I Heard You Only See Me as a Friend - Chapter 38.1

The atmosphere congealed into ice for a moment, no one even dared to speak.

They looked at Ji Wan, then at Feng Jin. The cards in Kong Liyan’s hand even slipped and fell to the floor.

The feeling of being stared at by everyone simultaneously was subtle. Ji Wan was slightly tipsy, but he wasn’t so drunk that his brain was completely knotted. He began to struggle, trying to break free from the hand Feng Jin had pressed against him, wanting to turn around and see what on earth had happened behind him to make the others show such a “shocked to the point of dropping their melons” expression.

Feng Jin withdrew his pheromones.

As the oppressive weight on their shoulders lifted, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They were jolted awake from their tipsy, drunken states, becoming soberly clear-headed in a mess of confusion.

“What happened?” Ji Wan asked.

Feng Jin kept his hand on the back of Ji Wan’s neck, giving the others a pointed look with his eyes, yet his tone sounded puzzled: “I don’t know. Maybe they suddenly had a fit.”

Kong Liyan shuddered, instinctively tapping into the highest IQ of his life: “Ah… there was a huge spider on the ceiling behind you just now. Scared me to death!”

As soon as these words were out, the others chimed in one after another.

“Me too, me too.” “It was huge! What kind of thing is that? Is it Spider-Man?!”

This was quite a big deal. Ji Wan was startled and forcibly broke free from Feng Jin’s hand to look back, but he saw nothing.

“You actually believe them,” Feng Jin analyzed calmly. “They’re either drunk and seeing things, or they’re intentionally teasing you.”

Ji Wan thought it made sense; there couldn’t be a spider that large. He let out a reassured smile. Sigh, your brain really isn’t as flexible after drinking. Feng Jin is still the best he just can’t get drunk no matter what.

This round of the game was scrapped due to the “sudden appearance of the spider,” and the next round began.

The game continued, but it suddenly became as mild as a spring breeze. “What’s your favorite color?” “What flavor do you like to eat most?” “When was the first time, uh, the first time you got a perfect score on a test?”

After playing through several kindergarten-level questions like this, Ji Wan stood up to go to the restroom. As he stood, he wobbled, and Feng Jin immediately caught him.

“Can you stand steady? I’ll help you over,” Feng Jin said, completely disregarding the way the others’ eyes were nearly popping out of their heads. Ji Wan refused Feng Jin’s support and moved slowly toward the restroom on his own.

Once Ji Wan had completely left and the restroom door clicked shut, everyone let out a collective breath of relief. They then stared in unison at the composed Feng Jin.

Feng Jin picked up a slice of watermelon and took two bites. He lifted his eyes, which were bright and showed no trace of drunkenness: “If you have something to ask, ask it all at once.”

The soundproofing here was top-tier; the conversations outside absolutely could not be heard in the bathroom. Everyone was bursting with questions, yet they were so shocked they didn’t know what to ask first.

Fang Wei asked stutteringly: “Are… are you drunk?” “I’m not drunk,” Feng Jin said. “Asking that is meaningless. You haven’t even considered the possibility that this is ‘truth after wine’.”

Everyone: “…” That makes it even scarier!

“You can play with him, but don’t cross the line. What ‘too intimate actions’ include… I shouldn’t need to say,” Feng Jin’s voice wasn’t loud, but it made people’s hair stand on end. The possessiveness in his words was already as clear as it could be.

Kong Liyan had remained silent. He looked at Feng Jin, recalling all the things that had felt off but he hadn’t known why they felt off. Like the matching clothes Feng Jin and Ji Wan bought. Like when the heat broke and Feng Jin was willing to let Ji Wan into his bed to sleep together for warmth even letting him sleep on the inside to prevent him from falling. Like when he reached for Ji Wan’s shoulder and was always shooed away by Feng Jin for various reasons.

A multitude of things surfaced in Kong Liyan’s mind, leading to the most reasonable explanation one he previously would never have believed even if he were beaten to death. Feng Jin liked Ji Wan. And it was a secret crush.

“My confession to you this time, besides telling you not to cross the line, is also because I hold another hope.” Feng Jin’s expression was serious, his brow slightly lowered like a statue full of heavy thoughts. “Help me.”

When Ji Wan returned from the restroom, the room was still lively, looking completely normal. “Wan-wan, come, continue!” Kong Liyan called out.

Ji Wan walked over and sat down. He rubbed the corners of his eyes, feeling less and less like using his brain to think. He felt groggy but didn’t want to sleep. Did that wine actually have such a strong aftereffect?

Kong Liyan dealt the cards. Ji Wan picked up his card and glanced at it. Number One. Feng Jin was still leaning against him. Ji Wan didn’t mind, nor did he notice Feng Jin making a “one” sign with his hand behind his back, followed by a “two.”

