Chongyun rarely questioned his life decisions, because he usually put some thought into them before making a concrete move. This time the situation spun around pretty quickly, and it all started rather innocently.

He was sitting with Xingqiu on a mountain hill, the city below them bustling with life. It was middle of the day, ships were circling around the docks and even from such distant they could see many silhouettes roaming the streets. Chongyun was peacefully licking his popsicle, feeling his friend's gaze on himself. The popsicle was helpful, but he could feel rising heat in his face regardless. It was like this frequently, always when the two spent time together and Xingqiu had nothing better to do but to stare at Chongyun, as the young exorcist had trouble with keeping himself together.

"Hey, Yun, can I ask you for some help?" Xingqiu stated, opening a leather bag he brought. Usually he didn't carry anything, which piqued Chongyun's curiosity at the very beginning of their meeting, but he hasn't asked.

"Sure, what can I do for you? Do you have some clues on a spirit somewhere around here?" He knew it wasn't the case. If Xingqiu had some leads, he would say so hours ago.

"Sadly, it's nothing connected to exorcisms." The blue haired boy shifted slightly, beaming at his friend, when he took a stack of paper from depths of his bag. "I wrote a little story for my newest promotion program in Inazuma. I was wondering if you could read it and give me some feedback."

"Me?" He raised his eyebrows, ogling his friend suspiciously. "I don't read as much as you, better to ask someone who actually knows how it should be done, don't you think?"

"It's one of the copies I had printed in the bookstore. The clerk has one, Xinyan and Xiangling too. I even persuaded Hu Tao to help, since there are small implications of people coming as ghosts to the living world. Please? Yun, it's only like, forty pages long. Pleaaaaase?"

Chongyun sighed heavily, knowing that he lost already. Something deep inside didn't allow him to fight with Xingqiu's requests when he put up that pleading face. He was a simple man, really, and Xingqiu was cute. Also, he was stubborn and always had a way to get what he wanted. Not that is was something bad – Chongyun adored him endlessly.

"Okay, I can read it. But please, don't expect actual constructive criticism from me."

"Thank you! And don't worry, I just want you to see what I got. The girls also promised to read it mostly for fun, the arrangement with Inazuman Yae Publishing House has been made already anyway. I just want to see what my favourite audience around here has to say about my writing, that's all."

"Okay then, I'll try my best," he assured a little awkwardly, taking the pile from Xingqiu's hand. "Is it the only story you plan on sending to the publisher?"

"Actually no, I have something else, just got it printed today as well. But this one needs some more work, so you're definitely not gonna see it anytime soon."

Well, that was understandable. Chongyun thought he knew his friend quite good, and he was aware that Xingqiu always wanted to master his work before showing it to the world. That's why they trained martial arts together time to time. That's why they were travelling together to learn new things about their nation. The blue haired boy was knowledgeable already, but Chongyun always was happy to learn something new with him.

The fact that Xingqiu trusted him with his work, and above that was asking him for feedback, meant he was excited about sharing it. Chongyun looked at the blank page on the outside of the pile. There wasn't even a title, but probably it wasn't that important since it was only a private print for request, not a real thing yet. And it really wasn't that long, he could probably finish it in one day.

"Also, sad news," Xingqiu laid back, looking at the sky. "We won't be able to meet tomorrow. I know we were supposed to go to Wanmin, but my father needs some emergency help with an important meeting. I hope you're not too disappointed, Yun."

"If it's important, then we can do nothing about it, right?" He shrugged, also lying in the grass beside his friend. "I would have time to read your story then, and we can go to Wanmin the day after tomorrow and talk about it."

"Gods, why are you always so sweet and understanding?" Xingqiu chuckled, closing his eyes. "Thanks, Yun. You're the best friend one can have."

"I think you're exaggerating a little," he could easily feel his cheeks getting warm, and it had nothing to do with the sunlight.

"And how modest! Truly, they don't make men like this these days," Xingqiu laughed, and Chongyun was well aware that he was being teased.

He sighed, reaching for another popsicle.

At the evening he was sitting on the floor of his room, trying to focus on his meditation routine, which was already neglected for a couple days. But the pile of papers seemed to almost stare at him with judgment from where it was lying on his bedside table. The truth was, he couldn't wait to read Xingqiu's story. After couple more minutes of pointless tries with meditation, he gave up and moved to the bed.

After arranging comfortably on the mattress, he took the pile in one hand and opened it, the other hand grabbing a mug with already cold tea that he prepared earlier. He still didn't know the title, but quickly forgot about it, seeing the name of the main character a few sentences in.

Xi Qiu. He had long, ocean blue hair, tied in a high ponytail and curious eyes, flaming with melted gold. At least according to the characterization. The story started when the main character fled from his hometown to escape his high standing family and an arranged marriage.

