Chapter Text
The last day
Xie Lian was chewing on his pancakes, hurriedly, a figure next to him shook his head in disapprove
“Xie Lian eat slower, we are feeding you properly in this household” He took a sip of hot coffee slowly
“I am eating slowly” Xie Lian argued as his cheeks were stuffed like a chipmunks. The disapproving figure sighed and got up
Xie Lian looked up at Mei Nianqing “Well glad to know you like them” He took the empty cups “Oh yeah, what time would you like me to pick you and your friends?”
Xie Lian chocked
Mei Nianqing frowned
Xie Lian coughed and swallowed hard “Oh…that, we haven’t decided yet” His palm moved to his chest, “After 6 for sure”. Mei Nianqing gave an affirmative nod, “Make sure to come back before 1, you know why...”
Oh he knows, Xie Lian knows. ‘Come back in time after the party Lianlian.’ He could sense the 33 missed calls from miles away, the spam texts, the forced smile of his other guardian.
“Yes I am perfectly aware”
“Good, now eat your pancakes I really worked hard on them”
Xie Lian nodded and continued eating his pancakes, with maple syrup dripping all over his mouth, as well as little pieces of chewed pancakes being the cherry on top. Then Xie Lian turned and smiled at Mei Nianqing.
Mei Nianqing regretted making pancakes that morning…
After Xie Lian finished he’s long and messy breakfast Mei Nianqing coughed and looked at him “Now Xie Lian please go wash your face, it’s going to be all sticky if you don’t, plus I don’t want you making the table more messy than it already is…”
Xie Lian looked at him like a scared and worried ferret before nodding and hurriedly getting up “Yes sir! On it right now!” He then rushed upstairs to the bathroom to wash and cleans his face with soap and water, on the process his hair got soaked but he didn’t mind it. It was just water...He’d rather have his hair a little wet than having to endure Mie Nianqings scolding again.
After finishing up he left the bathroom and went downstairs to help out Mei Nianqing with cleaning up the kitchen, as well as help out with making lunch, well mostly helping out with carrying the ingredients since last time he was let near a stove he burned and over seasoned the meal. After the time he tried making chicken with massed potatoes Mei Nianqing banned him from going anywhere near the stove. The chicken was so burned to the point it was impossible to chew properly and as for the massed potatoes—he didn’t even want to remember how salty and spicy they tasted... (Bleh).
After helping out a bit Xie Lian checked the time and it was around seven thirty. He blotted upstairs, it was a miracle he didn’t wake up his other parental figure in the process, he entered his bedroom and started getting changed into the clothes Mei Nianqing put out for him. His favorite T-shirt was perfectly ironed and next to it was a pair of skinny jeans. After changing he realized he wasn’t done yet, he quickly put on his black tattoo choker then and look was finished. He quickly put on his socks and went downstairs so Mei Nianqing could tie the half of his hair up into a bun.
“Remember to come back to dress you up”
“Yes”
“And to charge your phone”
“Yes”
“And-“
“Yes I will charge my phone, yes I will eat before the party, yes I will shower before, and yes I will pick up my phone whenever it rings”
Mei Nianqing paused, “Good I raised you well...” He clapped his hands together “All done, anything else?” Xie Lian’s chestnut hair was tied neatly together, since when Xie Lian got his last haircut? (Good question)
Xie Lian turned around, “Nope”
“Don’t forget your bag”
“Do I really need it?”
“…”
“On it” Xie Lian dashed to grab his bag and step out of his house, Mei Nianqing stood at the door and yelled “Hey! You forgot your lunch!”
“It’s okay! I need to catch the bus” Xie Lian’s voice fainted as he ran to the pavement, disappearing from Mei Nianqing’s sight.
“You-” Mei Nianqing closed the door, this kid…
A door clicked upstairs and heavy footsteps followed, Mei Nianqing’s face soured
Well looks like I don’t need to make second lunch.
Xie Lian’s feet dragged him until the bus station, he sat down on the rusted metal bench covered in graffiti. He pulled out his MP3 player and waited, kicking his feet to the music nonchalantly. The bus arrived and Xie Lian hoped in without taking out his headphones, two figures were sitting on the end of the bus—seemingly argue, Xie Lian tripped as the bus went on full speed.
“I told you I don’t want—Oh Xie Lian hi, try not to die” The one sitting next to the window crossed his legs, the other one next to him shot a glare and extended his hand out for Xie Lian
“Don’t worry, I’m good...” Xie Lian got up and took a seat between them, “Thank you Feng Xin”
Feng Xin nodded and glanced at the front seats “Oh great, these fuckers just had to get in...” He muttered, and Xie Lian finally removed one earphone “Oh it’s loud...”
“As long as they don’t see us...”
“Or bother us” Feng Xin added
It was a bunch of teenage boys all of the wearing the same outfit as if they were a hive. They were talking loudly, some even jumping on seats, others putting their legs on empty bus seats, one was holding a speaker playing literally awful music to listen to while drinking a Hell energy drink. The bus driver was too exhausted to try lecturing them or kicking them out...
The kid sitting next to Xie Lian at his right looking outside the window rolled his eyes before sarcastically commenting “Typical Kagkoures*…”
Xie Lian nodded “Yes, Mu Qing...they are something”
Feng Xin spoke “Annoying to say the fucking least”
Suddenly a crushed empty can of Hell was landed on Mu Qing’s head. Xie Lian’s and Feng Xin’s jaws dropped at that, Mu Qing was quiet for a whole minute that lasted forever before he got up and started bolting towards the front seats. All the kagkoures at the front seats looked at a clearly mad Mu Qing. Xie Lian and Feng Xin wanted the earth to swallow them alive.
Mu Qing began to speak in an annoyed tone, his face full of irritation “What the hell was that about”
One of the kagkoures spoke up “Oh shut the fuck you fucking suicidal emo!” the whole group of them started cackling, another kagkouras spoke up “Go back to your gay ass friends you emo!” their cackling and mockery was giving Mu Qing a headache. Mu Qing was clenching his fist but he knew it was a losing battle trying to argue with them, he turned back to he’s heel and retreated back to his seat.
Xie Lian’s face was full of worry and he asked in a low and almost quiet tone “Are you feeling alright?”
Mu Qing spoke up sarcastically once again “What do you think.”
Feng Xin snapped at him “He’s trying to be nice and comfort you. Don’t be such a b-”
Mu Qing didn’t let him finish before snapping back at him “Continue that. I dare you.”
Xie Lian has been sandwiched between yet another ‘Fengqing arguments’. He tried speaking up to ease the tension but there was no point. They weren’t even listening to him...He just plucked back his headphones and continued listening to music.
The bell rang and everyone dashed out of the classroom, a hoard of students gathered outside a window with money tightly secured on their hands. Among them Xie Lian and Feng Xin stood to wait for their turn, Feng Xin whispered to Xie Lian.
“I hope they don’t grab all the pizzas”
Xie Lian gave a helpless look “Can’t guarantee that...” He counted the coins on his palm, he will get the same thing as usual. Feng Xin pulled out more coins “Mu Qing told me to get juice for him, I don’t know if I have enough” He murmured
“I can give you some” Xie Lian offered as they stepped closer to the line, the smell of baked goods made him hungrier.
Feng Xin shook his head “No it’s fine, Mu Qing gave me money…this time”
“Are you sure?”
Feng Xin was next in line for the canteen “Yeah I am sure, I agreed on this...so”
Xie Lian did not pay attention to Feng Xin, his thoughts were occupied for the tonight’s events; Today is his last day in middle school. They will celebrate it, the school will celebrate it, they would have a blast. Right?
