Smile - LXC x JC fanfic

Precious

“Wanyin - !” Lan Xichen called, running after Jiang Cheng.

But, he lost him. A deep hole appeared on his chest, making him hard to breathe as he remembered Jiang Cheng’s back earlier when he chased him.

“Wanyin…” he muttered under his breath. “Why don’t you let me explain…?” he asked and gritted his teeth as he heard footsteps behind him. “Wangji.” He said.

“Brother.” Lan Wangji answered and stopped a few feet away from him.

Lan Xichen slowly raised his head and saw his younger brother. A bitter smile appeared on his face. “Why can’t I be like you…?” he asked as his tears finally fell.

Why can’t he be as decisive as his younger brother? Because of him hesitating with his feelings, he lost him.

It all started with that one simple question.

“Why do you smile?” he asked him.

He stopped and looked at him, surprised. "...en?" He said. "What does Sect Leader Jiang means?" He asked.

Yes. It’s Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng grimaced and looked at him, hesitating. "...no. Forget what I said." He said and sipped his drink.

He looked at him. "Why I smile..." he muttered. "Sect Leader Jiang... haven't smiled before?" he asked.

Jiang Cheng's hand froze. His face became serious. "... I did." He answered.

"Then why did you smile?" he asked.

"... I was happy." Jiang Cheng answered.

He stared at him. 'was'. He thought, then lowered his head. "I am sad." He said after a while.

Jiang Cheng looked at him.

He raised his head, then smiled. "Like I am now." He told him. "Sect Leader Jiang... seems doesn't know how to differentiate smiles." He said, then stood up. "Seems like Sect Leader Jiang isn't in the mood to talk. I'll be taking my leave." He said and quietly walked towards the door.

Yes. I am sad. He thought and stopped. He felt the cold night breeze touched his skin. It’s as cold as what he’s feeling right now.

He was about to leave when he stopped.
"How will I know?" Jiang Cheng softly said. "I don't know how to do it anymore." He said.

He sharply turned, wide-eyed, and looked at the shadow of the person inside. He… he thought. He walked back, his pace fast. How can I be stupid? He thought. Of course he can’t smile, given what happened to his family. He thought and bit his lip. I was the one who even went and helped him! Stupid! He thought and sighed.

He stopped in front of the door. He raised his hand and was about to knock when the lights went off.
“Ah.” He said. “He must be sleeping now.” He muttered.

He silently left.

What happened next was out of his expectations. He stared, wide-eyed, at his hands bathed in blood of Jin Guangyao.

“No…” he muttered under his breath as tears ran down his cheeks. “No…” he said. Just what did I do?! He thought.

Jin Guangyao looked at him. To his surprise, he smiled. “… be strong.” He told him. “I’ve… finally paid my debts to you – “ he told him and slowly closed his eyes, a peaceful smile on his face.
“NO!” he screamed and caught him when he fell down.