My Lethe

Did that mean he was... Gay?

Qiang entered the classroom moments after the bell rang.  Of course, the home teacher spotted the obvious Qiang as he entered.  However, the other students were too lost in chatter to notice that he came in.  Truthfully, he held himself differently today. Usually when he walked into the classroom he made sort of an entrance.  He slammed the door, or said a rude remark to the teacher that saved no time in scolding.  But today, when the teacher said "you're late, again," he accepted the fact and continued to walk.  Even his posture slanted downward. 

When Qiang sat in his desk, the student in front of him turned around.  He eyed Qiang up and down, immediately noticing that his uniform was wrinkled today.  That wasn't usual of Qiang who was always very cautious about his appearance.  And besides the wrinkled clothing, his skin looked pale and there were dark circles under his eyes.  This was very unlike the popular and handsome student!

"Whoa! Even Qiang has his bad moments and flaws! " Qiang rolled his eyes and leaned forward to pluck the student in his forehead, but instead, leaned back.  He was certainly not in the mood to bother with his usual shenanigans," Are you ill?"

"No," the word came out rather coldly, and very nonchalantly," there anything else you want to say?"

Realizing that he didn't the student tried back around. Qiang truly was very harsh, but oh was he a combination of wonderful things! He was handsome, wealthy, and popular! No matter how intimidating and cold Qiang was, it was impossible not to be tempted to bow to him like he was a king of some sort.

Noticing his behavior, Zhang Wei took it upon himself to quietly examined Qiang throughout the day.  It was true that he did look ill, and he even behaved so.  Usually he was full of chatter and said rather obnoxious things, but today he was oddly quiet. Even when Zhang Wei spoke to him Qiang only slightly responded.  He would only nod or would give a simple one worded response.  It was truly unlike Qiang to behave this way and Zhang Wei was really beginning to wonder exactly what came over the boy .

"Hey Qiang, are you really ill? Perhaps you need to go to the infirmary ," Zhang Wei said.  The classroom was now emptier due to it being the free period.  Some students went to the cafeteria while others went to the gymnasium, and others walked around campus with friends.  The classroom was only occupied by seven students in total. 

Qiang shook his head and continued to scribble circles on the homework.  He didn't feel ill necessarily, but he was exhausted. Over the weekend Qiang was so angry and felt so betrayed by his father that he slept in his car.  Well, barely.  Such a tall boy could not fit in such a small car.  He really cursed him self for having an interest in sports cars.  It was impossible to get comfortable or get any sleep.

"Then what is it? Are you angry with me? Maybe because I didn't let you have-" Qiang quickly looked at Zhang Wei. Of course that wasn't it. Sure he wanted to have sex with him but he would never hold a grudge should Zhang Wei deny it. 

"Fuck, no!  Why would you say something like that, Wei?!" Qiang repositioned his body to face Zhang Wei, and secretively rubbed his fingers against Zhang Wei's hands. He wanted to hold his hand but he knew it wasn't the time or place for that.

"Then what is it?"

Qiang only shrugged his shoulders.  He could never tell Zhang Wei exactly why he was so upset.  It was something too hard to explain. And especially something too ridiculous. 

"It's not something that you need to worry about, Zhang Wei.  It's something only I need to care about," Zhang Wei nodded.  There was something about Qiang that made it easy to trust and believe in," Want to go home together?  "

Zhang Wei nodded," Sure."

~~~~~~~~~

Zhang Wei and Qiang arrived home to the usual empty house.  Zhang Wei had already sent a text to Yong and got permission for the older boy to spend the day there. Even though Yong and Liling weren't truly acquainted with Qiang, they were surprised and excited that Zhang Wei was already so close with another boy.  They suspected it would be weeks before he would gain a friend.