The Cannon Fodder Who Fell in Love at Art School - Chapter 25.2

Fang Chen wasn’t too surprised, only frowned slightly. 

What are you doing?

The man stared at him for a few seconds. Are you mad?

Cis realized he could never quite figure out why Fang Chen got angry but somehow, it always seemed to be because of him.

I’m not. I just want to change clothes.

Cis ignored what he said, still leaning against the door. I texted you this morning, but you didn’t reply.

Fang Chen lowered his head. “I didn’t see it.”

Little liar.

Cis said nothing, his expression calm, even smiling a little.

 “Is that outfit from your country? I haven’t seen one like it before. It’s really cute on you.”

Fang Chen’s face flushed. His outfit was nothing special just a gray servant’s uniform, with a crooked cap on his head.

But Cis wasn’t lying.

In his eyes, Fang Chen looked cute no matter what now he just looked like an angry little sparrow.

Really, you look better than everyone else. Cis pushed further. Instead of stepping aside, he took another step forward, squeezing into the small dressing room. His tall frame made the cramped space feel even smaller.

Fang Chen instinctively took a step back, suddenly feeling it hard to breathe. He swallowed and glared up at Cis. What do you want?

Why are you angry?” Cis asked again. Aren’t you happy that I came to see you?

Cis felt frustrated. He had studied a bit of Chinese, but still couldn’t fully grasp Fang Chen’s emotions.

Fang Chen shook his head.

He didn’t really know why either. Things between them had gotten tangled ambiguous, unclear.

Cis wouldn’t explain, and Fang Chen hated this in-between state.

After a pause, Cis said softly, “Actually, I’m not very happy either.”

“Huh?” Fang Chen blinked, confused.

That guy I remember you laughing with him at the beach, Cis said quietly.  You two were just playing around earlier.

Fang Chen looked at him in disbelief.

Your eyesight’s bad, go fix it! You’re rich enough, aren’t you?.

That wasn’t playing. That was fighting,” Fang Chen said, showing his fist. I was beating him up.

Cis’s voice dropped. “Then why did you hit only him and not anyone else?

Fang Chen was speechless. “Because that’s how the script was written.

He pushed Cis’s chest. I really need to change. Go out.

But instead of moving, Cis pulled him into his arms.

The little lamb froze, blinking in confusion. “O… Oh?”

Cis’s voice turned hoarse.  Don’t be angry, okay? If it’s because of yesterday at the stables, I’m sorry.

That was it. Fang Chen had had enough of this unclear mess.

He shoved Cis away and raised his voice for once. And do you know why I’m angry? Because you hug me whenever you want, but never say anything. You hold my hand what is that supposed to mean? Is that some kind of Western custom? Then why don’t I ever see you doing that with Joey?

“Cis! Stop toying with me!”

By the end, his eyes were red and his chest was heaving with anger and hurt mixed.

He didn’t want to cry, but he couldn’t help it. His body was just built that way tears came easily whenever he got emotional.

Seeing Fang Chen’s eyes go red, Cis froze. His lips moved, but for once, he didn’t know what to say. After a moment, he spoke in a rough voice. I’m not toying with you. How could I? I like you.

That made his heart ache more than any punch ever could.

Cis felt something tighten painfully in his chest, his heartbeat stuttering. For the first time, his words sounded clumsy none of his usual confidence, none of his cool distance.

Whenever he faced Fang Chen, he just couldn’t keep his head up.

Don’t cry. Please, don’t cry.

Fang Chen didn’t want to cry it was embarrassing! The more he wiped at his tears, the more they came, and soon he was mad at himself too.

Stop saying weird things. You don’t need to.”

He stopped mid-sentence and looked up at Cis, dazed. “What did you just say?”

Cis looked tense, voice low. “I said, don’t cry anymore.

The one before that.

Cis paused. That I wouldn’t hurt you. Because I like you.

Both fell silent.

Fang Chen’s hand loosened. He noticed how wrinkled Cis’s shirt had become from his grip. Turning his head away, he sniffled. You never said that before.