Or at least Xie Lian hopes so, he never went to these type of parties. His only experience were Feng Xin and Mu Qing’s birthday parties (and his own). With great convincing (good grades and a big smile) Mei Nianqing and Jun Wu allowed him to go, drinking or staying alone is banned. The bar* prohibits alcohol import and serving, this won’t stop students from sneaking in beers or vodka. He heard one of his classmates planning on bringing juice mixed with vodka, as well as his best friend bringing in weed, while the third one would bring different types of wine disguised sour cherry juice. One thing is for sure; they won’t be the only ones.
“Can you guys hurry up! We have 5 minutes left!” Mu Qing yelled in Xie Lian’s ear. Xie Lian blinked and snapped back to reality, Feng Xin got his lunch and Mu Qing stood beside the line with his arms crossed.
“Relax, I got your juice” Feng Xin left the line and handed the Amita* to Mu Qing, “We still got the other breaks, you know…”
“I know I just don’t want other idiots to take our spot, the place afterwards reeks cigarettes...” Mu Qing commented with disgust, Feng Xin looked at him with indifference.
Meanwhile Xie Lian paid for his tyropita and went up to them eating the tyropita leaving a small smile of crumbs on his mouth.
Mu Qing raised his eyebrow “Come on let’s go outside.”
The trio walked outside to their usual spot at the corner of the stone graffiti filled bleachers. Mu Qing took out his wet, cold, toast from the aluminum paper his mum prepared for him and started eating. Feng Xin spoke up while chewing “do we have 4 hours today?”
Xie Lian responded smiling “Yep! 4 hours left and we’re finally done with middle school”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes before stating “And then we’ll drown in pannellinies…” A groan could be heard coming out from Feng Xin “Again with this? It’s too early, you still have time before that” He exclaimed as he was finishing his half eaten pizza, the air was slightly intense and Mu Qing furrowed his eyebrows, “Easy for you to say” He took another bite, “I need to do this without frontistiria, and it’s going to be hell..”
Xie Lian frowned “My dad told me I will start only after the first year of high school”
Mu Qing and Feng Xin asked in unison “Which dad?” Xie Lian had to finish his tyropita before answering “Mei Nianqing” Both Feng Xin and Mu Qing let out an ‘Ah’.
Mu Qing commented finishing up his toast “At least you’ll have proper help for pannelladikes…”
Xie Lian smiled politely “If we end up being in the same class I can share my notes with you and maybe we can even have study sessions together, you told me you’ll go to theoritiki* too if I remember correctly”
Mu Qing nodded “Yeah I’ll have to go to theoritiki if I want to be a philologist-”
Feng Xin interrupted “Wait why are you going to theoritiki? It’s super hard. Don't you wanna be a gardener or something?” Mu Qing rolled his eyes in pain
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “It’s actually called a botanist”
Studying botany might be a silly goal coming from Xie Lian, he has all the money to go to the highest universities or have the best private tutors. Yet Xie Lian developed an interest for flowers, he was itching to grow them and learn their biology and tribute to earth. To have his own little plant shop and live a simple life-
Feng Xin contained speaking “Yeah that, don’t you need to go at thetiki*? Or ugeias* maybe for that?”
Xie Lian looked down, his face unreadable as he breathed out, “Yeah...about that, my dad suggest I try theoritiki, he said he saw great potential in me for law instead of that.” Feng Xin and Mu Qing exchanged looks
Mu Qing commented sarcastically but mostly annoyed “Well that’s not Mei Nianqing that's for sure...” He turned his aluminum foil into a ball and threw it across a trash crash, not even bothering to get up.
Xie Lian sighed “I understand why he would want me to pursue law, it pays well and Jun Wu is very familiar with the field but-” The voice next to him cut him off.
“It doesn’t matter, that’s not what you want, period.” Mu Qing opened his juice
Feng Xin nodded, “And law is extremely hard to study, I am not doubting your learning skills or anything but you will have a lot on your plate. Just saying...”
The bell rang in a matter of seconds before half of the students started walking towards the entrances, scattering away from the yard. Mu Qing got up and dusted himself, Feng Xin threw away the paper bag from his lunch and Xie Lian brushed off the crumps from his shirt.
The three of them were heading for their class, the halls were filled with cacophony of students and teachers, “Look, just try talk to Jun Wu, I am sure he will understand…you have to decide before you go to second year” Feng Xin rubbed Xie Lian’s back
“I know, I will see what I can do” Xie Lian looked down at his feet, “After all law never interest me...” He whispered to himself, Mu Qing arrived first at the classroom and waited outside for the teacher to unlock the door.
“Watch me fall asleep on this one...” Mu Qing murmured as he leaned against the wall, the others gathered around him
“You will literally go to theoritiki, you can’t possibly find Literature boring”
Mu Qing had to emphasize his word loud enough for Feng Xin to hear, the hall was silent and calm as a cage of enthusiastic monkeys, “Yes I can, not because I find the subject itself boring—you misunderstood, I just disliked how it's taught! And the teacher seriously needs to chill-“
Xie Lian leaned closer to Mu Qing’s ear “Lower your voice…she is here” Everyone turned their heads to watch a middle aged woman take out her keys and unlock the door, she held two books and full size file case in her other hand.
Mu Qing whispered to Feng Xin, “Shit, I forgot my book”
“And what am I supposed to do about it?” Feng Xin complained back
“Share a book!”
Xie Lian got on his seat behind Feng Xin and Mu Qing and took out his books, the seat next to him was empty—he wasn’t sure if he should be thankful for it as no one wanted to sit next to him at the start of the year. Feng Xin and Mu Qing were glued to each other so they took the front spot so they can share notes or pens (Feng Xin has 10 pens on his debt)
“Don’t tell you forgot your book too!” Mu Qing looked like he was a step closer to smack Feng Xin on the head.
“I thought I had it under my desk!” A stack of papers were pulled out from Feng Xin’s side, a few papers ended up on the floor.
“Great…”
Xie Lian felt bad but couldn’t do anything but watch them, only hoping for the teacher to be in her happy mood so they can share a book from someone else. His book was nearly torn and the cover barely attached to the pages, it managed to survive being thrown out of window when the class decided to stir chaos—in simple words; the teacher was gone for 5 minutes.
The inside of the book was in better condition with colored highlights and neatly written notes on the space between the paragraphs. Xie Lian didn’t know how to feel about Literature as a class, sometimes it was fun to discuss and analyze but the essays gave him a headache. Not his favorite subject that’s for sure.
Mu Qing on the other hand was pulling his hair and he hasn’t even started high school, he wouldn’t expect less from someone who doesn’t pay for private tutors or frontistiria. Half—no, most of the class either pays for tutors or more extra help, Mei Nianqing has a similar plan for him in order to prepare.
Mei Nianqing…
Oh right, he has to prepare for tonight and confirm the final hour to leave the house. On the next break they should discuss it, they got distracted—again.
Xie Lian noticed how glued Mu Qing was to Feng Xin, their shoulders were touching and Mu Qing’s dark hair fell on Feng Xin’s neck. Their faces were hidden and Feng Xin was writing something on the book they borrowed while Mu Qing remained unmoved. They were close—most likely due to the fact they share a book but…wasn’t that too close? The lesson barely started, and yet…
Never mind, Xie Lian thinks too much.
Xie Lian was walking home, listening to music once again. He realized how fast the day had passed and how he already was a block away from home. He opened his backpacks front pocket and took his keys out. He reached the house and opened the front door, Mei Nianqing was in the living-room watching a replay of a series on the television. There was silence for some seconds that Xie Lian broke by closing the door.
“You’re home” Mei Nianqing spoke as he got up from the couch “Want to help me set up the table for lunch?”
