It was Friday morning. Yangyang’s three day suspension had ended and he was now making his way to the principal’s office. The hallways weren’t crowded with students this early in the morning. In fact, it was a beautifully warm morning, so most of the students who had arrived early were outside soaking up the fresh morning sunshine before classes started. However, Yangyang still felt a few judgemental glares from those he passed by and he tried his best to ignore them. 

He was nervous about the possible punishment he could be facing, but was also growing more anxious about having to see Xiao Jun again. He pulled out the necklace tucked under his school t-shirt and ran his fingers over the smooth ring. It would be fine, Xiao Jun wouldn’t be so stupid as to pull something in front of the principal and besides, thanks to Kun, he couldn’t hurt him anymore. 

Just thinking of Kun made his heart flutter with excitement, and he smiled to himself, tightening his fingers around the ring. 

“Yangyang!” 

At hearing a familiar voice call his name, he quickly tucked the necklace back under his shirt and turned to see Ten jogging up the hallway, his face aglow with happiness. 

He greeted Yangyang with a tight hug and a kiss on his cheek. His eyes then darted down to Yangyang’s bandaged arm and he raised his eyebrows. 

“What happened? Did someone hurt you?” Ten asked, placing a palm against his cheek. 

Yangyang covered his hand with his, “It’s fine, I just fell off my bike.” He replied. Ten would be furious if he found out it was actually Xiao Jun’s fault he got hurt, and he didn’t want Ten getting into any more trouble. 

Ten sighed and entwined their hands, “I can’t leave you alone, can I?” He chuckled lightly, swinging their hands merrily as they walked. 

Yangyang’s chest tighten uncomfortably but he smiled back at him. Ten was oblivious to the fact that Yangyang would have to break his heart, so it made hanging out with him all the more harder. He had to do it properly though; there was a time and a place for it, and now certainly wasn’t the time. 

They reached the principal’s office and knocked. The door opened and Mr Li looked down at them with a reproachful expression. “Get inside.” He said curtly, stepping aside to let them in. 

The two boys stopped in front of the principal’s desk and bowed, then hung their heads low while they waited for her to speak. Yangyang noticed that Xiao Jun wasn’t present. 

“Good morning boys, it’s good to see you arrived promptly. I’m sure Xiao De Jun will be along shortly.” She said. 

Yangyang cast a glance at her as a tense silence fell over the room. Her attention was fixed to the computer screen in front of her, her sharp eyes skimming along the screen as she read something. Then, as if sensing Yangyang watching her, her eyes flicked up to lock with his and he quickly averted his gaze to the wall on the far side of the room. 

Two potted plants framed a large, arched window overlooking one of the school’s courtyards. Right now, Yangyang would have definitely preferred to be out there in the sunshine but he was stuck inside instead, awaiting his fate. 

The two boys stood in silence until there was a quick knock at the door. Mr Li opened the door and Xiao Jun strode in. Yangyang tensed up involuntarily as the senior came to stand next to him but Xiao Jun didn’t seem to notice. He looked straight ahead, ignoring him. Yangyang didn’t mind though, the less attention Xiao Jun paid him the better. 

The principal straightened up and turned her attention to the three boys, looking at each of them in turn. As her heavy, authoritative gaze settled on Yangyang, her eyes lingered on his bandaged arm, but she said nothing. 

“I hope you used your time whilst suspended to reflect deeply on your actions this past week,” She began, her tone calm, “Liu Yangyang, I trust that you will not put yourself in another situation where you can be made the target of bullying?” 

Yangyang bowed his head, “Yes ma’am.”  

“As for the two of you,” she said, directing her words at the two seniors flanking Yangyang, “by fighting on school grounds you broke a cardinal school rule. As a consequence, both of you will be required to stay back for an additional one hour every day where you will be assisting the school caretakers in cleaning and maintaining the school grounds. Think of it as an opportunity to repay the school for your ill behavior and defiance of school rules.” She paused and Yangyang saw the smallest hint of a smile flash across her lips, “Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, you will be required to do this for two weeks, Xiao De Jun for one month.” 

