Yes, you saw it right. The next update is here :) 

I hope you enjoy it <3 <3

Xiao Zhan's POV

 "I am home!" I shouted and soon after aunty came out of her room looking somewhat surprised to see me.

"Your mom went out to buy groceries." She said. "How was school?"

"Okay..."

She approached me and took a closer look. "Hmmm..."

"What?"

"Nothing. I am just curious why are you here and not on a date or something? Usually, you would always hang out with your girl rather than come home on time." She shrugged her shoulders and walked to the couch.

"First of all, that is not true. Secondly, I am tired."

"First of all, this is so true, and second of all, didn't you sleep enough?" She laughed when I huffed at her. I was about to nag at her but when I happened to see my reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall, I forgot about that and turned to aunty.

"Say, aunty, do I really look like my father?"

"I never saw him so I don't know but your mom sometimes stares at you in a rather dreamy way so... yeah, I think you do look quite a lot like him. Why do you ask? You never were interested in him before."

"That didn't change. I just... I don't know." I said and then frowned. "Damn, this is so fucking annoying!"

I stomped into my room and ignored aunty who asked me what was wrong with me for cursing all of the sudden. As if I knew why I did that. I feel like I didn't know anything anymore. I am so irritated, I have a headache, I am tired, and everything is getting on my nerves. God dammit!

I went to bed and hid under the blanket where I must have fallen asleep because suddenly my mom was there and patted my head.

"I heard you cursed at Lusi. Did something happen?"

"Really now?" I asked and rolled my eyes before looking towards the door. "I never cursed at you and you know that, you old witch!" I shouted and soon aunty stood at the door.

"Damn, your son has some serious issues today." She grinned and then glared at me. "And I am not an old witch, you hear me!?"

"Whatever..." I mumbled and aunty left again.

"What is wrong, darling? Did something happen at school?"

"No.... expect that everyone has been staring at me because apparently, I am handsome now."

"You were always handsome, darling. Others didn't see it."

"Right, they were probably only distracted by those huge pimples I had every day."

"I liked them. They kept all the girls away from you. Well, except for one."

"Mom, why don't you like her?" I asked curiously.

"Then why do you like her?" I blinked at her question.

"We have been friends for so long and I know her well. She is a kind and beautiful girl too."

"So? I have been friends with Lusi for much longer than you have been friends with your girlfriend. Lusi is kind and also beautiful...."

"Yes, I am." Aunty showed up at the door again and I rolled my eyes.

"... and we know each other really well. But am I dating her just because of that?"

"Your mom is right. That is not a reason for you to date someone. You should only date someone if you like her."

"But I do like her."

"Then that is good." Aunty nodded.

"But-" Mom tried to say something but aunty interrupted her.

"Enough, Yaling. I know you are protective of Xiao Zhan but he is almost an adult now. He can make his own decisions."

Mom sighed and got up. "I know.... Come out, dinner is ready."

"I will be there in 5 minutes...." She nodded and left my room with aunty.

I stretched myself and found that I was still tired. 'Man, I am quite the lazy one, aren't I? I slept so much, especially during the holidays, and yet I am still tired... '

I left my room and walked to the kitchen.

"That girl seems to be a nice one. You should be happy that Xiao Zhan found someone." I heard aunty saying.

"I know and I can't really explain it but... I don't like it...."

"Be honest with me, Yanling. How much do they look alike?"

It was quiet for a moment and I stood as still as possible to not reveal myself. "I didn't see him when he was Xiao Zhan's age but they look so much alike... almost like twins...."

"It seems I was right. But you do know that Xiao Zhan is not him, right?"

"I know...." I heard mom chuckle. "I know it's weird but because Xiao Zhan is my son and not him, I didn't intervene in their relationship. I am sure Min-Ah is a nice girl but my protective instincts are... rather strong. Am I too protective over him?"

"Nah, I think most mothers would be like this," Aunty answered and then groaned. "Where is that son of yours anyway? I am about to starve to death! XIAO ZHAN! GET YOUR ASS HERE, I AM HUNGRY!"

I shook my head and waited a few more seconds before entering the kitchen where the dining table was set.

"Finally! It was about time."

The next morning I was woken up by my mom again. "You know, I think I can get used to that. It gives me the feeling that you can't live properly without me."