Xie Lian looked curious as he responded “Won’t father be joining us?”
Mei Nianqing sighed “Nope. He still has many court cases to deal with. He’ll probably be home later today”
Xie Lian nodded “Right as usual...anyway do you want help with anything cooking rela-”
Mei Nianqing cut him off immediately “No. You go wash your hands and set up the table I’ll deal with anything cooking related.”
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, he went upstairs in the bathroom, did his business and after a few moments he was done. He went downstairs to the kitchen to start setting up plates, forks and knifes on the table. Mei Nianqing joined him with a pyrex with hot and tasty pasticcio inside. After Xie Lian put his portion in his plate he almost immediately threw him face into it. It didn’t take him much to devour it—Sometimes Mei Nianqing questioned how fast he could finish his food.
“Alright so what time have you decided? You also need to get ready”
“The party begins at seven so we will go around nine” Xie Lian took his empty plate
“Isn't that a bit late?”
“We will return by 12! I promise” Xie Lian claimed as he washed his plate
Mei Nianqing stared down at his own place, the pasticcio barely half eaten, (was Xie Lian eating fast or he was too slow?) and hummed, “I will probably be awake by then but remember if anything happens-“
“Call Jun Wu, I know”
“And Mu Qing has a request to drive him home, he said his mother is unable to do so..”
A skeptical look appeared on Mei Nianqing’s face, “I see…what about Feng Xin?” He took another bite.
“He said his dad will pick him up, Feng Xin might leave a bit earlier because he has practice tomorrow morning” The washed plate was put aside to dry and strain, Xie Lian then washed the rest of the plates and utensils.
“Xie Lian.”
“Yes?” Xie Lian turned around and paused.
Mei Nianqing opened his mouth but nothing came out then, then he cleared his throat and got up his seat, “You can take my plate, I will go to the bathroom so you can shower after me”
Oh. Xie Lian thought, he watched Mei Nianqing leave the kitchen and disappear into the hall. The room was deadly silent for a moment, Xie Lian picked up the plate and threw away the last bits into the bin.
The look on Mei Nianqing’s face was slightly odd, Xie Lian didn’t know how to read it—was he tired? Annoyed? Not quite sure, Xie Lian would ask about it later.
Mei Nianqing stood like a statue before Xie Lian, unmoving, stilled and full of unfamiliar emotions
“Xie Lian…is this your outfit?”
“Why what’s wrong with it? Too flashy?”
Xie Lian was wearing simple white skinny jeans, a neon yellow shirt and his makeup...Oh his makeup...the blush was way too much, the eyeliner was very thick and the lipstick just something else...Xie Lian smiled unaware of the mess he was. Mei Nianqing look mortified and then decided to take matters into his own hands “Xie Lian come with me real quick in my bedroom”
Xie Lian looked more confused than ever “Alright!”
He happily followed Mei Nianqing in his and Jun Wu’s room. Once they got in Mei Nianqing looked through his drawers and took out makeup removal wipes, he turned to Xie Lian and then spoke “How about I do your makeup?”
Xie Lian was surprised “Oh did I do something wrong?”
Mei Nianqing sighed crossed armed “Well you’re going to a party not a carnival”
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at that statement. Mu Qing was the one who recommend he wears some makeup and the results did not look lovely. He decided to not respond to Mei Nianqing and accept his fate. Mei Nianqing then took a wipe out and started to clean off all that makeup from his face. He sighed once again before he spoke “There will be a day where I’ll sit down and teach you about how to do makeup properly but for now if you ever want to wear makeup again allow me to do it for you”
Xie Lian nodded at that “Alright!”
Mei Nianqing then spoke again “Also I think I have a shirt that might suit you better. I used to wear it when I was your age”
Xie Lian looked at him curiously and then looked back down his neon yellow shirt...he thought ‘What’s wrong with the one I have on right now…?’ Mei Nianqing went to his closet and got a box out from the top-shelf, he put it on the bed and opened it. It had many different types of decade old clothing inside, scarfs and sweaters, denim jackets and different types of shirts, most of them were cropped. Mei Nianqing looked through them and picked out a pretty vintage crop top of his. It was purple with a tiny bow upfront, Mei Nianqing gave it to Xie Lian and then spoke up “I think it’s time you start wearing clothes your age. What do you think?”
Xie Lian look a bit surprised at the clothes, almost admiring them “They look so pretty...were they yours?”
Mei Nianqing laughed a bit and smiled “I used to wear them when I was your age but when I grew up and started working I had to stop. I kept them around for you one day, to try whatever you like and take whatever you like from them”
Xie Lian looked at the clothes and back at Mei Nianqing “But are you sure, they probably have a significant meaning to you?”
Mei Nianqing laughed and responded “Oh they’re just clothes, plus I can’t wear them anymore, they don’t fit me. Although…” Mei Nianqing looked in the box again and took out a pretty denim jacket and gave it to Xie Lian, as he got up to put the box back to its original place he started speaking “If you do wear them outside make me a promise to wear the shorter ones with a jacket because...well you know”
Xie Lian immediately nodded and got up to go change, Mei Nianqing yelled a bit so Xie Lian could hear him in his room “Don’t forget to come back in my room so I can do your makeup and hair!”
Xie Lian yelled back “Alright!”
After a few minutes Xie Lian was dressed up, he looked at himself in the mirror and he was honestly surprised at how good he looked. He got out his room and headed back in to Mie Nianqing’s. Upon entering Mei Nianqing looked surprised but mostly proud, he then spoke up “Come here, sit down” Xie Lian nodded again and sat on the bed. He sat there for about 10 minutes, in that time Mei Nianqing did a soft eyeliner and even added a bit of soft blue eye-shadow on him, light blush on the cheeks, a soft red cherry flavored lips gloss and for a last bit of touch up some mascara. He then worked at his hair, other than straightening it and putting it on its usual style he decided to do something a little different, he took a part of Xie Lian’s hair that would connect to the bun and braided it. He sprayed him with some of his perfume. Xie Lian smelled like orchids. Mei Nianqing looked at him and he looked 10 times prouder of how Xie Lian and how he ended up looking, he appeared more grown up, how a 15 year old kid is supposed to be.
Mei Nianqing could only comment one thing “You look beautiful...Alright let’s get going and don’t forget your jacket”
Xie Lian nodded he took a last look of himself in the mirror before smiling and grabbing his phone as well as his jacket. He shut the lights in the bedroom and followed Mei Nianqing downstairs, he went upfront to wear his white worn out converse. He got up and went out of the house waiting for Mei Nianqing by the car. Not long after Mei Nianqing arrived and they both got in, they started making their way up the hill towards Mu Qing’s neighborhood.
Mei Nianqing turned to the right and parked his car near a small detached house, 5 minutes have passed and Mei Nianqing looked at the time in his car, “Perhaps you should call him—Oh Lord” His jaw nearly dropped and Xie Lian turned his head around.
“Mu Qing???” Xie Lian’s eyes widened like plates and held his phone midair as he was about to call his friend.
Mu Qing waved goodbye to a robbed woman standing at the door before she closed it quickly, he opened the fence door and approached the car.
“What? You guys look like you saw a ghost”
Xie Lian blinked and tried to process everything, Mu Qing palette was dark—down to the shoes everything was black, black tank top, pants and boots that reached his knees. Mu Qing’s dark brown eyes were toned by a light green eyeshadow and thick mascara. Xie Lian didn’t move a muscle as Mu Qing got inside the car and shut the door.
“Feng Xin texted me he said he is waiting outside”
“Oh right…” Mei Nianqing started the car and Xie Lian turned behind Mu Qing but then realized he didn’t know what to say.
