This novel is also known as Sleepless Autumn. Character introductions are below, so you can read those first.
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Qi Mian is supposed to keep Shi Qiu company while he studies for his senior-year exams, but then he sees an alpha confessing to Shi Qiu at this crucial moment! How shameless!
He rushes over in a flash. "Shoo, shoo! Don't lead my kid astray!"
Then he earnestly advises Shi Qiu: "AA relationships never end well."
Shi Qiu, looking guilty: "...Right."
After the college entrance exams, Qi Mian takes Shi Qiu on a graduation trip with his buddies, only to learn that Shi Qiu has fallen for an older alpha, and that Shi Qiu himself is a hopeless romantic.
Qi Mian is furious that Shi Qiu ignored his advice.
He was planning to have a huge fight with him, but then Shi Qiu is suddenly diagnosed with a physical defect that makes him different from a normal alpha.
Of course, that is no reason for Shi Qiu to like alphas!
But Qi Mian can't bring himself to get angry at someone who's sick.
It isn't until later that Qi Mian accidentally discovers that the older man is him! And Shi Qiu has done something truly outrageous to him!
He is so furious he could spit blood, but in the end he only gets angry and doesn't hit him.
Because Shi Qiu was still sick at the time.
Later, circumstances force them apart for a while. Qi Mian forgets some things, then remembers them again. He also remembers that Shi Qiu has always liked him. But what should he do? If he returns those feelings, is it because he loves him, or because he feels indebted to him?
When they meet again, Shi Qiu's hair reaches his shoulders, and he is like a completely different person.
The only thing that hasn't changed is how he feels about Qi Mian.
He even asks Qi Mian whether he would accept him if he became an omega.
Qi Mian feels guilt and pity, gratitude and nostalgia for him. After one autumn passes, can all these feelings pile up like fallen leaves and become the love Shi Qiu wants?
Even if those leaves only last through this winter, even if they rot the following spring, and after one growing season are completely broken down into soil.
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I revised the introduction and moved the character descriptions here:
Qi Mian is a high-quality single alpha who has spent 28 years single because he is too picky about partners. He's considerate and easygoing, loves to cook, and is an amazing cook. A handsome dad type, he only likes omegas and fears AA relationships.
Shi Qiu is an alpha and something of a heartthrob. He gets irritated with Qi Mian very easily, but when he realizes he's actually a pervert, everything suddenly makes sense.
Qi Mian's characterization here is rather like that of a straight guy who is uncomfortable with homosexuality.
★ Both are each other's only partners, switch roles, and the story actually has dual points of view. They are ten years apart in age. Shi Qiu won't become an omega, though there will be some differences.
★ There is an angsty part in the middle and later sections, after which their personalities will change somewhat, but I promise a happy ending. The plot is all in service of their romance, so don't overanalyze it.
★ This idea came to me when I was young. Some parts may seem unreasonable because I wanted to preserve some of my earlier ideas. My thought process is a little unusual, so please bear with me.
★ Please add this to your collection~
Theme: Cherish the present, and don't let the person before you down
