Jia Jun felt as if he was struck with an arrow right through his heart. To say that he was embarrassed would be an understatement of the year. What had suddenly gotten into his dear friend? Jun Zhe had never behaved so wrecklessly toward him until this week. And now out of nowhere Jun Zhe had charged at him like a raging bull and kissed him fiercely. From then on he had started rambling out his secrets one by one.

Dear God!!! Now everyone present in the room knew that he liked Zi Xuan....meaning the entire team. How was he going to look them in the eye and converse with them in the near future. A surge of anger rose in his blood making him want to hit someone or something. He was trying his utmost to calm himself but what he heard next made his heart chill.

"Only if you knew.....It was me who messed around with Yu Hao's uniform. It was me who spiked Yu Hao's water in gym. I did those things only for you Jia Jun......Only for you."

For a minute no one spoke or dared to move but then suddenly Jun Zhe was roughly pulled forward by his collar and was smacked by a fist to his jaw. The sound of the hit resonated in the silent room.

"Zi Xuan....No....." Yu Hao and Cheng En shouted at the same time.

Yu Hao, who stood beside Zi Xuan rushed towards them and tried his best to pull the said guy away from Jun Zhe but it was ineffective. While Cheng En stood behind Jun Zhe trying as well to push Zi Xuan away from the guy kneeling on the floor. Zi Xuan had a tight grip on the collar as he shook Jun Zhe violently.

"How could you do this huh.....how could you? Yu Hao could've died because of you. Because of your foolish actions. Why.....why did you do this? Tell me.....

The manager's reaction surprised everyone. The guy who was always cool and collected was finally brought to his limit. And the reason for this was Yu Hao. Jia Jun knew that Zi Xuan liked Yu Hao.....but to this extent that he was ready to hit someone was what made his heart twist in pain.

Somehow with much effort from Yu Hao, Cheng En and the Wang brothers, they were able to pry Zi Xuan from Jun Zhe leaving the room in hushed silence. In all this mess Jun Zhe never lifted his head, all he did was cry. The awkwardness in the room was broken by Cheng En's voice.

"I think this matter concerns the four of them. It would be best if we let them clear this up in private. So I suggest we leave and give them some space."

Jia Jun let out a troubled sigh. He made a mental note to thank the captain later for this. He was embarrassed as it is hence the suggestion of having only the concerned party in the room was a like a godsend. He felt awful knowing that he was somehow the reason for ruining everyone's fun. All he could do was hang his head in shame as people started emptying the room one by one leaving the four of them alone. But before Cheng En could move out he left a final warning to Jun Zhe.

"Don't you think this is over Jun Zhe. As the captain of the team it is my responsibility to see to it that this whole thing is reported to the coach and the director. So you better be prepared for the consequences of your actions."

As soon as the captain left, the room was once again filled with an awkward silence. Zi Xuan sat on the floor, his upper torso nestled between Yu Hao's legs while the younger guy sat on the living room sofa. Yu Hao had a death grip on Zi Xuan's shoulders in fear that the manager might try to punch Jun Zhe again. Zi Xuan on the other hand was breathing hard, trying to rein in his temper for the sake of his lover.

Watching them together made Jia Jun envious to the point that he felt like smashing the cocktail table. This way if he was  hurt then at least he wouldn't have to dwell on these excruciating feelings that were tearing at his heart. He wanted to plead Zi Xuan like the way Jun Zhe had pleaded with him sometime ago.

Why.....Why did it have to be Yu Hao? Why couldn't I be the one?

This entire situation had drained him of his energy. Jia Jun threw himself on the armchair and rested his head on the soft headrest. Jun Zhe sat with his back leaned on the side of the cocktail table. As Jia Jun swept his eyes on the three boys he knew that they were all lost in their own thoughts not yet ready to break the silence in fear of the ultimate truth. Closing his eyes he thought back to the lunch break on Monday.

