Miscommunication Array

The Lesser Awareness

ShiQingxuan practically threw her purse on the table, throwing her arms tightly around Xie Lian as she let out an ecstatic squeal. It was a last-minute arrangement, meeting at the waffle house for breakfast the next day, but with how tumultuous the emotions were, He Xuan agreed a double date might help them cool down. He dragged behind her, eyes bleary from sleep, as he gave Hua Cheng an affirmative nod.

"Morning bastard," he mumbled to his one-eyed friend. Hua Cheng rolled that eye and gave him a half wave. Xie Lian slowly sat up from where he had been tucked in against his boyfriend, a relaxed smile on his lips.

"Qingxuan, He Xuan. There you two are; I'm glad you two made it!" he chippered. Shi Qingxuan laughed awkwardly, tucking her hair behind her ears as she whispered apologies for their tardiness. She had been in such a rush to get out of the door she'd knocked a small tank over. The fish survived unhappily but without injury. He Xuan grumbled his own discourse about the situation, how he should've tucked the lid on tighter, how it was his fault, but his girlfriend brushed him off. It had been done and dealt with.

"Oh, those poor things, I'm glad they're alright!"

"Never mind the fish; I have great news!" She tightly grabbed Xie Lian's hands, her eyes glimmering as if filled with seas of stars.

"A-Ah? What is it?"

"He Xuan is taking me on a date! A real one! Not just the aquarium!"

"I thought you said you LIKED the aquarium..." He Xuan sighed with exasperation, sinking into the booth wretchedly. Xie Lian gives them both a fond look.

"That's so nice. It's good to shake things up once in a while. Where are you going?"

Shi Qingxuan pursed her lips together, giving He Xuan a pleased but pitiful pout.

"He won't tell me. It's a surprise, apparently."

He Xuan gives Hua Cheng a singular knowing glance and huffs. The two friends exchanged wordless conversation before He Xuan finally asked about his day.

"Better, now that I don't have to listen to you going on and on about how great Shi Qingxuan is because you're ACTUALLY spending time with them now."

"....I'm doing fine without having to stare at your ugly mug for half the day too, so glad to see we're both doing so well." He Xuan gritted out, his brows furrowing together in annoyance.

Shi Qingxuan choked at the aggressive words exchanged. Their friendship always confounded her. How could they be so close and yet hate each other so much. Raising a hand, she flagged a waiter down, insisting they order before the day slipped away. He Xuan took her free hand, giving it a gentle squeeze under the table.

"Food sounds nice. Let's get you the usual then, Qingxuan?" He murmurs quietly. She hums in affirmation as she glances at the menu before setting it aside.

"Yes, but I'd like mimosas too! A little morning drink never hurt anyone!" She locked eyes with Xie Lian. Truly, maybe a little alcohol will help Hua Cheng and He Xuan relax just a little bit. He Xuan stiffened, snapping his concerned look to Xie Lian now.

"At...11 in the morning?"

"...From the waffle house?" Xie Lian asked. He was looking close to laughing and maybe crying. The prospect of alcohol at a waffle house was unheard of. It's not even on the menu! Hua Cheng sat forward, smirking as he wrapped an arm around Xie Lian's shoulders.

"Mimosas happen to be breakfast food, He Xuan. You would know this if you went out more..." He turned to his boyfriend. "I can get us some quality drinks brought in gege. It's no trouble at all." In response to He Xuan's disbelief, Shi Qingxuan scrunched her nose and gave He Xuan a sharp look.