Ning Wen fidgeted with the stack of papers on the table, rearranging them for the fifth time like they were suddenly the most complex medical files on earth. He wasn't fooling anyone. Especially not the man standing beside him, watching him with that lazy half-grin and slightly tilted head like he was posing for a magazine cover exclusively to torment him.
"Why don't you go out already?" Ning Wen muttered, eyes glued to the papers, refusing to risk direct eye contact because that never ended well for his heartbeat.
"They'll call us when it's time," Tang Zeyan replied, perfectly calm. "I'm not in any rush."
Great. Of course he wasn't.
Ning Wen stayed silent, not realizing how tightly he was gripping one of the files until it crumpled slightly between his fingers.
"Brother Ning," Tang Zeyan said, stepping closer.
Too close.
His chest brushed Ning Wen's arm, and Ning Wen froze. Those long fingers slid over his own, gently prying the wrinkled file from his grip. The warmth of Tang Zeyan's hand lingered against his skin, making Ning Wen's pulse stutter.
"Can you please not be uneasy around me?" he asked, voice low, warm breath ghosting over Ning Wen's cheek.
Ning Wen blinked, startled by the sincerity in his tone.
Tang Zeyan continued softly, "I never wanted you to know about my feelings just for you to avoid me. If being near me makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me. I can give you time. I'll back off if you need space."
"No— it's not that." Ning Wen spoke quicker than he expected, alarming even himself with how fast he rejected the idea of distance. He swallowed hard, searching for words that didn't exist. "I… I'm just adjusting, okay? I'm not always composed. Didn't I tell you not to hate me for that and to wait patiently?"
He pointed a finger at Tang Zeyan, his tone firm but almost endearingly flustered.
Tang Zeyan's smile softened instantly. He reached out, gently taking Ning Wen's pointed finger, guiding it down as his own index finger brushed teasingly across Ning Wen's palm. Goosebumps erupted all over Ning Wen's skin from a touch so small yet ridiculously intense.
"I remember," Tang Zeyan said quietly. "And I said I'd wait as long as you need. I meant it. I can wait forever if it's for you."
Everything about the moment was warm. Slow. Dangerous in the most addictive way.
And Ning Wen felt it all. Every brush of skin. Every breath shared.
Every inch of his walls shifting just a little bit more.
Ning Wen's eyelashes fluttered as he looked away, trying so hard to pretend his heartbeat wasn't staging a riot.
Tang Zeyan felt a dull ache in his chest at how fragile that moment looked. He lifted his hand and gently cradled Ning Wen's face, fingers warm against cool skin.
"Brother Ning, you're really adorable," he murmured.
Ning Wen's eyes widened slightly. "Don't say things like that to someone older. You brat." He tried to sound offended, but his voice cracked in the softest place.
Tang Zeyan chuckled, low and warm. "Relax. I'd only ever say it to you."
He leaned in, thumb brushing lightly across Ning Wen's cheek, so slow it felt like a confession by itself.
"You're the only one who ever looks this beautiful in my eyes."
It was such a niche, almost childish line.
But Ning Wen's heart went crazy anyway.
He'd never been spoken to like that. Not in a way that felt gently meant. Not in a way that didn't feel forced or cruel.
And the worst part?
He liked it.
Every word.
Every breath.
Every warm look Tang Zeyan aimed at him like he was something precious.
"Shut… shut up," Ning Wen muttered weakly, failing to hide the tremble in his voice.
Tang Zeyan only laughed softly, his palms warm as they cupped Ning Wen's cheeks, thumbs tracing gentle circles like he was memorizing every line of that face.
"See?" he whispered. "Even when you tell me to shut up, you're adorable."
Ning Wen breath became heavy.
Tang Zeyan smirked.
"Hey, y'all, get out already. We're ready to go."
Zhang Kai's voice boomed through the door like he was auditioning for a fire drill, and the timing could not have been more cursed… or saved, depending on whose sanity we're counting.
