The arrival of a transfer student brought some fun to what had been a dull high school life. Everyone in Class 1, Grade 11, at Lishui No. 2 High School was curious about the handsome, aloof-looking Beta.
With the dedication of a deskmate, physics class representative, and vice class monitor committed to serving his classmates, Zhuang Yao threw himself into helping the new student fit in.
The handsome guy was named Qi Yan. He was quiet and didn't talk much, but that didn't stop Zhuang from showing him plenty of enthusiasm.
He tapped on Qi Yan's book and asked with a smile, “Want to grab something to eat after class?”
With one smile and one tease, one exchange after another, Zhuang Yao found his way into Qi Yan's heart.
1.
Not long after they met, Zhuang Yao was forcibly assigned by their homeroom teacher to become Qi Yan's deskmate, and began his plan to pick up some English skills.
The homeroom teacher said earnestly, “You need someone to help you reach your potential. Learn from your new deskmate. He got 138!”
Zhuang Yao, who had scored 80: “…You can't force a melon to be sweet.”
The homeroom teacher: “Then start by growing one.”
Zhuang Yao was disheartened. Zhuang Yao accepted his fate.
So he clattered and banged his way into moving a whole “home” over.
Zhuang Yao's thoughts: Phew, finally done moving.
Qi Yan's thoughts: Why does this guy have so many cups? And so many little knickknacks…
2.
Later on.
On the first night of the sports meet, Qi Yan brought something to Zhuang Yao.
In the dim light, Qi Yan thought: His eyelashes are pretty long.
One morning shortly before winter break, Qi Yan and Zhuang Yao bent down to pick up a fallen roll of tape at the same time. Qi Yan accidentally touched Zhuang Yao's face and thought: His face is pretty soft too.
Zhuang Yao celebrated Qi Yan's birthday and bent down to pick up a cake fork from the floor. Qi Yan thought: How are his legs so long, too?
I like him!
Later still.
Zhuang Yao held Qi Yan's trembling hands tightly. Their skin touched, and the warmth they shared stopped the tears that were about to spill.
His expression was gentle, his voice soft, and he gave Qi Yan all the courage he needed: “I'll help you!”
The boy's unspoken affection quietly turned into love.
3.
In their senior year, the school decided to redesign the commuter passes.
Their homeroom teacher sent Zhuang Yao and Qi Yan to pick up the new passes.
As they reached the classroom door, a classmate asked, “Where are you two going?”
Qi Yan: “To get our certificate.”
Classmate: “Huh?”
Zhuang Yao: “Yeah. We're going to get our certificate.”
A cool-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside Beta seme x a cheerful, sunny Alpha uke
Qi Yan x Zhuang Yao
Special note: This story has a Beta seme and an Alpha uke, and includes the uke being cat-coded. Both are virgins, happy ending, 1v1, no switching or breaking up. A somewhat slow-burn school-life ABO story about healing.
Feel free to choose based on what you like (｡ò ∀ ó｡)
Theme: Study hard and set out toward a bright future
Come on, the author, please update quickly [Dog's Head Holds a Rose]