It had been a typical boring monday and as usual he was sleepy. On the other hand Jun Zhe who was always perky and cheerful even on a monday seemed rather gloomy. Jia Jun had teased him regarding this yet his friend had never smiled, not once. It was apparent that something weighed on his heart. On further questioning Jun Zhe had commented that he had something very important to confess to him. Therefore Jia Jun had waited till lunch break so that they could get enough time to discuss on the matter that was troubling his friend. Little did he know that Jun Zhe would profess his feelings.

At first Jia Jun had burst out in laughter thinking that this was some prank that Jun Zhe was playing on him. However Jun Zhe's sombre expression had implied that what he had confessed were true in all words and forms. He was appalled listening to Jun Zhe and had pushed him away despite his pleadings. He had made it clear to him that he had never seen him as anything more than a friend. They had argued and from then Jia Jun had ignored his long lost friend like a plague.

Jun Zhe had been his backbone and support through the years he had known him. Time and again he had proven to be a good and reliable friend. He was always there to help Jia Jun whenever in need. Now that he thought back he always wondered why Jun Zhe had been so kind towards him. However considering that he now knew the reason, he was not yet ready to come to terms with it. Had Jun Zhe liked him from the start or was the development recent?

"Speak.....Let us hear your reason." Jia Jun heard Zi Xuan's voice break into the silence.

Hearing the manager Jun Zhe squared his shoulders and Jia Jun could make out the effort it took him to steady his voice.

"As I said earlier.....all that I did was for Jia Jun." Before Zi Xuan could ask for further explanation Jun Zhe continued.

"I have liked Jia Jun for a long time now. I cannot even recall when it stated but slowly and steadily I found myself falling for him. However I never let him find out about my feelings, ever. I was content with just being close to him and being able to talk to him. Although everything changed when Yu Hao joined the volleyball team."

Jun Zhe fell silent. Inhaling a deep breath he glanced at Yu Hao and Zi Xuan. To Zi Xuan he said.

"From the very beginning I was aware that Jia Jun had always respected and admired you. It was during practise that I would see him the most happiest. I was of the belief that the reason for his happiness was volleyball, little did I  know that the reason was 'you'. Nevertheless this changed when Yu Hao came into the picture. You started favouring him and showering all your attention towards Yu Hao. You personally trained him and all your time was spent solely on him This in turn made Jia Jun more and more irritated during practise and sometimes even during the times when we hung out together. He would always complain about how Yu Hao ruined the one chance that he had."

Jia Jun was baffled at Jun Zhe's words. However he didn't interrupt his friend because he wanted to know more. He looked at Yu Hao, disbelief painted all over his face. Even though he hated him, Jia Jun felt sorry knowing that the poor guy had to go through so much because of him.

Jun Zhe kept going with his confession. "Slowly as time passed I came to realize that my dear friend had feelings for you. This was confirmed when one day we found you and Yu Hao in the gymnasium kissing. It took me ages to find Jia Jun at the speed that he ran from there after seeing you guys together. I remeber that day clearly because that was the day that Jia Jun cried his heart out and confessed that Yu Hao had beaten him in every sense. He excelled him in the game as well as was successful in snatching you away from him."

Jia Jun recalled that day since it had been imprinted in his brain like a tattoo. The previous day he had forgot his watch at the gymnasium and he had asked Jun Zhe to help him search for it. Watching the couple together kissing and smiling at each other had broken his little heart to smithereens. It was Jun Zhe who had lent his shoulder for him to cry on and comforted him.

"Moving forward from that day onward Jia Jun became distant and started keeping to himself. I couldn't take it anymore. Knowing that Yu Hao was the reason for Jia Jun's sadness I wanted him to hurt hence, I messed with his uniform. It was also the reason why I spiked his water with valium. You might remember on the day of that incident, you two were alone in the locker room."