Okay, so Xingqiu probably wanted to write about something he knew, therefore the main character was a little similar to him. But writers do that sometimes, right? They give the characters features of themselves or people they know, he heard about that a lot. So there was nothing wrong with a noble man named Xi Qiu, who was looking almost exactly like Chongyun imagined his friend would look in the future. It was all fiction.

Another step almost led him to a long fall, when rocks under his feet turned out to be more unstable than he thought. Being locked at home, rarely even visiting the city, didn't exactly prepared him for such escapade, but he had no other choice. He took another shaky step forwards, trying to hold onto the cliff with all his strength. The sword dangling by his side wasn't helpful and it was already getting dark, the sun hiding behind the mountains. He was in trouble.

Of course he was, Chongyun thought. One can't just go spontaneously into the wild with zero preparation and count on the best. Real Xingqiu would do better, he knew that for a fact. They were doing escapades into the mountains countless times, sometimes even spending the nights in the wild. It was always a pleasant experience, lying with Xingqiu under the night sky and counting stars, when moonlight reflected his pale skin and golden eyes.

Chongyun shook his head and took another sip of the tea. He should stop thinking about his friend this way. Of course, he admitted that he had a crush on Xingqiu, there was no point in denying it. Also, Xiangling's teasing proved that it was also visible on the outside sometimes. But he tried to not think about it too often and to not let it show. He turned his attention back to the story, where Xi Qiu made it up the cliff and tried to find some place to hide for the night.

The cave looked good enough, at least to him. He made his way inside, slowly letting the darkness embrace him. The weather was good, and the sky was clear, so near the entrance the moonlight was enough to examine his surroundings. But deepen into the cave, it was pitch dark. He wasn't scared of darkness, but the feeling of it surrounding him completely was somehow sticky, suffocating and off-putting. Like there was something only waiting for him to drop his guard down to have a chance to attack. By all means, he wasn't as good with his sword as a trained warrior, therefore he was afraid of not standing a chance toward the mystery threat.

He heard a low groan from the deeper part of his temporary hideout. He froze in his steps, waiting for another signal that something really was there, and it wasn't just his fuelled by fear imagination going wild. Then, he noticed some movement. Another low growl sounded more guttural, animalistic, and what's the worst – it was definitely closer than last time.

Chongyun tried to imagine Xi Qiu's situation as best as he could, but he couldn't stop wondering what real Xingqiu would do in such situation. Well, given his level in martial arts and his Hydro Vision, he probably would fight whatever it was, just like they were sometimes fighting hilichurls together. Xingqiu would move graciously, his robes flying around him, and his sword infused with Hydro energy. After the fight he would stand there, panting, with his hair dishevelled and faint blush adoring his cheeks.

Well, Xi Qiu wasn't as gracious, because when the mysterious creature (which Chongyun imagined as something similar to a hilichurl, but moving on all fours and acting more like a wild animal) emerge from the darkness in an attempt to hurt (and probably eat) him, he started to run instead of fighting. Given the character's poor skills in martial arts, Chongyun wasn't even surprised that much. But it was only tenth page, so it was obvious that Xi Qiu would somehow live through it.

And he wasn't mistaken.

He was cornered. The beast showed its canines, saliva dripping from its mouth. He was still holding his sword in shaky hands, but he was injured already and sitting on the ground with a solid stone wall behind his back, he couldn't count on much luck. He closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

The final strike didn't come. Instead, he heard the beast making a painful, loud noise of pure agony. There was some rustling around, he felt the air getting colder around but he couldn't bring himself to open his eyes. The noises were overwhelming, the sword slipped from his palms onto the ground, but he didn't care about it anymore. If there was another monster fighting the first one for dominance, he couldn't stand a chance anyway. Death wasn't exactly a better option than an arranged marriage, after deeper thought. But it was too late to turn back now.

Chongyun snorted. The situation was quite dramatic, but he just couldn't help himself. It was so in character for Xingqiu and his usual stubbornness. He would do something like that, escape to not do what he was told to. Of course, Chongyun knew that his friend started to truly enjoy his obligations in the Feiyun Commerce Guild, and he was absolutely serious about them. But somehow Xi Qiu's way of thinking was something Chongyun imagined he could hear from the actual Xingqiu.

As for the arranged marriage, they've never really talked about anything like that. Xingqiu one time stated that he won't let anyone in his family determine his love life, but that was all about it. They didn't talk about crushes or their will to marry someone and settle down one day. They were too young for that, as Madam Ping said, when Chongyun was helping her with some deliveries one time. (Not too young for love, she specified, just buying a house and getting married could wait a couple years. Chongyun didn't ask if she meant them marrying each other, he was far too embarrassed for such boldness.) She was probably right, but with a crush that haven't past in like, three years now, he was having mixed thoughts anyway.

