Online Dating Fiasco with the Campus Heartthrob (DATING)
The next morning, Ji Su woke up to bright daylight.
He blinked his long lashes in confusion before realizing he had somehow ended up in bed.
His mind suddenly cleared, and he sat up as the thin blanket slipped from his waist.
He looked around the room but didn’t see Gu Zhao, so he breathed a sigh of relief and lay back down.
Ji Su closed his eyes as his cheek unconsciously rub against the soft pillowcase and his nose caught a faint, pleasant woody scent, identical to Gu Zhao’s but much lighter.
When Gu Zhao pushed open the door, this was the scene he saw.
A flushed face rubbing against his pillow, like a dazed little kitten while being utterly defenseless, sweet and beautiful.
Gu Zhao stood at the doorway to admire the sight for a moment before knocking on the door, "Awake?"
Ji Su immediately opened his eyes and sat up, "I’m awake."
The black shirt he was wearing was already loose, and because of his restless sleeping posture, it caused the collar to slip off one shoulder that revealed delicate collarbones and a snow-white shoulder with a faint finger mark on it.
It was a mark left in the bathroom yesterday.
He hadn’t used much force, but the skin was just too tender.
Gu Zhao’s Adam’s apple bobbed while his gaze lowered to conceal the emotions in his eyes.
Ji Su got out of bed with his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, "Um... I remember sleeping on the sofa last night, I don’t know why..."
Gu Zhao looked up, "What?"
Ji Su asked cautiously, "Did I climb into your bed in the middle of the night?"
Gu Zhao: "Yes."
Ji Su frowned slightly, "I don’t remember having sleepwalking issues, how could I..."
"Go wash up first," Gu Zhao interrupted, muttering, "I made breakfast."
"Oh, okay," Ji Su snapped out of it and apologized, "I’m really sorry, I must have crowded you last night."
"It’s fine," Gu Zhao turned around, "I’ll find you a new pair of pants."
Ji Su nodded, "Okay, thank you."
After washing up, he walked out of the bathroom and saw a pair of black pants laid out on the bed. He picked them up to put them on, and rolled up the long cuffs twice before heading to the living room.
As soon as he stepped out of the bedroom, his keen nose caught the aroma of food.
Gu Zhao brought out two steaming bowls of vegetable and shredded pork noodles, with soup dumplings bought from the breakfast shop downstairs and refreshing pickled cucumber on the side. It looked incredibly appetizing.
Ji Su pulled out a chair, "What a lavish breakfast."
Gu Zhao sat across from him, "Try it."
"Okay," Ji Su picked up his chopsticks then took a bite, and praised generously, "It’s delicious. A hundred times better than the noodles I make."
Gu Zhao smiled faintly, "Eat up."
Ji Su took a few more bites, then suddenly stopped as the corners of his eyes slightly red.
"What’s wrong?" Gu Zhao noticed his change, "Is the noodles too hot?"
"A little..." Ji Su looked up while smiling, "It’s nothing, I just got a bit teary from the steam."
He had left home early to live in the dorms since middle school. Even when he went home during holidays to eat with others, no one had ever asked what he wanted to eat, nor had anyone specially made a meal for him like this.
Gu Zhao watched him for several seconds before saying, "Let it cool for a bit and eat the soup dumplings first."
"Okay," Ji Su replied before pushing the noodle bowl aside and picking up a soup dumpling then taking a small bite from the tip.
"It’s so fresh," he licked the soup from his lips, "How did you know I like soup dumplings?"
"How did I know?" Gu Zhao chuckled, "Didn’t you tell me?"
"When did I—" Ji Su paused with his voice faltering, "I guess I did..."
During his time "dating" G online, they had talked about so many things. He had forgotten many of the things he had casually mentioned, but Gu Zhao had remembered...
After breakfast, Ji Su wanted to collect the laundry but was stopped by Gu Zhao, "Leave it to dry and I’ll bring it to you next time."
