Cheng stops car nearby to long bus people are gathered around and eyes Zhan, who is sitting next to him with frowned face. He hardly stops himself from laughing but other one still guesses what friend is thinking about

"Having fun Cheng? you're very evil"

"Why are you this unsatisfied? Yibo gave such a huge chance to you, please enjoy?"

"Damn you, i feel like little mouse fallen in his trap. Maybe I was unaware about his real personality?"

"You've awoken it so don't sulk now"

"What about you and Haikuan?"

"We're stuck somewhere in the middle? i mean it's more than friendship but not love relationship yet. Taking step forward is quite hard because we both keep something from each-other. Only thing I know is that...I love him" Cheng lowers head and Zhan notices his chin trembling "it feels already like centuries since I last felt this kind of emotions"

"You did never tell me about your past relationships. is that because...i'm bad friend for you?" Zhan pouts and Cheng smiles, petting his hair

"not at all, It's hard to explain but I'm too happy, having you in my life. I'm selfishly ready to ignore your mistakes because fear you leave. And...I know you love me sincerely just my past it too painful to remember. let's stop talking about me and admit...you like Yibo no? i mean...not just in a sexual way but seriously"

"nonsense" Zhan gets startled like someone caught on crime and avoids Cheng's stare

"you really sure? how can some avoid adorable one like him?" Zhan looks to the directin Cheng is pointing and sees Yibo surrounded by younger racers, his face shining from joy and giggles cutely as excitedly talks about his motorcycle. without realizing Zhan's lips curves up in sweet smile, thinking how baby Yibo looks now too. that cuteness and cheerfulness...he could be reason of it before, he could be as precious as so called wifey for Yibo before "what is with this sad expression? what are you thinking  about now?"

" i hate whose kids, that smile...it should belong only to me" Zhan whispers and is about to get off but Cheng stops him 

"you know? some people say being single and living freely is very good and comfy, but as soon as we feel that kind of love and warmth, it becomes too hard to let go. the moment your sadness disappears just by seeing him smile, the moment only one hug takes all tiredness away and you wish to stay in the embrace forever. that first person who helps and comforts when you need the most, that only and precious one. aren't you missing him?" 

"i think" Zhan rolls his eyes and flicks finger at Cheng's forehead kinda painfully "you have huge talent for writing romantic novels. please don't make me listen this sentimental shit anymore, disgusting" 

"what was i expecting for?" Cheng sighs and gets off too, helping Zhan with his luggage. Haikuan quickly runs to them and unnoticeably stands next to Cheng, waiting for a proper chance. making sure no one looks towards them he leans forward and plants soft kiss on his cheek. latter one gets startled by surprise and almost hits head at the bonnet.

"What the" he exclaims loudly and Haikuan giggles "you're acting like little, silly boy. it's embarrassing"

"It's just...i missed you, why won't we have dinner together?"

"aren't you leaving with other racers too?"

"they asked but...i have to stay here. so what do you say?"

"it's you who always runs early like Cinderella, when did i say no?"

"my grumpy journalist" Haikuan is about to kiss him again, but loud sound stops him. Zhan hits his fist on the car and glares at them 

"am i invisible for you? look at this strict racer being all lovey-dovey. i'm about to throw up"

"i see..some people have allergy on love" Yibo suddenly stands behind him and Zhan feels his legs shaking. younger one's body touches him in a very teasing way and it causes his heat as always "they prefer to just fuck? without any human feelings"

"says hopeless virgin" Zhan turns back and roughly pulls Yibo's shirt towards himself, he makes sure their faces too close and smiles mockingly "do you have any problem with my lifestyle? why? because it isn't you who fucks me?"  

"says emotionless bitch, i'll decide thoughtfully where to put my dick in. you don't worry" Yibo eyes him with disgust and his words hits Zhan deeper than he could imagine

"you...respected me before" 

"right, it was before" Yibo frees himself from his grip and looks down at the few suitcases "are you taking whole family with you?"

"it's all mine" Zhan angrily answers and Yibo grins 

"you gotta be kidding me, it isn't like we going to the cruise. that place is for strict off road training not spending holidays. maybe only thing you gonna need is anti mosquito spray?"

"don't tell me" Zhan shakes his head with doubtful smile "you're taking me to forest?"