The noise seemed to ring in his ears, the agonal screams of the beast still playing in his mind, even if they quieted a while ago. He felt his body shaking uncontrollably, as he kept his eyes tightly shut. He didn't even know if the pain is real, or if it's just an imaginary sensation created by his tired mind and body.

"Are you wounded?"

His eyes snapped open almost immediately. Over his curled form, stood a man with the deepest voice he heard in his entire life. Somehow, these three words were soothing, like ointment applied to a wound. He quickly examined himself, then shook his head.

"Are you sure? You don't look like an adventurer. It's dangerous around here, I could help you stay safe, if you need."

He ogled the man curiously. The stranger was definitely taller than him, also much broader in shoulders. He couldn't help but stare as muscles in his arms flexed when he moved to kneel on the ground, discarding his own weapon. The two-handed sword was so big and looked so heavy, Xi Qiu wasn't even sure if he would be able to lift it. And this man was holding it with just one hand moments prior.

His gaze wandered over defined abs and upper chest of the stranger, muscles clearly visible under his tight, sleeveless, black shirt. What caught his attention, was the other man's hair – almost snowy white, shining in silver tones due to the moonlight. And then, he looked the stranger in the eyes. Icy blue eyes, shining with worry, care and curiosity. Somehow, they weren't cold at all. More, they lit instant fire inside Xi Qiu.

Chongyun had to swallow hard, taking a large sip from his tea. This was... specific, in a way that made him question basically everything. Was he really this delusional, or that mysterious character was his own reflection, just older? No, it couldn't be... He reminded himself again – writers do this, they make characters inspired over real people they know.

"Sorry for being a burden," he tried to smile apologetically, but wasn't sure what came out of his attempts, too lost in the stranger's eyes.

"Don't worry about it," the stranger smiled softly and the fire inside Xi Qiu was only getting wilder. "It's my obligation to patrol the mountains. I help yakshas in clearing the world from demons, as a trainee to one of them. I'm glad that nothing bad happened, it was quite a powerful demon you encountered there. What are you doing here?"

"Running away," he admitted shyly with a heavy sigh. "My name's Xi Qiu. I was supposed to take over my clan in near future with my wife from some rich family that I don't even know yet. I don't want such controlled life, so I decided to run away."

"Sounds like a complicated thing to discuss in the middle of nowhere after such rough situation. I can take you to a safe place, I live in a hut not so far away. What do you say about some tea?" The stranger's smile was absolutely captivating. It looked like his pure soul tried to show itself in this simple gesture. Xi Qiu wanted to see it more, and they knew each other not even for fifteen minutes.

"Sounds delightful," he also tried to smile, standing up with a little help from the warrior. He swore, the moment he felt these strong arms holding him, he felt weak in his knees. "Sorry, I don't think I caught your name."

"Oh, right," the white-haired man chuckled melodically, in such a low, deep voice that made Xi Qiu's heart beat rapidly only from this short sound. "My name's -"

Chongyun stopped for a moment. He had to turn the page to see the warrior's name, so he used this little pause to compose himself. He didn't know what to do, if it will be something like Xi Qiu's name. What were Xingqiu's thoughts when he was writing this story? Was it just an inspirational legend? He didn't know.

More to it, Xingqiu demanded feedback. What was Chongyun exactly supposed to tell him? That he noticed similarity of characters to them, and then ask what was that for? If the story will undergo some changes before being officially published? To take it fairly, in Inazuma no one knew them anyway, so there was nothing wrong with these similarities and Xingqiu published his stories under a pen name.

He put the mug on the bedside table and carefully turned the page.

Cho Yun.

Archons. His hand instantly reached to the drawer in search of an emergency popsicle he put there earlier today, preserving it with Cryo, so it wouldn't melt so quickly. It helped, but he still felt a little dizzy. What was Xingqiu thinking writing this? And all the adjectives... He shuddered. No, Xingqiu just had to let his imagination loose, nothing more to it.

He turned his attention back to the story, getting over their talk about Xi Qiu's past and Cho Yun's life with the yakshas. Cho Yun proposed that his new friend could stay with him in the hut, at least for a couple days, to gather himself together and make further plans. Xi Qiu agreed.

Chongyun sighed deeply, relieved by the fact that the story was turning into something much lighter and calmer. They lived together for a couple weeks – Xi Qiu helped with cleaning and cooking, while Cho Yun continued his training. Chongyun couldn't help his imagination, when pictures of himself with Xingqiu flooded his mind in place of the two characters. They would rather live somewhere in the city, but still, it was about the calm domesticity.

"Hey, Yun, can I ask you something?" They were lying on the bed right next to each other, just as they used to for the last few weeks.

