Trial Marriage

Si Tong had spent most of his life carefree and oblivious. It wasn't until he turned thirty and his family started pressuring him to get married that he realized he might be into men. He came out without a second thought, only to discover that even coming out couldn't save him from being set up on blind dates.

His date was 186 centimeters tall and an associate professor at a university. When Si Tong arrived and saw him, he thought, Oh wow, it's an old classmate.

Liang Song was the quintessential golden boy: excellent grades at school, impressive credentials, a steady and respectable job after graduation, and a good salary. By any measure, he was an outstanding person, more than good enough for Si Tong. Si Tong had nothing to complain about.

But first, they'd known each other for years, and being set up with a classmate came with an awkwardness that was hard to put into words. Second, after so many years of comfortable single life, Si Tong wasn't sure he could adjust to a brand-new intimate relationship.

Liang Song saw right through him. “Maybe we could try living together as a married couple first.”

Si Tong: “...Is that what ‘trying marriage’ means?”

Some time later,

Si Tong: “Okay, I get it now. This is great.”

Si Tong runs a pet shop, so cats, dogs, and all kinds of exotic pets, including reptiles, will make random appearances.

Coming soon in the author's collection: The Willing One Takes the Bait

The bottom has a pond at home, and the top comes over to fish. The bottom soon realizes the man has no idea what he's doing: he can't adjust the float, prepare a fishing spot, or mix bait. For half a month straight, he doesn't catch a single fish. The bottom has never met anyone with such terrible technique and luck, and finally can't help stepping in to show him the ropes.

Luckily, though the top's technique is poor, he's a very diligent student. With the bottom's guidance, he finally manages to catch a fish.

The bottom is thoroughly pleased, then realizes the top might not be there just to fish.

Later, the bottom discovers a lure fishing tournament champion's medal at the top's house.

Theme: Dare to try and bravely pursue what you want.