"guess you're too busy by packing your make up, didn't pay attention on the important things. bet your clothes isn't suitable for sleeping in the tent. leave it here"

"what?"

"choose only one and leave rest here. i won't repeat it again" noticing Zhan's pouting lips and teary eyes Yibo gulps down and forces himself to look away. he can't give up now, he has to make Zhan miss their old relationship, he has to force Zhan realize how happy they could be together and what he lost by hurting him. he is dying to say that Zhan looks too beautiful even without any make up, that he misses morning they woke up together. the way Zhan was tossing in the bed to catch sleep back, absolutely everything...he is missing every second and it hurts the most

"my skin is going to rot there" Zhan frowns at him and turns to Cheng "sorry but can you take these at your home? i'll pick it up after coming back"

"sure, no problem" Cheng pulls him into hug and whispers at his ear "don't kill each-other ok? have a little patience Zhan"

"i'll try my best" Zhan pats on his shoulder and follows Yibo back with lazy steps. Cheng sadly smiles and holds Haikuan's hand "it always surprises me...how stupid us, humans are"

*****

Zhan gets in the bus and looks around searching for his seat, his eyes meets Yibo's and walks towards him with scolded puppy expression, hoping it will work. younger one smirks and places bag next to him exactly at that moment Zhan is about to sit down "it's taken already"

"let me guess by who, aren't you ashamed at all using his love to make me jealous?" Zhan says with angered tone and moves his camera up "let me remind the reason i'm here. not to play some revenge game but do my work as journalist. thought i was the unprofessional one but you're even worse"

"i appreciate how well you know yourself but i give good idea. why won't you record Wang Yibo being too close to his team members? it must be interesting for everyone"

"sorry, am i late? was taking care of my nieces" last word is said especially loudly behind his ear and Zhan clenches teeth, realizing Teo is mocking him "thanks for saving place for me Yibo" he roughly dumps into Zhan's shoulder and takes his seat, smiling at Yibo 

"let's see" Zhan leans down and makes deep eye contact with Yibo "who'll stay winner after this trip, i can play better than you both, remember this very well" without waiting for answer he turns back, trying to hide hurt expression. noticing free seat, Zhan sits down next to young, blond boy and greets him "you look like foreigner, can speak Chinese?"

"so pretty" he eyes Zhan and says in English, latter one smiles proudly and answers in the same language 

"i know English very well" 

"not only beautiful, but you're smart one too" 

"aren't you way too baby, to flirt with me?"

"young meat is tastier, haven't you hear about it?" his words reminds Zhan old time, when he visited China and met Yibo for the first time. what if...they slept together that night, how things would change? he looks at Yibo, who is busy with talking Teo and curses himself for for feeling defeated 

"is that so? hope one day i can prove your words. i'm Zhan, what is your name?" 

"my name is Daniel, nice to meet you"

"such a pretty name, like you, let's get along well" Zhan leans head back and closes eyes, thinking about possible plans. it won't hurt if he uses this boy...only a bit?

***

Reached the destination Zhan quickly gets off and hangs on Daniel's arm, which follows him back. his eyes searches for Yibo and grins with satisfy catching his angered stare "sorry, i'm carsick. can i walk like this until dizziness is gone?"

"i won't mind it at all" Daniel picks up his luggage too and chooses places to set up their tents. Zhan looks around and feels like killing Yibo for bringing him at this terrible place. used comfy life he hates everything related to dust and insects, especially burning sun which makes him sweat too hard. he instantly takes out cap and mosquito spray, trying to protect himself from heat and bites. 

"what is dandi man like you doing here?" boy asks with kinda teasing tone and chuckles lowly

"i see you racers have same dictionary, annoying" Zhan pouts and waves his hand to chase some flies away

"i'm still trainee for now,  but hope become successful racer in the future thanks to Yibo ge. he is such a inspiration for everyone"

"Yibo ge? it's weird to hear, someone mentioning him like that. you're cute one helping me in everything" 

"it's done" Daniel claps his hands and points to the tent "you can get in and rest, until we set fire and cook something. it gonna be so much fun"

"i can create more fun if you help me, aren't you curious to see your inspiration acting crazy?"