"Of course, Qiu. What's on your mind?"

Chongyun very much questioned himself at this point. The nicknames were almost too much. He quickly jumped out of his bed to get more popsicles, just to be safe. It was dark outside already, but he didn't mind it much. He was determined to finish the story, whatever the time it would be. After a couple minutes popsicles were lying on his bedside table, preserved by Cryo. He sit comfortably and returned to the story just where he left off.

"Do you like it here? You're all alone, right? Are you happy with your life?"

There was silence for a moment, as Cho Yun was contemplating the questions. Xi Qiu was observing his friend attentively. It was dark outside, but they had a few candles lit. In the yellowish glow Cho Yun's hair were shining almost like gold, cascading in soft curls just a little past his shoulders. His body was warm, as they were lying so close. Xi Qiu relished in their closeness.

"I think so, yes. But I have to admit..." Cho Yun moved his body to be even closer to his friend, their breaths mingling. Xi Qiu melted into the moment, entirely focused on the warm softness inside Cho Yun's icy eyes. "Ever since I've found you, things are somehow better."

"Was that a confession, my dear?" Xi Qiu teases quietly, his voice full of wonder and hope, instead of usual snarky tone used to teasing Cho Yun.

Chongyun's breath hitched at the word 'dear', and he grabbed another popsicle. Xingqiu called him 'dear' or 'dear Chongyun', sometimes even 'dearie' or 'darling'. Was it really what he was aiming for? Not just a friendly teasing but a simple call for some deeper attention? Was this story a reflection of his imagination, wishes and wants?

"Did it feel like one?" Cho Yun answered with a question, observing every little change in Xi Qiu's expression.

The smaller man smiled warmly. "For me, it did. It would make me happy, if it really was."

"Then it was a confession. I've never felt like this with anyone, Qiu. You're the luckiest coincidence I've encountered in my entire life."

"Would you mind if I'd show you some affection, then?" His words merely a whisper, their bodies so close that the only thing he could see or feel was the man next to him. His first real friend. A love at first sight. Icy eyes fell shut, normally milky white skin was burning, his cheeks all rosy. "Voice it, my dear."

Chongyun's face also was aflame. Even with the popsicle he still could clearly feel the blush on his face. He rarely read such type of stories, but it wasn't about the outcome itself. It was about the fact, that his imagination could flawlessly imagine the characters as himself and Xingqiu. He couldn't help but think about having his friend so close, saying such things. He turned the page with a thought that he would say 'yes' without second thoughts.

"I don't mind, as long as it's you." Cho Yun whispered, not opening his eyes. Xi Qiu pouted at that statement.

"I won't say it's rude, but I thought it would be something more eager. I don't want to pick up any actions you don't care about or will make you feel bad. I want only the good things with you, darling."

"I..." Cho Yun shifted slightly, so now they were touching from head to toe, not even an ich of space between them, save for their lips. "I want it, Qiu. Only with you. Show me, please."

"That's more like it, love."

Chongyun had to look up at the ceiling and take a deep breath to not combust on the spot at the last word. Xingqiu obviously has never called him that, but this nickname was some kind of evolution after that whole 'my dear' thing. It sent shivers down his spine. Gods, he has to compose himself, it wasn't the end of the story after all. Although he wasn't so sure he could finish it anymore.

Xi Qiu closed the remaining last bit of distance, connecting their lips. He momentarily felt Cho Yun's body tensing and he was ready to take everything back, but he didn't really have time to react, when Cho Yun shook off his first shock and tangled his fingers into Xi Qiu's hair.

The smaller man melted into the touch, kissing him even more eagerly. He felt Cho Yun licking his lower lip, his lips falling open without really acknowledging it. He didn't think that the white-haired man could take the lead, but he didn't really mind. Or, more accurately, he in fact liked it. Very much. He was kissing back with passion, melting into it. Giving his everything into the gesture, his hands started to wander across Cho Yun's muscular chest, finally resting on his hips.

He felt Cho Yun's touch as a burning fire over his skin, even though they still had their clothes on. The sensation was so intense he couldn't stop his muscles from trembling, as the kiss became more heated, and he could feel firm grip of these strong hands on his waist.

At this point it was just pure torture. Chongyun bit into another popsicle, feeling himself sweating and his body shivering. It wasn't quite the feeling of being overheated, that one he knew how to deal with. This... this was something entirely new and having such feelings, while imagining his best friend beside him, felt inappropriate. After a couple deeper breaths and finishing the popsicle, he turned his attention back to the story.

Xi Qiu felt like he was ascending into the god's realm, only the warm touch of the other's hands was keeping him connected to reality. He moved impossibly closer, wanting to feel more warmth, simply more of Cho Yun.

