innocent lotus flower

Crush

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Wei Ying spent the next few days intentionally avoiding Lan Wangji, knowing deep down that it wouldn't last. He couldn’t help it—his thoughts about Lan Wangji were complicated. How could he begin to unravel the feelings between them when he hadn't even unraveled his own? He sighed and rested his head on the table at the café during a slow afternoon. In the corner, A Yuan played quietly with his toys, occasionally glancing up to make sure Wei Ying was still there. Every time their eyes met, a soft smile tugged at Wei Ying’s lips—his child truly was something special.

It had been a few days since Lan Wangji last contacted him. Reflecting on everything, Lan Wangji realized he hadn’t exactly behaved like someone who wanted to apologize. He understood why Wei Ying needed space, but he also knew he had to return home soon—his company needed him. Initially, he’d planned to bring Wei Ying and A Yuan with him, but he now realized he didn’t have the right to make that kind of decision. Not after everything Wei Ying had endured. Frustrated, he groaned. These past few nights had been filled with sleeplessness and restlessness, all because his mind was consumed by thoughts of Wei Ying.

Determined, he picked up his phone and texted Wei Ying. He didn’t want to pressure him—just apologize and find a way to slowly, consistently prove his sincerity. Within an hour, a reply came. Wei Ying told him to come to the café the next day.

Wei Ying’s heart raced when he read the message. He couldn’t believe he’d be seeing Lan Wangji again. His emotions swirled—nervousness, anticipation, and a sliver of fear. Seeing Lan Wangji again meant reopening memories he’d tried hard to bury—some beautiful, others painfully sharp. He closed his phone and leaned over the desk, overwhelmed. He had worked so hard to move on, but now, those carefully packed emotions were flooding back.

But even with the fear, Wei Ying knew he wanted to see Lan Wangji. He needed to know if forgiveness—and perhaps a future—was even possible.

The next day, Lan Wangji stood in front of the cozy café, bathed in morning sunlight. The building was charming and quaint, its exterior adorned with lush greenery and fresh potted plants that added life and color to the entrance. A wooden menu hung on the wall, matching the warm, rustic aesthetic of the place.

The aroma of fresh coffee lingered in the air, comforting and familiar. Though it was early, the café buzzed with gentle energy—soft chatter, clinking dishes, and the grounding scent of morning brews.

Lan Wangji stepped inside and immediately saw Wei Ying behind the counter. Their eyes met, and Wei Ying offered a small wave, mouthing that he’d join him soon.

Lan Wangji didn’t mind waiting. He watched Wei Ying work—how he smiled at customers, how he moved with easy grace, how his laughter echoed warmly in the space. He looked radiant in the soft café light, like sunlight made solid. Lan Wangji’s chest tightened.

“Sorry,” Wei Ying said breathlessly, finally sitting down. “One of the staff called in sick.”

Lan Wangji blinked, snapped out of his thoughts. Wei Ying was close now—too close. His heart stuttered in his chest, cheeks flushing. He clenched his hands together to steady himself, but it was useless once Wei Ying softly called his name.

That voice.

His heart thudded harder. He placed a hand over his chest like it could contain the feelings swelling up—feelings he didn’t know how to manage. He tried to concentrate on what Wei Ying was saying, but his mind blurred every word into static. All he could see was the way Wei Ying’s eyes sparkled under the café lights, the curve of his lips, the cascade of dark hair framing his face, the chiseled jaw that looked like it had been sculpted, the long elegant fingers that reached across the table.

He couldn’t believe this was happening to him—like a teenager nursing a first crush.

But this wasn’t some passing fancy. This was Wei Ying.

And for Lan Wangji, nothing had ever been more real.

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Hi everyone! I hope you’ve been doing well 💖 Thank you so much for your patience. I’m so sorry for the delayed update—exams have been intense lately 😩😩 but I’m almost done now! Thank you for your continued support, your votes, and your lovely comments. I truly appreciate them more than words can say. Please keep supporting me 💓💓💓😘😘