"Tang Ruihan!"
A chill ran down Tang Ruihan's spine. It was the first time Liang Yue had called his name so loudly—and so fully.
He snapped back to reality as Liang Yue's voice echoed again, persistently calling for him.
They reached the top of a small, green hill, dotted with a couple of trees. Liang Yue, in a bright mood, was eager to take pictures and had asked Tang Ruihan to capture him. But Tang Ruihan couldn't take a single shot—he was too busy staring at Liang Yue like an idiot.
He felt ridiculous. How could he be so distracted? He had always thought this kind of moment was unnecessary, even absurd, in real life or in movies. Yet, here he was, helplessly fixated on Liang Yue, and he couldn't bring himself to lift the camera.
"Are you on Earth or Mars or something?" Liang Yue asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly noticing Tang Ruihan's daze.
"I… I'm sorry, I just got lost in thoughts," Tang Ruihan replied, flustered.
Liang Yue blinked, then clasped his hands together like he had just solved the world's greatest mystery. "I see! I know! You must be feeling lonely, right? This is such a beautiful place, and you must be thinking it'd be better if you were here with your girlfriend rather than an old cardiologist who has no charm!" He huffed, mock-indignant.
Tang Ruihan froze. Where on earth had Liang Yue gotten that idea? Then he remembered—it was Liang Yue.
"Brother Yue, no, I wasn't thinking—"
"It's fine, I understand. It's okay," Liang Yue said cheerfully. "I feel lonely too."
"What?" Tang Ruihan's voice darkened.
"Yeah," Liang Yue continued dreamily, "I'd also think of a tall, handsome, lovely boyfriend taking pictures of me, staring at me like I hung the stars… so romantic!"
Tang Ruihan felt an indescribable mix of displeasure and irritation. Why was Liang Yue imagining this imaginary boyfriend? Why wasn't he content being here, with Tang Ruihan, in front of him? Why did Liang Yue have to conjure someone else in his head when Tang Ruihan was right there?
"Why, Brother Yue, aren't you satisfied with being here… with me?" Tang Ruihan asked, feigning a puppy-like pout, though inside, a little fire of jealousy burned.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean that…" Liang Yue stammered, fingers nervously rubbing through his hair. "I only said it to… keep up with you, so you wouldn't feel bad about not having a girlfriend to bring here. Just in case you weren't enjoying…"
"I never said that. I never felt that either," Tang Ruihan interrupted, voice low but firm, eyes locking onto Liang Yue's. "I wouldn't want to bring any girlfriend here."
"Oh…" Liang Yue blinked, momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.
Tang Ruihan stepped closer, calm and deliberate. He reached out, fingers brushing Liang Yue's hair. Liang Yue froze, heart thudding in his chest. Tang Ruihan plucked a stray leaf from his hair and blew it gently away, his gaze soft but piercing.
"I'd rather stay here, enjoy the beauty… together with you, Brother Yue. And trust me," he added, his lips curling into a faint smile, "I'm really enjoying myself."
Liang Yue stayed frozen, caught in the warmth of sunlight glinting off Tang Ruihan's brown hair, his deep, dark eyes holding him captive. The way his junior's presence radiated calm confidence and subtle charm made Liang Yue's chest tighten and breath hitch. How could someone be this… impossibly perfect?
"Brother Yue, why are you so quiet?" Tang Ruihan asked softly, his gaze lingering on Liang Yue.
Before Liang Yue could answer, Tang Ruihan added in a low voice, almost hesitant, "I'm really enjoying… but maybe… perhaps you aren't."
Liang Yue blinked, confusion knitting his brows.
Tang Ruihan's expression softened, showing a fleeting shadow of sadness, memories of past disappointments flickering across his face. "You don't have to hide it. Brother Yue… I know many people have told me I'm boring and annoying to be with. So… I understand if—"
But Liang Yue had enough. His frown deepened, and in one swift movement, he grasped Tang Ruihan's face, his palms warm and firm. Tang Ruihan shivered, goosebumps rising at the earnest, intense touch.
"What the hell are you saying!?" Liang Yue demanded, eyes sharp yet glowing.
Tang Ruihan blinked, his heartbeat fluttering uncontrollably, unsure if it was the touch or Liang Yue's piercing gaze making him feel so alive.
"Did you go into my brain or something?" Liang Yue continued, voice rising with determination. "Even if you did… you're definitely wrong. I'm having the best time here. Doesn't that show on my face? Everyone says I have a face that's… obvious, so can't you see I'm enjoying myself?"