He more felt than heard Cho Yun's hum against his lips, when one hand slipped inside his blouse, caressing the soft skin just over his hip. The other one landed on the back of his neck, drawing him closer, depriving him of the only way back. Not that he would want to run away.

Cho Yun's fingers played with his ocean blue hair, and when they tugged at it with a noticeable force, Xi Qiu couldn't suppress a small moan from escaping his mouth and disappearing between them into yet another fiery kiss.

Chongyun got up, leaving the pile of papers on his bed, and took a few laps around the room. His imagination really was going wild, and he was starting to feel scared by it. Not to mention that he felt utterly embarrassed as it was, imagining himself and his best friend in such a situation. It felt illegal.

But what if it really was a sign? If Xingqiu wrote it to show his feelings through those "imaginary characters." On the other hand, he said that Hu Tao and Xiangling also received a copy each.

Archons. Xiangling. She won't let him live it down. Alas, he felt a strange want to talk to her about that. Maybe a brainstorm would do him some good, since he couldn't really process his feelings on his own apparently. He moved back to the bed, sit and took the pile into his hands again. The pictures in his mind still were vivid, but he tried not to think so much about how Xingqiu's skin probably would be the softest thing he ever touched in his entire life. Or how low and full of affection his voice would be. Or if he really would like to have his hair pulled. Nope, he wasn't thinking about such things at all.

"What are you doing, dear?" Xi Qiu breathed into the kiss, feeling the steady hand on his hip drawing his whole body towards the other, and then onto him as if he weighted nothing. He shuddered at the mere thought of being manhandled like that, even if in the current moment he was the one sitting on top, his knees straddling the other man's hips.

"I want you close, Qiu. As close as I can get you. I want to feel your warmth, your soft skin against mine." Cho Yun also sat up, their chest pressed close to each other. "All of you."

"Oh, dear," he couldn't think of any suitable answer for such confession, so he just leaned in and pressed their lips together again. Because he wanted the same thing. He wanted to belong to Cho Yun. To be his, wholly.

Chongyun had problems with himself. Not only the heat, but also breathing became a little more difficult, as an imaginary Xingqiu very realistically materialised himself onto his lap. He quickly got up again, this time taking the pile. Maybe if he could read it while standing, or even walking around the room, the feelings won't be so overwhelming.

He felt one of Cho Yun's hand back in his hair, tugging at them, which pushed a pleased hum out of him, as he gave in into their kiss. The room was hot, or maybe that's just his body, but he didn't care. Not, when Cho Yun's hand once again slipped under his blouse, setting his skin aflame with the lightest touches.

"Yun, I – ah!" He couldn't suppress a moan, when Cho Yun drew his hips closer to his own, feeling just how aroused they both were. He grinded –

The papers went flying (thank gods they were combined together) and landed on the floor with a thud. That's it. Chongyun hid his face in his hands, feeling utterly mortified he even tried to read this thing. He shouldn't have.

The truth was, he never really had read an erotic novel before, but that was only the part of the problem. He wouldn't be surprised if some day Xingqiu would bring him one and talk him into reading it as a prank. But the thought that Xingqiu wrote this one himself. Wrote it with two men being practically older versions of them. It was something else entirely.

His head was spinning, so he laid on the bed again, leaving the cursed pile of papers on the floor. He would have to return it to Xingqiu tomorrow. If not, every look at it would be risking his sanity. He groaned into the pillow. Gods, why was it all so hard?

The next day Chongyun went to Wanmin at dinner time, just as he and Xingqiu agreed. The blue haired boy wasn't present yet, so the young exorcist just took a seat to wait for his friend. He took Xingqiu's story with him, to return it and ideally never speak about it again. He laid the pile of papers on the table and looked around. There weren't too many people, which was quite weird, but Xiangling told him before that some days just were quieter. He never saw that though, the restaurant was almost always full of people.

"Hi, Chongyun! Waiting for Xingqiu?" He raised his head to see Xiangling standing in front of him. "Oh! Is this Xingqiu's story? Did you read it?"

"Did you?" Chongyun decided onto a defensive strategy. If Xiangling wanted to tease him, she would do it anyway.

"Yep, and I was delighted! He wrote that mad scientist so well, and the necromancy thing? Awesome! Also, the love interest, gods. She was so precious, even when he entangled her in some dark business. I'm sure it will be a huge hit." She was jumping on her toes, clearly excited.

Chongyun listened to her with wide eyes and his jaw hanging open. What mad scientist? What necromancy? And what a female love interest?! Was she pulling a joke on him? If she was, it wasn't funny. She apparently noticed his bewildered expression and tamed her enthusiasm a little.

"Is something wrong? Didn't you enjoy it that much?"

"Xiangling, are you pranking me right now?" He decided to ask straightforwardly. It was better to know if she was, and if it wasn't the case, then he could be weirded out.