The scene came rushing back to Jia Jun. He had been happily chatting with the manager in the locker room. Zi Xuan had been listening to him but it was obvious that his eyes kept going back to Yu Hao when the younger guy was not looking their way. Being disheartened he had left the room. Upon reaching the gym the teacher had asked him to call the manager and Yu Hao quickly as it was getting late and they were running out of time. Unbeknownst to him Jun Zhe had followed him.

Upon reaching the room he had heard a painful cry come out of the room. On closer inspection he had witnessed Zi Xuan standing before Yu Hao who had his shirt unbuttoned with his back resting near the lockers. The voice had belonged to Yu Hao who had shouted after being bit by Zi Xuan on the neck. The sight of them had enraged Jia Jun making him thump his fist loudly on the door.

Before he could be caught he had run along the passageway and down the steps only to be stopped by Jun Zhe. Without thinking he had pushed his friend away rather forcefully and stormed out of the way.

Listening to Jun Zhe speak once again Jia Jun was brought back to the present. "I had come back to call Jia Jun to practise but when I reached the stairs to the locker room Jia Jun was fuming with rage. I was clueless at his behaviour so I went back to check what had made him so angry. When I saw you guys coming out of the locker room I knew without a doubt that it had something to do with you two. Since this was proving to be a repetitive occurrence I wanted to hurt the both of you. Yet I knew that if I hurt Zi Xuan I would hurt Jia Jun in the process. Hence I was left with no choice but to hurt Yu Hao instead."

As soon as he finished with his confession Jun Zhe let out a heavy sigh. He was ashamed of what he had done for the sake of his love. At that time he couldn't think straight, all he wanted to do was hurt Yu Hao. He had spiked the water when no one was paying attention. His intention had been to make Yu Hao have an upset stomach but the guy had collapsed. His plans had taken an unwanted turn.

"Where did you get the valium from?" Jia Jun asked.

Jun Zhe was so ashamed that he couldn't even rejoice at the notion that Jia Jun was finally speaking to him. Without raising his head he muttered.

"I thought the powder that I mixed in Yu Hao's water was constipation powder. From the past two-three days I was suffering from constipation hence in a hurry to reach school I accidentally took the valium powder from my elder brother's drawer."

On reaching home that day his brother had shouted his ears off for touching his things. He had enquired his brother  about the contents of the small paper and was enlightened that it had been valium. His brother was going to have a party at his college and all his friends were going to get high later that night. Nevertheless his plans had been shattered by Jun Zhe's stupidity.

Everything was now in the open. No more hiding and no more secrets. Now it all depended on the verdict of the person who was wronged. Jun Zhe didn't care much for the director's or the coach's punishment. He was only concerned about one thing, whether Yu Hao would forgive him or not.

Jun Zhe rested his eyes on the guy who sat on the sofa dumbstruck. He rose from his seat knelt and sat on his feet in front of the couple as he hung his head low in apology. "Yu Hao......after all the things I've done to you I have no right to say this but I would like to ask for your forgiveness."

Yu Hao could do nothing but sit there in silence until Zi Xuan came to his rescue. "I think it is too soon to ask for an apology. He's still shocked after hearing your confession. Give him some time to wrap his head around this."

Thanking Zi Xuan, Yu Hao agreed and stated that it was best if Jun Zhe gave him some space. It was too much and too sudden to take everything in at once. To this Jun Zhe nodded and agree graciously.

"It's best if we leave now Jun Zhe." Jia Jun called aloud to his friend. "Let me take you home. With the amount of beer you've drunk I'm not sure if you'll reach home safe."

This surprised Jun Zhe. He had thought that  his friend would never speak to him again. His Jun still cared for him, knowing this lightened his heart. "You're still ready to help me reach home?"

"Why not. Though the situation is a mess we are first and foremost still friends and that will never change. Would I be a friend worthy of you if I leave your side when you are at your lowest. Come on let's go."

Before they could leave the house Jia Jun walked up to Zi Xuan and uttered. "Senior, please don't be bothered by the fact that I like you. I'll make sure that I'll try to get over you as soon as possible and not burden you with my feelings."