Receiving the signal, Zhang Yangli, who had drawn the Joker card, said nervously: “Then… Number One, Truth or Dare?” Ji Wan chose “Truth.” Zhang Yangli, trying to help Feng Jin, stammered a question: “Do… do you have someone you like?” Ji Wan shook his head without hesitation: “No.”

Everyone stole a glance at Feng Jin, unsure whether to be happy or sad. Happy, because Ji Wan didn’t have anyone he liked. Sad, because it also meant he didn’t like Feng Jin at least not in that way. Feng Jin’s gaze was deep, showing no reaction to those words.

The next round began, and this time Kong Liyan got the Joker. Feng Jin signaled two numbers behind his back again, and thus Ji Wan was honored to be picked once more. Kong Liyan looked at Feng Jin, then at Ji Wan, and a sudden spark of inspiration hit him!

Ji Wan had said before that it wasn’t his first kiss, and the person he kissed was a friend. At the time, they thought it was just a prank while playing games with friends. Thinking back now, could it be…

“Wan-wan, that friend who kissed you… who was it?” Kong Liyan asked with difficulty.

Ji Wan froze. Even with his groggy brain, he knew he couldn’t say. Otherwise, given the teasing ability of Feng Jin’s friends, they might fast-forward his relationship with Feng Jin straight to marriage, pregnancy, and children. “I choose ‘Dare’,” Ji Wan said.

Watching Ji Wan step into the deep pit completely unaware, Kong Liyan covered his eyes and said with a complex mood: “Then, then give Number Three a kiss.” Ji Wan frowned, about to refuse, when a voice cut in and spoke first: “Number Three? That’s me.” Feng Jin flipped over his card and displayed it, it was indeed Number Three.

Ji Wan: “Uh…” Before Ji Wan could speak, the rest of the group let out a sharp intake of cold breath and began a chaotic clamor: “Heavens, it’s actually Brother Feng!” “Oh, didn’t Brother Feng say he wouldn’t play this? Let’s consider this round void.” “How can it be like that? Do you take us for brothers? Everyone else can play, but he’s unique and can’t? “Exactly! What’s the meaning of this?”

“…Don’t argue. Feng Jin isn’t that kind of person.” Seeing that a fight was about to break out, Ji Wan instinctively stepped in to mediate. The crowd went quiet for a moment. No one expected Ji Wan to speak up for Feng Jin, as according to their plan, Kong Liyan was supposed to be the peacemaker.

It was Kong Liyan who snapped back to his senses first, following Ji Wan’s words: “Right, right, Wan-wan is right. Brother Feng isn’t like that! We’re all brothers; Brother Feng wouldn’t be so disrespectful, right, Brother Feng?” Feng Jin didn’t speak; he just nodded. He looked at Ji Wan and gripped Ji Wan’s wrist: “Well then?”

Ji Wan hadn’t been willing to kiss anyone while playing this game before, but if the partner was Feng Jin, it seemed somewhat acceptable. After all, with him and Feng Jin, it was a case of “one time to get used to it, twice to be a pro.”

Seeing that Ji Wan’s expression was no longer resistant and he looked quite accustomed to it, everyone also associated this with the friend Ji Wan had mentioned kissing before. …No way! Feng Jin, this “big-tailed wolf,” had actually made a move long ago! And after making a move, he was still treated as a friend by Ji Wan!

Their current mood was unspeakable, but eventually, all emotions were overwhelmed by excitement; they couldn’t wait to see the kiss. However, this intention was noticed by Feng Jin. He lazily lifted his eyelids and glanced at them, and everyone’s hearts skipped a beat as they immediately scattered.

“Everyone, don’t crowd Brother Feng! I believe in Brother Feng’s character; what he promises, he will definitely do! Let’s give Brother Feng some space!” “Right, right, exactly. Brother Feng, be conscious of yourself!”

Feng Jin could not allow the others to see Ji Wan being kissed. After everyone had left, he finally grasped Ji Wan’s hand and leaned in close. Ji Wan looked at Feng Jin’s face and remarked: “What a coincidence, Brother Feng.” Feng Jin smiled: “Yes, what a coincidence.”

Ji Wan added: “Since that’s the case, might as well settle your pheromones for these past few days while we’re at it. You haven’t bitten me for several days either.”

Settle his pheromones? Wouldn’t that mean… Feng Jin recalled the previous kisses. Every time they finished, there was that touch of red at the corners of Ji Wan’s eyes, his lips appearing redder and softer than usual, and his eyes misted with water…

The desire to hide the person away rose again. Ji Wan while being kissed could not be seen by others, and Ji Wan after being kissed could not be seen by others either.

Feng Jin looked righteous: “No, not here. It’s too awkward; I don’t want them to see. I can carry out this round of punishment with you according to our agreement, but we have to wait until they’ve all left and won’t be coming back.”

“Oh,” Ji Wan nodded. “You’re shy.” Feng Jin didn’t deny it, but continued: “We’ll lie to them and pretend we already kissed. We’ll carry out the promise separately after returning to the dorm. That way, I won’t be considered a spoilsport.” “Mhm, good idea,” Ji Wan praised. “Then call them in. We’re already done.”