Ning Wen latched onto the interruption like a lifeline.
"Let's not get us late… let's go," he said, forcing himself to look up. His eyes brushed Tang Zeyan's for a second too long, and that was all it took for his pulse to kick up again.
"Okay. As you say, Brother Ning," Tang Zeyan replied.
But the man did not let go right away.
He took his time, the criminal.
His fingers loosened slowly, sliding along Ning Wen's cheeks like he was committing every curve to memory. His touch dragged in a quiet, deliberate glide before finally leaving Ning Wen's skin.
It was barely a second, but felt like he'd stretched it into eternity on purpose.
Ning Wen swallowed hard, face burning red.
He didn't say a word. Just turned and walked to the door, fingers rising on pure instinct to touch the warm places Tang Zeyan's hands had been.
Behind him, Tang Zeyan watched the movement, watched the back of that flustered man walking away from him.
He let out a long, shaky breath.
Then he stared at his own palms, flexed them into a fist, and smiled like someone who had just tasted heaven for the first time and planned to take the whole thing home.
A second later, he jogged after Ning Wen, unable to stay even a few steps behind.
"Hey, what happened to you again?" Liang Yue asked, noticing Ning Wen's flushed face.
"Nothing," Ning Wen replied, trying to act cool, though the slight curve of his lips betrayed him.
The group gathered and began following a few villagers who were chatting with their senior, Zhang Hui. The rest trailed behind, taking in the sights.
Liang Yue, ever on a mission with his camera, began snapping pictures of everything that caught his eye—the sky, the birds, the hills, even the tiniest insects.
"Liang Yue, stop it already!" Zhang Kai exclaimed, clearly exasperated.
"No, stay still!" Liang Yue replied, holding him gently by the shoulder because a tiny bug had landed there, and he didn't want it to escape before he captured the perfect shot.
"Done. You're free to go," Liang Yue said, satisfied, finally letting him go after checking the photo of the tiny ladybug.
"You're ridiculous," Zhang Kai muttered, shaking his head. "Darling, help me shield myself from this idiot." He flopped onto Qiu Lei's smaller frame, who sighed but didn't protest.
"Don't tease them, Lil Yue," Ning Wen said gently, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Why not? It's fun!" Liang Yue laughed mischievously. "Zhang Kai, there's another bug on you! Let me get a pic!"
"Hell no!" Zhang Kai yelled, quickly wriggling free and sprinting away as if his life depended on it.
Liang Yue tried to chase him but a firm, gentle hand landed on his shoulder.
"Don't run around, Brother Yue. You might trip and hurt yourself," Tang Ruihan said calmly.
"Oh, right. Okay, I'll save the running for later. But Zhang Kai, don't think you're safe! I'll get you!" Liang Yue called out, grinning widely.
Satisfied, he turned back to walk alongside Ning Wen, showing him the pictures he'd taken so far. Ning Wen chuckled, shaking his head at the ridiculous collection of bugs, birds, and random shots. Their laughter mingled with the gentle village breeze as they strolled, light and carefree, and for the first time in a long while, Ning Wen felt completely at ease.
While the Tang brothers trailed a few steps behind, their eyes never left their respective targets.
Tang Ruihan stared at Liang Yue as if he had suddenly discovered a purpose in life—clear, certain, and without doubt. Tang Zeyan, on the other hand, fixed his gaze on Ning Wen, confident and unwavering for years now, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. Both smiles were entirely reserved for the ones they loved.
"I think I finally get you," Tang Ruihan said quietly, his voice calm.
Tang Zeyan raised an eyebrow but didn't move his eyes from Ning Wen. "You do?"
"Yeah," Tang Ruihan nodded.
Tang Zeyan hummed thoughtfully.
Tang Ruihan asked, "You won't ask me how?"
Tang Zeyan shrugged. "I could guess. I'll find a time later to thank Brother Yue for letting you understand me." His tone carried a teasing edge that made Tang Ruihan pause.