Ji Su didn’t think much of it, "Okay, thanks for the trouble."
He didn’t lack this set of clothes anyway, and carrying wet clothes around was inconvenient.
Not long after, the two drove back to school.
It was Saturday, and there weren’t many students around.
Gu Zhao stopped at the dormitory building.
"I’ll head up then," Ji Su waved slightly, "Thank you for dinner and breakfast."
"Mm," Gu Zhao responded then suddenly reached out toward him.
Ji Su instinctively wanted to dodge but stopped himself.
He couldn’t react too strongly, or Gu Zhao would think he was scared.
A warm hand landed on his head and the fingers brushed through his soft hair before quickly retreating.
"There was something in your hair," Gu Zhao casually flicked his fingers and explained lightly.
Ji Su blinked, "Thank you, I’ll go now."
Gu Zhao stood there while watching him walk into the dormitory building as his fingers slowly rubbed together.
.........
Ji Su walked up to the dormitory door and knocked lightly.
The door creaked open, and Qiao Jin poked his head out.
It was Saturday morning, and the roommates were still sleeping in. Ji Su didn’t want to disturb them, so he had sent Qiao Jin a message earlier.
Qiao Jin slipped out, before closing the door behind him, and eagerly asked, "Susu, tell me, what happened last night?"
Ji Su stepped back into the hallway and whispered, "Nothing happened. I just slept at Gu Zhao’s place."
"He really didn’t do anything?" Qiao Jin pressed.
"Really, he didn’t hit me or scold me," Ji Su paused, "He even made me food, it was delicious."
"Holy cow..." Qiao Jin looked incredulous, "This is too surreal, the great campus heartthrob Gu Zhao is actually a domestic god?"
Ji Su laughed at his choice of words, "Maybe."
"Damn!" Qiao Jin suddenly exclaimed, "I just realized you’re not wearing your own clothes. Judging by the size, are these Gu Zhao’s?"
Ji Su looked down at his pants, "They are his."
He wasn’t short for a guy, but Gu Zhao was so tall that he looked like a kid wearing adult clothes.
"Sharing the same pants now..." Qiao Jin stroked his chin, "Does this mean you’ve completely made up and are on good terms?"
"I guess so?" Ji Su looked up, "Honestly, I didn’t expect Gu Zhao to forgive me so easily."
When he went to Gu Zhao’s place last night, he had gone with the mindset of marching to his execution, but aside from the initial scare, he had been treated very well by the host.
"That’s great!" Qiao Jin cheered, "Now you don’t have to avoid Gu Zhao, and I don’t have to avoid Zhou Yang!"
Ji Su was puzzled, "When were you avoiding Zhou Yang?"
Qiao Jin disagreed, "To help you avoid Gu Zhao, I didn’t even dare reply to Zhou Yang’s messages before!"
Ji Su: "..."
At that moment, the dormitory door opened again, and Li You walked out, "Ji Su, you’re back!"
Ji Su apologized, "Sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, no!" Li You waved his hands, then couldn’t help but ask, "But where did you go last night? Why didn’t you come back to the dorm?"
Ji Su replied, "I slept at... a friend’s place last night."
Li You scratched the back of his head, "Okay."
"Since everyone’s awake, let’s not stand in the hallway," Qiao Jin turned back, "Let’s go back inside."
Li You hesitated, then asked, "Ji Su, I’ve heard recently... that you’ve been spending time with Gu Zhao from the law department?"
"Huh?" Ji Su was slightly taken aback, "Who told you that?"
"Just heard it from others," Li You looked a bit uncomfortable, "I also heard that Gu Zhao is hard to get along with, so I’m a bit worried—"
"Gu Zhao is actually a good person and was not like what others say," Ji Su interrupted him for the first time while speaking seriously, "And he’s my friend now."
Li You quickly explained, "Sorry Ji Su, I didn’t mean anything, I was just worried about you."
Ji Su smiled, "Thank you for your concern, I’m fine."
Li You blushed again at his smile.
........