“Really..lovely outfit” Xie Lian coughed and then pressed the buttons of his Nokia swiftly, Mu Qing raised his eyebrow and looked down on his vibrating phone
‘Is ur mom ok with this outfit?’
‘ofc she said I look awesome’
Xie Lian was surprised but they will discuss it up close when they get out of the car, Mei Nianqing descended down to reach Feng Xin’s house and park his car across it. Feng Xin was looking at his phone before he heard the horn and quickly crossed the road. Feng Xin took out a water bottle from his shoulder bag and opened it, “Sorry I just came back from training...” Did Feng Xin straight up ran out of the gym and got dressed? Xie Lian thought as he watched Feng Xin drink water
The backseat’s window rolled down and Mu Qing stuck his head out, “What the fu- hell are you wearing? Nobody is getting baptized today” Mu Qing then snapped his mouth tight when Feng Xin suddenly spit half of his water and then chocked on it.
The water ended on the asphalt as Feng Xin violently coughed, Mei Nianqing was astonished, Xie Lian was hoping nobody was watching them.
“What happened to you-??” Feng Xin questioned with a hoarse voice
“What do you mean?”
“You look-”
“Just get in the car” Mei Nianqing hissed while turning his key
“And what happened with you!” Feng Xin pointed his finger at Xie Lian
Xie Lian laughed nervously, “Well it’s a party…am I not on theme?”
“Just get in the car.” Mei Nianqing repeated as he held the wheel tightly. Feng Xin opened the door and sat next to Mu Qing, the car ride was dead silent until Mei Nianqing pressed the horn repeatedly
“Watch where you are going!”
Xie Lian shifted uncomfortably in his seat
He typed to his brick phone, ‘Was this a bad idea? To come?’
Feng Xin looked down on his phone
‘Idk’ He texted back
Mu Qing leaned to Feng Xin to whisper something, Xie Lian didn’t quite catch it so he texted again—to Mu Qing this time.
‘If we get bored we can leave and just hang out in the Plateia*’
‘This late?’
‘I think we will be fine’
Xie Lian, Mu Qing and Feng Xin got out of the car and waved goodbye to Mei Nianqing, it was already dark and the music could be heard from the outside. Mu Qing breathed in and turned to look at the others, “Well...this is it, what are we waiting for”
“They are not even going to check for alcohol?” Feng Xin observed a few students entering the bar with bags
“Why would they?”
“I- Never mind, let’s just get in” Feng Xin fixed his collar and walked towards the entrance, paid for his ticket and entered inside a long hall, Xie Lian and Mu Qing followed him behind.
“It’s so loud” Xie Lian’s ears were invaded by loud music, bombarded by large speakers and he couldn’t hear a thing coming out of Feng Xin.
“What??” Mu Qing yelled
“It’s really loud!”
“I know!” Mu Qing yelled in his ear
Feng Xin stopped to look around, shit I really did dress like I am out of a baptism…
Students were already dancing and drinking on the bar, a few were sitting on the divans and texted each other. Xie Lian immediately knew he will spend his night on the divan until it’s over, maybe have one cup of juice and relax—it’s free with the ticket after all.
“Why did we even come here” Mu Qing muttered
“I can’t hear shit you say” Feng Xin turned around
Mu Qing yelled “What?”
“I said” Feng Xin got closer “I can’t hear shit!”
“Don’t scream in my ear!”
Xie Lian coughed, “It’s only for a few hours...” He repeated to himself, they all agrees to this so might as well enjoy and not become deaf by the end of the night.
Some students Xie Lian did recognize but refused to come up and say hi, they were occupied by dancing or gossiping. The bathroom hall got fogged by the smoke of vapes and cigarettes, the stalls might be in worse condition.
“How about we dance?” Xie Lian realized neither of them heard it. Never mind
A hand was resting on Xie Lian’s shoulder, “We decided to sit in the corner, I think the divan will fit us all” Feng Xin said
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “guess it’s better than nothing”
The trio started to walk to the divan and sat down squeezed in a corner. The only thing that was heard was the awful music, the three of them were literally sitting in silence, Xie Lian questioned if it was a good idea to even be here since they were practically doing nothing, he was bored pretty fast. He then got up “I think I’m going to go get a Fanta Blue. Do you guys want anything?” Feng Xin and Mu Qing just stared at him. Xie Lian had gotten his answer by that. He started to walk off to bar leaving them alone.
Mu Qing turned to Feng Xin “I thought you’d go dance with that one girl...you like”
Feng Xin looked at the space and then at Mu Qing before he finally replied “Yes, I will. Not yet though...probably later tonight”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes at him, Feng Xin looked a bit annoyed at his reaction and spoke up “What’s with that fucking look?”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes again perusal and responded “You know my opinion on her, why are you so surprised at my reaction?”
Feng Xin look a bit confused but overall annoyed “You’re literally the one who fucking asked”
Mu Qing snapped back at him “Well I was hoping you maybe would rethink about asking her to dance and then asking her out!”
Feng Xin snapped at him “Why not try to be a bit positive about this instead of being a bitch like you always are!”
Meanwhile Xie Lian was at the bar getting his glass of Fanta Blue praying Feng Xin and Mu Qing were civil at the very least to each other since for the past few days they’ve been on surprisingly good terms, well they did still fight and mock each other but at a lower rate than usual. He was buried in his thoughts walking back to the divan when he short of tripped and spilled his Fanta on another kid. He kid didn’t really flinch, but Xie Lian did. He immediately spoke up “Oh my god, I’m so sorry I should have paid attention to where I was going, are you alright?” He looked at the kid, his crimson red tank top shirt was dirty, he didn’t still answer much he just stared at Xie Lian with an unfamiliar look. Xie Lian felt even more embarrassed and overall guilty at what he caused, he spoke up again “Your shirt is ruined, come with me let’s go to the bathroom, I promise I’ll try fixing it” He took his hand and started bolting to the bathrooms with him. The fact he had zero reaction to this made Xie Lian to want to be swallowed alive by the ground.
They made it to the bathrooms and Xie Lian started taking napkins, putting them under running water to make them wet and then rubbing them on the kids shirt while speaking “Again I’m so sorry for ruining your shirt..”
The guy finally spoke up after his long silence “It‘s alright, it was just an accident. I don’t hold any grudges”
Xie Lian looked at him before speaking “At least I should get rid of all the juice so it’s not sticky, plus it’s the least I can do…”
The kid smiled at him and spoke up “You’re very kind but don’t worry too much about it. It was still not your fault”
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, he responded back to him “Well it short of was, I was caught up thinking and didn’t pay attention to my surroundings…” He stopped wiping off the juice off him and threw the napkins on the overly full trash can before turning to face him again.
He smiled and spoke up again “You want me to get you a new juice after? Since you spilled it?”
Xie Lian looked surprised at the offer and immediately shook his head “Oh no no, you don’t have to get me anything, I’m at fault here but still thanks for the offer”
The guy laughed responding “Oh no, I insist. I want to buy you a new glass of juice”
Xie Lian looked at him a bit awkwardly “Oh I don’t know, I’m not that thirsty anymore”
He kept smiling in an almost excited way—literally could see sparkles coming off his eyes, he then spoke up “I insist...gege”
Xie Lian felt his cheeks flush red, his words stumbled together
“Gege..?” Xie Lian let out
I am not that old, wait how old is this kid?
“Ah…how old are you?” Right, not only third years can come to school parties, maybe he was second year..?
“I am 15” He responded
Same age…but then why-?
“Oh we are about the same age” Xie Lian looked around, were they alone? The stall doors were open, thankfully, it will save him some face.
“At least something different happened, this party is pretty boring don’t you think?” The guy asked as he leaned into the bathroom counter.
