I Heard You Only See Me as a Friend - Chapter 32

Valentine’s Day.

Ji Wan felt a faint sense of unease. He turned to look at Feng Jin sitting next to him.

Knowing it was Valentine’s Day, the fact that he and Feng Jin were wearing the exact same clothes felt even more awkward. Even though their matching outfits were entirely coincidental, it still made him feel restless.

Ji Wan tested the waters hesitantly: “Aren’t you busy on New Year’s Day? Maybe it’s better to go back as soon as we settle things.”

“Hm?” Feng Jin lifted his thin eyelids and glanced over. “What’s ‘better’? If we’re out to play, we play the whole day.”

Ji Wan: “…”

Without realizing it himself, Ji Wan’s expression had become somewhat grave.

Feng Jin watched Ji Wan’s expression for a moment before pulling out his pre-prepared excuse. He said lazily, “If you’re busy, go back yourself. Anyway, I’m not going back. I’d rather sit in an internet cafe all day than go back to be grilled about what type of Omega I like.”

Ji Wan let out a sigh of relief. So that was it. He figured that since today was a special day, Feng Jin must have been annoyed by his family’s questions and ran out to find him for a distraction.

Ji Wan relaxed a bit, leaning back against the seat. “Should we call Kong Liyan and the others out too?”

“You can try.” Feng Jin looked completely indifferent. “If you invite him, he might come but don’t tell him I’m here first.”

Ji Wan: “…Why?”

Feng Jin looked out at the street and said expressionlessly, “Look at the people all over the street. What two Alphas would come out to play on a day like this?”

Ji Wan froze and looked outside. There were many people out, men and women alike but he couldn’t distinguish their Second Genders at a glance.

The driver in the front seat laughed and chimed in: “Hahaha, that’s true! Alphas have strong aggression and possessiveness. It’s fine to hang out normally, but on a holiday like this, unless they’re extremely close, they won’t huddle together to play. Subconsciously, they’ll all be looking for a partner they can mark.”

Since even a random driver uncle said so, Ji Wan believed it. He extinguished the thought of messaging Kong Liyan to join them and gradually became more natural.

When they reached the city center and got out of the car, Ji Wan looked at the streets crowded with various couples and felt that he and Feng Jin were quite out of place. He asked, “What do you want to do?”

Since Feng Jin dared to ask Ji Wan out today, he had naturally made ample preparations. He had to keep Ji Wan from getting suspicious while also letting him feel the intimate atmosphere of Valentine’s Day. It was like walking a high-wire; every step had to be taken with caution.

“I don’t know, let’s just look around.” As Feng Jin spoke, he led Ji Wan aimlessly down the street, critiquing the activities around them as they walked.

A restaurant launched a massive “Couples’ Combo,” allowing sweet couples to eat from the same plate and bowl with a very generous discount.

Feng Jin passed by and critiqued it expressionlessly: “Unsanitary. Isn’t it easy to eat the other person’s saliva like that? Too unsanitary.”

Ji Wan: “…”

Ji Wan endured it, barely holding back from reminding Feng Jin that not only had Feng Jin eaten his food, but he had also directly “eaten” his saliva. Feng Jin must have forgotten those two things entirely to dare act so disgusted by others.

They passed a photo studio offering discounts for couples’ photos; the more intimate the pose, the bigger the discount.

Feng Jin continued to pick faults: “The more intimate, the bigger the discount how intimate can it get? Kissing in front of a camera? Just thinking about it is off-putting. Disgusting.”

Ji Wan: “…No wonder you’re still single.”

He couldn’t stand this couple interaction or that one; he was practically a born-and-bred “single dog.”

Since Feng Jin was so disdainful of those couple activities and seemed like such a “straight Alpha” with zero intention of dating, Ji Wan gradually relaxed even further.

Feng Jin led Ji Wan further until they reached a travel agency offering one-day local tours. There were no young couples inside; instead, there was a group of elderly people, at least sixty or seventy years old, all looking very happy.

Right at the entrance was a bright red notice: [Grand News! Our shop is launching a one-day local tour to let you feel the relaxation and joy of the holiday!]

Feng Jin stopped, stared at the sign inside, and said, “Let’s do this. Play nearby for a day and come back at dark. It’s safe. It’s all elderly people, so there shouldn’t be any strange activities. What do you think?”

Ji Wan: “…?”

By the time they got on the bus, Ji Wan still hadn’t quite processed the situation. How did things develop this way?

He and Feng Jin sat on the mid-sized bus surrounded by kind, elderly folks. Feng Jin sat on the aisle seat while he sat by the window.

Well, it was indeed very peaceful.

An old lady in the front seat turned back to look at them and said with a smile, “Young men, you two look so well-matched physically. You’re both so handsome!”

Ji Wan smiled and explained, “No, Grandma, we’re just friends out to play during the break.”

“Oh, oh, oh, friends.” The old lady nodded along but glanced at Feng Jin.