"No?" She raised her eyebrows questioningly, sitting on an opposite chair. "Why would you think that? I really did enjoy his story and I have no motivation to hide it or pretend anything."

Chongyun started to panic. If Xiangling was telling the truth, that meant Hu Tao with high possibility also received a story with a mad scientist with a female love interest. So, considering this fact, Chongyun could be the only person who read Xi Qiu and Cho Yun's story. Or even the only one to know about its existence. The question was, why did Xingqiu give it to him?

"Chongyun, I'm serious, what's wrong? You look even more pale than usual, your face it almost white. Do you need water or something?"

"This story..." He looked at the pile and then slid it towards Xiangling. "I need you to keep this a secret, okay?" She nodded, hesitantly taking the papers into her hands. "This story isn't the same as you've read. And I assume the one you got is the story Xingqiu plans on sending to his publisher."

"Okay... Then, what is this?" She looked at him with clear curiosity in her eyes, but not daring to open the novel.

"Read the characteristics of the main character," he said, feeling warmth already flowing to his face. She raised her eyebrows, but looked onto the beginning of the story, her eyes going wide.

"Xi Qiu? Seriously? And yeah, it most certainly isn't the one me and Hu Tao got. But had he really had to make the main character literally an older himself? I mean, it isn't overly weird, but that's not something I'd expect from Xingqiu, I guess." Chongyun took the pile and turned to the page, where Xi Qiu encounters the beast. Now, Xiangling seemed to understand, a smirk appearing on her face. "Sorry to say that, but if you'll turn out like that in ten years, you'll be freaking hot." She giggled.

"Turn to page twenty-seven." He said plainly, fighting the warm feeling in his chest and face.

"Sure. Okay, so he inspired the characters by you two, but that doesn't have to mean anything, right? I really don't get why you're so– oh." She cut herself off, her pupils widening. "Oh? (No, he couldn't write it.) Oh. (He really aimed at it, didn't he?) OHHH..." She quickly clasped the pages together and handed the story back to Chongyun. "This feels illegal. Did you really read it?"

"I couldn't," Chongyun shook his head, utterly embarrassed. "It was too much, imagining us like this, I just... I couldn't bring myself to finish it. He said he's counting on some feedback giving it to me. What am I supposed to do now?" He hid his face in his palms, exhaling slowly. Xiangling was his second-best friend, she clearly would take the matter seriously.

"I don't know. Maybe take him into the wild and bang in some cave? Gods, I can live without the details regarding your sexual life, thank you very much. Although, I support you, if you couldn't guess it already. Just, you know, you could tell me you two are together in more civilised way, that's all I'm saying."

"We are not together! And that's the problem!" He exclaimed, hiding his face in his palms again. "How am I supposed to face him now, knowing he thinks about... I can't do it!"

"But he's still your best friend, right?" He nodded. "And you are in love with him, right?" He nodded again, feeling absolutely mortified. "Then make a move! Maybe ask him out officially? You don't have to bang him on the spot."

"Stop saying 'bang him' or I'll combust."

"Fine. You don't have to very romantically turn events into a heated session of taking each other's virginities simultaneously as a way of saying you love one another. Better?" She smirked, when Chongyun just groaned painfully, still hiding his face.

"You're the worst, I don't even know why I wanted to talk to you about it." His voice was muffled, but that didn't prevent Xiangling from hearing everything perfectly and bursting out laughing.

"That's why you love me, baby! Now, I'll go and prepare something for you. I'm guessing cold noodles for you?" He nodded yet again. "And I have something special for Xingqiu already almost done. I'm leaving you to it!"

Chongyun sit straight to look at her, but she was already gone, disappearing in the kitchen. But he noticed Xingqiu walking toward him, already waving, with a bright smile on his face. Chongyun observed him attentively. How his step was a little jumpy, like always when he was excited. How his hair curled a little on ends from the humid air. How he swayed his hips slightly with each light, graceful step. How his small waist would feel in Chongyun's own hands, and how soft his hair would be to touch. How his flawless skin would feel under the exorcist's fingertips.

It was dangerous.

Chongyun stood abruptly, took the papers, and made his way to Xingqiu. The blue haired boy said something about Chongyun being red and if he was feeling alright, but the young exorcist didn't listen. He just walked forward, and his friend, as expected, followed him through the streets.

Only when they were alone together on a hill near the city, Chongyun let himself relax a little. He clutched the papers in his hand like his life depended on it.

"Yun, are you alright?" Xingqiu asked for a hundredth time probably. "Do you have any popsicles on you? You seem like you're burning up."

"I'm... I'm fine, don't worry. I wanted to return the story you gave me." He spoke embarrassed, stretching his hand towards his friend, who smiled brightly once again, not taking the pile yet.