"I also hope you suffer as much as I did back then when you used to make fun of me," Tang Zeyan added, eyes still locked forward. "I really don't want you to have an easy path either."
"Hey, don't jinx it," Tang Ruihan muttered.
"I already did," Tang Zeyan said with a shrug. Then his expression softened slightly, a rare seriousness threading through his voice. "Though I'm not sure if I should feel sorry for Brother Liang Yue," he said, shaking his head lightly.
Tang Ruihan didn't reply, silently processing the words.
"Anyway," Tang Zeyan continued, taking a small, measured breath, "just make sure you don't hurt him. Otherwise, I really wouldn't be able to stop my dear Brother Ning from—" he smirked slightly, "—killing you. And honestly, I wouldn't want that either. Someone as bright and innocent as Brother Liang Yue doesn't deserve a bastard like you. But… it's your thing, so do whatever you want. Just… be careful."
With that, he gave Tang Ruihan a firm pat on the shoulder before striding forward toward Ning Wen, his confident, protective aura making Tang Ruihan's chest tighten in quiet awe.
Tang Ruihan sighed, frowning slightly as he rubbed his temple. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for how he'd made fun of Tang Zeyan back then. Years ago, it had seemed funny—ridiculous even—how obsessed Tang Zeyan was with someone. But now… now he truly understood it. And the thought of experiencing that same kind of obsession and intensity himself? He wasn't sure he could handle it.
What Tang Zeyan had said rang true: he really was a… complicated, stubborn bastard. With a past as messy as his, Tang Ruihan felt a pang of shame and regret for having been cruel in the past. Compared to Liang Yue—bright, innocent, and untouched by the harshness of life—he felt almost dirty.
And yet, Liang Yue was unpredictable, like a little whirlwind.
Who knew if Tang Ruihan would start feeling obsessed or possessive toward him later? Maybe he was already feeling it now, but what would happen tomorrow? The thought made him shake his head, deciding he'd deal with it later. For now, he just wanted to relax, enjoy Liang Yue's company, and bask in his smiles and laughter.
So, without overthinking, he did what he did best—he ran toward Liang Yue, letting himself get as close as possible, letting the warmth and joy of the older boy's presence ground him in the moment.
The streets weren't crowded, leaving plenty of space for them to stroll, taking in the sights. The usual chatter of merchants and the soft hum of people bargaining blended with the refreshing view of the hills and trees, creating a lively yet calm atmosphere.
Liang Yue had completely forgotten about taking pictures when the aroma of street snacks hit him. His eyes sparkled, and his excitement was almost palpable. Tang Ruihan chuckled silently, already anticipating which treats Liang Yue would want. Without a word, he went ahead and bought each snack Liang Yue had been eyeing.
"You're such a good junior," Liang Yue said with a bright smile, his fingers gently feeding Tang Ruihan a piece of spicy strips. "Have some. A bit spicy, but it's good."
Tang Ruihan watched him carefully, noting the slight redness at the corners of Liang Yue's eyes from the spice, before leaning in to take a small bite. "Hmm… it is good," he murmured, his lips curling into a soft smile.
"I know, right? Spice is always the best," Liang Yue replied cheerfully, devouring more of it despite his eyes watering slightly. Tang Ruihan's chest tightened with that strange, twisted sensation he hadn't experienced before until he met Liang Yue—an ache that made him feel protective, almost possessive...
When Liang Yue's eyes began to tear up from the spiciness, Tang Ruihan was quick to buy a ice cream, holding it ready as if anticipating every need. Liang Yue took it happily, feeding Tang Ruihan too a small bite to soothe his own slightly burning mouth, like a tiny but delighted gesture of care. Tang Ruihan didn't mind at all. In that moment, he felt a quiet joy—pure and unspoken—at being the one to look after Liang Yue, just as much as Liang Yue seemed to enjoy being looked after.
It was a simple, perfect moment—the kind that left the heart quietly, painfully full.