Xie Lian sighed, “I am glad that it’s quiet here…I couldn’t really stand the music being so loud” From the mirror’s reflection he noticed how long the guy’s obsidian dark hair was, the length reached past his shoulders and it beautifully settled on his toned back.
“Almost makes you want to regret coming here”
“Right?” Xie Lian sat next to him
There was a long pause between them
“How indecent of me, I forgot to introduce myself…you can call me San Lang”
Xie Lian looked at him before smiling “I’m Xie Lian and despite the accident it’s nice to meet you”
San Lang smiled back and responded “It was nice meeting you too gege”
Xie Lian was surprised once again “I’m the same age as him and yet he still continues to call me gege...huh?”
There was once again a long awkward silence between them. Xie Lian impulsively turned and faced San Lang “Want to dance?”
San Lang was caught off guard but immediately smiled and nodded “Oh sure!”
They both left the bathrooms making their way to the dance floor. The music was not as bad a before but still shitty. He could at least vibe a bit with it and dance-- maybe make things less awkward than they already were? While going to the dance floor two familiar faces passed by them but among the crowed Xie Lian couldn’t make out who they were. He thought he saw Mu Qing for a moment but shook the thought away. He still expected that Mu Qing and Feng Xin were probably snapping at each other or being passive aggressive drinking juice at the divan. He was wrong.
As Xie Lian was dancing with San Lang having fun. Feng Xin was following Mu Qing to the now empty bathrooms. Mu Qing was upset at him because their fight escalated more that it should have. He had his phone out texting him mum. Feng Xin caught up to him finally after chasing him in the whole bar, Feng Xin spoke up loudly “I didn’t mean to call you a spastic bitch!”
Mu Qing turned to him literally about to cry and shouted at him “Shut up! You’re literally acting like a spastic bitch yourself!”
Feng Xin snapped at him “Well how the fuck am I the spastic one! You literally started shit talking the girl I like! That’s unfair! You were acting like a massive passive aggressive asshole to her! No wonder she called me an ass and left! You literally jeopardized my chances with her! What the hell is fucking wrong with you!”
Mu Qing looked like he was about to have a mental-break down. He was just staring at him not making a sound. It pissed off Feng Xin even more, he yelled again “Do I have to repeat myself? Tell what the fuck is literally wrong with you and your fucking behavior all night! Just fucking talk to-”
Feng Xin didn’t have time to even finish his sentence, or his questioning. He didn’t even have time to react at anything. Mu Qing had fucking grabbed him from his face and then pressed their lips together. Mu Qing had kissed him. Feng Xin was caught off guard to say the least.
A full 10 seconds had passed before Mu Qing pulled away and stared at him ‘Mu Qing had kissed him what the fuck’. He was about to speak when Feng Xin pulled him back in and kissed him. Again. Mu Qing was caught off guard now. He didn’t expect this. He thought Feng Xin would probably shoved him away call him disgusting and all the names under the sun. I mean he wasn’t complaining about this obviously but he was overall surprised. He shut he’s eyes enjoying this for as long as it would last. It lasted for about 10 seconds before Feng Xin pushed him off panicked.
Mu Qing was confused since Feng Xin was the one who also made a move and kissed him a second time, he looked at him “Is everything alright?”
Feng Xin shook his head looked at him “No, no no…”
Mu Qing stared at him very confused “What do you mean No?”
Feng Xin looked at him finally “This is wrong…”
Mu Qing was stunned “The fact we kisse-”
Feng Xin cut him off immediately “Don’t’ even say that word…”
Mu Qing frowned and looked at him “It’s not wrong you know…to kiss someone of the same gender”
Feng Xin just stared at him with a look of realization before he spoke “So that’s why you kept shit talking people I had crushes on and practically ruin my chances with them…you…you-”
Mu Qing sighed and spoke up cutting him off “Yes...I like you and I’ll admit I was jealous...”
Feng Xin was silent
Mu Qing huffed, “You didn’t even notice? Well whatever, thing is I won’t hide it from you anymore”
Feng Xin stuttered, “It’s still not fair! I like someone else, deal with it…I- I am straight.”
“With that kissing technique no girl is gonna date you” Mu Qing muttered as he crossed his arms
“Excuse me?” Feng Xin was baffled
“If you kiss a girl like that, she will be grossed out”
“And how do you know so much about that huh?”
Mu Qing sat on the counter, “it’s not rocket science, you were not kissing me, you were grinding your lips and rocked your head like a dog—thank God you didn’t use tongue”
“Okay yeah I get it I am a bad kisser, but what did you expect…? I have never kissed anyone before” Feng Xin kept a distance from Mu Qing, he had a lump in his throat and couldn’t look at Mu Qing in the eye.
“But why...” Feng Xin breathed out, “Why me? You hate me...”
Mu Qing narrowed his eyes, “You are an idiot...” He said.
“Again with this…”
“Listen…you may not like me, but I can help you”
Feng Xin was confused, “What do you mean? You already ruined my chances, there is nothing you can do—just leave me alo-”
“You are a god awful kisser, if you want to hit with a girl you at least have to be bold…unfortunately your good looks won’t do all the work”
Feng Xin was again, speechless of what was coming out of My Qing’s mouth. ‘How can someone be so cruel? Was he complimenting or tormenting me?’
“I can help you, we can practice together’’
‘’practice?’’ Feng Xin nearly wanted to screech
“Yeah. Practice, you know it’s not going to be romantic right?” Mu Qing continued to speak “I won’t say anything to anyone about helping you out alright? And I’ll leave alone afterwards, plus I’ll be helping you to have a better chance with a girl in the future, with fixing your...kissing technique” he said that last part with disgust.
Feng Xin noticed and frowned “It wasn’t that bad be honest”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “I was the judge of that and yes I am being honest”
Feng Xin muttered “you act like a fucking expert, it was your first”
Mu Qing responded and rolled his eyes again “so was yours”
“…”
“…”
Feng Xin took a deep breath, “This is too much for me…”
“Your little brain can’t comprehend this?”
“I am straight alright! So stop, I have nothing against this-I am just not part of this!”
“I told you it doesn’t have to be romantic, you will get this chance only once and I will correct your mistakes—your girl won’t do that, think about it” Mu Qing crossed his legs, “We can forget about it.”
Mu Qing didn’t realize Feng Xin has already sat next to him and was looking down on his feet, “Isn’t it wrong for you..? You like me, I don’t understand...” Feng Xin then looked up, “Why are you like this?”
Mu Qing went silent and didn’t breathe for a few seconds, truth to be told he had no clear answer—he was stuck in a loop and felt a pressure in his chest.
“I mean it doesn’t matter now, does it?” Mu Qing bitterly smiled, “I don’t even know why am I doing this but…my offer is still up, you either do it or not—I am not spending my night in a filthy bathroom” Mu Qing got off the counter to check his hair, “We won’t speak of this again, do you understand?”
Feng Xin leaned closer until his hand touched Mu Qing’s shoulder, “Mu Qing...”
Mu Qing snapped his head back, “What do you want ag-” Feng Xin had kissed him again, Mu Qing made a little noise of surprise that was drawn out by Feng Xin’s lips. Mu Qing’s eyes were wet, as Feng Xin sloppily kissed him he couldn’t breathe.
“How about this?”
Feng Xin pulled away and held Mu Qing’s face delicately in his hands, they stared at each other before Mu Qing averted his gaze away
“You should stop pushing yourself onto me so much, we are supposed to do this rhythmically, start with gentle touches” Mu Qing murmured, “it’s not wrong to be eager but it’s not a good start”
“You didn’t kiss me back”
“Huh?”
