hide his embarrassment.
— Turn here for me, let me see what you're hiding...

Before Lu Guang could answer, the bell on the shop door rang. They looked at the entrance and saw Qiao Ling standing there.
The two of them instinctively pulled apart, but her watchful gaze caught the movement.
— Morning... — She said, her tone suspicious. — What's going on here?

Xiaoshi tried to play it cool, and Lu Guang shot him a look that clearly said "don't say anything."
Unfortunately, that was asking too much.
— We're dating. — Xiaoshi blurted out.

Lu Guang buried his face in his hand, visibly shocked.
Qiao Ling looked at the two of them for a moment, processing the information.
Then, a smile spread across her face.
— I knew it! — She said, pointing at them. — I knew there was something between you two!

— You knew? — Xiaoshi asked, blinking in surprise.

— Of course I knew! Do you think you can hide anything from me? — She crossed her arms. — Especially you, Lu Guang. You think I never noticed how you look at Xiaoshi?

Lu Guang tried to respond, but he had no defense.
— Well, at least you've finally admitted it. It was about time. — She looked at Xiaoshi. — And you, you better take good care of him, you hear!

— Always! — Xiaoshi replied, putting his arm around Lu Guang's waist again. — I'm already the best boyfriend in the world.

— That's debatable... You just told me *I* was the best a few minutes ago. — Lu Guang replied, making Xiaoshi break into the biggest smile.

— I'm going to need a diabetes test... — Qiao Ling said. — I'm not used to this level of sweetness.

Xiaoshi looked at Qiao Ling with a challenging smile.
— Jealousy is ugly, Ling. You should find a boyfriend as cute as mine.

Qiao Ling rolled her eyes, but she smiled.
— I don't know if I'll get used to this version of you guys.

Later, after Qiao Ling left the shop, Xiaoshi was silent for a few minutes, watching Lu Guang work. He was smiling without realizing it.
— Lu Guang... let's go out for a bit?

Lu Guang looked at him.
— Where to?

— There's a fair nearby. The weather is nice out and... I heard the food there is really good.

Lu Guang hesitated for an instant, but Xiaoshi grabbed him by the hand and pulled him toward the door before he could refuse.
— Come on! You can't say no to a request from your boyfriend.

***

The fair was bustling, but not packed, with stalls lined up on both sides of a wide street. Hanging lights illuminated the area as the sound of laughter and conversation echoed all around. The smell of food in the air was wonderful.

As they walked through the fair, Xiaoshi held Lu Guang's hand, their fingers laced tightly. At every stall, he would look at his boyfriend, smiling as if the simple act of being there was the most incredible thing in the world.
— Did you notice how everyone is staring at us? — Lu Guang commented.

— So what? Let them stare. — Xiaoshi squeezed his hand tighter. — Let them see how lucky you are to have a boyfriend as handsome as me.

Lu Guang laughed quietly, huffing through his nose.
— You're hopeless!

Xiaoshi stopped in front of a stall full of accessories, his eyes shining when he saw some headbands with fox ears. Without a second thought, he grabbed one and put it on Lu Guang's head, who's eyes went wide.
— There, perfect now. — Xiaoshi took a step back, evaluating his masterpiece.

— Take this off, Xiaoshi... — Lu Guang tried to remove the headband, but Xiaoshi grabbed his hands.

— No way. You're way too cute. — He laughed, holding Lu Guang's cheeks with both hands. — My god, how can anyone be this adorable?

Lu Guang tried to turn his face away, but Xiaoshi squished his cheeks.
— Spare my face, okay? — Lu Guang said, his voice muffled by the grip. — It's the part my boyfriend likes best about me.

Xiaoshi was speechless for a moment. His face turned red as he processed what Lu Guang had just said. Then he started to laugh.
— Look who's grown up! Making a comment like that... — He squished Lu Guang's cheeks even harder. — I'm so proud of my boyfriend!

Lu Guang laughed quietly, gently pushing Xiaoshi's hands away.
— You exaggerate too much...

— There's no such thing as exaggeration when it's about you... — Xiaoshi replied, taking Lu Guang's hand and lacing their fingers together again. — Are you having fun?

