Quit Pretending

Ye Yun doted on his younger brother from childhood, and as a result, his brother developed an extreme older-brother complex.

His brother could leave home and his parents, but he couldn't bear to be away from Ye Yun, his big brother.

It was like someone afraid of ghosts actually meeting one: in an instant, he was making a scene as if his life depended on it.

So when his brother pleaded and pestered him to move with him to college, freelance worker Ye Yun helplessly agreed to move in and keep him company.

A clingy brother complex is one thing. A brother complex that shows you off is another.

In the first week of living together, Ye Yun was shown off to his younger brother's roommate.

The young man's features were sharp and striking, his skin pale as if covered in frost and snow.

Without an expression, he had a distant, cold air that made him seem unapproachable.

But whenever he faced Ye Yun, there was always a mischievous streak that was impossible to resist.

Ye Yun knew the other boy was young and playful. He never took his deliberate approaches or teasing seriously, always responding with a smile.

Until one day, the boy grabbed his wrist and refused to let go. His tone was forceful, though his words sounded almost unserious. "Ye Yun, give me a chance."

That was the first time Ye Yun lost his gentle smile. Slowly, he pulled the other's hand away, making his rejection clear.

When the boy demanded a reason to give up, Ye Yun deliberately said, "I like obedient guys."

The boy gave a scoff and turned away, his face expressionless.

-

Nobody thought someone like Jiang Ce, who did whatever he pleased and cared about nothing, would ever fall for someone.

Jiang Ce himself was just as confident that nobody could stir his heart.

Even when he first saw the roommate's brother, the one everyone said was so gentle and wonderful, and couldn't help following him with his eyes.

Even when he kept trying to get Ye Yun's attention and couldn't stop himself from acting up, just to see Ye Yun give him a helpless smile.

Even when he finally grabbed Ye Yun's wrist and jokingly asked him to give it a try.

Even after Ye Yun coldly rejected him and he scoffed as he turned away, he still believed it.

Until he came back to Ye Yun, acting as if he didn't care.

Ye Yun began keeping his distance, no longer showing any reaction to him.

He even started acting as if Jiang Ce weren't there.

Just as Ye Yun had once done for him, he began smiling gently at other people instead

Jiang Ce couldn't take it anymore. His expression darkened, hostility surged, and his true nature came out as rage reddened his eyes.

-

Ye Yun thought he and Jiang Ce would never cross paths again after he turned him down.

He never expected that a few days later, the other boy would corner him beneath a tree.

The boy's voice no longer sounded playful. He made his promise with difficulty, but in earnest. "Ye Yun, I'll be good."

Then he put it into practice, tempering his rough edges and clinging to Ye Yun's hand. "I'm being good now."

"Could you... please not let go of me?"

-

Premise: Stay positive and keep moving forward