As Shi Qingxuan takes his seat, Xie Lian asks.
"so why were you late?"
A flash of embarrassment can be seen on Shi Qingxuan's face but he quickly covers it up with a cough and avoids eye contact.
"It's nothing, was just thinking about some stuff that I couldn't sleep well"
"I'd understand if you were thinking for a day or two but four whole days!" Deadpans Mu Qing, "what could you probably be thinking about, is it the end of the world?"
Shi Qingxuan looks at the floor, and starts fiddling with his shirt buttons looking very meek.
"No.... It's just, how old are you guys?"
Mu Qing looks at him with a raised eyebrow
" we're all turning 16 very soon well aren't we? Is that something to lose sleep over?"
At that moment, something clicks in Xie Lian head.
" Yeah, 3 more years to go"
He didn't want to say much considering Banyue was there too, Mu Qing also got the assignment and added.
"It's just college entrance exams, nothing to fear, it's still a long time until then, no need to beat yourself up over it"
They're not sure if she has a shadow or not, so they can't just go dropping bombs in their paths.
They all agree to meet up at Xie Lian's place to do some group study.
Though what they didn't know was that Banyue did indeed understand where Shi Qingxuan was coming from and could sympathize with him for even she has someone she couldn't let go of, someone she's bonded with over the years that she's reluctant to leave him in 3 years, someone whom is also making her lose sleep, someone very important to her........
After the teenagers meet up at Xie Lian's place, they head to Xie Lian's room, as soon as they reach, they take off their guards only to find that Xie Lian is lying on San Lang's Chest on the bed, absentmindedly stroking his silhouette clothes, so lost in thought that it seems like he'll never be found any time soon, he didn't even hear that Mu Qing and Shi Qingxuan have arrived in his room.
Having been fed pda upon entering the room
Mu Qing: "..."
Shi Qingxuan: "..."
Forget it, this kind of thing is normal
After noticing that his two friends are here, he asks
"So, what plans do you guys have in the future?"
Xie Lian's voice is heard, his tone is so distracted, so solemn and if you listen carefully...it contains a hint of defeat and despair.
Shi Qingxuan sinks deep into the sofa, pondering over the question,
"Mmm I like fashion, so I think I'll try, fashion design....if it doesn't work out, I'll just go inherit the family business. As for He Xuan, I don't know as he never told me anything... So mysterious!"
He sticks his tongue out at He Xuan as he says the last part while He Xuan just looks at him, a moment later he opens his arms invitingly, to which shi Qingxuan of course pounces into his embrace contentedly.
Shi Qingxuan then whispers in He Xuan's ears
"It's ok if you keep what you'll be doing in the next few years a secret, so long as you come find me and be with me, I don't think I can be without you for more than 10 years, so find me quick ok?."
He Xuan responds by patting shi Qingxuan's head then stoking his silky hair.
Mu Qing, seemingly frustrated at these two oblivious friends' display of affection,
"I'm just gonna get into business or something, now stop sleeping around! We should study, hurry up!"
The trio study with their Shadows, then came a knock at the door, Xie Lian turns to the door raising his voice
"Come in"
"Hello, Young master, I brought you guys some snacks"
"Thank you Ms Xuanji, bring it in"
Xuanji places the snacks on the table and turns to leave, Xie Lian looks at her contemplatively, purses his lips, hesitates, you name it, until finally he asks.
"Ms, I remember you said that you also used to have a shadow, what happened when you turned 18?"
Xuanji looks at Xie Lian, eyes widens as she's slightly surprised since she told him a really long time ago when he was young and she didn't expect him to ask that question let alone remember what she told him. She lowers her head as she replies,
"Ahh i fell for him, but apparently, he didn't like me, after graduating he..... Never came to look for me.....Not even once......"
Her gaze loses focus as she recalls some past memories, no expression could be seen on her face, until she shook her head as if that would get rid of the bitter past and covers it up with a smile.
" Anyway, such is life; remember, not everyone can be your soulmate, sometimes you can just be a vessel that they just happened to be stuck to...... Some might also love you back, some become best friends with you and some owners are like me, alone and unrequited"
Realizing that what she's saying is a bit too negative and discouraging to the young masters and shadows present, she adds on to say.
" Ohh but don't worry, seeing the way you guys get along, I'm sure you'll all be the best of friends, you have nothing to worry about, just find each other after you separate"
Shi Qingxuan, as empathetic as he is, is infuriated when he heard her story thus him complaining and cussing.
" But you're so beautiful! Which bastard would dare not like you, he either doesn't have taste or is a fucking playboy! Maybe that's why he didn't want to be with you, he cared about you enough not to want to break your heart, don't worry Ms, you're priceless and that bastard couldn't afford you!....."
Xuanji knows Shi Qingxuan means no harm and is genuinely concerned and upset on her behalf, so she smiles good-naturedly
"Haha, don't worry, I've long forgotten him, now I won't disturb you anymore, study well "
Xuanji opens the door, walking a couple steps outside, Xie Lian quickly follows after her.
" I'm sorry, I asked something so personal, I don't know what I was thinking....you shouldn't have answered if it made you feel so uncomfortable, I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize, i know you have you're own concerns and worries, but not everyone's fate is the same, yes I was very hurt a few years ago but I'm fine and comfortable enough to talk about it, don't worry young master, I'm ok now.... Really... "
Xie Lian clenches his fist, bowing his head and says
" Ok, thank you "
" Now if you'll excuse me, madam told me to hurry up so that I can go play Ocho with her, I'll head over now "
Seeing her smiling at him and that she's really in a hurry to go play, Xie Lian's tight chest loosens a bit.
" Ok, don't lose then"
Xuanji is finally no where to be seen in the hallway, Xie Lian turns to San lang, who's been standing 3 meters away from him, he looks at his shadow, that's standing beside the door... Looking at him, Xie Lian averts his eyes and proceeds to look at the side, then turns to look at San lang again only to find that San lang has already shortened the distance between them and is already standing in front of him.
Xie Lian's eyes slowly widens as San lang reaches his hand out to tilt Xie Lian's chin to the side, softly pressing his lips on his left cheek as if that's the answer to Xie Lian's concerns, Xie Lian Chuckles lightly as San lang then presses they're foreheads together; one staring into golden eyes while the other stares into shimmering dark silhouette-like eyes.... wondering what color those eyes really had, suddenly Xie Lian wants San lang to graduate so that he can see what his eyes really look like.
"Ok, I know, you'll come find me right?, No problem.......I'll wait for you then"
The two head back to the room to continue studying.
YOU ARE READING
Shadow // TGCF Modern AU
Fanfiction[COMPLETE!!!!] I've had this story idea for quite some time but kept on procrastinating on making a stable plot 🤣, but don't get me wrong, I still haven't made a stable plot, but I just decided to continue with the little inspiration I have and see...