"Yibo ge is such a calm person, it can't be"

"you sure? let's check, you just have to follow me" Zhan messes his hair and gets in, throwing himself on the mattress. only few days, he has to endure only few days

*****

"I can't say it's Zhan who is being punished now?" Teo says with painful voice and eyes Yibo, who is tightening fist and shakes from anger. view at the other side of camp fire drives him crazy

"how he can...just get over everything this easily? while my insides is still burning from pain, while i can't stop thinking about him" Yibo hides face into his palms and tries to control his emotions "yes Zhan is right, i'm not suitable for this dirty game. cause of him i'm hurting you too, the person who sincerely cares about me"

"i'm fine with everything...as long as you won't push me away"

"why heart never listens?" Yibo moves his stare to Zhan again, who is literally sitting on Daniel's lap and giggles too loudly, everyone's attention is on him. he excitedly tells some funny stories and meanwhile gets closer and closer to young one. Yibo can even notice adoration in their eyes and fears someone takes Zhan away, until he is getting revenge. 

"your journalist surely isn't wasting any second,  guess in whose bed...he is going to end up tonight?" he hears someone's mocking voice and hits fist on the ground, feeling his patience running off

"just fuck it" Yibo yells and literally runs towards Zhan, Deniel gulps down meeting his fierce eyes and is about to let go of Zhan's waist but latter one clings into him more and teasingly smiles at Yibo

"why are you looking this bothered racer? thought you didn't care"

"get off from him...right away" Yibo says through his teeth and grabs Zhan's arm "until i'm still being sane" 

"what if i won't?" 

"if that is so" Yibo leans down and Zhan's waist is hold tightly, in the blink of an eye he finds himself hang on Yibo's shoulder. Zhan starts hitting Yibo's back with his tiny fists and nonstop waves legs but suddenly younger one hardly slaps his butt and Zhan literally goes dumb

"Get what you deserved" Yibo hisses and walks into forest, while surprised voices fills the air

"Do you want to find our picture on the magazine again? Are you crazy Wang Yibo? Put me down damn you"

"As you wish" Yibo throws him down and Zhan falls on his butt. He looks way too cute with messy hair and pouty lips, Yibo can't stop himself from smiling "by any chance, are you upset?"

"You little bastard" Zhan gets up and hits his chest, trying to make racer move but instead of that Yibo presses him against tree and holds his both wrist together "but...if you're this rough in the bed too, it isn't like i gonna dislike"

"You're here to work, not to hook up with someone"

"Oh really? even if it's with you?"

"Stop getting on my nerves or..."

"Or what? What are you going to do?"

"Every your step, expressions, absolutely everything is planned and I keep falling in your traps but..." Yibo moves his hands to Zhan's neck and tightens grip around it "not let others touch you, at least in front of me. I can't handle it please"

"Why, tell me why" Zhan hardly says out and grabs Yibo's arms trying to free himself "I miss you, I starve you, I desire you, I love you...please tell me"

"So you can feel satisfied? Never" Yibo deeply breaths in and forces himself to let go, his heart going crazy while hands itching to hold Zhan again and pull him down right there...perverted thoughts fills his mind and turns back to leave but Zhan hugs his waist as tightly as possible, his nose clings into Yibo's neck and whispers with shaking voice

"Stop walking away, stop pushing me back. Once more...believe in me once more please"

"Wish it was this easy" Yibo removes his hands and walks forward, it's already darkening around and Zhan quickly follows him back until notices something weird. Stones, Yibo is stepping on colors in red and he calls out with fear

"Yibo your feet, wait for me" latter one doesn't mind his words and keeps going "it's bleeding, there is a nail in it" Zhan shouts as loud as possible and finally reaches him "how could you come barefoot? You shouldn't be this careless just because it doesn't hurt" Zhan bites on his tongue but it's already late, Yibo's eyes widens with surprise and asks with scared voice

"Why don't you look surprised? What your words mean?"

"Yibo..."

"You saw it..." Yibo suddenly laughs loudly and slaps his own face few times "idiot, you're such a idiot Wang Yibo. You opened that envelope, you know everything about my disease no?"

"Let's talk later ok? You need treatment now"

"Don't act like you care, how long is left Zhan?"

"What?"

"Before you destroy my life...how long is left until then?"

wonder how long they're going to keep this silly game, until one of them confesses his love? 😓 anyway so happy to update finally, thanks for waiting for this lazy author 🥰