My Romance With The Cold-Blooded Heartthrob - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Inside the bar, Zhang Xi and Chang Xu sat up straight as if in a formal meeting, meticulously listing out every single observation they had made. Every time you see him, you’re like a dog spotting a bone—you just bolt right over to his side.

You come to the bar, don’t dance, don’t talk to anyone, and spend the whole night clutching your phone watching videos of him dancing.

You’re even cooking for him! And inviting him to your house!

That’s not all. Just because he doesn’t like the smell of smoke, you rushed to quit, walking around with a lollipop as a substitute.

The more the two talked, the more energized they became, finally reaching a conclusion: “Pei Xian, you are a total simp!

Hmm? Pei Xian furrowed his brows, his eyes full of cold threat.

The two shrunk back together and tried to salvage the situation. That’s… that’s just us saying you’re devoted.

Pei Xian didn’t answer. His mind was like a movie projector, replaying everything from the first time he saw Wen Shu at the start of the semester, to seeing him dance, and finally to the scenes on the debate floor. He swallowed hard and looked up. “Is this… what liking someone is?” Pei Xian didn’t understand. He had never liked anyone before. At home, Pei Ming had never discussed such things with him, and since Pei Chu had given birth to him, they rarely saw each other. No one had ever spoken to him about this.

There’s another way to verify it, Zhang Xi added. See if our feel ‘heartache’ for him. If something big happens to him, do you find yourself wishing you were there at the time? Do you feel pained for the version of him from the past?

Pei Xian felt more than just heartache. Whenever he remembered Wen Shu at high school graduation, facing the funerals of his elders all alone, he felt a dense, pricking pain in his chest. Pei Xian irritably grabbed a cigarette from the table and took a sharp drag. Perhaps because he truly hadn’t smoked in a long while, he lost focus and ended up choking on the smoke.

Pei Xian remained silent until the cigarette was finished. I like him. Pei Xian likes Wen Shu. He grabbed his jacket from the sofa and headed for the door.

Old Pei! Where—where are you going?!

To confess! To get you guys a sister-in-law.” Pei Xian walked incredibly fast. Before the two could react, he was already out the door.

Chang Xu and Zhang Xi looked at each other in disbelief. Confess?! Is Old Pei really that confident? What if he fails?

Zhang Xi spoke blankly, Forceful possession?

What the hell! Old Pei is going to end up on the evening news!

They shared a look, realizing that with him, such a possibility wasn’t entirely off the table.

In the dance studio, Wen Shu was demonstrating moves half-heartedly. The moment a break started, he unconsciously picked up his phone and began scrolling.

What’s with you? You look a bit wilted, Jiang Jue noted, seeing something was off. He reached out and handed Wen Shu a towel.

Wen Shu wiped the sweat off his neck. It’s nothing. It’s just… my phone is unusually quiet.

Before, his phone seemed to be constantly flooded with messages from Pei Xian; it never stopped. He had even been so annoyed that he put Pei Xian on ‘Do Not Disturb’ for a while, but after Pei Xian found out, he pestered Wen Shu until it was turned off. Since then, the messages had decreased slightly.

Ding-dong. A notification popped up. Wen Shu hurriedly opened it.

[Pei Xian: Are you in the dance studio?]

He had barely sent back a Yes.

[Pei Xian: I’m coming to find you.]

Jiang Jue glimpsed at Wen Shu, whose mood had clearly brightened, and asked softly, Are you two dating?

What are you talking about? Wen Shu choked and coughed several times, covering his reddening face. We are friends!

Wen Shu! Pei Xian’s voice came from the doorway. He looked out of breath, as if he had run the whole way, and his expression carried a flicker of excitement. Pei Xian steadied his breathing. Can you come out for a second?” Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked toward a dark corner outside.

Wen Shu was puzzled. Just as he was about to follow, Jiang Jue pulled him back.

Jiang Jue had been in many relationships—some where he pursued and some where he was pursued. He was very familiar with the look on Pei Xian’s face. This wasn’t just a casual visit; he either wanted to confess or further the relationship. He decided to give Wen Shu a warning. Even though you might think I’m talking nonsense, I have to say, looking at him… he might be here to confess. Are you sure you want to go?

Wen Shu clicked his tongue. Confess?! Stop overthinking. It’s probably something about the debate team. If he had felt shy about Jiang Jue’s words before, now he was thoroughly convinced his friend was talking trash.

In the dark corner, Pei Xian paced back and forth, muttering something under his breath. The moment Wen Shu spoke, he was startled into taking a few steps back by the look in Pei Xian’s eyes. He didn’t know if he was being influenced by Jiang Jue’s words, but he suddenly felt incredibly nervous.

Pei Xian noticed Wen Shu’s reaction and lowered his head somewhat awkwardly, masking his inner turmoil. His voice was slightly raspy. You’re here.

Yeah. Wen Shu looked at Pei Xian’s somewhat pitiful stance and thought this was more like it. The fierce look he saw earlier must have been a trick of the light. Did something happen? Calling me out so suddenly.

They were standing quite close, and Wen Shu immediately caught the heavy scent of alcohol on Pei Xian. He frowned but said nothing; after all, Pei Xian was at a gathering with friends, so it was natural to have the scent on him even if he hadn’t been drinking heavily himself.

Pei Xian stared at Wen Shu. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He didn’t know what he had been thinking—he had just rushed over on an impulse. Only now, seeing Wen Shu, did he realize he wasn’t nearly as confident as he had imagined.