He paused, catching his breath before continuing in a rush, words tumbling out like a confession. "Plus, who the hell said you're boring? Bring me to that person and I'll show them what boredom really means. Yes, you can be a tiny bit annoying sometimes, that mature, serious self of yours that bruises my little pride… but other than that, nothing about you is annoying. Maybe your godlike, gorgeous looks are the exception, but everything else about you is… absolutely fine. Amazing, even. And I love spending time with you. So you better not think any negative thoughts… just enjoy our time together."
Liang Yue's chest heaved slightly, eyes blazing with sincerity and determination. He felt a pang of hurt at Tang Ruihan's self-doubt, and he wasn't going to let him feel that way—not while he was here.
Tang Ruihan stayed quiet the entire time, letting every word of Liang Yue sink in. Every single syllable strummed a chord in his chest—words he had never imagined hearing. Words that left him breathless, heart racing, and strangely warm, more beautiful than he had dared to expect.
"Brother Yue…" Tang Ruihan struggled to get his voice back, fighting the fluttering chaos inside him. "Are… you really saying that... do you really mean it?"
"Of course I am," Liang Yue replied, a pout tugging at his lips. "And of course, I mean every single word. I'm honestly enjoying every bit and you should, too. If I could, I'd show you proof… I'd kiss you to show my happiness right now, but that'd make others question our senior-junior image. Plus… you're taller." He frowned, making the complaint sound almost tragic. "Even if I stand on my tiptoes, it's hard."
Tang Ruihan blinked, a sweetness so deep and warm filling his chest it nearly hurt. He smiled softly. "No one is here to question our senior-junior relationship, right?"
Liang Yue frowned for a moment but nodded, glancing around. Apparently, the hilltop was empty, quiet, just for them.
"Then you don't have to worry about that… or about height either." Tang Ruihan's eyes shimmered, bright like sunlight catching on water. He bent slightly, lowering himself to Liang Yue's height, voice soft but charged with hope. "Now… you can, right?"
Liang Yue felt his heart leap in a way he couldn't explain. He acted casual, smiling, before leaning in gently to press his lips to Tang Ruihan's forehead. The touch was light, tender… yet it ignited a wildfire through Tang Ruihan's entire body.
"There. Do you feel happy now?" Liang Yue asked, his tone teasing but soft.
Tang Ruihan couldn't form words. The joy and emotion bubbling inside him were almost too much. He coughed, covering his mouth with his fist, struggling to hold back the craziest, most uncontrollable smile. He straightened, still nodding quietly, trying to appear composed.
Liang Yue grinned. "Good. Now, come on. I'll take a few pictures of you."
"No… not yet. How about you take pictures of the sky for a bit first? Then you can take mine." Tang Ruihan's voice was muffled behind his fists, but there was a glint of stubborn sweetness in it.
Liang Yue didn't protest. He nodded, lifting his camera to capture the wide, blue sky above, the sunlight casting soft shadows around them.
Tang Ruihan's gaze wandered, eyes hazy, face relaxed yet chaotic from the rush of emotions. He was losing his mind… completely and utterly, and he knew it was all Liang Yue's fault—though Liang Yue didn't have a clue.
On the other side, Ning Wen admired the blue sky and warm sunlight as he reached the top of the hill. The land was vast, green, and surprisingly empty—no trees, no bushes—just open, soft ground that gave the place an abandoned yet peaceful feel.
"The ground here is so healthy and… beautiful. It'd be perfect for planting something," Ning Wen muttered.
Tang Zeyan, holding two big cotton candies—one in each hand—watched him intently, his gaze deep and serious. After a moment, he knelt down and poked the ground with one of the sticks.
"True, it is good," Tang Zeyan nodded, still keeping his eyes on the patch of earth.
Ning Wen raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What are you doing?"
Tang Zeyan looked up, his voice smooth and deliberate. "Waiting for you to look at me with those eyes… the same ones you use to admire the scenery."
Ning Wen's face flushed. "You're really going to keep saying stuff like that?"
"Yes," Tang Zeyan replied with a confident smirk. "Didn't I tell you? You'll need to get used to it, brother Ning. Believe me… it's never going to stop."
Ning Wen chuckled, rolling his eyes playfully. "If you're not going to stop, then you better give me a little break at least."
"Hmm… I'll think about that," Tang Zeyan said with a sly smile, stepping a little closer.
Ning Wen didn't resist. He took one of the cotton candies from Tang Zeyan, carefully unwrapping it before nibbling on it, his eyes flicking up at Tang Zeyan with a quiet fondness.
