The next morning, Suo Wei peeked into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"Morning..." he mumbled, voice still thick with sleep.
Chi Cheng stood at the counter, pouring coffee. He didn't turn around. "Mm."
Suo Wei stepped closer, tugging at the hem of his oversized T-shirt Chi Cheng's shirt, actually the one he always wore when he slept.
"You made coffee?" Suo Wei asked gently, trying to peek at Chi Cheng's face. "Can I have some?"
Chi Cheng slid a mug across the counter without looking at him. "It's hot."
Suo Wei hesitated, fingers brushing the warm ceramic. "Did... I do something wrong?"
Chi Cheng finally looked up, eyes unreadable. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't know... you're being all-" Suo Wei paused, trying to find the word. "Distant."
Chi Cheng went quiet.
Suo Wei offered a small, soft smile. "I didn't mean to make you upset."
"You didn't," Chi Cheng replied, turning away again. But the set of his shoulders stayed tense.
Later that afternoon, Suo Wei wandered near the outdoor court where Chi Cheng practiced. He stayed by the benches, pretending to scroll on his phone but sneaking glances every few minutes.
Chi Cheng played like he didn't notice.
He always played like he didn't notice.
Until his eyes flicked over briefly just once when Suo Wei laughed quietly at something on his phone. It was the smallest glance. But Cheng Yu caught it.
And smirked.
"Wei Wei~" Cheng Yu sang, appearing suddenly behind him and throwing an arm over his shoulders.
"Ah-! You scared me," Suo Wei blinked up, startled but smiling politely.
"You always sit here watching Chi Cheng like a drama's about to happen."
"I wasn't watching-!" Suo Wei squeaked, face burning.
"Sure, sure," Cheng Yu teased, ruffling his hair.
Suo Wei ducked shyly, hugging his arms to himself. "Don't tease me..."
"But it's so fun when you go all red," Cheng Yu grinned. "You're like a little strawberry."
Just then, a basketball bounced a little too hard at the far end of the court.
Chi Cheng walked over, picking it up silently and glanced at them. Suo Wei didn't notice.
But Cheng Yu did.
He leaned a little closer, voice low beside Suo Wei's ear. "Do you like shy boys, Chi Cheng?"
Chi Cheng didn't react. He just bounced the ball once then again then turned and walked back to the court.
But his shots hit the rim a lot more that afternoon.