A sad smile played across his lips as he turned to face Yu hao. "You are one lucky fellow. Take care of him and cherish each and every moment you spend with him."

(That is Jun Zhe next to Jia Jun)

................................................

As soon as Jia Jun and Jun Zhe left Yu Hao rested his head on the sofa and breathed in a long gust of air. His head was spinning with so much information. Zi Xuan sat on the floor still nestled between his legs. He lifted his chin in the air and placed his head back on the empty sofa space amidst Yu Hao's thighs. Meeting his eyes Zi Xuan asked.

"You okay?"

Yu Hao gulped and nodded his head. "Anyway a lot of water has flown under the bridge now. We can do nothing to change it."

Zi Xuan moved his head and turned himself to face Yu Hao. The movement caused him to hiss in pain. This made the younger fellow immediately slide from his perch atop the sofa and sit beside him.

"Does it hurt?" Yu Hao asked, worry crossing his face.

"I think I got a cramp in my calf because of sitting in one position for so long."

His injured knee was pulled carefully and placed on Yu Hao's things. The younger guy then went on to massage his calf and leg with a circular motion of his light fingers.

"Who asked you to hit Jun Zhe? You didn't even care for your injured knee when you knelt so roughly to hit him."

Zi Xuan shook his head. "I would still do the same even if time were to rewind itself. I regret nothing.....Jun Zhe had it coming."

"Tch....." Yu Hao smiled playfully at Zi Xuan's words. "We have woven ourselves in quite a messy web, haven't we? I'm still trying to take in the fact that Jia Jun likes you. No wonder during practise he was always sticking around you."

Zi Xuan had nothing to reply to this statement. There were other things weighing on his mind like how they were caught by Jia Jun whenever he was alone with Yu Hao. Like in the volleyball court or the locker room. He had to be more careful moving forward. They had to take care not to display such affection when they were in school.

"It's funny...." Yu Hao continued still massaging Zi Xuan's leg. "I never thought Jun Zhe to like Jia Jun. I mean.....whenever we saw him he was always talking about girls or drooling behind them."

"Right......" Zi Xuan agreed. "I was wondering the same. That was a shocker."

The two fell silent for a while as time stood still. Each lost in their own thought while they breathed harmoniously.

"Yu hao~~~~~"

The shriek in the quite room resounded across the four walls causing the boys to jump in terror. Yu Hao's mom stood in the kitchen as her eyes swept around the room. The guys hurried themselves over and stood cowering in fright. Yu Hao knew that his mom was never going to allow him to conduct another party in the house. He perused the kitchen and the living room slowly and saw that the house was in a state of disarray. The kitchen table was streaming with food everywhere. The beer cans and bottles were lying haphazardly. The cake was left half eaten and the living room was flowing in streamers and balloons.

He had promised his mom that she would find the place neat and tidy before her return. Which wasn't the case because of Jun Zhe and his sudden outburst.

"Have you looked at the time yet, it's past ten thirty. I come home after a tiring day to find that my house is taken over by hooligans. The house is a complete disaster. What exactly happened here?"

Yu Hao hurried to the table and started cleaning the food and picking up the beer cans and bottles. Zi Xuan followed behind to help never meeting the gaze of aunty for fear that she might throw him out.

"And is that beer? Yu Hao where did it come from?" She sputtered in disbelief.

"Um....mom....I'll tell you later. Trust me when I say this, I didn't have one sip of the beer." Watching his mom fume like a mother dragon he thought of trying another tactic.

"Uh.....why don't you go and freshen up. By the time you come out we'll have the place as clean as before you left the house."

"We will?" Asked Zi Xuan sceptically. Yu Hao forced a smile and elbowed him to quiet down.

"Of course we will." He walked towards his mom and pushed her lovingly to her bedroom. "Go and have a nice hot bath and we will see to the cleaning. Take as much time as you need. No need to hurry."