Cis didn’t know how things had gotten so out of hand. He usually liked having control but when it came to Fang Chen, everything slipped through his fingers.

He reached out to wipe Fang Chen’s tears, but the boy slapped his hand away. Cis pressed his lips together, then suddenly wrapped an arm around Fang Chen’s waist and lifted him onto the counter.

Now Fang Chen didn’t have to crane his neck to look at him.

The boy’s eyes widened in surprise, still tinged red.

Cis hesitated, then continued softly, “I liked you since the first time we met. When you came to watch my match, I liked you. When I took you to the farm, I liked you. But you said people from the East are more reserved, so I didn’t dare to say it out loud.”

It was the first time Cis had ever said the words “I didn’t dare.” It was like watching armor crack to reveal something vulnerable inside.

I wanted to hold you because I like you not to take advantage of you. I respect you.

Fang Chen sat there, stunned, his mind blank from everything he’d just heard.

Cis took the chance to gently wipe away the teardrop clinging to Fang Chen’s lashes.

Fang Chen, what about you?

“Huh?”

Cis met his gaze. Can we be together?

Fang Chen swung his legs a little, suddenly feeling like he had the upper hand. You haven’t even tried to court me yet. How can we be together already?

Cis agreed immediately. “Alright, I’ll court you.”

He hugged Fang Chen lightly. The next time you’re upset, can you tell me first?

Fang Chen kicked him lightly. How would I even know in advance when I’m going to be upset?

Cis fell silent.

Okay, let go. I’ve been in here too long. I really need to change.

Of course, Cis didn’t let go. After finally saying what he’d been holding back for so long, he didn’t want to. He wanted to keep Fang Chen in his arms forever, mark him as his own.

He whispered, Baby, can I kiss you?

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. What did you just say?

Weren’t you supposed to be courting me first? Why are we skipping to the finale already?

And how could he say “baby” so naturally, right after confessing!

Cis’s restraint was hanging by a thread. Fang Chen’s lips moved as he spoke, and it was driving him insane.

He leaned down, voice low and coaxing. “Just one kiss, baby. Just one.”

Cis, You.

The rest of his words were swallowed by the sound of a kiss.

Later… backstage, during a rehearsal break:

Zhou Lili came to retrieve a missing prop. She remembered that Cis had also come backstage earlier, but she hadn’t seen him since.

As she reached for the item, she paused. She could hear faint sounds coming from one of the partitioned rooms.

Was someone still here? A mouse, maybe?

Curious, she crept closer, but froze when she saw through the slightly open door.

Cis was standing inside, back turned, leaning slightly forward. Someone else was in front of him, mostly hidden by his tall frame. The air was filled with quiet, breathless sounds soft gasps, the unmistakable rhythm of two people caught in an intimate moment.

Zhou Lili stood there, stunned.

Cis… was kissing someone?

She turned to leave quietly, but then she saw a glimpse of the other person’s clothes familiar fabric. She looked again, just for a second.

The person tried to push Cis away, but his wrist was caught and pressed back down. The soft, breathy sounds continued. Zhou Lili’s face turned red as she quickly turned and left.

Now she knew who it was.

No wonder Cis had wanted to come watch the rehearsal. That was just an excuse he’d only wanted to see him.

Author’s Note:

Mini scene   Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day, both of them secretly planned surprises for each other.

Cis dyed his hair black, wore dark contacts, and dressed in a traditional Chinese-style suit, looking every bit the cold, stoic head of a noble family.

When Fang Chen came home, he was stunned.

He himself had gotten a makeover from Jeming wearing a golden curly wig, bright blue contacts, and a Gothic-style noble outfit, looking like a young prince straight out of a 19th-century castle.

The roles were completely reversed.

That night, their “costume play” turned unexpectedly intimate. The stern “family head” couldn’t resist the beautiful “prince,” and their Valentine’s surprise ended in a tender, passionate night together one that left Fang Chen blushing and breathless, while Cis teased him with a smile and whispered for him not to beg for mercy.