The Cannon Fodder Who Fell in Love at Art School - Chapter 18

Of course, lamb skewers were out of the question.

Fang Chen couldn’t even find a stick long or sturdy enough to skewer himself with.

In the end, he went with the safest, most foolproof option a vampire.

It was his first Halloween abroad, and he was excited. He ordered a bunch of costume accessories online, determined to make his look as authentic as possible.

The festive atmosphere around him was in full swing. Even two days before Halloween, houses along the streets had already begun decorating.

The pumpkin decorations he and his roommate made were finished, and they even learned to make pumpkin pastries. Fang Chen wrapped some up nicely, planning to bring a few for Jamin tomorrow  and for Xis too.

He had invited Fang Chen out for dinner on Halloween night.

Aside from casual gatherings, this would be Fang Chen’s first time having dinner alone with Xis.

Would a fancy Western restaurant even let a tiny vampire in?

By the afternoon, Fang Chen was already busy “getting ready.”

He had never worn makeup before, so his clumsy attempts were nothing short of tragic. His roommate finally couldn’t stand it anymore, grabbed him by the wrist, and pulled him over.

Let me help you. Look at what you’ve done to your poor face.

Though his roommate was a guy, he usually wore light makeup when going out, so handling Fang Chen’s face was an easy task.

As he lightly brushed powder over Fang Chen’s skin, he couldn’t help but sigh. 

Your skin’s so nice it’s making me want to kiss you.

Fang Chen’s eyes went wide in horror.

His roommate burst out laughing. “Kidding!”

Thanks! Not funny at all!

Fang Chen’s eyes were naturally round, so his roommate drew a full eyeliner around them, making them look even bigger and glossier.

There wasn’t much else to fix, so he finished the look with a bright red lip tint like a little vampire fresh off a bl00d meal.

“All done!” his roommate announced proudly. If you go out looking like this and tell someone you want a bite, they’ll probably bare their neck for you.

Fang Chen muttered softly, “That’s such an exaggeration…”

Once his makeup was done, he changed into his costume a black and red cloak with a high collar. In his imagination, it looked regal and powerful. But when he stood before the mirror and checked from both sides… the aura just wasn’t there.

Damn it.

Why did Xis always have such natural presence?

Was it because he was too thin?

Fang Chen glanced at his own wrist it was so slim that Xis could probably snap it with one hand.

He sighed and let it go. So what if he didn’t look imposing? It wasn’t like he was being crowned king.

By now, it was getting dark outside.

Xis had offered to pick him up, but Fang Chen firmly refused.

It wasn’t a date, after all!

No need for the whole “pick-up and escort” routine.

He checked the subway route ahead of time and decided to take it on his own.

He had been worried his costume would look too out of place on public transit but the moment he got on, he realized he was actually underdressed.

It was Halloween, after all. The trains were packed, mostly because there would be parades and street shows later that night.

Packed tight.
Ghosts shoulder to shoulder.

One step back, and he bumped into a nurse with an axe sticking out of her head.
One step forward, and a skeleton turned his way, making Fang Chen nearly curl up in terror.

To his left was a bloodied clown; to his right, a gray-faced zombie.

The little vampire was trapped in the middle, head ducked, too scared to move.

If he’d known the “conditions” would be this scary, he would’ve let Xis pick him up after all.

He grumbled inwardly at himself.

Then suddenly, someone brushed against his waist. Fang Chen flinched and turned to look only for a strong arm to wrap around his waist, pulling him back into a solid chest.

A familiar, low voice spoke by his ear.

“Surprise.”

Look what I caught a little vampire.

Fang Chen’s eyes went wide.

How.

He spun around in shock and froze again.

The sky might as well have fallen.

They were matching.

Xis was dressed as a vampire too!

Fang Chen gulped, dumbfounded.

Xis’s cloak was clearly two sizes larger and far more elaborate. He’d even worn red contact lenses, and his blond hair had been slicked back neatly. Gone was the usual lazy charm replaced by an air of aristocratic dominance.

If this were a vampire clan, Xis would definitely be the prince.

How are you here? Fang Chen stammered.

From your dorm, this is the only subway line you could’ve taken.

 Xis said with a smirk. Not hard to guess.

Fang Chen choked on his words.

That wasn’t what he meant.

He meant why take the subway when you could’ve just driven?

Why go out of your way just to squeeze in with the crowd.

But he didn’t say it aloud. Instead, he mumbled,  Why’d you dress as a vampire too?

Xis replied smoothly, “What a coincidence.”

Fang Chen’s expression darkened.

It wasn’t matching outfits that were the problem it was that whoever was shorter looked worse.

He imagined the scene: two vampires, one tall and regal, one small and delicate, walking down the street together. It would look like he was the tall one’s… little pet.

Every bit of his frustration showed on his face. Xis, amused, asked deliberately, “What’s wrong? You hate matching with me that much?”

I don’t. Fang Chen mumbled defensively.

That did it Xis finally laughed, a low, warm chuckle. Fang Chen glared up at him only to be jostled from behind. He stumbled forward and smacked face-first into Xis’s chest.

Unfortunately, Xis was wearing a black deep-V shirt beneath his cloak. Fang Chen’s lips landed exactly against his chest.

Perfect aim.