“You didn’t kiss me back” Feng Xin said
“Give me a break…” Mu Qing presses his body to Feng Xin, “Alright fine I will take the lead, just relax”
“Are you still sure about this...I-”
“Just shut up” Mu Qing pressed his lips into Feng Xin’s to shut him up, Feng Xin placed his hands on the counter, unsure where else to put them. His face was held by Mu Qing, the black lipstick stained his lower lip the best—it tasted weird. Feng Xin relaxed slightly and mimicked Mu Qing’s movements.
Mu Qing pulled away, “Not bad.” Feng Xin furiously blushing, this sight will be embedded in Mu Qing’s head for a long time, “See? You already improving”
“I kind of did…it wasn’t that bad” Feng Xin’s voice was low, “Can we…try again?”
“Are you serious?” Mu Qing paused after that, Feng Xin looked at him in the eyes
“You are the one who offered, are you going to back down now?”
“No…I won’t.” Mu Qing turned his head around, nobody was entering the bathroom.
It was a huge risk but
Fuck it, there is only one night he can do this
Xie Lian wiped the sweat off his forehead and huffed, the last time it was this intense was when he danced for a performance with his dance school. San Lang was equally tired, his hair messy and stuck to his forehead and shoulders—Xie Lian hated to admit how good he looked, he didn’t commented anything though. He signaled San Lang to come closer and yell something
“Do you want to sit down in the bar?” Xie Lian asked
“Sure” San Lang replied back, “I promise you a juice didn’t I?”
“Are you still on about that?” Xie Lian jokingly asked
“Gege said he wasn’t thirsty before, how about now?”
“Ah right, I am afraid now it’s the time”
San Lang had a point in this, Xie Lian desperately needed to drink something, anything to feel refreshed. They walked away from the crowd while fanning their faces, Xie Lian looked at the bar.
“I might get carbonated Fanta this time, after so much moving...”
“Carbonated? Feeling a little bold today?” San Lang asked coyly.
“That’s what I am allowed to drink anyways, but even we did have alcohol…I am not that interested” Xie Lian and San Lang took the last seats of the bar, “Well at least you are like those idiots over here” San Lang discreetly pointed at a trio sitting in the divans as they drink from plastic bottles a very familiar red liquid, not very classy.
“Oh I should buy San Lang a drink then, you also must be thirsty.” Xie Lian took out his wallet and searched for coins, San Lang gentle places his hand on the wall to lower it.
“I am good with water, you shouldn’t worry for such small things” San Lang smiled at Xie Lian
Xie Lian shook his head “No, I insist I wanna buy you a drink-”
San Lang cut him off and smiled once more “I said it’s fine, I’m fine with just water”
Xie Lian nodded at that, he didn’t wanna be pushy about buying him a drink, he went up to the bar and got his Fanta and a bottle of water for San Lang. He the returned and gave him his water. San Lang kept smiling at Xie Lian “Thank you”
Xie Lian kept staring at him and notice how pretty San Lang’s smile was, if he was being honest San Lang was a beautiful boy in general. Despite him having one eye, he looked flawless, his hair was pretty well maintained and shiny, his face was literally perfect from his smooth skin to the dark circle under his eye and his eye was so pretty to stare in. Xie Lain could look at him for a long time and not get tired. He was caught up staring at San Lang’s beauty and flawless looks when he realized something and got up fast.
San Lang was confused at the sudden movement and asked in a bit of worry “gege, are you alright?”
Xie Lian was quiet, there was a question going wild in his mind ‘Where is Mu Qing and Feng Xin?’ He had just realized he had basically ditched them for almost an hour, he was caught up in his own thoughts, he couldn’t even listen to San Lang’s questions, he spoke up quickly “Stay here! I’ll be right back! I promise don’t leave!” he then bolted to where they sat before leaving San Lang confused at the bar. Xie Lian didn’t see them there, he stared rushing around the bar, bumping into anyone in the process. He even when out the bar to see if they were at the front but they were nowhere to be found. While entering the bar again he realized the only place he hadn’t checked was the bathrooms.
He made his way there and entered immediately getting jump scared by Mu Qing and Feng Xin. He didn’t say anything, he just pretended to never have walked in and basically got out. He was about to start making his way back to San Lang at the bar but he didn’t have to. San Lang had found him mid-way.
San Lang looked at him worried “Gege! You’re here. I was looking for you. Are you alright? Is everything alright?”
Xie Lian smiled pretending he didn’t just walk in his best friends kissing in the bars bathrooms. He ignored the questions about that forming in his mind and answered in the calmest voice he could muster “Yes San Lang...everything...is...good. I’m just...doing great.”
San Lang seemed confused and questioned him “Are you sure gege? Your face is very red”
Xie Lian was too caught up with all this that he never realized he was blushing from all the awkwardness he felt just now. He slightly coughed and smiled at San Lang with once again a pretty forced calm voice “Oh! Em just fine, it’s just very hot in here...that’s all” he hoped San Lang would just not question it further.
To his surprise San Lang just nodded “Alright if gege says so”
Xie Lian felt relief wash all over him, because no way he’d explain to him what he just walked into, for Xie Lian it was too awkward and embarrassing to even think about. He tried ignoring all that situation, he sighed and spoke up to San Lang “Would you like to go back and sit at the bar together? I’d really want to get to know you better”
San Lang’s face looked like it was lit up again, he smiled once again at Xie Lian with that usual beautiful smile of his and spoke up in an almost way too excited way “Oh! I’d love to gege. I wanna get to know you more too!”
Xie Lian smiled at that and they both made their way back to the bar. San Lang turned to look at him and they spoke up “by the way you were dancing pretty good out there earlier compered to others, do you take dance classes?”
Xie Lian nodded and spoke “Yes, I take dance classes but it’s not these type of dances or music to be honest with you since it’s not really my thing. I do contemporary dancing, it’s pretty fun, I enjoy it a lot.”
San Lang looked intrigued by that and looked at him fully interested and then he spoke up “That’s impressive! Do you attend dance competitions, do performances and stuff?”
Xie Lian shook his head a bit and responded “I only do performances, I don’t partake in dance competitions anymore. I used to at some point but the competitive spirit the kids around me had was overwhelming and soon it was all about who was first, they had quickly forgotten about the having fun part. So I stopped doing competitions.”
San Lang nodded “It honestly sucks when the main point of a hobby is to have fun and people just choose to ignore it. Most of them get an attitude and start acting like jerks too”
Xie Lian sighed “You are spot on right on that one. Kids were at each other’s throats about who was the best one”
San Lang spoke up again “It’s pretty sad, it causes unnecessary drama between kids, and usually dancing instructors don’t pay attention or care enough to enforce rules” He mumbled under his breath “Useless idiots...”
Xie Lian put his elbows on the bar, “But enough of that, does San Lang have any hobbies?”
“Is gege interested?”
“Of course! Doesn’t hurt to ask?” Xie Lian said.
“Not all, I draw on my spare time and there is that. I bought materials for sculpting, I will challenge myself with something new”
Xie Lian’s eyes beamed with interest, he thought, it makes sense—he did look the artist type after all.
“Do you have any drawings with you??” Xie Lian wondered
San Lang went quiet before pulling out his phone and unlocked the screen, “It’s nothing much, I rarely complete all my pieces, I like to sketch a lot...” San Lang turned the phone to Xie Lian’s direction, Xie Lian’s reaction was awe—it was a mere sketch, yet it was stunning in Xie Lian’s eyes
A butterfly had settle itself into a flower, it’s wings big and faint—like it was made out of glass, the flower was isolated from the field. The lines clearly were made to be rain droplets, they stained the flower’s petals and the butterfly’s crystal wings.