I hid deeper under the blanket. "I can't. Mom, I am tired."

"You slept for 11 hours, darling. You can't be that tired. Come on, get up. Take shower and come to the kitchen. Lusi is making a fuss because she can't eat until you woke up."

"Let her eat then. I am not hungry anyway."

"Out of questions, darling. I don't ask for much when I want the whole family to eat together, do I?"

"No..." I moaned and got up. "Fine, give me 15 minutes."

"Hurry up." She kissed my temple and left while forced myself out of bed and took a shower.

I leaned against the wall of the school building waiting for Haoxuan when suddenly I heard a crash. I looked at the scene of the crime and saw a girl sitting on the ground after a bicycle almost crashed against her.

"Can't you watch where you ride!" She cursed at the boy who drove the bicycle and apologized before riding off. "ASSHOLE!" She screamed after him before checking for injuries.

Her knee was bruised but other than that, she seemed to be fine. She slowly got up and tried to find a seat or something. There was a bench nearby where she limped over to before tending to her leg which started to bleed.

I watched her when she took a water bottle and was about to pour some water onto her knee but hesitated at the last moment. Her knee continues to bleed and I... I couldn't keep my eyes off that.

My feet started to walk on their own and I approached the injured girl. She looked up in surprise when I took the water bottle out of her hand, took a seat next to her, and took out a handkerchief where I poured some water. I then put the bottle aside and carefully cleaned the wound on her knee.

"T-th-thank you." She stuttered and I just nodded without taking my eyes off her knee. The smell of blood hit my nose but it was not as strong as I thought it would be.

"It doesn't look that bad. Look, it stopped bleeding. But you should still go to the nurse's office and get a bandage." I told her.

"Oh... yes, I will.... T-thank you." I nodded and helped her to off the bench.

"Do you need my help to walk?" I asked her and her cheeks turned fire-red.

"N-no, I ... I d-don't think I do... I can go on my own." She stuttered and took her belongings from the bench. "T-thank you again... for your help..." With that, she run off, or rather she limped off.

I watched her until she was gone and then looked down at the handkerchief in my hand which was drenched in water and blood. I stared at it until I heard Min-Ah calling for me. I put the handkerchief into my pocket and turned around.

She smiled brightly as she walked up to me. "Good morning ~~" She chirped and kissed my cheeks. It was more of an accident as I turned away when she aimed at my lips.

"Good morning. Are you alone? Where is Haoxuan?"

"You should know it better, didn't you two skip class yesterday?" She pouted. "I called you but none of you answered."

"Class was boring so I took off."

"Next time take me with you. I was bored too." She said and nodded towards Haoxuan. "Look, there he is."

The moment I saw my best friend I laughed out loud. "Damn, you had a long night, didn't you?"

"What makes you think so?"

"I don't know... maybe the dark rings under your eyes, there are still traces of lipstick on your shirt, and... oh, you have one hell of a hickey on your neck."

Haoxuan checked my accusations and grinned. "Got me! I didn't even know when I got the hickey...I might be tired but I feel good." He nodded to himself.

"Great for you." I laughed and put him in a headlock. "I didn't know you were popular with the girls."

"If you need tips, just ask me." He answered

"Asshole!" I laughed. "Why would I need your help to land with a girl?" Suddenly the bell run. "Oh great... school is starting... I groaned."

"What happened, Xiao Zhan? You always liked school." Min-Ah asked amused and I flinched as I forgot she was there.

"He doesn't know!" Haoxuan answered in my stead and I kicked him

"Shut up!"

"Why!?" He laughed. "I bet that was what you were about to answer."

"So what? I don't need you to answer in my stead even if you know what I want to say, you asshole!"

"Bleh!" He stretched out his tongue and run away.

"Sometimes he behaves like a child." Min-Ah chuckled.

"He is allowed to behave like that once in a while." I smiled and then walked after Haoxuan. "See you at lunch!" I shouted before entering the building.

 "Laoshi, may I go to the toilet?" I raised my hand and asked the teacher when he finally stopped talking and took a breather.

"Does it have to be now?"

"Yes, Sir! It's really urgent!"

"Fine, then go."