Thus, when everyone came in, what they saw was a Ji Wan whose face wasn’t red and whose breathing was steady. Everyone: “…” Who would have thought! Brother Feng… you actually ‘can’t’! Feng Jin, you actually ‘can’t’!

The game didn’t last too late. At midnight, they properly shared the cake, without the situation Ji Wan feared of getting a face full of cream. After everyone had a piece of cake, the cleverer ones began to realize they should leave space for Feng Jin and Ji Wan to be alone; the foolish ones didn’t think of this at all.

“Going back to the dorm so soon?” Kong Liyan was surprised. “I thought we’d play all night? Well then, it’s your birthday, you’re the boss. Let’s go, we’ll take a taxi back. I’ll sit in the front and leave the back seat for you and Wan-wan.” Feng Jin: “…”

“Kong Liyan, didn’t you say you wanted to sit in a line at a top-tier hotel, facing the river view, and play games with the guys?” Feng Jin said. “For my birthday, I want to fulfill your wish. I’ve booked a room for you here that perfectly fits your requirements. The people are here too, so you just play games with them there. You don’t need to go back.” Kong Liyan took the card, overjoyed: “This is so great? That’s so embarrassing” Kong Liyan didn’t get to finish; he was quickly dragged away by the others.

In the blink of an eye, only Ji Wan and Feng Jin were left. Feng Jin pulled Ji Wan into a taxi and didn’t let go even while sitting in the car. Ji Wan followed the posture and leaned his head on Feng Jin’s shoulder: “Actually, I’m a bit dizzy. That wine is delicious, truly delicious, but the dizziness is also real.”

“Mhm,” Feng Jin’s face was indistinct in the shadows. “The wine you drank tastes like a beverage when you drink it, but the alcohol content is actually very high, it all shows up in the aftereffects. But you only had one glass; you shouldn’t feel too bad when you wake up tomorrow.” “You really know a lot. Then I’m relieved.” Ji Wan closed his eyes, peacefully using Feng Jin as a pillow.

Feng Jin adjusted his posture to make Ji Wan sleep more comfortably. He was itching to press Ji Wan’s head into his chest but restrained himself. Once they got off the taxi and returned to the dorm, Ji Wan immediately perked up. “I have a gift for you,” Ji Wan said happily. “I think you’ll like it.” Ji Wan stood on his tiptoes to reach the sketchbook hidden high on the bookshelf. After getting it, he tried to step back but bumped into Feng Jin’s chest.

“What gift?” Feng Jin didn’t retreat, but reached out his hands directly from behind. “Open it and let’s see?” Ji Wan felt this posture was convenient for looking at the gift together, so he didn’t move and opened it in that position.

Inside were drawings of memorable scenes from when Ji Wan and Feng Jin were together. Feng Jin flipped through the pages in silence, looking at each page very slowly and occasionally letting out a light chuckle. Halfway through, Feng Jin stopped: “Student Ji, it must have taken a lot of time to draw this.” Ji Wan nodded honestly. Feng Jin buried his head in Ji Wan’s shoulder, letting out a few muffled laughs, then lifted his head after a while to continue looking.

After finishing, Feng Jin closed the sketchbook and carefully placed it in a clean spot before saying seriously: “I like it very much. There is only one flaw.” Ji Wan frowned: “Hmm? A flaw?” “There are too few pages.” Feng Jin’s voice wasn’t loud but was very earnest. “Not enough.”

Few? This sketchbook was very thick, already enough to draw at least twenty or thirty years’ worth. If he and Feng Jin saw each other less frequently, it could even last forty or fifty years by then, they might not even still be in contact. Ji Wan disagreed: “It’s quite a lot.” “Not enough.” Feng Jin wouldn’t budge an inch.

Ji Wan remembered today was Feng Jin’s birthday and decided not to argue with the birthday boy, smoothly changing his tune: “You’re right. But once it’s full, we can buy a second book and continue.” Feng Jin was finally satisfied and let go of Ji Wan. Is the birthday party and blessing over now? Thinking this, Ji Wan groggily went to find his clothes to prepare for a shower.

The lights in the dorm suddenly went out. In the darkness, a hand rested on his shoulder. “Student, the birthday boy has one last question,” Ji Wan heard Feng Jin say. “What?” Ji Wan asked curiously. “Why are the lights off?” “It’s just…” Feng Jin leaned his head over, close to Ji Wan’s ear. “That friend who kissed you,” Feng Jin perfectly imitated the tone Kong Liyan used when asking earlier, “who was it?”

Warm air rushed into his ear canal. When Ji Wan realized what Feng Jin was saying, his ears heated up, and half of his body felt a bit numb. But fortunately, he quickly snapped back to his senses, realized Feng Jin’s subtext, and gave Feng Jin a punch, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Feng Jin was reminding him not to forget that agreed-upon Dare, nor to forget to help comb through the excess pheromones.