“It’s beautiful…you have talent San Lang”
“This is my least favorite piece”
“Are you kidding me, not even in my wildest dreams I would be able to create something like this.” Xie Lian paused as he realized the way he raised his voice, he didn’t mean to. San Lang laughed a bit despite Xie Lian’s embarrassed.
“I am usually better than this, I don’t usually draw simple or plain scenery”
“Oh you do portraits then?”
“You could say that” San Lang turned off his phone, “I don’t have them saved here though”
“That’s a bummer, I was curious to see them”
San Lang coughed, “We will have another opportunity, I am sure of it”
Xie Lian’s smile faded when he felt his phone vibrating
Oh no, what time is it??
The bright screen displayed a telephone and a name on it, ‘Jun Wu’. Xie Lian signaled ‘Sorry’ to San Lang and got off the stool.
“I am sorry I have to pick this up...”Xie Lian rushed to the bathroom hall and picked up the phone.
“Hello? Sorry I had to go somewhere quiet or else I wouldn’t hear you...” Xie Lian realized a few people were on the hall, filled with embarrassed he walked to the furthest corner as he listened to Jun Wu’s voice from the call.
“Lianlian are you having fun?”
“Kind of…it’s not that bad, I am sorry I wasn’t checking the time.”
“It’s nearly 11, do you want me to pick you up? Mei Nianqing has fallen asleep on the couch, he promised to stay awake but as always once he closes his eyes, he never opens them.”
“Oh um, did he tell you to also pick up My Qing? His mom said he can’t tonight”
“I can do that, I see no problem”
Yes but the problem is Jun Wu is going to freak out with My Qing’s appearance!
“Great…Feng Xin is going to be picked up by his father, can you come around 12?” Xie Lian asked.
A couple a few meters away were whispering while eyeing on Xie Lian’s direction. He caught it in the corner of his eye and Jun Wu’s voice went from one ear to the other.
Huh? Are they talking about me? Xie Lian questioned
“Xie Lian? Xie Lian can you hear me?” Jun Wu’s booming voice nearly made Xie Lian wince.
“Oh yes I can hear you...”
Jun Wu took a deep breath, “I said, that’s a little late Xie Lian don’t you think? You have to wake up tomorrow-”
“I will be fine..just a little longer? Please?” Xie Lian asked.
“You are not doing any drugs or borrow cigarettes-“
“No!” Xie Lian accidentally yelled, “I am just dancing and drinking”
“Drinking??”
“Drinking Fanta”
“I see, good to know. I am gonna pick you up at 11:30”
“But I said-”
Jun Wu hang up
Xie Lian was staring at his brick phone, completely baffled.
11:30??
Oh he has to tell Mu Qing before Jun Wu arrives, but there is the problem of his reaction. Knowing Mu Qing he most likely has makeup wipes somewhere, anywhere.
It was 10:52, Xie Lian would call Mu Qing and hopefully he will pick it up. He is not seeing himself in entering that bathroom again.
Xie Lian was confused, did they get drunk? What was happening? In matter of seconds he was seeing a public bathroom door and the second he was seeing his two best friends kissing out of nowhere. He wouldn’t dare to pry but…
Oh right, he left San Lang at the bar, again.
San Lang must have the patience of a saint.
Xie Lian left the hall to enter the loud stage and crowd, a few people bumped into him, never paying attention. Some of them were spilling drinks on the floor, until Xie Lian reached the bar he felt dizzy from the sight alone.
“I am sorry again..it was my father” Xie Lian found San Lang staring at the wall before turning around and the colors returned to his face
“It’s okay I understand, I got you another drink”
“San Lang!” Xie Lian pulled the stool and sat down, “I can’t believe you...”
“You finished the first one fast, gege is very thirsty” San Lang pushed a cold glass of Fanta juice to Xie Lian.
Oh, Xie Lian realized. How could he forget Mei Nianqing’s words?
‘And remember Xie Lian, never drink anything a stranger offers you. Unless you see the drink being made, you never know what they can sneak in there’
“Oh um...” Xie Lian played with fingers out of reflex, “I am not thirsty..you can drink it”
San Lang then took the glass, “I know gege is worried and rightfully so—here.” He took a sip of the juice in front of Xie Lian, then he put down the glass, the ice cubes in it made a little shake.
“No poison detected”
Xie Lian wanted to laugh, this guy…
“Unless you are grossed out now that I drank it…it was foolish of me”
Xie Lian then grabbed the glass out of San Lang’s hands and suddenly all of the juice is gone, Xie Lian let out a satisfied sigh and put down the glass. The lipstick stain remained from San Lang’s lips, Xie Lian realized his lips might have been stained now.
“Not at all” He spoke confidently, he’s lips had a cherry red tint from the lipstick stain
San Lang look at Xie Lians face noticing it “Your lips are a bit red” he took a napkin from the bar and wiped Xie Lians lips from the color.
Xie Lian was surprised at the gesture but didn’t really mind it. After San Lang finished cleaning of Xie Lians lips he made the napkin into a small ball and got up to throw it in the trash can next to them.
Xie Lian smiled at San Lang when he sat down “Thank you, appreciate you noticing”
San Lang smiled back “No problem gege"
Despite Xie Lian enjoying himself he frequently checked his phone for the time and if Mu Qing called him back. By then it was already 11:00 and Mu Qing hadn’t responded yet...San Lang noticed Xie Lians paranoia and was a bit worried “Gege are you alright? You seem a little paranoid”
Xie Lian sighed “Kind of, well you know how my father called earlier, he told me he’d come pick me up at 11:30 and he isn’t only picking me up, he’ll pick up a friend of mine as well. The issue is my friend dressed up for the occasion today and my father would most likely make comments on it. He’s pretty conservative and my friends know this, god knows what he’ll say if he sees my friend and even me with make up on he’ll freak out”
San Lang nodded “I get why you’re this anxious now”
Xie Lian spoke up again “I even bought makeup removal for this, the issue now is that my friend isn’t calling me back”
San Lang looked at him and thought a bit “Look since we can’t get a hold of your friend how about we go to the bathrooms so you can clean off your own makeup and then we try calling your friend again or even look around for him?”
Xie Lian at this point was desperate and didn’t care to disturb what Feng Xin and Mu Qing were doing in the bathroom. They had 30- no 25 minutes left until Jun Wu arrive, he could even arrive earlier than the time they agreed on, he always pulled stunts like this. Xie Lian looked at San Lang and responded “Yeah sure let’s go to the bathrooms”
They started to make their way to the bathroom again, they that time Mu Qing and Feng Xin were kissing on and off, basically snap at each other every time they wouldn’t be kissing. Xie Lian and San Lang entered at a time where they had stopped kissing to argue about who’s the better kisser for the 20th time by then. Upon them entering both Feng Xin and Mu Qing were surprised and mostly relived that Xie Lian didn’t walk in on them.
Xie Lian spoke up “There you guys are I’ve been looking everywhere!”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “You know you could have called one of us and-”
Xie Lian cut him off ‘I already called you and you didn’t even pick up, let along call me back!”
Mu Qing looked at him and checked his phone “Ah! Oops”
Feng Xin spoke up “What’s the matter?”
Xie Lian sighed “Well Mei Nianqing probably fell asleep again accidentally and Jun Wu will come pick us up”
Mu Qing looked shocked “You’re kidding.”
Xie Lian sighed once again “Wish I was”
Mu Qing spoke up again “What are we going to do with the makeup?”