The old lady was an Alpha and could smell pheromones. Therefore, she could clearly smell the young Alpha’s scent faintly surrounding the beautiful Beta full of possessiveness and serving as a warning to anyone else peering in.

Yet, this young Beta was completely unaware.

Chasing someone and hasn’t caught them yet?

The old lady was well-traveled and didn’t mind playing matchmaker. She smiled, “Even as friends, you’re a great match physically! Am I right?”

Ji Wan wouldn’t seriously argue with an elder over this, so he accepted it with a mix of laughter and helplessness.

The tour guide on the bus prepared himself, stood up from the front seat, clapped his hands, and drew everyone’s attention: “Today marks a double holiday it’s New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day! Our agency also has special gifts to give to everyone!”

As the guide spoke, he pulled out a large bunch of fiery red roses and shook them in his hand. After someone led a cheer, the guide smiled again: “Of course, I can’t just give them to you directly. Let’s do a little activity.”

“Considering some might not be comfortable with overly intimate actions in public, as long as you hold hands, fingers interlaced. I’ll distribute the flowers to everyone. How about it?”

Holding hands was something the elderly people present could accept; they had grown used to holding each other throughout the years they spent together, so doing it now carried no psychological barrier.

Seeing the people in front and behind them all holding hands, Ji Wan: “…”

Feng Jin showed no reaction, only saying, “This shouldn’t matter, right? It’s not like we’ve never held hands. But if you’re unwilling, then forget it. At worst, we don’t get the flowers.”

“How can that be!” The old lady in front turned back again. “It’s foolish to refuse something for free. Besides, it’s just holding hands. It’s perfectly normal for two friends to hold hands; what’s there to be embarrassed about?”

Ji Wan let out a breath. He also felt that he was indeed too tense today. There was no need to overthink so many normal things. Since he and Feng Jin were friends, he should give Feng Jin enough trust. Moreover, given Feng Jin’s status and his disdain for dating, he wouldn’t have those kinds of thoughts about him.

Ji Wan acted naturally and extended a hand to Feng Jin: “Ready?”

Feng Jin pursed his lips, appearing slightly reluctant on the surface, and grasped Ji Wan’s hand.

Ji Wan’s hand was smaller than his, allowing him to fully grip it and wrap it in his own. Feng Jin slowly slid his fingers between Ji Wan’s, filling the gaps completely without leaving a single space.

The pheromones at his fingertips entwined around Ji Wan, staining those cool, pale fingers with the scent of earth after rain.

The guide handed the roses to Feng Jin. Feng Jin frowned at the roses and, with a face full of disdain, stuffed the flowers into Ji Wan’s other hand.

Ji Wan didn’t refuse. The scent of the roses was rich; he brought them to his nose to smell and offered a shallow smile.

The fiery red petals formed a sharp contrast with his fair face. Feng Jin glanced at him, imprinting the scene into his mind, then controlled himself and forced his gaze away.

One day, he would have Ji Wan holding a massive bouquet of red roses. Those petals would be scattered over Ji Wan’s body during the chaos, the delicate petals crushed into juice, emitting a dizzying and rich fragrance.

But now was not yet the time.

The bus traveled smoothly to the destination of the day trip. It was a large strawberry orchard. Next to the orchard was a huge garden and a leisure area where everyone could move freely.

It looked rustic and had a “farm-stay” feel. Ji Wan couldn’t help but laugh. He had to admit, imagining Feng Jin picking strawberries in a field was a scene full of both a sense of incongruity and humor—it had nothing to do with a Valentine’s Day atmosphere. It was clear Feng Jin truly didn’t want anything to do with the romance of Valentine’s Day.

Feng Jin smiled too and asked, “What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing.” Ji Wan cleared his throat, controlling his laughter, and led Feng Jin to the strawberry field.

Most of the other people were in the garden or the leisure area; only a few were in the strawberry field with them, and they were all far off.

Ji Wan crouched down in a corner with Feng Jin. After picking two strawberries, he handed one to him: “Try it?”

Feng Jin took it and ate it. Ji Wan ate one too; the taste was good—sweet and sour with a rich strawberry flavor. Feng Jin was clearly satisfied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he ate. However, after finishing, he said, “We Alphas don’t like this kind of thing. Too sweet. The taste is just average.”

Ji Wan: “…”

“Oh, I see. What a pity. Then I’ll have to trouble you to help me carry the basket while I eat them,” Ji Wan said.

Feng Jin huffed but didn’t object. He took the small basket from Ji Wan’s hand and silently reached out to pick the large, beautiful strawberries.

As they were picking, a strawberry was held up to his lips. Feng Jin looked over to see Ji Wan squinting his eyes and smiling at him.

“This one isn’t sweet; it’s not ‘too sweet’ anymore,” Ji Wan said. “Try it.”

Feng Jin opened his mouth slightly. The strawberry was pushed in, its sweet flesh crushed and swallowed, the abundant juice tasting sweet all the way to his heart.