— I am... — Lu Guang replied, looking at Xiaoshi's smile.

They kept walking until they stopped at a sweets stall.
Xiaoshi bought two strawberry skewers covered in sugar, handing one to Lu Guang.
— Here, babe. — He took a bite of his own skewer.

Lu Guang accepted it and took a bite too.
— Will I ever get used to you treating me like this? Seeing this side of you is... different.

— I'm only like this with you... — Xiaoshi replied.

They continued walking and passed a stall with paper lanterns. The soft light from the candles inside them created a magical atmosphere.
— Should we buy one to remember this day? — Xiaoshi suggested.

— I don't need a lantern to remember... — Lu Guang replied. — I'm already going to remember all of it anyway...

Xiaoshi laughed, resting his head on Lu Guang's shoulder.
— You really do love me a lot, admit it.

Lu Guang looked at him and let a big smile spread across his face.
— I do. And I think you already know that...

Xiaoshi smiled even wider and gave a quick kiss to Lu Guang's cheek, who made no move to pull away.
Lu Guang was still wearing the fox headband, which brought Xiaoshi immense joy.
— I really love being your boyfriend, you know?

Lu Guang froze and looked away for a moment, but he squeezed Xiaoshi's hand.
— I love being your boyfriend too, Xiaoshi. — He replied. — In fact... I want you to be my first and my last boyfriend.

Xiaoshi's eyes widened. His heart felt like it had leaped into his throat. He pulled Lu Guang closer.
— Do you know what you just... You were so cute just now, babe. How am I supposed to get over that?

— You don't have to get over anything. — Lu Guang replied, trying to hide the blush in his cheeks. — Just... keep being you.

Xiaoshi smiled, squeezing Lu Guang's hand as they continued walking through the fair.

***

They passed stalls with crafts and specialty foods until Xiaoshi stopped abruptly upon seeing something familiar.
A palm-reading stall.
The figure of an old woman with a colorful scarf and an enigmatic smile sitting behind a table caught his attention.
She was shuffling a deck of cards as if she were waiting for someone.
— Look who's over there... — Xiaoshi murmured, leaning into Lu Guang and holding his hand even tighter.

Lu Guang followed Xiaoshi's gaze, recognizing the old woman immediately.
It was the woman from the photo, the one who had disappeared. He took a deep breath.
— You think she's waiting for us? — Xiaoshi asked, whispering.

Xiaoshi and Lu Guang approached the stall cautiously.
— You! I thought I'd never see you again! — Xiaoshi said, squeezing Lu Guang's hand for security.

She looked up slowly, as if she had been expecting them. Her enigmatic smile was there, as always.
— It's curious how destiny always finds a way to bring together those who have something to do together — she said.

Xiaoshi hesitated, but Lu Guang squeezed his hand back.
— I... I haven't seen you since... Since the other reality. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Who are you, really? How did you know all of that?

The old woman stared at him for a few seconds, the smile remaining on her face as if she held secrets that would never be revealed.
Instead of answering, she changed the subject, as if Xiaoshi's questioning was irrelevant.
— It seems the boat has found its balance, after all. Don't forget to row together.

Lu Guang, beside him, narrowed his eyes. He didn't like these enigmatic phrases at all.
— That doesn't answer his question. Do you always speak in riddles?

The old woman just laughed quietly and, ignoring the question again, held something out to Xiaoshi.
He took the object and saw it was a photograph. As he looked at it, he immediately froze.
— This... — Xiaoshi said, his eyes wide.

Lu Guang moved closer to see the photo, and surprise took over him as well.
In the image, it was the two of them, but something didn't make sense: both were wearing clothes from another era, clearly decades past. In the photo, which was very old, the two were embracing and smiling, side-by-side, with great intimacy.
— This is impossible... — Lu Guang murmured. — How does this photo exist?

Xiaoshi turned the photograph over and on the back was a handwritten sentence: "Destiny always finds a way."
— You... you know something, don't you? — Xiaoshi asked the old woman. — How do you have this? Why are we in this photo?

