It was supposed to be a normal afternoon. Huaxi University buzzed with its usual weekday chaos—students cramming last-minute assignments, couples lounging on the grass, clubs trying to lure people in with posters and snacks.
Wang Yang was sitting under a tree near the campus cafe, scrolling through his phone, but not reading anything. His mind was still stuck on the night before—on the feel of Li Ming's skin against his, the sounds he made, the way he whispered his name like a secret.
Wang Yang ran a hand down his face.
What the hell is happening to me?
His thoughts were interrupted by a burst of laughter from a few meters away. He looked up—
—and his jaw tightened.
Li Ming stood near the club stalls, grinning ear to ear. A tall guy stood beside him, probably from the Music Club. He was good-looking—clean-cut, light brown hair, and too damn close. The guy said something that made Li Ming laugh again, head thrown back, eyes sparkling.
Wang Yang's fingers curled into a fist.
Jealousy crept in like smoke—slow and suffocating.
He stood up, shoved his phone into his pocket, and stalked over. The smile on Li Ming's face faltered as soon as he saw him.
"Yang?" he blinked. "You okay?"
Wang Yang didn't answer. He glanced at the other guy. "You got business with him?"
The guy raised an eyebrow, amused. "Uh… we were just talking. Chill, man."
"I'm not your man," Wang Yang snapped. "But you should still back off."
Li Ming frowned. "Wang Yang, what the hell—?"
The guy lifted both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No drama. I'm out."
Once he left, silence settled between them like a blade.
"What was that?" Li Ming asked, arms crossed.
Wang Yang looked away, jaw clenched. "He was touching you."
"So?" Li Ming stepped closer. "You don't get to act like that and then go silent. You kissed me. You touched me. You—"
"I know what I did," Wang Yang interrupted, eyes finally meeting his. "And I don't regret it."
Li Ming's breath caught.
"But I don't know how to handle this," Wang Yang admitted, voice low. "I don't do feelings. I don't do… this."
Li Ming's expression softened. He looked down, then back up, biting his lip. "You don't have to figure it all out now. Just… don't push me away."
Wang Yang took a slow breath. "I won't. Just don't flirt in front of me. I can't take it."
Li Ming smiled—small but real. "So you were jealous."
"Shut up."