The bar was dim, quiet now, except for soft murmurs and the hum of slow music.
Wu Suo Wei sat slouched between Jiang Xiao Shuai and Guo Cheng Yu. His hoodie was stained from spilled beer. His eyes, red from crying, fluttered half-shut as he leaned against Xiao Shuai's shoulder.
He didn't even notice when the door slammed open.
Chi Cheng stood in the doorway, chest heaving, breath ragged.
His eyes scanned the room and locked on the boy he'd been desperate to find.
"Da Bao…"
Suo Wei flinched at the voice.
Chi Cheng walked over fast, but stopped short when Cheng Yu stood up protectively.
"You made him cry," Cheng Yu said coldly.
"Get in line," Xiao Shuai added, voice tight. "He thought you were going to kiss Wang Shuo."
"I wasn't–" Chi Cheng paused, swallowed hard. "I wasn't."
He looked at Suo Wei, kneeling down in front of him.
"Da Bao, look at me."
Suo Wei didn't.
"I said look at me," Chi Cheng whispered, voice breaking.
Slowly, Suo Wei lifted his head.
His lips quivered. "What do you want now?"
"I want you. I only ever wanted you."
Suo Wei's eyes filled again. "Then why… why were you with him?"
"I wasn't with him. He asked to meet. He said he liked you. That he'd fight for you."
"…And you didn't stop him?"
"I did. I tried. But then you showed up and ran before I could explain."
Chi Cheng leaned closer, his eyes desperate.
"There's something else you should know. About the past. About high school."
Suo Wei blinked.
"That relationship with Wang Shuo? It was fake. A deal. I did it… because I thought if I stayed away from you, you'd be safer. Happier."
He bowed his head.
"I was scared, Da Bao. Of what everyone would say. Of what it would cost you if the world found out we were… together."
Silence.
Chi Cheng looked up, pain etched across his face.
"But I'm not scared anymore."
He cupped Suo Wei's cheeks, fingers trembling.
"I love you. I've always loved you. I don't care if the whole world knows."
He leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together.
"Please… tell me you still believe in us."
The silence stretched.
Guo Cheng Yu and Xiao Shuai stood back, watching with quiet hearts.
Then–
Suo Wei let out a soft sob.
And threw his arms around Chi Cheng's neck.
"I believe in you," he whispered. "I always have."
Chi Cheng held him tightly, as if letting go would destroy everything.
"I'm sorry," he whispered again and again into Suo Wei's hair. "I'm so sorry, Da Bao."
"I missed you," Suo Wei hiccupped, burying his face in Chi Cheng's shoulder. "Even when you were right next to me."
Chi Cheng kissed his temple. "You'll never feel alone again."
Later: Outside the Bar
The four boys walked together under the streetlamps.
Chi Cheng had his arm around Suo Wei, holding him protectively.
Guo Cheng Yu reached into his jacket and offered Xiao Shuai a lollipop. "For stress."
Xiao Shuai chuckled. "Seriously?"
"Works wonders. Plus, you looked like you needed something sweet."
Xiao Shuai took it. Their fingers brushed.
Neither pulled away.
Cheng Yu leaned closer. "You know… I think we'd look good together too."
Xiao Shuai rolled his eyes. "Keep dreaming."
But he was smiling.
Cheng Yu's grin widened. "So there's hope?"
"No comment," Xiao Shuai said, face flushed.
Their laughter echoed down the street, mixing with Suo Wei's soft giggles and Chi Cheng's quiet sighs of relief.
For now, the night held no more secrets.
Only healing.
Only the quiet return of trust.