Ji Su unilaterally decided that he and Gu Zhao were now friends, or at least, well, on their way to becoming friends.
So from then on, whenever he ran into Gu Zhao on campus, he would actively greet him, and Gu Zhao never failed to respond.
He didn’t delve into why despite the law and architecture departments being on opposite sides of the campus, they ran into each other so frequently.
Gradually, Ji Su got used to eating with Gu Zhao, going to the library together, and sometimes even taking walks.
Of course, most of the time it was a group of four, with Qiao Jin and Zhou Yang, and sometimes Wang Mingzhe joining in.
One Friday, Ji Su received a message from Gu Zhao during class.
Gu Zhao: [There’s a new Chinese restaurant nearby, want to try it?]
Ji Su: [Do you want to go?]
Gu Zhao: [Yes, do you have time to go together?]
Ji Su: [Sure, when do you want to go?]
Gu Zhao: [After your class, I’ll pick you up.]
Ji Su: [Okay.]
Ji Su put away his phone before he held up his textbook to shield his face, and whispered, "Qiao Jin, we’re going out for dinner tonight."
"Out for dinner?" Qiao Jin mirrored his posture, "What are we eating?"
"Gu Zhao said he wants to try a new restaurant," Ji Su replied, "I’m planning to treat him tonight."
Due to his lingering guilt over the online deception, he had been trying to take care of Gu Zhao more, but upon reflection, he realized he was the one being taken care of instead.
But at the very least, he could treat Gu Zhao to something he wanted to eat as a small gesture of goodwill.
"Got it," Qiao Jin pulled out his phone, "I’ll ask Zhou Yang if he wants to come."
After class, Ji Su packed up his bag and left the classroom.
As soon as he stepped out of the building, he saw a familiar figure standing at the bottom of the stairs with one hand in his pocket. He was tall and handsome but his face was expressionless as ever.
But that face was too striking.
As the face of A University, he was constantly featured on the school’s forums and public accounts, and even represented A University in various rankings of handsome students from prestigious schools, so almost everyone knew him.
And when he appeared in front of the architecture department’s building, every passing student couldn’t help but glance at him, and the surrounding chatter never ceased.
However, Gu Zhao’s cold, dark eyes only softened slightly when he saw Ji Su.
He took long strides up the stairs with his gaze never leaving that face.
Ji Su walked toward him, "You’re here early."
"I didn’t have class this afternoon," Gu Zhao stopped on the next step before naturally reaching out for the bag, "Give me your bag."
Ji Su shook his head, "It’s fine, it’s not heavy."
Gu Zhao didn’t insist, "Let’s go."
Ji Su turned back, "Wait..."
"Susu! I’m here!" At that moment, Qiao Jin, who had just returned from the restroom, rushed up, "Where are we going?"
Gu Zhao frowned slightly, "You’re coming too?"
Qiao Jin shrunk his neck, "Isn’t Susu treating?"
Gu Zhao was about to speak when a cheerful male voice came from behind, "Qiao Jin, I’m here!"
Zhou Yang stopped in his tracks, "Huh? Gu Zhao, why are you here too?"
Gu Zhao turned around and his voice was too cold, "What do you think?"
"Zhou Yang, didn’t Qiao Jin tell you?" Ji Su patiently explained, "I wanted to treat Gu Zhao to dinner, so I asked him to invite you."
"Oh, I see!" Zhou Yang nodded, "Let’s go then!"
Gu Zhao’s expression was cold, but he said nothing while striding down the stairs.
"Wait, we should invite Wang Mingzhe too," Ji Su thought for a moment, "It doesn’t seem right to leave him out."
"Alright, I’ll call Wang Mingzhe," Zhou Yang pulled out his phone to dial as he sighed, "Ji Su, you’re really an angel, always so considerate."
Gu Zhao glanced at him with his eyes like icy daggers.
In the end, the duo turned into a group of five.