Tang Zeyan's smile widened, watching him enjoy it, feeling a warm, satisfied pull in his chest. "Eating candies like this makes me feel like a child again. Do you feel the same, brother Ning?" He asked, his gaze fixed on Ning Wen.
"Yeah… I do feel the same," Ning Wen replied with a small smile, his pink cotton candy tinting his lips an even deeper red. The corner of his mouth glimmered slightly with the sugary color, and he lightly darted his tongue across his lips.
Tang Zeyan's throat went dry. He felt heat crawl up his face as he stared at Ning Wen's lips and the red tip of his tongue, even at that tiny, teasing gesture. Panic surged through him, and before he could lose control of his thoughts, he shook his head violently, slapping his own cheeks in a futile attempt to regain composure.
Ning Wen frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing… just… stopping myself from thinking too far," Tang Zeyan muttered, disbelief written all over his face. Not now. Save it for later, he told himself.
Ning Wen tilted his head slightly, noticing the untouched cotton candy in Tang Zeyan's hand. "Haven't eaten yet?"
"I… I'll be done in a minute," Tang Zeyan replied. Then, with a mischievous glint, he stuffed the entire cotton candy into his mouth, making an exaggerated, funny face as he chewed.
Ning Wen couldn't help it. He chuckled softly, eyes closing slightly as he let himself enjoy the ridiculous, adorable moment. Tang Zeyan peeked at him from the corner of his eyes, satisfied he'd earned that small laugh, even as his heart still thudded wildly.
"Hey, that's not how you eat," Ning Wen said, still struggling to hold back his laughter.
"But it's faster and more fun this way," Tang Zeyan replied, cheeks stuffed, eyes sparkling mischievously.
Ning Wen shook his head, lowering his gaze to the cotton candy in his hand. "But… that isn't polite."
"You don't always have to be polite and composed, brother Ning," Tang Zeyan said softly, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "There are times when you don't have to stay perfect or controlled. Especially with me… I'd love for you to see me as your safe place. A place where you can be completely yourself—the self you hide from the world. Not perfect, not composed, not polite… just you. And I'd love to be the only one who sees that side of you."
Ning Wen froze, his eyelashes fluttering as his heart thudded. Words like that… he never expected to hear them, and yet, they made something inside him ache and warm all at once.
Suddenly, a memory from his past flickered through Ning Wen's mind. A time in high school when Jiang Kaishan had been watching his every move, even monitoring how he ate.
"You've got a good face—don't ruin it with messy eating. You'll always need to stay composed, I like people who can stay controlled and perfect." Jiang Kaishan had said, years ago, when Ning Wen was still chasing after him.
Back then, Ning Wen had listened without question. His entire self had bent to meet Jiang Kaishan's expectations. Every gesture, every habit, every careful word… all curated to appear flawless, perfect, composed—everything to earn that acceptance, that fleeting acknowledgment he had longed for.
But now, hearing Tang Zeyan speak so gently, so honestly, Ning Wen realized something he hadn't allowed himself to see before. He had spent his entire life building a version of himself to please someone else, a carefully constructed façade he had long forgotten even existed. And for the first time, he saw it clearly: that self was not him.
Tang Zeyan's words cut through the layers of habit and expectation like sunlight through glass. For the first time, Ning Wen felt the possibility of being allowed to exist as he truly was—unpolished, imperfect, and yet completely enough.
Seeing his complicated expression, Tang Zeyan smiled, wanting to lighten Ning Wen's mood. "Brother Ning… are you perhaps quietly pondering my feelings?"
Ning Wen blinked, finally pulling himself out of the tangled thoughts in his mind. "No… or maybe yes," he teased back, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Tang Zeyan's eyes lit up. "Really? Oh my… I wonder how much of my feelings have succeeded in winning your heart."
Ning Wen tilted his head, holding back a laugh. "Minus seventy."
"Hey, that's not fair! How about removing the negative part to make me happier?" Tang Zeyan pouted, playful yet earnest.
Ning Wen chuckled, eyes drifting to the remaining cotton candy in his hand. He felt a warmth rise in his chest, a new kind of flutter he hadn't noticed before. Holding the candy, he twisted it like a mischievous child, his excitement bubbling as he popped the entire candy into his mouth, rolling it around and munching it with tiny, round bites within mouth.
"This… feels good," Ning Wen said, his voice muffled by the candy. His eyes sparkled, partially closed as he glanced at Tang Zeyan, embarrassed but delighted by the simple joy.