Xie Lian opened his bag and took out makeup removal wipes “That’s why I bought this”
Mu Qing looked thankful “you’re a lifesaver”
Xie Liand sighed and they started to get rid of their makeup. Xie Lians make up took less time to get rid of, after maybe a minute he was done. Mu Qings on the other hand was a lot
Feng Xin looked at Mu Qing “Did you really have to wear all that?”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “Yeah! I like it and at least I don’t look like I’m going to a fucking baptism”
Xie Lian sensed another fight was about to unleash, he spoke up “We’ll wait for you guys outside!” He quickly grabbed San Lang’s hand and brought him out the bathroom
Mu Qing and Feng Xin turned to stare, Then Feng Xin commented “Wait. He made a new friend?”
“He didn’t introduce him to us” Mu Qing added. They both just shrugged.
Meanwhile outside the bathroom Xie Lian and San Lang waited in silence. San Lang spoke “So in 10 minutes you’ll leave”
Xie Lian nodded “Yes. I’ll have to”
San Lang looked at him “I had fun tonight you’re a very interesting person gege, I’d like to know you more after tonight”
Xie Lian smiled “Oh! I also had fun and enjoyed your company, would you like to exchange numbers? Keep in touch?”
San Lang suddenly looked all excited and happy “I’d love to gege” he took his phone out and gave it to Xie Lian so he could give him his number
Xie Lian hadn’t realized this is the first time ever he exchanged numbers with a stranger he met at a party, Mei Nianqing and Jun Wu can’t know yet—they can’t.
“I will text you tonight, if you will be awake” San Lang took back his phone
“Definitely will”
Xie Lian felt his phone vibrating he looked at it and Jun Wu’s number was there. He looked in the bathroom. Mu Qing was almost done.
He picked up the phone “Yes? Hello”
Jun Wu immediately responded “Lianlian, I'm here to pick you and your friend up. Where are you?”
Xie Lian answered pretty fast “I’m still inside, Mu Qing is in the bathroom so I’m waiting for him to finish and then we’ll be out”
Jun Wu sighed “Well hurry up then” He hanged up
Xie Lian looked down at his phone and then at San Lang “I’ll have to leave in a few minutes”
San Lang nodded “I understand, I’ll text you later tonight gege”
Unexpectedly Xie Lian hugged San Lang and spoke “I’ll talk to you later” He let go of the hug “goodnight”
Xie Lian entered the bathroom. Mu Qing had just finished cleaning his face. Xie Lian looked at him “Oh you’re done?”
Mu Qing answered “Just finished”
Xie Lian spoke “Well Jun Wu just called me we got to go”
Mu Qing nodded and then Feng Xin spoke “I guess I’ll call my dad to pick me up, so I’ll see you guys tomorrow?”
Xie Lian responded “yep we’ll talk tomorrow”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes “yes...we will”
Feng Xin spoke “Alright then, goodnight”
Xie Lian smiled “goodnight!”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes again “come on let’s go already” he practically dragged Xie Lian out the bathrooms.
As they walked out Xie Lian noticed San Lang had already left. He was kind of sad he didn’t get to see him again for a last goodbye but figured they’d talk again tonight. He and Mu Qing walked out the club and there it was. Jun Wu’s white Mercedes. Xie Lian and Mu Qing stared at each other for a moment before Jun Wu honked and they snapped back to reality. They got inside the cars back seats.
Jun Wu looked at then through the rear view mirror and started to speak while driving off “Hey there Lianlian, Mu Qing...How was the choroesperida?”
Xie Lian took lead and responded immediately “It was great, we drank out Fanta blue and danced”
Mu Qing added “Well the music wasn’t to our liking but we at least had lots of fun”
Jun Wu nodded “That’s good...at least you kids enjoyed yourselves…are you excited for high school next year?”
Mu Qing rolled his eyes sarcastically “Yeah…”
Xie Lian wasn’t responding to the interrogation...he was looking outside the window thinking, low-key excited for his late night phone call with San Lang. He was unconsciously smiling like an idiot, ‘San Lang is so interesting...I defiantly want to hang out with him during the summer and get to know him more...he’s so sweet, so kind...he’s-’
“Xie Lian!” Jun Wu yelled a bit snapping Xie Lian out his thoughts “Are you listening?”
Mu Qing came quickly to the rescue “Oh, he dozed off”
Jun Wu raised an eyebrow “Oh he did?”
Mu Qing responded “Yeah I turned to speak to him and he was sleeping”
Xie Lian quickly acted “Yeah I am sleepy, the party was also exhausting”
Jun Wu did that disapproval head shake parents always do “See Lianlian, that’s what happens when you stay up late. See? I was right when I told you to come home early”
Mu Qing rolled he’s eyes and looked out the window while Xie Lian nodded along with what Jun Wu said. Then Jun Wu went on a rant about staying up and out late as well as the harms it can cause all the drive to Mu Qing’s home. After dropping him off he silently drove to their house.
Xie Lian didn’t dare to speak because he wanted to avoid another rant from Jun Wu, they were exhausting. Thankfully in less than 10 minutes they made it home. Jun Wu parked in the drive way and they both go tout the car walking inside the house. As soon as they step in Mei Nianqing was there, with his resting bitch face on about to start scolding any moving thing, holding a glass of water in his hand with an attitude that can kill anything. Jun Wu went from calm to terrified.
Mei Nianqing smiled in an almost murderous way “Hey there Xie Lian, sorry I didn’t pick you up myself...I fell asleep and someone didn’t wake me up.” At that note he side eyed Jun Wu.
Jun Wu immediately went in to defend himself and his actions “Oh you seemed so tired I didn’t wanna wake you up…”
Mei Nianqing side eyed him a second time before turning to Xie Lian “So did you have fun?”
Xie Lian looked at him and nodded, he then spoke up “I’ll go take a shower…” He walked up the stairs and entered the bathroom.
Jun Wu turned around to leave his bag on the coat hanger when Mei Nianqing spoke sarcastically, in a high pitched voice “‘Oh you seemed so tired I didn’t want to wake you up!’ Bullshit.”
Jun Wu turned at him shocked “Hey! Language! Lianlian may hear you!”
Mei Nianqing rolled his eyes “Cut the crap. He probably hears worse at school. So since when do you care so much about my resting?” he crossed his arms “Because I can assure you don’t give two fucks about it when it’s around 6 in the fucking morning and you can’t find a file. Or at the fucking midnight when you work while I try to sleep. What’s the catch with this one buddy? What’s the sudden concern about my sleeping?”
Jun Wu cleared his throat and spoke neutrally “Oh, calm down! I just thought why not pick him up and check on him? Plus it’s late now and Lianlain already home...no harm done”
Mei Nianqing wanted to punch him.
Hurriedly and fresh out of shower, Xie Lian blow-dried his hair daydreaming about meet ups him and San Lang could have during the summer and then opened his phone
No text
Xie Lian dried his hair and put on his pajamas, he flopped on the bed and checked the time
12:20
And no text
But he can wait, the night wasn't over and San Lang could still be at the party or on his way home, or—
Xie Lian’s phone ringed and he jumped to check it
MQ- going to bed, do u want to meet out tomorrow for coffee?
Xie Lian’s smile faded and typed back
XL- Around what time?
MQ- idk maybe around 11 what time do u finish gym?
XL- go around evening
MQ- Fine, Feng Xin won’t tag along
XL- Why?
MQ- idk ask him, anyways I will go sleep, gn
XL- Gn
Xie Lian put his phone besides him, the battery was still full. He could wait, and his eyes remained open, unfocused, waiting for that text.
After a certain point Xie Lian’s eyes felt heavy and they were slowly shutting down, his heart felt a sting as he realized the text will never come. Was he a fool? Possibly, next to San Lang he looked a joke, of course he wouldn't text back.
Forget it. I have a whole summer ahead me.