My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Wen Shu stared at the pink helmet Pei Xian was holding out. “Wait, this isn’t your girlfriend’s, is it? It wouldn’t be right for me to use it.” Looking at Pei Xian, he didn’t seem like the type to use such a cute color.

What girlfriend? Pei Xian retorted instantly, emphasizing, I’m single! I even put that on my ‘Special Talents’ form!

Alright, alright. Wen Shu didn’t want to hear another long-winded lecture about his status. He picked up the helmet. How do I put this on?

Pei Xian took the helmet back. There’s a buckle here. He leaned in close to Wen Shu, whispering, Let me help you.

Unexpectedly, the helmet he’d chosen fit perfectly. Because of the padding, Wen Shu’s cheeks were squished together like a little hamster storing grain. With only his eyes visible and those currently closed Pei Xian noticed for the first time that the corners of Wen Shu’s eyes turned downward. It made him look pitiable and sweet, a far cry from his usual commanding presence.

They were incredibly close. Pei Xian felt that he didn’t even need to reach out; if he just took one step forward, he could pull Wen Shu into a tight embrace. His gaze lingered greedily on Wen Shu’s face.

Wen Shu snapped his eyes open and found Pei Xian staring at him. His voice sounded muffled from inside the helmet. “Is it too small? I feel like all the skin on my face is being squeezed upward.” Moreover, the look in Pei Xian’s eyes was strange, causing him to instinctively take a few steps back.

It’s not too small; it’s tight to keep us safe. Pei Xian picked up his own helmet, masking the emotions in his eyes, and swung a leg over the motorcycle.

Get on. Wen Shu had to stand on his tiptoes to reach the seat. Before he could say a word, he heard the engine roar as Pei Xian gripped the handlebars tight, looking like he was about to launch at any second. Wen Shu reflexively grabbed Pei Xian’s waist. What are you doing, Pei Xian! Give a guy a warning!

Here we go Pei Xian answered craftily. He thought to himself: If I’d warned him, he would’ve been prepared and wouldn’t be holding me this tight.

The black motorcycle cut through the night. Wen Shu clung tightly to the waist in front of him. He could clearly feel the rhythm of Pei Xian’s breathing the rise and fall of it. The jacket wasn’t thick, and the body underneath felt rock-solid, but Pei Xian’s waist was surprisingly lean for someone who looked so broad and powerful.

Pei Xian, however, was suffering. As much as he had enjoyed the initial move, he was now in agony. Wen Shu’s hands were resting properly on his waist, his touch so light Pei Xian could barely feel it, but the mere thought that Wen Shu was holding him made him vibrate with excitement.

At the same time, he felt a twinge of regret that Wen Shu was consciously keeping his body back, not pressing against him. Suddenly, they hit a speed bump. Unable to control the momentum, Wen Shu’s entire body slammed into his back. Given their positions, Pei Xian felt the contact vividly. Ah! he couldn’t help but let out a low groan.

Sorry! Wen Shu heard the sound and assumed he had hurt him. It’s fine, Pei Xian replied, his voice muffled as if he really were in pain from the impact.

In reality, Pei Xian’s brain was frantically scanning his mental map, trying to remember where every single speed bump in the area was located. Unfortunately, his home wasn’t far from the school. If it wouldn’t be too obvious, he’d have turned around and driven the route again.

We’re here. Pei Xian stopped the bike, bracing it with his long legs to keep it low until Wen Shu dismounted. Only then did he turn off the ignition.

Wen Shu struggled for a good while to get the helmet off. Feeling a bit dazed, he patted his cheeks and rubbed his face with his hands, trying to clear his head.

When Pei Xian turned around, he saw Wen Shu rubbing his face like a kitten grooming itself, and he was instantly struck by how cute it was. Seeing the pink hair all messy and exploded and Wen Shu’s confused gaze, Pei Xian couldn’t resist reaching out to daringly pat his head. He pulled his hand back before Wen Shu could fully register it and spoke first: Let’s go.

Wen Shu dazedly smoothed his hair, but looking at Pei Xian’s perfectly natural expression, he ignored the strange feeling in his heart.

Pei Xian led Wen Shu to the door. Just as he opened it, he heard noise from inside. He slammed the door shut immediately and hissed a curse under his breath.

Wen Shu heard the noise too, but didn’t think much of it. Is someone at your house?

No, no one. I must have left the TV on when I went out, Pei Xian answered through gritted teeth. He had been so happy earlier that he’d completely forgotten those two brats, Chang Xu and Zhang Xi, hadn’t left yet.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Chang Xu was holding a bottle of alcohol, looking quite tipsy. I told you I heard the door! Look, Zhang, he’s right here. Then, he looked to the side.

A fair-skinned young man stood right in the light. The warm glow made his skin look even more delicate. The shoulder-length pink hair was currently a bit frizzy, making his usually distant aura feel more approachable. His features were exquisite; his downcast eyes held a mix of coldness and gentleness, and the downward curve of his eyes made him look almost pitiable. For some reason, his face was flushed, looking as if someone had pinched his cheeks red. Pinched red?!

Wen Shu caught the overwhelming scent of alcohol. He couldn’t help but frown, though he maintained a polite smile. Hello.

Pink hair! Old Zhang! Old Zhang! It’s over Old Pei really did it! Chang Xu ran back inside as if he’d seen a ghost, turning back occasionally to stare at Wen Shu.

Sensing the man’s terror, Wen Shu touched his hair in confusion. Am I that scary? Shouldn’t I be the one who’s scared? he thought. The guy looked like a drunkard brandishing a bottle.

How are you scary! Pei Xian countered quickly, terrified that Wen Shu would start doubting himself. He just has no taste.

