In the 19th century, an apocalyptic virus that spread only among humans descended upon the world. Humanity survived by getting vaccinated with vaccines containing animal genes, and some people with unusual constitutions began to undergo beastlike transformations under the vaccines' influence.
-
As the owner of a ferocious beast's genes, Lu Xiao had always reigned at the top of Linhai No. 9 High School's food chain. His high school life had been smooth sailing.
That was until his archenemy, Qin Yi, suddenly transferred to his school and became his deskmate.
Lu Xiao: "You're done for."
Qin Yi: "You won't get off easy either."
On the first day of school, Lu Xiao propped his feet on the seat Qin Yi was supposed to take.
Lu Xiao: "I'm allergic to good students."
In the second week of school, Qin Yi, wearing a red armband, stopped Lu Xiao at the gate for being late.
Qin Yi: "Your bundle of demerits has arrived."
·
Everyone knew Lu Xiao and Qin Yi couldn't stand each other.
But during lunch break, in a grove on campus, Lu Xiao suffered a gene outbreak. His body grew feverishly hot, and beast ears and a tail sprouted. Grabbing Qin Yi by the collar, he looked ready to face his doom. "Give me a charge, damn it."
With his special constitution, Qin Yi was the only one who could soothe Lu Xiao. He raised an eyebrow. "Call me Dad."
Lu Xiao: "...Get lost."
Qin Yi curled his lips and bit down on Lu Xiao's prominent Adam's apple.
As he soothed Lu Xiao's fever, he also muffled the rest of the words Lu Xiao hadn't finished saying with his soft lips.
·
Qin Yi was the "other people's child" all parents talked about: excellent in both character and academics, gentle and refined, a lofty flower on a mountaintop whom everyone admired.
But Lu Xiao knew that Qin Yi's warmth and kindness were only a disguise. Inside, he was as black-hearted as black sesame filling.
Having seen through it all, Lu Xiao resolved not to fall for the same tricks again. But when he saw Qin Yi looking pitiful as some punks bullied him, he couldn't help stepping in to help and shielding him behind his back.
Then one day, Lu Xiao saw Qin Yi being led into an alley by some punks again. He immediately followed, ready to save him, but the scene went beyond anything he'd expected: the person who was usually so weak he couldn't even take care of himself easily subdued several punks in just a few moves.
Lu Xiao: ...
Lu Xiao: Damn, I fell for it again.
Content warnings:
1. An old concept, reopened.
2. Original setting, modern background, beastfolk with animal genes, lots of author-created details, and terminal chuunibyou.
3. Silly mutual flirting. Neither lead is perfect. They grow together and save each other.
4. A silly, illogical, lightweight story. The characters' logic and values do not represent the author's.
Theme: Love well, and fight discrimination :)
