Shang Jue was left speechless for a moment, unsure of how to respond.
Leaning against the headboard, he fell into deep thought: Why did I get out of bed in the middle of the night to listen to this annoying dog’s sarcastic remarks?
He pretended to be Lu Yuxing's boyfriend just to annoy him, but now it felt like he had committed some unforgivable sin for forgetting a non-existent anniversary.
Shang Jue rubbed his forehead, sat in silence for half a minute, and pretended to reflect.
Then he lowered his voice and explained, “Sorry baby you know I've been studying for exams lately, and my brain is all scrambled from too much revision…”
While playing the role of Lu Yuxing's boyfriend, Shang Jue could never manage to speak in a serious tone. He liked to add in little phrases like "la," "ma," or "ah." His soft voice made it sound light and flirtatious. When he apologized, he lowered his tone, giving it a slightly spoiled feel.
It came off as insincere, though.
Fortunately, Lu Yuxing decided to let it go and didn’t press the matter further.
Since Shang Jue had forgotten the anniversary, Lu Yuxing figured he probably hadn’t prepared a gift either, which eased some of his internal anxiety.
Lu Yuxing always felt that their emotional investment in the relationship was unequal. If his boyfriend had genuinely prepared for this anniversary, it would only increase his guilt.
He said, “I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant. If you don’t like it, I can change it.”
Shang Jue replied, “I like it, I like it! How could I not like what you choose, baby?”
After saying this, he shivered slightly, reaching back to rub his neck, feeling a chill run down his spine.
He couldn’t help but admire how easily he could say such cheesy lines.
The person on the other end of the call seemed to be slightly taken aback, pausing for two seconds before saying, “Then goodnight.”
“Yeah, goodnight, baby.”
After hanging up, Shang Jue was lost in thought.
What do couples do for anniversaries?
He opened his browser and searched for “What to do for a couple’s anniversary.”
Candlelight dinner.
Watch a romantic movie.
Proposal on the anniversary.
Shang Jue quickly skimmed past that last option, scrolling down further before pausing to think seriously about it.
Of course, he had no intention of going that far, but he couldn’t help but imagine Lu Yuxing's expression if he were proposed to...
“Pfft—”
After visualizing that scenario, he suddenly realized: Why was he putting so much thought into a non-existent anniversary? Wasn’t this contrary to his original intention? He had pretended to be Lu Yuxing’s boyfriend to mess with him, not to create more stress for himself.
Shang Jue scoffed. Did he really intend to be the perfect boyfriend for Lu Yuxing?
What was he preparing for? Just showing up would be good enough.
A little casual indifference would suffice.
With that in mind, he tossed his phone aside and went to sleep.
Shang Jue was indeed committed to being nonchalant about the whole situation.
On that Friday, he dressed no differently than usual and didn’t think to buy a bouquet to put on a show. Wearing a clean black-and-white outfit, he arrived empty-handed to meet Lu Yuxing.
The way they were spending this “anniversary” felt rather odd. The one who had forgotten couldn’t recall any of the sweet moments they had shared over the past year, while the other, who hadn’t forgotten, similarly had no relevant memories stored away.
Lu Yuxing had chosen the restaurant, and he led the way there.
Shang Jue thought that based on Lu Yuxing's personality, he would probably pick a quiet and elegant place. That assumption held until they were led to their reserved table.
The restaurant had warm, dim lighting, and soft melodies flowed gently from the ceiling speakers. A bouquet of dew-kissed eustomas adorned the table, and a bottle of red wine sat steadily on a rose gold rack.
It was quite… well put together.
Shang Jue: …
Before arriving, he hadn’t felt much, but now he suddenly sensed a hint of awkwardness.
Lu Yuxing sat across from him and handed over the menu.
Shang Jue, feeling a bit out of sorts, wanted to wrap things up quickly. “You can order; it’s fine.”
Not knowing Shang Jue's taste, Lu Yuxing chose several signature dishes that looked good.
The restaurant had two other tables of diners, all couples. One pair sat facing each other, gazing deeply into one another’s eyes, while another pair was seated on the same side, giggling and flirting softly.
As they waited for the food, Shang Jue’s gaze met Lu Yuxing’s, and they found themselves locked in a gaze across the table.
The distance was too close, and the atmosphere, heightened by the music, made the air thick with an unavoidably tense and slightly awkward flirtation.
However, with the current mood, it was hard to just get up and leave, so they both let the tension and awkwardness brew.
