The private room at the Kylin Pavilion was buzzing with laughter and chatter as we celebrated Lin Yuxin's birthday. I had spent three painstaking months knitting a scarf for her—my childhood friend, my supposed fiancée, the girl I'd liked since we were kids. But she tossed my gift straight into the trash without a second thought.
"Liang Yu, can you stop giving me these disgusting things?" Yuxin snapped, her voice full of impatience.
I felt everyone's eyes on me, sharp as needles. I'd planned to confess my feelings tonight—the ring was still in my pocket—but her reaction made it clear there was no point. Our engagement had been arranged since we were little, but I was the only one who ever cared. She'd always been cold, but I'd convinced myself she'd come around. Now, staring at the scarf in the garbage, I realized how pointless it all was.
Sometimes, love fades in a heartbeat.
Yuxin and her friends laughed, and I caught the word "simp" thrown around—obviously about me. Even without confessing, she knew how I felt. I'd organized this whole party, paid for everything, invited all her friends and my roommates, but she didn't give me a single kind look.
I decided I was done being a doormat, done pretending.
Despite the awkwardness, I didn't want to ruin the party for everyone else. When someone suggested Truth or Dare, I joined in, trying to act normal. Maybe my luck had turned after that heartbreak, because I drew a dare: "Kiss anyone in the room."
Yuxin's eyes narrowed, her face twisted in disgust. She shook her head at me, mouthing a clear "no." I smirked. I had no intention of kissing her.
Scanning the room, my gaze landed on my roommate, Shen Zeyan. He was the school heartthrob—tall, sharp-featured, always a little mysterious. Rumor had it his family was struggling, and he worked multiple part-time jobs, rarely seen around the dorm.
On a whim, I leaned in and whispered, "Zeyan, play along, will you?"
He met my eyes, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. "Sure."
My heart pounded as I kissed him—a quick, minty brush of lips. He'd just eaten a mint. The room exploded in screams.
Everyone was stunned. No one expected me to kiss the campus Adonis instead of the queen bee. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yuxin's jaw drop. For a moment, I felt vindicated. Sure, it was my first kiss, but at least it was with someone good-looking.
Zeyan's ears turned crimson, his eyes wild but controlled. Just then, the server brought out the confession cake and bouquet I'd pre-ordered—too late to cancel. The cake read "I like you," but no name.
Yuxin rolled her eyes, assuming I'd confess to her. But I grabbed Zeyan's arm and blurted out, "I have a secret. Today I finally have the courage to say it. Actually, I'm gay. I like men. And Zeyan is exactly my type—tall, handsome, irresistible. I like him!"
Who says I have to confess to Yuxin? Why not change the target? Now she wouldn't have to worry about me chasing her, and maybe I could finally convince my parents to break off the engagement. I'd tried before, but they always said I was being childish.
The room erupted in cheers and jeers.
I forced a smile, but Zeyan kept staring at me, his eyes dark and intense. I felt a strange sense of danger.
Suddenly, he stood up, closing the gap between us like a predator stalking prey. "You said… you like men?" he asked.
I nodded. "Yeah."
"You like me?" His lips curled into a sly smile.
I nodded again, bracing for rejection. I figured I'd explain later—it was just an act, after all. We'd still be friends.
But Zeyan's eyes lit up with a fire I'd never seen. "What a coincidence. I like you too. You kissed me, so let's date."
My mind went blank. What? Zeyan… liked me? He was actually gay?
The room went wild. Phones were out, people were livestreaming. My face burned with embarrassment and shock.
He leaned in, our noses almost touching, his breath tinged with lemon. "Why so quiet?"
Everyone was staring. If I backed out now, all my plans would fall apart. The alcohol in my veins made me bold.
Real men don't chicken out.
I nodded.
Zeyan's eyes sparkled like stars.
Back in our dorm at Mingyun University, I lay in bed, still reeling. The campus heartthrob had confessed to me. We were… dating?
Maybe I should just come clean.
The next morning, I woke up to find I'd gone viral. Everyone knew I was gay—and that I was dating Zeyan. My phone blew up with messages. Worst of all, my mom called nonstop. She'd heard everything from Yuxin.
I braced for a scolding, but she was surprisingly calm. "If you like men, that's just how you are. We won't force you. The engagement with Yuxin is off. Oh, and I'm coming to meet your boyfriend soon!"
I hung up, feeling a mix of relief and dread. The engagement was finally over, but now my mom wanted to meet Zeyan.
As I sat in a daze, Zeyan came in with breakfast. He set it on my desk, his voice gentle. " get up and eat. I got all your favorites."
I scratched my head, awkward. Were we really boyfriends now?
"Thanks."
He handed me the scarf Yuxin had thrown away. He'd rescued it.
"Can I have it?" he asked, eyes hopeful.
I nodded. "Yeah, it looks good on you."
He beamed, treating the scarf like a treasure.
As I brushed my teeth, Zeyan filled my basin with warm water. I'd never imagined the usually aloof Zeyan could be so caring.
I almost confessed the truth several times but held back. If I were him, I'd be furious at being tricked. Plus, my parents only called off the engagement because they believed I was gay. If Zeyan told them the truth, I'd be in big trouble.
Maybe… I could just date him for a month? Give it a shot.
After class, Zeyan handed me a bubble tea he'd bought in advance. I sipped nervously.
"Zeyan, this is my first relationship," I admitted.
He ruffled my hair affectionately. "Mine too."
"I… I'm not sure I'm cut out for this. How about we try dating for a month and see how it goes?"
He smiled, eyes full of warmth. "That sounds perfect."