mosaics ; junhao

一

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c h a p t e r  o n e

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Junhui had seen the same boy in multiple places, and everytime he saw him, the boy was busy doing something related to mosaics.

The boy had light dyed hair that was cut neatly, and Junhui had never seen him smile much in the many years they had been classmates. Something inside Junhui made him want to make the boy smile, for some reason - maybe he just loved the feeling of bringing someone happiness, even if just a little. Or maybe he wanted to feel proud, accomplished if doing something that seemed so difficult. Maybe he wanted to feel special and appreciated.

With that in mind, Junhui walks over to the said boy and peeks over his shoulder at the mosaic piece that he was busy creating.

Junhui knows that the other boy is Chinese, like himself, so he speaks in Mandarin once he reaches him, knowing that it was the more familiar language for both of them.

"That's really pretty," Junhui says softly. "I like it."

The other boy looks up, surprise flickering in his eyes for a split second before he slightly bows his head politely.

"Thank you," He says quietly, and Junhui smiles at him kindly, hoping he doesn't seem intimidating.

"How long have you liked mosaics?" Junhui asks curiously.

"Ever since I was a little kid," The boy replies. "My dad showed them to me when I was younger. They're...good memories."

"I think you're talented," Junhui says, leaning over the table to take a closer look at the artwork. The shards of glass and marbles assembled together created a mixture of shiny, colorful and stunning textures. "I like your work."

"Why are you being nice to me?"

Junhui frowns in confusion, taken aback by the question. "I'm saying how I feel, and is that not allowed?"

The boy shakes his head. "Sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I just was confused as to why you were being nice to me."

Junhui sits down across from him. "Are you...not used to people being nice to you? Uh, not like that's weird, I'm just-"

"Yeah," The boy replies. "Nobody's really nice to me."

Junhui feels his heart sink. "Why?"

The boy shrugs. "Beats me. Maybe they just don't like me."

"I'll be nice to you, then." Junhui offers. "We can be friends."

The boy seems hesitant, but nods. "Okay..." He mumbles something inaudible.

"What was that last part?" Junhui asks, but the boy shakes his head, insiditing,
"It's nothing."

"What's your name?" Junhui asks him.

"Minghao. Xu Minghao."

"I'm Wen Junhui," Junhui reaches his hand out, and Minghao takes it, shaking his hand lightly. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Minghao murmurs softly, and he looks away shyly.

"You're so cute." Junhui laughs a bit shyly.

Minghao's cheeks turn a light pink color. "I am not."

"Yes, you are." Junhui insists, and reaches forward to pinch Minghao's cheek lightly. "See you later, Minghao!" He waves at Minghao, who waves back. Junhui giggles to himself happily as he walks away.