"Thank you, Sir!" I got up and left for the men's room. Of course, I didn't need to use the toilet but I needed to leave the classroom before my head would explode.

That teacher was someone who would talk nonstop and that was why it was so easy to get a good mark from him. He asked questions but would answer them in his own right after asking. He would never let a student speak. All he cared for was that someone was listening to him and as long as you listened, took notes, or at least faked it, and you didn't cause a disturbance, you would get a good mark.

But today, I couldn't take his speech anymore. My head started to hurt after just 10 minutes in and after enduring over an hour I had to leave. I washed my face and my hand and took out my handkerchief when I noticed there were no paper towels available.

'Stupid cleaning persons!' I cursed and a dried my face when suddenly I smelled something metallic. Instantly I remembered that I had used my handkerchief earlier and held it away from my face. I stared at the blood on it and frowned. 'Did I just wash my face with blood? Ugh!'

Suddenly my stomach growled and I groaned. "It still a little until lunch..."

"Hey, bro. Skipping class again?" Haoxuan showed up and almost scared the shit out of me.

"Fuck you, Haoxuan! Can't you announce yourself!"

He grinned and sat on the sink. "You shouldn't make it a habit, you know? This won't do your future any good."

"Oh, shut up..."

"That is what you told me when I skipped from time to time. Anyway, did something happen during the holidays? Something too huge that gave you this I don't give a fuck attitude?"

"I don't have an I don't give a fuck attitude, okay? I just...."

"You don't know. Yeah, I got it." I glared at him and he held up his hand. "Sorry..."

"I really can't explain it. I liked going to school in the past but now it's just... boring. I am tired despite sleeping for over 11 hours and I often get headaches these days.... Everything is just irritating and I need a break!"

"Damn.... maybe you are on your period?"

"Wang Haoxuan! Can you please be serious?!" I complained and he chuckled.

"Sorry. How about we go to the nurse's office and get you something against the headache first? About the rest... well, it's probably just because you haven't done anything productive during the holidays. You just have to get used to school and stuff again."

"Yeah... sure..." I mumbled and looked at the handkerchief in my hand. "I am hungry..."

"It's still a while until lunch so you have to wait. First things first. Let's go to the infirmary!" He jumped off the sink and hurriedly put the handkerchief back into my pocket before he pulled me after him.

 "How can I help you, guys?" The doctor asked us and gave us a checking look from head to toe.

"I have a headache. Can you give me something that helps?"

"Hmmm... and your friend, does he also have a headache?"

"Nope, I'm fine, thank you, Doc. I am just helping my friend." Haoxuan answered with a smile.

"He can still walk on his own even with a headache, you know?" The doctor raised his brows.

"Oh, I am sure he can. But I am worried something will happen. He looked rather pale earlier."

"He looks perfectly fine to me...."

"Now, yes. But earlier...."

"Fine." The doctor gave me a pill before pointing at the free bed. "Take it and lay down for a bit. It might make you feel a little drowsy."

"Thank you, Sir." I walked towards the bed and when Haoxuan was about to follow me, he was pulled back by the doctor.

"Where do you think you are going? Your friend is in good hands now so you can go back to class."

"But-"

"No buts! Go back to class!" He ordered and Haoxuan sighed.

"See you later, bro. Take a rest and I am sure you feel better." He told me and I nodded. Then he was gone and the doctor approached me. He felt my forehead.

"At least no fever." He gave me a cup of water. "Take the pill and rest. I will check on you later."

"Thank you, doctor."

About 10 minutes after taking the pill, finally, the headache was gone and I closed my eyes. I don't know how much time passed when I was woken up by a metallic smell.

'Blood?' I opened my eyes instantly and looked around.

"How did this happen?" The doctor asked a girl who looked like she was in pain.

"Class was annoying so I scratched my hand with a ... dividers." She answered and the doctor chuckled.

"To me, this looks more like you scratched your hands on the wall." He looked at her foot and raised his brows. "Did you fall off the stairs?"

"I wouldn't call it stairs. It was just two steps I oversaw..." She pouted and then blushed. "I couldn't help it. I needed to go to the toilet."

"How is your foot?" The doctor asked.

"Fine, actually, It doesn't hurt that much. But my hand..." She smiled but hissed shortly after the doctor touched her foot. "Doc!!"