Feng Jin looked up subtly, his peripheral vision sweeping over the elderly couples in the distance. Those old couples were helping each other and would occasionally feed one another.

…Just like him and Ji Wan.

Ji Wan and Feng Jin chatted as they picked.

“What did I have for New Year’s dinner… I almost forgot. I think I just had dumplings.” Ji Wan plucked a strawberry. Recalling the conversation at the dinner table earlier, his expression cooled slightly, but he still reminded Feng Jin about the person in charge of material procurement.

“I know. I’ll handle it later. Let’s not talk about them now,” Feng Jin said.

Ji Wan nodded. Just as he was about to start another topic, his finger touched something with a strange texture.

Ji Wan looked closely and found a bug hiding under a green leaf. Startled, the bug took flight, stumbling along until it crashed into Ji Wan’s neck, then frantically circled to his nape and finally bit him.

Ji Wan hissed, “Ouch—”

The bug was quickly swatted away by Feng Jin. Feng Jin said anxiously, “Are you okay? Come on, I’ll take you to a doctor.”

“Don’t be nervous…” Ji Wan was quite calm. “That kind of bug isn’t poisonous. I just startled it, and it bit me. It’ll be fine in half an hour.”

Feng Jin didn’t care if it was poisonous or not. Seeing Ji Wan’s unhurried manner, he simply ran off to talk to the team leader. He successfully obtained a tube of ointment, then pulled Ji Wan to the rest area to apply it.

The bite was on the upper part of his nape. The edges of the bite were red, looking somewhat pitiful against the surrounding snow-white skin. Feng Jin pursed his lips, his face gradually darkening.

“No need to be so serious; it’s not a big deal,” Ji Wan comforted him, seeing the atmosphere become visibly heavy. “I’m not made of glass.”

Not a big deal? This was already a very big deal. He hadn’t protected Ji Wan well. This time it was lucky it wasn’t poisonous, but what if it was?

Feng Jin applied the medicine in silence. Ji Wan felt there was no need for medicine at all; it was just a bug bite slightly worse than a mosquito did it really need ointment?

Ji Wan reached back and grabbed the hem of Feng Jin’s coat: “Is it because you haven’t released pheromones in a while that your mood fluctuates so easily? Stop smearing that; I’ll go help you solve ‘your’ problem.”

Feng Jin ignored him and applied a thick layer of ointment before finally stopping.

Ji Wan stood up and led the visibly brooding Feng Jin to a deserted, secluded corner. “Hurry up.”

Feng Jin looked at the ointment on the back of Ji Wan’s neck and said irritably, “Bite what? I’m not biting.”

He tried his best to suppress his anger: “Wait two days until your wound is healed.”

Ji Wan frowned. Although the bug bite wasn’t exactly on his gland, it was very close. With the medicine smeared there, he certainly couldn’t bite it.

“Then there’s no choice.” Ji Wan turned to face Feng Jin and joked, “We can only perform a ‘communicative activity’ that fits the holiday atmosphere.”

Ji Wan spoke lightly, without a trace of ulterior motive. After all, it wasn’t like they hadn’t done it before. Once is new, twice is familiar this activity had already been categorized by him into the scope of “pure mutual aid between good friends” and “friends for a lifetime.”

Feng Jin appeared somewhat stiff, and the gloom on his face dissipated. He didn’t refuse again, stiffly reaching out to put his arm around Ji Wan’s shoulder.

“Too sudden. Let me catch my breath,” Feng Jin said.

Ji Wan nodded and patted Feng Jin’s back, letting the man who found “eating someone’s saliva” disgusting have a moment.

Feng Jin closed his eyes.

Being able to kiss Ji Wan on Valentine’s Day was something he hadn’t expected. What he hoped for was simply to spend a day with Ji Wan without raising his guard, he hadn’t even dared to imagine going further.

It was simply… a huge blessing. Just thinking about it made his blood boil. He had to use all his strength just to look normal on the surface.

Feng Jin hugged him for a moment and noticed something: “What’s in your pocket? Why is it so hard? It’s poking me.”

Ji Wan also remembered the item: “Oh, it’s the perfume you gave me.”

Ji Wan pulled out the perfume. “Last time you said to spray some when I go out with you. I brought it when I left, but I forgot about it later.”

The perfume bottle emitted a scent similar to his pheromones. Feng Jin whispered persuasively: “Then… spray some now?”

Ji Wan had no objection, so Feng Jin picked up the bottle and sprayed it on him. The same scent mixed with his actual pheromones, enveloping Ji Wan.

Feng Jin could no longer endure and leaned forward.

Ji Wan closed his eyes and cooperatively opened his mouth.

The sweet taste of strawberries still lingered in both their mouths. This was a kiss filled with the aroma of strawberries. The scent on Ji Wan’s body was similar to his pheromones, yet it wasn’t quite it.

His pheromones stayed on Ji Wan only to be thinned by the wind a moment later, leaving only the perfume which felt like pheromones to remain for a long, long time.