Tang Zeyan, however, saw something completely different. Every little motion, every playful bite, every flush on Ning Wen's cheeks struck him like a spark. He felt as if he had unlocked a new, precious side of Ning Wen—one no one else had ever seen. The small, round bites, the soft glow of his face, the childlike delight… Tang Zeyan's heart clenched in the gentlest, most unrelenting way. He was on cloud nine, watching Ning Wen in a way that made the entire world feel softer, brighter, and impossibly intimate.
"You really are something else, brother Ning," Tang Zeyan murmured, voice low, teasing yet warm, letting each word linger between them.
Ning Wen blinked, his half-lidded eyes catching Tang Zeyan's gaze, cheeks pink and a little sticky from the cotton candy. "Huh? What do you mean?" His voice was soft, muffled by the lingering sweetness, and Tang Zeyan felt a pull in his chest he didn't even want to name.
"I mean… you just made this silly little act look… beautiful,"
Ning Wen froze slightly, the blush creeping higher, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the sun.
Tang Zeyan stepped closer, gently cradling Ning Wen's round, soft face in his hands, thumbs brushing over his smooth cheeks. Ning Wen blinked, wide-eyed, feeling the tender pressure of those long fingers as they cupped his face.
"You're really… adorable. Brother Ning, so adorable that it honestly hurts," Tang Zeyan whispered, leaning closer, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the hilltop, each inhale and exhale muffled but electric.
Ning Wen's fingers twitched as he gulped down the last of the candy, his eyes fluttering down, overwhelmed by the warmth filling his chest. For the first time, after letting his true, playful self show—without the perfect, composed mask Jiang Kaishan had once demanded—he received a praise that was entirely genuine, adoring, and free from judgment. His chest felt lighter, his heart beating faster, and an unfamiliar flutter of happiness danced through him.
Tang Zeyan just held him there, letting the moment stretch, drinking in every detail, and silently promising himself that he'd treasure this side of Ning Wen forever.
Ning Wen's heart thudded loud and faster as he tried to avoid meeting those deep hazel eyes, his flustered face betraying every thought he tried to hide.
Tang Zeyan gently lifted Ning Wen's chin, tilting his face so their eyes could meet. His thumb softly brushed against Ning Wen's lips, wiping away the faint stickiness of cotton candy.
"Don't hide yourself," Tang Zeyan murmured, voice low, tender, each word like a caress. His warm breath fanned over Ning Wen's flushed cheeks.
"Let me see it… adore it… and treasure it all to myself."
He leaned closer, resting his forehead against Ning Wen's, and Ning Wen's chest tightened, heat rushing through him. He didn't protest; he didn't speak, too captivated by the closeness, the soft weight of Tang Zeyan's presence, feeling like a precious treasure in the careful hold of someone who truly cared.
Slowly, Ning Wen's hands lifted, gripping the corners of Tang Zeyan's jacket, hesitant yet desperate, holding him in place. And his unspoken wish was answered—Tang Zeyan didn't move. He stayed exactly where Ning Wen held him, as if those soft fingers were the most sacred command he'd ever received.
Instead, his thumbs lingered on Ning Wen's cheeks, brushing slower this time, almost reverently, as if memorizing the warmth and softness of him. "I want to see all your versions," he murmured, voice low, gentle. "The polite one, the quiet one… but especially this one. The real you. The one who eats candy like a flustered kid and blushes when I breathe too close."
Ning Wen's fingers tightened on Tang Zeyan's jacket almost subconsciously. His voice was barely audible. "Tang Zeyan… stop talking like that."
"Why?" Tang Zeyan teased, his forehead still pressed against Ning Wen's, his smile radiating warmth that made Ning Wen's chest flutter uncontrollably. "You seem to like it."
"I…" Ning Wen swallowed hard, heart pounding in his ears. "I don't dislike it."
Tang Zeyan's breath hitched, just slightly, and his hands slid down from Ning Wen's cheeks to rest lightly along his jaw, tilting his face up a fraction. "Good," he whispered, a soft, intimate curve tugging at his lips, "because I'm never stopping."
Ning Wen's lips parted, caught between shock and something dangerously warm, but before he could respond, Tang Zeyan brushed the tip of his nose against Ning Wen's in a fleeting, delicate touch, soft enough to feel like a promise, sweet enough to make his heart skip.
They stayed like that, suspended on the green hilltop, quiet around them except for the faint hum of distant nature. And yet, their quite closeness spoke louder than words, the rhythm of their heartbeats blending, filling the space between them with something unspoken, intimate, and entirely theirs.