Shang Jue felt so uncomfortable that he couldn’t even muster up a witty remark; among the three tables, his and Lu Yuxing's was eerily silent.
As he racked his brain for an excuse to escape for a bit, Lu Yuxing broke the silence, saying softly, “I’ll go to the restroom.”
Shang Jue stared blankly as Lu Yuxing stood up and left.
Watching Lu Yuxing’s retreating figure, a realization dawned on him, and his tightly wound nerves suddenly relaxed.
Shang Jue chuckled to himself.
He had almost forgotten that he wasn’t the only one feeling restless.
As long as he could make Lu Yuxing uncomfortable, what was there for him to endure?
Once the tension eased, the air began to circulate again. By the time Lu Yuxing returned from the restroom, Shang Jue had regained his usual cheerful demeanor.
With a playful spark, he teased Lu Yuxing, “Are you nervous, babe?”
“…” Lu Yuxing only regretted not staying on the terrace for a couple more minutes.
Shang Jue adjusted the flower arrangement next to him, turning the blooms so they faced him, then pulled out his phone to take a picture.
After setting the scene, he pointed the camera at Lu Yuxing.
The person across from him immediately furrowed his brows and raised a hand to shield his face. “I don’t like taking pictures.”
Shang Jue moved the camera away and smiled at him. “Okay.”
“...You’re not even going to take a picture for our anniversary?” he muttered softly, but out of consideration, he put his phone down.
His black phone lay facedown beneath the white bouquet, just like the person sitting opposite him—such an eyesore.
Lu Yuxing: “…”
After struggling for a few seconds, he finally managed to say, “Just take it.”
Shang Jue smiled gently. “It’s fine, baby. I don’t want you to force yourself to do something you don’t like.”
“...Fine, take it.”
Shang Jue raised an eyebrow with a smirk. “Should I record a video too?”
Lu Yuxing took a deep breath. “Sure.”
Without hesitation, Shang Jue picked up his phone again and smoothly switched to video mode.
On the screen appeared a handsome yet expressionless face, lips pressed together in silence.
“Baby, don’t be so stiff; say something!” Shang Jue urged.
Lu Yuxing helplessly looked at the camera. “What should I say?”
Shang Jue couldn’t think of anything immediately, but directing was easy for him. “Just say anything. Say something I’d like to hear.”
He tilted his head to look at Lu Yuxing, his eyes sparkling with anticipation behind the phone, illuminated by the warm light.
Lu Yuxing fell silent for a moment.
He had no idea what Shang Jue wanted to hear, but he knew what Shang Jue liked to say.
He remained still, and if it weren’t for the timer counting down, Shang Jue might have thought he was just capturing a still image.
After a long pause, Lu Yuxing slowly parted his lips, just barely touching them together.
“Babe…”
Those two words, light yet significant, fell into the silence, and Lu Yuxing immediately shut his mouth, his ears heating up, followed by his face.
“…”
Shang Jue stared blankly for a moment, his eyes curving into a smile as he struggled to hold back laughter, but he couldn't help exclaiming, “Hey~”
Lu Yuxing lowered his eyelashes, not daring to meet his gaze again.
After a while, he felt the tabletop under his palm tremble slightly, prompting him to look up at Shang Jue.
Shang Jue was doubled over on the table, his face buried in his arms, with only his ears and a bit of his fair skin visible. He was laughing silently, trying to stifle it to avoid disturbing other tables, his shoulders shaking even more.
The phone in Lu Yuxing's right hand was tilted at an awkward angle, the recording had stopped, but the camera stubbornly remained pointed at Lu Yuxing, shaking along with Shang Jue.
Yet even so, Shang Jue was still eager to catch a glimpse of Lu Yuxing's expression. He tilted his head, revealing one crescent-shaped eye, glistening with tears from laughter.
Lu Yuxing didn’t understand what was so funny, but it seemed he was somewhat affected by Shang Jue’s amusement, a hint of a smile creeping into his eyes. He was completely oblivious to his own situation—most likely, Shang Jue would back this video up to all his devices and cherish it for a lifetime.
The waiter brought the dishes to their table.
After the little interlude, the dining atmosphere became much lighter.
Shang Jue wasn’t picky about food, and the restaurant’s dishes weren’t overly adventurous; most of the signature flavors were quite good.
Except for one creamy soup. After tasting it, he set down the spoon and asked, “What is this soup?”
Lu Yuxing thought for a moment and replied, “Seafood chowder, but I can’t remember the exact name.”
