That night, after everyone had gone to their rooms, Qiushi lingered in the hallway. He'd told himself he was just going to say goodnight, but his feet stopped in front of Nanzhu's door.
He raised a hand to knock, but the door opened first. Nanzhu stood there, hair loose and slightly damp, a faint scent of soap clinging to him.
"…Couldn't sleep?" Nanzhu asked.
Qiushi shook his head. "Not really."
Nanzhu stepped aside. "Come in, then."
Qiushi hesitated for a heartbeat before entering. Nanzhu's room was softly lit, shadows stretching across the bed and the low table in the corner. It felt… private, but not unwelcoming.
They ended up sitting on the bed, talking about nothing and everything—stories from past doors, absurd rumors they'd heard, teasing back and forth until Qiushi's cheeks ached from smiling.
At some point, the conversation slowed. Qiushi realized he was lying sideways, head resting against Nanzhu's shoulder. Nanzhu's hand was warm on his back, rubbing lazy circles like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You're warm," Qiushi mumbled, almost asleep.
Nanzhu chuckled softly. "Then stay here."
Qiushi meant to argue, but the gentle cadence of Nanzhu's voice and the steady rhythm of his breathing lulled him into sleep.
The next morning
When Qiushi woke, sunlight was spilling across the bed. He blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling for a moment—then remembered exactly where he was.
Nanzhu was still asleep beside him, hair tousled, face relaxed in a way Qiushi rarely saw. Seing him finally being together eith Nanzhu, he, himself think he is literally the luckiest man on earth. While Chestnut was curled at their feet like a tiny, furry guardian.
Qiushi smiled before carefully slipping out of bed. But when he opened the door, Qianli and Yixie were standing right there.
Qianli's eyes widened. "Linlin-ge… did you sleep here?!"
Yixie didn't even bother pretending to be surprised. "So, you're together now?"
Qiushi's ears burned. "It's not like that—"
Behind him, Nanzhu's voice called lazily, "Yes, it is."
Qianli's jaw dropped. Yixie smirked knowingly. Qiushi groaned, dragging a hand down his face, but somewhere under the embarrassment, he couldn't stop the smile tugging at his lips.
***
Breakfast was unusually quiet in the main dining area. Everyone else had already eaten, leaving Qiushi and Nanzhu to sit together. Nanzhu poured milk into Qiushi's cup, careful, as if reading his mind.
Qiushi's heart thumped in his chest. Every small gesture from Nanzhu felt magnified. When Qiushi reached for the bread, Nanzhu's hand brushed his. A spark shot through him.
"You're distracted today," Nanzhu said softly, leaning closer so Qiushi could smell the faint citrus of his shampoo.
"I… I'm fine," Qiushi mumbled, cheeks hot, refusing to pull away even though his heart threatened to leap from his chest.
Nanzhu's hand lingered near Qiushi's, fingers lightly tracing the back of his hand. "You've been quiet since this morning," he murmured.
Qiushi swallowed, courage swelling. He looked up into Nanzhu's dark eyes, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them. Slowly, hesitantly, Qiushi leaned forward—and Nanzhu met him halfway.
Their lips brushed softly at first, a delicate, questioning touch, then deepened into something warmer, more certain. Qiushi's hands trembled slightly on Nanzhu's arms, and Nanzhu's thumb caressed his jaw as if memorizing every curve.
The kiss ended with a gentle, lingering pressure, a promise rather than a goodbye. Qiushi blinked, breathless.
"You didn't pull away," Nanzhu said, voice low and teasing.
"I didn't want to," Qiushi admitted, face aflame.
Nanzhu smiled, leaning closer to Qiushis ear. "Be careful of what you say, or I'll eat you up linlin." he whispered jokingly.
At that moment, Chestnut jumped onto the table with a meow, shattering the intimate bubble with perfect comedic timing. Qiushi and Nanzhu pulled apart, laughing quietly, their fingers still entwined.
From across the room, Qianli whispered to Yixie, "Yep… definitely together now. Linlin-ge is doomed,… and he loves it."
Qiushi buried his face on Nanzhus shoulder , cheeks burning, while Nanzhu simply laughed and tugged him closer.
Qiushu wish is to stay like this. Forever. And ever. And Nanzhu will make this wish come true.