𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖

• Modern AU
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It was just another day at the university campus. Xie Lian was strolling through the hallways with an unreadable expression on his face as he fiddled with the buttons of his jacket. Behind him, Qi Rong was rambling on about something obnoxious.

"Honestly, Xie Lian, you're just too lame" Qi Rong sneered, crossing his arms. "I can't even believe you think you can fit in here. You're a disgrace to the family name."

Xie Lian sighed... barely glancing back. He knew Qi Rong’s words were just empty, meant to get under his skin but they never did. He was too soft hearted to fight back.

"That's cute" Xie Lian muttered with a smile, shrugging. "But I have better things to do."

Qi Rong scoffed. "You don’t have anything better to do than to disappoint everyone."

Suddenly, a dark chuckle echoed down the hallway. Xie Lian froze.. looking up just in time to see Hua Cheng walking toward them with that signature smirk on his face. His crimson eyes glimmered with mischief and his presence was enough to make anyone step aside.

"What’s this?" Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Are you bullying my Gege again, you green gremlin?"

Qi Rong raised an eyebrow, not intimidated in the least. "And who are you? His bodyguard? Don’t think you can get involved with this."

Hua Cheng's smirk only deepened. "Oh, I think I will."

Before anyone could react, Hua Cheng had swiftly grabbed Qi Rong by the collar and slammed him against the nearest locker. There was a loud clang.. followed by Qi Rong’s strangled protest.

"Maybe you should learn some manners" Hua Cheng said, voice dripping with mockery. "You know, like respecting people who aren't total jerks."

Xie Lian watched in stunned silence, feeling a bit bad for Qi Rong. Hua Cheng had a way of making everything look so effortless..like he was just playing with his toys.

Qi Rong spluttered, pushing weakly against the locker, his face red with indignation. "You-"

"Shhh..." Hua Cheng shushed him dramatically, pressing a finger to his lips. "You're being way too loud. I’m just here to teach you some respect but if you’re done, we can have a nice little chat... about how you should never talk to him like that again."

Xie Lian couldn’t hold it in any longer. He chuckled softly, stepping closer to the scene.

"You know, San Lang.. I don’t think he’ll learn anything from this.." Xie Lian said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "He’s a lost cause."

Hua Cheng turned to look at him, still holding Qi Rong up by the collar. "Oh, I’m not so sure about that. I think he's learning... slowly."

Finally, Hua Cheng dropped Qi Rong to the ground and giving him a playful shove with his boot. "Now, don’t make me do this again, Qi Rong. I’d hate to interrupt Gege peaceful day."

Qi Rong clearly embarrassed and furious, got to his feet and glared at the both of them. "You’ll regret this" he spat before storming off.

Xie Lian shook his head.. turning to Hua Cheng with a soft smile. "You really didn’t have to do that."

Hua Cheng shrugged nonchalantly while giving Xie Lian a charming smile. "Of course I did. I can’t let anyone disrespect you. Not on my watch."

Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat. "I can take care of myself, you know."

"I know~" Hua Cheng replied, his tone turning serious but affectionate. "But I’ll still be here, just in case."

Xie Lian blushed slightly, feeling warmth spread through him. "You're too sweet, San Lang.."

Hua Cheng leaned in a little closer, his smirk never fading. "Oh, I know. Look at you.. so shy, Gege.."

Xie Lian looked away, feeling his face turn even redder. "Don't say that."

"But I want to see more of your shyness.." Hua Cheng said, voice smooth as silk. Xie Lian bit his lip, trying not to smile. "You bullying me again, San Lang.."

Hua Cheng laughed softly, wrapping an arm around Xie Lian’s shoulders. "In a good way"

The two walked off together leaving behind a trail of curiosity among the students who had witnessed the scene. As for Qi Rong, he had learned one thing that day.. never mess with Xie Lian again. And especially never mess with Xie Lian when Hua Cheng was around.