The old woman just smiled again, tilting her head slightly, as if she were satisfied with something only she understood.
— Use what you've learned well — she said, beginning to gather her belongings from the table.

— Wait! — Xiaoshi tried to stop her, but she began to walk away, disappearing into the fair's crowd.

He stood there for a few moments, still holding the photo as if it might disintegrate at any moment.
— Lu Guang... — Xiaoshi murmured. — This... this has to be a trick of hers, right? A fake, or something?

Lu Guang shook his head slowly, without taking his eyes off the photo.
— I don't know, Xiaoshi. But she knew we'd be here. And this... — He pointed to the sentence on the back. — This is very strange.

Xiaoshi took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts.
— You know what I think? — He looked at Lu Guang, suddenly smiling. — We're just going to have to find out what's going on. One more mission for our list.

Lu Guang moved closer to him, relieved that Xiaoshi seemed calm about it.
— I knew you were going to say that.

Xiaoshi laughed even harder and, without thinking, pulled Lu Guang into a tight hug.
— Hey, we're in the street! — Lu Guang tried to protest, but he didn't resist and ended up relaxing in Xiaoshi's arms.

Xiaoshi rested his chin on the top of Lu Guang's head, closing his eyes for a moment.
— Xiaoshi — Lu Guang said, after they'd been hugging for a while, separating from him.
— Hm?

— Let's get out of here. I want to take you somewhere.

Xiaoshi blinked a few times, confused, but he nodded, still holding the photo. Lu Guang squeezed his hand and guided him through the fair, ignoring the buzz around them. It didn't take long for the lights and sounds to be left behind, replaced by the smell of salt in the air and the sound of waves breaking in the distance.
The beach opened up in front of them, deserted and illuminated by the sky that was beginning to be painted orange and pink.
Xiaoshi stopped, recognizing the place immediately.
— Here... — He looked around, his breath catching slightly in his throat. — It's the same beach.

Lu Guang didn't need to ask what he meant. He just squeezed Xiaoshi's hand.
It turned out the fair was right next to the beach Xiaoshi had mentioned to him before.
— I thought this would be a good place for us to relax a bit. What do you think?

Xiaoshi smiled, looking at his boyfriend.
— You chose right.

They walked along the sand until they found a more secluded spot, where Lu Guang put down his backpack for them to lean on. He sat down first and pulled Xiaoshi by the hand to join him.
— You're trying to distract me, aren't you? — Xiaoshi asked.

— Maybe — Lu Guang looked at the horizon.
The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with colors that looked like they were from a painting.
The waves rolled in and out, bringing a sense of peace that contrasted with the chaos of the last few minutes.
Xiaoshi sighed, resting his head on Lu Guang's shoulder.
— You know... this place is special to me now. This is where I realized something really important in the other reality.

Lu Guang turned his face to him, waiting for him to continue.
— I realized that, regardless of the reality... or the time... what matters is what we feel. Who we choose.

Lu Guang was silent.
Xiaoshi lifted his head, looking directly into his eyes, which reflected the glow of the sunset.
— I choose you. Always. In any reality... and in any era...
Lu Guang felt his heart accelerate. He opened his mouth to answer, but Xiaoshi was already leaning in.
Their lips met softly. Xiaoshi placed a hand on the nape of Lu Guang's neck, his fingers sliding over his skin, while his thumb rested at the base of his neck. He held him firmly, as if saying he wanted him for himself.
Both of their breaths became uneven, the sound of the kiss gaining intensity. Lu Guang's hand explored Xiaoshi's waist.
Xiaoshi felt a shiver at the touch and pulled Lu Guang even closer. Their bodies were so close it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.
When they finally separated, their foreheads remained pressed together, both of them panting, sharing the same air, eyes still half-closed and hearts racing.
Xiaoshi smiled.
— Never forget that I love you, okay?

Lu Guang held Xiaoshi's face with both hands, his thumbs gently caressing his cheeks.
— I love you, Xiaoshi...
The two stayed there, foreheads together.
The sunset stained everything with a golden hue. The photo, which Xiaoshi had placed to the side, seemed to glow under that light. In the distance, the stars were beginning to appear in the sky, like witnesses to their love.