On the other side, Tang Zeyan calmly observed as Ning Wen chatted politely and cheerfully with a young woman—none other than Xiao Yu, the kid from that day with the bruised knee. She was a shopkeeper, selling snacks, drinks, and jewelry. Xiao Yu had immediately recognized Ning Wen and eagerly told his mother who had eagerly approached him, thanking him for the way he had treated her son.
Ning Wen, overwhelmed but smiling, nodded and responded kindly, his gentle tone making the exchange warm and heartfelt.
Tang Zeyan, though slightly annoyed at someone interrupting his private little bubble with Ning Wen, found himself unable to look away. Seeing Ning Wen so happy, interacting naturally and politely, tugged at something deep in him.
His attention was suddenly diverted when a hand patted his shoulder.
"Oh, it's you…"
"Yes, it's me, handsome young man," Mrs. Wu said, holding a small basket in her hand as she shopped, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Who are you looking at so dearly, with those heart eyes?" she asked, glancing at the way Tang Zeyan had been staring.
Tang Zeyan awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and quickly glanced toward Ning Wen—who, at that very moment, noticed him too. Ning Wen frowned slightly and raised an eyebrow, silently asking what was going on. Tang Zeyan's heart fluttered at the gesture. He shook his head, smiling, and mouthed nothing in reply.
Mrs. Wu, observing carefully, chuckled knowingly. "Ah, I see… so he's the one you've been looking at." Her voice carried the playful teasing of a teenager gossiping about a crush.
Tang Zeyan didn't hesitate. With a small, proud nod, he confirmed it, as if the entire world could know and he wouldn't care. Ning Wen was the one he was looking at—and would look at forever.
"Aww, poor me… I was planning to introduce my daughter to him," Mrs. Wu said with a mock sigh, her tone heavy with playful teasing.
Tang Zeyan's eyes darkened for a split second, but he quickly masked it with a mischievous grin. "What? No, aunty… if you did that, what would I do? You want me to stay alone forever?"
"Oh no, no! Don't worry, I wouldn't want that," Mrs. Wu laughed, shaking her head. "I totally like you two together—you look like a perfect young, handsome couple."
Tang Zeyan's frown and dark glare melted instantly. He chuckled, finally realizing she was just teasing him, and his smile softened into genuine warmth.
"What are you two talking about?" Ning Wen asked as he finished speaking and walked over to stand beside Tang Zeyan, whose eyes never left him.
Mrs. Wu smiled. "Nothing, just that this young man here is a good kid. Don't lose him, my dear." She winked at Ning Wen, laughing, before slowly walking away.
Ning Wen frowned, watching her go, then looked at Tang Zeyan. "What's she talking about?"
Tang Zeyan's gaze softened, warm and steady. "She was just curious, asking who my heart‑filled eyes were looking at. And it just so happens to be you."
Ning Wen froze, his face instantly red. "You… how can you say such things so calmly?"
"Why not?" Tang Zeyan asked, tilting his head, a faint teasing smile on his lips. "They're just words… a way to describe what I feel inside for you. Feelings that are hard to show, so it's better I say them out loud. Don't you think?"
Ning Wen's heart raced, his face hotter by the second. "Shut up."
"I'm sorry, brother Ning… but that's one thing I will never stop doing," Tang Zeyan whispered, bending slightly so he could meet Ning Wen's shy, flushed gaze. His breath brushed against Ning Wen's cheek as he leaned closer. "You'll have to get used to me speaking about my feelings for you." He smirked, mischief and affection mixed in his voice.
Ning Wen's face deepened in color as he turned to walk ahead. "Whatever… I—I don't know you."
"Aw, don't say things like that, brother Ning… don't break my heart," Tang Zeyan called, running after him. His chest felt light, his mind spinning with joy. He loved seeing Ning Wen flustered, loved watching him shy, and loved how powerless Ning Wen was to resist these moments… it was unexplainable, but it made him happier than anything.