✧ Lonely Qingxin | 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 ✧

Xiao: Salty yet Sweet Pt.1

It's been a while since I last updated, here's a modern Au story. 

As usual, it's not short. Sorry

Hope you guys enjoy this fluff. It's a bit rushed, I apologize.

I wonder if I should post this story in AO3 as well. 

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That boy, what was his name again? Oh right, Xiao. We've only spoken to each once before briefly, during one class.

Not much of a talker and quite cold was my first impression of him. Though the other day, on my way here to college I saw him at a bakery, he works there apparently. Coincidentally I also happen to stop by that bakery everyday for the past one month now to buy a fruit tart.

Moving on, today was another day, on my way to college, I glance at the bakery standing 5 blocks away from my destination. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just like any other day, getting through each class and cramming in all the information being thrown at us.

As per my routine, A visit to the bakery after college ends is a must owing to the hungry little child waiting for my arrival at home, more specifically the baked goods I bribe her with.

Everyday 5 pm, I see him standing there brooding all to himself. Doesn't he ever smile? His disdain for others annoys me but he particularly doesn't like me too much. Wonder what's his story.

"You, Again? This is becoming a routine of yours." He huffed, letting out an annoyed sigh

"Is that any way to treat your customer?"

"Hmph, You're an exception" he retorted

"Should I be flattered?" I smirked placing my hands on my hips which caused him to roll his eyes.

He's new, Probably worked at this joint for a week now. He clearly loves his job. He handed the goods to me, it seems he memorized my usual order.

"Ah, thank you. You memorized my order?"

"It's just one dessert, there is nothing to memorize. You come here with that annoying smirk on your face ordering the same thing everyday. ."

"It's only been a week, sir."

He scoffed, handing the bill for payment. I paid him and went on with my day

"See you tomorrow, Grumpy"

"Tsk" was all he could think of as a comeback, though that's all I heard, before some incoherent muttering. He continued with his work, must be swell.

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I, on the other hand, had to take care of a child. Babysitting is not fun, it's considered to be a tedious job especially if you have little to no experience however, Qiqi and I have a pretty good relationship. It's simple really, I buy her sweets, pamper her, let her nap and she'll listen. She's not one to throw tantrums though she may get a little cranky if I bother her during nap time.

A child who loves sweets and just wants to nap? No wonder we get along well.

"Hello big sister."

"Oh, Qiqi you're home all by yourself? Mom left early today?"

She shook her head, her little finger pointing towards the kitchen. "Mommy, cooking. But qiqi wants sweets."

"Alright Alright, i'll give it to you. Let mommy leave first okay?"

She hummed as a response and went back to her little beanbag, beside it were a few sheets of paper scattered with scribbles and cryptic doodles I can't decipher. Her imagination is really something.

"(Y/N), thank goodness, i'm running a little late to my meeting, i'll be back in three hours."

I smiled and waved my hand reassuring her that this was just like any other day and that you'll be fine. She nodded and said goodbye to qiqi before making her way out.

"Big sister, where's sweets." She tugged on your teal dress

Qiqi wasn't very expressive, her monotonous tone didn't bother you though. It was better than a loud obnoxious toddler who can't sit still.

You unwrapped the fruit tart and handed it over to her. It was cold, not too warm. It was her favorite, though she didn't know exactly what it was, she ate every last crumb.

"Yummy. Thank you. Qiqi is happy"

"Qiqi wasn't happy before?"

She shook her head, putting her hands at the back and looking down at her little feet she sheepishly answered

"Qiqi was bored. Mommy is always busy."

"I see, well i'm here now. Let's spend some time together, what does qiqi want to do today?"

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Three hours went by faster than I thought, before I knew it, I was beside Qiqi who was sound asleep.

Her mother should be back soon, and I have two assignments to complete, another all nighter perhaps? Maybe.

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"You look terrible" Xiao commented

"Nice to see you too, Asshat."

"Hmph, Look who's the grumpy one today."

"Pulling an All nighter doing assignments and attending college would bring anyone to this angry state." I spat, i was not in the mood for talking.

He hummed, I saw him pack one fruit tart but he didn't keep it on the counter, he was busy doing something else. My eyes were fixated on his actions.

He approached the table i was sitting at, before that I quickly averted my gaze hoping he didn't catch me staring.

"Here. This should help I guess."

I glanced at the latte placed courteously before me, is that a hint of politeness I sense?

"Uh, thanks but whats with the kind gesture all of a sudden?"

"Hmph, I'm simply sympathizing since I've been where you are. Pulling all nighters and completing assignments last minute. Don't push your luck." He responded coldly.

"Whatever you say. Thanks anyway." I sighed

The silence was a bit overwhelming, It beginning to get awkward until he finally spoke.

"You know It's foolish of you to complete assignments last minute though that's expected from you."

You huffed "Look, you're not the one babysitting a child for 3 hours almost everyday after school alright?"

He scoffed, "Seriously? I'd like to see how you manage working for 6 hours after college. Don't forget I have assignments to complete as well."

He was right and you disliked that.

I let out an annoyed sigh, "yeah..Fine. Whatever just give me my tart and i'll leave you alone."

He handed the baked good and as usual, we didn't see each other again until the next day. Good thing I had no pending work, time to hit the hay.

Before I slept, My mind wandered back to the little kind gesture that he clearly tried to cover up by claiming it as an act of "pity." I smirked, "so there is a bit of compassion beneath that grumpy rude exterior of yours." I muttered to myself before I drifted off into a deep slumber

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