"So, you've read it. Awesome! What do you think? I know it's not necessarily your field, but I thought you could enjoy it regardless. How was it? Tell me everything!"

"I haven't... I tried, but I couldn't finish it, sorry," he said shyly, sitting onto the warm grass and setting the papers beside him. Xingqiu followed short, also landing on the ground and looking at his friend attentively, gaze full of care.

"Aw, that's a shame. I mean, I'm not angry or disappointed, but there's no point in hiding that I expected some feedback. So, maybe you can tell me something about what you've went through? I'd love to know why you couldn't finish. Was there something you particularly didn't enjoy? The scenery? The main character or the love interest?"

"I want to... I just want to know why you gave me an erotic novel in the first place."

Chongyun was ready for his friend to start laughing. To say it was a prank and he was delighted in his own work on that. After all, he had to put some time into making it happen. And to disguise it as the 'feedback thing' while giving Xiangling and Hu Tao the real story? It was brilliant. As to say, he was ready for humiliation.

But Xingqiu suddenly froze with his eyes widened like coins and mouth slightly agape. He cleared his throat, looking at Chongyun with wary gaze.

"What do you mean?"

Chongyun considered his options. He could say it was a joke and tell Xingqiu his story was great. Or he could confess the truth and face the consequences. He wasn't ready for rejection yet, but if Xingqiu wrote something like that, maybe he really was interested in him more than friendly. And if so, they definitely should talk about it. Chongyun took a deep breath, gaining up all the courage he had in his body at that moment.

"You gave me an erotic novel," he repeated, nodding as if to double the meaning of this sentence. "If you wanted to prank me, congratulations. I didn't finish it and almost fainted trying."

"Yun, I don't know what you're talking about," Xingqiu repeated, but his face seemed paler than just a couple minutes prior. "I wasn't trying to prank you. I just gave my three friends a story to read. A story about some mad alchemist experimenting on people. There wasn't even a real kiss there."

"Well, I certainly saw a kiss. And many adjectives about a handsome guy named Cho Yun, given by a pretty boy named Xi Qiu."

Xingqiu's face was flooded with sudden horror. He quickly grabbed the papers and looked into them, almost instantly throwing them away with a squeak. His cheeks turned deep red, as he was averting Chongyun's gaze at all costs.

"Yun, I... I don't know what to say. I must've given it to you by accident. I swear it's the only copy, I had it with the right one, but I don't know how I could... Gods, you probably hate me! I'm so, so sorry. I... I understand if you're disgusted with me. I shouldn't even think about something like that, let alone write a story!" He was babbling, his small body started to tremble as his eyes wandered anywhere but at friend.

"Xingqiu, calm down," Chongyun quickly grabbed his friend's hands, which turned out to be the perfect way to shut him up and make Xingqiu's gaze turn to the exorcist's face. "I'm not judging, and I certainly don't hate you. Sure, it was embarrassing, but I'm not angry with you, I promise."

"And... we are still friends?" Xingqiu asked quietly, as if he was afraid of the answer. Almost like he was expecting Chongyun to be mad, to yell at him and not talk to him ever again. It broke Chongyun's heart.

"Of course we are, Qiu. I will always be your friend. And..." He quickly run through his options again, finally deciding on the probably stupidest one. "The story was good, really. The domesticity of their friendship was calming and somehow it felt so real. Like I knew the characters already in real life," he smiled slightly, when flush on Xingqiu's cheeks deepened. "I stopped at the beginning of... you know what. And only because..."

He took a deep breath, not breaking eye contact. He was a little surprised Xingqiu also hold it, instead of turning around and dying from embarrassment, if his blush was anything to judge by.

"It felt wrong, Qiu. And not because it was gross, but rather the opposite. I could imagine you right beside me, on top of me, just being you. And it was way too much for me to take." He paused for a while, squeezing Xingqiu's palms slightly. "I like you, Qiu. I've had for a while now, to be honest. And this story, with us like this, in a relationship, it was just too much. I'm sorry, I really don't want things to become weird because of me. But I do like you."

"Yun..." Xingqiu's eyes started to water. He squeezed his palms over Chongyun's, smiling shyly. "Can you hug me?"

Chongyun didn't wait even a bit, almost instantly throwing his arms around Xingqiu's shoulders and pulling the boy towards his body. He felt Xingqiu's hands embracing him, his hands clutching the material of his hoodie over his back. Chongyun let himself relax into the moment, relishing in the warmth of Xingqiu's body against his own. He buried his nose in his friend's hair, so soft and smelling like sunsettias and silk flowers. He breather deeply, wanting this moment to never end.

"Hey, Yun," Xingqiu started quietly, his voice a little muffled since his face was hidden in Chongyun's shoulder. "I... I like you too. And I'm unbelievably happy you don't hate me after reading this story. I'm really sorry about it, again."

