The Straight Guys' Shared Apartment

When they first started sharing a rental, Zhang Chengyi and Cheng Shuran's impressions of each other were:

Zhang Chengyi: "That manga artist who draws danmei comics."

Cheng Shuran: "That pretty boy who could pass for either a man or a woman."

Their shared thought: "Doesn't look straight. Better stay away."

A few days into their arrangement, Zhang Chengyi came out and saw Cheng Shuran sprawled on the sofa in a tank top and baggy shorts, drawing with bedhead that looked like a bird's nest. When he saw Zhang Chengyi, he greeted him listlessly. "Morning."

Then he added, "I made breakfast. Have some."

Zhang Chengyi thought, This guy can cook? Then he went over and saw a fried egg that had been burned to a crisp...

Looking back at Cheng Shuran, he thought... well, he was pretty rough around the edges. He didn't seem gay, either.

Cheng Shuran certainly wasn't gay, but he thought Zhang Chengyi was so refined he seemed gay. He was handsome, sure, but he also dressed impeccably. He never left the house without perfume and sunscreen, and before bed he applied one product after another. His skin was radiant, and he always had a faint fragrance about him.

That is, until Cheng Shuran saw Zhang Chengyi knock out a drunk with one punch...

Cheng Shuran: "..." Well, he did seem a little manly.

A month after they moved in together, Cheng Shuran announced to everyone, "Hi, Cheng Shuran is my brother."

With an arm around Zhang Chengyi's shoulder, he smiled back at someone and said, "This is the buddy who understands me best. I'm going to stick with him for life."

Cheng Shuran: "By 'stick with him,' I meant as brothers. Thanks."

Not long after, they both posted a question on a forum.

Cheng Shuran: [Um, so... what do you do if you get drunk and do that thing to your bro?]

Zhang Chengyi: [What do you do if your bro gets drunk and does that thing to you?]

Both: We're waiting for an answer. It's pretty urgent.

Question: Are you straight?

Zhang Chengyi/Cheng Shuran: Yes.

Answer: Guess you're bent now.

[2023.1.6]

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