The private restaurant Gu Zhao had carefully chosen was a hidden gem in the bustling city. A serene Chinese-style courtyard with an elegant atmosphere.
"Wow..." Wang Mingzhe gestured exaggeratedly, "Gu Zhao, why haven’t you brought us here before?"
Gu Zhao’s lips parted, "Are you worthy?"
"What? How can such cold words come from a 37-degree mouth?" Wang Mingzhe clutched his chest in mock pain, then changed his tone, "Alright, I’m not worthy."
"Hahaha!" Qiao Jin laughed so hard he almost stumbled, but Zhou Yang quickly caught him.
Led by the welcoming staff, the group entered the private room Gu Zhao had reserved.
Gu Zhao pulled out a chair, "Ji Su."
Ji Su, who had been about to sit near the door, obediently walked over.
After he sat down, Gu Zhao also pulled out a chair and sat beside him.
After placing their orders, the waiter took the menu and left the private room.
This kind of private kitchen restaurant prepares dishes on the spot, so they had to wait for a while. Zhou Yang suggested playing mahjong to pass the time.
The four of them each took a seat at the table, while Ji Su, who didn’t know how to play, sat aside to watch.
As they played, Wang Mingzhe started rambling again: "By the way, let me tell you guys, I met my dream girl today!"
"What dream girl?" Zhou Yang teased him. "Isn’t your dream girl one of those teachers living abroad?"
"No, this time it’s real!" Wang Mingzhe slapped the table in frustration. "The department beauty of the English department, don’t you know her?"
"I think I know who you’re talking about," Ji Su chimed in. "Are you talking about Shen Jintang?"
Gu Zhao looked up with his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yes, yes! It’s Shen Jintang!" Wang Mingzhe slapped the table repeatedly. "Ji Su, you’ve finally proven I’m not making this up!"
"So there really is such a person?" Zhou Yang said in surprise. "Ji Su, how do you know her?"
Ji Su replied, "She’s also a member of our music club."
"So that’s it!" Wang Mingzhe suddenly understood and added, "Then it’s perfect, Ji Su! Introduce me to my goddess!"
Ji Su hesitated, "But... I’m not that close to her."
Although Wang Mingzhe wasn’t a bad person, it would be presumptuous to introduce him to a girl without her consent, especially since she already had plenty of suitors.
Wang Mingzhe was about to say more when Gu Zhao cut him off coldly, "If you have the guts, go pursue her yourself."
"Ah, Brother Gu, I—" Wang Mingzhe met Gu Zhao’s warning gaze and made a zipping motion over his mouth. "Fine, I’ll shut up."
Not long after, he couldn’t resist bringing up another topic: "Speaking of dream girls, why don’t we all talk about our ideal types!"
Qiao Jin glanced at Zhou Yang across the table and casually said, "I like someone with a sunny and cheerful personality, and I also like tanned skin."
Wang Mingzhe laughed, "So Qiao Jin, you’re into tanned hotties, huh?"
"Sure," Qiao Jin replied dismissively. "What about you, Zhou Yang?"
Zhou Yang thought seriously for a moment and answered, "Actually, I haven’t thought about it in detail, but I think I’d like someone with a gentle personality."
Qiao Jin blurted out, "So, do you think I’m gentle?"
Zhou Yang was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "Of course you are."
Wang Mingzhe started teasing, "Ohoho! What’s going on between you two? Why’s it so bromantic here?"
Qiao Jin secretly felt pleased but, to hide his joy, boldly redirected the question to Gu Zhao, "Brother Gu, what’s your ideal type?"
He asked casually and not really expecting an answer.
Gu Zhao played a tile and replied nonchalantly, "I like someone with long legs and a good appearance."
"Whoa!" Wang Mingzhe exclaimed. "Brother Gu, you’re a leg guy?"
Ji Su and Qiao Jin exchanged a glance as a hint of understanding in their eyes.
Gu Zhao continued leisurely, "A slim waist, fair skin."
As Ji Su listened, he suddenly felt something was a bit off.