"I thought so. I will call your parents. You need to go to the hospital."

"Really?!" She whined. "But I am fine! I hate hospitals!!"

"Yes. Lay down and take a rest. I will call your parents. Do you have the number?"

"Oh... I really can't remember..."

"Oh, that is fine. I have your name so I will ask the teachers for your parent's number." The doctor smiled and left.

"Damn it!" The girl caused. "I hate hospitals!"

"You want to walk around with a hurt leg? Doesn't it hurt?" I asked her and she flinched.

"I... I thought you were asleep?"

"I was but the smell of your blood woke me up," I answered and she frowned.

"My hand is not even bleeding that much..." She mumbled and lay down on her bed. "So? Why are you here?"

"Headache."

"Ah, yes. I used that excuse quite a lot too but it doesn't work anymore."

"It was not an excuse. I have them which irritates me because I got a pill earlier and it made the pain go away but now, after sleeping a little, it returned. That stupid pill didn't help much."

I took a deep. "Are you sure your hand is not bleeding much? I can smell it until here and there are at about 10 meters distance between us."

"I swear! Look!" She held up her hand and indeed, it was only bleeding a little. "Maybe you have a sensitive nose. My cousin has it too. When he comes home from school he can smell what my aunt cooked for dinner when he is still over 10 meters away and if he doesn't like it, he doesn't go home. It's pretty useful."

"Yeah, well, I doubt it...." I took a sniff and got up from bed. I kept sniffing the air while approaching the girl's bed. I didn't know why, though. I just had the urge to do it.

"You look stupid if you do that. By the way, what is your name?" She asked curiously.

"Xiao Zhan, you?"

"Wei Lingxin." She introduced herself and watched me sitting next to her. I didn't know why I did that. I was not interested in her nor was she exceptionally beautiful. I looked at her hand and took it.

"Does it hurt?" I asked and stared at the wound on her hand.

"No, my foot hurts a lot more." She answered and her breath hitched when I took her hand and licked over the wound. "T-that-!"

"Hurts?"

"N-no... it feels... nice... actually" She closed her eyes and hissed when I sucked the blood from her hand. My tongue went over the wound and the girl let out a silent moan. It was barely there but I heard it nonetheless.

"What are you doing here? Are you sick too? .... No? Then why are you here? Go back to class!" I heard the doctor's voice in front of the infirmary and when suddenly the door opened, I realized what I was doing.

'The fuck!?!'

"Okay, Miss Wei, your parents are informed." The doctor entered the infirmary. The beds were out of his sight from the door so I hurried back to my bed and pretended to sleep. My heart was beating like crazy and I still had the metallic taste of that girl's blood on my tongue.

"Miss Wei? Are you okay? Your cheeks are red. Don't tell me you have a fever too?"

"W-what? N-no, I don't think so...." I heard her whisper. "You said my parents are coming?"

"Yes, they are on their way. Come on, I will help you walk to the school's entrance. Carefully..."

Soon both were gone and jumped up. I couldn't believe what I just did! I didn't even know that girl and yet I ...

'Did I fucking lick on her hand? Just like that!? What the hell is wrong with me!? And why the hell did it feel so good!!!?'

"Fuck!" I cursed loudly. "You have a girlfriend, Xiao Zhan!" I reprimanded myself and pulled at my hair. Then I noticed something and almost laughed.

"Great! My headache is gone but I turn out to be a freak and almost cheated on my girlfriend."

"You did what now!?" I heard Haoxuan's voice behind me and turned around. "I want the details!"

We were sitting in the cafeteria and ate our lunch quietly. And with quiet, I meant Haoxuan and I were silent while Min-Ah kept talking about different stuff. My headache was gone despite all her talking but that didn't mean I wasn't annoyed by it.

I didn't even know what I was doing here. I wasn't hungry at all which was strange as my stomach growled not long ago. I still had the taste of blood in my mouth even though it has been almost 2 hours since I became a freak and sucked on a girl's hand.

I told Haoxuan what happened earlier and he was surprised I had done what I had done but he didn't call it cheating.

