|| 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 || ✓

| 3 |

The morning light filtered through the classroom windows as Yibo dozed off at his desk, awaiting the arrival of his friends. His head rested against the cool glass, a faint smile gracing his lips in peaceful slumber. Suddenly, a subtle shift in the air brought him back to wakefulness, and he blinked open his eyes to find Zhan seated beside him, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared surprise.

Yibo's cheeks warmed with a blush as they locked eyes, a gentle smile tugging at Zhan's lips. Rising from his seat, Yibo stretched his arms above his head, casting a glance towards Zhan who signed at him.

"Good morning"

To Yibo's amazement, Zhan continued with graceful signs, his hands moving fluently in the language of gestures. Surprised and delighted, Yibo returned the sign, a shy grin spreading across his face.

"I learned some sign language yesterday, my bad if I make any mistakes."

Zhan, signed at him, as he awkwardly, scratched the back of his neck, his gaze lingering on Yibo. Not missing a beat, Yibo flashed him a dazzling smile, offering a reassuring thumbs-up gesture with his fingers.

Just as the two were immersed in their silent conversation, Yibo was suddenly enveloped from behind in a warm hug, his body jolting with surprise. "Good morning, Yibooo!" Haoxuan's cheerful voice rang out as he held onto Yibo tightly. Despite the unexpected embrace, Yibo couldn't help but return the greeting with a smile, his voice laced with amusement.

Jiyang and Jiang Cheng, who had been trailing behind, caught sight of the scene and joined in. "Let him go, you idiot, he's struggling," Jiyang scolded Haoxuan, giving him a light smack on the arm. Haoxuan, with a mock glare, released Yibo and settled back into his seat, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

Jiang Cheng and Jiyang affectionately ruffled Yibo's fluffy hair before settling into their seats. Yibo cherished the warmth of their friendship, secretly yearning for the day when Zhan would express his affection in such a manner as well.

As Yibo and Zhan conversed using a combination of notes and sign language, Hao Xuan interrupted by tapping Yibo's shoulder from behind. Yibo turned, his gaze meeting Hao Xuan's, who was signing something to him.

I love you

Hao Xuan signed with a wink, causing Yibo to blush at the unexpected gesture. Yibo inched closer, ensuring his fingers formed the signs accurately in response.

Zhan, observing this exchange, felt a pang of jealousy. He had been enjoying his conversation with Yibo, and Hao Xuan's interruption irked him. If looks could kill, Hao Xuan would have been in dead from Zhan's intense stare.

Jiyang and Jiang Cheng watched the hilarious scene unfold before them, sharing a quiet laugh between themselves.

"How did you learn sign language, dumbass?" Zhan asked Hao Xuan, who was preoccupied with teasing and playfully flirting with Yibo.

"I picked up some basics last night. Just enough to communicate with my future wife someday." Hao Xuan replied with a smirk, casting a meaningful glance at Yibo. Yibo, catching his words from reading his lips, blushed and glanced down at his hands.

"Tch, whatever," Zhan muttered, shifting his gaze outside as he tried to quell the jealousy bubbling within him. The last thing he wanted was for his best friend to end up in a precarious situation today. Going to jail was not on his agenda, at least not yet.

Yibo, noticing Zhan's sudden silence, tilted his head in confusion. Determined to regain Zhan's attention, he gently took Zhan's hand in his own, focusing intently on him. With a gentle touch, he began to write something on Zhan's palm.