Shang Jue nodded, saying nothing more, just pushed the spoon aside and didn’t touch it again.
After finishing their meal, they took a car back.
When they got out at the school gate, Shang Jue waved goodbye to Lu Yuxing.
Lu Yuxing didn’t lift his hand in response and said, “I’ll walk you partway.”
“What’s there to walk for? I’m a big guy!”
Lu Yuxing remained silent.
He recalled a couple of times that had played out like this. They had been at the school gate, and he had owed this person two goodbye kisses.
The first time was after he returned to school from the hospital, having lost all memory and unable to accept he had a boyfriend. His instinctive reaction to Shang Jue’s sudden closeness was to push him away.
The second time, he had left A University, hoping that when he returned, his amnesia would be cured. He thought that regardless of whether they broke up or continued together, he could follow his heart. Deep down, it was still an escape from reality.
Now, he found himself without any excuses left. Just like two weeks ago when Old Wang had asked him if he wanted to consider taking a leave of absence, he had answered “no.”
His amnesia was like a bomb with no trigger—it was impossible for it to be cured without him eventually facing it. He couldn’t just take a leave of absence for life.
Shang Jue was the same way; it was a matter of time before he had to confront it.
“...Let’s walk together, then.”
Shang Jue smiled, “Alright.”
He walked a half-step ahead of Lu Yuxing towards home.
The temperature dropped at night, and Shang Jue tucked his hands into his coat pockets, clutching his phone, his steps unusually light.
Lu Yuxing followed behind, conflicted.
Before he knew it, they had arrived.
The neighborhood where Shang Jue rented was quite nice, with a few streetlights illuminating the path. However, when they reached the bottom of the building, the light was obstructed by greenery, plunging the area back into darkness.
The hallway had motion-sensor lights, but when Shang Jue stepped on it and the light didn’t turn on, he didn’t bother to make a fuss.
Turning to Lu Yuxing, he smiled, “Baby I’m going up now.”
Seeing him about to head upstairs, Lu Yuxing steeled himself and called out, “Shang Jue.”
“Hmm—?”
Shang Jue's “Hmm” was abruptly cut off, his lips suddenly sealed by a soft warmth.
The motion-sensor light flickered to life, likely triggered by Lu Yuxing’s call of “Shang Jue,” illuminating the moment in an untimely manner.
Under the cold white light, Lu Yuxing's features became strikingly clear; the shadow cast by his long lashes concealed his eyes. When the light came on, he slowly turned to glance at the source of illumination before returning his gaze to Shang Jue’s face.
The proximity made it hard to focus; he couldn’t see Shang Jue’s eyes or understand his feelings in that moment.
To Lu Yuxing, the kiss felt particularly long, but in reality, it only lasted two or three seconds. Rather than a kiss, it resembled a mere touch of their lips—similar to holding hands. Despite knowing this, he still couldn’t meet Shang Jue’s gaze as he pulled away, the sensation of electric tingles lingering on his lips.
He quickly averted his eyes.
Across from him, Shang Jue’s mind buzzed, his expression slowly twisting in confusion.
What just happened!
That foolish dog! What was that!!!
Lu Yuxing’s equally bewildered expression made it abundantly clear to Shang Jue.
His first kiss was with a guy; the thought nearly made him want to die.
Lu Yuxing broke the silence. “...I’m heading back.”
Shang Jue nodded numbly, “Mm.”
“Goodbye?”
“Goodbye.”
Not hearing the usual “babe” at the end of his sentence, Lu Yuxing felt a twinge of discomfort.
He turned to leave.
Shang Jue wiped his lips vigorously, turning his head to form the shape of a word: “Puh.”
When he looked up, he noticed Lu Yuxing had only taken two steps before turning back to look at him.
Shang Jue froze, “...”
Lu Yuxing wore a puzzled expression, “What are you doing?”
Shang Jue stammered, “Nothing, I was...”
He paused, struggling to find the right words, “I was... savoring.”
Lu Yuxing: “...”
Shang Jue continued, “After all, it’s been a long time since we kissed.” He forced out a fake smile, his eyes slightly reddened, avoiding Lu Yuxing's gaze as if feeling a bit wronged.
Lu Yuxing fell silent, his conscience pricked by Shang Jue's expression.
He stepped closer to Shang Jue, who looked up at him with a bewildered expression. Leaning down once more, Lu Yuxing pressed his lips against Shang Jue’s again, sealing their unspoken emotions with another kiss.
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