Hidden mask [xiaoxventi]

Chapter 8

"Balance must be maintained, and yet destinies remain variable. Death has its own rules, and yet is still hard to predict. Remember — no matter where, no matter when, no matter what the reason — one should never poke fun at death. Only once you know and respect death can you truly understand the value of life."

"Please, I don't want to hear you talking about death. I'm going to leave if no one comes in for the next 5 seconds." Xiao sighed, "aiyaa, you just want another serving of almond cake, here ya go!" Hu Tao handed him a really big serving of cake. "You think I can finish this?" Xiao grumbled. "Yes you can now stop complaining. We should go to the movies!!" She sat next to Xiao, wearing a huge smile. "Sure. I'm free anyways. I'll see you at 8" Hu Tao waved Xiao goodbye.

"Hey Xiao!" Venti blocked Xiao's way, "We haven't hanged out for soooo longgg, can we like go somewhere together? I heard there's going to be a carnival!! Please please please?" Xiao hesitated for a moment, he promised Hu Tao but how could he say no to this cute face? Surely he could spend time with Hu Tao another time. "Sure sure now stop bugging me." "YAYYYY!!!!!"

Hu Tao <3

Xiao:
Hu Tao, I can't go to the movies with you,
surely we can go there next time?

Hu Tao <3:
oh okay! We can go there tomorrow, but where you going?

Xiao:
I'm hanging out with a friend, stay safe okay? I love you

Hu Tao <3 :
alright! Bye! Text me when you get home!

The carnival was lame. It wasn't like those romantic carnivals it played horrible music and it was too dark to even see anything. The stalls were rigged, Xiao did manage to shoot two balloons but you had to shoot three to get a prize. The games and rides were horrible but the aromatic smell of cake and food was heavenly. They got two or four funnel cakes, cotton candies, candied apple, drinks and so much more food. Xiao was having so much fun. They got photos, and went on the Ferris wheel. It wasn't an amazing place but the scenery sure was.

"Xiao, I've been meaning to tell you this forever but I couldn't find the right time." Venti took Xiao's hand.
"Go on, I'm here"
"I, I really love you."

Tension.
Happiness.
Worried.
Delighted.

"I love.. you too"

Disgusted. that was what Xiao described his words. Disgusted. He was dating with a really charming and kind girl but he could never say no to his true love.

"Chongyun c'mon! You're so god damn slow" Xingqiu teased
"Wait no, isn't that Xiao?" Chongyun pointed at the two figures.
"Xiao, as in Hu Tao's boyfriend?"
"Boyfriend?"
"Yeahhhh"
"Then why is he kissing another guy?"
"Huh?"
"Hu Tao needs to know this."

Next chapter - chapter 9 - stages of grief