"It needs a lot more to call you a cheater. Just because you helped that girl to ease the pain? I admit, there are other ways and what you did was not okay but you didn't cheat on Min-ah. Have you thought about why you did what you did? I mean... I am sure as hell wouldn't lick the blood from anyone's hand. Not even yours and we are best friends. I know you call me a pervert from time to time and I admit I often am a little perverted but you... what you did was very pervert."

"Shit! I don't know! I didn't even think at that moment. I just... did it... Fuck, what is wrong with me? I don't even know that girl!"

"Was she beautiful? More than Min-Ah? Wait... is that even possible...? I mean, Min-Ah is one of the most beautiful girls at this school so I doubt that girl could keep up with her..."

"She looked average but.... why the hell is that important!?" I pulled my hair. "Argh!! What is wrong with me!?!"

"Did her blood smell like strawberries? You were hungry anyway. So maybe-"

"Are you even listening to yourself?" I hissed at him

"Maybe you were horny and because Min-Ah wasn't there, you took the next best girl and tried to seduce her? Sucking blood off her hand was but not the best way to do that, my friend."

"HaoXuan, I hate you right now! Can you stop with the jokes!" I kept pulling on my hair. "I am a freak. A perverted freak."

I closed my eyes as I remembered my helpless conversation with Haoxuan and almost groaned loudly. Why was all this happening!? Why couldn't everything be as it was before the holidays!?

'Holidays! Ever since the fucking holidays everything seemed to have changed! Is it because am nearing adulthood? I just turned 20 and suddenly I am like this? Argh....'

"Xiao Zhan, did you hear what I said?" Min-Ah asked me. I flinched and shook my head.

"No, I am sorry."

"...."

It was quiet, this time all three of us until Min-Ah spoke again. "Is something wrong, Xiao Zhan?"

"Yeah, I am just... I have to get used to school and everything after the long holidays. Nothing to worry about. Are you done eating? The bell will ring any moment."

"But you barely eat..." She pointed at my plate.

"I am not that hungry, actually," I told her and suddenly the bell rang. "Ah, the bell. See? I told you it would ring any moment. Then see you later!"

"Xiao Zhan." She stopped me. "We have lessons together, you forgot?"

"Ah... yeah... I did... then let's go..."

"Mhn!" She agreed with a bright smile which made me feel uncomfortable. I turned to Haoxuan who quickly took in three more bites of lunch before giving me a thumbs up and following us.

"Not so fast!" The teacher shouted when the bell rang and all students tried to flee. "Sit down! The teacher ends the lesson!"A loud groaning went through the classroom but everyone sat down again.

"You think you don't have to do much because school just started but you are mistaken! All of you will find a partner and hold a presentation. And to make sure, there are no teams with the same topic, I made a list of choices. One team, one different topic. You can only leave if you have a team and a topic. Now, find a partner and chose a topic. Hurry up!"

I was about to turn to Haoxuan but Min-ah, who sat next to me, was faster and clung to my arm while looking at the list of choices, presented on the blackboard.

"How about we chose.... hmm.... I think both, feminism and organ donation are good topics. Oh, or the death penalty? That is also very serious. What do you think?" She asked me and I sighed. I couldn't just refuse her and say I want to work with Haoxuan. Moreover, knowing Haoxuan he wouldn't take everything all too seriously. Min-Ah, however, cares about her grades.

"You chose," I told her.

"Then...." She smiled and raised her hand. "Laoshi, Xiao Zhan and I are a team and we chose organ donation."

"Great, is noted. You two can leave."

"Hey, you freak! Hurry up and chose a topic! I want to leave too!" I heard a boy complain to his partner.

"But I don't like any of these topics." His partner answered. "Laoshi! Can't we choose something else? Like virtual reality or something?"

"No! There are topics on the blackboard. Chose one of them. If you take too long, you will have to take what is left."

"Man, that sucks!!" Both complained and started to argue about which topic would be the easiest one.

I shook my head and turned to Haoxuan who teamed up with one of the girls. He saw me and waved, telling me to go first so I left together with Min-Ah.

"How about we go to the cinema? It's been a while since we went on a date and during this time of the day, there are not many people there." Min-Ah suggested.

Honestly, I didn't want to go on a date. Especially not today but after she was more or less begging me, I agreed to it. Maybe that was exactly what I needed. A little bit of normality.

