The Fine Print✔️

Chapter 6

Sheng Zhan looks at my belly with what can only be described as second-hand embarrassment. 

 He looks at the compass once again, "I think we should first look for something to make your stomach stop grumbling."

"Haha." I laugh awkwardly and pat him on the back, "It can wait. It's not that serious."

I hear Weredra chuckle a second before my stomach makes embarrassing noises once again.

I laugh louder, trying to drown out the noise, but Zhan looks at me with, 'Give it up already' look in his beautiful eyes.

Did I mention his eyes are beautiful? Because they totally are beautiful.

I walk forward with renewed vigor trying to put space between him and myself.

I have only walked a few hundred meters when I spot an apple tree laden with vibrant red apples.

'It's not even the season, Weredra. Can you at least try to be a little subtle?' 

 I school my features into a happy/surprised look before turning back and pointing at the tree, "Zhan, we are in luck."

Before I can say more, Zhan runs past me and starts climbing the tree like a pro. Once he is high enough, he plucks a few and gestures to me to walk closer. Without warning, he starts tossing the apples to me. 

 Obviously, I catch them like a hero is supposed to. I don't even drop one!

"I think that's enough," I yell in a few minutes, and he starts climbing down.

I hear Weredra chuckle, and a split second later, Zhan loses his footing and almost falls on the hard ground.. almost. Because obviously, I catch him... in my arms. But before I can gloat about my skills, Zhan literally jumps out of my arms.

"Get the fuck away from me!' He yells with an offended look on his face.

I blink a few times and turn away. I don't want him to see my tears. I immediately make an angry expression and turn back. "Sheng Zhan, is that how your parents have taught you to thank someone who has saved your life!?" 

 I am fully aware of the words I have used and how bad they might hurt him. I couldn't help it, though. I had been observing him for a while now, and I was starting to get the feeling that he was perhaps homophobic.

I pick up the apples I had dropped and start walking forward. I hear Zhan following me in silence; it's awkward. I don't like it. But I had self-respect and a bit of ego, and I had decided that I would not be apologizing to him. At least, I would not be the first one to apologize.

After a few minutes, he increases his pace and starts walking next to me like before, "I am sorry. That was uncalled for. And thank you for saving me." He says without looking at me.

I nod, "Mn." and keep walking, trying to look cool. 

 But that was not to be, as once again, my stomach growls. 'Fuck!'

I stop abruptly; I walk to a nearby tree. Zhan follows. We eat apples in silence before resuming to walk towards our destination. 

"It's strange."

I look at Zhan questioningly, "Mn?"

"It's not apple season. Also, we haven't come across any more apple trees either."

"Mn." I nod but don't voice my thoughts. I know that I am coming across as cold and distant. 

I have every right to be upset, alright!