"Let me summarize," Wang Mingzhe said before smacking his lips. "Brother Gu, you like women with slim waists, long legs, fair skin, and good looks! Brother Gu, turns out we have similar tastes!"
"Hands should also be attractive and able to play the piano for me," Gu Zhao said before lifting his eyelids with an inscrutable gaze that landed on Ji Su's face. "Caring about me, liking to cling to me and calling me 'brother', and only acting coquettish with me."
Ji Su silently turned his face away while pretending he didn't understand.
Oh no, based on Gu Zhao's description, it seemed like he still had lingering feelings for him—no, for Meng Meng...
"Brother Gu, you like the clingy type!" Wang Mingzhe saw a business opportunity. "I'm going to sell this information, a hundred bucks per piece!"
Gu Zhao retracted his gaze. "You want to try?"
Qiao Jin: "Try and die?"
"No, no! Just kidding, just kidding..." Wang Mingzhe quickly begged for mercy.
Qiao Jin and Zhou Yang burst into laughter. After they finished laughing, Zhou Yang turned his gaze to Ji Su. "Ji Su, what about you?"
Ji Su, who was trying to minimize his presence: "..."
Wang Mingzhe asked curiously, "Yeah, Ji Su, what kind of girls do you like?"
Under the intense gaze from across the table, Ji Su forced himself to make something up. "I might like someone with a more dominant personality..."
Summarizing master Wang Mingzhe: "I get it, you like the domineering older sister type!"
Ji Su: "..."
Why did he feel like the gaze on him had grown even heavier?
"You guys keep playing, I'm going to the restroom." Ji Su said before standing up and walking calmly toward the door.
Once out of the private room, he followed the waiter's directions to the restroom.
The restroom was beautifully decorated, with a faint fragrance in the air and no unpleasant smells.
Ji Su walked up to the sink then cupped some cold water in his hands, and splashed it on his face.
He wasn't quite sure now—did Gu Zhao just like the type of girl Meng Meng was, or had he not forgotten the Meng Meng he had pretended to be?
If it was the latter, then every time he appeared in front of Gu Zhao, it was an invisible wound.
Ji Su sighed softly before lifting his face, only to unexpectedly meet a pair of dark, deep eyes.
Gu Zhao had somehow entered and was standing right behind him.
The two of them stared at each other through the mirror for a few seconds before Ji Su turned around. "Why are you here too?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he knew it was a pointless question.
Gu Zhao took a step toward him.
Ji Su leaned back against the sink while inexplicably nervous. "Wh-what's wrong?"
He had just washed his face, so his bangs was slightly damp and droplets of water clinging to his picturesque brows and eyes that give him a dewy, beautiful appearance.
Gu Zhao stopped in front of him, raised a hand, and used his fingertip to wipe away a drop of water under Ji Su's eye.
The skin on his face was too delicate—just that gentle touch left a faint red mark.
After spending this time together, Ji Su had grown accustomed to these occasional touches, and his body didn’t react too strongly.
But in the next moment, Gu Zhao grabbed his waist and lifted him onto the sink.
Ji Su was startled: "Gu Zhao, what are you—"
His words were abruptly cut off.
Gu Zhao’s strong, suit-clad leg pushed between his knees and firmly wedging itself between Ji Su’s long, straight legs. A large, scorching hand pressed against his thigh, and the broad palm almost completely enveloping it.
Through the thin layer of fabric, Ji Su trembled at the heat radiating from Gu Zhao’s palm. He instinctively tried to struggle, but the hand held him firmly in place, leaving him unable to move.
At the same time, another hand gripped the back of his neck forcing him to tilt his head up.
On that impossibly handsome face, an indescribable smile appeared: "Do you like overbearing female leads?"
•───────•°•❀•°•───────•
Advanced chapters are now available up to chapter 61 (End of Main Text) on my Ko-fi page!
If you appreciate what I do, please consider supporting me on kofi. Thank you!
•───────•°•❀•°•───────•