He froze completely.

He swore to heaven yes, he liked Xis’s chest, but this time it was definitely an accident!

When he lifted his head in panic, Xis was looking down at him with an unreadable expression.

“I didn’t mean to” Fang Chen began then noticed something even worse.

A bright red lipstick mark was stamped across Xis’s chest.

His roommate’s lip tint was transferable!

Fang Chen went pale and quickly reached up. “I’m so sorry! I’ll wipe it off!”

But no matter how much he rubbed, it wouldn’t come off.

His small hand kept brushing against the man’s warm skin until Xis finally caught his wrist, his voice slightly rough. “That’s enough.”

Fang Chen blinked, peering up at him carefully. “You’re not mad, are you?”

Xis sighed softly. “No.”

But if those small hands kept moving any more, his pants wouldn’t hide much longer.

Fang Chen made a tiny sound of acknowledgment, then couldn’t help sneaking another glance at the spot he’d accidentally kissed.

Was it possible to train chest muscles like that? It didn’t feel as hard as an arm muscle more like. springy.

His gaze lingered shamelessly.

Xis almost laughed aloud. Does he really like it that much?

If only the little lamb weren’t so timid he’d gladly let him have a real bite.

The rest of the subway ride was torture for Fang Chen. When they finally got off, he felt like he’d survived a near-death experience.

The restaurant was still a short walk away, but since the route passed through the plaza with all the Halloween performances, Fang Chen wanted to go on foot.

Naturally, Xis agreed without hesitation.

Just as Fang Chen imagined, the two of them two vampires, one tall and imposing, the other cute and striking walking side by side down the crowded street drew plenty of attention.

Even among a parade of monsters, they stood out.

Someone pulled out a phone to take pictures of them, and the murmurs around them carried straight into Fang Chen’s ears.

Oh my God, this vampire pair looks perfect together.

A pair? What pair?

No, no, no! He and Xis were not a pair.

You guys are misunderstanding!!

The little lamb screamed silently in his heart.

Why are you spacing out?

His wrist was grabbed. Xis’s low voice drifted to him. If I don’t hold your hand, you’re going to walk straight into a tree.

Huh???

Fang Chen snapped back to reality, murmuring defensively, “I wouldn’t!”

Xis ignored him and guided his hand down, slipping his fingers between Fang Chen’s. Soon, the entire soft little hand was nestled in his own.

Big hand, small hand.

Fang Chen froze.

They… were holding hands?!

How did Xis make it seem so natural?

His heart raced, his steps awkward, almost tripping over his own feet.

Don’t get nervous, don’t overthink it.

He told himself over and over.

Foreigners were open-minded; holding hands was nothing. They probably kissed the first time they met.

The more he tried to reason, the more his attention fixated on the hand in Xis’s. His hand was so warm, so big and rough in just the right places, the calluses brushing against him in a ticklish way.

Lost in his thoughts, Fang Chen didn’t even notice they’d reached the plaza.

The parade featured the “Ghost Bride,” and people lined both sides of the long street, eagerly waiting for candy tossed from the floats.

Fang Chen’s focus snapped to the sweets. He tugged Xis along to catch some.

A few pieces came flying, and Xis stretched out his hand first, catching them to prevent any from hitting Fang Chen’s head.

But instead of giving him a piece, he grinned and asked, “Trick or treat?”

Fang Chen pursed his lips, then made a playful face at Xis, baring his teeth.

Xis paused for a moment completely floored by how cute it was.

The boy’s face was so close, his cheeks soft and pale, his eyes sparkling. He intentionally tried to look fierce, showing off his little fangs.

And those lips so red and soft.

Was he deliberately tempting Xis to kiss him?

Nothing.

No reaction.

The little lamb blushed furiously.

Fang Chen was just about to laugh to break the awkwardness when Xis’s hand reached up and pinched his chin.

The soft flesh of his cheek was squeezed out as he looked at Xis innocently.

The man’s deep red eyes studied him without blinking. Xis’s lips curved slightly, but his voice held no humor only a low, husky warning.

“Little vampire… without even sharp fangs, whose bl00d do you think you can drink?”

His dark gaze probed the slightly parted mouth, like a vampire prince examining a fledgling.

He could practically imagine slipping a finger inside.

This little vampire probably couldn’t even bite a fingertip.

He could only let Xis toy with him, and in the end, even a little drool might escape.

But it doesn’t matter.

Xis’s mischievous thoughts churned inside, though outwardly, he simply offered a polite smile.

“You can bite me.”

The prince brought someone back from the ancient East, hiding him in his castle where few ever saw him.

Rumors suggested this human might have been the prince’s first embrace, destined to remain in the castle as a bl00d servant.

Until one year-end gala, when a vampire accidentally wandered into the top-floor chamber.

There, the usually cold and imposing prince was holding a boy on his lap.

The boy’s black hair and eyes gleamed. He wore the prince’s loose robe, his pale shoulders exposed, marked by two clear bite marks.

The prince tilted his head, gently exposing his neck. His voice was soft, coaxing.

“Baby… bite here.”

This translation preserves the playful tension and intimacy between Fang Chen and Xis while keeping the flow natural in English.

NOTE: If you want, I can continue Chapter 19 next, keeping the same smooth, immersive style.