Wen Shu said hesitantly, Maybe I should just go back and fix this before giving it to you. You should look after your friend; he seems really drunk. He turned to leave.

Pei Xian blocked his path instantly. Wen Shu couldn’t stop in time and bumped his head against Pei Xian. Under the indoor lights, Wen Shu’s shadow was completely swallowed by Pei Xian’s. Pei Xian looked down at the floor and asked pitiably, Can you stay? I’m a bit scared.

Scared? Wen Shu asked incredulously. Aren’t they your friends? With a physique like his, what was there to be afraid of?

“They are. We’ve played together since we were kids, but they always come over to my house and I don’t know how to say no.” Pei Xian looked down, thinking expressionlessly: Sorry, brothers, but you shouldn’t have been so tactless.

Is that so? Wen Shu looked at Pei Xian suspiciously. He found this very hard to believe.

Really. He pulled Wen Shu along, sensing a chance. I’ll take you in.

Inside, Zhang Xi looked at the terrified Chang Xu running toward him. What’s up with you, Xu? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.

Pink hair! No! Old Pei’s ‘awakening’ is here. Chang Xu was now wide awake. The guy’s face is all red. It’s over, it must be Old Pei! He pinched the guy’s face red!

Before Zhang Xi could react, Wen Shu had already walked into the living room. Looking at the bottles on the table and the snacks scattered across the floor, it looked as if a band of raiders had just ransacked the place. He noticed Pei Xian also looked shocked, which made him start to believe Pei Xian’s story. He reached out a hand. Hello?

Zhang Xi and Chang Xu exchanged a look. They both stood up quickly, but just as they were about to politely shake hands, Pei Xian stepped between them. Alright no need for handshakes.

Great, the two of them thought, now we’re even more certain this is the ‘Captain’ Old Pei was talking about. But how did he end up being kidnapped back to the house?

Wen Shu pulled out the button. The smell of alcohol in the room was making him feel sick; he wanted to finish this and leave as soon as possible. Pei Xian, where is the sewing kit?

Chang Xu finally noticed the shirt Pei Xian had been wearing was gone, replaced by his jacket. He blurted out, Was it that intense? Even the clothes got ruined! Ah! Before he could finish, Zhang Xi smacked him hard and gave him a look. He flashed a flattering smile at Wen Shu. He’s drunk, don’t mind him.

Pei Xian brought the sewing kit to Wen Shu. He had noticed that since Wen Shu entered, he had been frowning and covering his nose. Usually, Pei Xian hung out in bars and never noticed strange smells, but now he suddenly hated the scent of his own home. Sit here, there’s better airflow. I’ll open the windows; the smell will be gone in a minute.

Wen Shu hadn’t expected Pei Xian to be so attentive. He just wanted to sew the shirt and go home, so he didn’t refuse. Okay, thank you.

With nothing else to do, Pei Xian began cleaning up the trash and the bottles. Halfway through, he remembered that Wen Shu probably hadn’t eaten. He turned and saw Wen Shu focused intently on sewing the shirt. His heart warmed at the sight; it looked just like a wife at home sewing for her husband. What am I thinking? He smacked his own head and decided to go cook for Wen Shu.

Chang Xu whispered softly, Why do I feel like we’re a bit redundant here?

Redundant? We’re like two bratty kids who made a mess all day, and now ‘Dad’ has to come home after work and clean up after us, Zhang Xi added. They watched Pei Xian in the kitchen, exchanged another look, and scooted over to Wen Shu.

“We don’t know your name yet?”

Wen Shu looked at the two of them acting like sycophants. Wen Shu. After saying it, he went back to his sewing. Pei Xian’s friends don’t seem very bright, he thought.

Aren’t you curious what our names are? Chang Xu forced the conversation to continue.

“Not really.” Wen Shu didn’t even look up. He was getting irritable because his stomach was empty. Just as the alcohol smell had started to fade, these two leaned in, and the scent on them was even stronger, making him uncomfortable.

Chang Xu shrugged, not knowing how to continue. Zhang Xi had to take up the mantle. Oh, we aren’t important. Old Pei is the important one. You’re the debate captain, right? What’s your impression of Old Pei?

Wen Shu looked up at the expectant Zhang Xi. Just as he was about to answer, Pei Xian called out from the kitchen doorway, holding a plate. “What are you two doing? Why are you crowding him?”

Pei Xian came out and saw the scene. He thought the two would have had the sense to leave by now, but they were crowding Wen Shu. Didn’t they see he was annoyed by the smell? It had taken so much effort to get Wen Shu here; if these two ruined it, he’d never hear the end of it.

Chang Xu saw Pei Xian’s smile of death” and quickly pulled Zhang Xi back to the sofa.

Wen Shu happened to finish the sewing just then. Pei Xian, I’ve left the shirt here. He was surprised Pei Xian could cook, though the apron he was wearing was far too small; it looked like it was about to burst across his chest.

Eat before you go. Pei Xian reached out to stop him. You haven’t eaten yet. I’ll drive you back after you eat.

“Yeah, yeah!” The two sidekicks chimed in. Old Pei’s a great cook! Wait is that all? Old Pei, are you feeding a chicken?

The food on the table was clearly only enough for one person. Scram. You two are full from the alcohol. Pei Xian walked over to Wen Shu and whispered, I know you don’t like eating in large groups. I made this specifically for you. It’s just enough for one.

Wen Shu froze, his eyelashes trembling slightly. Perhaps it had been a long time since he’d had a home-cooked meal, or perhaps it reminded him of the feeling of someone patiently looking out for him. He allowed himself to be guided to the dining table by Pei Xian.