His mom didn't argue since she was already bone weary. She trusted her son when he said that he would clean the house so she huffed and went to her room. The minute she walked away Yu Hao gestured Zi Xuan to hurry and help him in the cleaning. The next half an hour the boys toiled and worked together to get the house as clean as possible. All the leftover beer and food went into the fridge. The streamers and balloons were pulled down and thrown into a trash bag along with the beer cans and bottles. The house was swept and vacummed till it shone.

By the time they finished both of them were soaked in sweat. Yu Hao looked over Zi Xuan and clucked his tongue.

"You're soaked through and through." A sly smile broke out on his lips as he spoke. "Wanna take a shower together?"

Zi Xuan glanced at aunty's door and said, "With your mom under the same roof. No, thank-you. I'll pass."

"Come on! It's past eleven already don't even think about going home now. It's late......why don't you spend the night here?"

"What about your mom?"

"What about me?" They heard Yu Hao's mom from across the room. Zi Xuan immediately pulled himself away from Yu Hao and put some distance between them.

"We were talking about Zi Xuan going back. Mom...Can he spend the night here today?" Yu Hao asked with a hopeful expression.

His mom seemed doubtful but then she agreed which made the boys sigh in relief. She walked up to them and in a stern voice ahe informed her son.

"But no funny business......understood. Remeber the walls aren't soundproof so I will be able to hear if you think of doing something."

Zi Xuan was quick to respond. "As you say aunty...we'll make a note of that. I cross my heart....we won't do anything. So don't worry and sleep peacefully."

The lady in question peeked a glance at the two boys weighing her decision. She spun her head around and examined the house. Finding everything in place and to her expectation she declared.

"Both of you did a good job of cleaning. Go take a shower and get to bed."

She walked back to her room but abruptly turned back. "Yu Hao you can take a shower in my bathroom while Zi Xuan you go to Yu Hao's room." The boys nodded their heads vigorously and went to follow the lady's command.

Some time later Yu Hao waited patiently in his room for Zi Xuan to come out of the shower. He felt refreshed and clean after scrubbing away the days dirt from his body. To be honest he felt tired and sleepy. An involuntary yawn escaped his mouth as drowsiness took him over.

That's how Zi Xuan found him on the bed as he came out of the shower. He smiled lovingly at Yu Hao's form lying in the middle of the bed. The towel was still wrapped around his neck and his mouth lay open. Zi Xuan treaded to the bed silently and removed the towel from Yu Hao's neck. He righted the youngster's body on the bed and adjusted the soft pillow under his head.

After he finished drying his own hair he got ready to sleep. Climbing the bed gingerly so as not wake Yu Hao he lay himself next to the boy. Adjusting the bedcover on their bodies he willed himself to sleep. He sensed Yu Hao shifting besides him and he turned his head sideways afraid that he might have woken Yu Hao. However the said guy turned in his sleep and hugged Zi Xuan's body close to his as he rested his head on the elder boy's shoulder. It was as if their bodies were like a magnet and were being pulled by the magnetic force involuntarily sensing when the their other half was near.

Zi Xuan let out a contented sigh as he kissed the top of Yu Hao's head. His body loosened and he hugged the form next to him as he closed his eyes.

.......................................

A/N:

This author has some good news to share with you guys.

There is going to be second season for #CTL. Are you excited??? It was confirmed a few days back by the director of the series. As of now we only know that there is going to be season 2 but when the filming is to start is yet to be confirmed.

I want to thank xxxleigh

She was kind enough to let me in on the news. I want to thank you for always keeping me up to date with anything related to this series. I really appreciate your effort and time 😙😙😙

Can you believe that it has already been 3 months since CTL aired. And to commemorate their achievement the cast and the director had a celebration. Here are some of the pictures below from their IG account.

Geez!!! Aren't they adorable? Why don't they just date already 👲👲🤓😍

See you guys in the next chapter 🤗🤗

10th June 2018 (3.22 pm)