"It's okay," Chongyun reached to pet his head affectionately, and heard Xingqiu exhale shakily. "Just promise me you won't send it anywhere."

"I wouldn't dare," he giggled, pulling back a little to be able to look at Chongyun's now slightly flustered face. "This is our secret. But I can't stop thinking about what you said, about that 'domesticity' of their relationship. Do you feel something like that with me? I know I tease you quite a lot and now I'm a little afraid it's too much for you."

"Sometimes it is," he answered honestly, his fingers slid from Xingqiu's hair to his cheek, caressing it softly. "But that's just how we are. And I like every part of you, even if sometimes it leads me to overheat." Both giggled, instantly relaxing into the warm moment.

"Do you..." Xingqiu's eyes fell to Chongyun's lips for a split second, before returning to his icy eyes, golden irises shining with excitement. "Do you think you would overheat if I kissed you right now?"

"I guess we could test it?"

Xingqiu also moved his hands from Chongyun's shoulders to his face, gently cupping his cheeks with delicate touch of his palms. The exorcist seemed frozen, only his thumbs rubbing Xingqiu's skin unconsciously were giving a sign that he still comprehended the situation. Xingqiu slowly moved his face closer, closing his eyes and finally connecting their lips.

The heat in Chongyun's body raised gradually at this objectively small gesture, but he didn't pull away. It was to good having Xingqiu this close to give that up so quickly. So he stayed in place, eyes falling shut to focus on the feeling and relish in their mutual trust. Xingqiu was careful, clearly trying to not overwhelm him too much, moving closer after a while, when Chongyun didn't show signs of discomfort.

The true was the young exorcist could feel his body starting to heat up dangerously, his head spinning even with his eyes closed. He brushed his fingers against the soft skin of Xingqiu's cheeks, going down to his neck, and resting on his shoulders. Xingqiu tilted his head slightly to move his lips on a different angle and deepen the kiss a little, still without using tongue out of cautiousness.

"Qiu..." Chongyun spoke quietly into the kiss, gently pushing his friend's shoulders to give him a sign to pull back a little. He felt hot and dizzy, and was slightly afraid he would faint if they stayed connected for too long.

"Sorry," Xingqiu backed out almost instantly, taking his hands away from Chongyun's face. "Are you alright? Do you need me to go away?"

"No, no, stay," Chongyun closed his eyes again, trying to even his breathing. His temperature was abnormal, but he didn't feel like fainting, so it was alright. "I can deal with it, it's okay. I'm sorry for ruining the moment."

"What? You didn't ruin anything, Yun. In fact, I don't think I could be happier right now. You know I wouldn't want to do anything to harm you, right? It's not just a prank. This is serious and I want to do it right."

Chongyun felt a shiver in his whole body at his friend's statement. Xingqiu looked like it was the most important thing in his life – like Chongyun was the most precious treasure to him. The exorcist smiled softly. Honestly, the boy before him was everything. Even in such a small gesture and a few words he managed to awake so many feelings in the exorcist's body. Chongyun felt respected and even more – he felt admired. He couldn't imagine sharing a moment like this with anyone else.

"You do, Qiu. You do everything right. I'm just..." Chongyun took a deep breath, looking straight in Xingqiu's shimmering, golden eyes. "I'm so overwhelmingly happy."

"Does it mean we are boyfriends now?" Xingqiu asked with a bright smile, which widened when he saw Chongyun nodding, blush covering his cheeks. "And I can call you darling?"

"You already do it," Chongyun muttered a little embarrassed.

"It's not the same. Now we're official, so it has a true meaning, darling," Xingqiu chuckled at Chongyun's flustered expression, rubbing his knee soothingly. "I can't imagine being like this with anyone else. I like you so much, Yun."

"Me too," he smiled, covering Xingqiu's palm with his own. "Should we go back to the city?"

"Probably. We were supposed to eat dinner. Let's hope Xiangling won't beat us up for running away so suddenly." Xingqiu giggled, slowly getting up and extending his hand for Chongyun to take.

"I have a feeling she'll understand," Chongyun muttered, taking his boyfriend's hand and pulling himself upwards.

The started a slow walk towards the city (taking the abandoned earlier pile of papers with them) holding hands, relishing in the feeling of finally being able to just be openly affectionate. Chongyun knew for a fact that he needed this closeness, even if his body temperature still was a little higher than it should. He kind of liked it at the moment. And he was sure he won't be able to just let it go in the nearest future, or ideally, never.

~~~

And that would be it. I hope you enjoyed the story, comments will be greatly appreciated! If you want to do anything with this story (translations, fanarts, etc.) please, message me, thanks in advance. Peace!