Wen Shu frowned as the dazed Pei Xian just stared at him intently. If you’re not going to say anything, I’m leaving. Jiang Jue is in there by himself. As soon as he finished speaking and turned to leave, the statue-like Pei Xian suddenly moved, grabbing Wen Shu’s hand.

Wen Shu’s eyes widened. He looked down at the hand gripping his—it was significantly larger than his own, with veins bulging and rough calluses that made his skin itch. It was currently locked tight around his hand, squeezing with enough force that Wen Shu felt he might be crushed.

“Pei Xian!” Wen Shu couldn’t help raising his voice. You’re hurting me.

“Then let it hurt, you can’t leave,” Pei Xian said, sounding almost indifferent, though he immediately loose ed his grip significantly. Wen Shu took the opportunity to wrench his hand away. Looking down, there were already red marks on his skin. What do you actually want to say!

But Pei Xian hesitated again. Wen Shu, getting angry, turned away. I’m leaving.

I like you.

Wen Shu had just turned around when he heard Pei Xian’s words. He was incredulous. The voice behind him was trembling; he sounded incredibly nervous.

Wen Shu, can you turn around and look at me? Please. The way he said it was so pathetic that Wen Shu couldn’t harden his heart. He softened and turned back, clearing his throat and steadying his emotions before asking, Pei Xian, you’re drunk.

I’m not drunk, Pei Xian countered quickly. He stepped closer and looked down at Wen Shu, finally dropping to one knee before him. He looked up at Wen Shu. “I’m not drunk, Wen Shu.

Wen Shu was speechless. He hadn’t expected Pei Xian to kneel before him. This posture made it impossible to avoid Pei Xian’s gaze. His eyes were clear, without a hint of intoxication, but they were so full of emotion that Wen Shu had to look away to hide his own panic.

Wen Shu— Pei Xian’s face drew closer, his features enlarging in Wen Shu’s vision. Wen Shu realized this was the first time he had truly looked at Pei Xian’s face up close. He had striking features, but his “sanpaku” eyes always gave him a bit of a rebellious, “bad boy” air. In his daze, the distance between them closed to a mere finger’s width. The scent of alcohol and Pei Xian’s hot breath were right there. Wen Shu’s eyes moved up, meeting Pei Xian’s, and he watched as Pei Xian’s gaze dropped to his lips, drawing closer.

Wen Shu finally snapped out of it. He shoved Pei Xian hard and scrambled backward. Looking at Pei Xian, who had been pushed to the ground, Wen Shu’s voice began to tremble. “Pei Xian, stop playing around. You must be drunk and you just don’t realize it.

“We… we are friends.” Wen Shu’s eyes darted around frantically, anywhere but at Pei Xian on the floor.

Pei Xian had already gotten his answer from Wen Shu’s reaction, but he still repeated stubbornly, I just like you.

“Don’t say it anymore, Pei Xian. You’re drunk.” Wen Shu turned and fled toward the dance studio. “We still have the competition. Go home and get some rest.” Wen Shu didn’t dare look back; he was afraid that if he met Pei Xian’s eyes, he would soften again.

Pei Xian lay on the ground, seemingly stubborn against the world, refusing to get up. Tch. He had thought of so many lines on the way here, but when he arrived, he only knew how to say that one sentence. If I knew I’d fail, I should have said everything I wanted to say.

Pei Xian struggled to his feet, touching his lips in a daze. So close. The ringing of his phone in his pocket broke his thoughts.

Jiang Jue noticed that as soon as Wen Shu returned to the studio, he sat on the floor staring into space, with obvious red marks on his hand. He walked over and waved a hand, but Wen Shu didn’t react. Earth to Wen Shu.

Wen Shu blinked and looked at the empty studio. Where are the team members?

“It ended ages ago. What’s wrong with you? You come back and just sit here staring. Did something happen?

Hearing this, Wen Shu hesitated. Nothing.

Jiang Jue sat down beside him, not leaving. Your face doesn’t look like ‘nothing.’ Talk to me. I’m not on your debate team, so I’m your best choice. It’s not like you can talk to Lin Fei or Xia Yang about this.

…That’s true.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Jue spoke tentatively, Then why don’t you give it a try? It’s just dating—it’s meant to be fun. You might find out he’s pretty good once you’re in it. Sure, he’s got no coordination and can’t dance to save his life, but he’s got a great face. He’d be a decent boyfriend.

Wen Shu didn’t answer. He just gave a small smile and said, Let me think about it. I’ll clean up, you go ahead.

You sure you don’t need help?

I’m sure.

Jiang Jue patted Wen Shu’s shoulder. If anything happens, tell me.

Looking at the empty room, Wen Shu finally let himself slide down the wall. He stared at the floor, murmuring to himself, I don’t even know how to like myself… how can I like him?

This wasn’t the first time he had been confessed to. In high school, he would always decline gracefully, never making things as ugly as they were today. Why am I getting more awkward the older I get? Wen Shu laughed self-deprecatingly. Once Pei Xian truly understood how awkward and weak he really was, he probably wouldn’t like him anymore—they might not even be able to be friends. At that point, Pei Xian would realize he wasn’t worth liking.

All he knew how to do was escape, never solving the problem. I’m such a mess. Wen Shu buried his face in his arms and didn’t move again.