"What do you want to watch?"

"I chose the topic for the presentation, you will choose the movie. Alright?" She beamed at me and agreed.

There was nothing that picked my interest, most of the movies were romantic comedies, and would rather die than watch something like that, so in the end, I chose an action thriller. After buying drinks and popcorn, we entered the hall and I realized that Min-ah was right. Except for three girls and one guy in the front, the hall was empty.

"Let's sit at the back but in the middle." She said and I followed her. Just as we sat down, the movie started.

Albeit I chose the movie, it was not really entertaining so I doze off after not even 15 minutes passed. I didn't sleep, it was way too loud in here, so I noticed that Min-Ah put her head on my shoulder and took my hand.

"I missed this..." She smiled and continued to watch the movie.

The more time passed, the more irritated I became. She said she missed us having a date, which is understandable as we didn't see each other for weeks, but why didn't I feel the same?

'Come to think of it, in the past, it was mostly me who asked for the dates ....' I thought and looked at Min-Ah who was engrossed in the movie. I observed her and tried to find the reason why I would rather be at home now than stay with her, my girlfriend for 4 years. But no matter how much I stared at her, I didn't figure it out.

All I managed to realize was that she was the same as before the holidays. She looked the same and behaved the same. She still talks as much as before and would always show affection, in private or in public with kisses, hugs, walking around hand in hand, or just sitting on my lap. Everything was exactly as before the holidays, yet something changed. But what? Was it really just me?

This cluelessness was making me crazy!

After two and a half hours the movie ended. I watched how the three girls left without caring about the trash they left behind. The guy, however, stayed behind and cleaned everything before leaving the hall.

"Xiao Zhan, how did you like the movie?" Min-Ah asked me and I nodded.

"It was okay," I answered and got up. "Let's clean up and go."

"Okay...."

Once we left the hall, Min-Ah needed to use the toilet so I waited for her and while waiting I saw the guy from earlier with one of the girls in a very intimated situation. I wasn't embarrassed about seeing it, though. Which was amusing because in the past I would always look away. Maybe that was what changed. I just grew up. Or I indeed turned into a pervert because somehow ... I couldn't look away.

Not that they did something perverse. They were just looking at each other with so much desire and then closed their eyes while keeping kissing each other, nothing else. Until the girl led the guy into the men's room. I blinked and then smiled, slightly embarrassed.

"I am done." Min-Ah's voice came out of nowhere and I flinched.

"Fuck, Min-Ah!" I cursed and she laughed. "You scared me!"

"Why? Did you do something forbidden?" She smiled and I shook my head.

"No, but you still scared me," I answered. "Can we go now?"

"What are we going next?"

"Home."

"Already?" She pouted and tried to change my mind by clinging onto me and begging me to hang out a little more. Slowly my headache returned and I tried hard to suppress the upcoming irritation.

"I am tired, Min-Ah. We watched a movie, that should be enough. Come, I will bring you home."

"Fine...." She mumbled unhappily but I just ignored it.

 "Thank you for bringing my sister home, Xiao Zhan." Min-Ah's sister greeted us at the door. She didn't look all too happy, though.

"Oh, you're welcome." I smiled and she was about to say something more Min-Ah pushed her inside.

"Go in! I will follow in two minutes!" She told her and closed the door. "Thank you for today, Xiao Zhan. I can't wait to repeat today's date." She smiled and approached me.

Her lips met mine even before I could know what she was up to. It was just a kiss. A normal kiss we often shared in the past. Usually, I felt a tingling in my stomach, but not now. There was nothing and that irritated me again.

I was deep in thought and didn't push her away. Min-Ah then wrapped her hands around my neck and her eyes were closed as she deepened the kiss. I, on the other hand, had my eyes open and what I saw while kissing Min-Ah made me realize something.

I was really stupid, wasn't I? Everything has been so obvious and yet I was too stupid to connect the dots.

to be continued....

Xiao Zhan, Xiao Zhan..... It was indeed obvious. Even I could tell. But I will forgive you because realizing it a little late is still better than never realizing it. What's left is the confrontation but everything should turn out well, right?

I hope you enjoyed this update and leave a vote and lots of comments for me to read <3 <3

See you next time ^^