“What!?” Xiao Jun snapped, “Why do I have to do it for a whole month while he only gets two weeks?” He demanded, jabbing his finger in Ten’s direction. 

The principal pursed her lips and looked at him with disdain, “Distributing photography of a pornographic nature, let alone, of another student is something we do not take lightly, Xiao De Jun. Be thankful that this is the extent of your punishment, or should I be more heavy-handed?” 

That silenced Xiao Jun almost immediately, though he still looked furious, his hands balled into fists at his sides. 

“You will complete your punishments without another word of complaint, and if I hear anything regarding the two of you starting fights or even stepping out of line, you can rest assured that you will not be stepping foot inside this school again. Have I made myself clear?” 

Yangyang almost shivered at her intensity. She was one scary lady and he doubted even Xiao Jun would try to undermine her authority, no matter how pissed off he was.

“Yes ma’am.” Ten and Xiao Jun said in unison, bowing their heads respectfully. 

“Good. You may leave and make your way to your classes.”  

And with that, the three boys were shuffled out of the office by Mr Li, who, Yangyang noted, looked more than a little satisfied at the punishments that were handed out. 

“Hey!” Mr Li called out as Xiao Jun started walking down the hallway. 

 Jiao Jun turned to face the teacher and didn’t attempt to hide the vicious glare set on his features as anger bubbled through his veins. 

Mr Li’s eyes darkened and Yangyang shuffled closer to Ten. 

“I’ve got my eye on you, all three of you.” He said, wagging his finger at them. He shot them one last glare before he left, and both Yangyang and Ten let out their breath. 

“Well, that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” said Ten. He reached for Yangyang’s hand and gave it a squeeze, “I’m also glad she didn’t punish you; you didn’t deserve any of this.” 

Yangyang shot him a quick smile then gently slipped his hand out of Ten’s and tucked it into his pocket. Ten shot him a quizzical look and took a step closer to him, looking as though he were about to say something. 

“This is such bullshit!” Xiao Jun snapped.  

Both Ten and Yangyang looked in his direction. His face was twisted in anger and he lashed out, kicking the wall in a fit of aggression. His hands were balled into fists as he leant with his forehead against the wall, looking like he wanted to destroy anything he could get his hands on; he was fuming. 

He flicked his head to glare at Yangyang and Ten, feeling their eyes on him. 

“What are you looking at us like that for, huh?” chided Ten, “You’ve only got yourself to blame for the shit you’re in.” He crossed his arms over his chest and shot Xiao Jun a sour look. 

Xiao Jun pushed himself off the wall and stared at them in silence. His chest rose and fell while he struggled to keep his anger in check, but he didn’t take a step closer to them. He knew deep down that Ten was right – Yangyang could tell by the defeated the look in his eyes – and he could do nothing about it. 

“Fuck you!” he finally spat out, then turned on his heel and stalked off down the hallway. 

Ten rolled his eyes, “Pathetic. He really can’t handle it when he doesn’t get his own way.”  

He turned to Yangyang and looped his arm around his, gazing warmly at him, “So, how are you kitten?” 

“I’m good.” Yangyang answered. It was suddenly so hard to just be normal around Ten. He knew he should just be his usual self, but the fact of knowing he would have to be honest with him soon made talking to him uncomfortable. 

“I should probably head to class; I’ll see you at morning break.” he mumbled, turning to leave. 

“What’s wrong?” asked Ten, grabbing him by the shoulder and stopping him. 

Yangyang knew Ten could see right through him; he knew something was amiss, but Yangyang kept up his ruse. 

“Nothing, I’m fine.” He replied. 

Ten looked at him in silence for a moment, his expression thoughtful as if deciding whether to push him for a further response. 

“Okay… well how was the rest of your suspension? I missed you.” He asked, changing the subject. 

“It was fine, but can we talk later? I really should go to class. Bye Ten.”  

Yangyang tried to pretend he didn’t notice the crestfallen expression that settled on Ten’s face as he hastily said goodbye. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and kept his head down while he hurried to class. 

