I Thought We Were Just Friends

At that wedding.

Yin Shun was the only friend or relative of Yuan Shuqing to attend, and the acknowledged witness to the marriage.

An accident occurred as they exchanged rings: the rings had gone missing.

Standing between the newlyweds, Yin Shun took out a ring box.

He opened it, revealing two luxurious rings.

The frames of his glasses concealed his expression, and all that could be seen was his smile. "These were the gifts I originally meant to give you. Since they can come in handy now, use them for the time being."

Everything worked out, except that one of the newlyweds' rings didn't fit.

One day after the wedding, Yin Shun came to visit.

He saw the ring set apart on the cabinet for safekeeping, and quietly took hold of Yuan Shuqing's hand.

As his fingers brushed the familiar ring, Yin Shun lowered his head and asked, "Is it stuck? Can't get it off?"

He picked up the unused ring and slipped it securely onto his own ring finger.

"Perfect. Mine's stuck too."

-

Yuan Shuqing's life goals were simple: no romance, little socializing, differentiate as a beta, and live until he felt he'd had enough.

The eldest young master Yin appeared and firmly rejected Yuan Shuqing's plans. They had to become good friends.

Friendship was a third option, distinct from romance and family, full of mystery and temptation.

As if bewitched, Yuan Shuqing really did become friends with Yin Shun.

From irritation, to calm, to acceptance... and eventually, inseparable closeness.

Yuan Shuqing and Yin Shun's friendship lasted for more than a decade, long enough for him to add one more item to his life goals:

To be friends with Yin Shun for the rest of their lives.

Even though, in other people's eyes, they were the most ambiguous of friends, lovers who would never admit what they were...

Yuan Shuqing's resolve never changed.

But Yuan Shuqing never imagined that one day he would say to Yin Shun, "Yin Shun, I want to get married."

It was because he'd discovered a secret, one the other person didn't even know: under the guise of friendship, Yin Shun had deceived two people for more than a decade.

-

ABO, one-on-one romance

A powerful, high-ranking alpha brought to heel by love x a beta heartthrob who avoids emotional entanglements

"We used to be the best of friends. Now I want to make those rumors true."

Possible content warnings:

1. The receiver really does marry someone else, but there is no infidelity during the marriage.

2. It looks like the pursuer's feelings are stronger than the receiver's, but they are actually mutual.

3. Every plot development serves the purpose of 'them finally realizing they are in love with each other.'

4. There isn't a real love-triangle showdown, because the second point really is true.

Theme: Lonely people heal each other and grow toward the light