Love and hate spring from the same cause, and flaws and virtues coexist.
You’re captivated by his unreserved, fiery passion, so you have to endure the anguish of being unable to confess your feelings for so long.
Xu Ke’s youth was a quietness forged under the crushing weight of life.
His parents divorced, and he was left to care for his sick younger sister alone. Their days were confined to a cramped apartment, filled with hospital bills and the little hardships of everyday life.
He had gotten used to this miserable life and lost his youthful spirit far too early. Then one day, someone burst in and shattered the gloom overhead.
“Your name is Xu Ke, right? When people ask you for a favor, you can say you’re granting them permission.”
Ping Xiaoxun cleared his throat and imitated Xu Ke’s usual cool tone. With an offhand remark, he gently shattered Xu Ke’s fragile defenses:
“I, Xu Ke, grant your request for permission.”
The good news: The person you like spoils you half to death, indulges you, and is close and flirtatious with you.
The bad news: It’s all straight-guy behavior.
Their fingertips accidentally touched while studying together. He kept Xu Ke company all night at the hospital. They embraced on New Year’s Eve...
Ping Xiaoxun’s affection was bold and unrestrained.
Day after day, their increasingly intimate gestures crossed the line, nurturing Xu Ke’s growing feelings.
“I like you.”
With their breaths mingling, the words slipped out between their lips.
The other boy looked stunned and fled.
Xu Ke touched his lips, smiling bitterly as he treasured the kiss he had stolen.
Months later, Ping Xiaoxun stood in front of him with red eyes, his voice urgent and hurt.
“I like you.”
Xu Ke lowered his eyes, his voice weary and distant. “You just think of me as a buddy.”
The boy in front of him blurted out, his ears burning red, “Buddies don’t dream about you every night. Do you know how many bedsheets I’ve had to wash?”
Xu Ke paused for a moment, and the taut string in his heart suddenly slackened.
And so Xu Ke granted his straight-guy deskmate’s request to date him.
A looks-obsessed, fiercely protective, outgoing golden-retriever-type gong × a seemingly cool guy who’s actually awkward, shy, and insecure, shou
2026.8.24
Theme: Love and hate spring from the same cause, and flaws and virtues coexist