He knew he was acting unfairly towards Ten, but what else was he supposed to do? Getting onto the topic about how he spent his suspension period would inevitably lead to mentioning Kun, and everything else, and Yangyang couldn’t tell him yet. 

He would have to think up something to tell him in the meantime, because no doubt Ten would ask him again and Yangyang hated the idea of avoiding him.  

He just needed to get through today, then he could get everything off his chest. 

♡♡♡

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” Ten asked, hugging his knees to his chest. 

Ten was sitting with Yangyang on the landing at the top of the stairwell, one of their favourite quiet spots to hang out. They sat with their backs against the wall, shoulder’s touching, and Yangyang knew that Ten was holding back with his affection because of what happened this morning. 

Yangyang sighed, “I’m sorry about before, I didn’t mean to hurt you by pushing you away.” 

“Then tell me what’s on your mind,” Ten responded, nudging him gently with his shoulder, “Something’s obviously bugging you; let me help. You know you can talk to me.” 

Yangyang turned his head to look at him, and Ten moved forward to softly place his lips over his.  It was a delicate kiss which made Yangyang’s lips tingle, and he quickly pulled away and stared down at the floor. 

After a moment of silence, Ten spoke, “I think I know what’s upsetting you.” 

Yangyang’s eyes shot up to look at him and his blood ran cold.  

Ten looked upset. Had he... had he somehow found out? 

“It’s the photo, isn’t it?” 

Yangyang closed his eyes and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.  

He felt Ten’s hand on his thigh and opened his eyes to look at him. 

“It’s okay, I know it’s still difficult for you; that people are still talking about it, but it will pass. Just give it a little longer.” 

Yangyang tried not to get lost in Ten’s warm brown eyes but it was hard not to. Ten was so caring; the senior was spending his time worrying about him when he could be focused on so many other things. Yangyang truly did appreciate him and the softer side of his personality that he very rarely showed. 

Yangyang gave him a smile, “Thanks, Ten.”  

Ten smiled back, “Don’t feel like you’re alone in this, I’m right here with you.” 

The older boy’s eyes settled on his lips, and Yangyang knew what he desired.  
Yangyang leaned forward. 

He knew he shouldn’t; he had chosen Kun after all, but one last kiss shouldn’t hurt... 

He kissed Ten and the older boy cupped his face in his hands and deepened the kiss. There was just a hint of urgency in the way Ten moved his lips against his. 

Yangyang tightened his arms around Ten’s back, gripping onto his shoulders as Ten moved to straddle Yangyang’s lap. He slowed his pace, allowing both to gulp down quick breaths of air between kisses, and ran his fingers through Yangyang’s hair. 

Yangyang savoured the moment, knowing this would be the last time he could be like this with Ten. He slowly opened his eyes when Ten eventually parted their lips and rested his forehead against Yangyang’s. 

Ten looked back at him as he panted lightly, his brown eyes mellowed and warm with desire. 

The bell rang, and Ten’s eyelids fluttered shut as he planted another long kiss on Yangyang’s lips before standing up. He extended a hand and helped Yangyang to his feet. 

“Let’s talk more at lunch; maybe we can figure out a plan to distract everyone’s attention from you and get them talking about something else.” Ten said. 

He kissed Yangyang goodbye and jogged down the stairs, turning to wave up at him with a wide smile before he left. 

Yangyang sighed and leant his elbows on the landing railing. He stared down at the spot Ten had been standing and absentmindedly placed his fingers to his lips, the sensation of Ten’s lips playing back in his mind.  

Then, remembering he still wore it, he pulled Kun’s ring from beneath his shirt collar. It was warm from being against his chest, and he lifted it to eye level to re-read the etched words that couldn't stop him from smiling: 

forever yours 

Kun’s promise; his commitment. 

Tomorrow Kun would be with him, somewhere close by, when he spoke with Ten; his handsome knight in shining armour, always there to support him. 
 
Yangyang placed the ring to his lips, then he tucked it back under his shirt and hurried down the stairs to his next class, a contented smile on his face.

A/N: I love you guys <3